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How Does Self Storage Work? Everything You Need To Know

Front of self storage unit Elite Self Storage

Whether you're moving, downsizing, renovating, travelling, or growing your business, self storage units in Edmonton and St. Albert provide a secure, convenient place to store your belongings for as long as you need.

At Elite Self Storage, we offer convenient storage options with no long-term contracts or security deposits, making it easier to rent exactly what you need.

Why Do People Rent Self Storage Units?

People use self storage for many reasons, including:

  • Moving or relocating

  • Downsizing or remodeling a home

  • Military deployment or extended travel

  • Marriage, divorce, or retirement

  • Storing excess business inventory

  • Managing belongings after a death in the family

Self storage provides a secure space to keep your household goods, business items, or special belongings safe and accessible.

In this guide, we will explain how self-storage works and everything you need to know about storage.

How To Choose the Right Type of Storage Unit

At Elite Self Storage, we offer a variety of units to suit your needs and budget. Our units include:

Climate-Controlled Units: Ideal for temperature-sensitive items such as electronics, antiques, documents, seasonal goods, or clothing. These climate-controlled storage units help protect against humidity and extreme weather changes.

Outdoor Unheated Drive-Up Units: These are more affordable and super convenient for loading and unloading household items right from your vehicle.

Multiple Sizes Available: Whether you’re storing a few boxes or everything from a three-bedroom house, we’ve got space that fits.

Vehicle Storage: Choose secure outdoor vehicle parking or rent a large storage unit for your car, truck, motorcycle, or collector vehicle. Our flexible storage options make it easy to store your vehicle safely year-round.

Choosing the Right Storage Unit Size

Many customers aren't sure which storage unit size they need before they rent a storage unit. Choosing the right size helps you maximize space while keeping your belongings organized and accessible. Whether you need a small storage locker for seasonal items or a large drive-up unit for household furniture or business inventory, our team can help you select the best option.

Know What You Can and Can’t Store

Not everything can be stored in storage facilities. Some things are strictly prohibited, such as:

  • Perishable food

  • Flammable or combustible material

  • Illegal items or substances

Understanding what’s not allowed helps you avoid any issues or delays. When in doubt, check with our staff—We’re happy to guide you.

Choose the Storage Options You Need

Think about what features will make your life easier; our storage units offer:

  • Drive-up access for easy loading

  • Climate-control storage units for furniture, electronics, documents, antiques, and other temperature-sensitive belongings.

  • Indoor access or extended hours for convenience

  • Security features like gated access and surveillance

Choosing the right storage options helps protect your belongings and makes accessing your storage unit easier.

Check out our storage unit size guide to help you determine what size storage unit you will need.

Special Discounts

We offer special discounts for military members, seniors, and students. Ask our team about current promotions. Please bring valid identification to verify your eligibility.

How to Rent a Storage Unit

Renting a unit is quick and easy! You can:

  • Rent a storage unit online 24/7 through our website. You can move in completely online—from selecting your unit to signing your lease.

  • Visit us during office hours to rent a storage unit in person.

Once your rental agreement is signed and your first month’s rent is paid, you’ll receive an access code to enter the facility. You can also:

  • Buy a lock from our office or bring your own

  • Pick up packing supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap, etc.)

  • Use our complimentary moving carts and dollies.

How Self Storage Billing Works

The day you move in becomes your anniversary date. Rent is due on that same day each month. We offer month-to-month billing. You can also sign up for automatic billing to avoid late fees.

If your rent isn't paid by the due date, late fees may apply, and your gate access code will be temporarily disabled until your account is brought up to date.

Payment Options

Elite Self Storage offers multiple payment options, including:

  • Automatic billing by credit card or bank account

  • E-transfers

  • Online account payments

What Happens if I Don't Pay For My Storage Unit?

We provide multiple reminders before taking further action:

  1. You’ll receive reminders by phone and email.

  2. If the account remains unpaid, we’ll send a registered letter.

  3. If payment still hasn’t been made, a public auction may be scheduled.

You can prevent the auction from starting at any time before it begins by paying the full balance.

Is Self Storage Insurance Required?

Yes, insurance is required for all storage units. We offer affordable plans through a third-party provider; however, you are also welcome to use your own insurance. Please provide us with proof of coverage upon moving in.

Accessing Your Storage Unit

Access Hours: 6:00 AM- 10:00 PM, every day

Moving Out: Just give 30 days’ notice

On move-out day, remove all contents and your lock, clean the unit, and notify our staff so we can close your account. If your plans change and you need to stay longer, no problem, just let us know!

Moving Out Of Your Storage Unit

You are required to give one month's notice before you move out of the storage unit. If you change your mind, just let staff know, and they will give you an extension. On your move-out day, leave the unit swept out and empty, with no belongings. Inform staff when this is done, and they will close the unit.

Why Choose Elite Self Storage?

Whether you need short- or long-term storage, let Elite Self Storage provide the extra space you need to store your belongings. 

At Elite Self Storage, we’re committed to offering:

  • Clean, secure units in multiple sizes

  • Flexible rental terms with no long-term commitments

  • Excellent service

  • Convenient locations in St. Albert and Edmonton

Walk-ins are always welcome, but we recommend reserving your storage unit in advance since promotions, availability, and storage unit sizes can change quickly. Reservations are free, there's no obligation, and you can cancel at any time. If you can't visit during office hours, you can reserve or rent a storage unit online and complete your move-in from home.

Frequently Asked Questions About Self Storage

What storage unit size do I need?

The right storage unit size depends on what you're storing. Small storage lockers are ideal for boxes and seasonal items, while larger units can accommodate furniture, business inventory, or the contents of an entire home. If you're unsure, our team can help you choose the best size.

Can I rent a storage unit online?

Yes. You can rent a storage unit online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Simply select your unit, complete the rental agreement, make your payment, and you'll receive your gate access information by email.

Do I need climate-controlled storage?

Climate-controlled storage units are recommended for temperature-sensitive items such as furniture, electronics, documents, antiques, photographs, artwork, and musical instruments. They help protect your belongings from Alberta's changing temperatures.

How secure are your storage units?

Elite Self Storage offers secure storage units with controlled gate access, video surveillance, and a fully fenced property. Every customer receives a unique gate access code for added security and convenient daily access.

Rent a Storage Unit in St. Albert or South Edmonton

Whether you need climate-controlled storage units, drive-up storage units, business storage, vehicle storage, or RV storage, Elite Self Storage offers secure, flexible month-to-month rentals and a variety of storage unit sizes to meet your needs.

Reserve your storage unit online, request pricing, or visit one of our convenient locations today.

Elite Self Storage is locally owned and proud to serve:

St. Albert: Conveniently located near St. Albert Trail, minutes from downtown St. Albert, Edmonton Garrison, and surrounding communities. This location is also known as Riel Park RV & Mini Storage.

South Edmonton: Near 97 Street and Parsons Industrial Park

Let’s Get You Started

Rent or Reserve Now | Pricing

Call us: 780-347-0433

Visit us: Stop by any of our locations during office hours

Whether you need space for a few weeks or a few years, we’ve got a solution that fits. Self-storage made simple, with service you can trust and count on.