{"id":17357,"date":"2021-01-11T14:19:49","date_gmt":"2021-01-11T19:19:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/?p=17357"},"modified":"2023-11-03T15:03:35","modified_gmt":"2023-11-03T19:03:35","slug":"how-to-rent-a-storage-unit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.cubesmart.dev\/blog\/features-and-types\/how-to-rent-a-storage-unit\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Rent a Storage Unit"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Whether you’re moving or need long-term storage to organize your life or for a passion project, you might be considering renting a self-storage unit for the very first time. If you\u2019ve never sought out a unit to call your own, however, you may not know exactly where to begin. Use this beginner\u2019s guide to show you how to choose the right unit, how to make the most of your storage unit, and how to use our digital tools to make the process as easy as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Should I Get a Self Storage Unit?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019re moving or downsizing, adapting to the needs of a growing business, or anticipating the space demands of an expanding family, there are many reasons why you might be ready to consider renting a self-storage unit. How do you know when to say when? A general rule of thumb is if there\u2019s nowhere to leave your belongings or you physically can\u2019t declutter the space you do have when you need to, then chances are you should rent a storage unit. Before you research storage facilities, it\u2019s a good idea to start making a list of the items you plan to store so you have a good idea of how much space you need (more on that later) and how often you might want to visit your facility\u2014which will help you answer the next question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where Should I Rent a Storage Unit? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Location. Location. Location. The best storage facility is the one that\u2019s convenient to where you are\u2014or at least where you plan to be when you use it. Begin your search with \u201cCubeSmart Near Me<\/a>\u201d to find one of our high-quality facilities. Cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, and features such as 24-hour video recordings, electronically gated access, extended access hours are important to consider. You want to have the peace of mind of knowing that your beloved holiday decorations, children\u2019s toys, or sales inventory will be there when you need it. If you think you might be coming and going with large carloads of goods on a regular basis, you might also want to consider a facility with drive-up access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do I Know If I Need Climate Control Storage?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some facilities offer indoor units; others have outdoor units; some have a mix of both. Whether you need climate-controlled storage will depend on what you\u2019re storing, how long you\u2019re storing it for, and the climate where you live. If electronics, wood furniture, sales inventory, metals, and fabrics (that includes clothes) are among your items, and\/or you live in a warmer, more humid or frigid, cold area, you might want to look for a climate-controlled facility to keep your important belongings in their best possible condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Size Storage Unit Do I Need?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Selecting the right size storage unit can seem like a daunting decision for a first-time renter. Our storage unit size guide<\/a> should answer most of the basic questions you might have about small, medium, and large storage unit capacity. Along with what will fit in each unit, you\u2019ll learn what size moving truck corresponds with each. In brief: Self-storage units generally range from 5\u2019x5\u2019 or 25 square feet (the size of half of a hall closet) to 10\u2019x30\u2019 or 300 square feet (the size of a multi-car garage). The cost of your unit will depend on how much square footage you use. However, prices can vary based on location, time of year, and length of stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Long Do I Need a Storage Unit?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Long-term storage<\/a> means several months or more and can be cost-effective. Typically those who are in between permanent homes, going through major life changes, looking for an extension of their home, or building a business use self storage longer. Many customers looking for long-term solutions want climate-controlled amenities to ensure their stored items can withstand storage over a longer period. Temporary storage is just that and typically used by those who are preparing for a move, in the process of moving, or amid a temporary home project. Whatever your storage need, CubeSmart offers flexible lease terms so you can have your storage unit for a long or as short a time as you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can I Rent a Storage Unit Online? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Online or in person, you can get self storage your way at CubeSmart. Rent online when you\u2019re ready with SmartRental<\/a>. You can complete the entire process wherever you are, using any device. Start by reserving a unit on our website at one of the 1,200+ facilities<\/a> to lock in your deal. Easily complete your lease online with an electronic signature, using your preferred payment method (Mastercard, Discover, Visa, or American Express) for your first month\u2019s rent. A welcome email will appear in your inbox, containing your storage location\u2019s information, directions to the location, your storage unit number, and your personal gate code. In the meantime, CubeSmart teammates will work behind the scenes to make sure your space is cleaned, prepped, and ready for your arrival. SmartRental even includes a high-quality secure lock which is left inside the storage unit waiting for you until you move in. Or if you\u2019d prefer to bring your own lock, you can return the provided lock to the manager for a credit on your account. Convenient, contact-free storage rental could not be easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do I Pack a Storage Unit?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now that you have the keys to the empty\u2014oh so empty\u2014unit, it\u2019s time to start filling it. There are many considerations for packing items and arranging your storage space<\/a> in a neat, orderly, and convenient fashion. Here are a few basic ones to get you started:<\/p>\n\n\n\n