First Time Storage Rental Tips

Alicia Aguirre
June 19th, 2026

One of the most common mistakes first-time renters make is selecting a unit that's either too large or too small. Before renting, create a list of the items you plan to store. Consider whether you'll need room to access items during your rental period or if everything will remain in place until move-out day. As a general guideline:

Small units work well for boxes, seasonal items, and small furniture.
Medium units can often accommodate the contents of a one-bedroom apartment.
Larger units are ideal for multi-room homes, business inventory, or large furniture collections.

If you're unsure what size you need, facility staff can often help estimate the appropriate unit based on your inventory.

If you are a first-time storage unit renter, you may be looking for some tips to make the process of renting a storage unit as easy as possible. In this post, we’ll cover some basic storage unit tips to ensure you’re getting the most out of your storage unit rental!

Consider Whether Climate-Controlled Storage Is Worth It

Many first-time renters focus only on price, but climate-controlled storage may be worth considering depending on what you're storing. Climate-controlled units help maintain more consistent temperatures and humidity levels throughout the year. This added protection can be beneficial for:

Electronics
Wooden furniture
Artwork
Photographs
Musical instruments
Important documents
Antiques and collectibles

If you're storing items for an extended period, climate-controlled storage can help reduce the risk of moisture damage, warping, and deterioration.

What Kind of Items Will You Be Storing?

Before you rent a storage unit, it is important to know what kinds of items you will be storing. If you will be storing items that are sensitive to fluctuations in temperature, you’ll want to consider renting a climate-controlled storage unit. Items that are sensitive to fluctuations in temperature include leather or wooden furniture, appliances, electronics, and documents. This by no means covers the list of items that should be stored in a climate-controlled storage unit, and if you’re unsure whether your belongings require a climate-controlled storage unit, contact the storage manager at your facility.

Pack Your Storage Unit Strategically

How you arrange your unit can make a significant difference in both convenience and protection. When loading your unit:

Place heavier items on the bottom.
Store frequently used items near the front.
Leave a small aisle for access when possible.
Label boxes clearly on multiple sides.
Avoid stacking fragile items beneath heavy containers.

Taking a little extra time during move-in can save considerable frustration later.

How Big of a Storage Unit Will You Need?

Avoid making the mistake of renting a storage unit that is either too large or too small by drafting a list of the items you are looking to store. Our online unit size guide will help you determine the storage unit size that will work best for you. If you decide later to either upgrade or downsize your storage unit, all of our storage facilities have month-to-month contracts, so you won’t be locked into a long-term commitment.

What Determines the Cost of a Storage Unit?

The cost of renting a storage unit depends on both the size and the type of the unit. As the size of the storage unit increases, so does the cost. Additionally, a climate-controlled storage unit will cost more than a traditional unit because of the added value.

What Amenities Do You Want from Your Storage Facility?

National Storage facilities have a variety of attractive amenities. Some of these amenities include:

Storage Unit Safety Features: If you have never rented a storage unit before, you may be concerned about the safety of your belongings. When you rent with National Storage, you can rest assured knowing that your storage unit is being monitored by camera surveillance seven days a week during access hours. Additionally, our storage facilities have electronic gate access, which helps to keep unauthorized personnel out. Our storage facilities also offer tenant insurance for added protection.
Storage Unit Access: When you rent with National Storage, you will have access to your storage unit 365 days a year. This allows you to come and go to your storage unit at your convenience.
Convenient Payment Methods: National Storage offers convenient payment methods perfect for your busy schedule. We offer both online rent payments and automatic monthly credit card billing.

National Storage Has Storage Solutions for You

Choosing the right facility is just as important as choosing the right unit size. Whether you're storing belongings during a move, creating extra space at home, or managing business inventory, Store National offers convenient storage solutions across multiple states. Explore our locations throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky to find a facility that fits your needs and schedule. No matter where life takes you, selecting the right storage unit and preparing your belongings properly can help ensure a smooth and stress-free storage experience.