Storage Unit Rental Checklist: 10 Must-Know Tips

Renting a storage unit can save space and simplify your life, but without planning, it may lead to wasted money or frustration. Here’s what you need to know to make the process smooth and cost-effective:

• Choose the Right Size: Avoid overpaying by estimating your space needs. Use tools like size calculators or mark dimensions on your floor with tape.
• Prioritize Security: Look for 24/7 cameras, gated access, alarmed units, and insurance options to protect your belongings.
• Consider Climate Control: If storing items sensitive to temperature or humidity, invest in climate-controlled units to prevent damage.
• Read the Fine Print: Check for hidden fees (e.g., admin charges, mandatory insurance) and compare rental terms like month-to-month vs. long-term leases.
• Prepare for Move-In: Use sturdy containers, label boxes, and inspect the unit for leaks, pests, or damage before storing your items.

New to Storage – What to expect when renting a storage unit

1. Pick the Right Storage Unit Size

Choosing the right storage unit size can save you a lot of money. The cost difference between a small and medium unit can exceed $1,000 per year. Picking the wrong size could lead to costly mid-lease upgrades or wasted money on unused space.

Learn Common Storage Unit Sizes

Storage units come in a variety of standard sizes, each suited for different needs. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

• Storage lockers: These are compact spaces (25 square feet, 100 cubic feet) perfect for small items like travel bags, seasonal clothes, or sports gear.
• 5×5 units: With 25 square feet and 200 cubic feet of space, these can hold up to 10 large moving boxes, a twin or full mattress, a small desk or chair, and some decorations.
• 5×10 units: Offering 50 square feet and 400 cubic feet, these units can fit the contents of a studio apartment, including a few furniture pieces, small office items, and mattresses.
• 10×10 units: At 100 square feet and 800 cubic feet, these are ideal for two small bedrooms’ worth of belongings, including furniture and about 40 large moving boxes.
• 5×15 units: These provide 75 square feet and 600 cubic feet, typically enough for a one-bedroom apartment setup.
• 10×15 units: With 150 square feet and 1,200 cubic feet, these units can store bulky furniture, appliances, kitchenware, and around 60 large moving boxes – perfect for a small family.
• 10×20 units: These larger units (200 square feet, 1,600 cubic feet) can accommodate living room sets, patio furniture, full-sized appliances, and roughly 80 large moving boxes.
• 10×25 and 10×30 units: These are the size of a large garage, with the 10×25 offering 250 square feet and 2,000 cubic feet, and the 10×30 providing enough space for a four- to five-bedroom house.

Here’s a quick reference table for storage unit sizes:

While this gives you a general idea, calculating your specific needs is key to avoiding overpaying for unused space.

Calculate Your Space Requirements

Once you understand the common sizes, it’s time to figure out exactly how much space you’ll need. Start by listing everything you plan to store. Measure each item or group them together to calculate square and cubic footage. Use these formulas for accuracy:

• Square footage: length × width
• Cubic footage: length × width × height

For oddly shaped items, estimate their size by measuring a bounding box around them. This will help you approximate their volume.

Also, consider what you can store at home. Extra room in your closets, basement, or garage might reduce the size of the unit you need.

Online size calculators are another handy tool. They can help you double-check your measurements and visualize how your belongings will fit into a storage unit.

If possible, visit the storage facility in person. Seeing the unit can give you a better sense of its size. Shannon Lowell, an experienced Public Storage employee, highlights the importance of this step:

"By looking on the website or at pictures, photos may not capture a unit’s true scale. But when people physically see a storage unit, they can visualize how they can fit their stuff in the space".

She also points out a common mistake:

"The majority of the time customers think they can fit into a smaller space, but most the time it won’t work unless they get rid of some items".

Lastly, think about your future needs. If you’re storing items during a move or renovation, consider whether you’ll need to add more later. Planning ahead can save you from the hassle and cost of switching units mid-lease.

For a practical approach, use painter’s tape to mark the dimensions of a storage unit on your floor. This simple trick can help you visualize the space and ensure your items will fit comfortably.

2. Check Security and Safety Features

When choosing a self-storage facility, security should be at the top of your checklist. Your belongings deserve solid protection against theft, unauthorized access, and potential damage.

