Storage 101: The Ultimate Guide to Self-Storage (2023)

FIND STORAGE NEAR YOU

There are a few things to consider when renting a storage space for the first time. Which storage room size is best for you? Do you need air conditioning? Luckily, the experts at Extra Space Storage make it easy for you to find the right storage solution. Use this guide to learn the basics of self-storage, and feel free to contact our friendly, knowledgeable team anytime you need help.

Find warehouses near you

Storage 101: The Ultimate Guide to Self-Storage (1)

COMMON REASONS TO RENT A STORAGE UNIT

To move

Safekeeping of possessions duringMoving to a new home, transitioning between leases, living in temporary accommodation, and moving across the country are some of the most common reasons for renting self-storage.

life transitions

Whether it's a divorce, downsizing for retirement, caring for a family member's estate, or working during a natural disaster, self-storage can alleviate the stress when it suddenly strikes.Life changesto emerge.

clear

The best way to avoid moving to a larger apartment or office at the same timeKeep your space clutter-freeThis involves transporting items that you want to keep, but don't really need right now, to a warehouse.

living in an apartment

The use of self-storage is quite possiblelive in an apartmentEasier. Especially if you live in a studio or one-bedroom apartment that doesn't have much storage space, renting a storage unit can help you get more space.

storage of a vehicle

Cars, motorcycles, RVs, boats, trailers, commercial vehicles and more can be safely stored in onevehicle storage unit.

home renovations

The conversion of an apartment or an office can take several weeks or months and may require a corresponding amount of effortmove furniture and equipmentout of the way. Temporarily moving these items to a storage unit is a practical solution.

corporate storage

Small and medium-sized businesses and contractors often usecommercial storage unitsfor extra space where you can store inventory, materials, files, equipment or company vehicles.

college memory

Freeing up space in a dorm room, coming home for the summer, or studying abroad for a few months are all reasons to do soCollege students rent storage spacenear their university campuses.

military life

Active military personnel and military families typically relocate and move to different bases every few years. Because these changes can be drastic,military campIt can be an incredible help when moving.

What to look for in a storage facility

Security

When you store your belongings in a self-storage facility, you can have confidence that your belongings will be kept safe there. For this reason,Security should be a considerationwhen you decide where to store your belongings. Extra Space Storage utilizes security measures such as well-lit facilities, CCTV and electronic gate access. Some of our locations take it a step further with features such as on-site resident managers, units with individual alarms and security access just to your floor.Learn more about our security features.

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cleaning

When looking for self-storage, pay attention to the cleanliness of the places you are looking for. Storage facilities that take steps to keep their facilities clean show you that they care about you and your belongings. Unmaintained locations should be a red flag. Cleanliness is important to us. At Extra Space Storage we take extensive measures to maintain the quality of our facilities. We want you to feel welcome and comfortable at our locations and that you know your belongings are in good hands.

Customer service

The level of customer service that a storage facility provides is important. Many companies don't even have on-site staff to help their customers with questions or when something goes wrong. At Extra Space Storage, our staff is committed to helping you with your storage needs. We pride ourselves on the professionalism, knowledge and positive attitude that our team brings to work every day.

Location

The best location for you depends on why you are renting a storage unit. If you just need more space at home, something close to home or on the way home from work is perfect. If you're moving into a new home and want to use storage as a transitional aid, something close to your new home might make the most sense. Think about how and when to visit the facility and determine the most convenient location for you.

Precio

Several factors come into play when it comes to the cost of a storage unit, including the location of the facility, the size of the storage unit, amenities like air conditioning, and more. When you start looking for cheap storage space, knowing your budget will make it much easier for you to decide on the location and storage unit that makes sense for you. In additional room storage,We offer competitively priced self-storage rentals and move-in specialsin many places, including the first month free and the first month half price.

WHAT CAN AND WHAT CANNOT BE STORED IN YOUR STORAGE UNIT?

With a few exceptions, Extra Space Storage lets you keep almost anything on one storage unit. Exceptions are basically anything dangerous or illegal. Of course, there are some things that fall into a gray area. Therefore, be sure to ask the facility manager before renting a unit to learn what is allowed on the property.

Items you may stock include (but are not limited to):Furniture, home appliances, electronics, clothing, business inventory, sports equipment.

Items you CANNOT store include (but are not limited to):Groceries, medications, non-moving vehicles, anything flammable or combustible (e.g. gasoline, propane tanks, car batteries)

Storage 101: The Ultimate Guide to Self-Storage (2)

WHAT IS SELF STORAGE?

Self storage offersSpace where people can rent and store their personal or business belongings. Storage areas, also called storage units, are usually rented on a monthly basis.

