Where are these units located? Climate controlled self storage units are located all over the country, but most are offered in warmer climates. Most climate controlled units are inside units, and not many are offered in drive up access in order to help keep the temperature controlled inside the units. High humidity, high or low temperatures are the leading causes for damage for goods in storage. Does it help with pest control? As one may expect pests and rodents may be a problem in large warehouses or storage facilities. They are attracted to many items and boxes that may be stored in these areas. This is the reason food should not be stored in storage facilities in order to decrease the likelihood of rodent and insect infestations. It does help with preventing moth and insect infestation.

Typically, a clean storage facility would have the property clear of all overgrown vegetation that would attract insects. They would not have lights immediately in front of the storage units that would attract insects. However, while a well lit area is important for excellent security it is important that the storage facility be designed specifically for both insect prevention and security. The inside of the building should be sprayed regularly for insects and be exterminated for rodents frequently.

What is the difference between climate controlled and humidity controlled units? The difference is minute between climate controlled units and humidity controlled units, but very significant. Many times climate controlled and humidity controlled units are combined into one unit. In order to be classified as humidity controlled the unit must be kept with a relative humidity of 55 or less to decrease mold and mildew growth. Many items should be stored in humidity and climate controlled unit are as follows, paper products that are sensitive to mold or mildew, objects made of iron that are sensitive to rust, computer parts, rugs or carpets sensitive to mildew, refrigerators and freezers sensitive to rust and more.

How much are climate controlled self storage units? Depending on the area one is renting climate controlled units can range in price. At most self storage facilities climate controlled units are typically between $5 and $30 dollars more than a standard, non climate controlled unit. Because the unit does not have to use energy to be cooled and heated the standard non climate controlled units are cheaper. Overall, climate controlled self storage units are important at facilities in areas that are extremely hot or cold at times. Self storage owners should take area, climate, security and gate hours in consideration when building a self storage facility that offers climate controlled self storage units.

It can be generally said that the climate controlled facilities should keep the articles from freezing during winter and scorching during summer. Ideally the temperature should not rise above 90 Fahrenheit or 32 Celsius during the hot days and not fall below the freezing point in the winter. When you are going to rent a space in such a place make sure you get the exact specification of the of the rental agency prior to entering into any sort of agreement. This will help you to plan the storing and make sure that you get the right type of storing option for your goods.

You might be thinking twice before spending the extra money when choosing climate controlled storage over the general storing options. But imagine the cost of peace of mind that you buy. Imagine the relief you will get when you will find the very precious heirloom back in the condition you left it after returning from a long vacation. Pay that extra bit and you will appreciate it later. Climate controlled storage or weatherproof storing ensures at least one thing. Your articles will not get damaged from direct contact with rain or snow. Since the storing facility is insulated against the temperature changes.

Temporary self storage solutions for moving differ from other needs for self storage solutions because you know up front that the self storage you need is only for a temporary period. The manner in which you store your items in these storage units can be quite different. If you are searching for temporary self storage solutions for moving, the first thing you need to do is make sure that you package your items in a manner that will make them easy to get to when you need them.

If your temporary self storage solution for moving is the result of needing to store things while you wait for your new home to be finished because it is off schedule and you’ve sold your current home and have to downsize to a temporary apartment, you need to take special care in how you pack your things. Items that you will not need can go in the back of your storage unit. Other items that may have to go to the storage unit but need to be exchange regularly should be placed near the front of the unit. All boxes, furniture and other items should be situated in the unit so that there are aisles for you to walk between items without having to move them. Likewise, fabric furniture should be covered and mattresses should be stood up and supported so that they don’t get a permanent sag mark in them.

Temporary self storage solutions for moving a small business office can involve a similar storage scenario where items that will be needed right away should be stored near the front of the unit and large items such as desks, computers, chairs, tables should be stored to the rear of the facility since they won’t be needed and can be heavy and cumbersome to move.

Temporary self storage solutions for moving should be respective of the amount of time you need to rent. Many self storage facilities allow rentals from week to week, which is the best way to rent on a temporary basis. If you are not sure that you will need the storage for more than a week, you may do well to try to leave the items where they are rather than move them for just a few days.

