When selecting a self storage unit, there are certain things you can look for to help assure that your household possessions
can be stored safely and securely. Needing temporary self storage may be necessary for a variety of reasons, and moving, is commonly
one of those reasons.
Self Storage Comparison Factors
For most people who need to put their possessions in self storage, the primary considerations are:
- How big of a self storage unit do I need?
- Is a climate-controlled storage space necessary for what I'm storing?
- How secure will my possessions be while they're in the self storage unit?
- When and how often am I most likely to need access to my self storage unit?
- How much will a self storage unit cost and what are the contract terms?
Determine Your Correct Storage Space Size
It can be difficult to estimate how much storage space you'll need. Most people rent a larger self storage unit than they actually need. If you don't plan to access your stored property frequently, it's best to stack it and use shelving to conserve space. You'll want to make the best use you can of the entire storage
space. See our General Storage Tips for tips on how best to do that. While many people want to create an aisle in a small storage space, if you want an aisle, maybe you need to get a bigger space. Still, with proper placement of your household goods in storage you should be able to access your items when you need to.
If you can sell or otherwise dispose of any unwanted items before you put them in storage, you'll need less room. It also helps to find a self storage facility that offers several different unit sizes so you dont have to pay for more space than you need.
Most storage facilities will help you determine the size unit you'll need, and some even have online calculators you can use to determine the amount of space needed for what's being stored.
Assess What Type of Storage You'll Need
The key factor in determining the type of storage you'll need is what you're planning to store. If you're going to store documents or other materials that are subject to damage in extreme climate conditions (freezing, melting or mold resulting from high humidity) you'll want climate-controlled storage, so the availability of this type of space will be a factor in selecting a self storage facility, and you should expect to pay a premium for it.
Are you storing large and bulky items? If so, you're more likely to want an outside accessible storage unit - one where you can pull up directly to the door - instead
of an inside unit, where you'll need to enter a door and walk through a corridor. The width of the driving aisles between storage buildings will also be a factor if you need to maneuver a large vehicle for loading and unloading.
Security Concerns
Are you storing valuable items, and/or are your location options restricted to bad neighborhoods? If so, good self storage security will be even more important to you. When looking at a storage facility's security safeguards, consider:
- The neighborhood, and its reputation for crime. What's around the self storage facility? Are there businesses open all night or is it a residential
area? Is there traffic regularly going by the facility during off hours?
- How good is the lighting around the self storage facility? If you can, drive by at night and check. You may see plenty of light posts during the day, but you won't know if the bulbs are out unless you can stop by at night. This will give you an idea of the storage facility's concern for maintenance, too. If they don't care enough or have the budget for upkeep of their own property, they're not likely to care about or have the budget for securing your property either.
- How are the storage units accessed? Are they protected by locked gates? Do they have gates that seem to be open to anyone at
any time?
- Does the storage facility have one or more people on site around-the-clock, or is it generally deserted during off hours?
- Does the self storage facility have any type of alarm system that's used during times when access is prohibited?
In addition to the facility's responsibility for security, you need to also take an active role in protecting your possessions. Consider if it's really necessary to store valuable items or if they could be kept in a safer place. You can also store your more valuable items at the rear of the storage unit - in most cases, thieves are looking to get in and get out quickly. If they have to crawl all through your unit to get to valuable items, you're making it harder for them. Don't "advertise" the valuables in storage - for example, don't mark your storage box, "Original Rembrandt Painting".
Access Considerations
Storage facilities rarely keep keys to individual self storage units. In fact, in most cases, you'll be buying a padlock to secure your own storage unit. For self storage facilities that do have locking doors, if you lose your keys gaining access may be your responsibility, and you may have to hire a hiring a locksmith. Only those whose name appears on the rental agreement will have access, so if you intend to share space
be sure to designate access for all parties by putting their name(s) on the agreement.
If the self storage facility has gates you need to drive through, how will you get through the gate? Will you need a security code or pass card? In some self-storage facilities you can create your own numeric code when you first lease the unit. This is helpful, since only
you and those you want to access your unit will know the code. Is there a fee for a lost card or key, or for re-programming your access code? What does the management do to prevent access gained through stolen keys or cards or by former renters? Do they routinely erase or reset access codes when a lease is up?
Finally, is there a fee for access to your storage unit at certain times? Are those the times you're most likely to want to access your unit?
Comparing Prices and Contracts
Self storage unit prices vary and the public storage business is highly competitive. Costs will depend upon supply and demand for storage in the local area, local land values (single largest
expense), and the type of storage available. Here are three types of storage that are available:
- Type A Storage - features the latest in amenities, which may include
security cameras, electrical security gates, secure locking
systems, concrete storage units, and/or brick walls.
- Type B Storage - usually consists of a mix of metal
and concrete storage units surrounded by a fence. This
type may or may not have security cameras.
- Type C Storage offers low-budget, no frills self storage
units for moving and storage on a shoestring. This type of storage unit typically provides little
or no security. Property stored in this type of facility
is generally of low value.
Self storage units are usually rented on a month-to-month basis. This means you can cancel at
anytime, but it also means rates can rise at anytime. If your storage space rental is
on-a-month to month basis, ask about the company's rent increase policy. Most large
chain storage companies will not increase your rent for at least the first six months of your lease.
Before you sign a contract, read it carefully. Be sure to ask what happens if you cancel your
lease prematurely - will you get a refund for the unused portion of your pre-paid rent, or will you have to pay for the rest of the term?
How much notice are your required to give the storage facility operator when you plan to vacate your unit? Cancellation terms vary, and should be an important consideration if you're not really sure
how long you'll need to keep your possessions in storage.
Shop around. Don't sign a contract with the first self storage facility you visit
just because it's cheap or close by. Check with friends and neighbors to see if they can give you any recommendations. If you do your homework, you'll be happier in the long run because you'll know your
prized possessions are in a good place at a price that makes their storage reasonably affordable.
Other Storage Tips in This Section
