Are you in need of cheap long term storage without disregarding quality? Whether you’re moving to a smaller home, going abroad, or simply have too many belongings, finding affordable long-term storage can be a challenge.
Don’t worry; with a few tips & tricks, you can find a storage unit that meets your needs and budget. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of finding cheap long-term storage without sacrificing quality or security. Let’s get started!
1. Ask Around
People seek storage solutions for various reasons. Some use storage to free up space in their homes; for others, it may be to save on moving costs; business owners often use cheap long term storage to protect supplies and documents until needed again; there are even options for inexpensive long-term storage solutions! No matter the motivation for long-term storage solutions,
The first step to finding great storage deals is researching online directories that list legitimate facilities with average pricing information for every unit type available in your area. This will save time and hassle by centralising all your research in one convenient place while protecting you against being taken advantage of by facilities with prices much higher than average.
Be sure to inquire about insurance and payment options as you visit different facilities. Be sure to obtain third-party protection for your items while they’re being stored and inquire about prepayment plans, which could save you money as a long-term customer. Some facilities even provide pest control services, which could prove invaluable if storing delicate or valuable items.
If you have family or friends with extra storage space available to them, that could be an ideal solution—just be mindful not to overwhelm them by keeping things there forever! If that fails, post on social media or contact local businesses in your neighbourhood in case anyone is willing to volunteer.
2. Negotiate
When searching for affordable long-term storage, being an effective negotiator can save hundreds of dollars annually. Follow the advice in this article when dealing with self-storage companies to maximise savings and find better rates. Also, be prepared to search further away than expected, as convenient locations often carry a higher premium price; always be willing to travel a bit farther if it means finding an improved deal!
One way to save money when renting storage space is by purchasing a smaller unit. Since most units are sold by square foot, a smaller one will generally cost less. Furthermore, climate-controlled options may be worth paying extra for in areas with extreme temperatures or when storing valuable items that need protection.
If you’re planning on purchasing land for a storage facility, it is wise to negotiate with the seller on its purchase price and option time period; this gives you enough time to complete all due diligence, design, approvals, and bidding before having to purchase the property itself. Negotiate the option period down to 30 days; doing so will save a considerable amount of money and could even reduce interest payments on mortgage loans and properties with multiple lots. Buying together? Consider splitting purchases to save even more money! Not only should you negotiate the price of a storage unit, but you should also keep other factors in mind that can influence the deal, such as location and access to your property. Furthermore, some facilities offer discounts for new tenants or when referring friends and family.
3. Clean Out the unit.
Storage units often become filled with possessions the owner doesn’t want to deal with—things they are moving out of or have simply no space for. Monthly fees for renting out the storage space can serve as an incentive to declutter.
First and foremost, when cleaning out, separate items you want to keep from those you would like to donate or dispose of. This may be difficult due to emotional ties to certain possessions, but remembering that something no longer used frequently should not remain in storage for too long is key to effective cleaning.
Reorganise all remaining items. Label each box and list its contents; this will save both time and money in the future. Afterward, sweep or mop to clear away dust or dirt in your area.
Take photos of your entire storage area and its contents so you can refer back to them later if need be; this may help should you need to clean out this space again in the future.
Locating an affordable storage unit doesn’t need to be hard! Simply do some research and negotiate with facilities until you find something suitable. With online searching capabilities available today, finding such units has never been simpler; start searching now.
4. Look for discounts.
Long-term storage facilities offer an ideal solution for those in need of extra space while planning their move, renovating, needing storage for sales or are in quick need of a bit of temporary space during renovation projects. To find an economical long-term storage option, it’s essential to shop around and compare prices before making your selection. Inquire with friends or family who have used such services, as they may know of businesses offering discounted storage rates.
The cost of storage units varies significantly, depending on whether they’re climate-controlled or nonclimate-controlled, size, and other considerations. Nonclimate-controlled units tend to be cheaper; however, if you need to store sensitive items like antiques or artwork that require temperature regulation, it’s wiser to opt for climate-controlled ones.
Storage companies typically offer discounts for customers who sign long-term contracts, which you should be able to find either by visiting their website or contacting customer service. Some facilities even give away one month for free when paying in advance!
Saving money when it comes to storage can also mean entrusting someone you trust with acting as your proxy in case something goes amiss while you’re gone. They should have access to your storage unit and be aware of where all your items are kept; additionally, provide them with information on the facility itself, such as its phone number or security code (if applicable).
Many storage companies provide month-to-month contracts, which is an excellent option if you aren’t certain for how long you will require their unit. However, be wary that some may increase their rates over time to be able to budget appropriately.
5. Move fast.
Storage units provide an invaluable service, meeting multiple needs in an instant. Students and business owners can utilise storage units while waiting for office space to become available, and families moving homes may utilise temporary storage solutions until there is enough room.
While inexpensive storage units provide an ideal long-term storage option, it is still important to protect them from damage by cleaning, drying, and packing items properly. Furthermore, using units equipped with climate control systems in areas with wide temperature variations is beneficial; keeping humidity away will protect items against mould or mildew growth and ensure their preservation.
Finally, label all your boxes to make finding items much simpler in the future and prevent them from being misplaced or damaged. Furthermore, avoid placing delicate items such as clothing and fabrics in plastic bags that can tear easily; consider investing in vacuum-sealed storage bags instead to keep everything safe.
If you need affordable long-term storage in New York City, explore your options. With five-by-five units that can hold small items as well as four-foot-tall lockers available to choose from, some facilities even provide discounts or free move-in specials!