No matter where you choose to temporarily store your items for moving, it is important to make sure that you follow the rules. Not all self storage facilities are the same so be sure to read the rental contract before you sign and pay. Make sure that you can store all of the items that you need to store in the unit. Remember that although you are paying a rental fee to rent private space, you do not own the space and the owner does have the right to inspect your items to insure that you are complying with the terms of the agreement.

Further, there are state laws that govern what you can and cannot store in public storage, even temporarily. Undoubtedly these rules will be incorporated into the rental contract. If they are not, you will want to inquire about these rules and ensure that you are compliant. Failure to comply can result in having your items removed from the storage unit and cause your rental contract to be severed, forcing you to also have to remove the rest of your items from the unit as well.

Many temporary self storage solutions for moving are like a one stop shopping source. They offer not only storage units but packaging items and even moving trucks to help you get your items relocated to the storage unit where they can stay temporarily either on a week to week or month to month basis and are protected with video surveillance and gated access by key only.

Not all storage units are considered equal. And while larger

Consider some of the best items that you can store in mini-storage units. One of the first ideas for mini-storage is if you maintain a home business. If you maintain an inventory – a small inventory – but feel more comfortable storing it outside of your home, a small unit may be your best bet. Simply install shelving along the back wall of your unit and stack all of your inventory neatly and easily so it’s at your fingertips any time you are ready to sell it.

Another idea for mini-storage is also related to having a home business. For your tax records, you will need to hang onto your financial records for several years beyond the current calendar year. Depending on the amount of paperwork your home business generates each year, this can mean storing a lot of documents. Instead of stacking these in your precious office space or relegating them to the attic where they’ll get confused with other storage boxes, consider using a mini-storage unit to store them safely and securely.

Storage units are great for storing collections. But what if you only have a small collection, or a collection of small items? Well, then you only need a small storage unit! Your baseball cards will thank you for finding them a small, dry, climate-controlled non-pest-infected space where they can be stored all on their own while they grow in value.

If you are working on a special project, you may have many items that you need to collect before you can get started, or research that will need to be done ahead of time. In order to keep your collection of items or your accumulated research together and easily accessible in one place, consider renting a mini-storage unit to use as work on your project progresses. Because most mini-storage units are rented from month to month without any need for long term contracts, you can keep your unit as long as your project lasts!

Another opportunity to use a rental unit is if you are working on an initiative or project with a group of other people. If you all need access to the same items or data but it is not convenient for you to always travel to one another’s homes to use what has been collected, consider renting a mini-storage unit that you can all visit whenever necessary. A related idea is if you will be selling items for a fundraiser. When you will be splitting duties with others, put all of the items you will be selling in your mini-storage unit and you can get what you need, when you need it!

There are many different reasons to use a mini-storage unit. You can mix and match reasons as well, and maintain several mini-storage units for various different needs in your life, instead of running the risk of accumulating clutter by assuaging all needs with one larger unit. But whatever your reason for needing a self storage rental to help you to effectively store your items, it is important to understand that there are many sizes available. So when you only have a small need, you only need a small unit. That’s when it’s time to consider mini-storage – the cost effective alternative!

Warehouses are also great places for vehicle storage of your classic car. Many warehouses provide a safe place that is climate-controlled, secured by keyed or gated access only and large enough to ensure that your classic car is not bumped, damaged or disturbed by other people who also have storage space there. Some warehouses even have special options they offer to people who are planning to store cars of all types for an entire season such as all winter or summer or even the whole year. These features include winterizing such as oil changes or periodic vehicle starts to keep engines from remaining idle too long.

Another way to keep your car safe with vehicle storage is to store it in an underground parking facility. Underground parking is an excellent place to store your car when you are not driving it and want it to be safe from the elements. One of the main advantages of underground storage is that your car is not on the street but safely parked in a designed space underground. Underground parking facilities are comparable in cost to enclosed parking structures but sometimes are not manned by 24-hour security. Underground security can also be a risk for flooding damage if applicable.

Storage sheds are another way to store your vehicle. Unlike your garage, a storage shed can be constructed exclusively for your vehicle or if you are renting storage shed space, your car may be the only car in the shed. The nice thing about storage sheds is they can be designated just for your car and not other items that might damage your classic car like paint, tools or other objects.

Keeping your car safe with vehicle storage is the best way to take care of your car when you do not have space in your garage and you need to protect your car from the elements such as rain and snow. Vehicle storage comes in a variety of options but one of the most popular vehicle storage options is to store your vehicle in an enclosed parking structure.

