Storage Unit Sizes and Pricing To Fit All Budgets
Are you interested in storing your possessions? You may benefit from a storage unit. Read more to find out everything you need to know about storage units.
If you do not have enough space in your current home, are between houses, or planning to travel for some time, you may benefit from placing some or all your items in storage. The beauty of storage units is that you can stow away your possessions in a safe and secure space. If you are interested in self-storage or storage units, follow along below to learn types of storage units, storage unit sizes, prices of storage units, typical available discounts or promotions, and the most popular storage unit providers across the United States. 
What Is a Storage Unit?
Storage units are small, designated spaces where you can store your possessions. They are typically located inside large facilities or as sheds on an outdoor lot. A provider will rent you a storage space for a reasonable fee, typically charged monthly or annually. It is also important to find the right storage unit for your specific needs. You need to have the right type of environment and the correct sized space for your items.
Types of Storage Units
There are many different types of storage units. In most cases, a facility may specialize in one or two of the types. Accordingly, you may narrow down your search considerably by looking only for the specific kind of storage unit you need.
Short Term and Long-Term Storage Units
You may need a storage unit for a few days between moving dates, or you may need a storage unit for months or years. In most cases, a facility will have both short term and long-term rentals available. If you do not know how long you will need your storage space for, you may wish to investigate services that do not lock you in in a specified amount of time.
Indoor and Outdoor Storage Spaces
If you wish to store a vehicle, motorbike, boat, bicycles, or construction or farm equipment, you may benefit from an outdoor storage space. With these units, you can simply drive off the lot and return it to storage. You may also opt for ventilation or heat features when choosing an outdoor shed-like or garage-like storage unit. Moreover, most outdoor lots will have surveillance cameras, fences and locks surrounding the perimeter, as well as locks and potential alarms on your unit.
On the other hand, if you would like to store other types of possessions or belongings, you may appreciate indoor storage. These storage units are in a storage building. You may take advantage of extra features such as climate and temperature control, and ventilation if you are packing away sensitive possessions such as art, antiques, or books. One of the main benefits of an indoor storage facility is that you have an extra layer of protection against theft or vandalism. Typically, there will be security cameras around the property and the building, a fence and locked perimeter, a locked and alarmed building, and locks and alarms on your unit.
Sizes of Storage Units
Along with the different types of storage units, you also have your pick of storage unit sizes. In general, it is wise to pack all the items you wish to store in boxes and place them alongside any awkward-sized items such as appliances, equipment, and furniture. In this way, you can measure or get a proper visual of how much space your items will take up. You can compare it to the sizes of storage units available at your intended facility.
In most cases, a storage unit has a standard height of 8 feet, yet they have different lengths and widths:
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5” x 5”: The size of a small closet
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5” x 10”: The size of a small walk-in closet
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5” x 15”: The size of a large walk-in closet
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10” x 10”: Half the size of a one-car garage, may be best for studio apartment storage
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10” x 15”: Slightly smaller than a one-car garage, may be best for 1 bedroom apartment storage
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10” x 20”: The size of a one-car garage, may be best for a 3-bedroom house
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10” x 25”: Slightly larger than a one-car garage
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10” x 30”: The size of a one-car and a half garage, may be best for a 4-bedroom house
Costs of Storage Units
The cost of your storage unit depends on many factors including: your location, the type of storage unit, the size of storage unit, and any extra features you may require for keeping your items safe and in pristine condition. Most storage units start at 90$ a month for the smallest sizes, whereas the largest sizes can cost upwards of $290 a month. If you opt for climate or temperature control, you may add on an extra 20% to the price of your unit.
If you want to make sure your items are fully protected, you may also wish to tack on storage insurance with your home insurance provider. It may only be a small fee, but it can save you a substantial amount of grief down the line if anything happens.
Storage Unit Promotions
When you are researching your intended storage unit provider, you may wish to watch out for first-time customer promotions. Many companies offer:
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The first or last month free of charge when you lock in for a specific amount of time
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Discounted rates when you add on special features like climate control or extra security
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Discounted rates for students or military
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Discounted move-in supplies such as boxes and tape
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Free move-in transportation vehicles and equipment
Popular Storage Unit Companies
In the United States, there are many popular companies that operate nationally. You may wish to take advantage of their high-rated services and any special promotions they may offer:
UHaul
UHaul is one of the most well-known moving and storage companies in the United States. They offer indoor and outdoor storage, climate-controlled storage, wine storage, and RV, boat, and vehicle storage, in a wide range of sizes.
PODS
PODS is an excellent option if you would like a storage container on your property or on-site, brought to a local PODS storage center, or if you want to move to a new location.
Public Storage
Public Storage is one of the largest storage companies in North America. They also have many locations in most major cities. Consider self-storage, business storage, vehicle and RV storage, boat storage, or climate-controlled storage.
Life Storage
Life Storage is available in 35 of the 52 states, yet they are rapidly expanding. They have interior, exterior, commercial, vehicle, and wine storage available. They also have an A + BBB, a great indication of their customer service and storage services.
