Renting a self storage unit: how to choose the right facility and start using it
By TrovaStorage. Last updated: .
You are about to move, but the new home isn't ready yet. You need to renovate the living room and don't know where to put the furniture while the work is going on. Or you simply need to free up some space at home without giving up things you want to keep.
These are different situations, but they have something in common: you need somewhere to leave your belongings for a while.
One of the options worth considering is renting a self storage unit, a private space inside an equipped facility where you can keep furniture, boxes and other personal belongings.
How it works is fairly simple: you rent a unit, bring in whatever you want to store, and you can get to your things on your own during the facility's opening hours. How long you rent for, how you get in and which services are available depend on the facility you choose.
But how do you find the right facility? And what should you look at before signing a contract?
Let's go through how renting a self storage unit works, from finding a facility to handing the unit back.
Before looking for a unit, work out what you need to store
Choosing a facility starts with a very practical question: what do you need to put away?
If you are clearing out a cellar, you might need to store suitcases, boxes, sports equipment and a few small pieces of furniture. During a renovation, on the other hand, you might need to move sofas, wardrobes and household appliances out for a while.
How much room things take up also depends on how they are prepared. A dismantled wardrobe, for example, uses space differently from the same wardrobe left assembled. It also matters whether boxes can be stacked without damaging what is inside them.
You don't have to work out the size of the unit on your own. It is more useful to draw up a list of the furniture and items you want to store, noting which can be taken apart and whether any of them are particularly fragile.
With this information, the staff at self storage facilities can assess how much space you need and suggest a suitable unit.
Another thing to consider is how long you will need the storage.
Perhaps you already know you will only need it while the work on your home is under way. Or you are moving and don't yet know exactly when you will be able to collect all your furniture.
In that case, ask from the start whether the rental can be extended. Knowing how renewals work will help you deal with any change of plans.
Think too about how often you will need to get things out. If you plan to use the unit to store seasonal items, you may need frequent access. If instead you are keeping furniture there until a renovation is finished, you will probably only go back to the facility when it is time to bring it home.
This difference can affect which facility you choose.
How to choose a self storage facility: location, access and security
When you start looking for self storage near you, location is one of the first things to consider.
A facility that is easy to reach is convenient, especially if you expect to collect things often. But choosing the nearest facility is not always the best solution.
If you need to store furniture for a long time without going to the unit often, it may be worth considering facilities a little further away too.
Besides location, pay attention to how easy it is to load and unload.
Imagine having to carry a sofa, a washing machine or several heavy boxes. Being able to park close to the entrance, use trolleys or reach the unit with a goods lift can make the job much easier.
Then check the access hours. Some self storage facilities let you in outside normal office hours, while others have set time slots.
If you work during the day and can only see to your things in the evening or at the weekend, this can make all the difference.
Security deserves attention too. Check whether the facility has video surveillance, entry control systems and other protective measures. What is in place can vary from one operator to another.
If you need to store books, wooden furniture, fabrics or other items sensitive to damp, ask about the conditions inside the building as well.
The aim is to find a facility that is convenient to use and suited to the kind of belongings you want to store, without choosing on distance or price alone.
Quote and contract: what to check before renting a unit
Once you have found a few facilities that look right, it is time to ask for quotes.
The cost of renting a self storage unit can vary with the location, the space you need, the length of the contract and what the facility offers.
To compare offers, though, looking at the advertised rent is not enough.
What matters is the total price of the service for the period you expect to use the unit.
So ask whether the quote includes VAT (IVA in Italy) and insurance, whether a deposit is required and whether there are any other charges.
Think about transport as well: with self storage, you are generally the one who brings your belongings to the unit and collects them when you no longer need it. You can do this yourself or hire a removal company.
Give the contract terms the same attention.
Some facilities have a minimum rental period, while others offer different arrangements. Renewal terms, cancellation terms and any notice periods can also differ.
If you are using the unit because your new home isn't ready, ask what happens if you need to keep it longer than planned.
It is better to know these conditions before you sign than to discover them when you have to change your plans.
If you are unsure about availability or the size of the space, talk directly to the facility's staff. By describing what you need to store and for how long, you can get a tailored proposal, with advice on the right unit and the total cost.
How to use a self storage unit and what to do when you no longer need it
Once you have chosen the facility and signed the contract, you can organise moving your things in.
One of the main features of self storage is that you manage the space you rent yourself.
Depending on the facility, you will get in with a key, a personal code or some other entry system. During the permitted hours, you can collect what you need or add new items without arranging a delivery each time.
To make the unit practical to use, it is worth arranging everything with a little care.
Protect furniture with suitable materials, put the heaviest boxes at the bottom and label them so you can easily tell what is inside.
If you expect to collect some items often, leave them near the door. A suitcase, a document or a piece of sports equipment will be much easier to find if you don't have to move other boxes out of the way.
Before taking your belongings to the facility, also check which items are allowed.
You can generally store furniture, clothes, books, sports equipment and many other personal belongings. Flammable materials, hazardous substances and perishable goods, on the other hand, are normally prohibited. Each facility may have its own rules.
And when you no longer need the unit?
Once the move is done or the work on your home is finally finished, you can arrange to collect your things.
Remember to check the notice period in your contract and to say in good time that you intend to end the rental.
Before handing it back, you will need to empty the unit completely and leave it clean. If you paid a deposit, check the conditions for getting it back.
If instead you need the unit for a while longer, contact the facility to see whether the contract can be renewed.
Where to find and compare self storage units to rent
If you need temporary storage, self storage is one of the options to consider. Compared with a traditional furniture storage service run by a removal company, it generally lets you keep your belongings in a space of your own and get to them on your own.
It is not necessarily the right choice for everyone. If you would rather leave the collection, storage and return of your furniture to a company, a mover's furniture storage linked to your move may suit you better.
If instead you want to look into renting a unit, comparing several facilities can help you see which services are available and what terms are on offer.
On TrovaStorage.it you can search for self storage facilities in the area you are interested in, look through the information available and find the operators to contact.
You can also select up to three facilities and send a free request for advice and a quote, with no obligation.
The operators themselves will reply, with advice on the space you need, availability, prices and rental terms.
Before deciding, think about how you will actually use the unit: ease of access, the length of the contract and the services available can matter as much as the price.
Choosing with this information in hand will make it simpler to organise your move, your renovation or the space you need to free up, in a way that suits your needs.