Storage Units for Apartment Dwellers

Storage units for apartment dwellers

Tips for Renting an Outside Storage Unit

Apartment living has few drawbacks, but one of them is a lack of onsite storage. Few renters want to pay for an extra bedroom just to store stuff, so what’s the solution? Offsite storage. Offsite storage has become a popular practice for people who don’t have enough room in their apartment, house, or office to keep everything under one roof, yet have belongings that they don’t want to get rid of. Some examples include out-of-season sports equipment, holiday decorations, hand-me-down clothes to keep for kids as they grow, etc. The availability and quality of storage units have improved over the years and they serve as a safe and affordable solution for keeping items that you need but don’t have room for in your apartment.

Here are some of the things you need to know about renting a storage unit:

Self-storage vs. full-service storage

With self-storage, you are responsible for transporting items to the storage unit and retrieving them yourself when you need them. Full-service storage is a concierge service where the company will take your stuff and store it for you, then bring it to you on request. Self-service is much less expensive than full-service.

Size of the unit

The sizes vary and are priced accordingly; common sizes include 5’x5’, 5’x10’, 10’x10’, 10’x15’ and 10’x20’. Most storage unit companies will list sizes and prices on their website, along with schematics or floorplans, so you can see the dimensions.

Length of contract

All types of contracts are available, depending on your needs. Check the contract to see how much (if any) notice you need to give if you plan to clear out your unit.

Security

Ask about the security of the property where your storage unit is located. Is there 24/7 video monitoring? Is there on-site and/or patrolled security? Do you need to show ID whenever you want to go to your unit?

Insurance

Check to see who is responsible if the contents of your storage unit are stolen or damaged. Perhaps your renter’s insurance covers it or you need to purchase separate coverage. Is the storage unit company responsible? It’s helpful to know this before you sign a contract.

Renter’s and landlord’s rights

Just like with the lease for your apartment, you’ll need to read the fine print. For example, the landlord probably prohibits renters from living or working in their storage units. The landlord will also probably stipulate what can and cannot be kept in the storage unit, such as flammable materials. Likewise, you, as the renter, would probably have the right to not have anybody enter your storage unit without your permission.

Payment

As with your apartment lease, your monthly rent will be due by a specific date or late fees may apply. If you don’t pay your storage unit rent for an extended time, you could run into problems such as having a lien placed against your property. In extreme cases, the landlord can dispose of and sell your property to compensate for unpaid rent or abandonment.

Explore a Vision Community Apartment

At Vision Communities, we provide you with spacious apartments, but some times you need a little extra space.  Our floor plans are spacious and bedrooms come with spacious closet space. Our property management teams work hard to create living spaces that are headache-free and places you’ll want to come home to. We have floor plans that provide your personal space and spacious common areas for you to hang out with your roommate and friends. Our spacious, studio, 1 bedroom2 bedroom, and 3 bedroom apartment layouts provide cozy space. Check out our luxurious apartment floorplans in one of our communities and enjoy life at the VC.

Schedule a tour today and see why Vision Communities is a great place to live.

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Vision Companies
2935 Kenny Road
Columbus, OH 43221
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