Self-Storage Units Near Me
We could all use some extra space! You will at some point in time find yourself trying to shuffle items into a closet or you may be left holding an item and wondering just where you can put it. Your garage, attic, and basement are ideal places to store items, but they fill up quickly and then you have to sacrifice the space to house your additional items.
Whether you are moving to a new home and you need some additional space or you are simply tired of tying up other areas in your home, self-storage is a wonderful idea and can provide you with the room you need. There are flexible options that allow you to choose the size of your unit, the price range you want to stick in, and more. Let’s take a look.
Storage: What Is It?
Self-storage allows customers to keep their items in a rented space for a designated amount of time. Often times, self-storage is referred to as storage or mini storage.
Units, are rented and they come in a variety of sizes to meet the needs of customers. You have the choice of a small or oversized unit along with options in between. All units are accessed via a large rolling garage door. You can secure your unit using a built-in system that is provided through the storage facility or a locking mechanism.
The property is managed by staff who are on site while the facility is open. Sometimes the manager lives on site but this is more common with a 24-hour access facility. Most storage facilities offer some type of security camera system or video surveillance that monitors the property to keep your items safe.
Storage units are rented on a monthly basis and you are charged a fee each month to use them. There are different types of contracts that can be in place. For example you may be able to rent them month-to-month or you may be required to sign a lease for 6 months or a year. The price that you pay monthly for your unit will depend on the size of the unit, location, quality of the facility, extra amenities, level of occupancy, time of year, and any current promotions that may be running. Because of these factors, the price of a storage unit can vary greatly.
There are two general types of self-storage units you can choose from and they include outdoor access or interior access.
An outdoor unit is typically drive up accessible and is accessed from a single-story building and you can pull your car right up to the door of your unit. These are usually cheaper in price and they offer you easy access to your items. It is important to know the differences and benefits between the two types of units because outdoor units do not offer climate control, which could be crucial for your items.
Interior options keep all units inside of a building and you have to leave your vehicle and enter into a building to get to your unit. Moving lots of boxes or furniture can be difficult with an interior unit but these units do offer climate control and pest control.
Uses for Your Storage Unit
There are so many uses for a storage unit and it is no surprise that the industry is blowing up. Most people have a use for a storage unit from storing holiday decorations to clearing out clutter and even housing inventory for their home-based business.
Some of the most common reasons for a storage unit include:
- Remodeling or renovations
- Moving
- Downsizing
- Staging a Home
- College Summers
- Cutting down on clutter in your home
- Emergencies
Storage Amenities and Sizes
One of the first steps to finding a self-storage unit near you is to decide what it is that you are looking for in your unit and what you plan to use it for. These two things do make a difference and some individuals may benefit from one type of unit over the other.
Climate controlled units are a popular option because they help to keep your items dry and cool. In fact, your items will be protected against any extreme weather changes and humidity. If you plan to store items such as clothing or furniture, then you should choose a climate-controlled unit. If you think that an item of yours may be damaged due to humidity, mold, or mildew, then choose climate controlled.
Some units do come with electrical access, which allows you to plug some of your items into the facility’s power source. This is ideal for individuals who plan to use the unit for their business or if you want to keep a vehicle battery charged. If this is a feature you want, be sure to inquire about it because not all units do offer this.
Lastly, some facilities are 24/7 and they allow you to access your unit whenever you want. These types of units are more expensive, but they may be worth it for you if you work odd schedules or you will not be able to get to your unit within the posted business hours of another facility.
As you think about the amenities you want, you will also need to consider the size of the storage unit. You cannot just guess on the size because you may choose one that is too large or too small. Here is a description of the most commonly found sizes.
5 x 5 (25 Square Feet)
A 5 x 5 storage unit us able to hold items you would keep in a small closet. This unit is not big and can hold roughly two small pieces of furniture such as a chair and desk.
5 x 10 (50 Square Feet)
A 5 x 10 unit is ideal for someone who lives in a studio or one-bedroom apartment. You can usually fit a few more items into this unit than the 5 x 5. For example, you would be able to get a couch or bed into this unit.
10 x 10 (100 Square Feet)
The 10 x 10 is one of the most common choices and is the standard in storage unit sizes. This unit can hold the contents of a two-bedroom apartment or a small home.
10 x 15 (150 Square Feet)
A 10 x 15 unit is larger than the 10 x 10 and is ideal for someone who needs just a little more room. You can store an entire one-bedroom house in this unit or even a small car or boat.
10 x 20 (200 Square Feet)
The 10 x 20 unit is a good choice for families who are moving or need to store their entire home inside. This unit is capable of storing an entire four-bedroom home. You can fit cars, trucks, SUVs, and boats in here too.
10 x 30 (300 Square Feet)
The 10 x 30 unit is a large storage unit that can fit an entire multi-bedroom house. This may include large furniture such as sofas, chairs, tables, boxes and even appliances.
What to Consider When Renting a Storage Unit
Before you rent a storage unit, you should look over your contract and make sure you read it carefully. The contract will spell out what happens with your unit should you ever be late on a payment. Often times, people will need to sign statements and clauses in the contract such as whether or not they will purchase insurance, etc.
Now is the time for you to consider insurance on your items in storage. Homeowner’s insurance may or may not cover your rented unit, but if it does not, you may want to purchase a separate policy that will cover it. This will assist you in the event that something ever does happen to your unit such as a flood or fire.
One of the final things you should consider as you look for a storage unit to rent is how you can save money on your unit. The best way to get a good price is to know how long you need the unit for, the amenities you want, and the size of the unit. From there, you can get search all the facilities in your area on our site. Many storage facilities will run promotions that allow you to save money. For example, one common promotion is $1 first month’s rent or pay the first month and get the second month free.
The monthly cost of the unit is not the only price you will pay in most cases either. In addition to the standard rate, you should inquire about the cost of any administrative fees, security deposits, required insurance policies, taxes and additional costs for provided amenities.