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BBB Tip: Renting a storage unit

Finding the perfect storage facility is similar to finding a reliable landlord. Before signing any contracts, take time to assess your needs.

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

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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

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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.

Consultation with the nutritionist
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:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

For more information

Stay informed about moving scams

See BBB's tips to avoid falling prey to a moving scam.

Avoid moving scams
Find BBB Accredited movers

BBB Accredited Businesses uphold BBB's Standards of Trust. Find a moving company you can trust on BBB.org.

Search BBB.org
Report scams to BBB Scam Tracker

Keep yourself and others safe by visiting BBB Scam Tracker to report and look up scams.

BBB Scam Tracker

Additional moving resources

movers moving furniture into moving truck with "how to hire a mover you can trust" in white text on a red background
Hiring a mover

Moving is more than just relocating your belongings to a new home. Moving across town or the country requires time, patience, money, and, most importantly, trust. 

BBB's tips on hiring a mover
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Choose the best option for your move

Moving can be an exciting yet stressful adventure. Luckily, several types of
professional moving services exist to make your move seamless.

Pick the best moving option
smiling couple moving into new house with "where to start when buying a home" in white text on a red background
Buying a home

Whether you’re buying your first house or are looking for an upgrade, the home-
buying process can be complex and intimidating. There are several steps to ensure everything goes smoothly.

How to buy a home