Ads Placement 300 x 600

How To Find An Affordable Storage Unit


ADVERTISEMENT

According to SpareFoot, around 9.4% of households in the U.S. have a storage unit. If you need to rent storage space for your belongings, but you’re on a budget, it’s a good idea to spend some time looking around and finding affordable storage unit deals. 

With the average occupancy period of a self-storage rental being 14 months, and the average cost ranging anywhere from $60 to $180 per month, keeping your belongings in storage can quickly become expensive. Although there may not be many obvious storage unit deals or discounts jumping out at first glance, you might be surprised to learn that there are plenty about — if you know the right place to look.

Here is a list of hints and tips to help you find affordable storage units within the price range.

Search for cheap storage unit deals and discounts.

Many storage unit facilities offer discounts and deals. One of the most popular ones is a free month of storage to new customers. When searching for storage units, be sure to ask whether this is a deal that is offered and make a note of it in your research. Although it’s only the first month, it could cover the cost of your moving van!

Some storage unit facilities also offer military discounts, as military personnel often need to store their belongings for extended periods. In fact, according to The Self Storage Association (SSA), over 1.5 million self-storage units in the United States are currently used by military personnel. If you are in active service, be sure to ask your chosen storage unit facility whether they offer a military discount — you may be entitled to up to 10% to 30% off your rental rate. Other perks such as free use of a moving truck, waiver of security deposits and administration fees, and no rent increases while deployed overseas may also be available.

Know What Size Unit You Require

When you hire a storage unit, you pay for every square foot of space of your chosen unit — whether you use it or not. This means it’s crucial to determine your storage needs accurately; otherwise, you may be lumbered paying for a storage unit that’s too large for your needs. Whether you’re trying to declutter your home or downsize, it’s vital that you take the time to work out exactly how much space your belongings will need. There are plenty of useful “space estimator” tools online, and using one could help you to save money on your storage unit.

Create a Storage Method

First and foremost, it’s important to use sturdy boxes and packing materials so that they can uphold your intended storage duration. It’s important to note that although the banana boxes from the local grocery store may seem like a cheap alternative, they often come with bugs, so opt for boxes designed specifically for storage purposes. It’s also a good idea to use pallets to keep your storage boxes off the floor and away from potential damp. Be sure to label all of your boxes clearly, and store them in a way that allows you easy access when you need it.

Prioritize Your Storage Needs

If you’re planning to store valuables, such as jewelry or military medals, you may want to consider a storage facility that offers additional levels of security for your peace of mind. If you have items that can be damaged or degrade quickly, you may want to invest in a controlled climate unit that ensures your items stay in optimal condition. For example, electronics and instruments tend not to fare well in high temperatures or extreme humidity, so climate-controlled storage may be preferable in this instance.

On the other hand, if you’re not storing anything of substantial worth, or anything that is easily damaged, you may want to save money by forgoing climate-controlled units or facilities with additional security.

The Bottom Line

If you need to find a reliable storage unit facility, but you’re also on a budget, you must take the time to shop around. Start by making a list of all of the items that you’d like to put into storage while noting any special requirements you have.

Once you’ve created a shortlist of storage unit facilities that meet your requirements, be sure to ask them about any deals and discounts that you may qualify for. By putting in the work and taking the time to research, it’s possible to find affordable storage units that won’t break the bank.

https://www.sparefoot.com/self-storage/news/1432-self-storage-industry-statistics/, https://www.neighbor.com/storage-blog/self-storage-industry-statistics/, https://www.move.org/storage-units-cost/, https://www.selfstorage.org/Products-Services/Public-Library

Share On Facebook

Sergio Cruz

Head Writer

Sergio has been writing for online blogs and news sites for almost 10 years! There isn't a topic he hasn't written about. When he's not busy researching and writing articles, Sergio likes to spend his time traveling and playing guitar.