Self-storage companies have become as common across the United States as strip malls, and the demand for self-storage is not likely to fall any time soon.

As the global economy tightens, many people find themselves moving to smaller homes with smaller mortgages, or from homes to apartments. While doing so may relieve the stress on their budgets, it does create the problem of what to do with all the possessions for which there is no room in the new home. Renting a self-storage unit is the answer. Many businesses are also downsizing because of the slowing economy; they are moving to smaller offices, which don’t have the room for all their inventory and records.

Home businesses are increasing as people look for ways to supplement their incomes, and those business owners may need somewhere to store inventory as they wait for orders to come in. Workers laid off in one area of the country may need to pull up stakes in a hurry if offered employment somewhere else, and need someplace to store their stuff until they’re ready to have it shipped.

For all these situations, and dozens more, renting a self-storage unit is the answer.

Asking the Right Questions

If your life is reached the point where you have more stuff than room to put in, renting a self storage unit could be the answer for you as well. But before you commit to signing a self-storage contract, you should do a little homework. Do not do anything until you have the answer to these questions:

• What security measures are in place at each of the self-storage facilities you are considering? Closed-circuit cameras, gate codes, intercoms, interior access codes, on-site guards, adequate lighting, and intruder-proof fencing are all security alternatives. The more of them that are in place at your self-storage facility, the safer your belongings will be.
• Does the self-storage facility have climate-controlled storage units? If you are storing fragile documents, oil paintings, wooden antiques, suede or fur garments, or anything which will suffer from extremes of temperature and humidity, you need a climate-controlled unit.
• If the first unit you rent proves to be too small for all your belongings, will there be a larger one available on-site so that you can move easily?
• Will you be able to get into your storage unit at any hour of the day or night?
• Are there adequate fire-prevention and pest prevention measures in place at the facility?
• If you are renting a self-storage unit to store business inventory, will the facility accept deliveries for you ?
• How much liability coverage does the facility have if your belongings get damaged because of their oversight?

You can expect, of course, to pay a higher rental fee at a self-storage facility with top-of- the-line security measures and 24/7 access.

Beginning Your Search

When you have your list of questions in hand, it’s time to start looking for self-storage facilities in your area. A simple way to do this is to go online and search by zip code at a site like USA Storage Search or eMove.

Choose three or four different self-storage facilities to visit, talk to their managements, and get answers to your questions. Ask to look over the premises. If the units appear clean and in good repair, with no signs of water or pest damage, and you’re satisfied with the security, ask for a quote.

The manager should be experienced enough to know what size unit you’ll need when you tell him or her how much you have to store.

Making Your Choice

When you’ve narrowed your list down to two or three facilities, it’s time for your final decision. Deciding to store your belongings with the national self-storage company will give you the benefit of experienced management backed by resources which allow that company to become nationally established.

Some of the top national self-storage companies include Public Storage, UStoreIt, and Uhaul. Each of these companies offers clean, secure storage units in sizes to meet every budget and storage need.

Look For a Deal

One of these companies may make your decision easier by offering you some kind of deal for signing a contract. You may get a free month's rent, or a discounted rate if you agree to a longer contract. Some self-storage companies are known for offering deals to first-time customers. They include Public Storage and UStoreit (if you rent your unit online).


Combine Your Truck and Self-Storage Rentals

One advantage you’ll get by renting your storage space from U-Haul is that you can also rent your moving truck from them as well. Finding a company which provides both moving trucks and self-storage can save you a great deal of time. Renting a truck from your self-storage facility will also ensure that the truck you’re using will actually be able to access your self-storage unit.


The Contract Says It All

Finally, study any self-storage contract before you sign it. Make sure it contains no hidden fees; that you fully understand the limits of the self-storage company’s liability; and that you know exactly when you will be able to access your belongings. If the company is not liable for damage to your possessions, make sure to purchase a replacement-value insurance policy before you store them.

Renting a self-storage unit could be the perfect answer to simplifying your life. That will only be true, however, if you do the research you need beforehand to make sure that the self-storage company you trust with your belongings has your best interests at heart.

For more tips and to find self-storage companies in major metropolitan areas, you can visit Houston Storage, Los Angeles Storage, Baltimore Storage, Atlanta Storage, or San Diego Storage.

This guide can also be found at business.com.