General Self Storage
STORAGE 101: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SELF STORAGE
There's a lot to consider when renting a local storage unit for the first time. What storage unit size is best for you? Do you need climate control? Fortunately, the experts at Wisconsin Storage Group make finding the right storage solution simple. Use this guide to learn the basics of self service storage, and feel free to reach out to our friendly, knowledgeable team at any point for assistance.
WHAT IS SELF STORAGE?
Self storage provides space for individuals to rent and store their personal or business items. Unlike full-service storage services where the customer has limited access to their belongings and relies on the storage provider to store and manage their belongings—self service storage gives you much more control. You can pack and arrange the storage unit however you’d like, access your belongings anytime during the location’s business hours, and move items in and out of storage whenever you’d like.
WHAT CAN I STORE IN A STORAGE UNIT?
You’re free to store almost anything in a storage unit with some exceptions—except anything dangerous or illegal. Of course, some items fall into a gray area, so be sure to ask the facility manager before renting a storage unit to see what’s allowed on the property.
Items you CAN store include (but are not limited to):
- Furniture
- Appliances
- Electronics
- Clothes
- Business inventory
- Sporting equipment.
Items you CANNOT store include (but are not limited to):
- Food
- Drugs
- Vehicles not in working order
Anything that's flammable or combustible (i.e., gas, propane tanks, car batteries)
COMMON REASONS FOR RENTING A STORAGE UNIT
Discover short-term or long-term storage at Wisconsin Storage Group! Whether you need to store for 1 week, 1 month, or even longer, we have the space you need for everything from moves to major life transitions.
Moving
Storing personal possessions while moving to a new home, transitioning between leases, living in temporary housing, and relocating across the country are some of the most common reasons for renting self storage.
Home Renovations
Remodeling a home or office can take several weeks or months and may require you to move furniture and appliances out of the way. Moving these items to a storage unit temporarily is a convenient solution.
Life Transitions
Whether it’s downsizing for retirement, caring for a family member’s estate, or working through a natural disaster, self storage can ease the burden when sudden life changes arise.
Business Storage
Small to mid-size businesses and contractors often use commercial storage for business vehicles, inventory, construction work, and more. We provide the extra space needed to keep your business running smoothly.
Decluttering
The best way to avoid moving to a larger home or office while also keeping your space clutter-free is to move items that you want to hang on to but don’t necessarily need at the moment to a nearby storage facility.
College Storage
Freeing up space in a dorm room, heading home over the summer, or studying abroad for a few months are all reasons why college students rent affordable storage close to their university campuses.
Apartment Living
Renting a storage units can make apartment living easier. Especially if you live in a studio or one-bedroom apartment with limited storage space, renting a local storage unit can help you get more room.
Military Living
Active military and military families are typically on the move every few years, making their way to different bases. As these changes can be drastic, military storage can be an incredible help when relocating.
Storing a Vehicle
Cars, motorcycles, RVs, boats, trailers, commercial vans, and more can be stored safely indoors within a vehicle storage unit or within our outdoor covered parking spaces, freeing up your driveway or garage space at home or the office.
HOW TO CHOOSE A SELF STORAGE FACILITY
So you want to rent self storage—but how do you choose a local storage facility? Checking out a facility's security features, speaking with customer service, researching affordable storage rates, and more can help you choose the best place for your belongings!
Security
When you store your belongings at a self storage facility, you’re trusting that they’ll keep your belongings safe. Wisconsin Storage Group utilizes top-notch security measures like well-lit facilities, video surveillance, and electronic gate access. Some of our storage locations take security a step further with features like on-site resident managers, individually alarmed units, and security access to your floor only.
Cleanliness
When searching for self storage near you, consider the cleanliness of the locations you’re looking at. Storage facilities that take measures to keep their facilities clean show you that they care about you and your belongings. At Wisconsin Storage Group, we take extensive measures to maintain the quality of our facilities. We want you to feel welcome and comfortable at our locations and know that your belongings are in good hands.
Customer Service
The level of customer service a storage facility offers matters. Many companies don’t even have staff on site to assist their customers with questions or when something goes wrong. At Wisconsin Storage Group, our staff is dedicated to helping you with your self storage needs. We take pride in the professionalism, knowledge, and positive attitude our team brings to work every day.
Location
The best location for you will vary based on why you’re renting a storage unit. If you just need more space at home, something close to home or on the way home from work will be perfect. If you’re moving to a new home and using storage to help with the transition, local storage near your new home might make more sense. Think about how and when you’ll need to go to the facility and determine the most convenient location for you.
Price
Several things go into the cost of a storage unit, including facility location, storage unit size, amenities like climate control, and more. As you search for cheap storage, knowing your budget will make it much easier to decide on the location and the price of a storage unit that makes sense for you.
WHAT SIZE STORAGE UNIT DO I NEED?
- Studio or one-bedroom apartment - 5x10 to 5x15 storage unit
- Two-bedroom apartment - 10x10 to 10x15 storage unit
- Two-bedroom house - 10x20 storage unit
- Three-bedroom house - 10x25 storage unit
- Four-bedroom house - 10x30 storage unit
- Car - 10x20 storage unit
- Motorcycle - 5x10 storage unit
HOW TALL ARE STORAGE UNITS?
Storage units are typically 8 feet tall. Select units have 10-foot ceilings (and taller) to accommodate unique storage needs like storing larger vehicles. Facilities in large cities like New York City often offer reduced-height storage units that offer the same square footage at lower prices.