How to Rent a Storage Unit

The need for extra storage space today has become important for a lot of different reasons. Whether it’s a life transition such as moving, (the average American will move 11.4 times in his lifetime), or because we’ve outgrown our storage space in the home or apartment we live in, people are in need of storing their belongings elsewhere. Enter the storage unit. You’ve probably seen storage facilities cropping up all over the place in your town. These are being built to satisfy the need for extra storage.

But just how does one go about renting a storage unit? It’s really quite simple. And best of all, there are no long-term commitments in most cases. Whether you prefer to handle everything online from the comfort of your home or you’d rather stop by in person, we’ve made the process easy either way.

5 Steps to Renting a Storage Unit

Step 1. Hit the Web

First, do an internet search for storage facilities near you. You’ll most likely find a wide array of choices close by. Visit the website of the company to get an understanding of the types and sizes of storage units they offer. Check out their office hours and access hours to see when you’d be able to get into your unit. Read about their security features — do they have video surveillance? Find out about the amenities the facility offers, such as indoor or drive-up storage, heated or climate-controlled units, moving dollies, moving truck rental on-site, boxes and packing supplies, and online bill-pay options. Price is a factor too, but be sure to weigh the dollars you’ll save versus the amenities offered and the distance you’ll have to travel. Sometimes saving a few dollars doesn’t make sense when you consider added travel time or the loss of a helpful feature like climate control.

Step 2: Choose the Right Unit Size

Once you’ve identified a facility that meets your needs, the next step is figuring out which storage unit size will best suit you. Whether you’re storing a few boxes or the contents of an entire home, West Coast Self-Storage offers unit sizes ranging from 5′ x 5′ to 14′ x 40′. Not sure what you need? Use our Storage Unit Size Guide to compare options and ensure you pick the perfect fit for your belongings.

After selecting a size, click the “More Info” button next to your chosen option. You’ll then be presented with three unit types to choose from:

Premium: These units have the most convenient location in the building, closest to the entrance. They’re perfect for moving heavy loads and the best option if you plan to visit your unit frequently. You’ll also receive 20% off box purchases when you rent a Premium unit.

Value: This tier offers units in the middle of the building that are still convenient to access. You’ll save some money and some time moving your belongings in and out.

Saver: This tier is best if you don’t need to access your unit frequently, as these units are the furthest from the front door. You’ll save the most money with this option.

Step 3: Come In for a Visit (Optional, But Always Welcome!)

If you’d like to see the facility before committing, we’d love to have you stop by. Give us a call or come in for a site visit and let a store manager show you around. Tell them what you’re planning to store and they’ll help guide you to the right unit size and tier for your needs and budget. Be sure to have them show you how the security works — how to access the main gate and entry doors, and how the lock system on the units operates. Better facilities use higher-end security features like cylinder locks and electronic keypads with personalized pin codes. If the facility has a loading and unloading area, take a look at that too so you can envision how move-in day will go. Don’t hesitate to ask as many questions as you like — a good store manager will happily answer them all.

Step 4: Reserve or Complete Your Rental Online

Ready to lock in your unit? Once you’ve selected your preferred size and tier, simply click the “Select Unit” button underneath your chosen option. From there, you’ll complete a short reservation form with your name, email address, phone number, and intended move-in date — and your unit will be held for you.

Better yet, you can go one step further and complete your entire rental online. Our simple online system will walk you through a few prompts to collect the necessary details and payment information. Once complete, your unit is officially secured, saving you time and hassle when you arrive. You won’t need to fill out paperwork at the facility or wait in line — everything is handled in advance. Your rental agreement will outline all the specifics, including your monthly rent, administration fee, late fee policy, and lien policy in accordance with your state’s laws, along with the intent-to-vacate and pro-rate policies.

Renting online offers some real advantages: your unit is secured instantly, you’re guaranteed to get the size and type you want, and move-in day becomes that much smoother.

Step 5: Get Access

Whether you completed your rental online or in person, you’ll receive a copy of your rental agreement, a payment receipt, and a pin code for the gate and door access points. We recommend testing your access code while someone is available to assist, especially if you plan to move in outside of office hours.

Step 6: Move in!

All that’s left to do is move in! Depending on the volume of items you’re storing, this may happen the same day you rent or on a future date. If you’re storing a whole house worth of belongings, it always helps to recruit some friends. You may also want to ask whether the facility has on-site moving trucks for rent — it could save you a trip across town. If you’re using a large vehicle like an 18-wheel semi-truck, check with the store manager ahead of time to confirm the facility can accommodate it. And while you’re at it, consider picking up boxes and packing supplies on-site so it’s one less errand before move-in day..

To make the most of your storage unit space, check out our tips for packing your unit efficiently.

Renting a storage unit is easy, and we’ve built our process to be flexible around your preferences. Handle everything online in minutes, or stop into your nearest West Coast Self-Storage location and let us walk you through it in person. Either way, we’re here to help.