There are few events in life that can compare to moving. The scope and importance of this process are unique. There is a lot of stress and anxiety involved with moving. Timing, organization, and planning are critical, starting months in advance. If you are not careful, you can feel overwhelmed, and your move may not go as smoothly as planned.
Many people rent storage space for their move. If you decide to go this route, you may worry about how much money it will cost and your obligations. Fortunately, there are ways you can keep more cash in your pocket and save money on a storage facility.
As you spend less on self-storage, you can use those funds for other aspects of your move. You might even be able to put some of that money toward furnishing your new home or making necessary repairs.
Research carefully
You will find as you start to look for self-storage that there are many options available. It cannot be easy to know which place will best suit your needs. The first step is to make a list of nearby self-storage facilities. Start to compare features and aspects of different areas. This will help you to narrow your search. Get price quotes from as many places as possible. Be sure to ask about additional fees and any hidden costs that you may discover later.
It can also be helpful to read online reviews. When you read
U-pack storage reviews and similar resources, you will have a good idea of which places are most reputable. You can avoid wasting money on substandard storage places by picking a trustworthy, affordable option. Also, get referrals from people you know that have recently used self-storage.
Get the smallest place possible
One of the biggest mistakes people make when looking for storage is selecting a far larger unit than they need. Sure, you want to have enough space for all of your belongings. But remember, you will pay more the larger the unit is. If your storage space has plenty of extra room, you are throwing money away. Don’t be afraid of packing your items tightly and getting the most out of the space you have.
Leave some things out
Whether you are moving nearby or in the market to hire a company for long-distance moves, you may be tempted to put everything you have on the truck. The movers might end up loading the self-storage unit with items you no longer use or need. This is a waste of space and money. As you plan your move, start to organize your home. Take inventory of everything you have and whether you truly need all of the belongings.
Look closely at things such as clothes, toys, games, books, and kitchenware. If these items are too small, out of style, or are no longer meeting your needs, part ways with them. You can donate these belongings to a charitable organization, hold a yard sale, or list them on an online classifieds site.
Ask about discounts
When you look for a self-storage unit, talk to the company about any discounts it may offer. Some storage facilities may give price breaks for students, seniors, or current or former military members. You may also get a discount for moving in during certain times of the year. Some storage facilities have promotions during the year or may even cut you a price break if you sign a longer-term contract.
Share the space
Do you know someone else who is moving? Consider
sharing the storage unit and splitting the cost. This can save you hundreds of dollars or more, depending on how long you use the unit and how large it is. Make sure this is a close family member or friend that you can trust. Also, organize your materials so that you and the other person can easily access them when necessary.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When it comes to moving, you should look for every chance possible to save money. It won’t hurt to try negotiating tactics on a self-storage center. As you talk to places about moving your belongings, ask whether the management can lower the price or cut you any deals. There are plenty of options in your area, so you may be able to entice someone to let you store your things at a lower rate. The facility staff wants your business, so it may be worth it to the team to drop your costs a little bit to keep you as a customer.
If you are worried about spending too much money on self-storage, keep these tips in mind. Even saving a few dollars here and there can make a big difference over time and for your move as a whole. You do not want to find out that you are paying more than you should for storage.
Kara Griffin is communications manager at ProMoverReviews.com, which compares moving companies across the U.S. using a rigorous and proprietary set of standards. It knows firsthand how stressful the moving process can be without preparation or reliable help. It's goal is to keep you informed and help you gear up for your move from start to finish. 