Enclosing parking structures that offer vehicle storage for your car can be expensive for the length of time that you use them but they are a worthwhile investment for many reasons. First, enclosed parking structures are usually maintained by 24-hour security or completed secured by gate with access available only to those who pay to store their vehicles in the structure. Enclosed parking structures keep your car safe from the weather, theft and accidental damage that can result from being parked on the street or even in your garage.

States like Michigan offer vehicle storage for your traditional or classic vehicle to be kept safe throughout the winter season. This is very important if you want your car to be protected from the winter conditions that are prevalent in Michigan from around Thanksgiving to Easter, sometimes longer. Remember, no matter how you choose to keep your car safe, some form of vehicle storage is the best thing you can do for your car when it isn’t in use. Keeping your car safe maintains a longer life.

If you are looking for quality vehicle storage in Michigan, remember that vehicle storage facilities may fill up quicker as the winter months approach and it would be a good idea to get your vehicle storage unit selected and pay at least a deposit and a month or two of the rent to ensure that you will have a place to put your vehicle before the snow and other in climate weather comes.

In the event that you need a specific type of storing your boat, you will have to look at both sides of the various storage facilities for your boat. Is your boat going to be stored for the winter or do you live in a region that is weather friendly and you will want access to your boat regularly? Regardless of where you live you will find ample indoor as well as outdoor boat storage. It is crucial that you pick the type of storage that will provide the best protection to your boat.

Actually both types of storage have their pros and cons for boat storage. Think about the options for indoor storage. If you select to store your boat inside your boat will be totally protected from the outside elements which will result in much less damage to your boat. Some boats that are stored in larger storage units can be repaired, maintained, and washed while they are there which is very convenient. Certain indoor storage will offer extra options as perks. Indoor storage is more costly than docking.

Think about your budget and what type of storage that you would need. Take your time to decide on the type of storage that think will be sufficient. You can rent space for docking at the marina. You can pay in advance for a whole season or pay monthly. A marina is often a perfect location and should be considered before you decide.

There are factors that should be considered before you choose your boat storage option. You should first consider your budget before anything else. But first make some considerations, such as how your boat will be kept; will you have easy access to your boat anytime; and the stipulated conditions in renting the place. It is also critical that the facility offers protection against nasty winter elements. There are many choices for storage of a boat during the off season months. A newer boat owner may not have decided what he will do with his boat during the brutal winter seasons. Winter boat storage facilities then become a better option.

There are a lot of spots where you can put your boat during the off season. There are many ways to store your boat, inside, partially enclosed, covered or simply leaving the boat outside. There are many options that could work for you. Boat storage should rely on the degree of storage that you need. In colder regions you will need to store the boat indoors. Your boater’s manual will give you advice on what your boat requires for all types of storage.

By making comparisons between several winter boat storage facilities, you could also decide the location and costs of the storage facilities that best fulfill your overall needs. A good range of options simply means that you will definitely have a better advantage in attempting to find a good service at an affordable price, provided you put in the research efforts.

Today, boat storage is a major concern for boat owners when they need storage. Options for storing boats have seen some nice advancement. There are plenty of places that offer safe and secure boat storage. When your boat is with these facilities, you can relax knowing that your boat is safe. There are some storage units that have dehumidifiers in some units to offer excellent conditions for your boat storage. Boat storage is now an important sector of the self storage industry. Most people that can afford a boat can also afford to store it properly.

Many boat owners prefer to have a secured boat storage unit. A safe and secure spot in a self storage facility with a code regulated gate with other security features along with a fixed monthly rent is a very attractive offer. Boat storage also gives peace of mind that the boat is protected and safe. This can be worth its weight in gold for most boat owners and well worth the price that accompanies this security.

Storage condominiums have benefits for both the facility manager and the customer. The manager no longer has to worry about collecting monthly rent or providing liability insurance. Their ongoing maintenance duties are usually reduced as most association fees do not include any work inside of the storage unit. The new owner is responsible for his or her own pest control, water damage repair, and fire prevention to protect their own belongings. The customer is free to add their own security systems to their storage condo, but security at the overall location remains the responsibility of the facility owner or management company.

