How to find the right selfstorage unit ewmagwork comes down to balancing size, location, unit type, and the facility’s security and amenities.
There are several important considerations regarding self storage units, including inventory and space, unit size, climate control, access, and facility and pricing considerations.
Step 1: Inventory and Space
Before determining the size needed in a self storage unit, determine a precise inventory of objects to be stored.
Although it may be difficult to estimate the total amount of space that your belongings will occupy, make the best possible guess based on the dimensions and arrangement of items such as boxes, furniture, and automobiles.
It is also a good idea to consider future inventory additions that may be made within the next several months in order to avoid the expense of having to move to a larger unit. Although inventory items will vary depending on the individual situation, a few examples may include holiday decorations, family heirlooms, and business inventory.
Step 2: Unit Size
Self storage units are generally measured by either the square footage or a set of dimensions, such as 5×5 or 10×20.As a general guide:
- small units (5×5 to 5×10) are best utilized for the storage of boxes, seasonal items, sports equipment, and the contents of a small closet or bedroom.
- Medium-sized units (10×10 to 10×15) are appropriate for the storage of items contained within a one- or two-bedroom apartment, including furniture and appliances.
- Large units (10×20 to 10×30) are ideal for the storage of an entire household’s inventory, business inventory, automobiles, and other large items.
Although renting a smaller unit saves money, it will also incur the additional cost of having to either enlarge the unit or rent an additional one if additional inventory items must be added later. On the other hand, a larger rented unit than needed will incur additional costs due to its being more expensive than a smaller unit and also due to the unnecessary space that is not utilized and thus wasted.
One effective way to measure items is with a measuring tape. Another approach is to use an online calculator, which may be found on many storage facility websites. Such calculators enable the customer to select the types of items to be stored and then recommend the size of the storage unit needed.
Step 3: Climate Control
Most self storage units are not climate controlled, which means that the temperature varies depending on the season and can fluctuate wildly in some cases.
Climate-controlled units, on the other hand, keep temperatures relatively stable (usually between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit) and have controlled humidity levels as well.
Climate control is recommended for:
- Furniture made of wood
- Electronics
- Paper items such as photographs and documents
- Musical instruments
- Leather goods
- Works of art
- Antiques
If you are storing boxes of clothing or other similar items on a short-term basis, storage in a non-climate-controlled unit is probably not an issue.
Step 4: Access
If you will need to access your stored items frequently, consider this when determining both the size and type of storage unit and the facility in which it is located.
When accessing a storage unit, it is best to leave a space in the middle of the unit for walking, and to store frequently-used items in easily-accessible locations such as toward the front of the unit and at eye level.
When considering types of storage units, ground-level, drive-up units are ideal for frequent and easy access, as opposed to upper-level units that may require climbing stairs or navigating hallways.
Step 5: Facility Considerations
In addition to the type and size of a storage unit, several factors about the facility itself should be considered before signing a lease agreement.
These include:
- Location of the facility — it should be convenient for the owner
- Security features, such as alarms, secure access, and cameras
- General cleanliness and prevention of insect and rodent problems
- Hours of operation — some facilities allow 24/7 access
- Insurance options — homeowner’s or renter’s insurance may cover items kept in a self storage unit, or a separate storage insurance policy may be required
Visiting the facility in person and viewing a sample unit close to the desired size is a good idea before renting a storage unit. Although size charts can help identify what items fit in a given unit, visiting the unit itself is an important step that should not be neglected.
Step 6: Price
The price of a self storage unit depends on several factors, including:
- Type and size of the storage unit
- Location of the facility
- Introductory rates, which may increase sharply after an initial period
- Mandatory insurance or administrative fees
- Lease terms, such as month-to-month or year-to-year
It is wise to compare multiple storage facilities before choosing one. A month-to-month lease may be preferable if your storage needs could change over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to find the right selfstorage unit ewmagwork for my needs?
Start by taking a full inventory of your items, match that to the correct unit size, decide if climate control is necessary, and compare a few nearby facilities on security, access hours, and pricing before signing a lease.
How do I know what size self storage unit I need?
To determine the size of a self storage unit, first take an inventory of the items to be stored, using a measuring tape to measure the dimensions of larger items. Then estimate how much space these items will occupy in the unit. As a general guide, small units are suited towards the storage of boxes and seasonal items, medium units are appropriate for the storage of items contained within an apartment, and large units are best for the storage of an entire household’s inventory or business inventory.
Is climate control a worthwhile investment?
Climate control is a worthwhile investment for the storage of wooden furniture, electronics, paper items, musical instruments, and leather goods and antiques. If you are storing items such as boxes of clothing for a short period of time, however, climate control is not necessary.
Should I rent a larger unit than I expect to need?
Depending on your inventory needs, it may be a good idea to rent a slightly larger storage unit than you expect to need in order to avoid the expense of renting or moving to a larger storage unit later.
What should I look for in a self storage facility besides the storage unit itself?
Facility security features, cleanliness, and pricing are all important aspects to consider in addition to the size and type of the storage unit.
Final Thoughts
It is important to consider several factors when looking for a self storage unit, including the inventory of items to be stored, the size and type of the storage unit, whether climate control is needed, how often access to the storage unit will be required, and facility and pricing considerations. Taking inventory and carefully measuring items, visiting a facility in person, and comparing prices between several facilities can prevent common storage unit mistakes, such as overspending on a larger-than-needed storage unit or needing a larger storage unit later due to inventory growth.