How to Compare Local Self-Storage Facilities and Pricing
When you are prepping to move to a new home, it can be helpful to know where you can find self-storage near your location and what the cost of that storage will be. The thing with self-storage prices is that they are changing all the time, and they can vary significantly by location.
Here are some helpful pointers for your storage search so you can get the lay of the land – including the basics of self-storage and what the general price points tend to hover around.
You can use this excellent tool from Sparefoot that will give you the pricing of local self-storage facilities near you. If you are in the market for self-storage at the moment, use this to compare the prices of multiple facilities nearby. You will be able to easily find a storage unit and save money!
Self-Storage Prices and More – What You Need to Know
How does self-storage work?
Some people have spent their lives going in and out of storage units. But others have never actually used such services. If you are not familiar with them, here are the basics.
With self-storage, you choose the size of self-storage you want – with bigger spaces being more expensive. You can find self-storage for pretty much everything, from climate-controlled rooms for wine and art to large areas for automobiles and boats.
Once you have picked a storage size and a location, you sign a contract with the storage company and set up a payment plan. Then, you get access to your storage unit. Don’t forget to purchase a lock! Most storage companies don’t provide them.
Once you have access to your storage space, you will usually be the one responsible for moving your stuff into the area. You can always hire movers to do it for you, but if you are trying to save money or don’t have much stuff, you can take the things from your vehicle into the storage space on your own.
Here are some excellent tips for picking a storage unit. The questions I’ve provided will also give you some sense of how to choose the right storage unit for your needs and budget.
How is self-storage priced?
Self-storage businesses want to attract customers, so they tend to keep their prices reasonable in all but the most pricey neighborhoods. They usually price their units based on monthly or weekly use. Most of the time, the larger the unit you want, the more you can expect to pay for it.
Also, much like renting an apartment or a home, if you are renting for a shorter period of time, you will probably pay more monthly or weekly than you would if you were to rent for a more extended period of time.
The more desirable the area, the more the storage will cost. So if you are storing stuff in a big city in a popular area, expect to pay more. You may be able to find better deals outside of the city or if a company is offering a promotion, like the first month free.
Where do you find self-storage facilities?
You may be surprised how easy it is to find storage near your location. Most areas have at least a few options. Do a quick search online and you will likely find some options that are not too far from where you are or where you plan ongoing.
Self-storage has become a booming business. If there isn’t a self-storage facility nearby, it would not be out of the realm of possibility to see one in close proximity in the not too distant future. They are springing up all over the place due to the high demand for storage. Some of the most well-known franchises for self-storage are the following:
- Cubesmart – Find a Cubesmart storage facility nearby.
- Public Storage – Find Public Storage facility nearby.
- Extra Space Storage – Find an Extra Space Storage nearby.
- U-Haul – Find a U-Haul storage facility nearby.
Here is a handy list of the ten largest self-storage facility companies in the United States. Use this to check out others on the list that may be nearby. Each of these companies has a search feature on their site that helps you locate a storage company in close proximity.
Is there anything you can’t store in a self-storage unit?
Yes. You cannot store dangerous or flammable objects such as explosives, fertilizers, gasoline, narcotics, propane tanks, chemicals, or explosives. Otherwise, you are probably good to go with whatever you are planning to store.
However, it never hurts to look over the contract you have with your storage unit company. You could also ask the management if there is anything that you cannot store on the premises.
How do you compare one storage facility with another?
Most people just use the pricing to compare which storage facility they want to use more. However, there are other considerations, such as the size of the units offered, whether you can get climate-controlled units, and whether the facility can store special items like cars or boats.
Obviously, all other things being equal, a storage facility nearby is an attractive feature.
Do you need to do anything to prepare your things for storage?
You can throw your stuff in however you like once you get your storage unit, but it is not recommended. Although storage units are protected from the elements and may even be climate-controlled, there is still a better way to fill them than just tossing things in randomly.
Try to make sure all your things are packed away in labeled boxes or containers. Ensure that everything is clean and dry before you put it in storage so that you not attract pests or encourage mildew and mold.
Consider making an inventory list so that you know what you have in storage and where. You can also disassemble furniture so that you can fit more in the storage space and save money in the process.
It would be wise to take photos of any model numbers or serial numbers. Having a description of the item is also helpful. Your inventory list might also include where you packed the item (like a crate, storage bin, in a box, or something else.
You can use these tips to pack your storage unit. There is some outstanding advice on how to pack furniture, appliances, electronics, and clothing. Another excellent piece of advice is to leave space in front of your storage unit for things you will need to access regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Self-Storage
1. Do I need to rent a storage unit?
No one wants to spend more money than they have to, so you may be questioning whether renting a storage unit is necessary. The answer is, “It depends.” Your circumstances are unique to you. If any of the following apply to you, it may be a good idea to rent some storage:
- You are moving and need to store your belongings temporarily. Organizing your things for storage is smart to do.
- You are showing your home for sale and need a place to put your things to better stage the home.
- You are downsizing your home and need a place to put your prized belongings, automobiles, or boats.
