How Does Self Storage Work? 9 First-Timer Tips | Northpointe
First Time Renting a Storage Unit? 9 Things to Know Before You Sign
If you have never rented a unit before, you probably have one big question: how does self storage work, exactly? The good news is that it is one of the simpler transactions you will ever make. You rent a space, you get a code and a lock, and you come and go as you need. Still, a few details trip up first-timers, and after nearly thirty years of walking new renters through the process, we know exactly which ones. Here are the nine things worth knowing before you sign.
The Paperwork Is Simpler Than You Think
1. Most leases are month to month. You are not signing a year-long contract. Storage agreements typically renew monthly, so you can stay two weeks past a closing or two years past a downsize. Read the agreement anyway, especially the parts about payment dates and move-out notice.
2. You can do the whole thing online. At Northpointe, online rentals and payments are standard, and contactless rental means you can pick a unit, sign, and pay without visiting the office. Browse available units, pick your size, and you are done in minutes.
3. Insurance is on you, so check your coverage. The facility protects the property; your homeowner's or renter's policy may already cover stored belongings, or you can add coverage. Ask your agent before move-in day rather than after.
Locks, Codes, and Getting In
4. A disc lock beats a padlock. Disc locks resist bolt cutters far better than the hardware-store padlock in your junk drawer. At Northpointe, every rental comes with a free disc lock, so this decision is made for you.
5. Your gate code is your key. Our facilities use coded gate access, so you enter your personal code and drive in. The Casco property backs that up with 75 cameras, full fencing, and LED lighting. Keep your code private, the same way you would a PIN.
6. Know the access rules before you rent. Access policies differ by facility. Our Gratiot Avenue location, for example, is appointment based. If you expect frequent early or late visits, ask about access hours up front. Our FAQ page covers the details for each property.
What You Can Store (and What You Cannot)
7. Some things are always off-limits. No facility allows flammables, and for good reason. That means no gasoline, propane tanks, paint thinner, or fireworks. The U.S. Fire Administration at usfa.fema.gov offers guidance on safe handling of flammable household products, and the short version is: drain fuel from mowers and trimmers before storing them.
Liquids in general are a bad idea, since a frozen or leaking container can ruin everything below it. Perishables are the other hard no. Food attracts pests, and pests do not respect unit walls.
8. Vehicles have their own rules. At our facilities, cars must be stored inside a unit rather than parked outside, and a 10x20 handles most vehicles. Boats, RVs, and trailers have dedicated outdoor spaces and indoor options, which you can compare on our RV and boat storage page.
Pack Like You Might Need Something Next Week
9. Because you will. The number one first-timer regret is burying the thing they needed a month later. Leave an aisle down the center of the unit. Put likely-needed items near the door. Label boxes on their sides, stack heavy on the bottom, and keep a simple inventory list on your phone.
Choosing the right size prevents most packing pain in the first place. A unit with 15 percent of its floor left open is a unit you can actually use. Our size guide matches common household loads to unit dimensions, and our storage tips page covers packing in more depth.
One More Thing: Judge the Facility, Not Just the Price
Two units with the same dimensions are not the same product. Before you sign anywhere, look at the property itself.
Is it fenced all the way around? Is the gate coded, and does the lighting actually cover the drive aisles at night? How many cameras are there, and do they look maintained? Our Casco Township property runs 75 cameras across 30 fenced, landscaped acres with LED lighting, and we are happy to tell anyone who asks.
Look at the people, too. A locally owned facility with staff who answer the phone is a different experience from a call center three states away. We have been owned and operated right here in Macomb and St. Clair counties since 1997, and the same team that rents you the unit is the team you will see at the office.
A few minutes of homework up front saves months of small frustrations later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does self storage work on a month to month basis?
You pay each month and keep the unit as long as you need it. When you are ready to leave, you give notice per your agreement, empty the unit, remove your lock, and you are done. No long-term commitment required.
Do storage units require a deposit?
Policies vary by facility, so read your rental agreement. With online and contactless rental at Northpointe, all costs are laid out clearly before you sign, with no surprises at the gate.
What happens if I lose my gate code or lock key?
Stop by or contact the office and we will verify your identity and get you back into your unit. It is a common problem with an easy fix, so do not panic.
Can I run a business out of a storage unit?
Storing inventory, tools, and equipment is common and welcome. Working inside the unit or wiring it up as a workshop is not. If you are unsure where your plans fall, ask us through our contact page.
Ready for Your First Unit?
Renting your first storage unit should take minutes, not days. Browse units and current availability, rent online, and pick up your free disc lock. We have been making this easy for Macomb and St. Clair County neighbors since 1997, and we are glad to make it easy for you too.
References
U.S. Fire Administration: usfa.fema.gov