Important Things to Consider for
Your First Storage Unit
Congratulations – you’ve decided you’re ready to rent your first storage unit! You should be excited about many reasons. First, it’s a great first step to getting your home organized. Second, it will give you the extra space you’re looking for. Having a storage unit can upgrade your living situation, especially if you live in the New York Metropolitan area.
Maybe your Manhattan apartment is perfect for you but not very spacious, or maybe you’re downsizing and need a place to put your belongings. Living in the tri-state area is quite a unique experience due to the challenges residents and business owners face with space. It doesn’t matter what your situation is, we can help you make the best use of your first storage unit.
Think about the location and accessibility
Selecting the right location is one of the most important parts of the process. Your storage unit should be in a place that’s easily accessible. For example, if you live in New York City and you’re struggling to find a storage location near Manhattan availability, then renting a unit in New Jersey is always a great solution because you’ll be easily able to access your unit by public transportation or car. If it’s more of a priority for your storage unit to be near your business, then you should find a place nearby.
Besides the location, you should also think about the area your storage is in. Is it in a safe location? Is there security and surveillance? Is it near public transportation? Is there a parking lot for customers? Imagine how difficult it will be to have your storage in a location that’s not central to many things. In addition to that, you’ll also want to make sure there’s security, and your things are protected. A good way to do that is by finding out what locals say about the area and what customers think about the storage facility to get a better idea about where you’ll be renting from.
Purchase the materials you’ll need
Not everyone has boxes and moving supplies sitting around at home. While it’s great to make use of the materials you do have, you may want to go out and purchase things that will help keep you organized. We always suggest the vertical storage method as a great way to maximize the space inside. That means you can purchase hooks and shelves to put inside your unit to hand things up.
At StorageBlue, we provide our customers with packing supplies at our facilities that customers can purchase. As part of our commitment to being the best storage facility, we want to make sure that you have the right tools for your storage unit. From tape to boxes and locks, we have it all! So, if you don’t make it to the store and get everything on your list, you can stop by our facility and check out our supplies.
Think about what you’ll be storing and what size unit you need
Are you looking for a lot of space or something minimal? We always suggest taking inventory ahead of time so that you rent the right size unit. It’s best to get a visual of how you’ll be using the space so you get the appropriate size unit. Besides, it’s better to rent a unit of a larger size that you can eventually grow into but renting a unit that’s too small won’t be very helpful.
For a first-time renter, we would suggest a 5x5 storage unit that’s the size of a small closet. You’d be able to fit several boxes and furniture depending on the size. If you’d like something much larger, then a 10x15 storage unit would be great for someone who’s downsizing.
Be prepared for move-in day
Once it’s time for the big day, you’ll want to make sure you show up with the right documents in hand. Most places will allow you to present this information online for a smooth transition, but it’s always important to make sure you have your license and a valid debit or credit card on hand.
Now that you have your documents together, you should have a plan on how you’re going to get your items to your storage unit. One of the great things about StorageBlue is that we offer contactless pickup. If you use this service, we’ll have a driver come to your home and help deliver your belongings to one of our storage facilities without paying any extra costs. We’re proud to provide this to our customers to help give peace of mind and confidence that we’ll take care of you when you need it the most.
If you’re looking for a storage unit near New York City, StorageBlue would be a great home for your belongings. Not only are we affordable, but we’re conveniently located right outside of New York City making it easily accessible for the Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island residents. Renting storage with us is simple because we understand what our customers are looking for. They want a cheap storage unit that’s clean, secure, and hassle-free.
