How Does Self Storage Work?

Looking for a place to store your stuff? Then a self-storage unit might be right up your alley. But if you’re new to the wonderful world of self storage, you probably have some questions. For example, how do storage units work? And what do you need to rent a storage unit? 
 
The good news is that renting a storage unit is actually quite easy. The process boils down to determining how much space you need and choosing the ideal unit to accommodate your belongings. What’s more, when you reserve a rental unit with a trustworthy brand like Stor-It, you can turn to our friendly and helpful staff for additional guidance and advice. 
 
To prove just how easy and convenient it is to find a short- or long-term home for your belongings, we’ve created the following guide. It covers everything you need to know about renting storage units, so you can follow along and learn what to expect when it’s time to find a self-storage unit of your own. 
 

What Is Self Storage?

Before outlining the steps for renting a unit, let’s step back a minute. What exactly is self storage? 
 
Self storage refers to the storage units you can rent at your local storage facility. These rental units provide compartments where you store the items that you don’t have space for at your home, apartment, or place of business. 
 
Some people rent self-storage units to hold excess office supplies, seasonal items, recreational gear, collectibles, antiques, and even cars, motorcycles, boats, and RVs. The beauty of renting a storage unit is that they come in all different sizes, so you’re sure to find one that accommodates all your storage needs. 
 
So, how do storage units work? It’s easy! Basically, you choose a local storage facility near you, select your ideal unit, agree to the rental terms, and then pay a monthly fee for your unit. You’re responsible for moving your items into your unit, and you can access your belongings when you need them.
 
With a better understanding of self storage, let’s find out how you can rent a unit for yourself. 
 
Step 1: Do Your Research

If you’re considering renting a storage unit, it’s a good idea to do some research about the storage facilities in your area. Of course, you’ll want to go with a reputable company that offers all the services you need. For example, maybe you’re looking for a storage facility that offers specific amenities like outdoor parking spaces or climate-controlled units, or perhaps you want a storage unit that you can access 24/7. Some storage facilities (like Stor-It) even offer their tenants free storage unit locks! 
 
Location will be an important factor to consider. If you’re storing excess inventory, you might want a storage unit near your business, but if you’re storing your daughter’s college furniture, you’ll probably want a storage unit closer to her university. And if you’re searching for a self-storage unit in the Treasure Valley, Stor-It features more than 15 locations from Boise to McCall. 
 
Other considerations include:

• Price of the storage unit.
• Reviews of the storage facility. 
• Security features, such as night lights, video surveillance, and security gates.

 
Step 2: Assess Your Belongings
The next step in renting storage units involves taking inventory of your belongings. We recommend having a clear idea of the items you’re looking to store in your unit, so you have an easier time determining the best storage unit for your needs. 
 
For instance, if you’re only storing a few boxes of holiday decorations and overflow clothing, a compact, closet-sized storage unit would be a great place to start. But if you need a storage unit big enough to hold your entire home’s worth of belongings during a big renovation, then you’re definitely going to need to size up. Furthermore, consider whether you’d like to get a more spacious unit that you can fill up with your belongings over time. 
 
You should also take into account what exactly you’re storing. If you’re holding on to some items that are sensitive to an influx of temperatures or humidity levels, consider renting a climate-controlled unit. These special units are designed to sustain a stable temperature range and humidity level at all times to prevent exposure to extreme conditions. Artwork, antiques, photographs, electronics, and instruments are just a few examples of items that do best in a climate-controlled environment.
 
Step 3: Determine What Size Unit You Need
Now that you have a better idea of what you need to store, you can begin looking at specific storage unit dimensions and features. At a storage facility like Stor-It, some of the smallest units start at 5×5 feet, while some of the most spacious ones are 10×30 and larger! For reference, a 10×30 storage unit offers 300 square feet of space, which can accommodate items from a five- to seven-bedroom home. 
 
We understand that it can be tricky to visualize just how much space each of these storage units offers, so there are several ways you can determine the best one for you. For starters, check out our size guide or use our storage space estimator to get a feel for what size best suits your needs. But if you’d rather speak with a professional, the staff at storage facilities are eager to help you find the ideal unit for you and your belongings. 
 
Step 4: Rent Your Unit
So, how does renting a storage unit work? Well, once you’ve settled on your storage facility and determined the kind of storage unit you need, you’re ready to sign on the dotted line and secure your unit. 
 
Call or visit your preferred storage facility to make sure that they have a storage unit available for you. If there’s space, you can proceed to the rental process. 
 
Depending on the specific storage company, you might be able to fill out a rental agreement online, or you may need to do so in person (some facilities may require an appointment). Your rental agreement will outline the rules, regulations, and expectations. It’s important to review all the terms of the agreement, as it will likely cover rental responsibilities, cancellation policies, non-payment terms, and the length of your lease. 
 
Additionally, make sure you understand how and when to pay your monthly bill. Usually, you can pay over the phone, online, by mail, or online, and some facilities may even offer automatic payments. 
 
As part of your rental agreement, you may also be required to purchase renter’s insurance, as most storage facilities don’t offer it. Rental insurance provides financial coverage for the items in your rental unit should an incident occur. 
 
What do you need to rent a storage unit? In most cases, all you need is a valid, government-issued form of identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, state ID, or military ID. But if you’re renting in person, call ahead to make sure there’s nothing else you need to bring along. 
 
Step 5: Inspect Your Unit
Once you’ve signed your rental agreement, you’ll receive the keys to your self-storage unit. At this time, we suggest inspecting your storage space to ensure it’s in good condition. Take a look around, and make sure there aren’t any signs of moisture or evidence of pests, such as droppings or holes in the walls. If anything seems off, alert the storage staff and request a different unit. If everything looks up to par, you’re all set to move in. 
 
Step 6: Move in 
With your keys in hand, you can begin moving your items into your very own self-storage unit. 
 
If you’re new to packing up a storage unit, we suggest placing the items you don’t foresee yourself needing any time soon in the back of the unit, like your childhood artwork and collection of baseball trophies. From here, you can begin placing the belongings you’ll need more frequently closer to the front of your unit, such as the camping gear you use every weekend or the lawn equipment you use on a monthly basis. Organizing your rental unit like this will make it easier for you to find specific items when you need them. 
 
Turn to Stor-It for Your Self-Storage Needs
When you’re in the market for self storage, you deserve the best of the best. And that’s where Stor-It comes into play. We’re the oldest and largest storage facility in all of Idaho, which means we’ve got years of experience and expertise under our belts. 
If you’re looking for Idaho self storage, look no further than our 15+ storage locations all around the Treasure Valley. Whether you’re looking for a short-term rental for your big move or a long-term unit for all your recreational gear, we have you covered. Contact us today to find out more!