Special Considerations When Renting a Self Storage Unit

When renting at self storage facilities, there are many events and issues that tend to slip our minds during the agreement phase. You may be considering sharing the space with others, or want to use the unit for things besides storage. Pest control is also an often overlooked matter of security you should be aware of.

Tip: To help avoid any loss or theft of your stored items you should use a dependable padlock such as disc lock, which is the most tamper resistant lock on the market.More ››

Sharing Your Self Storage Unit

If you are considering sharing your storage space with another person, you should review your rental agreement’s terms and conditions to make sure that your self storage facility allows unit sharing. You may need to share access codes and keys with others, and some higher security facilities will require their names and information to be on record to prevent unwanted access.

If your rental agreement does not include a clause about storage sharing, you should still take steps to protect yourself. Create a written agreement with all others sharing your unit and outline the rules for access to the contents of your storage unit. Make sure you know who has keys and codes, how to handle moving of stored items, and how payment is divided.

Pest Control at Your Storage Facility

Insect and animal damage is one of the most overlooked yet most prevalent types of damage to your stored goods. Spiders are a common pest, and while they don’t pose much of a threat to your belongings, they can hide in items and be a poisonous danger when unloading. Ants can be a nuisance if they set up a colony in your boxes and then get transported to your home.

Cockroaches pose the most danger to your stored belongings as they love to eat the glue that holds together boxes and book bindings. This is why it’s common to see cockroaches in warehouses and other places where glue is used to seal paper goods together. Cockroaches can not only damage stored items, but can also be transported into your home once you bring boxes out of storage.

When deciding on a self storage facility, ask about their methods of pest control. If you notice too many insects around the facility, you may want to choose another location. If they use chemical sprays or gasses make sure that it’s not done directly in the storage units if you are worried about the potential damage to fragile items. If that is the case, consider additional protections on linens and documents.

Proper Use of Your Self Storage Unit

Most self storage facilities have strict rules about what purposes their units can be used for. It’s rare to find a facility that will allow for storage spaces to be used as practice areas for bands or workspace for artists. If you are looking for performance or craft space, you will need to ask up front if this is allowed before signing your rental agreement.

Find the Perfect Self Storage Facility

USSelfStorageLocator.com can help you find the self storage facility that suits your location and usage needs. With the ability to search nationwide, there’s certain to be a self storage facility that fits your budget, amenity requirements, and geographical location. Start your search for the right self storage facility today!