You’re about to list your home for sale and it’s time to declutter. You’ve made major progress by donating and giving away unneeded and unused items, and tossing out junk. Still, you’ve got way too much furniture, and other items, to really be able to showcase the spaciousness of your home. Naturally, you consider renting a storage unit. Should you go with the cheapest one you can find?
Here are four mistakes to avoid when choosing a storage space, which we’ve summarized from tips offered by home and décor site ApartmentTherapy.com.
Focusing Only on the Price
Of course, the cost of a storage unit is a major consideration, but it shouldn’t supersede all of your other requirements. Make sure the storage unit is a comfortable fit for the number of items you have. Make use of the storage facility’s size guide, which is usually posted on its website, and ask questions. Equally as important, consider the type of items you plan to store. Delicate possessions, like artwork, may require a climate-controlled unit—especially if the unit is located outside.
Neglecting to Consider Location
When it comes to choosing a storage facility, location should be a significant consideration. Storage units tend to cost more in cities than in the suburbs, say experts at ApartmentTherapy.com. If you won’t need access to your storage items anytime soon, then choosing a facility that isn’t very close to home may not be a problem. But if you need frequent access to your things, and you plan on making regular trips to the facility, you may want to choose a location that’s fairly close by. After all, there’s travel time and transportation expenses to consider—in addition to the cost of the unit.
Not Purchasing Enough Insurance for Your Items
Most storage facilities offer a limited protection plan to customers. It may not be enough, however, to cover your most expensive items. You should calculate the value of the items you plan to store, and consider adding your own insurance if needed. Insurance companies typically increase your monthly costs, but the added expense could be worth the peace of mind.
Not Reading the Fine Print
Be sure to carefully read the rental contract for your storage space. Pay close attention to when your rent will be charged, if and when rental rates may increase, and when the facility will assess late fees.
