Storage units can get expensive fast. If you’re not looking to break the bank, check out these seven easy tricks to save some cash on your storage.
There are a ton of reasons for someone to get a storage unit.
At times we may need to downsize our living space, leaving us with excess stuff that needs to be stored.
Some people use storage units to hold their business inventory, while others have inherited the belongings of a loved one who has passed, and they need a place to store them.
Whatever the reason for the need, most people would prefer to do without the cost of a storage unit, especially considering how expensive they can get.
With that thriftiness in mind, here are some handy tips that you can use to save money on your storage unit:
1. Opt for the Smallest Possible Unit
As with most everything, the smaller the unit, the lower the price. The most effective way to save money on a storage unit is to pay for the smallest unit possible.
This may mean you need to get rid of anything you wouldn’t absolutely need. It may be difficult for you to let go of sentimental things, but you need to consider how much those items are actually worth.
You can even earn money by selling these excess possessions at a garage sale. You can also donate your things to a thrift shop, and the value of the donations is a tax write-off.
Most people consider the size needs of their storage unit by looking at everything they’ll pack and adding a little extra room for an aisle. But you can get rid of the need for an aisle by using smart packing and organizing techniques for your storage unit.
2. Pack Smart and Light
Before you put your things into storage, you need to pack them in boxes and bags. You can cut down on the amount of space these things take up in your storage unit by using clever packing techniques at this early stage.
To reiterate a point brought out in tip #1; don’t pack any unnecessary items.
Also, whenever filling a box, put the heavy things on the bottom. Doing this will help to keep items compacted.
Finally, make sure you disassemble any bulky items. This will allow these items to fit into a smaller space.
3. Go 50/50
You may be able to save even more money if you rent a larger storage unit and share it with a trusted friend. The price of a larger unit divided in half may be cheaper than two separate smaller units.
Make sure that you only share a storage unit with a trusted friend or family member. This person will have access to the same unit at all times.
You could be missing items without even knowing until it is too late. Protect your stuff. Be picky about who you share your storage unit with.
4. Look for Coupons and Discounts
Any thrifty shopper will do their due diligence to ensure that they are getting the best deal on anything they purchase. You can do the same for the price of your storage unit by looking for any discounts or coupons.
A couple of online coupon sites partner with local businesses to offer their goods or services at a discount.
Check with Groupon and LivingSocial for your storage unit facility and see what they have to offer. You can also check for some online codes on websites like Honey, RetailMeNot, or CouponCabin.
You can also look in the paper or at the local chamber of commerce to see if any storage unit companies near you offer discounts for new renters.
Often, moving companies or truck rental companies partner with storage facilities to offer special discounts for their clients.
Ask your mover if they give out discounts on storage units. Moving companies may not be completely up-front with the info, and you never know what kind of deal you might get.
Do you qualify for a senior, military, or student discount? Ask your storage rental company if they offer these deals..
5. Find Your Own Packing Material
Some of the expenses incurred with a storage unit come through the purchase of packing materials.
Many storage facilities offer their customers boxes, tape, and more, but you can find these packing essentials at a much lower price elsewhere; sometimes you can even get them for free!
You can find good boxes from liquor stores, grocery stores, or online ads, to name a few places. For more locations to find boxes, read this article. The dollar store has every different type of tape, scissors, and box cutters that you could want. In addition, you can visit your local thrift shop to buy cheap sheets to cover large items you want to protect.
6. Don’t Pay for Extra Options
For most people, a storage unit just needs to be a safe place to store boxes of things that they simply can’t fit into their home at the moment. However, it can be tempting to get some additional features as you research different storage facilities. Nowadays, there are luxury storage units that are climate controlled or come with 24-hour security.
Unless you are storing delicate or extremely valuable items, you don’t need these units. They will only cost you much more in monthly rent.
7. Shop Around
Sometimes the only thing you need to do to get a better price is to visit the storage unit across town. They may have much lower prices or even a cheaper option that another facility doesn’t offer.
If you can’t find a storage unit at the price you want, try negotiating. For example, you can ask them, “ Your competitor A offered a lower price for a similar unit. Can you match it?”
You may be surprised that they not only match the price but give you an even better one or throw in some free boxes.
Conclusion
Here’s the short of it; if you have to rent a storage unit, there’s no reason to pay more than necessary. Of course, it would be ideal to never pay for a storage unit and just downsize, but life doesn’t always cooperate with our desires or budgets.
These seven tips can help ease some of the financial burdens that come with a storage unit. Nothing beats frugality!
Jill Bowers is the property manager at Industry Columbus, a luxury apartment community in Columbus, OH.