The Ultimate Guide to Storage Rental

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What’s involved in renting a self-storage unit? You’re about to find out!

A storage rental can be as simple or complicated as you want to make it. At its core, all you really have to do is go to a self-storage facility, sign up for the right unit size, and then move in.

However, you might want to do some research into the facility you choose, the services you need, the size of unit you need, whether there are any discounts or offerings, whether you really need to store everything you think you need to store, and maybe a few others things too!

Below, we’ve compiled a thorough guide filled with professional advice (psst - we’ve been in the self-storage industry for decades so we are genuine storage experts) and links to tons of resources we’ve made over the years which will help you not only understand self-storage, but help you rent a self-storage unit, and even get the most out of your storage rental.

Step One:  The 101 on Self-Storage

This wouldn’t be an ultimate guide on self-storage if we didn’t go over the basics of what self-storage is and how it works. Check out our very helpful blog post, How Does Self-Storage Work?, which explains:

  • What Is Self-Storage?
  • How Does Renting a Storage Unit Work?
  • How Does Self Storage Rent Work?
  • How Does Storage Unit Access Work?
  • How Does Moving Out of a Storage Unit Work?

If you’re curious about A Day in the Life of a Self-Storage Facility – we’ve written about that too so check it out!

Step Two: Finding Your Perfect Fit – Do Your Homework

It is very important that you do your research into storage facilities in your area before you sign up. We cannot stress this enough.

Most people start their search for a local self-storage facility online. You can get a lot of information online (especially on websites, social media channels and even from online reviews). If there is anything you cannot find information about or if you have specific questions, you can easily call, text, email, or DM the self-storage facility. This is a great way to ‘test drive’ their customer service.

When you go onto Google and search “self-storage Milton”, “self-storage Woodstock” or just “self storage near me”, a large number of storage facilities will come up. From this point on you have access to their websites, social channels, reviews and more. Invest the time to check out their websites and vet their online presence to learn more about who they are, how they do business, how they treat customers online, etc.  You’ll be able to collect enough info to get your list down to two or three facilities to consider renting a unit from.

Not all Storage Facilities are the same. Whether you’re a first-time self-storage user, or you’ve rented in the past, you’ll quickly notice throughout your search online for the best self-storage facility, that not all storage facilities are the same. To find a self-storage facility that checks off all the boxes on your list, here are 8 essential questions to ask each facility you vet.

Here are some important factors to consider when choosing the right storage facility:

  • Affordability: Renting a storage unit is much cheaper than buying a bigger house or warehouse! Storage units come in a wide range of sizes, and most facilities offer very flexible contract lengths so you can find a unit that fits your needs for as long or as little as you like, keeping your costs down.
  • Safety & Security: To ensure your belongings are kept safe, reputable storage facilities commonly employ security measures such as fencing, gated access, alarm systems, lighting, and monitored video surveillance. Many homes and businesses don’t have this level of security, so you can feel at ease knowing that your personal items are safe and secure.
  • Indoor vs Outdoor: Depending on what you are storing and when you want to access your stored belongings, choosing indoor self-storage vs. out-door self-storage may be an important decision. Learn more about indoor self-storage, and reasons why people choose outdoor drive-up storage.
  • Heated Storage: What type of items are you storing? Heated self-storage (or temperature-controlled storage) is perfect for storing items that hold sentimental or monetary value or require more regulated temperature levels to preserve their current state (like antiques, photos, books, musical instruments, etc.)
  • Protection: Does the facility offer any protection coverage? Having insurance for stored items is very important. Storage Solutions provides up to $5,000 protection coverage for a storage unit rental at no extra charge to the tenant, however this coverage is not intended to replace a tenant’s own insurance or responsibility for ensuring they have appropriate insurance for the items stored in their storage rental. We 100% recommend that all tenants purchase sufficient contents insurance for their stored items from their insurance company. 

Step Three: Choosing the Right Size Unit.

We have a blog dedicated to just that - surprise! Check out everything you need to know for how to choose the right size storage unit to rent.  

Step Four: Signing Up for Your Storage Rental

Sign up differs from facility to facility - some are 100% paper, some are 100% digital, some are a mix of both. Here at Storage Solutions, we offer online digital sign up and we do have a paper option should a customer request this (accessibility is important), and we’re happy to oblige.  Signing up for your storage rental shouldn’t take too long. BTW - you can rent in minutes on the Storage Solutions website – we make renting that easy for our customers!

It is very common to have to provide photo id at the time of contract signing for security purposes. We have it here at Storage Solutions, and it helps keep you safe when on our premises.

All facilities require you to sign a contract and most people rush through this step. Why the rush? Because they’re usually signing up in a hurry while their U-Haul is parked out front. You can always ask for the contract in advance so you can read it properly.

