When renting a storage unit for the first time, there are many factors to consider. What is the best storage unit size for you? Do you require air conditioning? Extra Space Storage’s experts, on the other hand, make finding the right storage solution a breeze. Use this guide to learn the fundamentals of self storage, and feel free to contact our friendly, knowledgeable staff for help at any time.
WHAT EXACTLY IS SELF-STORAGE?
Individuals can rent and store their personal or business belongings in self storage facilities. Typically, storage space, also known as storage units, is rented on a month-to-month basis.
Self storage gives you a lot more control than full-service storage, which gives you limited access to your belongings and relies on the storage provider to store and manage them. You can pack and arrange your belongings however you want in the storage unit, access your belongings at any time during the location’s open hours, and store or remove items from storage whenever you want.
REASONS FOR RENTING A STORAGE UNIT
Moving
Some of the most common reasons for renting self storage are moving to a new home, transitioning between leases, living in temporary housing, and relocating across the country.
Transitions in Life
Whether you’re going through a divorce, downsizing for retirement, caring for a family member’s estate, or dealing with a natural disaster, self storage can help you cope.
Decluttering
Moving items you want to keep but don’t need right now to a storage facility is the best way to avoid moving to a larger home or office while also keeping your space clutter-free.
Living in an Apartment
Apartment living can be made easier by utilizing self storage. Renting a storage unit can help you get more space, especially if you live in a studio or one-bedroom apartment with limited storage.
Vehicle Storage
Vehicle storage units can accommodate cars, motorcycles, RVs, boats, trailers, commercial vans, and more.
Home Improvements
Remodeling a home or office can take weeks or months, and it may necessitate relocating furniture and appliances. It’s a good idea to temporarily store these items in a storage unit.
Storage for businesses
Commercial storage units are frequently used by small to mid-size businesses and contractors for extra space to store inventory, materials, files, equipment, or business vehicles.
Storage for College
College students rent storage near their university campuses for a variety of reasons, including clearing out space in their dorm rooms, returning home for the summer, or studying abroad for a few months.
Living in the Military
Active military personnel and their families are typically stationed at different bases every few years. Military storage can be extremely useful when relocating due to the drastic nature of these changes.
SELECT THE APPROPRIATE STORAGE UNIT FOR YOU
When you’re looking for a storage unit, there are a few things to consider.
What to Look for When Renting a Storage Unit:
Security
When you trust a self storage facility with your belongings, you’re putting your trust in them to keep them safe. As a result, when deciding where to store your belongings, security should be a top priority. Security features at Extra Space Storage include well-lit facilities, video surveillance, and electronic gate access. With features like on-site resident managers, individually-alarmed units, and security access to your floor only, some of our locations go above and beyond in terms of security.
Cleanliness
When looking for self storage, keep the cleanliness of the facilities in mind. Storage facilities that take steps to keep their facilities clean demonstrate their concern for you and your belongings. Locations that aren’t well-maintained should be considered a red flag. Cleanliness is important to us. Extra Space Storage takes extensive measures to ensure that the quality of our facilities is maintained. We want you to feel at ease and welcome when you visit one of our locations, and we want you to know that your belongings are safe.
Service to Customers
The level of customer service provided by a storage facility is important. Many businesses don’t even have employees on hand to help customers with questions or when something goes wrong. Our staff at Extra Space Storage is committed to assisting you with your self-storage needs. Every day, we are proud of the professionalism, knowledge, and positive attitude that our team brings to the office.
Location
The best location for you depends on why you’re renting a storage unit in the first place. If you simply require more space at home, a location close to your home or on your way home from work will suffice. If you’re moving to a new home and need storage to ease the transition, something close by might be a better option. Consider how and when you’ll need to visit the facility, and then choose the location that’s most convenient for you.
Price
The cost of a storage unit is determined by a number of factors, including the facility’s location, storage unit size, and amenities such as climate control. Knowing your budget before you start your search will make deciding on the right location and storage unit much easier. We offer highly competitive rates and move-in specials at many Extra Space Storage locations, including first month free and half-off.
Different Types of Storage Unit Access:
Drive-Up Access is available outside
Outdoor storage units with drive-up access, which are comparable to garage space, are extremely popular due to their easy accessibility. To load and unload items, drive right up to the storage unit (which may include moving trucks and even semi-trucks in some cases).
Inside Access
Indoor storage units are located within a structure, making them more akin to a walk-in closet than a garage. Not only will you be protected from the elements, but you’ll also have access to self-storage amenities such as climate-controlled storage.
Right Storage Unit Size for You:
Extra Space Storage facilities typically have storage unit sizes ranging from 55 to 1030 square feet, but units as small as 22 square feet up to 1040 square feet and larger are available depending on location. Let’s look at the most common sizes and their applications.
5×5 Storage Unit
5×5 storage units are the size of a small closet and are ideal for small storage needs, but they can hold a lot more than you think! A small mattress set, a chair, a dresser, extra boxes, seasonal decorations, or garden tools can all be stored in one of the 5×5 storage units.
