How to Choose a Storage Unit: Everything You Need to Know

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Storage Unit

Last Updated on January 21, 2024 by Umer Malik

Almost 10% of American households rent a storage unit. That equates to more than 10.85 million people, and it’s increasing.

People often use short-term storage rentals during house renovations. In comparison, they put vehicles and furniture in long-term rentals. Whatever you plan to keep, knowing how to choose a storage units st George can be daunting.

It’s not a case of simply going to your local storage facility and purchasing any old unit. So, let us navigate you to your perfect storage units st george utah by following this guide.

Make a List

Begin by making a list of what you plan to store. Then, try to pack similar items together. There are many packing hacks online. For example, put small things into stacked plastic boxes with hinges for easier access.

If you are renovating, we’d recommend storing items by room. You would need a set area in the unit for kitchen items, bedroom items, etc. 

Map the Size

Facilities will offer different storage unit sizes. The average unit size is 10 x 10 feet with an 8-foot high ceiling. Look at these examples and choose a storage unit to fit your items.

  • 5×7: bookcases, appliances, and boxes
  • 5×10: furniture and storage for one room
  • 10×10: a motorbike, house furniture, large stacked boxes
  • 10×15: contents of a two-bedroom apartment
  • 10×20: a car, contents of a four-bedroom apartment
  • 10×30: car and contents of the whole house

Consider What Features You Need

Different types of storage units offer specialized options. These are useful when you have delicate or expensive items to store. 

Climate control: Antique furniture can crack if the temperature is too high or turn moldy if too humid. Climate control also safeguards documents, books, and memorabilia.

Security: If you are storing valuables, look for storage units with 24hour CCTV that connects to the police. At the very least, units should have a gated entrance with individual locks and passcodes.

24-hour access: You will often see two times written on storage unit websites. One will be access time and the other, the office hours.

Business services: If you use the unit for business storage, consider a site with WiFi, photocopying, and fax.

Alongside traditional storage units, mobile storage units exist. Instead of you going to a storage site, the staff will deliver a unit to your location. These are particularly useful during house renovations.

You can learn more about them in this blog post if you’re interested.

Pay Attention to Payment Plans

Think of your unit payment as your rent, but late payments will incur hefty charges. Or, in the worst-case scenario, the company will sell your items in an auction. Thousands of storage unit auctions happen every year, so be warned. 

Also, comparing storage costs before you choose a storage unit is vital. Sometimes companies draw you in with discounts such as the first month free, but subsequent months will be at a premium cost. 

Reading Online Reviews

Did you know that 91% of us read business reviews online? In some cases, your potential self-storage units may not have any reviews.

If they do, pay particular attention to comments about the helpful staff and well-looked after sites. If any reviewers state that units are dark or cold, avoid them. They might be cheaper, but your items might be less safe.

Choose a Storage Unit That Works for You

If you are storing items, you are doing so to keep them safe. So, make sure that you choose a storage unit that is well-protected and easy to access.

Check out our home improvement blogs for more information on homes, storage, and renovations.

Apart from this, if you are interested to know more about How to Organize a Self-Storage Facility For Frequent Access then visit our Business category.