10 Questions To Ask Before Renting A Storage Unit

By Jessi Stickel on February 1, 2016

As a college student, you may need to rent a storage unit sometime throughout your college career. College students that are going to school out of their home state will be more likely to use storage so they will not have to ship or take back all of their belongings over the summer.

Since this is something that is new to young college students, you need to be very cautious and know what you are getting into, before you purchase a storage unit.

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Here are 10 great questions to ask before you rent your first storage unit.

1. What size unit do I need?

This question is important because you do not want to be spending more than you need too. Of course, a larger unit will be more expensive than the smallest storage unit, which is why you should ask to see the different sized units and make sure you will have enough space for all of the belongings you want to store, without having tons of extra space as well.

It is also a good idea to take a good look and even pictures of your storage items to be sure you are getting the correct size unit.

2. What type of storage is best for me?

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There are several different types of storage: drive-up storage, indoor storage, and outdoor storage. Drive-up storage units are best for when you are storing big and heavier items, like furniture.

Indoor storage would work for boxes and other items like that. Outdoor storage is a lot to keep a vehicle on, which most college students would not need.

It is important to think of convenience when picking between drive-up and indoor storage, depending on what types of items you want to store.

3. Is it climate-controlled?

Depending on where your storage unit is located and on what you want to store, a climate controlled unit may be essential. Excessive heat, cold and moisture can ruin items like wood furniture, so it is important to know if you need this extra service and if it is offered at the storage location you have chosen.

4. Do I need a lock?

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5. Is there extra security?

If you are wanting to store expensive or valuable items in a storage unit, you may feel more comfortable putting your items in a storage facility that offers extra security. This may include an extra gate with locks, security camera surveillance, or even security guards for the premises.

6. Is there pest control?

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It is important to know if the storage facility provides pest control for the units as well. If you are storing things like clothes, this can be an especially important factor to ask about.

7. How clean is it?

Another aspect to be informed about prior to purchasing a storage unit is the cleanliness. This is something you should check out when you go to view the empty units. You should also ask if the units are cleaned before you will have access.

This could make your decision of what facility to store with, or may make you aware to bring cleaning supplies (like a broom) with you when you move your items in.

8. Do I need to provide insurance for the unit?

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This is another cost to factor into your college student budget when renting a storage unit. Not all storage facilities require the purchase of insurance on a unit, but many recommend it. Purchasing insurance on the unit will be beneficial if something were to happen to your items. The unit insurance will normally be added to your rent every month, for example an extra $10-$50.

9. Are boxes and/or moving trucks provided with purchase?

Storage boxes are something that is not typically included in the cost of a storage unit depending on what facility you store with. This may be important to you if you are in a rush to get your things to storage and are on a budget. Getting this information will allow you to make arrangements for boxes and other packing supplies, along with the knowledge of how much you will need to spend. Most storage facilities offer packing supplies for purchase, which is also great to keep in mind.

10. Is there and how long is the lease?

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The majority of storage facilities rent their storage units month-to-month. Most storage facilities require the renter to sign a lease as well. Some facilities are flexible with leases and others are not, so knowing how long you need the unit and the length of the lease is important.

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