Americans love to shop. This might explain why there are more shopping malls than high schools in the U.S. If you have accumulated lots of stuff in your home or office over the years, you may be dealing with a cluttered space. Thankfully, there are multiple storage facilities around the country to help you with your storage needs. Here are four critical things to know if you're renting a storage unit for the first time. 

You Have Two Main Options

There are two main options for storage units: full-service storage and self-storage. 

  • Full-Service Storage: With full-service storage, the storage company will pick up your items from your home and deliver them to the facility. When the storage period is over, you can simply call the company, and they will deliver the things back to your home. 
  • Self-Storage: Self-storage units offer you more flexibility. You're responsible for delivering and getting your items out of the storage unit. You can also check the items any time you want. Generally, self-storage is cheaper to rent than full-service storage, and hence, the better option if you're on a tight budget. 

You Need to Have the Necessary Documents

You'll need to show some identification when renting a storage unit. This isn't to harass you or make the process complicated for you. The aim is to confirm who is storing their goods, so no one else can claim those goods.

Some identity documents you can use include:

  • State ID
  • Passport
  • Driver's license
  • Military ID

There Are Multiple Size Units

If you're concerned that your items are too large to fit in a storage unit, you can relax now because storage units come in a wide range of sizes. For large items, you can select a unit of size 10'X20' or more. And if there are several large items, you can rent several storage units. 

If you have small items and are low on cash, there are small-size units to serve your needs. The secret is to consider the amount and size of your items before renting a storage unit. You can also ask the storage experts to assess your belongings and advise you on the right storage unit size.

You May Benefit From a Climate-Controlled Unit 

Depending on the items you want to store, consider a climate-controlled unit. For example, if you have items that would be damaged by extreme temperature fluctuations, extreme humidity, or moisture, a climate-controlled unit is necessary. 

These items may include electronics, wooden items, leather furniture, musical instruments, documents, antiques, or artwork. Also, take note that not all storage facilities offer these types of units, so be sure to ask in advance.

To learn more about storage units, contact a facility near you.

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