How To Choose the Right Self Storage Unit for Your Needs
To make the most out of self storage, you’ll need the right storage unit. Finding the best type and size of storage units can seem overwhelming at first, especially for first-time renters. With a little guidance and information from Right Move Storage, you can better assess your needs and find the perfect storage unit of your dreams.
Assess Your Needs
The best place to start your self storage experience is to assess your needs. There are many reasons to rent a storage unit, and each one includes factors that will affect your selection.
Common reasons people rent storage include making space for residential or business moves, renovations, and decluttering their homes. We recommend creating an inventory of all your belongings and compiling a checklist of everything that would be better off in storage.
What Size Storage Unit Do I Need?
Once you have a list of all you plan to store, you’ll be better able to assess what storage unit sizes are best for you. Choosing the right storage unit takes more than a little guesswork.
Determine if what you plan to store can fit in a 5×5 storage unit. If not, continue increasing the size of your storage unit until you find the right space. Remember to leave space inside your storage unit for a walking path or a way to reach items in the back. When in doubt, you can always use our helpful size guide.
What Storage Types Are Available?
After you find the right size storage unit, it’s time to explore the many types of storage available for rent. Each storage type and use helps fulfill a variety of needs and purposes to make more space at your place.
Residential Storage
Are you looking to downsize your home or renovate your living room? Residential storage is the best way to make room at home at a cost-effective and flexible rate. The right storage unit can store what doesn’t fit at home while allowing convenient access to grab what you need and go. Residential storage is an especially great option when you’re between leases during a move.
Business Storage
In addition to homeowners and renters, business owners can also benefit from more room through commercial storage. Use the plentiful space of a storage unit to organize office supplies, business inventory, and tax documents. If you need to store access inventory or large equipment and tools, choose a large or extra-large storage unit.
Climate-Controlled Storage
If you need a way to keep your belongings away from extreme heat and cold, your best option is to rent climate-controlled storage. These specialized storage units maintain a steady temperature year-round to shield sensitive items from extreme weather conditions, such as heat waves and cold snaps. Common examples of temperature-sensitive items that benefit from climate-controlled storage include:
- Electronics and appliances
- Wooden furniture
- Books and documents
- Musical instruments
- Photographs
- Lace and leather
Vehicle Storage
Is your garage or driveway too big to store your prized car? Your best solution is to rent vehicle storage. Certain storage facilities offer a variety of sizes and types of vehicle parking to accommodate your ride, regardless of whether you need RV parking or boat storage.
When you need added peace of mind for your vehicle, look for an indoor or enclosed parking space. You may need car storage, but you’re on a tight budget. You can still reclaim space in your garage by parking your ride in outdoor vehicle storage.
Student Storage
While college is an exciting time and a prime opportunity for personal growth, a dorm or apartment can only hold a portion of your personal belongings. Thankfully, you can find cost-effective student storage solutions.
Instead of tucking boxes underneath beds and desks, use self storage as a practical way to reclaim precious space in your dorm, apartment, fraternity, or sorority house.
Military Storage
For those who serve our country, a life in the military means constant change. With military storage, you’ll gain space to store your and your family’s belongings during times of transition. If you need to pack up and relocate to a new station, self storage offers flexible leases that help you better manage your inventory during a hectic move.
What Self Storage Features Should I Consider?
Since renters desire as much security and convenience in their storage unit as possible, one feature can be the deciding factor between renting at one storage facility over another. Enhance your rental experience by seeking out the following storage features and amenities.
Security Features
Security is the deciding factor for about 20% of storage renters. Since a large portion of renters desire peace of mind with self storage, it’s best to review the security features at every storage facility you consider. Frequently provided security features include a fenced perimeter, gated access, and keypad entry.
Some storage companies will even offer what’s known as smart units. These storage units are designed with advanced security technology, like a built-in monitoring service, real-time text alerts, and a noise deterrent system. A smart unit allows renters to gain more control over their storage experience without needing to download an additional app.
Drive-Up Storage Units
Another popular storage feature available at many facilities is drive-up access. Moving into a storage unit can be a pain if you have to carry large and bulky items, such as furniture, across large parking lots and narrow hallways. With drive-up access storage, those days are a thing of the past. Once you drive up to and park in front of your storage unit door, you can load or unload items immediately, saving time and effort.
Packing Supplies
Save a trip to the store and get all your packing supplies at your local storage facility. At Right Move Storage, we offer numerous packing supplies on-site, such as:
- Locks
- Moving boxes
- Packing tape
- Labels
- Bubble Wrap
- Packing paper
- Shrink wrap
- Moving blankets
- Mattress covers
To purchase moving supplies after your rental is complete, simply check your confirmation email for the Instaboxx link to place your order.
Moving Truck Rental
Many storage companies offer moving truck rentals to simplify loading, driving, and fuel efficiency. At Right Move Storage, our moving trucks come in a range of sizes and feature high-visibility mirrors and spacious cabs. These amenities help make for a comfortable and hassle-free driving experience.
What Key Factors Will Determine My Storage Unit Choice?
At the end of your self storage search, there are several final factors to consider that have a great influence on your decision. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a storage unit to rent.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Storage
First, you’ll need to determine how long you need your storage unit for. Short-term storage will be for temporary needs that span three months or less, such as moves or adjustments to major life changes. Long-term storage is designed for extended use and helps with preservation. Knowing how long you need a storage unit will help you decide which storage facility to choose.
Pricing
After you figure out how long to rent a storage unit for, it’s time to think about pricing. First, determine your budget and what you’d be willing to pay for your storage unit. After that, do your research. Compare prices between facilities to find out which is the best bang for your buck. Consider the features that come with a storage unit, as these can influence the cost.
Read your agreement carefully before signing to help you get the best value without a long-term commitment. Don’t forget to explore options for paying for your storage unit, such as an online payment portal.
Tenant Protection
As an added form of protection for your belongings, many storage companies require you to purchase tenant protection. This coverage helps protect against losses resulting from damaged items due to theft, fire, or natural disasters.
With Right Move Storage, you can enjoy tenant protection through a trusted third-party partner. This option is your best bet as it helps cut out time spent researching renters’ protection and frees up time to pack and move into your storage unit
Storage Facility Location
The location of a storage facility is a significant factor that can determine whether you choose to rent from one company over another. If you’re coming home from work but have to swing by your storage unit to pick up some boxes of household items, you don’t want to spend an extra thirty minutes or more driving to a far-out location.
Carve out some time to look into which storage facilities are convenient to access from your home or business.
Rent the Best Storage Unit at Right Move Storage Today
Don’t settle for a subpar storage unit elsewhere when your belongings are best kept here at Right Move Storage. We offer a range of storage units, from small to medium to large, across our numerous state-of-the-art storage facilities. Whether you need space for a major home renovation or a business move to a new location, we’re here to get you the space you need.
To rent or reserve your storage unit, contact us or find your nearest Right Move Storage location online today!