How to Choose a Storage Unit

Leaving your precious belongings behind because there is not enough space at the moment for all of them can be a difficult decision for you. However, renting storage is an excellent option that can give you peace of mind. Here are some important things to consider when you choose a storage unit.

Things to look for when choosing a storage unit

When you are considering renting storage for your belongings, you should pay attention to some essential things as:

• Video and in-person monitoring of that place
• How is the overall protection and security of the facility
• How is light inside the storage, is it too light or too dark
• Is there climate control inside the storage or not? 
• How many locks are on the doors, and how easy the access to the storage is?

Is full-service storage better than self-storage?

Depending on your needs, you may pick among these two options.

Full-service storage

Choosing this type of service is a safer option for you because a storage company offers “valet-style” services to their customers. In other words, the storage company will pick up your belongings and deliver them to the storage unit. The storage company will do all work for you, from the beginning until the end. Moreover, they will even create an inventory list and take pictures of your belongings.

Self-storage

This is a more common type but it requires more work. When choosing self-service storage, customers are responsible for transferring their belongings to the storage unit themselves and for documenting their belongings too.  One of the advantages of self-service storage is that you can pick up your things any time you want, instead of with full-service storage where you need to request for them.

Why do I need climate-controlled storage?

Changing temperature can damage sensitive items. Therefore, climate-controlled storage is necessary and highly recommended for valuables like antiques, musical instruments, electronics, or fine art. Also, if you have the intention to store some items like clothes or furniture, then climate control will be a good option against mold, mildew, and pests.

What are the most common sizes of storage?

There are different sizes of storage. Choosing the right size only depends on how many items you have to store inside. The most common sizes are: 5×5, 5×10, 5×15, 10×10, 10×15, 10×20, 10×30.

• 5×5: This is the smallest storage size, similar to the average closet. In case you only have several boxes or few pieces of furniture to pack, this will be a good option for you.
• 5×10: This is a little bigger than the previous size but is enough for 1-2 large pieces of furniture, 10-15 moving boxes, and some yard equipment.
• 5×15: This storage unit can fit full-size bedroom furniture, 10-15 moving boxes, even a motorcycle.
• 10×10: This is a medium-sized area, with around one-hundred square feet, or nearly half the size of a regular garage. Here we can fit the contents of a small apartment or some appliances and near 20 moving boxes.
• 10×15: In this area, you can store the contents of two bedrooms, including large items like appliances, furniture, and even a piano. 
•  10×20: This is one of the largest storage units. Here you can fit midsize cars or all the furniture, appliances, and boxes of a two or three-bedroom home.
• 10×30: This is the maximum storage that you have to rent. This unit is large enough for the contents of a four-bedroom home, mattress sets, large appliances, and a massive amount of moving boxes Brooklyn. Make sure to pack appliances for relocation properly.

How to measure the size of your belongings before you choose a storage unit?

First of all, gather all items that you have for storage. Like this, you will have a clear picture of which size of storage you need. The next step you need to do is to take tape and tape measure. Before starting, make sure to use tape that will not leave a residue or ugly marks on your floor. After this, mark space that you need on the ground with dimensions of 5×5, 5×15, and 10×20. Before packing your belongings to the ceiling, keep in mind that the standard size of the storage is around eight feet tall. However, ask the storage company for more details about this before you start transferring your valuables.

What is the average price of the storage?

The price of the storage depends on the unit size. For that reason, larger units are more costly to rent than smaller storage. According to some researches, the average unit price for a standard storage unit is from $60 to $180 per month. If you prefer the storage unit with climate control, which is more expensive, their price is from $75 to $230 per month. The storage companies may have an option for monthly contracts, which can be more suitable for you, but this varies from company to company and their regulations.

The last steps to consider before you choose a storage unit

Protect your valuables and take insurance

Maybe this can be too much for your pocket, but it will save you from unnecessary headaches. Some storage facilities protect items against damage or loss – free of charge. On the other hand, many storage facilities offer their own affordable self-storage insurance options as well. Before you rent, talk with the company about whether you need additional insurance or not. Insurance for storage units ranges is from $100 to $500, depending on the amount of coverage you decide to go for.

Be aware of forbidden items

When you declutter your stuff, it is important to identify and separate items that are not permitted to be in storage. Here is a list of restricted items:

• Plants: there are no windows, water, or light necessary for plants to live. Therefore, consider leaving your plants in your old apartment; give them to your close friends or relatives.
• Food: because of their expiration date and perishability, keeping food may not be allowed in some storage. The rotten smell is not the only problem here because this kind of food can attract rodents, pests to your unit or the next unit, and making a bigger problem.
• Firearms, gunpowder, and explosives: These kinds of items are strictly forbidden to keep in storage at any cost, and the same goes for stolen items.