Do you have furniture, boxes, and bins that you don’t use often taking up space in your home? Instead of storing this stuff at home, you need a storage unit. And you can find a storage unit in your area right now by searching online.
A storage unit, which is available at a self-storage facility, gives you extra room to store items you don’t need to keep at home. It’s the perfect way to expand your available space without having to get rid of your belongings. Affordable storage units can even be rented online in just minutes – you just have to search for them.
If you’re looking for more space and more storage flexibility, here’s how you can find the perfect storage unit.
What is Self-Storage?
Self-storage is extra space. It’s space that you rent from a self-storage facility to store your personal belongings for as long as you need.
When you rent space from a self-storage facility, you’ll be able to pick out a storage unit, or a specific spot for your items. You can fill your storage unit with anything you’d like, and you have control over how it’s arranged and how you access your items. You can access your unit any time, and you can add or remove things as needed. You’ll pay for the storage unit each month.
People commonly opt for self-storage when they need to store items that don’t quite fit at home, such as:
- Moving or transitioning between living spaces.
- Downsizing for retirement or transitioning to senior housing.
- Decluttering your home or garage.
- Storing vehicles, boats, or trailers.
- Temporarily storing items during home renovations.
- Attending college.
- Living on a military base.
Absolutely anyone can benefit from self-storage and a storage unit. You might need extra storage for a few months or a few years, but that’s entirely up to you. Self-storage gives you flexibility and convenience, as well as the additional space you seek.
The Benefits of Renting a Storage Unit
There are plenty of reasons you might need a storage unit. But even more importantly, you can reap a number of benefits from renting a storage unit at a self-storage facility.
The most obvious benefit of a storage unit is the extra space you’ll have. When you have a storage unit, you no longer need to live in cramped, unorganized, or overwhelming spaces. Instead, you can take some of your items into the storage unit – and that’ll free up clutter and stacks of items at home. It can also help you better organize your items and prioritize them, as you can keep items you don’t need often in your storage unit.
Storage units can also offer protection for your belongings. When you place items in storage, they’ll be safe inside a climate-controlled environment. You don’t have to worry about dangers like humidity, condensation, flooding, or other weather-related crises. You’ll also be protected against theft. Self-storage facilities often have multiple layers of security, from a secure lock on each individual unit to CCTV and security camera to 24/7 security to gated access at the entrance. This ensures no one can access your items except for you.
Lastly, storage units are very cost effective. While you might be concerned about paying a fee each month to rent a storage unit, they’re quite affordable. On average, a basic storage unit costs $60 per month. That price includes protection and security, as well as complete access to your items. And you can choose to pay for your storage unit only as long as you need it – you can cancel at any time.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Storage Unit
Before you decide to rent just any storage unit, it’s a smart idea to consider certain factors. These factors can affect your monthly price as well as your belongings that you plan to store. Make sure to think about the following when you’re comparing different self-storage options.
The Type of Unit
There are a few different kinds of storage units. Some are located outdoors, which means the exterior – and potentially your belongings – may be exposed to climate changes like heat, humidity, and winds. Some are located inside large facilities, which can offer better protection for your items. Additionally, some units are climate-controlled while others are not. Consider the kinds of things you’ll be storing inside your unit, and decide which type will be best.
The Security
While nearly all self-storage facilities have security, it’s important to consider the type of security offered. Does each unit come with its own lock? Do you have the ability to access the unit during certain hours? Is a security guard present on the premises? Look for features like security cameras, adequate lighting, burglar alarms, and access control to ensure a facility is truly safe.
The Unit Size
Storage units typically come in the following sizes:
- 5 feet x 5 feet
- 10 feet x 10 feet
- 5 feet by 10 feet
- 10 feet by 20 feet
- 10 feet by 15 feet
- 10 feet by 30 feet
Each size is suitable for different storage needs and purposes. However, you don’t want to wind up paying more for a storage unit that’s too large – or less for one that’s too small. You want your storage unit to be able to accommodate the items you need to store without overcrowding or overpaying. Assess what you need to store and how much space it’ll take up. You can also search online for storage calculators that’ll help you make an estimate. Then, you can narrow down the right size for your needs.
Search for a Local Self-Storage Facility Today
If you’re in need of extra storage space, a storage unit at a self-storage facility is your best option. For an affordable monthly price, you can get all of the space you need to store items like furniture, extra vehicles, and boxes of belongings.
And you can easily search online right now to find a local self-storage facility with a variety of storage units to meet your needs. Make sure to compare different options before deciding where you’ll store your items. You can also compare prices and search for special offers or low prices to make your storage unit more affordable.