Affordable Storage Units

Most people in the U.S. require extra storage space at some point. Read on to learn valuable information about affordable storage units near you today.

Nearly every person in the U.S. has experienced a need for extra storage space at some point in his or her life. The need might be temporary or long-term. Storage might be needed to de-clutter a home during sales showings. Sometimes possessions pile up and the ability to create more closet or storage space in your home is simply not feasible. Storage facilities are useful when moving, especially for stowing non-priority items until all necessary items are unpacked. Typical storage units provide many benefits but additional options outside standard storage facilities also exist. Costs vary based on size and location but prices are often lower than many consumers realize. Continue reading to learn valuable information about affordable storage units near you today.

Storage Options 101

What is a storage unit? The concept is simple enough. U.S. consumers and homeowners sometimes find themselves in need of extra space to store their possessions. A storage unit provides this space at a secure, designated location. Fees are typically charged on a monthly basis, although each self-storage facility has its own pricing policies. Storage space is sold in units of size, typically square feet, or room-size. For example, an 8’x10’ storage unit might also be sold as “80 square feet.” Some companies charge less per month when customers pay for three, six or twelve months in advance. Others run specials where rates are discounted for the first three months, or the first month is free with a longer rental commitment. Storage is available for a nearly countless variety of items as well. For example, while many people store excess household items, some storage facilities are designed to securely stow recreational vehicles (RVs), motorcycles or items requiring temperature-controlled environments.

Self vs. Full Storage

Both self and full storage unit options are available. While both options provide ways for you to store your valuable possessions, differences between the two options exist. The premise behind a self-storage facility involves customers having access to their stored possessions either 24/7 or during specified business hours. Self-storage units offer flexible accessibility and control over how your items are arranged inside the unit. These units are commonly rented on a month-by-month basis, with higher prices charged for larger units. Contracts demanding minimum rental lengths are generally not required, although rate discounts might be offered for longer-term commitments.

Full-storage units (also referred to as valet, on-demand, or full-service storage) offer less flexible accessibility to your possessions. They also are more likely to require minimum three or six-month rental periods, although some month-to-month full-storage facilities are available. Renting a full-storage unit offers features self-storage facilities do not, however. For example, full-storage services pick up, store, manage and return or deliver your possessions upon your request. This is highly convenient, although pick-up and deliver appointments are required to be scheduled in advance. Additional services might also be provided. Companies such as MakeSpace offer free protective storage bins, which must be returned by a certain date and time to avoid charges. Clutter, on the other hand, offers protective boxing and packing supplies for additional charges only.

Reasons People Need Affordable Storage Options

People need storage units to stow their surplus possessions, but other important reasons also exist. Moving is often the top reason above all others. In fact, while seventeen percent of surveyed customers state they rent storage units to de-clutter their homes, approximately forty-one percent need storage for moving purposes. Moving is one of the top stressors people experience throughout their entire lives. Storage facilities help eliminate some of the stress associated with moving by creating solutions for common moving-related problems. Storage units are available when you or your loved ones are downsizing and moving into a smaller home on short notice. Are you selling your home? Place unneeded possession in storage so staging your home for sales showings is a success. What happens if you sell your old home but the closing date on your new house is delayed? A storage unit gives you a safe and accessible space to keep your possessions until your new home becomes available. Additional benefits include protection, space, access, flexibility, and peace-of-mind.

Sometimes you are not moving, but rather elderly family members are moving into your home with you. Storage units provide space when you need to make more room for new long-term guests. Perhaps you are taking an extended journey, working overseas or a frequent traveler. Storage units provide convenient and affordable solutions when short-notice relocation or travel is required. Additional reasons people need affordable storage options today include:

• Relationships begin or end (consolidating or separating homes and possessions).
• Military deployment or relocation.
• Business relocations or temporary closures.
• Home renovations.
• Storage of deceased loved one’s possessions.
• Holiday or seasonal items.
• Recreational gear (jet skis, skis, snowmobiles, etc.).
• Private personal possession you wish to keep off-site.
• Storing RVs or other motor vehicles.

Climate Control and Motor Vehicle Storage

Some storage facilities are climate-controlled. Temperatures in these facilities typically range between 55 and 90 degrees. Mold is guaranteed to not develop in your storage unit. Some climate-controlled facilities charge extra to maintain specific temperatures as well. Climate-controlled storage units are useful for storing items such as:

• Electronics.
• Artwork.
• Furniture.
• Antiques.
• Photographs.
• Musical instruments.
• Wine.

Automobiles, motorcycles, RVs, boats, and construction vehicles are all stowed in specially purposed storage facilities. This is especially true for classic or antique cars and RVs during off seasons or seasons filled with inclement weather. Many self-storage facilities with automobile and RV storage capabilities also offer a combination of outdoor and covered parking spaces along with indoor, climate-controlled units.

Average Hourly Prices and Alternate Storage Options

The national average cost for renting storage units varies based on unit size, location and specialized facility features. For example, a small (5x5 or 5x10 ft.) unit might cost $80 -$90 per month based on location and provider policies. Medium (5 or 10x15 ft.) and large (10x20 or 30 ft.) might cost $150-$200 and $250-$300 per month respectively. Full-storage services might also charge $50-$200 for pick-up and delivery services on top of monthly rental rates.

Alternate Solutions

Alternate solutions to renting storage units are available. Portable storage units such as Pack-Rat containers and Pods are also available. It might also be possible to build a shed on your property or add an attic to your home. The latter options are even more beneficial if the costs of adding onto your home or property are less than what you would pay for long-term storage unit solutions.