Most storage condos are 14 feet wide and 40 feet deep, with other sizes also available as desired by the customer. Many of them include a residental garage door, complete with opener, for easy access to the space. There is generally 15-amp electrical power already installed in the storage unit, with fluorescent lighting and several electrical outlets. Larger condominiums may be wired for 60-amp power, with the utility bill being sent directly to the space owner instead of the facility manager. Some storage condominium facilities include shared services for use on RVs, motorcycles, and boats. These include repair stations, vehicle washing equipment, and dumping areas for RV waste products.

The unique set up of a storage condominium arrangement can give it some flexibility with regard to city land use regulations and zoning laws. Because they are not rental units, a storage condo facility can often be placed in areas zoned for light industrial use, not just commercial zoning areas. This land is usually much cheaper for the facility owner than it would be to purchase commercially-zoned land. In cities where parking spaces and vehicle storage are hard to come by, purchasing a storage condominium may be more economical than paying parking fees by the day or month.

Despite their high prices, customers are purchasing these storage condominiums because of the flexibility and convenience they give. Since the customer now owns the storage unit outright, they are free to make any improvements they wish to the interior of the space. Exterior improvements must usually be approved by the facility manager since they affect the look of the entire area. Some common interior improvements include epoxy floors, new walls to separate the space, and adding windows or doors. Condo owners with a higher construction budget may even install climate-control equipment for the storage unit. This usually entails adding insulation in the walls and roof, along with either an air conditioner or swamp cooler to keep the temperature down inside the condominium.

Businesses are also taking note of these new storage condominiums, purchasing them for use as off-site file rooms or vehicle and equipment storage. Due to city zoning laws, most storage facilities have provisions in the sale contract prohibiting the operation of a business from inside the condominium itself. They are quite useful in shifting some of the storage space burden out of a company’s primary office, which is probably being rented at a premium rate.

Being able to actually own the storage space gives a business more financing options. It is far easier to obtain a loan to cover the purchase of real property than it is to persuade a lender to pay for the company’s storage rental for the year. The cost can generally be classified as a capital investment instead of a recurring monthly expense on the company’s balance sheet and income statements. Storage condominiums are a natural fit for businesses that use a lot of large equipment or vehicles, such as construction or delivery companies.

Financing the purchase of a storage condominium may be more difficult for a private individual. Many banks have no experience with the concept of buying a permanent storage unit as a real estate investment. As a result, these loans are usually treated as 10-year personal loans rather than traditional 30-year real estate mortgages. There is also generally a large down payment of 20 percent required upon the signing of the loan.

The first self storage companies were established in the mid 1970s. These companies began leasing units of various sizes to individuals and businesses in need of additional storage space. The initial rules put in place by self-storage companies prohibited individuals from sleeping or otherwise living in their storage unit. They also prohibited the resale or subleasing of the storage units. Overtime more rules were put into place to prevent individuals and businesses from storing potential hazardous materials.

Throughout the years the self storage industry has continued to grow rapidly. As more people all over the world move on a regular basis the need for private storage facilities has grown rapidly. Individuals moving for personal and professional reasons have started using self storage facilities to store furniture and other items between moves. Even after moving many people have chosen to use self storage units as a convenient way to store seasonal items and other belongings that are inconvenient to have around at all times but are too valuable to throw away.

Many of the first self storage units were located in urban areas and were part of larger buildings. Quite a few businesses and even public schools leased out storage space to the general public. In some areas huge self storage facilities existed that had elevators and other features to help customers get to and from their storage units. Overtime self storage facilities were opened that catered to individuals storing large items such as cars, boats, and RVs.

Self storage units come in a wide variety of sizes designed to fit the needs of individuals with a few items or people needing to store enough furniture to fill a house. Storage units start out at units that are no bigger than the average walk in closet and go up to the size of a two car garage. Most self storage units can be accessed by using a metal door that rolls up in a way that is similar to the average garage. Initially self storage units were built using concrete and metal with the renter being asked to provide their own lock. Over the years construction has become more secure as features are added to interest new customers.

Self storage units now come in climate controlled and cold storage units. Climate controlled units are well constructed and insulated in such a way that the temperature of the unit remains constant. These storage units remain dry and comfortable which helps prevent molding and other forms of damage that sometimes occurs when items are in storage. Cold storage self storage units are also offered to provide small businesses and others a way to safely store food items and even wine for long periods of time.

Regardless of whether a person needs traditional storage, climate controlled storage, or cold storage they are charged a monthly rental fee. These fees are usually determined by the type of facility being used and the size of the storage unit. Over recent years self storage facilities have developed a contract that has be signed by all individuals leasing self storage units.

