When Should You Rent a Storage Unit? 7 Common Situations
Renting a storage unit on an arbitrary Tuesday is something no one wants to sign a lease for. This is usually how storage units are rented: the garage no longer fits the car, the closing date and move-in date are 2 weeks apart, or a kitchen remodel creates a storage closet in the living room. You need storage space for a short time, or your move-in date does not match your home closing date.
If you are asking yourself the question, "Do I need a storage unit?", here are seven situations where you need one and a few indications that you need one before things get out of hand.
Quick answer: The places to hire storage units include moving, downsizing, renovating, getting to Lubbock, needing room, moving home from college during the summer, and storing business inventory. In each case, the short-term storage solution is more economical than the stress of having to live around the overflow.
When Should You Actually Rent a Storage Unit?
If you already know you are going to need storage, begin researching in advance of moving your belongings. This will allow you to check out the various sizes of units available, decide where the unit will fit, and have time to organize the move without rushing. It's logical to search for a unit when your dates are set for a move, renovation, or college move-out.
| Situation | When to start looking |
|---|---|
| Moving between homes | Once your move dates are confirmed |
| Home renovation | Before furniture or belongings need to be moved |
| Downsizing | Before moving into the smaller home |
| College summer storage | Before the semester ends |
| Business inventory | When your current space starts becoming difficult to manage |
| Unexpected move | As soon as you know you need temporary storage |
7 Situations Where Renting a Storage Unit Makes Sense
1. You're Moving, and the Dates Don't Line Up
Moving rarely runs on a perfect schedule. Your lease ends on the 31st, but the new place isn't ready until the 8th. That gap is a classic reason people look for temporary storage when moving.
A storage unit gives your furniture and boxes a temporary place to stay while you're between homes. It is possible to also pack in stages: pack the rooms that are not used often and keep some daily essentials at home, and pack the rest when ready. If you're hiring a truck, look for a rental option that makes it easy to handle both the move and your storage needs. U-Haul rentals are available on-site, so you can arrange a truck and storage unit together at Monterey Self Storage. Tip: Keep a separate box that contains chargers, basic tools, toiletries, etc. -- not in the unit.
2. You're Downsizing to a Smaller Home
You don't have to move out of that four-bedroom house with everything you own if that house is no longer a necessity and you have to get into that two-bedroom apartment. If you need to move from your home to getting your belongings into a storage center, you can choose what to sell, donate, and give away. It's not necessary to remove all of it at once. A storage unit provides you with the time to sort out what you want to keep, sell, donate, or pass along to family.
Many people know within a few months what to sell, donate, or hand down to family. Because Monterey offers month-to-month leases with no long-term contracts, you're not locked in while you figure it out. When this unit is empty, you just move out. Tip: Make labels for boxes by room and have a simple inventory list so there's no time-consuming digging later.
3. You're Renovating Your Home
Every kitchen remodel, flooring installation, and bathroom renovation has the same issue – dust and clutter. Home renovation storage units transport furniture and appliances from the house to a place far from the construction site, keep the environment clean, and enable the construction team to work more efficiently.
West Texas wind already sends dust indoors. Add drywall sanding, and an uncovered couch doesn't stand a chance. Store furniture, rugs, artwork, and small appliances until the paint is dry, then bring everything back. Ask your contractor for a realistic timeline, then plan on a little extra time. Projects rarely finish early. Since most projects run for weeks or months, a short-term storage unit on a month-to-month lease is usually the right fit.
4. You're Moving to Lubbock and Need a Landing Spot
When you move, go to Texas Tech, or even start a fresh chapter, you may arrive in Lubbock just before you have a permanent home. You might be living in an apartment that you are renting for the short term, about to move into a lease, or renting a home while your things are still with you. A storage unit is a temporary space to store your belongings when you are moving in.
When moving to and from Lubbock, TX, search for a rental that is flexible with rental hours, offers gated access, and has flexible rental agreements. Temporary storage is the solution to temporarily storing items while you are searching for a real home and/or waiting for your new home to be ready. After you are settled in, you can take the time to slowly transfer your belongings home rather than all in one go.
5. You're Running Out of Space at Home
If your car is stuck in the driveway due to all the boxes, the closet doors won't open, and you can't even get to the laundry without stepping over boxes, then it's time for a storage unit.
A storage unit simply provides you with a place to store the items that are not used daily – holiday decorations, patio furniture, winter coats, camping items, and more. Pack, store, and unpack it when the season is. It's also a hassle-free method of getting rid of clutter when you're not ready to let things go. If you're not sure what size you need, use our storage unit size guide to compare your options before choosing a unit.
6. You're a College Student Heading Home for the Summer
There are few times when the lease-end date and the summer break do align. Moving a mini-fridge, a bed frame, and a dozen boxes is a hassle if you're a Texas Tech student leaving for three months or going abroad or changing apartments. A storage unit for college students is the answer.
A smaller unit may be sufficient, and sharing a unit with a roommate can help keep the monthly expense down. You can rent month to month and end the rental when you're ready to move back into your apartment or dorm. Make time and reservations well in advance to ensure that the desired size is available at the end of the term. It can also save parents from trying to fit a semester's worth of belongings into an already-full car.
