Choosing Self Storage: What to Consider

Monthly self storage fees are not always very high, but consumers who rent a storage box may keep it for a number of years, eventually spending a good deal of money. So like any other major purchase, it pays off to do some due diligence prior to committing yourself to a particular self-storage package. And while this may seem like a daunting task to begin with, there are a number of different things you can consider in order to make your final decision a little bit easier.

First, you will need to scale the amount of space which you purchase dependent upon the actual dimensions of the material which you are storing. While by no means a precise figure, on average and approximately speaking, a self storage unit of ten feet by ten feet will comfortably house the contents of a typical two bedroom home. If in doubt, ask the storage space provider, as to relative dimensions on offer in order to determine whether you are purchasing too much or too little space.

Self-storage is a fairly inexpensive service, so you may want to make the trade off between paying a little extra in exchange for peace of mind. With that mind, it is advisable that you rent out more space rather than less. The last thing you want after clearing out your home or your office is to spend the better part of a day trying to squeeze everything into a space that's just a bit too small. With the extra space, you can simply shove the boxes in without having to contend with the additonal pressure of ensuring that they are neatly stacked.

Another important factor to consider very carefully is the length of time for which you will require the storage space. This will have a direct impact on the sort of contract you enter into. If you require the storage space for a relatively short period of time then issues such as payment schedules, contract terms and penalty clauses will not matter quite as much as they would in the long term. If you require the storage space for a prolonged period of time, then exercising due diligence and comparing the different monthly rates levied by different storage space providers is vital in order for you to maximize your savings. An extra $10 or so per month may not seem like much, but over the course of a year, this figure can quickly add up! Therefore, it really does pay off to shop around.