7 Things to Ask Before Renting a Storage Unit


7 Things to Ask Before Renting a Storage Unit

Every storage facility is different. Asking questions before you rent a unit is important! Is the facility really secure? Every storage facility will claim they have security lighting and video monitoring, but realize those are general terms. Ask for specifics, such as: Are the cameras recording 24/7? Is the facility well lit at night, so the cameras aren’t just capturing blackness? Are there more than just a few cameras? Does each building have cameras, including ones over the doors to record entry/exit behavior? Is the gate electronic access? Does each client have their own code? If so, are entry/exits automatically recorded? What days/hours can I access my unit? Is it 24/7 access? It’s your stuff, and you’re paying to store it. But, that doesn’t necessarily mean you can access it whenever you want. Crazy, right?! Do your do diligence and ask some questions about access: What are your gate hours? (Most facilities are not 24 hour access.) Can I come on the weekends? (Again, not all facilities allow you access on the weekend) Beware of the “Move-in Discount” It sounds great – “$1 for the 1st month!” But have you stopped to inquire about the 2nd month? Some facilities will raise rent significantly on the 3rd or 4th month, knowing you’ve already moved your items in. They’ve got you over a barrel, of sorts. Don’t be duped by a seemingly good savings, only to get gouged a couple months in. Ask a few things, whether a move-in discount is a factor or not: How often do you raise rates? How long is my rent guaranteed not to be increased? What additional fees do you charge? Nobody talks about it, but many facilities sneak in extra, hidden fees. When inquiring about rental prices, also ask if they charge: Reservation fee Booking/setup fee Processing fee Move-in fee Administrative fee Security deposit fee Cancellation fee Early move-out fee Cleaning fee Utility surcharges Am I locked into a contract, or do you allow month-to-month rentals? Before signing your contract, ensure you aren’t signing a year long lease that will charge a cancellation fee if you move out early. Month-to-month rentals are becoming increasingly the norm, but you want ...


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December 1st, 2025

Mobile Storage: 4 Signs You’re Getting Ripped Off


Mobile Storage: 4 Signs You’re Getting Ripped Off

Mobile storage is one of the most convenient, and often least expensive, storage options when you are moving and needing to store your items – whether short term or long term. Short term construction, remodeling or home sales can also benefit from the convenience of a portable storage unit. However, are you confident you’ve found a good company? Are you sure you’re not getting ripped off? What signs should you watch for when renting a mobile unit? 1. Varying or evasive prices – While monthly rental prices may vary by region, which day of the week you need a unit should not change the price. After all, you’re renting this unit for at least a month – there should be a standard rate for a monthly rental. When a storage facility is being evasive on your price, cannot give you a firm quote or has a constantly varying rate for the same storage unit, proceed with caution. How do you know that other fees, policies and rental rates aren’t going to change, particularly once you have your mobile unit delivered? 2. Extra, hidden fees – While paying a delivery & pickup fee for a portable unit is normal, watch for other fees. When comparing prices, don’t just look at the base, monthly rate. In addition to many non-mobile storage fees (booking, administrative, security deposit, etc.), some mobile storage companies charge a rush-delivery fee, a gravel/grass-drop delivery fee and more.Before a mobile unit is even delivered, make sure the pickup fee is in writing – some storage companies don’t give you a price until after it’s on your property. And by that point you are stuck paying whatever they demand. Anytime a company is not being upfront about additional costs, you should question using their services. Do you really want to rent a unit, and then be slapped with hidden fees? 3. Lack of flexibility – How much of an effort is the storage facility making to accommodate your needs? Mobile storage usually means you’ll need flexibility on delivery dates, ...


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December 1st, 2025

6 Ways to Research a Storage Facility Before Renting


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Wondering how you should choose a storage facility? What pitfalls should you avoid? It’s not as straight-forward as you might think, and there are hidden fees along the way. Don’t worry, we’ll walk you through the process using this checklist to do your research. Better Business Bureau (BBB) This agency provides information that is self-reported from local businesses, via a questionnaire they mail out each year. While this info is not confirmed by the BBB, they also offer Accreditation to local businesses. If a business is Accredited, you can be sure that the BBB has done a more in-depth analysis of the company, and continually updates their records. Businesses are rated on a scale of A+ to F. Things the BBB keeps tabs on include: Licensing Business practices Deceptive ads & marketing (if any) Government actions Bankruptcy Client issues & resolutions Angie’s List & SpareFoot Anytime you’re trying to research a company, Angie’s List is a good place to check out. Real people leave detailed reviews, often times spelling out the specific situation. If there is an issue, Angie’s List intervenes and helps with a resolution. If there is one site other than the BBB that holds a company accountable, Angie’s List would it! Checking out a company on SpareFoot.com is not a bad idea – this site specifically caters to the self storage industry. You’ll find listings for nearly every facility in the US with detailed data and a company overview. If you can’t find a facility listed there, don’t be alarmed – it just means the facility doesn’t have any units listed for rent on SpareFoot, which is usually as a result of low storage unit inventory. Online Reviews Google – the easiest way to find a storage facility’s Google reviews/ratings is to just do a quick Google search for their name followed by the city/state they are located in. Their local listing will be featured on the right with the Google star review, along with ratings pulled from other secondary website such as SpareFoot and Facebook.Facebook – Hop online and scoot around ...


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December 1st, 2025

Moving? 9 Places to Snag Free Boxes


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You’re only going to use them once, so what if you could find boxes for free? No, it won’t be a one-stop-shop for your packing and moving supplies. Be willing to invest a little time into gathering your boxes, and you’ll be ready to start packing soon enough! 1. Grocery stores – With recycling movements in full swing, you’ll have to be on top of this to actually get the boxes. Most grocery stores immediantly break down and press/bundle the boxes once a shipment is received and shelved. Ask your local grocery stores what day deliveries are and ask them to hold boxes. Be prompt afterwards when picking up the saved boxes so they don’t get recycled before you come. 2. ABC stores – Since the boxes are small, this won’t do for all your boxes but liquor stores generally have loooots of boxes and are happy for you to take a couple carloads! Downside: your friends might think you really drank all those boxes and boxes of alcohol. 3. Craigslist – Check the free section, housing or services – if they aren’t free, make a new listing stating your need. Many people are just happy for you to pickup their moving boxes and put them to get use! 4. Facebook groups – If you aren’t already a member, find your local yardsale or community groups. Search the group for boxes. No luck? Make a post and see who might be willing to pass along their boxes to your moving cause! 5. Barnes & Noble – New books are delivered each week – in boxes, surprise! Why not stop in and ask for some of those? They’re bound to be heavy-duty ones. 6. Panera Bread – Do you have any idea how much food is delivered every week packaged in various sized, sturdy boxes? If you don’t have a Panera in your town, any coffee shop or restaurant would also work. Stop in ahead of time and ask them to hold boxes. Perhaps find out when their next ...


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December 1st, 2025

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