You're likely to have quite a collection of things after an entire school year filled with classes, club meetings, and sporting events. While you may have started the New Year with a clean apartment or dorm, and a desire to be minimalistic, you will soon find that you have more items than what you moved in with. It's time for you to pack up your belongings and head home for the semester. Some items can be donated or thrown away; but what do you do with the stuff you wish to keep but cannot take home?
Storage units are an excellent option to store your summer possessions. It is very simple. Storage space is a place you rent to store your items. Students who want to store items over the summer but don’t have enough space or are unable to bring them home can rent a storage unit. The concept of storage units is straightforward, but not all facilities or units are alike. So we have created a list of nine things that you should consider when looking for a storage unit.
Size
Your storage unit's size is important. Although you must think about the square footage, it is important to also consider the height of the ceiling. Create a list listing the items that you would like to keep in your storage unit. This will help you determine the right size. It will depend on the size of the items that you want to store. How much storage space you need will impact the price.
Length Of The Time
Storage unit rentals can be rented month-to-month. You should consider how long you plan to use your storage unit. While many facilities are open to short-term rentals (some require a minimum rental period), others will not.
Self-Service Vs. Full-Service
Access to your items is what differentiates self-service from full-service storage units. A self-service storage unit allows you to access the unit whenever you need it. Most likely, you will have your key or lock. You must notify the facility when you wish to gain access to your belongings. Some full-service providers will also pick up your items and deliver them to you, which can be a good option for those who don't own a car. While self-service has more flexibility, full-service is better if you plan to be away for a long time and don't need access to your items.
Location
Your storage unit's location is important for two reasons: cost and accessibility. A storage unit near your home will be convenient if you have to access your items regularly. But if you store items for the summer, cost and accessibility may matter less. You may find that storage units are cheaper outside of cities, where there is more demand. This means you might get a better deal.
Cost
Cost is an important factor in deciding on the right storage unit cost solution. You should consider the following factors that can increase your storage solution's cost: contract type, minimum storage period, and additional fees. Some storage facilities may require storage for a specific period. This can impact the price. Month-to-month storage can also be cheaper. Do not forget to look into additional fees. You don't want to be charged extra or lose your storage unit.
Temperature
Depending on the type of items that you store, you may choose to have your storage unit controlled by temperature. You might need a climate-controlled unit for items you are storing, which can make it more expensive. However, it will keep your items in great condition, especially if you leave them for several months.
Safety And Surveillance
It is vital to check the security of storage units and facilities. When researching facilities, make sure to ask whether the units are monitored by video or live surveillance. This will ensure that your items are safe. If you can visit the facility in advance, you can make sure it is well lit. This will help ensure your safety when you access your items.
Accessibility And Convenience
Accessing your items when they are needed was a key aspect of our previous discussion. Be sure to check the facility's opening hours before you choose a storage unit. You can access your stuff 24 hours day, especially self-service units. But, full-service options may limit you in terms of when you can access it. It might not matter as much if you don't have any stuff or are on vacation, but it's important to know when your belongings can be retrieved again when you get back.
