Evaluate location, security, size, climate control, pricing, access. Visit in person.
10 steps across 1 sections
1. Steps Guide
- Determine what to store — List items and sizes
- Choose size — 5x5 to 10x20. Go larger if unsure
- Climate control — For sensitive items
- Compare locations — Near home or work
- Research — Reviews, pricing, visit in person
- Tour — Cleanliness, pest control, see unit
- Security — Fencing, keypad, cameras, management
- Access hours — 24/7 or limited
- Contract terms — Month-to-month, rate increases
- Insurance — Check existing coverage first
Common Mistakes
- Cheapest without visiting
- Rate increase surprise
- Prohibited items
- Skipping climate control
- Not insuring
Pro Tips
- First-month-free deals
- Pallets for moisture
- Mattresses upright
- Inventory outside unit
- Visit at night
Sources
Picking one
This checklist assumes you have clear storage bins sorted. Rankquant ranks the Sorbus Clear Storage Bins 4 Pack Extra Large – BPA-Free Clear Bins for Organizing Pantry against the rest of its Home & Kitchen catalogue by re-centring every review on the reviewer who wrote it — 8 calibrated reviewers on this one — rather than averaging raw stars, which is why a four-star product with tough reviewers can outrank a five-star one. The full product rankings are built the same way.