If this is your first time renting a storage unit, we can help. Whether you need to temporarily store your belongings while moving or store them long term after downsizing, renting a storage unit provides an excellent, space-saving solution. Storage facilities are a secure, convenient and easy-to-find option for those in need of storage. The majority of short term storage and long term storage facilities also offer a wide range of unit sizes and services to meet your needs. Use this first-timer’s guide to renting a storage unit to learn more about storage types, how storage works, and more.
How does self storage work?
Most storage units work similarly. Once you find a storage unit near you, you sign a contract with a storage company for a specified amount of time to secure a rental on a storage unit of your choice. A storage unit is a space in a storage facility where you store your belongings. Although some companies require a three-month minimum, most offer storage rentals on a month-to-month basis.
Rules and regulations differ among storage companies depending on the services they offer, but you only pay for the time you need the unit for (unless you break the contract, but that’s another matter). Also, it might seem obvious, but it’s illegal to live in your storage unit per state and federal housing laws. It’s also illegal to conduct business in your storage unit. Some storage facilities allow band practice, but there are restrictions like noise ordinances and no access to electricity.
Why You Should Rent a Storage Unit
People rent self-storage for more reasons than moving or decluttering. Some common reasons people rent self-storage include:
- Seasonal storage. Holiday decorations, costumes, seasonal gear clothing, and lawn equipment can all go into storage during the off-season.
- If your new home isn’t ready. New home not complete, but you need to move out of your old home? A rental storage unit can house your stuff till the move can be completed.
- Needing more space in their home. Say, you’re downsizing and decluttering but not ready to part with some of your stuff. Or a family member moves in with you and needs a guest bedroom that you were using for storage. There are many reasons people would need more space in their homes. If you’re not ready to toss, sell or donate your stuff, store it.
- House renovation. Renovating take time and create a lot of chaos and mess. To protect your belongings and clear space, you can store furniture and other belongings in storage until the renovation is completed.
- College storage. Students who don’t want to lug their dorm room belongings back home during summer break might want to rent a storage unit near campus.
- Military service. The members of the military can use this option during deployment.
- To store vehicles. If you don’t have room where you live, you can store your boat, RV, car or motorcycle at a storage facility.
How to rent a storage unit
Storage companies have their own protocols but the process of renting a storage unit has similarities. To rent storage near you:
- Determine what you need to store
- Decide what type of storage you want (full-service vs. self-storage, outdoor vs. indoor)
- Determine what size unit you’ll need based on what you need to store
- Set your budget
- Consider purchasing insurance
- Search for the storage you want to rent (see above)
- Reserve a storage unit online or in person by signing a storage unit agreement or contract (read it carefully before you sign)
- Get a move-in day date
- Invest in a good lock
What Size Storage Unit Should You Rent?
Most residential renters rent storage unit sizes such as 5’x5′, 5’x10’, 10’x10’, 10’x15’ and 10’x20’ storage units. The storage unit depends on the type and number of items you want to store. If you have any questions about storage unit sizes, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
How Long Can You Rent a Storage Unit For?
You can rent a storage unit for as long as you like. Some people even rent storage units indefinitely as an extra space for personal or work-related items. At U-Lock Mini Storage, we offer monthly contracts so you don’t have long-term commitments.
Ready to book your first storage unit? Visit or contact any of our self-storage facilities and we’ll be happy to help. Our facilities include storage units Victoria, storage units Parksville, storage units Nanaimo, storage units Burnaby, storage units White Rock and Surrey and storage units Chilliwack.