Rent a Storage Unit Today!

The need for more space to store personal items is common among households and consumers across the U.S. today. Reasons for needing more storage space are not common among every person, however. Yes, decluttering is a common occurrence, but storage units are rented for a vast number of reasons (and sometimes multiple reasons). Continue reading to gain insight on why you might want/need more storage space and learn how to rent the perfect storage unit for you today!

Storage Unit Basics

People need additional storage space for various reasons. As an option, some homeowners choose to expand their homes or add closet space to rooms in different ways. Some renovations are simply not suitable for some homes, however. The need for additional storage space might be long-term or temporary. Regardless of the reasons, many consumers around the U.S. today could use some extra space to improve the fluidity of their household aesthetics.

Television shows such as Storage Wars and Hoarders brought the concept of American household clutter into the limelight. Most people’s needs for a storage unit do not have a negative connotation to them, however. Renting a storage unit is a responsible way to deal with the security of important albeit not frequently-used items. Specialized storage units are also used to store precious and expensive items, including classic cars, vintage records, perfectly-aged wines and more. Units are typically rented on a month-to-month basis, with prices varying based on unit size and specialized features (such as security protocols and climate control). Discounts are sometimes provided for annual or other (lesser) extended rental agreements as well. Access to your items is granted either 24/7 or during business hours only, depending on the unit or facility provider.

Full Storage vs Self-Storage Units

Self-storage units grant access to renters either 24/7 or during specific business hours only. The way you arrange the items placed into a self-storage unit is left entirely to your discretion. This type of respect for privacy in addition to convenience and overall flexibility is appealing to most U.S. consumers. Most self-storage units are rented month-to-month, although extended rental contracts are sometimes offered. Priced are tiered based on unit sizes, with discounts occasionally offered for longer rental term commitments.

Full storage rental units grant less flexibility in pricing and rental terms but offer numerous other benefits in exchange. For example, a full storage unit company provides pickup, storage, item management, return and delivery services, all available upon request or as initially agreed. Full storage units, also referred to as full-service, on-demand or valet storage units, are typically available in three or six-month rental increments. Month-to-month options might also be available at select locations. Unlike with self-storage units, services provided by full service facilities must be scheduled and arranged in advance. Some full service companies also provide boxes and additional packing materials, either as part of the rental agreement (with limitations) or for an additional fee.

Unit Sizes

Storage unit sizes are typically rented based on square footage. Common storage unit sizes include an 8’x10’ space (eighty square feet) or less, which is enough to store items from an average size room in a home. Specialized storage units are either larger or smaller in size, depending on the items they contain. For example, the size of a storage unit required to store only a few cases of expensive, vintage wine is significantly less than the size of a unit capable of housing a snowmobile or larger recreational vehicle (RV).

Reasons You Might Need a Storage Unit (And You’re Not Alone!)

Multiple reasons for needing a storage unit exist beyond simply needing extra space for your possessions. Sometimes move-out and move-in dates do not line up conveniently for home sellers, especially in today’s market. While only seventeen percent of storage unit facility customers rent units for decluttering purposes, over forty percent rent them during the moving process. This is true for homeowners who need space when temporarily between homes. This is also true for homeowners still in the selling process who need a perfectly staged home to increase visual and market appeal to prospective buyers. 

Storage units are also used to house specialized and/or larger items. Some units are climate-controlled, allowing them to securely contain precious items such as valuable artwork, musical instruments, electronic gear, antique items, and furniture. Different types of vehicles and boats are also store for multiple purposes, especially during seasons wrought with inclement weather or weather inappropriate for the stored item(s). Vehicle and RV storage-based units are offered in both indoor and outdoor facilities, with covered parking spaces and climate-controlled units offered at different price points. A few additional reasons you might need a storage unit include:

• Home repairs or renovations.

• Death of a family member whose items need temporary storage.

• Housing of seasonal and holiday possessions.

• Beginning or ending of co-habitant relationships.

• Secure housing of valuable or private items you wish to keep away from your home.

Comparing Prices Between Nationwide and Local Storage Unit Providers

Before looking at a few specific storage unit company prices, nationwide average prices will be presented. This is because prices vary based on location as well as per company. Therefore, what a specific unit provider charges in Los Angeles, CA might differ from what the same provider chain charges in Plano, TX or Burlington, VT. Prices are always based on rental size and additional features, however. Smaller storage units typically run between 5’x5’ or 5’x10’. Such units cost an average of $80 to $90 per month, with variations based on provider policies and your location. Medium units (5’x15’ or 5’x15’) average between $150 to $200 per month. Larger storage, which are 10’x20’ or 10’x30’ units cost approximately $250 to $300 per month. Companies providing full storage services commonly charge an additional $50 to $200 for pick-up and delivery services in additional to rental fees.

Company Specific Pricing

Companies such as MakeSpace only provide specific pricing when you enter your zip code. Clutter offers pricing based on direct quote only. Public Storage is one of the largest storage unit facility providers in the U.S. today. Public storage prices vary per unit size and location. For example, a 5’X10’ unit in the Baltimore, MD area costs $55 per month (with a $1, 1st-month rent special). A 5’X5’ unit in Marin County (north of San Francisco, CA) costs $81 per month, however, albeit with the same $1, 1st-month rent special offer.

Pods is an excellent alternative storage unit option today. Storage options are available for homeowners, businesses, military members, military organizations, and a variety of commercial industries. Pods prices are available based on zip codes and quotes only. Pack-Rate is another company offering viable storage unit options based on zip code and quote only. A few extra storage unit options and their average monthly prices include:

• U-HAUL ($160 per month).

• ExtraSpace Storage ($220 per month).

• LifeStorage ($200 per month).

• CubeSmart ($160 per month).

• Neighbor ($140 per month).