- You are a collector, such as a wine collector, and need a climate-controlled space for your collection.
- You want a place to put your seasonal belongings, such as holiday decorations, winter clothing or sporting equipment.
2. Do I need a climate-controlled storage unit?
Climate-controlled storage is relatively affordable today, so you might as well get it if you have any belongings that would benefit from it. With climate control, your belongings are less likely to be damaged by things like mold, mildew, heat, and cold.
Clothing, upholstery and other goods are prone to mildew and do well in climate-controlled storage. Art and wine are prone to damage from extreme heat and cold, so climate-controlled storage is a good idea for these items as well.
Here are some items you may not have thought about that should have a climate-controlled environment:
- Essential documents and paperwork
- Photographs and pictures
- Musical instruments
- A stamp collection or other collectibles like comic books
- Make-up and toiletries
- Media such as videos or vinyl records
- Sports equipment
3. What features are offered with storage units?
Certain storage options out in rural areas are very bare-bones – sometimes just a metal room with a latch that you can lock with a padlock. But most modern self-storage offers a variety of features for extra security and comfort.
You can usually find self-storage that is climate-controlled, has 24-hour access, video monitoring, lighting inside the facility, and additional security measures.
4. What are the exact prices of storage units?
It really does depend significantly on where you are renting your storage. Some locations offer self-storage for as little as $12 a month, while others will charge a minimum of $100 per month.
Most smaller storage units are available for around $50 a month, with larger units costing more. You can expect to pay 25-50 percent more for a storage unit that is climate controlled.
5. What size storage unit should I rent?
The bigger the storage unit, the more you are likely to pay. So you naturally only want to get the size you need and what you will use. The most common sizes for storage units are:
- 5’x5’
- 5’x10’
- 10’x10’
- 10’x15’
- 10’x20’
Most of the businesses you talk to about purchasing self-storage will give you an estimate of what size you will need based on the number of boxes you think you will have and other furniture. Remember, you can stack your things vertically as well, so you will get more room than you think with a storage unit in most cases.
6. Do I need insurance for the items I put in storage?
You don’t have to take out insurance for your stored belongings, but you probably should. You never know what might happen, and insurance for your things will likely be affordable. You may get free insurance depending on the storage facility, so be sure to ask. Even if the coverage isn’t free, you can probably get cheap insurance through the storage facility or through your personal insurer.
Use this helpful insurance guide for a storage unit to get questions you may have answered.
7. Does the storage unit need to be close to my house?
A lot of people want to find the right balance between affordability and convenience with self-storage. If you live in an expensive area, you might look at storage units further from where you live. But how far is too far?
You may not need to access your things until you are ready to move them out again. If this is the case, then it won’t be a big deal to use storage that is further away. But if you need to get to your things regularly, consider a closer option. You will be glad you did.
Other Storage Options Besides a Facility
Are there other options besides a storage facility nearby? YES! Working as a real estate agent for the past thirty-three years, I can tell you with certainty another popular choice is to rent from PODS. One of the most significant attractions for having a POD is that everything can remain in your yard. You won’t have to worry about traveling to a storage facility to get any of your belongings.
A POD is a self-contained storage unit that can remain right at your house or business. PODS come in seven-foot, twelve-foot, and sixteen-foot containers. Whether you are moving from a large home or a studio apartment, you can choose the appropriate size POD for your needs.
You’ll find some extremely helpful information on renting a moving container from PODS, including pricing, in this resource. Renting a POD is certainly an option worth exploring.
In the end, lots of folks may decide to just go with a traditional moving company vs using a moving container. Take a look at the comparison between a storage container and a moving company. Deciding between all of the various moving options is time-consuming but usually worth it.
Other Moving Resources Worth a Look
- Who to let you about an address change – see a list of people and businesses that should be notified about your move. It is vital that you receive all your important documents when they are mailed. Not changing your address properly could be a significant mistake.
- Tips for saving money when moving – get a ton of advice on how you can lower your moving costs. Put some money back in your pocket with these tips to save money with your move.
- How to move with pets – get some helpful guidance on how to make your move much smoother with a dog or a cat.
Final Thoughts on Self-Storage Nearby
Doing a comparison of local storage companies nearby and their pricing is a worthwhile exercise when moving. The cost of self-storage isn’t cheap so it makes sense to perform some due diligence. Ask friends and family for references on any storage facilities they have used in the past.
A local real estate agent might also be an excellent resource to speak with for suggestions as well.
About the author: The above Real Estate information on getting self-storage prices near me was provided by Bill Gassett, a Nationally recognized leader in his field. Bill can be reached via email at [email protected] or by phone at 508-625-0191. Bill has helped people move in and out of many Metrowest towns for the last 33+ years.
Are you thinking of selling your home? I have a passion for Real Estate and love to share my marketing expertise!
I service Real Estate Sales in the following Metrowest MA towns: Ashland, Bellingham, Douglas, Framingham, Franklin, Grafton, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hopedale, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Natick, Northborough, Northbridge, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Sutton, Wayland, Westborough, Whitinsville, Worcester, Upton, and Uxbridge MA.
