Self Storage Tips for First-Time Renters: The Complete Guide

Step 1: Figure Out Why You Need Storage

Your reason for renting shapes everything: size, features, duration, and budget. Common reasons include:

• Moving. Temporary storage between homes, usually 1 to 3 months. Facilities like our Indianapolis and Columbus locations see heavy demand during peak moving months.
• Downsizing. Long-term overflow storage for items you want to keep but do not have room for.
• Renovation. Protecting furniture while work gets done, typically a few weeks to a few months.
• Life transition. Divorce, death in family, military deployment, college.
• Business. Inventory, equipment, documents, seasonal supplies. Many small business owners in Tulsa and Olathe use storage units to manage overflow.
• Decluttering. Getting items out of the house to create breathing room.

Why this matters: A 2-month moving transition needs different features than 2-year business storage. Knowing your timeline helps you pick the right unit and avoid overspending.

Step 2: Choose the Right Size

The most common mistake first-time renters make is renting too large. Here is a quick guide:

What You're Storing	Recommended Size
A few boxes and small items	5x5
Dorm room or studio apartment	5x10
1-bedroom apartment	10x10
2-bedroom apartment	10x15
3-bedroom house	10x20
4-5 bedroom house	10x30

Rule of thumb: Count the number of furnished rooms you are storing and add one. That is your unit size. One room equals a 5x10, two rooms equals a 10x10, and so on.

If you are between sizes, go one size up. The $20 to $40 per month difference is worth not having to cram everything in. For more detailed guidance, check out our guide on what size storage unit do I need.

Step 3: Decide on Climate Control

You probably need climate control if:

• You are storing wood furniture, electronics, photos, or documents
• Your storage period exceeds 3 months
• You live in an area with extreme heat, cold, or humidity
• Any items are irreplaceable

You can skip climate control if:

• You are storing only durable items like tools, outdoor gear, and sealed bins
• Your storage period is very short, under a month
• Everything is weather-resistant

Climate control typically adds $15 to $35 per month. For most people storing household items, it is worth it. Our Meriden and New Britain locations in Connecticut offer climate-controlled units that handle New England's harsh winters. Same goes for our Milwaukee facility, voted #1 facility in the Milwaukee market.

Want a deeper breakdown? Read our full comparison of climate-controlled vs. regular storage.

Step 4: How to Compare Facilities

Not all storage facilities are created equal. Comparing three or more before committing is the single best thing you can do as a first-time renter. Here is a systematic way to evaluate them.

Security (Non-Negotiable)

• Gated access with unique entry codes
• Video surveillance running 24/7, not just during office hours
• Well-lit facility, parking lot, and hallways
• Individual unit door alarms (ideal, but not universal)

Convenience

• Access hours that work for your schedule, including evenings and weekends
• Drive-up access for large or heavy items
• Loading carts and dollies available on-site
• Online rental and payment
• Ground-floor units, which are easier than navigating stairs or elevators

Terms

• Month-to-month rental with no long-term contract required
• Clear pricing with no hidden fees
• Reasonable late payment policy
• Insurance options or the ability to use your own coverage

Facility Comparison Methodology

Create a simple spreadsheet or note with these columns for each facility you are considering:

1. Monthly cost for the same unit size
2. Move-in specials (first month free, half off, etc.)
3. Admin or setup fees
4. Insurance requirements and cost
5. Access hours
6. Security features (score 1 to 5)
7. Online reviews (Google rating, number of reviews)
8. Distance from your home in minutes

Weight these based on what matters most to you. A facility that is five minutes closer but has poor reviews is not worth it. A facility that costs $15 more but has 24/7 access and superior security might be.

At JustSelfStorage, we make this easy. Whether you visit our Antelope, CA location or our Sterling Heights, MI location, you will find consistent quality, transparent pricing, and the security features that matter.

Red Flags to Avoid

• Required long-term contracts of 6 months or more
• No security cameras or gated access
• Unclear pricing or excessive fees
• Poor online reviews mentioning pests, water damage, or break-ins
• No one answers the phone or responds to emails

Step 5: How to Read a Storage Contract

Most first-time renters sign the rental agreement without reading it carefully. That is a mistake. Storage contracts are usually short, just a few pages, but there are a few things you need to look for.

