If you have a small home or simply don’t have the space for bulky furniture or other household items, renting self-storage space might be a good option.
Storage units are great places to store seasonal items, old furniture or other household goods that you don’t have room for but don’t want to throw away. However, renting storage space isn’t as simple as it sounds. There are many different types of storage units available, and each one has its own pros and cons.
When looking into renting self-storage space, there are several things you need to consider before signing the lease. In this blog post, we will explore everything you need to know about purchasing and maintaining storage units in San Jose:
Decent Storage Unit Sizes
The size of the storage unit is one of the most important factors to consider when renting a storage unit. If you get a unit that is too small, you won’t be able to fit all of your belongings inside. If you get a unit that is too large, you will be paying more than you need to.
Most self-storage facilities offer rental units in a wide range of sizes, including 5×5, 5×10, 10×10, 10×15, 10×20, and 10×30 foot units. The smaller units are suitable for storing boxes of various household items, while the larger units can store a car or other big items.
As a rule of thumb, when deciding on the size of the storage unit, you need to take into account the size of each item you plan to store in it so you can get the right fit.
24/7 Access
Before you sign a contract for a self-storage unit, make sure that you check the facility hours and the access policies to see if they are a good fit for you. Some storage facilities have 24/7 access, while others only have regular business hours.
So, if you plan to store your stuff only during working hours, then 24/7 access may not be that important. However, if you want to store your stuff at the facility all week and don’t want to take off from work, then 24/7 access can be a great feature.
You should also consider whether you need to be able to drive a minivan or truck into the storage unit or if you can only fit a car.
Reasonable Prices
The price of the storage unit is another crucial aspect to consider before renting a storage unit. The size of the unit will largely determine the amount they charge monthly. You don’t want to get a unit that is too small and have to pay more than you have to. You also don’t want to get a unit that is too big where you’ll have to pay more than you need to.
The best way to figure out what size unit you need is to break down your items and estimate how many of each item you will fit in the unit. For example, if you plan to store 3 full-sized couches in your unit, you might need a 10×20-foot unit.
While you can use an online estimator to get a rough idea of what size unit you need, it is better to talk to someone at the storage facility and get a more accurate idea of the unit you need.
Climate Control and Humidity Control
When renting a storage unit, you need to remember that the inside of the unit will be an enclosed space that is not exposed to the elements. Therefore, a self-storage unit might not be the best option if you’re storing items sensitive to high temperatures or high humidity levels.
For example, paper documents are highly sensitive to high humidity, and keeping them in a self-storage unit could cause them to become discolored, brittle, or even moldy. Similarly, certain types of artwork or other items sensitive to high temperatures are not well-suited for long-term storage in a self-storage unit.
When choosing a self-storage facility, it’s important to investigate the temperature and humidity levels in each unit and any cooling systems used to control temperature and humidity.
Storage units in San Jose that are climate controlled are equipped with air-conditioning and a dehumidifier to regulate temperature and humidity levels. Self-storage units that are not climate-controlled might not be the best option for storing items sensitive to high temperatures or high humidity, but they can still be a good choice for certain items.
That said, some storage facilities charge more for units with climate and humidity control, while others offer it as a free service.
Security: Electronic Gate Access and Cameras
Another important factor to consider when renting storage units in San Jose is security, especially if you are storing expensive valuables in your storage unit. Most storage units in San Jose have various levels of security, including electronic gate access, 24-hour camera surveillance, and sometimes even on-site personnel.
Depending on the storage unit you rent, the level of security at the facility where you store your items may vary. For example, outdoor, uncovered units that are not climate-controlled are the least secure type of storage unit, as they have no roof or walls to protect your items from the elements. On the other hand, indoor, climate-controlled units are much more secure, as they protect your items from the elements and have a higher level of security.
Good Reputation
The reputation of the storage facility is an important factor and one that people often overlook. You don’t want to store your stuff in a facility with a bad reputation.
A good way to find out about a facility’s reputation is to read online reviews about it. If you can, talk to people that have used the facility in the past to get their feedback. If you are having difficulty finding reviews, it could be a sign that the facility hasn’t been in business long and doesn’t have many reviews.
Find out what the facility’s complaint resolution process is. You know that a facility has a good reputation if they have dealt with many complaints in the past and have been able to resolve them.
Clean Premises
If you are storing your stuff in a self-storage facility, you need to make sure that the facility is clean. This isn’t something that you can necessarily tell from looking at the outside of the building.
You can ask about the cleaning schedule for the facility, but you will probably want to go inside and take a look around. Several times, you may want to go multiple times to make sure that the facility is clean.
When you visit the facility, take a look at the outside and inside of the building. Look around inside the units to see if they are clean. You may also want to ask the employees working at the facility if they are clean.
Location, Location, Location
Another important factor to consider when renting self-storage space is the facility’s location, including the distance between your home and the surrounding area.
Distance from your home is an important factor to consider when renting a self-storage unit, as you’ll probably have to travel to the facility at least once per month. Some people rent self-storage units close to their homes, while others are willing to travel a bit farther to rent a cheaper unit.
It’s up to you to decide how much inconvenience you’re willing to deal with in exchange for a lower price.
How To Maintain a Storage Unit
After you purchase a storage unit, you want to make sure that you take good care of it so that you don’t incur any extra charges from the facility. Plus, if you maintain it properly, it can be a cost-effective way to store furniture, household items, or other goods you don’t have space for at home.
The best way to maintain your storage unit is to keep it clean. You should sweep the unit out every few months to get rid of any debris that has been collected in it. You may also want to use a vacuum with a long hose to clean the unit.
You also want to keep an eye on the humidity levels in your unit and monitor temperature fluctuations, especially during the summer when it’s very hot outside.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re moving into a brand new house, starting your first apartment, or simply looking for a way to free up space in your current home, storage is a solution that many homeowners consider. There are many different storage units in San Jose today, and each has its own benefits and drawbacks.
While it can be difficult to determine which type of storage is right for your needs, the pointers highlighted above should help you understand everything you need to know about purchasing and maintaining a storage unit.
And remember, as, with any other type of investment, proper maintenance is essential for maximizing the lifespan of your self-storage unit.
