What You Need When Renting a Storage Unit: Hassle-Free Tips for Success
If you are feeling overwhelmed by clutter, experiencing a time of transition, or are looking to get more organized, you might consider renting a storage unit to make your life a little easier. At Stop & Stor, we want you to thoroughly understand what your rental entails so that you can make the best decisions for your budget and lifestyle.
Here's an overview of what you need to rent a storage unit to prepare for success when it's time to start moving your belongings.
A Government-Issued ID
One of the most essential steps involved in how to rent a storage unit is to provide proper ID. You must present a government-issued ID. This form of identification could be a driver's license, state ID card, military ID, passport, or social security card. A federal or state government agency must issue the document with an expiration date that has not passed. Government IDs typically include some or all of these details to prove your identity: full name, date of birth, place of birth, photograph, issuance agency, and date.
A Valid Method of Payment
When you rent a storage unit, you should be prepared to pay for it at the time of rental. Stop & Stor accepts all major credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. We never charge a credit card user fee! We offer competitive prices, don't require a security deposit, and never charge you for using hallways or other common areas. If you pay for six months in advance, you'll get a half month free; if you pay in advance for 12 months, you'll get a whole month free. We'll make sure to reimburse you for any unused months if you leave in less time.
A Signed Rental Agreement
Renting a storage unit involves signing an agreement or contract that sets forth the terms and conditions of the rental. Rental agreements typically provide a description of the unit, lease time, amount of rent, payment due date, cancellation terms, and types of payments accepted. They also usually cover the landlord and tenant's rights and responsibilities, information about what cannot be stored inside a unit, and the move-out process.
Make sure to read the agreement carefully so that you understand every detail, and ask us about any questions or concerns you have. We offer flexible month-to-month renting with no long-term commitment and guaranteed no rent increase for your first year.
An Understanding of Size Options
The size of the storage unit you choose will dictate how you organize your items initially and how you access them in the future. If you only have a few small off-season items or boxes, you may be able to rent a storage locker and save on rental costs. Small, medium, and large units are available and range from 16 square feet to over 200 square feet.
A Storage Plan That Works for You
Determine the amount and types of items you want to store to determine whether you need a climate-controlled unit. We have climate-controlled units at most storage locations to accommodate customers in the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Manhattan.
Creating an effective storage plan involves making a list of your belongings, labeling boxes to identify their consents, and organizing the unit by priority and expected usage. It also involves disassembling furniture so that it fits easier inside, wrapping fragile items in bubble wrap, and creating a map of your unit so that you can easily find everything. The more detailed and organized you are upfront, the easier you make it on yourself when accessing your unit in the future.
Knowledge About Best Storage Practices
Before you start moving items into your storage unit, it’s important to know some general storage tips for a safe and efficient move-in day. Here are some best storage practices to keep in mind:
- Don’t over-stack your items to prevent a falling hazard
- Store heaviest items on the bottom
- Place frequently needed items at the front
- Create a path to walk through for easy access
To learn more about packing your storage unit, check out these Stop & Stor blogs:
- 10 Tips to Maximize Your Storage Space
- The Best Ways to Pack a Storage Unit
- Furniture Storage Best Care Practices
- 10 Things NOT To Put in Storage
Renters’ Insurance
Something else you must consider when renting a storage unit is insurance. You can insure your items for peace of mind and to help with the cost of any replacements needed if items become broken, damaged, or stolen. Your homeowner's or apartment renter's insurance may already cover this type of insurance, so check with your agent about your existing policies before buying new coverage.
For further peace of mind, all of our storage facilities are equipped with a state-of-the-art security system that includes 24/7 PTI video surveillance, a caretaker who lives onsite, and electronically coded access to your unit. We also offer a tenant protection plan.
We Can Provide All the Accessories
We hope you have found this list of what you need to rent a storage unit helpful and now know what you will need to bring and think about before moving. We are also pleased to provide our customers with many accessories you may need to complete your move to make the process as hassle-free as possible.
We can provide you with boxes, furniture covers, mattress bags, and moving bags of various sizes. Our storage supplies for sale also include packing wrap and tape, so you don't have to make an extra trip to the store during your busy moving time. We offer competitive prices on all our supplies so you can pack and move like a pro in NYC.
Established in 1980, Stop & Stor is a family owned and operated business that has become New York’s Self Storage Leader by offering cutting-edge facilities in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island.
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