These contracts usually state the individual renting the storage unit will not store hazardous material in their unit, will not attempt to live in their unit, will pay their rent on time each month, and also promises that the individuals property will never be touched or disturbed by the staff or management of the facility. If the renter does fail to pay their rent a lien is placed on their storage unit and the contents of the storage unit can eventually be auctioned off. In recent years storage facility auctions have become a popular way for collectors and resellers to gain access to second hand items cheaply.

Self storage facilities have also changed their security methods over the past few decades. As outdoor storage facilities became popular storage facility owners began seeking new ways to protect their customer’s property. This has been done with the help of advanced technology such as keypads and codes used for gaining access to the storage facility, video surveillance used to monitor the property, and even gates and fences designed to deter criminals.

The advancement of self storage facilities seen to date are only the first of many. As millions of individual’s world wide lease self storage units for personal and professional use the self storage industry will continue to change and grow.

Vehicle storage does not only deal in family and personal used vehicles but also concerns with the vehicles for business, commercial and industrial use of different types and these include trailers, trucks and other kinds of industrially used vehicle of larger scales and size. These vehicles are very expensive and at the same time are very expensive. They need to properly taken care of and are very sensitive to the natural reaction like heat, rust and other natural phenomenon which can cause damage to the engine and other body parts of the vehicle, if not used for long time.

The business of vehicle storage has been running well almost everywhere it has started and this is because every one owns a vehicle and every business house have their own cars for day-to-day use. This cars needs to be taken care of properly and most importantly they need to be safe, especially from theft and other kinds of negative activities happening on a regular basis almost everywhere.

There are many agencies and outlets now giving spaces for rent for vehicle storage with different rates for different cars measuring in terms of size and how expensive the car is. Rates are generally varying from the low hundreds to the low thousands depending on the area and length of storage. Do your own homework before making a decision because the savings you find could make a huge difference for you and your family.

Mostly it is advised that vehicle storage space be in proximity to the home of the owner. This is best way to alleviate worries that often come with knowing your vehicle is in the care of a third party. There are many different choices now in the way of vehicle storage units especially if there are any antique and vintage cars show rooms near by. This is because many of these showrooms and car business houses will want a special shed and spaces for storing their cars during winters and other occasions when there are extra cars on the property.

This type of vehicle storage facility is generally a bit expensive and hard for average people to afford if used for short span of time because the rent depends on how expensive a car is. Plus, the monthly rental/storage fees are only discounted if the vehicle storage facility is to be used for longer period of time. Vehicle storage facilities are generally used during vacations or when the owner of the house is our for few days and needs assurance of the proper car safety and care.

There are many reasons for the expense of choosing professional vehicle storage facilities. One of the first storage facility benefits is that maintenance is often available onsite. Many professional vehicle storage facilities are used to catering to antique vehicle owners and serious car enthusiasts. They specialize in doing everything in their power to make sure that all of the vehicles in placed into their hands are able to receive any maintenance and repairs necessary. These facilities also want to be able to quickly recognize any problems with vehicles before they get serious.

To avoid getting a call from your vehicle storage facility with a tale of trouble concerning your car you should take steps to prepare your vehicle for storage. There are many things that can be done including cleaning your vehicle thoroughly on the outside and inside. Also, remove all food or food particles from the interior of your vehicle. Doing this will help you avoid attracting insects and rodents to your vehicle. Remember to perform basic service on your vehicle. This should include getting an oil change and filling the tank up with gas. Lastly, always remember to remove the battery from your car when putting it in storage. Leaving a battery in a vehicle for long periods of time can lead to dangerous battery acid leaks and corrosion.

Thus, it can be said that the first priority should be to own a house which has a garage but if that is not the case then you should always go for the vehicle storage rent houses which assures the safety of your cars and proper care for cost which on final analysis is worth it.

Now, you must be wondering, how you can choose a safe storage facility since there are so many options available? There are certain factors that should be taken into consideration before signing a contract and making your final choice.

