When relocating, downsizing, or clearing out clutter, a storage unit might offer the additional room you require. To get the most out of your storage experience, this article will help you understand how much a storage unit costs.

Ensure your belongings are protected by purchasing an insurance plan from the facility. Also, consider storing your items in a location that’s easy to access during business hours.

Factors That Affect Storage Unit Prices

Storage units can be affordable if you need to store your belongings for a short period—perhaps while you are between homes or apartments or while you’re staging your house to sell. However, several factors can affect storage unit prices in San Francisco, including size, location, amenities, and security.

The first factor that influences storage unit costs is the space size you need. The price will increase with the amount of square footage you require. A 10-foot by 20-foot unit is typically the most popular size and can hold the belongings of a 2- to 3-bedroom home. Storage units in urban areas will usually be more expensive than those on the outskirts of town due to demand and limited availability.

Another factor influencing storage unit costs is whether you need a climate-controlled space. Depending on the type of items you’re storing, this can be a crucial feature to protect them from extreme temperatures. While some businesses charge extra for this kind of specialist storage, others might cover the cost when renting a regular storage unit.

Finally, many storage companies require their tenants to have a specific amount of insurance coverage for the contents of their storage units. This can be purchased through the company (and tacked onto your monthly costs), or you can buy a separate policy.

Unit Size

The cost of the storage unit you hire will be significantly influenced by its size. Smaller units are ideal for storing seasonal decorations or sports equipment long term, while larger sizes work well for storing items that won’t fit in your home during a remodel or move.

A 5-by-5-foot storage unit may easily hold a single piece of furniture, a chest of drawers, or a dozen cartons. It is comparable in size to a large walk-in closet. It’s also perfect for storing small appliances or a lawnmower.

On their websites, moving firms and storage facilities frequently offer applicable storage unit size instructions to assist clients in choosing the right kind of storage. Choosing the right unit size will ensure your belongings are safe, secure, and well-protected.

The cost can change depending on when you’re renting a storage space. For example, many people move between May and September, which drives demand for storage units. This can result in higher prices than at other times of the year.

It’s critical to assess your requirements and determine whether renting a storage unit at a different time of year could result in cost savings. Additionally, you may utilize an online tool to compare the monthly costs of standard your location’s and climate-controlled storage facilities. Click on your city to view the average price.

Amenities

Storage facilities can offer many different amenities and services, and these features can significantly impact prices. For example, some customers may be willing to pay a premium for climate control. This is especially true if they store items such as clothing, furniture, and electronics that humidity could damage.

Another amenity that some customers value is vehicle storage. This allows them to free up space on their driveway or in their garage by storing their cars, boats, or RVs at the facility. Storage facilities with this service often charge a higher rent than those without.

Some facilities also provide electricity in their units. This is a feature that some customers value, especially if they are planning on using their storage unit for activities such as working on a craft project, restoring furniture, or other tasks that require lighting and power.

Storage facilities can also offer cleaning, maintenance, and storage. Some facilities provide these services to their customers, while others offer them as add-on options. This is an excellent way for owners to increase revenue and differentiate themselves from competitors. Download the complimentary Top 9 Self Storage Amenities list to see what your customers want in their ideal storage unit and which amenities they are willing to pay extra.

Security

The security of storage units is an essential consideration for customers and business owners alike. While some facilities are more prone to break-ins than others, it is up to the customer and the facility to ensure their belongings remain safe.

Luckily, several simple steps can be taken to secure storage units and deter robbery. For example, a common strategy is to use chicken wire as a barrier around the storage unit, making it more difficult for robbers to steal items. Taking this easy precaution can drastically lower the likelihood of a break-in and safeguard assets from “cash and grab theft,” which occurs when robbers first search for the most prominent item.

Another way to improve security at a storage facility is to install perimeter alarms designed to detect climb-over and cut-through activity along fences or walls. This can be an incredibly effective measure for preventing a break-in during the day when most thieves are active.

In addition to these simple measures, keeping track of everything stored in storage is also a good idea. This will help the owner remember what they have and protect their belongings. This record can also be helpful in the event of a break-in, as it will provide proof of ownership that will help authorities to trace stolen items.