Renting a personal storage unit is an easy and inexpensive venture, which can have big time rewards in terms of convenience, as well as finance…as long as you know what you’re looking for, and how much you’re willing to pay for it, which leads us to our topic of the day: how much money you should spend on a storage unit?
As is the case with any purchase (or rental), storage costs are going to vary depending on what exactly you’re shopping for. Factors that will affect your monthly rate include the size and location of your unit; the length of your lease; the time of year that you decide to rent; and of course, whether or not you want special features like 24 hour access, security, or climate control.
Considering all of these factors, it’s impossible to specify an exact number for an appropriate monthly storage rate, however we can offer some helpful advice on knowing whether or not you’re getting a fair deal.
Standard Costs
In general, for a standard for a no bells and whistles storage unit you’ll mostly be paying for size. Prices typically fall into these ranges:
5×5 foot unit: $40-$50 a month
10×16 foot unit: $75 to $140 a month
10×20 foot unit $95 to $150 a month
20 x 20 foot unit: $200 a month and up
Note: units in prime locations—like downtown cores for instance—will typically hover near the higher ends of these ranges, while facilities in lower demand areas will be more likely to cut you a better deal.
Upgrade Costs
Bonus features that might add on a few extra bucks to your bill include climate control, on-site security, and 24 hour access. If you get lucky, you might find a place that includes these features in the above prices. If not, be prepared to spend about $20-$30 extra per month.
POD Units
These days, many personal storage units are offering POD (portable-on-demand) units. These units can either be stored at the facility, or picked up/delivered to any given location at the customer’s request. POD units are an extremely convenient and flexible storage option, but they don’t come cheap. You’ll most likely be paying at least $200 and even up to $300 per month.
Extra Fees
Keep in mind that storage locker facilities have the right to charge you for late fees, which will typically range from $15 to $50 per month, depending on how late you are. As well, some facilities might charge extra if you don’t provide your own lock.
Promotions and Bargains
Almost all storage locker facilities will offer promotions or bargains whether it’s a special seasonal sale, or a discount for signing a year-long lease. Additionally, don’t be afraid to barter and try to score your own personal discount—especially if you’ve found two facilities with the same fees. The storage market is a competitive industry, and many lucrative business owners will be willing to negotiate to guarantee your business.
The author is a business man by profession. He pens down whatever he thinks is worthy to be given a serious second thought. Contact him at https://plus.google.com/102800676917367802819