Security

The first and the foremost thing that you should look in any safe self storage facilities are the security features. Certain items that you put into storage might be items that you and your family are emotionally attached to. These are items that you cannot afford to lose and are often irreplaceable. Before renting any unit look to see whether it has better surveillance features than it’s local competitors. Also find out whether or not they can check for unauthorized access or not. Some safe self storage companies require that users have access codes that use keypads. These keypads will often record attempts to access the facility without permission and it is in your best interest to rent from a company that monitors and records any attempt to gain access to the facility without authorization. Most of the self storage companies in business today use state of the art equipment and, as a paying customer, you have the right to know what they are using.

Safety from fire

The most have safety feature coming in after survellience in safe self storage facilities is safety from fire. You should confirm whether the self storage building follows all the fire safety egulations or not. Also check whether the storage facility is equipped with fire alarms and high quality sprinklers or not. Find out what restrictions are placed on staff and renters to help prevent fires from starting. Many storage facilites do not allow renters to store any flameable equipment or unsafe electronics on the premises. Most will also discourage or not allow smoking on the facility or near the storage units.

Insurance

Even after taking preventive measures, disaster can happen and in the end you will have lost valuable property. With this in mind it is important to understand that safe self storage also means planning for the worst. When you choose a facility find out how they will compensate you and your family if all of their safety measures suddenly fail. A responsible self storage company that cares about the security of their clients will include the option of purchasing insurance. This insurance is designed to compensate you if, through no fault of your own, the items you have placed into storage are damaged or ruined. Some storage facilities offer insurance free of charges and others require that you pay a monthly fee.

Apart from this, you should also take steps to responsibly ensure the safety of your items. Safe self storage starts with the renter so you must do everything in your power to keep your belongings safe. Mark items which are breakable as fragile or pack them with bubble wrap. Put heavier things in the back and lighter things in the front and if you have planned to keep mirrors and glasses then do keep them between mattresses or soft items being stored and remember that they are there! Though these factors are very minor and do not have a direct part in choosing a safe storage facility but they pay a very important part in safe self storage.

In a nut shell, if you are planning to move to a different place or you do not have an adequate amount of space in your house then self storage is something that you will seriously want to consider. However, do not go blindly to any company providing this service, instead check and conform that the company offers completely safe self storage facilities.

First, think about what you will use your self storage unit for. If you will be using it to store items for the winter, such as a motorcycle, jet skis, a small bike, or a quad, you will need to have very accurate measurements of those machines to use before you pick a unit size. Always allow for a bit of extra space around your machines. If you pick a unit that is the exact same length as your motorcycle, you may run into some difficulties.

If you will be using your self storage location to store the items you sell from a home business, you will need a larger container than if you were simply storing boxes that can be piled on one another. This need for a larger space is dictated by the fact that you will need to create walkways for yourself between the items that are stored so that you can have easy access to each and every box. A good saleman can always lay his hands on exactly the products he needs to sell. So with that in mind, turn your self storage unit into a mini filing room or well organized office, so that you can shelve your items quickly and easily and just as quickly and easily access them when needed.

If you will be using your self storage location for boxes or other home use storage items, you will need as big a space as will comfortably accommodate all stored possessions without harming any of them. This will necessitate some guess work on your part, but by carefully examining your items, you’ll be able to find the right size for your self storage rental.

Your second consideration should be the length of time you will be using your self storage unit. If it will be for a relatively short amount of time and you will not need to access the contents of any of the boxes between when they are stored and when they are moved, you can use the smallest unit available that will accommodate all of your needs. However, if you plan to be using the self storage unit for awhile, you will probably need to select a larger space so you can create moving room for yourself to be able to access the contents of boxes between when they are moved in and moved out.

Third, consider what types of items you will be storing in your self storage unit. If it will be all strong and sturdy items, you can likely use a smaller unit. This is because these items can be more easily stacked, allowing you to take advantage of vertical space instead of only floor space. But if you will be storing items that will easily break or are in any other way fragile, you will likely need a larger storage unit so that you can better spread out your storage boxes.

Finally, one of your most important considerations when picking the right size for your self storage rental unit is whether you will be adding new items in the future. If you will have first filled your self storage unit because you’ve worked to declutter your house, you should probably consider that you will have extra items to add in the future. If you are maintaining a self storage unit to store items that a child will take with them in the future, you may continue to add new items during the time between when you first opened the unit and when the child is on their own. In either of these cases, rent a larger storage unit than you need at the time when you first use it. It is a large hassle to move from unit to unit, so when you know you will need extra space in the future, account for it when you first rent your self storage unit.