Key clauses to review:

• Rate increase provisions. Can the facility raise your rate, and with how much notice? Most contracts allow increases with 30 days written notice. Some require 60 days. If there is no mention of notice requirements, ask before signing.
• Late fees. What is the grace period? Most facilities give you 5 to 10 days after the due date before charging a late fee. Know the amount, which is typically $10 to $25 or a percentage of rent.
• Lien rights. Every storage contract includes language about what happens if you stop paying. The facility has the right to place a lien on your belongings and eventually auction them. This is governed by state law (more on that below).
• Insurance requirements. Some facilities require you to carry insurance on your stored items. Others strongly recommend it. Read whether you can use your own policy or must purchase theirs.
• Access restrictions. Confirm the hours you can access your unit. Some contracts specify that the facility can restrict access if your account is past due.
• Prohibited items. The contract will list what you cannot store. Violating this can result in immediate termination of your lease.
• Move-out procedures. How much notice do you need to give? Most month-to-month agreements require you to notify the facility before your next billing date. Some prorate your final month, others do not.

If anything in the contract is unclear, ask the facility manager to explain it before you sign. You are not being difficult. You are being smart.

Step 6: Understand the Costs and Seasonal Pricing

What You Will Pay

• Monthly rent. Based on unit size and features.
• Security deposit. Some facilities charge a one-time deposit of $20 to $50, often refundable.
• Insurance. $10 to $20 per month if required or recommended.
• Lock. $10 to $20 for a quality disc lock. Bring your own. Facility locks are usually overpriced.

What You Should Not Pay

• Admin fees above $20 to $25
• Mandatory insurance when you already have coverage
• Rate increases without proper notice
• Move-out fees (these should not exist)

Seasonal Pricing Trends

Storage pricing is not static. It follows predictable seasonal patterns that you can use to your advantage.

Peak season (May through September): Prices are highest. This is when most people move, and demand for units spikes. Expect fewer promotions and less room to negotiate.

Off-peak season (October through March): Prices drop. Facilities have more vacancies and are more willing to offer deals. If you can time your rental for late fall or winter, you will almost always pay less.

Back-to-school (August and September): College towns see a secondary spike. Facilities near universities fill up fast.

Holiday season (November and December): Demand dips in most markets, making this a good time to lock in a lower rate.

At our Urbandale, IA and Saint Charles, MO locations, we keep pricing competitive year-round, but you will still find the best deals during the colder months.

How to Save Money

1. First-month promotions. Almost every facility offers them. Ask.
2. Reserve online. Often cheaper than walking in.
3. Prepay. Some facilities offer discounts for paying several months upfront.
4. Right-size your unit. Do not pay for space you will not use.
5. Compare 3 or more facilities. Prices vary more than you would think, even within the same city.
6. Rent during off-peak months. October through February typically offers the best rates.

Step 7: Negotiation Tips

Yes, you can negotiate storage rates. Most people do not even try, which means you already have an edge just by asking.

What to negotiate:

• Monthly rate. Ask if there is a lower rate available. If you have a quote from a competitor, mention it.
• First-month deals. If the facility is not advertising a promotion, ask if they can waive or discount the first month anyway.
• Admin fees. These are often flexible. A simple "Can you waive the admin fee?" works more often than you would expect.
• Long-term rate lock. If you know you will need storage for 6 months or more, ask for a guaranteed rate for that period.
• Autopay discount. Some facilities offer a small discount for setting up automatic payments.

When you have the most leverage:

• During off-peak months (October through March)
• When the facility has many vacant units
• When you are renting a larger or more expensive unit
• When you are willing to prepay several months

How to ask: Be polite, be direct, and be willing to walk away. "I am comparing a few facilities in the area. Is there any flexibility on the monthly rate or move-in fees?" That is all it takes.

Our teams at Parma Heights and Richmond Heights, both voted best self storage facility in their cities, are always happy to work with first-time renters on finding the right fit and price.