Review Security Systems

Take a close look at the facility’s security measures. Features like 24/7 high-resolution cameras, gated access with unique entry codes, and individually alarmed units are essential for preventing unauthorized entry. Well-lit access points and motion-activated lighting add another layer of safety by discouraging criminal activity and ensuring visibility. For even greater protection, some facilities offer advanced alarm systems that include motion detection, glass-break sensors, silent alerts, and real-time notifications sent directly to your phone.

On-site management is another important factor. Facilities with staff or security personnel who actively monitor the premises, respond quickly to issues, and conduct regular patrols provide an added level of assurance.

Don’t forget to evaluate fire safety and disaster preparedness. Look for features like fire alarms, sprinkler systems, or smart fire detection technology that uses AI to detect smoke and heat. Facilities designed to handle natural disasters – such as those with raised floors for flood prevention or weatherproofing – are also a smart choice. Finally, pay attention to lock quality. Disc locks and cylinder locks are more resistant to tampering than standard padlocks, and some modern facilities even offer smart locks with app-based controls, one-time access codes, and tamper detection alerts.

In addition to physical security, make sure your belongings are covered by insurance.

Check Insurance Requirements

Even with top-notch security, having insurance for your stored items is essential. Many storage facilities require renters to have insurance before leasing a unit. This ensures both you and the facility are protected.

Start by reviewing your rental agreement or asking the facility manager about their specific insurance requirements. Keep in mind that the facility’s insurance typically covers only the building itself – not the contents of individual units.

Your current homeowners or renters insurance might already include coverage for items in storage. However, these policies often have limitations, so it’s important to double-check the details.

If your existing policy doesn’t offer enough coverage, you can either increase your personal property limits or explore storage insurance options provided by the facility or third parties. Some facilities may even require you to purchase their insurance plans, which typically cost between $8 and $38 per month and cover risks like fire, water damage, and theft.

Be aware of what storage insurance doesn’t cover. Common exclusions include flood damage, earthquakes, mold, poor packing, rodent infestations, and high-value items. Before committing to a policy, carefully review its limitations and compare costs. Facility-offered insurance may be more expensive than increasing your current policy limits, while third-party options often provide more flexibility in premiums and coverage.

Finally, consider the value of what you’re storing. For expensive electronics, artwork, or heirlooms, investing in comprehensive insurance might be worth it. On the other hand, basic household items might already be adequately covered under your existing policy.

3. Consider Climate-Controlled Units

Climate-controlled storage units are designed to keep your belongings safe from the damaging effects of extreme temperatures and humidity. These units maintain a consistent temperature range of 55 to 85°F and regulate moisture levels throughout the year. While they tend to cost more than standard units, they’re worth the investment for safeguarding temperature-sensitive items.

Why Climate Control Matters

Stable conditions are crucial for protecting items that can be affected by temperature swings or high humidity. Materials like wood, metal, leather, and upholstery are especially vulnerable. Without climate control, wooden furniture can warp or crack, and metal objects may rust. Electronics, musical instruments, important documents, photographs, and collectibles – such as stamps, coins, and comic books – are also at risk. Even medical supplies, cosmetics, toiletries, and delicate fabrics like silk can deteriorate in harsh conditions. For wine enthusiasts, climate-controlled storage ensures bottles are protected from premature aging, cork damage, or refermentation.

Another advantage of these units? Their indoor, sealed design reduces exposure to pests and minimizes the chance of mold growth.

It’s important to factor in your local climate and how long you plan to store your items when deciding if climate-controlled storage is the right option.

Consider Your Local Climate and Storage Duration

Your location and how long you’ll need storage play a big role in determining whether climate control is worth the added cost. In some cases, non-climate-controlled units can heat up to 30°F above the outdoor temperature. For example, on a 90°F day, the temperature inside such a unit could rise to a sweltering 120°F.

If you live in regions with extreme weather, climate control is often essential. In states like Southern California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and New Mexico, where summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F, regulated storage is a must. Similarly, areas in Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana that endure heavy snow, or the Midwest with its drastic seasonal changes, greatly benefit from these units. For residents in New England or Mid-Atlantic states (like Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New York), climate control helps protect belongings from freezing winters. And in the humid Southeast, it’s a smart choice to prevent heat and moisture damage.

