Minimalism is on the rise. But not everyone is ready to let go of their precious and sentimental belongings just yet.

Does that mean you have to live in a cluttered and chaotic space? Not really. There’s a solution for anyone with more things than they can store: storage units.

Renting a storage unit can help alleviate the stress caused by too much stuff in your home or office. Use a storage unit when downsizing, moving houses, renovating, or freeing space.

Recent studies reveal that nearly 10% of all Americans rent storage units. Part of this is because self-storage units are everywhere in the USA. Corpus Christi alone has hundreds of storage units.

So, how do you choose the right one, and importantly, how do you maintain your budget while renting a storage unit?

Here are some tips to help you save money when renting a storage unit in Corpus Christi.

Choose a Small Unit

Everyone has different needs. And, of course, different amounts of stuff. Before browsing through storage unit sizes, decide how much you need to store. Then, opt for the smallest size that fits your needs.

For instance, if you don’t have to store bulky furniture items and space-consuming boxes, then a 5×5 storage unit should do the trick.

Renting a smaller unit will typically have lower monthly rental fees than larger ones.

Know the Additional Charges

Self-storage units like Access Storage Corpus Christi allow you to store your valuables and access them whenever you want. You get a private lock and key to your storage unit. 

But not all units are the same. Some charge an additional amount every time you open and close a unit. It can add up a lot of money to your bill. And then, there are late payment fees, cancellation fees, and administrative costs.

So, read and understand the terms of service before signing any agreement. If you have multiple options, consider choosing the one with minimalistic charges.

Look Out for Special Deals and Discounts

Some storage companies offer special deals, discounts, and promotions. So, visit several websites and go through their packages. You’ll find discounts, such as 50% off on the first month’s rent, free truck rental services, and new customer referral bonuses. If you’re lucky, you might find a combination of these discounts. These can save you a considerable amount of money.

Signing up for regular newsletters and checking their website often will help you stay informed about the latest offers.

Share a Unit with Your Friend

Sometimes even the smallest unit is too big for your needs. Maybe you’re a student who only needs enough space to keep a few boxes of passed-out semester books. Or perhaps you need to store your winter blankets over the summer.

In such cases, you can rent a storage unit with your friend. This way, the rental fee is split between two people.

Just ensure you’re both on the same page regarding access and usage of the storage unit. Plus, you should be comfortable with the fact that you won’t have total privacy in your storage unit.

Watch the Features Before Choosing

Storage units come with a variety of features. Some units have drive-up access, while others offer climate control. You should consider the features you need based on what kind of stuff you’re storing.

Drive-up access might be a great choice if you expect to bring bulky items to a storage unit, like furniture. But if you have small boxes that you can carry, then any kind of unit should do the trick.

Climate control is great for storing sensitive items like documents and electronics. But you can skip this extra protection if you don’t need it.

All these features make life easier and stress-free but at a price. So, if you’re on a budget, it’s best to choose a unit without these features and save some money.

Take Advantage of Free Moving Services

Moving your stuff to and from a storage unit can be expensive. But some storage companies provide free moving trucks and trailers to help you with this.

Take advantage of these services, as they can save you a decent amount of money.

You can hire a small crew to help you move heavy items like furniture and bulky items. But make sure you only work with skilled and reliable professionals who know how to handle fragile items. It’ll be tragic for some of your belongings to break during the move.

Pay in Advance

Paying for a storage unit for an extended period can save you money.

Most storage companies offer discounts for customers who make longer commitments upfront. Depending on the company, this discount can range from 5% to 25%.

This way, you don’t have to worry about monthly payments and charges. You can pay everything upfront.

Since you’ll be making a large payment, you should ensure the storage unit is exactly what you need. It should be in good condition and have all the features you’re interested in. Also, read reviews and ask around to know more about the company.

Pack As Efficiently As Possible

If utilized well, a small unit can be enough for you. But before packing, make sure to organize and prioritize your items.

Sort out the things you don’t need, and donate or discard them. You can also sell your unwanted items to make some extra cash.

It’s best to store the things you often need in the front of the unit. This way, they are easily accessible, and you won’t have to dig deep when looking for them.

Make sure to pack the items carefully and securely. Use bubble wrap and boxes for fragile items to ensure their safety. It’ll save you money in repair costs if something breaks.

Plus, if you are organized, you can store more in less space. It’s a definite win-win.

Summing Up

Renting a storage unit can be expensive. But there are ways to save money. You can rent the unit with a friend and take advantage of complimentary moving services. Paying in advance can help you get discounts, and packing efficiently can help you store more in less space. Use these tips to save money when renting a storage unit.

We hope this article helps you pick the suitable Corpus Christi storage unit.

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