15 Commonly-Asked Self-Storage Questions (and Answers)

Self-storage is a great solution for anyone looking to free up space. However, even the best solutions have questions surrounding them — especially for newcomers. If you’re considering self-storage and you have a few questions about what it is, how it works, and more, we have your answers. Here are 15 of the most commonly asked self-storage questions, with answers from our experts here at Stor-It.

What is self-storage?

For those that don’t know, self-storage is a way to store your possessions away from your own property. Self-storage units (or parking spaces) are like apartments for your stuff. You pay, they stay. Self-storage providers also often offer onsite packing supplies or moving assistance, plus a host of additional amenities.

What are the different types of self-storage?

Since those searching for self-storage often have different storage needs, there are also several different types of self-storage designed to accommodate those unique needs. The most common type of self-storage is the traditional self-storage unit, which has four walls, a roof, and a door. Traditional storage units come in a wide range of sizes. They can also be located indoors (including climate-controlled units) or situated on a driveway with large roll-up doors, also called drive-up units. Other types of self-storage include uncovered parking and covered parking. Uncovered parking spaces are simply parking spaces located within a storage facility. Covered parking spaces have a roof similar to a carport.

What is climate-controlled self-storage?

Certain storage units are climate-controlled, which means they are located indoors and regulated for precise temperature and humidity. Though more expensive than traditional self-storage units, climate-controlled units are often necessary for items that are sensitive to fluctuations in temperature or humidity — especially if those items are being stored in areas with rather extreme weather.

What is drive-up self-storage?

Drive-up self-storage refers to any self-storage unit that can be driven up to with a car or truck. Drive-up units are great for those who want to minimize time at a self-storage facility. They’re also an excellent choice for large items that are difficult to move or may not fit into storage hallways. To accommodate these items, most drive-up self-storage units have large roll-up doors.

What are the different storage unit sizes?

Traditional self-storage units come in a wide range of sizes to meet storage needs large and small. At most storage facilities, the least expensive (and spacious) storage units start at 5’ x 5’. The largest (and most expensive) units are 10’ x 30’ or larger. In between these two sizes, other commonly-found storage unit sizes include 5’ x 10’, 10’ x 10’, 10’ x 15’, and 10’ x 20’. Uncovered and covered parking spaces are typically the size of a standard parking space (10’ x 20’), though there are spaces reserved for RVs and other large vehicles that are bigger.

What are the benefits of self-storage?

There are several benefits of self-storage for both commercial and private clients. One of the biggest benefits is freed-up space. A storage unit can free up a considerable amount of space at your home or business. It can also allow you to hang on to items you may have otherwise had to donate or even throw away. A storage unit is also an excellent cost-saving solution. Rather than investing in a larger property or resorting to getting rid of items, you can rent a storage unit. Storage units are great for those with collections, large amounts of seasonal items, office supplies, excess inventory, or those in the midst of a move.

What are other amenities available at today’s top storage facilities?

Besides storage itself, today’s top storage units offer a host of amenities for their clients. Here at Stor-It, we are proud to offer FREE locks with every new unit reservation, flexible month-to-month leases, 24/7 access, and on-site office managers ready to help you with your storage-related needs. We also proudly offer packing and moving supplies for sale at each of our storage facilities. Just how many storage facilities do we have? Currently, we own and operate 16 storage facilities across Southern Idaho — helping to ensure convenience for our clients, no matter where you’re located.

What type of documentation do I need to provide to rent a storage space?

In order to rent a storage space here at Stor-It, the only form of documentation you need to provide is a form of government-issued identification. A passport or driver’s license will suffice.

How do I pay for self-storage?

At Stor-It, we make paying for your storage unit as easy as possible. With us, you can make your payment in person, over the phone, or through our online payment portal. We also give you the option to have your monthly payment deducted from your credit card or debit card. We accept checks, cash, money orders, VISA or MasterCard. To fit the ever-changing needs of our clients, we proudly offer flexible month-to-month leasing with no long-term contracts.

Can I get storage unit insurance?

Storage unit insurance is a fantastic way to financially insure the items in your storage unit against unforeseen accidents such as storms, break-ins, infrastructure failures, or other emergencies. You can purchase storage insurance directly from our team here at Stor-It. We offer affordable and comprehensive plans through MiniCo Tenant Insurance. Contact us or visit one of our locations to ask a Stor-It manager for details. You can also buy self-storage insurance through another insurance provider. Often, self-storage insurance is included as a part of renter’s insurance.

Can I schedule a tour of a storage facility and unit before booking?

Most self-storage providers allow you to schedule a tour of their storage unit facilities during regular business hours. Here at Stor-It, you can schedule a tour at any one of our facilities between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. from Monday through Saturday.

How often can I access my storage unit?

While different storage facilities offer different access hours, our facilities here at Stor-It are accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

How quickly can I move in to my storage unit?

Once you have reserved your storage unit here at Stor-It, you can move in as early or as late as you’d like.

Do I need to give notice before moving out?

Here at Stor-It, we require all of our tenants to give a 5-day written notice before moving out of our storage facilities. We will provide all information on how to give out team notice during the time of signing.

Are there items that cannot be placed in self-storage?

Several items should never be placed in a self-storage unit. These include liquids, explosives, flammable materials, and other hazardous goods. Perishables should not be stored in self-storage, as they will eventually perish — even in climate-controlled units.

Learn More and Reserve Your Storage Unit Here at Stor-It?

Need answers to more commonly-asked storage unit questions? At Stor-It, we have you covered. Visit our Storage FAQs page or our Blog for a wide range of storage resources from our expert team. You can also contact us directly to have your questioned answered — and book with us over the phone. Prefer to book online? Use our Locations page to find the right storage space at the facility of your choice, and make your reservation in just a few clicks. For Idaho’s finest self-storage, choose Idaho’s oldest and largest self-storage providers, choose our team here at Stor-It today!