First-Time Storage User Tips
Renting self storage can be overwhelming for first-time renters. There is quite a bit of information you’ll want to know before you settle on a storage unit, including which type of storage unit you should rent and which storage facility will work best for you. With this page, our team at Southern Self Storage aims to guide our first-time customers through the basic ins and outs of the storage process.
Assess Your Needs
Before you go straight to the rental process, you’ll need to assess your specific needs for a storage unit. Specifically, you’ll want to ask yourself what you need a storage unit for. What do you plan to store? Are these items sensitive to temperatures and moisture? Do you plan to store any amount of large and heavy items? All these questions will help you determine what size and type of unit you need.
How To Choose the Right Storage Unit
When deciding on a specific storage unit, different factors come into play. Allow our team to highlight some of the most prominent factors to consider.
Storage Unit Size
The first factor to consider is the storage unit size you want. The best way to estimate the size that will work best for you is to think about how much you want to store. The more items you store, the more room you’ll need. For example, if you plan to store a few smaller items like boxes or seasonal decorations, then a smaller storage unit size, such as 5x5, would be ideal. Do you have large pieces of furniture or appliances to store? Then your best bet is a larger storage unit, like 10x20 or 10x30.
For extensive information about each of our storage unit sizes, be sure to check out our online size guide.
Type of Storage Unit
Another important part of the self storage process is to ensure you get the right type of storage unit. Different storage types will benefit you more, depending on your needs. Here are some of the storage unit types we offer across our locations:
Climate-controlled storage. Temperature-regulated storage units are designed to better protect items sensitive to temperature and moisture.
Vehicle storage. Indoor and outdoor vehicle storage spaces allow you to keep your vehicle securely tucked away rather than out in the street, driveway, or in your garage.
Indoor storage. At select Southern Self Storage locations, we offer indoor storage solutions inside larger buildings so you can access your storage unit without worrying about inclement weather.
Drive-up storage. These storage units feature a roll-up door that allows you to pull up to your storage unit and load and unload items directly from your vehicle.
How To Rent or Reserve a Storage Unit
Once you have settled on a storage unit, you’ll want to either reserve your spot or secure your storage rental outright. At Southern Self Storage, you can do so one of two ways. The first way is to log in to our online portal and complete the leasing process. The second way is to visit your nearest Southern Self Storage location and rent your unit in person.
Self Storage Packing and Organization Tips
Properly packing your items can help keep your storage unit organized. It also helps further protect your belongings from damage. Here are some packing and organizing tips to consider throughout your packing and moving process:
When stacking similarly sized boxes or items, put heavier belongings with wider bases on the bottom to form a sturdy foundation.
Put bigger items into your storage unit first. Small items are easier to maneuver and move around than large and heavy items.
If you expect to need a certain item or group of items sooner rather than later, make sure it’s near the front and more accessible.
Do not place any sensitive items on the bottom of your storage unit.
For further help with your packing and move-in process, take advantage of our long line of on-site packing and moving supplies.
Rent Your First Storage Unit at Southern Self Storage
When you come to Southern Self Storage for our premier storage units, you’ll receive all the tools and information you need to make your storage experience as seamless as possible. Do you still have questions for us? Find your answer through our FAQ page.
To rent or reserve your storage unit, find your nearest Southern Self Storage facility or contact our team online now!