When you sign up to rent storage, you should also pay close attention to these 3 things:

  1. Your payment options.
  2. The contact information you are providing, especially your phone number and email. A lot of people who use self storage are moving and they forget to update their address. We recommend that you give the storage facility your email address. Emails rarely change, but addresses are pretty flexible. You should also try to leave a back-up contact. You might take a long trip or be on vacation and if there is an emergency with your unit, it is best if someone else can be available to assist.
  3. Access information – Knowing how to access the indoor or outdoor storage unit you rented and knowing where it is located at the storage facility or yard are important info to have. We send all our customers a welcome email following sign up, which includes a map of the facility, including where their unit is, and their unique access code so they can access our facilities.

TIP – Make sure you get any facility emergency after-hours contact info so that you can get assistance if needed. Save it in your email or phone so that you have access to it. We have helpful signs posted around our storage facility, so our customers always have access to it.  

Step 5: Choose Your Lock

Your self-storage lock is very important. Not all storage locker locks are created equal which makes choosing the best storage unit lock very important. Check out these tips for choosing a lock for your storage unit.

Step Six: Moving Day

The hard part is your moving day. Self storage does mean that you’re doing the heavy lifting (or movers are), and moving day is usually stressful and takes longer than you think it will. Some tips to help make it easier:

  • Plan ahead and stay organized in the moment, even if it means taking a bit more time.
  • Try to remember exactly where you put things in the storage unit or take a picture to help trigger your memory.
  • Don’t let your movers tell you how they’re going to pack your unit – you’re the one who needs to access things, so you should be very firm about where things are going.
  • It may be helpful to keep a copy of your storage contract handy on this day. You have enough things on your mind. It may be a good point of reference in case you forget your access code, your unit number or where it is on the premises.
  • Above all, make sure you put a lock on your storage unit, you actually lock it, and you put the key someplace safe!

Step Seven: Visit your Unit

You shouldn’t dump things into your unit and then forget about it. If you’re paying a monthly rental, you should get value out of that! Make sure to check in on your unit, look at what you have packed in your unit and update your contact information with our office. We’re always happy to have our customers come in and say “hi” and to answer any questions you may have.

Here are tips and expert advice for how to get the most out of the storage unit rental:

Need More Space?  Rent a Storage Unit from Storage Solutions!

We hope you found the information in our ultimate storage rental guide helpful. Have any questions? Call us or email us with any questions you might have – we’re always happy to help!

Whether you are new to self-storage or are a seasoned storage renter, you can count on the team at Storage Solutions for affordable and easy to rent storage.

Ready to rent? You can rent a storage unit online through our website, as well as pay your rent online and let us know you're moving out

Curious about our facilities? Take a look at our YouTube channel for quick tour videos of our facilities and the different sized self-storage units for rent. 

Have questions about renting a storage unit at our Milton self-storage facility or Woodstock self-storage facility?  Call or send us a text at 905-854-1008. You can also email us at info@storagesolutionsontario.com.

Want more info…or maybe some fun? For more helpful tips & tricks, advice, or a good laugh, keep up with our blog and like or follow us on Instagram & Facebook

Your friend in self-storage,

Storage Solutions


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amer hashem (Milton)
a month ago

Very reliable storage. A good solution to park your car and keeping it protected from all weather conditions. Although a bit remote location.. but the price and the service was worth it.


Riley Rogozynski (Woodstock)
a week ago

I went in to find out some information on storage units for when I move in a couple weeks and was happily surprised by the customer service I received. I had looked at a few other storage facilities in Woodstock but their customer service was terrible compared to Jared's from Storage Solutions. He was professional and understanding of my needs and was ready to help anywhere he could. I will definitely be spreading the word to any of my friends looking for units!


Jennifer Sibbitt (Milton)
a week ago

Staff are very friendly and helpful. The facility is well maintained, clean and secure. I highly recommend Storage Solutions!


Janet Kennedy (Woodstock)
2 weeks ago

Great rates for a clean, secure, well lit place. Really good staff and a company that cares. New facility and the competitors are pretty tired looking and charging the same rates (if not a bit more).


Abeer Nauman (Milton)
a day ago

Very friendly staff. Always great service. Would highly recommend.


Lindsay Munro (Milton)
4 months ago

My husband and I recently relocated from the US and needed a place to store all of our belongings while we secured a new home. The folks at Storage Solutions advised us on the right size unit for our needs, at the right price. They were kind and helpful with all of our "first-timer" questions. We were very confident in the security of the place, and had absolutely no issues. I would highly recommend and use them again if needed.


Ashley Kelly (Milton)
a month ago

Been storing office and personal items for years. Have had various size units. Prices are great and staff has always been helpful.