Question 1

How much do storage units cost on average?

Accepted Answer

The average cost of renting a storage unit can fall in a range between $20 and $450 per month. The variance in price depends on a variety of factors, such as size, the value of the items being stored, and whether it is temperature controlled.

Question 2

Can you live in a storage unit?

Accepted Answer

No. Living in a storage unit violates the rules of most storage unit rental companies, and most local and federal housing laws require that the owners of a storage facility evict anyone found living in one of the units.

Question 3

How can you figure out what size storage unit you need?

Accepted Answer

To select a storage unit big enough to fit your belongings but not so large that you'll be paying for unfilled space, put the possessions you intend to store in one place, calculate the approximate volume by measuring the height, length, and width of the load and multiplying them together.

Question 4

How do you know if you need a storage unit?

Accepted Answer

If you have more possessions than you have space to store them in your home, you may need a storage unit. It's a practical, cost-effective option to put things that you don't use often or are not appropriate for the current season in another location.

Question 5

Does homeowners insurance cover a storage unit?

Accepted Answer

Most homeowners insurance policies don't cover storage units automatically. If your homeowners policy has coverage for "off-premises personal property," items in a storage unit are usually included.

Question 6

How do you store clothing in a storage unit?

Accepted Answer

An important consideration when storing clothing in a storage unit is making sure it stays dry. When storage facilities are not climate-controlled, you'll want to use a vacuum-sealed bag or a wardrobe box to protect your clothes against moisture and insects.

Question 7

How do you know if you need a climate-controlled storage unit?

Accepted Answer

Climate-controlled storage units keep possessions in a precise temperature and moisture range. They are very useful when you need to keep certain valuable possessions — such as paintings, musical instruments, and clothing — from being damaged by extreme temperatures or humidity.

Question 8

Who is responsible for a storage unit if it gets burglarized?

Accepted Answer

Under most laws, the owner of a storage facility has to provide a "reasonable" expectation of security for your possessions. This usually means a lock on your unit and a fence around the property. If this standard is met, you're liable for any lost or damaged possessions.

Question 9

Can you use storage units as a workshop?

Accepted Answer

If the agreement you sign with the business that rents you the storage unit doesn't specifically say it's not permitted, you can use a storage unit as your workshop. In fact, some rental companies use this as a selling point, but others specifically outlaw it.

Question 10

Do storage units have electricity?

Accepted Answer

While you'll usually find lighting and electrical heating and cooling systems in the facility where you can rent a storage unit, they aren't usually wired with outlets in the units. However, some higher-end facilities do offer electrical access as a premium amenity.

Question 11

What happens if you leave things in a storage unit?

Accepted Answer

If you stop paying for a rented unit without removing your possessions, the owner of the unit has the authority to remove them after a few unpaid bills. Usually, the items are sold at a public auction to cover the lost rent for the unit.

Question 12

Do storage unit companies report to credit?

Accepted Answer

In many jurisdictions, the storage unit company has to go to court to get authorization to access your unit when you haven't paid on it. In this case, it will be reported to credit agencies.

Question 13

How to store a mattress in a storage unit so it doesn’t get damaged?

Accepted Answer

To prevent damage to your mattress while it's in storage, the first thing you'll need to do is make sure it's completely clean. Use a gentle upholstery cleaner to remove dirt and oils. When it's dry, seal the mattress inside an airtight, plastic mattress bag before you put it into the storage unit.

Question 14

How do you prevent mold in a storage unit?

Accepted Answer

If the unit in question isn't climate-controlled, mold is definitely a concern, especially if it's an outdoor unit. To prevent mold, your possessions should be lifted off the ground on pallets or furniture and should be sealed in protective plastic.

Question 15

Can you store a car in a storage unit?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can put your car in storage. In fact, many people seek storage units for the sole purpose of storing a car that they aren't currently driving or that they've purchased as a collector's item. For this reason, there are specialized units designed just for cars.

Question 16

Can you play drums in a storage unit?

Accepted Answer

Most storage rental agreements don't specially prohibit the playing of musical instruments, so playing drums is usually permissible. There are certain aspects of most storage units, such as lack of space, uncontrollable climate, and bad acoustics, that decrease the practicality of practicing in a storage unit.

Question 17

What should you not put in a storage unit?

Accepted Answer

You should not put anything hazardous or combustible in a storage unit, such as fuels, chemicals, or explosives. If you store items like these, it's likely that you'll be in violation of the rental agreement you signed with the owner of the storage facility.

Question 18

Can you ship things to a storage unit?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the storage unit in question. Some policies allow the company that rented you your unit to accept deliveries without your presence, but others do not. If you're planning on shipping items to your unit, you should check with the facility first.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

How much do storage units cost on average?

Can you live in a storage unit?

How can you figure out what size storage unit you need?

How do you know if you need a storage unit?

Does homeowners insurance cover a storage unit?

How do you store clothing in a storage unit?