Step 8: Insurance: Renters vs. Storage vs. Homeowners

This is one of the most misunderstood topics for first-time renters. There are three types of insurance that might cover your stored belongings, and they work very differently.

Renter's Insurance

If you have an active renter's insurance policy, it may already cover items in a storage unit. Most policies extend coverage to belongings stored off-premises, typically up to 10% of your personal property coverage limit. Call your insurance provider and ask specifically about off-site storage coverage. Get it in writing.

Homeowner's Insurance

Similar to renter's insurance, many homeowner's policies extend some coverage to items stored off-premises. The coverage limit is usually 10% of your personal property coverage. Again, verify this with your insurer before relying on it.

Storage Facility Insurance (Tenant Protection Plans)

Most storage facilities offer their own insurance plans, sometimes called "tenant protection plans." These typically cost $10 to $20 per month and cover $2,000 to $5,000 in belongings. They are convenient but come with limitations. Coverage caps are usually low. Deductibles may apply. Claims processes vary by provider.

Which Should You Choose?

Factor	Renter's/Homeowner's	Facility Insurance
Cost	Already paying for it	$10-$20/month extra
Coverage limit	Usually higher	$2,000-$5,000 typical
Deductible	Varies by policy	Often $0-$100
Convenience	Must verify and document	Buy at move-in
Claim process	Through your insurer	Through facility's provider

Bottom line: If you already have renter's or homeowner's insurance, check your policy first. You may already be covered and can skip the facility plan. If you do not have either, the facility's insurance is affordable and worth getting. Do not store valuable items without any coverage at all.

Step 9: State-Specific Lien Laws

Every state has a self-storage lien law that governs what happens when a renter stops paying. As a first-time renter, understanding these basics protects you.

How it generally works:

1. You miss a payment.
2. The facility sends a notice (usually after 30 to 60 days of nonpayment).
3. After a waiting period defined by state law, the facility can sell your belongings at auction to recover unpaid rent.

Key differences by state:

• California (our Antelope facility): Requires written notice via certified mail. 14-day redemption period after notice.
• Ohio (Cleveland, Columbus, Parma Heights, Richmond Heights): Written notice required. Auction can proceed after the notice period, typically 30 days.
• Michigan (Redford, Saginaw, Southgate, Sterling Heights): Requires notice and a waiting period before the facility can enforce the lien.
• Illinois (Joliet): Written notice by verified or certified mail. Minimum 14-day notice before sale.
• Connecticut (Meriden, New Britain): Requires notice and a public auction process.
• Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, Oklahoma: All require written notice and a redemption window before any sale can take place.

The takeaway: If you ever fall behind on payments, communicate with your facility immediately. Most managers would rather work out a payment plan than go through the auction process. It is a hassle for everyone involved.

Step 10: Prepare Your Items

Before Storage Day

1. Clean everything. Dirty items attract pests and develop odors.
2. Disassemble furniture. Saves space and prevents damage. Bag and label all hardware.
3. Wrap fragile items. Use bubble wrap or packing paper, not newspaper (ink transfers).
4. Use uniform boxes. Same-size boxes stack efficiently and do not topple.
5. Label every box. On at least two sides, including contents and the room it came from.

For a deeper dive on packing strategy, read our guide on how to pack a storage unit.

What NOT to Store

• Food, including canned goods and pet food (attracts pests)
• Anything wet or damp (breeds mold)
• Hazardous materials, flammable liquids, explosives
• Live animals or plants
• Illegal items
• Cash, jewelry, or irreplaceable items without insurance

Step 11: Move-In Day Timeline

Having a plan for move-in day makes the whole process smoother. Here is a timeline that works for most first-time renters.

The Day Before

• Confirm your reservation and bring your ID
• Buy your disc lock if you have not already
• Load your vehicle strategically: heavy items first, fragile items last
• Print or save your inventory list

Morning of Move-In

• Arrive at the facility and check in at the office
• Sign your rental agreement (you already reviewed it, right?)
• Get your access code and unit number
• Walk to your unit and inspect it before loading anything. Look for signs of moisture, pests, or damage. Report any issues immediately.

