6 Things to Know Before Renting A Storage Unit

Whether you need to temporarily store belongings while moving or store them long term after downsizing, renting a storage unit provides an excellent, space-saving solution.

There are several things you should know before renting a storage unit. But what are the main things to take into consideration? While there are different types and sizes of storage units, you can usually save big bucks by getting several quotes from several storage companies.

Facility Features to Consider (Climate Control, Cleanliness & More)

Aside from the six main points (location, access, security, insurance, size, and customer service), it’s worth considering a few additional facility features that can greatly affect your storage experience.

One major factor is climate control. If you live in a place with extreme temperatures – say, the snowy winters in Utah or the hot summers in southern Idaho – a climate-controlled unit can protect your belongings from damage.

For instance, wooden furniture and electronics fare much better in consistent temperatures. In coastal California areas, climate control helps with humidity and prevents mold or corrosion on items.

Another feature to look at is the facility’s cleanliness and pest control measures. A well-run storage location will be clean and well-maintained.

You’ll notice paved driveways without a lot of debris, and units that are dry and free of pests.

It’s perfectly okay to ask the manager about pest control schedules or how they handle things like rodent prevention – especially if you’re storing items like mattresses or documents that could be attractive to critters.

A clean facility not only protects your belongings, but it also shows that the staff take pride in their property and will take good care of yours.

At Storage Corner sites across Utah, Idaho, and California, for example, we conduct regular cleaning and pest inspections to ensure our buildings stay in top shape.

When touring a facility, trust your nose and eyes: units should smell fine (no mustiness) and look secure.

These extra features – climate management and cleanliness – often make the difference between an average storage experience and a great one.

1. Location

The first thing you need to consider is the location of the storage facility and its proximity to your home or workplace - especially if you want to visit your unit frequently.It will help you save on your gas bill and it can also help you save your precious time and energy. Remember, time is gold.

2. Accessibility

Another important consideration is the accessibility of the facility.

Are they open after office hours or when it is most convenient for you? Can they accommodate you when you suddenly decide to visit your unit? Check if they are open on the weekends or holidays. Some facilities allow 24/7 access to storage. Some require advance notice so they can arrange for staff to assist you with your visit.

Others are open even after standard business hours to meet customers who may be accessing after hours.

3. Safety and Security

Understand the safety and security features of a storage facility before signing a contract. Choose one with top-of-the-line safety and security. Check for the presence of fences/gates and check for security guards.

Ask if the facility is protected by 24/7 CCTV or surveillance cameras, individual door alarms and locks, and fire safety devices such as fire alarms, extinguishers, sprinklers, and detectors.Don't make the mistake of storing your most precious items in a storage facility with compromising security.

4. Insurance Options

Find out which storage company has insurance options - allowing you to decide if you need insurance for your storage items. Some storage companies require their customers to use an insurance plan before signing a contract - no insurance, no storage unit.

However, there are some storage companies that are more considerate of their customers' needs and they let their customers decide whether to get insurance, depending on how valuable the items they plan to store.

5. Unit Size Variation

It is important to understand the unit size options of the storage company you plan to choose. No one wants to pay for space they won't use, nor the hassle of maintaining multiple storage units if the facility only offers small storage units.Size requirements vary, so check with your storage facility’s store manager for more information.

6. Customer Service

Is there a company representative to contact or talk to if you have any questions?

How quickly do they respond to your inquiries? This is an important consideration to understand if a company values its customers.Does the representative have a friendly and pleasant personality? Do they respect you? If you plan to rent a storage unit for a long period of time to store valuable items this is perhaps the most important thing to consider.

If there are items you need to store, we're equipped to accommodate you with our multiple locations in Utah📍

Conclusion and Next Steps

Before you rent a storage unit, taking into account all these considerations will set you up for success.

To recap, make sure the location is convenient for you, access hours match your schedule, the security meets your comfort level, and you understand any insurance requirements and unit size options.

Don’t hesitate to visit a facility in person – for example, if you’re near one of Storage Corner’s Utah or Idaho locations, we’d love to show you around and answer your questions.

A quick tour can reveal a lot about the cleanliness, climate control, and customer service quality, helping you make an informed choice.

Finally, remember that renting a storage unit should give you peace of mind.

If anything is unclear, ask the facility’s staff; friendly and responsive customer service (the sixth item on our list!) is a hallmark of a good storage provider.

Once you’ve found the right facility, you can move in knowing your belongings will be safe and accessible.

And if you need any guidance along the way, Storage Corner’s team in Utah, Idaho, and California is here to help make your storage experience easy and worry-free.

For more details, call our main office today! We’re happy to help you find the right storage unit and at the best price you can find (435) 213-4710 📞