The U.S. has roughly 58,000 self-storage facilities for personal usage. Almost 9% of American households rent a storage unit, which means they don’t have another place for their stuff even though the average home has doubled in size since the 1970s. Some people use a storage space to hold items that must be kept at a certain temperate, and so they rent climate control storage units. Whether you need a simple set up or an elaborate one, here is what to know when renting a storage space.
Don’t Just Choose At Random: How to Decide On the Best Self Storage Place.
Not everyone who needs to rent a storage unit does so due to a lack of personal space at their home. Some people need a storage unit because they recently experience a natural disaster and need to move to a new location. Or perhaps the person will be traveling, and would rather spend money on a monthly storage unit instead of on rent.
Time: You’ll Probably Need More Than You Originally Planned For.
People universally underestimate the amount of time they will need when renting their storage unit. Life happens: missed deadlines, money not lining up as expected, openings in housing not appearing on the desired timeline. This is an important consideration to keep in mind when reviewing potential storage lots. It can be helpful to ask, how long would you feel comfortable keeping your belongings in this place or that place? What may appear to be an acceptable option may quickly be discarded when the thought of your stuff staying in a certain location for not three months, or even six months, but perhaps two whole years in an absolute worse case scenario.
What Makes Climate Control Storage Units Better Than One Another?
Climate control storage units are meant to keep out dust, bugs, humidity, and of course stay at a set temperature. Different storage lots will be able to offer different options on how exact the temperature control might be. This is not a concern for many people needing storage units, but those who plan to house antiques or paintings may want to have a great degree of control over the environment their personal belongings will be housed in. People who live in climates with extreme heat or cold may also want to consider using climate control storage units for their items.
Where Will the Storage Unit Be Located?
If you need to store your stuff due to a move, there is a good chance that the storage lot will be located in an inconvenient place. For example, if you are moving across state lines, there is a good chance that you won’t be visiting the storage unit very often. Again, this is why climate control storage units are attractive. However, the location of the self storage does matter. Try to find one that is easily accessible from a highway or throughway.
What Size to Choose: Plan Ahead.
There is an easy way to decide what size storage unit you might need. First, you’ll need a clear idea of what will be stored within the unit. Measuring is recommended. Next, decide if you will be visiting the storage unit often. If you are getting a unit due to a move, then it is unlikely you will visit often, and therefore will not be adding items to the unit and taking up more space. Using up more space over time increases the likelihood that you’ll one day outgrow the storage unit and need to upgrade to a larger unit.
There are times in life when we cannot hold onto our stuff for one reason or another. The responsible thing to do is find the right self storage lot, the right sized storage unit, and the correct type. The first step is knowing why you’ll need the storage unit, such as for a move or because there is not enough room in the house. Then, figure out how much space the personal belongings will take up to know which size storage unit to get. Finally, give yourself more time than you think you will need when signing the lease.