Renting a storage unit should be a no-brainer.
But here’s the thing…
Rent the wrong one and you go from having a “convenient” solution to a massive headache of unexpected fees, poor security, and damaged belongings. With one third of Americans now using self storage, the choice of where to rent a unit from has never been more critical.
The good news?
Choosing the right place doesn’t have to be difficult. Knowing exactly what to look for will help anyone find a storage solution that perfectly fits their specific needs.
So, let’s get to it.
A checklist for important factors to consider before renting from a storage facility
What we’ll cover
- Why location is much more important than price
- Security features that actually keep belongings safe
- Climate control: when it’s worth paying extra
- Understanding unit sizes and pricing
- Uncovering those sneaky hidden fees
- Accessibility and convenience considerations
- Reviews and reputation: not to be ignored
- Wrapping it up: storing smart, not hard
Why storage unit rentals are so popular
Renting self-storage units has become extremely popular over the past decade.
In fact, the stats back it up.
There are now over 52,000 storage facilities in the United States. That’s more than all the Subway, Dollar General, and CVS locations combined. Renters searching for ‘storage units near me’ have more options than ever.
But with more options comes more decisions…
And making the wrong choice can come with real costs.
Location, location, location: the most underrated factor
Want to know what’s really the difference between an amazing storage experience and a nightmarish one?
Convenience.
Renting a storage unit 30 minutes away because it’s a few dollars cheaper per month doesn’t sound too bad. But those few dollars a month add up quick when you factor in gas prices and time wasted. The best storage units are the ones that seamlessly fit into daily life.
When evaluating location, here are a few things to consider:
- Distance from home or work
- Easy to get to from major highways
- Located in a safe neighbourhood with good lighting
- Access hours that work with your schedule
What many people don’t realise…
Storage facilities closer to city centres will be more expensive. But you will also be saving hours over time. And that’s often worth paying that premium.
Features that make a storage facility truly secure
Security is one area where some storage facilities cut corners.
Not all facilities take protecting customer belongings seriously. Some only have one camera pointed at the gate and consider that enough. Others go to great lengths to make sure that belongings in storage are safe and secure.
So what are features every quality facility should have?
At a minimum, look for these:
- Alarms on individual storage units
- Video surveillance 24/7
- A gated entrance with individual access codes
- Good lighting throughout the property
- Onsite management or security
The presence or lack of these security features can often tell the story of how a facility prioritises customer protection. A storage unit can only be as good as the security protecting it.
Climate control: is it really worth the extra cost?
Units with climate control are more expensive. No way around it.
But for some items, not having this feature could spell disaster. Electronics, wooden furniture, artwork, and documents don’t take well to temperature fluctuations and humidity.
When does climate control become a necessity?
- Storing leather furniture or antiques
- Electronics or appliances long-term
- Photographs, books, or important documents
- Extreme temperatures or humidity year-round
The average length of a rental for a storage unit is around 14 months. A long time for an air mattress or bicycle to be sitting in an uncontrolled environment.
But if it’s only for a few weeks and more durable items like outdoor gear or seasonal decor? A regular unit will work just fine.
Unit sizes and pricing: making the most of your space
Storage units come in many sizes. Picking the right one means not paying for space you won’t use…
But also not trying to stuff everything into a too-small unit.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- 5×5 units: great for boxes, small furniture or seasonal stuff
- 5×10 units: good for about a bedroom’s worth of stuff
- 10×10 units: about the size of the contents of a one-bedroom apartment
- 10×20 units: enough space for a full house or multiple rooms
The average cost for a standard 10×10 unit is about $120 per month. Climate-controlled units will be $20-50 more per month.
Straightforward, right?
But here’s the thing…
Hidden fees to be on the lookout for
Renting at some storage facilities that advertise the lowest prices in town can be a major gamble.
Then you open the bill and it’s loaded up with charges nobody told you about in the beginning.
Here are a few common hidden fees to watch out for:
- Administrative or setup fees
- Mandatory insurance requirements
- Late fees on payments
- Required purchase of a lock
- Move-out or cleaning fees
Ask for a full breakdown of the costs and then ask questions about anything that isn’t clear. The cheapest looking storage facility might end up costing way more in the long run if there are hidden fees that start after the first month or two.
The best storage facilities are 100% upfront with their pricing from day one. No surprises. No fine print nobody mentions until three months into a rental agreement.
Accessibility and convenience factors to consider
How often will access to the stored items be needed?
More than most people realise. Some storage facilities have access only during business hours. Others allow 24/7 access to customers who might need that flexibility.
Some things to keep in mind:
- Drive-up access for easy loading and unloading
- Elevators for upper-floor units
- Carts and dollies provided for free
- Wide hallways and doorways for bulky items
- Online payment and account management
A facility might have a great answer to every other question and be perfect in almost every way. But if it requires rigging your schedule around restrictive access hours, that convenience factor plummets.
Reviews and reputation: not to be overlooked
Online reviews are worth more than they might seem at first glance.
Look for patterns in customer feedback. One bad review out of dozens of positive ones? Not a big deal. Several complaints about the same issue? Red flag time.
Things to focus on in reviews:
- Responsiveness of customer service
- Cleanliness of the facility
- Billing accuracy
- Move-in and move-out ease
- Actual versus advertised security
Real reviews by real people with real experiences provide more insight than a sales rep will ever give.
Wrapping it all up: storage made smart, not hard
Finding the right storage facility is all about balancing priorities.
Location, security, climate control, cost, convenience. All of these important factors play into the perfect facility for each person.
Remember these three things:
- Visit the facilities in person
- Ask detailed questions about fees and policies
- Prioritise security features if storing valuables
- Match unit size to actual needs
- Look at reviews from multiple sources
Storage unit rentals work best when the facility aligns with the renter’s specific needs. Taking the time to evaluate options carefully in the beginning will save headaches, money, and stress later on.
The right storage solution is out there. Finding it just takes research and knowing the right questions to ask.