Storage Unit 5×10
5×10 storage units can hold the contents of a mid-sized bedroom, including a queen-sized bed, a dresser, a couple of chairs, boxes, and more, with 50 square feet of storage space.
Storage Unit 10×10
Tables, couches, bedroom sets, and other large items can all be stored in 10×10 storage units. You have enough room to store the contents of two bedrooms or an entire family room in 100 square feet.
Storage Unit 10×15
Store three full bedrooms’ worth of belongings, as well as larger items such as pianos, couches, tables, and boxes! If you’re moving or need more space at home, 10×15 storage units are ideal.
Storage Unit 10×20
With 200 square feet of storage space, 10×20 storage units can accommodate the contents of a multi-bedroom home, including large appliances such as a washer, dryer, and refrigerator, as well as bedroom furniture, couches, boxes, and other items.
Consider These Self-Storage Extras:
Extended Hours of Access
Extra Space Storage customers can access their storage units whenever it is convenient for them thanks to extended access hours. Our office hours are usually 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., but our gate or access hours are usually 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. At Extra Space Storage, you don’t have to worry about getting to your storage unit during business hours.
Storage with Climate Control
To protect temperature-sensitive items from extreme heat and cold, climate-controlled storage units are typically kept between 55 and 80 degrees. To provide additional protection from the elements, some facilities may have humidity-controlled or heated storage.
Consider These Self-Storage Perks:
Extended Hours of Access
Extra Space Storage customers can access their storage units whenever it is convenient for them thanks to extended access hours. Our office hours are usually 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., but our gate or access hours are usually 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. At Extra Space Storage, you don’t have to worry about getting to your storage unit during business hours.
Access is available at any time of day or night
Our regular storage gate hours (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.) are inconvenient for some customers. Extra Space Storage is proud to provide an alternative for those with irregular schedules. You can visit your storage unit whenever it’s convenient for you, thanks to 24-hour gate access. Check with the facility manager to see if access is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Storage with Climate Control
To protect temperature-sensitive items from extreme heat and cold, climate-controlled storage units are typically kept between 55 and 80 degrees. To provide additional protection from the elements, some facilities may have humidity-controlled or heated storage.
Storage of Vehicles
Cars, motorcycles, trailers, campers, boats, RVs, and other vehicles can all be stored safely at Extra Space Storage. The types of vehicle storage available vary by facility, but there are three basic types: indoor storage, outdoor storage, and covered outdoor storage.
Lockers for Storage
Storage lockers are the ideal solution for storage needs so small that even a 55 storage unit would be too big. With reduced-height ceilings, locker units range in size from 22 to 45. This practical option ensures that you only pay for the space you require.
Storage for business
To accommodate small businesses, contractors, and other commercial self storage customers, we provide unique business storage amenities such as warehouse spaces, workshop units, and office spaces for rent. Some of our storage facilities even have commercial features like office space, package delivery acceptance, and more for your convenience!
Storage of Wine
Do you need a secure location to store your wine collection? Wine storage is available at some Extra Space Storage locations to help you keep your valuable collections in tip-top shape. Wine storage at Extra Space Storage could be the ideal solution for you if you’re moving and need a short-term solution or if you’re looking for something more long-term and close to home.
Insurance for self-storage
Although your storage unit is usually covered by your homeowners or renters insurance, Extra Space Storage’s self storage insurance has its own set of advantages. It’s worth learning more about securing your storage unit, from the possibility of more coverage to avoiding an increase in your insurance premiums.
Supplies for packing and storing
Are you looking for a lock for your storage unit? Do you require additional packing materials for your upcoming move? At our facilities, Extra Space Storage sells moving boxes, packing supplies, locks, and other items.
WHAT CAN AND CANNOT BE KEPT IN YOUR STORAGE UNIT?
With a few exceptions, you can store almost anything in a storage unit at Extra Space Storage. Basically, anything dangerous or illegal is an exception. Of course, some items fall into the grey area, so check with the facility manager before renting a unit to see what’s permitted on the premises.
ITEMS YOU CAN KEEP IN YOUR STORAGE UNIT:
- Furniture
- Appliances
- Clothes
- Electronics
- Books
- Sporting equipment
- Seasonal yard tools
- Business inventory
- Vehicles
ITEMS YOU CANNOT KEEP IN YOUR STORAGE UNIT:
- Food
- Drugs
- Anything that’s flammable or combustible (i.e., gas, propane tanks, car batteries)
- Vehicles not in working order
SELF STORAGE FAQs
Is it necessary for me to sign a contract?
The majority of self-storage leases are month-to-month, so there are no long-term commitments. This gives you the freedom to stay as long as you want.
Is it possible to store a car or motorcycle in a storage facility?
Yes! Vehicles can be stored in storage units as long as they are in good working order.
Is it possible for me to live in a storage unit?
No. Living or sleeping in a storage unit is illegal.
Is it possible for me to use a storage unit as a workshop?
No. We are unable to permit tenants to use their space as a workshop.
Do I need to get insurance for my storage unit?
Your storage unit must be insured, whether through your homeowners or renters insurance or self storage insurance purchased through us.