7. You Need Extra Space for a Small Business
For a small business, contractors, and Internet merchants, additional storage for inventory, tools, packing, event supplies, and paperwork can be a necessity. Business storage provides you with a solution to store your inventory, tools, packaging, event supplies, and paper records away from your home or primary workspace.
It also gives your business room to grow without requiring you to commit to a larger commercial space immediately. Use it for the busy season and then rent it out; use it for a year then downsize; or downsize when sales slow down. Purchase shelving and stock identification bins to make it easy to locate stock quickly, and ask for access hours before signing up. Keep basic records of contents for stock and tax records as well.
What to Look for When You Rent a Storage Unit in Lubbock
After you've determined the need for space, there are a few things that can distinguish a good personal storage unit from a bad one:
- Security: Controlled gate access, security cameras, and on-site management.
- Cleanliness: Units that are inspected and cleaned before you move in.
- No long-term contract: Flex lease.
- Right sizing: Selecting a unit for your storage needs. If you need a bit of guidance, feel free to use our storage unit size guide.
- Access: Check hours of access to ensure they are convenient for you. Monterey Self Storage has 24 hrs access.
- Online tools: Reserve and pay from your phone, any time of day.
Simple Tips Before You Move Anything In
- Utilize uniform boxes that will stack securely and utilize the entire length of the unit.
- Cover furniture with blankets/covers and leave some ventilation openings.
- Place items that you will use the most towards the front and leave a walkway in the middle.
- Take photos of your belongings and create a list of the contents for the insurance questions later.
FAQs
When should you rent a storage unit?
You should rent a storage unit when you need temporary or additional space for a move, home renovation, downsizing, college move-out, business inventory, or other life transition. If your belongings no longer fit comfortably in your home or your moving dates do not line up, storage can give you extra space while you work through the transition.
How far in advance should you rent a storage unit?
It is best to start looking for a storage unit as soon as your moving, renovation, college move-out, or storage dates are clear. Starting early gives you time to compare unit sizes, check availability, and plan your move without rushing. For busy moving periods, reserving ahead can be especially helpful.
How long do you need a storage unit?
The amount of time depends on why you need storage. A move or renovation may require storage for a few weeks or months, while business inventory or seasonal belongings may need to be stored longer. Monterey Self Storage offers month-to-month rentals, so you can use storage without a long-term commitment.
What are the signs you need a storage unit?
Common signs include a garage or spare room becoming overcrowded, seasonal belongings taking over living areas, boxes blocking usable space, or an upcoming move or renovation that requires your belongings to be temporarily relocated. If your belongings are making it harder to use your home, it may be time to consider a storage unit.
What can you store in a personal storage unit?
You can generally store household belongings such as furniture, clothing, boxes, appliances, tools, seasonal decorations, and sporting equipment. Monterey Self Storage does not allow liquids, explosives, flammable liquids, toxic materials, or perishable items. Insurance coverage is also required while storing belongings.
What size storage unit do I need?
The right storage unit size depends on what you plan to store. Smaller units can work for boxes and seasonal belongings, while medium and larger units can accommodate apartment contents, furniture, business inventory, or belongings from a household move. Monterey Self Storage provides a size guide and assistance from its storage team to help customers choose a suitable unit.
Does Monterey Self Storage offer month-to-month storage?
Yes. Monterey Self Storage offers month-to-month storage rentals without a long-term commitment. This can be useful when you are unsure exactly how long you will need storage during a move, renovation, downsizing project, or other transition.
Does Monterey Self Storage offer drive-up storage?
Yes. Monterey Self Storage offers drive-up access, allowing customers to load and unload belongings directly from their vehicles. This can be particularly useful when storing furniture, appliances, boxes, business inventory, or other heavy items.
Does Monterey Self Storage offer 24-hour access?
Yes. The Monterey Self Storage facility at 5201 Indiana Ave, Building B, Lubbock, TX lists 24-hour access seven days a week. Office hours are separate from facility access hours.
Can college students rent a storage unit in Lubbock?
Yes. College students can use storage for belongings between semesters, during summer breaks, while studying abroad, or when moving between apartments. Monterey Self Storage identifies college student belongings as a common storage need and serves the Texas Tech area.
Can businesses rent storage units?
Yes. Businesses can use storage units for inventory, office furniture, records, tools, equipment, marketing materials, and seasonal supplies. Monterey Self Storage offers month-to-month rentals for business storage, providing flexibility when storage needs change.
Can I rent a U-Haul truck and storage unit at the same location?
Yes. Monterey Self Storage offers on-site U-Haul truck and cargo van rentals, allowing customers to combine moving and storage services at the same Lubbock location.
Can I reserve a storage unit online?
Yes. Monterey Self Storage allows customers to check available units and reserve storage online. Customers can also manage their accounts and make payments online.
Ready to Rent a Storage Unit in Lubbock?
So, when is it best to rent a storage unit? If space, schedule, and/or life change faster than your home can keep up. If you're moving between houses, breaking up a kitchen, or returning home for summer, the correct unit eases the strain on your plans.
Located in Lubbock, TX,
Monterey Self Storage provides clean, secure, month-to-month self storage services, online reservations, and U-Haul rental services on-site.
Book your unit online or give us a call at (806) 792-5809, and our Staff will assist you in selecting the proper size.
