What Storage Units Really Are - The Hidden Secrets and Costs You Should Know
What are storage units? Do you have to pay rent every month? What are the costs? There are so many things to consider when renting a self-storage unit. These units can seem intimidating, but they’re actually a very convenient and affordable way to store your belongings. It’s important to understand what renting a storage unit means before you sign the contract and hand over your money. Self-storage units usually come in one of three sizes: small (also called mini or personal), medium or large. Each type has its own special features and limitations on what you can store there. Here’s what you need to know before renting one:
Who Can Use a Storage Unit?
Anyone who has too much stuff for their home, is moving, or has items that need to be kept safe but doesn’t have room for at their home can use a storage unit. You can store just about anything in a storage unit, as long as it’s not something toxic or illegal. You can use a storage unit if you’re moving and don’t have room for your stuff. You can use one if you have things that need to be kept dry but don’t have room in your house (think things like tools, winter clothes, camping gear, or Halloween decorations). You can even store your things if you’re house hunting, but don’t want to buy a house that doesn’t have enough room for your stuff.
What’s Included in the Rent
The cost of renting a storage unit varies depending on where you live. The average cost of renting a 10x10 storage unit in the United States is about $78 per month. That amount includes the cost of insurance for the unit (more on this below), as well as workers’ compensation insurance for the company. You may also be responsible for taxes on the monthly rent amount, depending on your location. You may have to pay extra to get a lock (usually around $5) and/or a light if you want to be able to open and close the unit during the evening. Note that some storage companies will charge you a flat rate when you first sign up, and then a different rate each month after that. You might be able to get a lower rate if you sign up for a longer contract.
How to Find the Right Unit for You
The first thing you’ll have to do is find a storage facility near you. You can check your local phone book, or search online for “self-storage near me.” Make sure you take the following into consideration when choosing a facility: How close are the units to each other? If two people are storing something in the same room, their stuff could get mixed up. What is the condition of the facility and the units? Make sure the facility is clean and in good repair. What security systems does the facility have? Is there 24/7 surveillance, or will someone come by only during the day? How much does each unit cost? That’s important, because you’ll be making that monthly payment for a while.
Hidden Costs
Besides the cost of renting a storage unit, there are other hidden costs you should be aware of. For example, you’ll have to pay taxes on your income (if you have a job). You may have to pay to get your stuff out of storage if you don’t pay your bill on time, or in full. Some storage companies have rules and regulations in place in case of extreme weather, so make sure you’re familiar with any rules that may apply in your area.
Should You Rent or Buy a Storage Unit?
This is an important question to ask yourself before you rent a storage unit. If you’re thinking about buying a storage unit, you’ll have to consider how much a unit will cost, what you’ll do if you need to move, and how much time and effort it will take to find a buyer for your unit. Storage units are often more affordable than buying a unit, and you can take as long as you need to find the right buyer. You can also often rent a storage unit for only a few months while you’re transitioning to a new place, or while you’re moving.
When you’re choosing a storage unit, make sure it’s big enough to fit all your stuff, that it’s in good condition, and that the facility is secure. When you’re renting a unit, make sure you understand what’s included in the monthly rent and what hidden costs you may have to pay later on.