What is Storage Rental Services? Jennifer Reynolds, August 23, 2023 The storage rental industry is a multi-billion dollar business that specializes in renting space to individuals and businesses. Over 54,000 self-storage facilities exist in the United States including major national chains as well as stand-alone local mom and pop operations. Most offer both indoor and outdoor units to accommodate various needs, from storing personal items like furniture or clothing to business-related items like extra office equipment supplies and archived documents. In most cases, clients rent storage units on a short-term basis (month to month, though longer term options may be available) for either residential or commercial purposes. Clients may reserve a unit online or over the phone by paying a deposit and signing a contract. Some facilities also offer truck rentals for clients who need to transport their belongings to the facility, and sell retail locks, boxes and packing materials. The main goal of a storage facility is to provide an accessible, safe and secure place for people to store their possessions. Oftentimes, this service is a lifesaver for those who are moving houses or simply need to free up some space at home. Other times it is a lifeline for entrepreneurs who need to store inventory, or for students who are unable to bring their dorm room contents back home after the summer break. Whatever the reason it is important that a person be mindful of their monthly payments to avoid late fees. If these fees pile up the storage company will have the right to deny access to the unit until the past-due amount is paid. One of the biggest advantages of using a storage unit is that homeowners do not have to sign a long-term lease, as housing contracts typically do. Additionally, the flexibility of a storage unit means that homeowners can move items in and out at their leisure as long as they pay their rent on time. This can be especially useful during a house renovation when a family may need to temporarily store their household items until the project is completed. Homeowners might also use a storage unit to declutter their property, or to keep seasonal items out of the way until they are needed again. Some facilities also offer specialized units, such as climate-controlled spaces to protect books and other media, artwork, vinyl records and wine and spirits. In some cases, this type of specialized storage is offered for an additional fee on top of the rental rate. Providing storage rentals is a valuable community service that helps people free up space at home or at work and provides an option for small businesses to store inventory or extra files off-site. Whether it is helping someone declutter their home, assisting with the transition between homes or offering an affordable way for students to re-claim their dorm rooms, storage units are often a much-needed resource in today’s busy world. This is why it is essential that anyone considering renting a unit educate themselves on the storage facility’s terms of service, and always pay their monthly rent on time to prevent late fees or even losing their possessions. Main