BBB Tip: Renting a storage unit

Moving HQ

Before signing any contracts for a storage unit, take time to assess your needs.

Consolidate your items to gauge the necessary space, ensuring you leave room for accessibility.

Visit BBB.org to review customer feedback, BBB Accreditation status, and other pertinent business details. These insights can guide your decision-making process. Here are BBB’s tips for what to consider before renting, what to watch for when shopping for a storage unit, preparing to visit storage units, and how to identify scams.

What to consider before renting

Full length portrait of young couple holding cardboard boxes walking towards camera in self storage unit, copy space

1. Climate preferences

Inventory your items and think about whether you want to keep them in a climate-controlled environment. Some appliances may require storage that is free from mold or changes in temperature; check your owner’s manual or do some research on whether it is worth the cost.

Self storage room with boxes and home contents.

2. Security and preferences

If your belongings are valuable, you’ll need a unit that has a good security and monitoring system. Also, consider insurance options for added protection either through the storage unit company or your own insurance.

Man pushing cart with boxes when searching for rented unit in self-storage facility

3. Location and price

Don’t make an impulse decision based solely on location and price. Keep your options open to explore facilities offering better features, even if they’re farther away.

What to watch for when shopping for a storage unit

When shopping for a storage unit, it’s important that you identify your priorities to choose a facility that fulfills your needs. Consider the following when shopping for a storage unit.

1. Cleanliness and security

Look out for signs of neglect like pest infestations, leaky roofs, or faulty surveillance systems. Ensure the facility is well-maintained and secure.

2. Hidden or additional charges

There may be additional charges for lock rental, insurance, late fees, utilities, and security. Review the contract thoroughly so you aren’t surprised by add-ons later.

3. Fine print

Read the fine print to identify conditions relating to your possessions’ safety, rent increases, and default conditions.

4. Access to the unit

Research the storage facility online to determine hours of accessibility and office hours.

Preparing to visit a storage facility

focus on duct tape close up in storage room

1. Inquire about included services

Some full-service storage companies cost a little more but offer extra services like free boxes, mattress covers, locks, packing supplies, or transportation. Factor these into your decision to choose what’s best for you.

2. Take your time

Don’t feel rushed to commit! Use your visit to assess the facility, ask questions, and measure customer service. Find more information about full-storage moving companies.

How to identify storage unit scams

As with any industry, some bad actors want to scam you. Storage scams can include:

Participation in theft: Some storage facility operators may help with removing items from locked units, either by not paying attention or by being directly involved.
Selling without permission: If renters can't pay on time, owners might sell their items at an auction. Some owners make it hard to pay so renters miss payments and lose their belongings.