Storage units are often an integral part of a relocation process. They offer a lot of convenience for your move and enable you to have many more options at your disposal. They are much more valuable when it comes to long-distance relocations but even local ones can benefit from having a storage unit handy. The best way to find an affordable storage unit in the DC area is to contact a moving company that operates in the area, such as A2B Moving and Storage. We have a range of units for you to choose from, from climate-controlled storage units to warehousing solutions. Whether you are moving your home or an office, we will have the perfect unit for your needs!
Ways to find an affordable storage unit in the DC area – Useful tips
But finding an affordable storage unit comes down to the following factors. In order to get the most out of your storage unit, you will need to:
- Choose the right size of the storage unit
- Pick the location wisely
- Be sure that your rate won’t increase
- Always look for perks when searching for an affordable storage unit in the DC area
- Pay up for a few months upfront
- Avoid climate-controlled units and drive-up access ones
This all pertains if affordability is your primary concern. But you need to be extra careful when selecting just the right unit for your purposes. Having a unit that is affordable is all well and good but you need to make sure that it “does the job done”, as well.
Choose the right size of the storage unit
The first thing that you need to do is figure out exactly how large you need your storage space to be. Since the primary factor that determines the price of a unit is its size, renting a smaller one will be cheaper. If you choose well, you will be able to afford more moving services from your movers or invest the spare cash into anything else. The “ideal” size is usually around 10-15% larger than what you believe you need, however. This is to account for additional items that you may need to store. But going above that number is often not recommended. You may need to measure some of your bulkiest items that you plan to store and work around that.
Pick the location wisely
The second most influencing factor, when it comes to the price of your unit, is its location. It stands to reason that locations near city centers cost more than the ones on the outskirts. If you want to save money on storage, you will want to choose the latter. However, that all depends on what your requirements are. If you need to access your items frequently, then renting a unit closer to home is obviously the right choice. Even so, a few blocks of distance can create a large price difference when it comes to storage services. Try not to be dead-set on a particular location, and you will be able to save money. Take your time and weigh all the options available to you, and you will surely come to a good price-to-location ratio.
Be sure that your rate won’t increase
Sometimes, what looks to be an affordable storage unit might not be as affordable after some time. Some storage owners like to increase the price of the rent often, which can dramatically increase the cost after a few years. Therefore, you will need to make sure that you never get into such a situation. Obviously, you should be renting a unit from trusted sources in the first place but if you are unable to do so then you need some assurances. When drafting a lease, you will want to put a clause that will prevent the storage owner from increasing the price too often. Don’t settle for “verbal contracts” as they don’t provide you with anything concrete. Always have any and all agreements in writing. It is the smart thing to do.
Always look for perks when searching for an affordable storage unit in the DC area
Even though you want your unit to be affordable, you need to ensure that it provides you with all the benefits that you require. For example, if you need your piano movers to store your piece inside a unit for the time being, and to take it out at a moment’s notice, you will want a unit that is accessible 24/7. And if you are storing some valuable items, safety is your primary concern. Or maybe you need some logistics services from your storage provider? At the end of the day, your unit needs to fulfill your requirements, regardless of the price. You should never compromise on the things that you need, just for the sake of saving a few bucks. It is much better to opt for a more affordable location or rent a smaller unit.
Pay up for a few months upfront
One way to reduce the price of a storage unit, on a monthly basis, is to pay for several months in advance. This provides you with some negotiating power, as storage owners appreciate the steady business that you are giving them. It is a great way to shave off a portion of the unit’s price. That being said, this usually depends on the location and supply and demand. If that particular location is highly sought after, the owner might not want to reduce the price even if you pay upfront. However, this is usually not the case, and paying for a few months in advance is going to produce good results.
Avoid climate-controlled units and drive-up access ones when searching for an affordable storage unit in the DC area
Lastly, you will want to avoid going for a unit that is more expensive than normal. This includes climate-controlled storage units and those with drive-up access. These particular types of storage spaces are often much more expensive than other units. If you are searching for an affordable storage unit in the DC area, stay clear of these two types. Unless you actually need the perks, of course.