Unlike full-service storage services where the customer has limited access to their belongings and relies on the storage provider to store and manage their belongings, with self-storage you have much more control. You can pack and organize the storage space as you wish, access your belongings at any time during the opening hours of the location and put things in or out at any time.

What can I store in a storage unit?

Clothing, furniture and household appliances are among the most common items stored in storage units at Extra Space Storage. However, storage units can also be used to securely store any number of items from your home or business, including vehicles, medical supplies, and construction tools.

Description of the types of access to storage units

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Outdoor vehicle access

Comparable to the garage space,External storage units with vehicle accessThey are very popular because of their easy accessibility. Tow your vehicle (including movers and even semis in some locations) to the storage unit to load and unload items.

Internal access

bottom bracket unitsLocated inside a building, they are more like a walk-in closet than a garage space. This not only offers protection against the elements, but also allows access to self-storage functions, such as e.g. B. Temperature-controlled storage.

Self-Storage-Videos

How can I benefit from self-storage?

There are a few things to consider when renting a storage space for the first time. Everyone from homeowners to business owners can benefit from a storage unit.

How to choose a self-storage facility

From identifying the right-sized storage unit for your needs, to determining the features and amenities that will give you the storage experience you're looking for.

Self-Storage Services You Should Consider

Extended access times

Thanks to the extended access times, Extra Space Storage customers can access their storage units whenever it suits them. Our office hours are usually from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. M. to 6 p.m. The opening hours of our access or departure gates are usually from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. M. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. With Extra Space Storage you don't have to worry about getting to your storage space during business hours.

24/7 access

For some customers, our regular warehouse door hours (6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) do not work. That's why Extra Space Storage is proud to offer an alternative for those with special schedules. With 24/7 door access, you can drop by your storage unit whenever it suits you. Be sure to speak to the facility manager to see if 24-hour access is available.

Air-conditioned storage

Temperature-controlled storage units are typically maintained between 55 and 80 degrees to protect temperature-sensitive items from extreme heat and cold. Some facilities may even have humidity-controlled or heated storage to provide extra protection from the elements.Find out more about air-conditioned storage.

vehicle storage

Extra Space Storage provides secure vehicle storage solutions forAutos,motorcycles, trailers, mobile homes,boats,mobile homesand other vehicles. Storage options vary from facility to facility, but three standard types of vehicle storage are available: indoor storage, outdoor storage, and covered outdoor storage.

Learn more about vehicle storage

storage cabinets

For storage needs so small that even a 5x5 storage unit is too large, storage cabinets offer the perfect solution. Locker units range from 2x2 to 4x5 with reduced ceiling height. This convenient option ensures you only pay for the space you need.

Learn more about lockers

Commercial Storage

We offer unique commercial warehousing services such as: B. Self-storage rooms, workshop units and office space for rent to accommodate small businesses, contractors and other commercial self-storage customers. Some of our self-storage facilities even have additional business features for your convenience, such as: B. Office space, accepting parcel deliveries and more!Learn more about enterprise storage

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wine storage

Need a safe place to store your wine collection? Select Extra Space Storage locations offer wine storage as a service to keep your prized collections in pristine condition. Whether you are relocating and need a short-term solution or looking for something closer to home for the longer term, wine storage at Extra Space Storage could be the perfect solution for you!

Self Storage Insurance

Although your storage space is often covered by your home or renters insurance,Extra Space Storage's self-storage insurance has its own benefits. From being able to get more insurance coverage to avoiding potentially higher insurance premiums, it pays to learn more about insuring your storage unit.

Find out more about storage insurance

packaging and storage needs

Do you need a lock for your storage room? Do you need additional packing material for your move? Extra Space Storage sells moving boxes, packing supplies, locks and more at our locations.

Learn more about packaging material

Frequently asked questions about self-storage

Do I have to sign a contract?

Self-storage leases are typically monthly, so there are no long-term contracts. This gives you the flexibility to stay as long as you like.

How tall are the storage units?

The typical storage unit at Extra Space Storage is 8 feet tall, however we do offer units with higher ceilings in select locations to accommodate larger items and vehicles. We also have low rise units in major cities where space is limited to help you save money.

Can I store a car or motorbike in a storage room?

Yes! As long as the vehicle is in operational condition, you can store vehicles in storage units.

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Can I live in a storage unit?

No. It is against the law to live or sleep in a storage unit.

Can I use a storage room as a workshop?

No. We cannot allow tenants to use your premises as a workshop.

Are there any offers or discounts for cheap storage?

Yes! With competitive rental rates and move-in offers like First Month Free and First Month Half Off, Extra Space Storage offers great deals and affordable storage units for customers!

Do I need to take out insurance for my storage unit?

Whether it's your homeowner's or renter's insurance, or self-storage insurance you purchased through us, your self-storage unit must be insured.

