You may think all storage spaces are the same but there are actually a few things to know before renting a storage unit. Depending on what you plan to store, and for how long, your storage needs will vary. Take a look at what we suggest you understand before diving in.

There is a lot to consider before renting a storage unit. You need to determine whether or not you’re going to store the items yourself or have a company do the heavy lifting for you. You need to choose the best size, the length of your rental agreement and more. 

Types of Storage Units

• Full-service storage: For an additional cost, you can pay to have a storage company pick up your items from your home and deliver them to your rented storage unit. The cost of full-service storage may also include photographing and cataloging your items so you have an up-to-date list of what’s being held in storage. Sometimes there are extra fees for this, though.
• Self-storage: To save yourself money, you can rent space at a self-storage facility such as Red E Storage. You have the ability to come and go as you please and handle your belongings yourself. You’re in charge of the transportation and the organization of your items and will save money doing so.
• Climate-controlled storage: Items such as clothing and furniture do best when stored in a climate-controlled storage unit. Maintaining a consistent temperature in the unit helps protect the longevity of wood, paper, and cloth while in storage.

Security

You’ll want to rent a storage unit that has security measures in place to help you protect your belongings. The following is recommended:

• Gated entrance with security code access
• Video surveillance
• On-foot surveillance
• On-site management
• Lighting

Sizing

Try to be as accurate as possible when estimating what size storage unit you need. You could even go so far as to measure the items you intend to store to get a better understanding. If possible, group the items together before making a decision. If you’re storing something large like an RV or a boat, make sure your storage unit can not only accommodate your vehicle but that the property itself is easy to navigate, especially if you’re towing a trailer. Storage facilities offer a wide range of sizes, but you don’t want to overspend to store your belongings. 

These tips should help you feel more prepared to rent a storage unit based on your needs and budget. You can always find additional information on our website regarding what is available at Red E Storage, or give us a call.