You know you have too many things and not enough room, but before picking a storage unit at random, ask yourself a few important questions before signing the rent agreement.

How Close Does My Unit Need to be to My Place?

Will you be traveling back and forth to your storage unit frequently? Or are you planning on leaving those extra wares in your unit long-term with very few visits a year? If you’re planning on being a frequent visitor to your things, think of your unit as a second home you’ll want as close to your place as possible. You already commute five days a week to work; don’t make a quick trip to your unit equally as tedious.

How Much Space Do I Really Need?

Tetris is one thing, but if your unit is packed to the absolute brim to the point that you can’t actually access anything, you probably need a bigger unit. Take a few measurements before you make a decision on your storage space. Figure out the dimensions of your larger items, such as tables, mattresses, and the height of lamps and bookcases.

How Much Access do You Need?

Are you going to need 24/7 access to your unit, or are you only planning on going during the weekends? Some facilities offer 24/7 service, while others might only have their office open from 9am-5pm though the unit access might be open later. Consider your time frames before choosing a storage facility.

Are You Going to Need a Climate Controlled Unit?

Climate control is essential, if you’re storing valuable works of art, antiques, and musical instruments, among others. Certain fragile items cannot withstand extreme temperature changes with the changing of the season. Climate controlled storage is pricier than a standard unit, so if you are only storing regular everyday items, you might not need a temperate space.

Once you’ve answered these questions, you should have a better idea of what kind of unit you need. Use AffordableMoves to best find the facility you need and want in your area.