Moving and Storage

Booking Your First Self Storage Unit: How Easy Is It to Rent the Best Storage?

Posted on by Travis Campbell

Storing your goods is easier than it ever was, but just how straightforward is the process of determining the storage service you need and booking your storage unit? In the following, we will explore these details and help you create a practical checklist with everything you’ll need to consider before renting your own Colorado Springs storage unit for the first time.

The Type of Storage Unit You Will Need

Depending on what you want to store, for how long, and whether or not you need to move your storage unit from one place to the other, there are various types of storage units you can consider.

Mini storage is available as an affordable solution for your smallest items, while climate-controlled and refrigerated storage will be required if you store anything like special substances that require a controlled environment. Portable storage includes movable storage compartments you can transport between cities if necessary, and you can also consider extra large units designed with vehicles, boats and large equipment in mind.

Colorado Springs storage

What Are the Main Amenities and Benefits You Require?

If you want to store your valuables in a self storage unit, you already know you’ll need good security. This might mean a heavy duty lock, an advanced alarm system, a security camera and more. Other Colorado Springs storage amenities can also include 24/7 access, drive up access, climate control, outdoor storage and even wine storage.

How Much Stuff Will You Want to Store?

It’s important to know in advance how many items you want to store and how large they are. Self storage companies need this information to determine what size storage unit you need. You can also get a rough estimate by calculating it yourself.

Typically, the standard sizes that are most frequently available for self storage units include 5×5, 5×10, 5×15, 10×10, 10×15, as well as larger sizes such as 10×20, 10×25 and 10×30.

Considering Your Budget

Finally, you have to know your budget before renting a storage unit. How much money are you willing to spend, and how long will you need the unit for? These details, along with the information you already know about the size of your unit and the amenities you want to choose will help you determine roughly how much you have to spend. Compare that amount with the budget you have at your disposal, and you can have a general estimate of what you might be able to rent with the money you currently have.

Rent Online vs. in Person

Of course it’s always best to rent your storage units in person, but if you don’t have that option right now – since you might not have the time or you’re out of town at the moment – you can also use various online tools to compare prices, select your storage company and even book your preferred unit online.

Even in the case of online booking, you will of course, still have to meet up with the storage provider in person so they can give you your keys and show you to your storage unit. However, most of the formalities can be handled via the internet, through the use of online tools, and even by phone.

What Does A Typical Storage Unit Rental Cost?

Posted on by Travis Campbell

Renting storage space is an excellent solution for your temporary or long-term storage needs. You might be faced with various situations that require you to move your items to a storage unit – if you must leave your old home before your new place is ready for being occupied; if your company archives exceed the storage capacity of your corporate premises or if you are moving to a smaller home, but you don’t want to toss the belongings that don’t fit into your new home, renting a suitably sized storage unit is the most comfortable solution.

Self storage Fort Smith AR providers offer various payment plans and the price you will have to pay for your unit is also determined by many other factors – here are some details.

The Unit Features that Will Influence the Price

According to the statistics, the average monthly rate charged for a 5 x 5 foot storage unit, the smallest standard size available, is between $40- $50, while the fees for a larger, 10 x 15 foot unit is around $75- $140. However, sizing is not the only factor that influences pricing – here are some more:

  • The location of the facility – storage unit facilities are a type of real estate and they work like real estate in many respects. The price you will have to pay for your rented unit will be determined by the geographical area in which the facility is located. Storage space is usually cheaper in rural areas than in large cities; some cities are more expensive than others and prices are also influenced by the neighborhood in the town or the city in which the facility is located;
  • The location of your unit within the facility – outdoor units are usually large, but they offer limited weather protection, therefore they are cheaper than indoor units;
  • Temperature control and climate control – most storage space providers offer two types of indoor units: temperature-controlled units that come with stable ambient temperatures and climate-controlled units that add humidity control and are also equipped with very efficient, complex ventilation systems. The units available in temperature-controlled facilities are usually cheaper (though more expensive that outdoor units), while climate-controlled space rentals are more expensive.

self storage Fort Smith AR

The Level of Security Offered by the Facility

The more secure the storage facility premises, the higher the monthly rates. The units in facilities monitored permanently with surveillance cameras and by human guards are the most expensive to rent and if you need extra insurance for your rented unit will also add costs.

The Payment Plans that You Choose

The most common way to pay for storage unit is through month to month payments, but that is also the most expensive solution. Many self storage Fort Smith AR facilities offer considerable discounts if you pay in advance for several months or if you decide to pay for an entire year in advance. Storage space providers also have promotions that give you discounted prices for specific types of units or for specific periods, so it is a great idea to shop around a bit before choosing your provider.