Best Time to Rent a Storage Unit
When renting a storage unit, you consider convenience, location, size, climate control, and accessibility. However, one thing you should start considering is the best time to rent a storage unit. Knowing when to rent a storage unit can help you save money because they're typically less expensive when there's less demand and more supply. Keep reading to learn the best time to rent a storage unit.
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Pros and Cons of Renting a Storage Unit During Different Seasons
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What Factors Should You Consider When Renting a Storage Unit
When Is the Best Time to Rent a Storage Unit?
Believe it or not, winter is the best time to rent a storage unit because there's less demand. Fewer people move or clean their homes in the winter because it's cold and dreary. With snow, ice, bulky jackets, and less sunlight, people are less inclined to pack up and move their belongings, and for this reason, winter is the best time to get a great deal on a storage unit.
Storage facilities have fewer customers in the winter, so their supply increases and demand decreases. Lower demand enables them to offer storage units for lower rates to bring in more business. So even though traversing in the winter to your storage unit might not sound ideal, it comes with the perk of saving money in the long run, especially if you have items you plan to store long-term.
Pros and Cons of Renting a Storage Unit During Different Seasons
Of course, you don't always get to decide when you need to rent a storage unit. Sometimes you'll move during the middle of summer, while other times, you'll feel like decluttering your house in the spring when you can finally open the windows again. Here are the pros and cons of renting a storage unit in different seasons.
Winter
Again, renting storage units in winter offers you the best deals. Unfortunately, the colder months can be uncomfortable, and driving on snow and sleet can be stressful and dangerous. Therefore, it's up to you to determine whether wintry conditions are something you want to deal with. Harsh weather conditions can also damage your valuable belongings if you don't invest in a climate-controlled storage unit. Additionally, you should waterproof your belongings to protect them from melting snow and ice.
Spring
The fresh air of spring makes many people want to clean and declutter their homes. After winter, you can open the windows and enjoy spending time outside again, making it easier to walk from the car to your storage unit and back again. Unfortunately, the higher demand and less availability for storage units in the spring drive prices up.
Summer
Many people prefer to move during the summer when it's warm outside, but this makes it one of the most expensive times of year to rent a storage unit. Warmer weather means higher prices because demand increases. Additionally, college students usually rent storage units in the summer when they leave their dorms for the season, and families with children in school prefer to move during this time because it's more convenient.
Fall
Autumn is another good time to rent a storage unit because many facilities offer specials or discounts as the weather gets colder. Unfortunately, storing summer items like boats may cost more, depending on the facility. However, because inventory starts to open up and prices decrease, fall is a great time to prepare items that need storing for winter, such as vehicles and outdoor equipment.
What Factors Should You Consider When Renting a Storage Unit
Timing isn't the only thing to consider when you rent storage units. Unfortunately, you can't always predict when the need for one will arise. Maybe you have to move due to financial reasons, or you've purchased new furniture and need to free up some space in your home. Whatever the case, you might wonder, "Should I rent a storage unit?" regardless of the weather outside. Here are some other factors to consider before you rent your next storage unit:
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Seasonal Demand: Whenever possible, try to plan for seasonal demand. If you know you'll need a storage unit in the summer, budget for it by assuming prices will be much higher. Additionally, you might consider renting storage units during winter to save money later on.
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Personal Storage Needs: Everyone has different storage needs; some individuals need a small 5x5 ft unit for additional furniture, while others need much larger storage solutions for automobiles, boats, or multi-room homes. Whatever the case, you can save money by assessing your personal storage needs and choosing the right storage options based on how much stuff you have to store. Using the vertical space in a storage unit can be an easy way to save floor space as the interior is 8 feet high.
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Price: Price should always play a factor when choosing a storage unit. While most rates vary by location, you can do your research to compare prices and features to ensure you're getting the most bang for your buck. Renting a storage unit on the 2nd or 3rd floor could help you save money as 1st floor units are more expensive due to having convenient access.
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Security: You're storing your belongings for a reason; you want to keep them even though you might not use them soon. Security is crucial, so you should ensure the facility you choose offers video surveillance and gated access to ensure your belongings are safe.
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Features: Storage facilities offer several features, including climate-controlled storage units, to protect your belongings from extreme weather conditions. Some personal items are more sensitive to temperature fluctuations than others, so it's up to you to determine whether you need this feature.
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Convenience: Renting a storage unit farther away from where you live might help you save money, but it's less convenient, especially during the winter. Search for storage locations near you to find the right balance of affordability and convenience.
Renting a Storage Unit FAQs
Can you rent a storage unit for a few days?
If you need short-term storage, you might wonder, "Can you rent a storage unit for a day or a few days?" Unfortunately, you can't rent a storage unit by the day. However, many facilities have short-term and long-term options for flexibility. For example, Key Storage uses month-to-month leases to offer flexibility. Instead of committing, you can choose how long you'll need your unit and pay rent monthly.
How much does renting a storage unit cost?
How much renting a storage unit will cost you depends on several factors, including:
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Unit size: Smaller units are cheaper than larger ones, so we recommend estimating how much space you'll need to prevent unnecessary overspending.
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Location: Storage units are competitively priced based on the local markets. Therefore, your storage unit's cost will depend on the location of the facility. If your unit is in a major city, you can expect to pay more for it than one in the suburbs.
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Features: Many storage facilities offer features you can choose based on your needs and preferences, such as climate-controlled storage units, accessibility, vehicle storage, and drive-up units.
How can I get the best deal on a storage unit?
If you want to save money, consider renting a storage unit during the winter when the demand is much lower, and you can find the best deals. However, if renting a storage unit in the winter isn't ideal for you, you can get the best deal on a storage unit by following these tips:
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Opt out of climate control when it's not necessary
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Bring your own lock
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Pay upfront
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Compare options
Wrapping Up: Best Time to Rent a Storage Unit
Winter is considered the best time to rent a storage unit because you get more affordable prices. However, most people would agree it's not an ideal time for moving or cleaning out your home. Instead, you can save money when renting a storage unit by comparing options in your area and only paying for the features you need. Rent or reserve your storage unit today with Key Storage.
