First-Time Storage User Guide
New to renting storage? Having trouble deciding whether to rent a storage unit? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Here at FreeUp Storage, we help many first-time storage renters, and we can help you too. In this first-time storage user guide, we’ll answer several questions frequently asked by first-time renters and help you feel more confident in renting the self storage you need.
What Is Self Storage?
If you’re new to renting storage, you may be wondering what exactly self storage is. The answer: Self storage is a space rented by tenants that they can move items into and out of. To use self storage, you pay a monthly lease. The “self” in self storage comes from the fact that tenants move their items into storage and retrieve them themselves.
Why Do I Need Self Storage?
By renting self storage, you can gain access to storage space that can help you through life’s transitions and make keeping your environment tidy a breeze. Here at FreeUp, our tenants rent storage for a wide variety of reasons, including:
- Moving to a new town or relocating to a new home
- Decluttering, tidying, and spring cleaning
- Downsizing or living in an apartment with limited space
- Making space for an office, workshop, nursery, or other new room
- Stowing hobby gear or seasonal items
- Needing commercial storage for their business or workplace
- And many more!
What Kind of Self Storage Do I Need?
When you’re a beginner at renting and using storage, it can be hard to know what kind of storage you may need since there are so many options. As you choose the self storage you need, keep in mind what items you’ll store and how many. For help preparing for storage, check out our storage tips, where you’ll find helpful advice for packing.
Types of Self Storage
When you choose FreeUp, you’ll have many self storage options, including the type of storage unit, the storage unit size, accessibility options, and what amenities are included. Some of our most popular self storage options here at FreeUp include:
- Standard storage. This is the most common type of storage, a bare-bones storage unit.
- Climate-controlled storage. These are units equipped with heating and cooling.
- RV, boat, and vehicle storage. These include covered, uncovered, or enclosed parking options.
- Drive-up storage. This is an accessible storage type that allows you to drive right up to the door.
- Indoor storage. These are storage units that have entry doors inside a building.
Choosing a Storage Unit Size
Many self storage unit sizes are available to suit your unique needs, from small 5x5 storage units to large 10x30 storage units. To choose your storage unit size, determine what items you’ll be storing. Then use our handy size guide to calculate the best storage unit for your specific needs.
More First-Time Storage User Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to rent a self storage unit?
Here at FreeUp, we don’t require any long-term storage contracts. Our leases run month-to-month, and our minimum storage lease term is just one month. We make it easy to rent storage for as long as you need.
What items can I not store?
Tenants are prohibited from storing perishables, plants, animals, stolen or illegal goods, flammable or hazardous items, combustible items, or liquids. We also prohibit tenants from living in our storage units.
Find Self Storage at FreeUp
Come see the benefits of self storage firsthand by renting one of FreeUp’s secure self storage units or RV, boat, and vehicle storage options. Explore our many storage locations to select a facility near you. Then select your storage unit and follow our simple online storage rental process.
If you still have questions or need assistance, fill out an online contact form or call the storage location you wish to inquire about. You can also find more information about our self storage options on our FAQ page or by reading our self storage blog posts.