– Melanie Hartmann, Owner, Creo Home Buyers

Storage duration is another key factor. If you’re storing items for several months or longer, prolonged exposure to fluctuating temperatures and humidity can lead to warping, cracking, discoloration, or mold. For valuable, sentimental, antique, or irreplaceable items, climate-controlled storage is highly recommended.

While these units typically cost more than standard options, the added protection often outweighs the expense.

When searching for storage on PeerStorage, look for listings that emphasize climate control features. Many hosts offer temperature-regulated units, providing both the protection your items need and the flexibility of a peer-to-peer storage platform.

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4. Read Rental Terms and Compare Prices

Taking the time to carefully review rental agreements and pricing can save you a lot of money and headaches. Hidden fees can sneak up on you, so it’s worth digging into the details. Plus, comparing rental durations can help you figure out the best deal for your specific needs.

Compare Month-to-Month vs. Long-Term Leases

Your choice between month-to-month rentals and long-term leases will impact both your budget and flexibility. If you only need storage for a short time – say, 1 to 6 months – month-to-month options might be your best bet. They’re flexible and allow you to pay as you go, but they often come with a higher price tag.

For longer storage needs, committing to a long-term lease can save you money. Many facilities offer discounts for extended rentals, which can significantly lower your monthly costs. For instance, a 5′ × 5′ unit might cost $45 per month on a short-term plan but drop to $35 per month with a long-term lease. Similarly, a 10′ × 10′ unit could go from $96 monthly on a short-term basis to $75 with a long-term agreement.

Think about how long you’ll need storage and whether your plans might change. If you’re in the middle of a move or traveling for a few months, the flexibility of a month-to-month arrangement could be worth the extra cost.

Clear and transparent lease terms are just as important as factors like security and climate control when it comes to getting the most value for your money.

Find Hidden Fees

Reading the fine print is just as important as comparing prices. Rental agreements can include extra fees for things like administration, locks, deposits, late payments, and insurance. For example, administrative fees often range between $20 and $30, while lock fees can add another $20–$30 upfront. Late fees, if you fall behind by 30 days or more, might cost you $50–$60, and deposits can range from $25–$45.

One of the biggest hidden costs is mandatory insurance. Many facilities require it, and it can add $15–$25 to your monthly bill. Before agreeing to this, check if your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance already covers storage to avoid unnecessary expenses.

Another thing to watch for is price changes. Large storage companies often use revenue management systems that adjust prices frequently, sometimes even hourly. On top of that, most contracts allow for rent increases with just 30 days’ notice. Pay close attention to clauses like this:

"Every lease should state that ‘this agreement contains the entire agreement between the parties,’ and ‘no oral statements or promises from any employee or agent of XYZ Storage that conflict with this agreement have any binding effect.’"
– Murphy Klasing, Partner, Weycer, Kaplan, Pulaski & Zuber P.C.

Make sure you read your entire agreement from start to finish before signing. Ask for a detailed breakdown of all fees, and don’t hesitate to inquire about perks like free truck rentals or online discounts. Some facilities offer these extras, which can offset initial costs.

If you’re using PeerStorage, you might find more straightforward pricing. Individual hosts often skip the complicated fee structures that are common with larger commercial storage companies. This can make it easier to understand exactly what you’re paying for – and why.

5. Get Ready for Move-In Day

With your storage unit selected and rental terms finalized, it’s time to gear up for a smooth move-in. Thoughtful preparation not only simplifies the process but also helps safeguard your belongings and keep costs in check.

Plan Your Packing Strategy

Start by choosing durable plastic containers over cardboard boxes to protect against pests and water damage. Before packing, clean your items thoroughly to prevent dust and mold buildup [22]. If possible, disassemble furniture and cover it with cloth or loosely draped plastic to allow proper airflow [22].

For fragile items, use bubble wrap instead of newspaper to avoid ink smudges. Store books flat with archive paper for added protection [22]. When packing electronics, use their original boxes or wrap them with bubble wrap and anti-static materials. Clearly label all boxes on multiple sides, and organize items based on how often you’ll need them.

