How Long Can You Rent a Storage Unit

If you are considering renting a self storage unit, then one question that you may have is how long you can rent a storage unit, and the answer to that question is often for as long as you need.

Most storage companies will have minimums, so you may need your unit for a week or a month and sometimes even years, so it's worth checking with the self storage facilities that you are considering to see what their minimum terms are.

But today in this guide, we will explain how you can rent a storage unit and some of the things you should consider when deciding on either short-term or long-term storage.

Flexible Timeframes

The best thing about self storage is that it is not tied to long-term commitments. You can often book a self storage unit online in minutes, choose the unit size that fits your storage needs, and start using it the same day.

If you only need extra space while doing a house move, or you are a student looking for student storage over the summer, many providers allow you to rent by the week or for just a month.

For others, such as small businesses storing business stock or equipment, or households needing seasonal or long term storage, keeping a unit for several months or even years can be the more practical choice.

Choosing the Right Unit Size

You need to pick the right storage unit size when hiring a unit, as some facilities will offer a range of sizes.  These sizes can be anything from a small locker which can fit a few boxes, or larger units that can hold furniture or bulky equipment.

If you don't know what you need, then talk to a storage expert who can give you enough information so you can make the right choice on how much space you really need.  This can help you get the right unit without overpaying.

Short-Term Rentals

Short-term rental is popular with people who need a quick solution for a specific event in life. A house move, renovating a home, or a temporary work assignment often only needs a storage unit for a few weeks or a couple of months.

Universities in places like Liverpool and across the north west see a big demand for student storage at the end of term.

Many students use a self storage facility near their campus to keep their stored items safe between semesters instead of moving everything back home.

Short-term rentals are usually straightforward. You pay a set price, often weekly or monthly, and once you are done, you simply move your items out and close the unit. Just make sure you check for any hidden fees so that there are no surprises.

Long-Term Storage

If you need storage for a longer term, then long-term units are what you should be looking at.  Booking long-term storage can help you get the self-storage cost down, too and make it a little more affordable for you.

Businesses and individuals often take up long-term units if they have seasonal business stock, important documents or sports equipment that they use seasonally.

You may also want long-term storage if you are storing furniture or just simply need an extra space because your home is getting overcrowded.  Stored items can help get rid of the pressure of finding a place to go in your home.

Security and Protection

If you plan to rent a storage unit, we would recommend that you check the security of the facility and see if they have CCTV installed. We would also recommend that you find a place where insurance is offered as standard.

Anything valuable like furniture, business equipment or keepsakes should be insured correctly, the appropriate insurance will make sure you are covered when they are in your unit.

It is also worth asking about the availability of units in your preferred location so you do not have to travel too far.

Self Storage for Different Situations

The flexibility of self storage means it can suit almost any situation. A family doing a house move can rent a self storage unit just for a month to keep their furniture safe.

A small online retailer can rent space year-round for business stock. A construction team working on a project in a certain location can store equipment securely without having to lease a warehouse, which not only keeps costs down but also keeps their project running smoothly.

Whatever your storage needs, if it's putting away a few boxes, archiving important documents, or just needing a little extra space at home, self storage is a good choice.

Cost and Convenience

The price you pay will depend on the unit size, the location, such as Liverpool or London, the length of time, and the features offered by the storage facility.

Climate-controlled units or those with 24-hour access may cost a little more, but they can be worth it for the added protection.

Because so many people in cities like Liverpool and the north west use self storage, competition has driven costs down, and there is usually plenty of choice. That makes it easier to find a facility with the right balance of price, security, and convenience.