Loading Your Unit (Allow 2 to 4 Hours for a Full Unit)

1. Place heavy furniture and appliances against the back wall first
2. Stack boxes by weight. Heavy on the bottom, light on top.
3. Stand sofas and mattresses on end to save floor space
4. Fill gaps with pillows, blankets, and soft items
5. If you plan to access items frequently, leave a center aisle
6. Place items you might need soonest near the front

Before You Lock Up

• Take photos of the packed unit for your records
• Update your inventory list with final contents
• Make sure the door closes and locks properly
• Test your access code at the gate on your way out

After Move-In

• Set a calendar reminder to visit your unit in 2 to 4 weeks for a quick check
• Save the facility's phone number in your contacts
• File your contract and insurance documentation somewhere accessible

Step 12: Maintain Your Unit

Storage is not set-and-forget. Visit periodically to keep your belongings in good condition.

• Monthly (first 3 months). Check for moisture, pests, and unusual odors. This is especially important if you are storing in a non-climate-controlled unit.
• Quarterly (ongoing). Quick inspection to make sure everything looks the same as when you left it.
• Seasonally. Swap seasonal items if that is part of your storage plan.

If you notice moisture, musty smells, or evidence of pests, notify the facility immediately. The sooner an issue gets addressed, the less damage your belongings will suffer.

Facilities like our Joliet, IL location and our best self storage facility in Cleveland at JustSelfStorage Cleveland maintain clean, well-managed properties that minimize these risks. But no matter where you store, periodic visits are a smart habit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a storage unit cost?

Storage costs vary by city and unit size. Small 5x5 units start around $29 to $79 per month, while large 10x30 units range from $145 to $329 per month. Climate control adds 15 to 25 percent to the base price. For specific pricing, check the facility page nearest you.

Can I visit my storage unit anytime?

Most facilities have set access hours, typically 6 AM to 10 PM daily. Some offer 24-hour access. Check before renting if flexible access matters to you.

Do I need insurance for my storage unit?

It is strongly recommended. Check whether your existing renter's or homeowner's insurance covers stored items first. If not, storage insurance is typically $10 to $20 per month and well worth the protection.

What is the difference between drive-up and interior units?

Drive-up units open directly to the outside, like a garage. They are convenient for loading heavy items. Interior units are accessed via indoor hallways and tend to offer better climate control and security.

How far in advance should I reserve?

You can usually reserve same-day, but booking a few days ahead makes sure you get the size and type you want. This is especially important during peak moving season from May through September.

Can I share a storage unit with someone?

Most facilities allow you to authorize additional people to access your unit. You remain the primary account holder and responsible party for all payments and contract terms.

What happens if I stop paying?

After a grace period of typically 30 to 60 days, the facility can place a lien on your belongings and eventually auction them to recover unpaid rent. Lien laws vary by state (see our section on lien laws above). Always communicate with the facility if you are having financial difficulty.

Are there items I absolutely cannot store?

Yes. Hazardous materials, flammable liquids, perishable food, live animals, plants, and illegal items are prohibited at virtually every storage facility. Your rental agreement will include a full list of prohibited items.

When is the cheapest time to rent a storage unit?

October through February is typically the cheapest period. Facilities have more vacancies during these months and are more likely to offer promotions or negotiate on price.

Quick Reference: First-Timer Checklist

• Determine why you need storage and for how long
• Choose the right unit size (use the room rule)
• Decide on climate control
• Compare 3 or more facilities on price, security, and reviews
• Read the rental agreement carefully before signing
• Reserve online for the best rate
• Gather packing supplies: boxes, tape, bubble wrap, labels
• Clean and disassemble items
• Buy a quality disc lock
• Verify your insurance coverage
• Pack strategically on move-in day
• Inspect the unit before loading
• Create and maintain an inventory list
• Take photos of your packed unit
• Visit your unit monthly for the first few months

Find a JustSelfStorage Location Near You

We operate 18 facilities across the country, each one committed to providing clean, secure, and fairly priced storage. Find the one closest to you: