Are Self-Storage Facilities Worth the Cost?

A self storage facility is an investment that depends on one thing: How much needs to be stored. When an individual needs a little extra space, then storage facilities are a necessary and very useful option. Being able to easily load or unload your belongings into a secured environment, many times climate controlled, and not clutter up your garage any further can be well worth the cost.

The Cost of Self Storage

Storage facilities range from $50 to $500 for basic storage and may include a number of amenities. You will most likely be required to sign a lease, so you’ll want to plan for how long you require storage. Added fees or deposits will also be a consideration, so make sure you are aware of all costs involved with renting, before you sign a storage lease.

What’s Included?

Each location will offer varying options designed to accommodate your storage needs. Visiting locations on line or in person will give you a good overview of what to expect. Ask yourself whatever questions necessary to assure that the cost you’ll be paying is worth it. How convenient is the storage facility to my location? How often to I anticipate traveling to and from the location? Is the location open for business according to my needs? Is it climate controlled? May be just a few of the amenities you will require.

How Do I Find Deal?

Much like apartments, many storage businesses will offer incentives just for signing up or even for longer leases. Make sure to inquire at the facility you are considering whether they will offer you a discounted rate or matching rate of a cheaper competitor.

Is There Another Option?

If you feel your possessions are worthy of their own “apartment” in a storage facility, then try calculating the difference if you were to super-size your apartment or rental to accommodate the items. Typically, the cost between upgrading from a one bedroom to a two, or from a two to a three may be just about the same as renting storage space. And, this added space is virtually the same size as storage space. One advantage to this approach is your ability to display and enjoy your items in your own home, rather than subjecting them to an uncontrolled environment. Also, many apartment complexes keep storage garages on site and do lease them to residents.  If you’re looking to move in the near future, perhaps focus on the communities that provide this added amenity.

The value behind storage facilities is truly in the eye of the beholder. If space is limited and you have items from which you cannot part, then a storage space is your only option. Each person must evaluate whether the value of their contents outweighs the cost of it’s storage. Just eliminating “junk” from your belongings may provide a liberating experience and start you on the way to prioritizing and organizing that may solve your problem without added storage.