Home Local storage The Complete Guide to Renting a Storage Unit
If you’re planning into moving into a new home or just need extra space to store your belongings, you should consider renting a storage unit to make your life easier. Figuring out that you need more storage space is easy but the logistics that go into renting a storage unit are a bit more complex. This is why we’ve prepared a list of tips and things to take into account in order to find the perfect place to store your valuables.
Before you start looking for storage companies, you should first determine the type of storage unit that best fits your needs. There are two types of storage options: Self-Storage vs. Full-Service
Before you start comparing different storage units and companies, you should first determine your storage needs. How many items do you need to store away and how much space do you need? Make a list of all your belongings and put your items in one area in your home in order to estimate the space you need.
Here are some common unit sizes in order to help you determine the amount of space you need:
Most storage facilities offer at least five different unit sizes but the size measurements may vary depending on the company selected. Also be sure to know what is the cost of storage.
Once you’ve established your storage needs, you should do a little research in order to find the best storage companies near you. Once you’ve found 3-5 good storage facilities, you should call them to learn more about the services (climate control, drive-up access, etc.) they offer and the cost of renting a unit. Thinking of storing in a storage container? Discover how to pack a storage container.
There are many factors you should take into account before choosing the storage facility that is right for you:
If you’re storing sensitive items such as wine, photos, instruments, electronics, household appliances or wooden/leather furniture you should consider renting a climate-controlled storage. There are many factors to consider before moving your things into a storage unit.
We recommend that you visit the storage facility before you sign your lease. Even if the reviews are good and the photos look nice, you never really know what you’re setting yourself up for before you visit the place yourself. You should explore the facility to make sure that you’re comfortable storing your belongings there.
Take a small trip to the storage facility of your choice to visit some units and ask some questions at the office. This is a great way to see if the storage location is secure and well maintained. Once you’ve compared the different storage facilities on the market, you simply have to choose the company that best fits your budget and your needs in order to formalize the contract.
Did you know that storage facilities are not responsible for the items within your unit? If there’s a flood, a break-in or a force majeure, the company is not required to pay or replace your valuables. We therefore recommend that you get storage insurance. Some companies include insurance in their policy at no extra cost. Otherwise, you can also check your renters or homeowner’s insurance to see if you are allowed to add extra storage space or if your home insurance covers your belonging in storage.
If you have to store valuable items, you should consider getting tenant insurance in order to protect your belongings and have peace of mind. This will cover damage to your items under different circumstances such as fire, water damage and theft.
Make sure to ask the storage facility about locks. Some companies require clients to buy a lock from them or purchase a specific type of lock while others let you choose your preferred lock. We recommend investing in a more expensive model for increased security. High-security locks are worth the extra money!
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The majority of storage units are rented on a month-to-month basis and the prices ranges depend on size and location. This gives you flexibility if you are looking for a short-term rental solution. If you are looking for a long-term renting option, it could be more expensive so you should determine how long you will need to store your things for. Make sure to review the company’s policy with regards to cancellations.
The cost of renting a storage can vary due to many factors such as:
Depending on the number of items you have to store, you can either pack your things in your vehicle or rent a moving truck. The advantage of moving trucks is that you can transport large items and you can fit all of your belongings in a single load. Plus, it’s a faster option!
If you organize your storing items effectively, you may actually need less renting space than you thought. This is actually one of the easiest ways to save money when renting a storage unit.
Here are some tips to maximize your space:
It’s important to know that you can’t just store anything you want in your storage facility. You can store business items such as documents, furniture and clothing as well as household items. However, certain items are actually prohibited:
There are other items that could be restricted such as canned goods, firearms or taxidermy. However, certain storage companies allow them if they are properly packaged. Make sure to contact your facility in order to get more information.
917 Mont-Royal Ave E,
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