There are a number of reasons to rent a self-storage unit. Remodeling your home or moving are great examples of reasons to consider renting a place to put your possessions until you need them again. A nice feature of using a self-storage space is that you maintain access to your possessions no matter how long you need to store them. We asked our resident expert for all of the things we should know about temporary storage.
Q: What is self-storage?
A: Self-storage is a term that refers to a secure, private, rented space in which individuals or businesses can place items for storage. In general, self-storage units are rented on a month-to-month or other short-term contract basis. Renters are responsible for packing and unpacking their possessions and have regular access to the items.
Q: Who uses self-storage?
A: It’s estimated that over 13 million people across the U.S. rent self-storage space. That’s more than 1 in 10 individuals representing an excellent cross-section of the country. Everyone from homeowners to students to business owners all rent their share of storage units.
There are a number of reasons self-storage rentals are so popular. The main draw is the unique ability to keep your possessions safely stored while still having unlimited access to them. Often, they’re used to lower the cost of hiring a moving company by reducing the number of items being handled.
Q: What stuff can you store in self-storage?
A: You can store many different items in self-storage. But, be mindful there are several things that you shouldn’t place in your unit.
For instance, it’s illegal by law and against most storage facility’s rules to store items such as firearms and ammunition, unregistered vehicles, contraband items, most liquids, toxic or flammable materials, stolen property, perishable items or animals of any kind. You are also not allowed to occupy a unit as a permanent residence.
If the storage unit isn’t climate-controlled, items that could be affected by temperature or humidity changes like electronics, sensitive devices, photos and other delicate possessions shouldn’t be left in self-storage. Although units are generally secure, it’s not often a great idea to store extremely valuable items in them.
Q: What does climate-controlled mean and do you need it?
A: Climate-controlled storage units are mechanically kept at a certain temperature and humidity level that’s appropriate for general item storage. They’re just as common in locations that experience large temperature changes throughout the year as they are elsewhere.
If you’ll be storing items that need to be protected from regular temperature changes, then a climate-controlled unit is necessary despite the extra monthly cost.
Q: How big are self-storage units?
A: Self-storage units can be as small as a household closet, as large as a two-car garage, or any size in between. Most storage facilities offer a range of sizes from 20 square feet to about 300 square feet.
Q: Can you store large items in self-storage?
A: The only limitations to the size of the items you are storing are the unit’s dimensions. From large to small belongings, be sure your unit has enough space to easily get the items in and out of the space. Also, be mindful that the aforementioned “stuff you can store” rules apply for all stored items.
Q: How much does self-storage cost?
A: Size matters when it comes to self-storage costs. For a smaller unit that is large enough to store several large boxes and small items in a climate-controlled environment, expect to pay around $75 per month. Larger, 200-square-foot, climate-controlled units can store enough items to furnish a small house and can cost up to $250 per month.
Q: Is self-storage worth it?
A: If the items that you plan to put into storage are valuable enough to justify the monthly cost, then yes, self-storage may be worth the money. However, short-term self-storage could make more sense rather than long-term self-storage in some instances.
Having a plan for your stuff is a good idea, but the monthly payments can quickly add up. It’s important to determine whether the cost of replacing the items would be equivalent to or more costly than a monthly self-storage fee.
That said, there are many situations where having a place you can easily access your items makes perfect sense, despite the cost. Snowbirds, students, businesses, military personnel and frequent travelers can all benefit from the security, simplicity, and convenience of self-storage.