FAQs

Storage 101: The Ultimate Guide to Self-Storage? ›

The 10'x10′ is the most popular storage unit size because of its versatility. It's a medium-sized space of about one-hundred square feet or roughly half the size of a standard garage. You can comfortably fit the contents of a two-bedroom apartment and all the boxes and totes that go with them.

How do I get the most out of my storage unit? ›

10 Hacks for Maximizing Space in your Storage Unit
  1. Use a free blog to keep a photo-catalog of your things. ...
  2. Use boxes not bags. ...
  3. Leave an aisle. ...
  4. Protect clothes and other items with vacuum storage bags. ...
  5. Use the Bundle Approach. ...
  6. Roll your clothing. ...
  7. Cover the floor of the storage unit with a thick sheet of plastic.
Jun 2, 2015

What is the most popular self storage unit size? ›

The 10'x10′ is the most popular storage unit size because of its versatility. It's a medium-sized space of about one-hundred square feet or roughly half the size of a standard garage. You can comfortably fit the contents of a two-bedroom apartment and all the boxes and totes that go with them.

What do you put on the floor of a storage unit? ›

We recommend putting something on the floor such as plastic, a tarp, or wood pallets. Even plastic spray can lids can be used for lighter boxed items. 3) Rubber tubs are recommended over cardboard for most items. They are better at keeping moisture out, also easier to stack.

How to organize 5x10 storage unit? ›

To maximize storage space, stack boxes up to your 5x10 self storage unit's ceiling. Avoid leaning any of your things against walls, as this can be a potential safety hazard. When you're packing, put heavier items at the bottom of boxes to create a stable base. Then, place the heaviest boxes at the bottom of the stack.

Should I cover my couch in storage? ›

Cover Your Couch for Long-Term Storage. After moving your couch inside your storage unit, you need to keep it covered. Do not cover your couch with tight plastic wraps or bubble wraps as it causes moisture to build up over time. Instead, use furniture pads, light blankets, or repurposed clothes to cover your furniture.

How do you store towels in a storage unit? ›

To save space in storage, neatly roll your towels. Doing so allows you to take up less space compared to folding your linens in squares. Also, when storing long-term, it's ideal to roll your towel to prevent unwanted creases in the fabric.

Why is my storage full when I have more storage? ›

An Uncleared Cache

A cache can come in the form of hardware or software, and its function is to store data so that future requests for that data can be processed and provided in less time. But a cache can also harbor data that you no longer need, and therefore takes up storage space without you even realizing it.

What state has the most self storage? ›

Number of self-storage facilities, by state U.S. 2020

In 2020, there were 5,234 self-storage facilities in Texas, making it the state with the highest number of such facilities in the United States. California also had a high number, with 3,728 self-storage facilities.

What is the biggest self storage company in the world? ›

1. Public Storage. Long the leader in self storage, Public Storage once again earns its place at the top of our list. With 186 million net rentable square feet under its belt at the end of September 2021, the company's distinctive orange signs can be seen in 39 states.

What size is a 10x10 storage unit compared to? ›

10x10 self storage units are about the size of a large shed or half the size of a one-stall garage. This is ideal for storing items from one family room or a two-bedroom apartment. 10x10 storage units offer convenient storage during a home renovation project or for a student moving apartments.

How do you prepare a sofa for storage? ›

Completely Cover Your Couch: While many people use shrink wrap to prepare a couch for self storage, if stored for more than six months, plastic wrap may promote a build up of moisture. Instead, consider wrapping your couch in soft blankets secured with bungee cords or packing strips.

Is it OK to wrap furniture in plastic for storage? ›

Avoid Plastic Wrap When Storing Furniture

Try to avoid using plastic wrapping on fabric or wood pieces, especially for long-term storage. Plastic tends to generate moisture that can lead to mold or stains on the fabric.

How do I protect my furniture from mice in storage? ›

You Need To Be Prepared to Keep Mice Out Of Your Storage Unit
  1. Store items in plastic bags.
  2. Refrain from storing food.
  3. Wrap furniture in plastic.
  4. Use rodent bait.
  5. Keep items elevated.

What do you put in a storage unit for clothes? ›

The best way to store clothes in storage is to place all your clothes in plastic containers with clip-on lids. These will protect your clothes from moisture, dust, mould and mildew. Make sure you give your plastic containers a good clean and dry them thoroughly before you place any clothes inside.

What is the best floor finish for storage room? ›

Polyurethane (PU) Concrete flooring systems are the most common type of flooring used in cold storage facilities because it is seamless, extremely hard-wearing, and temperature/thermal shock resistant.

How do you pack bedding for a storage unit? ›

Wrap each item in a sheet of acid-free packing paper. This will help prevent any staining in storage. Then, fill a box loosely with the linens. A box with a slit to allow air circulation is best, since this will prevent moisture damage.

