Storage 101: Everything You Need to Know About Self Storage

Extra Space Storage knows self storage. We also know that finding storage can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. Before you start looking for storage units near you, take a moment to review our guide below. It’ll prepare you with everything you need to know to find the right solution!

What is Self Storage?

Self storage refers to rentable space—such as lockers, garages, or containers—in a building or warehouse that’s used to store personal or commercial items for a short or long-term period. At Extra Space Storage, this rentable space is a “storage unit” that’s rented on a month-by-month basis, meaning you can rent a unit for as little or as long as you need.

What Are Common Reasons for Renting a Storage Unit with Extra Space Storage?

1. Moving: Store Belongings While Between Homes

Storing possessions while moving to a new home, transitioning between leases, living in temporary housing, or relocating across the country is one of the most common reasons for renting self storage.

2. Life Transitions: Reduce Stress During Tough Times

Whether it’s divorce, downsizing for retirement, caring for a family member’s estate, or working through a natural disaster, self storage can ease the burden when sudden life changes arise.

3. Decluttering: Stay Organized & Get More Space

The best way to avoid moving to a larger home or office while also keeping your space clutter-free is to move items that you want to hang on to but don’t necessarily need at the moment to a storage facility.

4. Additional Vehicles: Store Cars, Motorcycles, RVs, Boats, & More

Recreational vehicles, classic cars, motorcycles, hand-me-down cars, commercial vans, and other vehicles can be stored safely at a storage facility, freeing up driveway or garage space at home or the office.

5. Renovating: Avoid Clutter While Working on Your Project

Remodeling a home or office can take several weeks or months and may require you to move furniture and appliances out of the way. Moving these items to a storage unit temporarily is a convenient solution.

6. Business Operations: Accommodate Your Commercial Needs

Small to mid-size businesses and contractors often use storage units for additional office space or warehouse space where they can store inventory, materials, files, equipment, or business vehicles.

7. College: Keep Dorm Items Close to Campus

Freeing up space in a dorm room, heading home over the summer, or studying abroad for a few months are all reasons why college students rent storage close to their university campuses.

8. Military Living: Make Deployments & Transfers Easier

Active military and military families are typically on the move every few years, making their way to different bases. As these changes can be drastic, self storage can be an incredible help when relocating.

What Storage Unit Sizes Are Available at Extra Space?

Our storage facilities offer a wide range of unit sizes that vary by location. At some facilities, you’ll find units as small as a 2x2 locker; at others, you’ll find a warehouse space large enough to store a large RV.

Here are the most common storage unit sizes at Extra Space Storage:

• 5x5
• 5x10
• 5x15
• 10x10
• 10x15
• 10x20
• 10x25
• 10x30

To better understand what can fit into each of these unit sizes, check out our storage unit size guide!

What Storage Amenities Are Available At Extra Space?

Extra Space Storage offers a variety of self storage amenities to ensure you find the best storage solution for your needs. Amenities vary from location to location, but the following are the most common.

What Can & Can’t Be Stored With Extra Space Storage?

You’re free to store almost anything in a storage unit at Extra Space Storage with some exceptions. The exceptions are basically anything dangerous or illegal. Of course, there are some items that fall into a gray area, so be sure to ask the facility manager before renting a unit to see what’s allowed on the property.

Items you CAN store include (but are not limited to):

• Furniture
• Appliances
• Clothes
• Electronics
• Books
• Sporting equipment
• Seasonal yard tools
• Business inventory
• Vehicles

Items you CANNOT store include (but are not limited to):

• Food
• Firearms
• Drugs
• Anything that’s flammable or combustible (i.e., gas, propane tanks, car batteries)
• Vehicles not in working order

Things to Consider When Renting a Storage Unit

Our goal at Extra Space Storage is to make renting self storage as easy as possible. Before you rent a storage unit, take a quick look at these factors to consider that will help in your decision.

• Why are you using self storage? To find the best solution for your needs, it’s good to know what you plan to store and how often you’ll need to access your storage unit. That way, you can select the best facility location, determine which storage unit size you need, and ensure you get the right amenities.
• What’s your budget? How much you’re looking to pay for self storage plays a major role in your decision. Location, unit size, and amenities will all factor into your monthly rental price. Once you set a budget and settle on a storage unit size, compare units at each storage facility near you.
• Do you have insurance? Yes, you need to insure the items that are kept in your storage unit. Extra Space Storage can help you find the right insurance options if you don’t currently have insurance through a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance plan. Learn more about storage unit insurance.