"Proper preparation is your best hedge against damage caused by dust, pests, mold, temperature, humidity, and light." – Store Space [22]

To maximize space, pack vertically with heavier items at the bottom, and stick to sturdy, same-size boxes for easy stacking. Keep box weights under 30 lbs to make handling easier. Arrange your unit strategically – place frequently used items near the front and less-used ones toward the back. A color-coded labeling system, like red for urgent items, green for everyday essentials, and yellow for seasonal goods, can make locating items quicker.

Before moving in, take time to inspect your unit to ensure it’s ready to house your belongings.

Inspect the Unit Before Moving In

Give the unit a thorough inspection before unloading your items. Check the door insulation, test the locks, and look for any signs of leaks or cracks in the walls, ceiling, or roof. Scan for evidence of pests and report any issues to management for resolution.

To protect your belongings from moisture, elevate them off the concrete floor using pallets or water-resistant sheeting. Test the thermostat and lighting, and request replacements for any dim or malfunctioning bulbs.

Finally, take dated photos of the unit’s condition. These can serve as documentation in case of any future disputes regarding damage or cleanliness.

Conclusion: Get the Most from Your Storage Experience

Choosing the right storage unit is more than just picking a size – it’s about planning carefully to avoid unnecessary headaches. By focusing on key factors like selecting the correct unit size, prioritizing security measures, considering climate control for delicate items, and thoroughly reading rental agreements, you can sidestep common issues that often catch renters off guard.

Taking the time to plan ahead can save you money and prevent unexpected problems. Comparing prices across different facilities might uncover deals that are much better than the average. Always get multiple quotes and carefully review the fine print in your rental agreement to avoid hidden fees. These small steps can lead to big savings and a smoother overall experience.

A thoughtful move-in strategy is also crucial. Packing and organizing your items carefully not only protects them from damage but also makes accessing them later much easier.

"When it comes to renting a self-storage unit, avoiding these common mistakes can make all the difference in ensuring that your belongings are safe, secure, and easy to access." – StorAmerica Management

Don’t forget to double-check your insurance coverage for stored items and inspect your unit regularly to ensure everything stays in good condition. Each step, from planning to periodic checks, plays a role in creating a storage solution that’s secure, efficient, and cost-effective.

Whether you’re storing holiday decorations or downsizing during a move, these tips provide a strong foundation for a hassle-free storage experience. By following these steps, you’ll protect your belongings and make accessing them a breeze.

FAQs

How can I figure out the right storage unit size without spending too much?

To pick the right storage unit size without spending more than you need, start by making a detailed list of everything you plan to store. For larger items like furniture or appliances, grab a tape measure to figure out their dimensions. Think creatively about how you can stack or arrange items to maximize the space. A handy tip? Use painter’s tape to mark out the dimensions of possible storage unit sizes on your floor. This gives you a clear visual of how much room you’ll actually need.

Storage facilities usually provide size guides that outline what each unit can hold – don’t skip these! A bit of planning goes a long way in ensuring you only pay for the space you need while keeping all your belongings organized and secure.

What security features should I look for to keep my belongings safe in a storage unit?

When choosing a storage facility, focus on security features that keep your belongings safe. Look for places with 24/7 video surveillance, gated access with keypad entry, and well-lit areas. For added protection, consider facilities that offer individually alarmed units, on-site security personnel, and high-quality locks. A facility with perimeter fencing is another effective measure to prevent unauthorized access. These features can help safeguard your items and give you peace of mind about your storage decision.

When should you choose a climate-controlled storage unit, and what items are best stored in one?

When it comes to storing items that are sensitive to temperature and humidity changes, a climate-controlled storage unit can be a game-changer. These units are designed to shield your belongings from damage caused by extreme heat, cold, or moisture – conditions that can wreak havoc on certain materials.

Here are some items that benefit the most from climate-controlled storage:

• Wooden furniture: Keeps pieces from warping, cracking, or splitting due to fluctuating temperatures.
• Electronics: Protects against corrosion and potential malfunctions caused by humidity.
• Artwork and photographs: Helps prevent fading, mold growth, or other forms of deterioration.
• Musical instruments: Maintains their shape, sound quality, and overall integrity.
• Delicate fabrics, cosmetics, or medicines: Preserves their condition, ensuring they remain usable and intact.

If you’re storing items that are valuable or hold sentimental importance, investing in a climate-controlled unit can offer peace of mind. It’s a smart way to help ensure your belongings stay in great shape, no matter the weather outside.