If you’re considering renting a storage unit for the first time, you may have questions. There are many reasons that people use storage: moving, selling their home, downsizing, home renovations or for storing seasonal items. Whatever the reason you need storage, we’re here to help walk you through the process. It is simpler than you think. Just follow these 3 steps.
There are two main things to consider here: size and facility.
You’ve got a bunch of stuff. Some of it is packed and set aside, and some of it is still all over the place. You’re looking around at storage companies and seeing unit sizes like 5x5, 5x10, 10x20, but what does that mean in boxes and furniture? Most storage companies will have a storage unit size guide on their website.
Decide if you will need indoor, heated storage, or if your things will be okay stored in an outdoor unheated storage unit. If after looking through the size guide, you still aren’t sure what size unit you’ll need, don’t be shy about calling the office to talk to a storage rental expert. They’re there to help you find the right size and answer any additional questions you may have.
After you decide what size of storage unit you’ll need, start shopping around for a storage facility. There are no rules that say you must commit to the first one you contact. Think about which features are important to you.
Certainly, ask about security measures at the storage facility. These are your things, and you want them to be safe. Also ask about access hours and decide if those hours work for you. Is there a fee for being in the storage facility past access hours? Are there any days of the week or year you wouldn’t be able to access your storage unit?
It’s a really good idea to schedule a time to take a tour of the storage facility. Have the storage experts show you where the access points are and how they work. Pay attention to the condition of the facility. Is it clean and well maintained? Are the units in good shape? If you see pest control boxes and traps, it’s not necessarily cause for concern. It’s more likely a sign that the storage facility is pest free and committed to staying that way.
Make sure to ask about any additional fees like admin or setup fees, or mandatory insurance requirements. Ask if the storage facility bills monthly or on a 28-day cycle. If you rent storage long term, a 28-day billing cycle will end up costing you more than a monthly billing cycle. At Elite Self Storage South Edmonton, we bill monthly, so if you move in on the 10th of the month, rent is due on the 10th of every month afterward.
Ask about any discounts the company can offer you. Some companies will have move-in deals or ongoing discounts for military, teachers, healthcare workers, etc.
You will need to provide a few bits of information to be able to rent a storage unit. These might include your name, phone number, address, and email. You will also be asked to show your photo ID. You may also be asked for the name and phone number of an additional contact that can be reached if you can’t be, like a family member or trusted friend.
Many storage companies require proof of insurance. This can be provided through your insurance company under homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, or the storage facility may offer theirs for a monthly fee.
Once you have given all the necessary information, you can proceed to payment and signing the lease. The customer service rep will go over the most important points to note in the lease. They will go over your billing cycle and dates, late charges, what you cannot store, and any additional information you should know.
Make note of their move-out policy. They may ask for 30 days notice or only 2 weeks notice.
You have many payment options available to you. You can use debit, cash, cheque, credit card, etc. You may be able to set up automatic billing if you pay with a credit card. Automatic billing saves you from having to go to the office every month to pay your rent. Some storage facilities may also accept payment through EFT.
If you can check off these things…
• You’ve taken a tour of the facility
• You know where your storage unit is and how to get to it
• You’ve signed a lease, and you understand the terms
• You’ve paid your first month’s rent
• You have a lock
… then you are ready to move in!
Start loading up your belongings and head over to their new, temporary home. Bring your friends to help you! Or hire a moving company. These guys know how to maximize storage space better than anyone. You might be surprised at how much they can fit into your storage unit.
Some storage facilities will have dollies and carts to help you transport your things from your vehicle to your unit. Keep an eye on the clock and make sure you aren’t in the facility past access hours. Put a lock on your unit and walk away confident that your things are safe and protected.
At Elite Self Storage, we offer indoor heated storage units and outdoor unheated storage units. Rent storage on a month to month basis for as long as you need. We offer storage units of various sizes for all your personal and business storage needs.
Rent a storage unit online or call one of our storage rental experts in South Edmonton at 780-452-8242 or call our St. Albert Storage location at 780-459-6435.
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