Whether you need to declutter your home or park your motorcycle during the offseason, storage units can help. But before you rent a unit, make sure that it’s the right size for you.
To do so, measure your belongings or use online space calculators. You should also consider other factors such as the price, location, and convenience.
Size
A storage unit can reduce your clutter and stress and help you regain control over your space. Whether your home is overcrowded or you need to clear out the clutter after a major life change, self storage provides the extra space you need.
Storage units come in a variety of sizes, from closet-sized 5’ x 5’ spaces to large warehouse-size 10’ x 20’ areas that can fit the contents of a two-car garage. Some units are climate controlled, which can protect delicate items like vinyl records and leather furniture from damage due to temperature changes.
The size of a storage unit depends on how much you plan to store. Taking an inventory of your belongings and making notes of what you plan to store can help you select the right size for your needs. If you’re unsure of what size to choose, consult with a storage specialist to get recommendations.
Most storage facilities have 24-hour access, allowing you to move in and out when it’s convenient for your schedule. They also offer month-to-month leases, so you can rent a unit for the amount of time you need without having to commit to a long-term contract.
Some of the most common reasons people seek out storage solutions include:
1) To reclaim space in their home. Overcrowded closets and disorganized rooms can create a feeling of stress, not to mention the difficulty of finding items when you need them. A storage unit can help you get your house back in order and free up space for your hobbies or household tasks.
2) To store seasonal items. Many homeowners put away lawn equipment, winter clothes, recreational vehicles and holiday decorations in storage for the summer to make room in their homes. Similarly, students living in small dorms or off-campus apartments use storage to keep their belongings safe while they’re at school or between semesters.
People also turn to storage solutions when they’re in the middle of a major life change, such as divorce or caring for an aging parent. When they’re unable to move into a new home or downsize to an apartment, self storage can be the ideal solution. It can also help ease the transition between jobs, or when a business is growing too quickly to store excess supplies and inventory on site.
Convenience
Many people choose self storage for convenience. This is especially true for renters and individuals who experience major life changes that leave them in need of extra space to store possessions. These could include a divorce, moving to a new home or apartment, caring for aging parents or a loved one, and relocating across the country.
It’s also common for business customers to seek out storage units. Some may be contractors who don’t want to keep work tools and equipment at their homes or in their vehicles, or sales people who need off-site space to store excess inventory. The same is true for retail stores and businesses that have seasonal items they don’t use year-round.
There are a variety of self storage unit sizes available to meet every lifestyle and budget. Often, the facility website will offer a size-estimating web app that will allow you to enter some basic information about your belongings and get an estimate of what type of unit you need. Alternatively, you can stack your things up similar to the way they’ll be stacked in a storage unit and then measure the pile with a tape measure or yardstick to get an idea of the dimensions of the unit you need.
Most self storage facilities offer 24-hour access, so you can visit your unit whenever you like. This is a huge benefit for those who like to take care of their possessions and want to be able to easily retrieve them without having to spend a lot of time searching under boxes or behind bins. This is also a great benefit for those who like to swap out seasonally-based decorations or supplies, such as holiday decor and lawn furniture.
In addition to convenient access, most facilities offer a wide range of amenities to make the storage process as easy as possible. This can include dollies, carts, and moving trucks to help you transport your belongings. They also typically sell retail locks and boxes to make the packing process easier. Additionally, some facilities offer climate control to protect priceless or delicate items from fluctuations in temperature or humidity.
Security

If you’re looking for a self storage unit, it’s important to find one that is secure. You don’t want to risk your belongings being stolen, or damaged by weather, bugs or other factors. Look for a unit with security features like locks, video monitoring or in-person surveillance and 24-hour access availability.
Self-storage units nearby are a convenient way to safely store items that don’t fit in your home or business. They’re ideal for seasonal items, surplus equipment or vehicles. Business owners also can use them to keep inventory, documents and archives off-site without the expense of renting a larger office or warehouse space.
Before choosing a self-storage company, check out reviews online or in-person. Avoid locations with one-star reviews that mention surly staff or robbery reports. Look for a company that offers month-to-month contracts instead of year-long agreements to give you more flexibility when it comes to how long you need the space.
Another thing to consider is the location of the facility and the unit’s accessibility. Look for a facility with drive-up units that allow you to park your vehicle directly outside your unit. Also, ask if the facility has 24-hour access availability so you can get to your belongings when it is most convenient for you.
Aside from size and accessibility, pricing is a major factor when selecting a storage solution. Prices vary based on location, length of rental and the type of unit you choose. For example, an indoor storage unit may cost more than a drive-up outdoor storage unit.
When considering pricing, be sure to ask about discounts and promotions. For example, some facilities may offer military discounts or senior citizen discounts. You might also be able to save by signing up for a longer term agreement.
There are a number of things that you cannot store in a self-storage unit, including illegal drugs and weapons, certain chemicals, perishables or animals. It’s important to be aware of these limitations so that you don’t accidentally violate any policies or rules. Additionally, many self-storage companies require photo identification before letting you rent a space.
Budget
There are several factors that go into determining the cost of self storage, including facility location, storage unit size, and amenities like climate control. The best way to understand what your budget is going to look like for a particular storage solution is to shop around and gather quotes from multiple companies. You may also be able to find specials, such as first month free or half off, at certain facilities.
Whether you live in a small apartment or a large house, it can be easy to build up clutter over time. Clutter can prevent you from using your spaces as intended, or it can make it hard to find things when you need them. A self-storage unit can be a great solution to help you get rid of clutter and regain space in your home or office.
Self-storage is a convenient option for those with busy schedules. Most storage facilities provide 24-hour access, so you can come and go when it is most convenient for you. Additionally, many storage units are rented on a monthly basis, meaning that you can cancel with just a few weeks’ notice when the need for your storage unit ends.
The need for a self-storage unit is common amongst homeowners, renters, and business owners alike. For example, a family might need to store their belongings while transitioning between housing leases or relocating across the country. Other times, a homeowner might use a storage unit to keep lawn equipment, winter clothing, and holiday decorations during the offseason while renovating their home. Likewise, a business owner might use a storage unit to store inventory and archived documents that would otherwise take up valuable space in their office or warehouse.
For these reasons, and more, many people choose to store their possessions in a storage unit. By choosing the right storage solution and sizing your unit, you can ensure that your belongings are safe and secure while you are away from them. With a month-to-month rental agreement and money-saving promotional offers, it’s no wonder that storage units are such a popular choice for both residential and commercial customers alike.