What to Look For in a Storage Unit

Inside a self-storage unit hallway leading to other units

Storage units are a great way to store items you don’t need right now or may not be able to fit in your home. They can also be a great way to temporarily house your belongings while you’re waiting for a move or getting ready to downsize and declutter your space.

When storing, it’s important to keep your belongings safe and secure. The good news is that storage facilities offer a variety of features to help protect your items from the elements. Some features can be found at most facilities, while others may cost extra. Read on to learn more about what you can expect at a storage facility and which features are most important for your specific needs.

Unit Size and Pricing
The size of the storage unit you need can have a big impact on how much you’ll pay. The most popular sizes range from small lockers for a few boxes to large, self-storage garages that can accommodate the contents of a full-sized house or even a car. Find more information about these storage units sizes on this page.

5×10 – This unit is the size of a walk-in closet and can fit the furnishings of a small bedroom, including a dresser and bed, plus several medium to large boxes. It’s ideal for a few boxes and small collectibles, but you may want to consider paying extra to rent one of the larger units if you have a lot of heavy furniture or delicate items that need to be kept in the best possible condition.

10×10 – These are the largest storage units and can comfortably hold most of the contents of an average house, including a sofa, a dining table, a set of bedroom furniture, and a few extra pieces of smaller, delicate items. They’re ideal for those who need to store their items while they’re downsizing or moving and can be rented on a month-to-month basis as long as you’re not locked into an extended lease agreement.

Rental Rates
The rates at storage facilities depend on several factors, including the size of the unit you need and how close the facility is to your home. The closer the location, the higher the price you’ll likely pay for your unit. Discover more about the storage service charges here.

Accessibility
If you’re renting a storage unit, you’ll need to be able to get in and out whenever you need to. Fortunately, many storage facilities offer 24-hour access. Some of them also have a drive-up access so you can easily pull your vehicle into the parking lot.

Insurance
If your items are expensive, you might need to buy storage insurance. Most self-storage companies will sell insurance plans for their units, while others offer it as an optional add-on service.

Trucks for Movers – If you have heavy or bulky items that need to be moved, a storage company can often provide a truck for free, which makes the task easier.

Climate Control
If you have a lot of furniture or fragile items, it’s a good idea to get a climate-controlled unit. Temp fluctuations can damage fabric, so this is especially important for things like photos, documents or books and other precious items.

Discover more info about this topic here: https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self_storage.

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