Can a 5x10 storage unit hold a queen mattress? ›

Due to the dimensions of a 5' x 10' self storage unit, both a king and a queen mattress can fit inside. You can actually store a king mattress and the included box spring with room to spare.

How much furniture can fit in a 5 by 10 storage unit? ›

5x10 Storage

A 5x10 unit can fit the furnishings of a mid-sized bedroom, including a queen-sized bed, a dresser, a TV and several small to medium-sized boxes.

Do couches get moldy in storage? ›

Yes, you've read that right. If your storage facility has a mold problem, then there's a big chance that your furniture or other items are also infested. However, there are a couple of methods you can use to prevent mold and protect your furniture from further infestations.

What is the best material to cover furniture in storage? ›

Loose blankets, old sheets, and soft fabric coverings are the best for wrapping all types of furniture since they help to protect them from dust and moisture. Thick plastic wrap may seal in any traces of moisture and create condensation that may lead to long-term problems like mold, mildew and swelling.

Should a couch always be against the wall? ›

Don't push all your furniture up against the walls. Pull your sofa (or other seating) out at least 12″ from the wall. That's right; your couch doesn't have to be against the wall. It will make the space seem more inviting and cozy instead of creating a big bunch of weird dead space in the middle.

Is it better to fold or roll towels for storage? ›

You can save room by storing your towels rolled up instead of folded, and a tower of clean towels will make you feel like you're at the spa. To store towels efficiently, fold them in half lengthwise and roll them up. Towel storage should be planned based on available space in the bathroom.

Where is the best place to store kitchen towels? ›

The most common places where people keep their wet kitchen towel after use are: On top of the sink's water faucet. Directly on the sink surface. On a nearby cabinet's door.

Is it OK to store sheets in plastic bags? ›

The presence of moisture in the air is why you should not store sheets in plastic bags or tubs, they trap moisture and allow mould, mildew and bacteria to breed.

Do emails take up space on your phone? ›

Also make sure you check other folders where emails are stored. Tap the Menu (three lines) icon at the top left. Check the Sent folder or any other folder you think may contain emails you can delete. Regular emails do not take up a lot of space.

Do old texts take up space? ›

Delete old text messages

You'll be surprised to see how much storage space your text messages take on your smartphone. You may not even realize those messages are being saved to your phone. Don't worry, you can delete them. Be sure to delete messages with photos and videos first — they chew up the most space.

How do I get rid of full storage fast? ›

But there are ways to make room on an iPhone or Android smartphone without sacrificing your favorite digital possessions.
  1. First, See What You're Storing. ...
  2. Next, Optimize Your Storage. ...
  3. Move Your Files to an SD Card. ...
  4. Optimize Your Photos. ...
  5. Clear Your Cache. ...
  6. Delete Old Files. ...
  7. Pare Down Your Apps.
Feb 21, 2023

How do you dehumidify a shed? ›

Our Tips to Help You Control Humidity And Dampness And Mold-proof Your Shed
  1. Insulate Your Shed's Interior Perimeter.
  2. Find And Seal Any Leaks In Your Shed.
  3. Install a Shed Dehumidifier.
  4. Use a Window Fan Or Air Conditioner To Improve Air Circulation.
  5. Use Containers Of Calcium Chloride.
  6. Use A Concrete Vapor Barrier.
Dec 15, 2022

How do you store books in a storage building? ›

Storing books in a storage unit: Do's and Don'ts
  1. Store your books in book storage boxes or book storage bins. ...
  2. Store books in stacks with the cover either up or down. ...
  3. Put smaller or lighter books on top, heavier ones on the bottom. ...
  4. Don't put heavy items or items that could leak on top of the boxes of books.

How do I create storage without clutter? ›

Table of Contents hide
  1. Declutter and downsize your possessions.
  2. Clear flat surfaces.
  3. Utilize vertical space.
  4. Employ multi-purpose furniture.
  5. Divide your clothes by season.
  6. Use stacking containers.
  7. Calm your entryway.
Nov 14, 2022

How do you arrange clothes on shelves? ›

Closet Organization Methods

Or, if using shelves, move long items like long dresses or coats to a higher hanger rod, and put thinner items like T-shirts on top shelves you can reach and pants on a mid-level shelf. Use rack tags and shelf dividers to keep things organized.

Videos

1. How Much Money Do You Need to Get Started in Self Storage? [Your First Facility]
(Self Storage Income)
2. Analyze Self Storage Markets (Step by Step Guide)
(Self Storage Income)
3. The Ultimate Self-Storage Guide
(Neighbor)
4. Self storage is in a transition time
(Self Storage Income)
5. Investing In Self-Storage Units 101
(BiggerPockets)
6. How Does Self Storage Work?
(Extra Space Storage)

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