5 Things to Consider Before Renting a Storage Unit

5 Things to Consider Before Renting a Storage Unit

By John Doe

Are you running out of valuable storage space at home? Or are you about to tackle a significant home or office renovation? No matter your circumstances, when you start to run out of room, there’s only one solution that makes the most sense for you and your belongings - renting a storage unit!

Storage units are designed to help individuals regain valuable storage space at home, at work, or while prepping for a big move. Not all storage units keep your belongings equally secure, and it takes time to find the best storage unit for your particular needs! However, before you can load up your belongings and get settled in, there are quite a few things you have to consider before renting a storage unit.

Instead of wondering what storage unit is right for you, Bluebird Self Storage is here to help before starting your search! Today, we’re discussing the most important features to consider when selecting a storage unit and how our storage units in Tuttle, AB, in Red Deer County, can help you throughout every aspect of your moving and storage situation.

What to Consider Before Renting a Storage Unit

Renting a storage unit is a great way to maximize closet space, declutter your home or office, or have additional space to store extra possessions throughout the year. However, while every storage unit is equipped to store various belongings, not all storage units can accommodate your particular needs. Whether you need household storage, business storage, or moving storage, there are a few key factors to consider before renting a storage unit. 

Our team has years of experience helping our customers decide what storage unit is right for them. That’s why today we’re discussing which factors you should consider when searching for a storage unit near you. 

What Do You Plan on Storing Inside the Unit? 

First and foremost, what do you intend to store inside your storage unit? While you can store various possessions, it’s wise to determine this beforehand because it helps decide which size and features you’ll want from your storage unit.

For example, if you plan on storing lawn equipment in a storage unit during the winter, you’ll likely need a mid-sized storage unit without any climate-controlled features. However, if you’re storing clothing, bedding, or your grandparent’s heirlooms, then you’ll probably need something much smaller with climate control!

You can store a wide range of belongings within your storage unit, but determining what special or challenging items are going in storage determines what kind of unit you need.

What Size Storage Unit Do You Need? 

Next, consider the size of your storage unit. Storage units can be as small as 2’ x 3’ or larger than 10’ x 30’, so the sky’s the limit when selecting a storage unit. At our storage facility in Red Deer, AB, we have a wide variety of unit sizes so you can find the best solution for your belongings! 

Once you’ve determined what’s going inside your storage unit, it’s easier to identify the right unit size for your needs! For instance, if you’re renovating a space in your house, you’ll likely need a larger storage unit to accommodate furniture, appliances, and anything else that usually resides in this space. For a storage unit that you need seasonally, you’ll likely want a unit with enough room and flexibility to swap out items throughout the year without running out of space.

Finding the right size storage unit can take time, but selecting the right unit makes moving day a breeze. You’ll be able to offload your belongings quickly and still have room to walk around and access your stuff!

Aren’t sure if your unit size is ideal for a long-term storage solution? At Bluebird, we understand that having the right size storage unit is essential for safely storing your belongings and managing your budget. That’s why we don’t have our customers sign long-term rental contracts, so they can upsize or downsize their storage unit as needed! Depending on the availability of our storage units in Red Deer, AB, it’s simple for our customers to change their unit size for something that accommodates their needs.


For helpful tips, read What Size of Storage Unit is Best for Me, or our Storage Unit Size Guide



How Long Do You Plan on Using Storage?

It’s no secret that every storage situation is different. Some people need storage while moving to a new home, others to help free up valuable space in their office. While there’s no exact timeline for how long you should rent a unit, the last thing you want is to underestimate just how much you need the space. For instance, if you’re moving to a new home and want to jumpstart the moving process, you’ll likely want a storage unit for a few months. However, if you intend to use the space for extra inventory or seasonal storage, then you’ll likely want to keep this space for an extended period.

At Bluebird, we don’t believe in making our customers sign long-term contracts. As long as you need our facility, we’ll provide the services and safety your stuff deserves! Just speak with our team and explain your storage needs, and together we can find the best solution for your belongings.

What Storage Features Do You Need?

Plan on storing family photos, jewelry, or other valuables in this secondary storage space? What about critical personal documents for your family or even your business? Before renting a storage unit, it’s smart to consider what features you need to help protect your belongings! Whether you’re keeping linens, photos, records, or antiques, certain storage situations require additional features like climate control or temperature-controlled storage.

Certain items likely don’t need an additional layer of protection, but it’s smart to be prepared for the unexpected if you’re storing valuables. At our storage facility in Red Deer County, we offer temperature-controlled storage and unheated storage units so that you can choose the right amount of protection for your belongings!

Besides unit features, think about what else you need for your storage experience. If you plan on moving plenty of large, bulky items, it’s a wise idea to consider how accessible your storage unit should be. That’s why we offer two different unit types - indoor storage units and drive-up access units. Our indoor units are located within our facility. Meanwhile, our drive-up units are located outside of the building. Our drive-up units give customers the option to move in their belongings with ease, so moving day is less stressful. If you or a loved one has plenty of possessions or need assistance moving in your belongings, our drive-up units are probably more compatible with your move-in day! With Bluebird by your side, you can decide what storage unit amenities and access are right for your belongings.

What’s Your Rental Budget? 

While renting a self-storage unit is a lifesaver in certain seasons of life, it’s essential to consider your overall rental budget! Depending on your storage needs, every storage unit’s price point varies, so it’s smart to assess size and amenity requirements when you think about your overall rental budget.

Before committing to a storage facility near you, take a close look at their pricing policies and see how their rates work within your budget. Some companies do what we like to call a 4-week sneak. What is the 4-week sneak? Ultimately, this policy charges customers on a 4-week billing cycle, so customers pay every 28-days rather than by the month. These pricing policies might seem more affordable, but they actually end up charging you 13 times a year instead of 12! When choosing a storage facility, first research their monthly rental rates and then decide on a reasonable rental budget for your needs. From there, you’ll be able to narrow down your search and find a storage unit with enough space and amenities for your price point!

Make sure to ask how often they will increase your rental rate. Many storage companies start increasing your rates after just 3 to 6 months. Bluebird is the only storage company that gives you a fair rate upfront and honors the same rate for at least 365 days before considering an increase.

At Bluebird Self Storage, we believe in making our rates as honest as possible. That’s why we have our Bluebird Full Month Value Pricing Policy! We believe that our storage units in Red Deer County go beyond storing your stuff. We want our customers to have the best experience possible, starting with affordable monthly storage rates.

Why Bluebird is the Best Choice for Your Storage Needs

At Bluebird, we understand there are many components to consider when it comes to your storage needs. That’s why we take the time to provide you with valuable amenities, features, and spacious storage units that accommodate storage situations of every shape and size. Our amenities can help ease the stress of moving, protect your possessions, and fit a range of circumstances. You don’t have to think twice about the integrity of your belongings while they’re in our care.

The best part? We offer honest, monthly rates that can accommodate a wide range of budgets. We understand that for some, this can be a long-term investment. We want to make sure you’re comfortable throughout your entire experience with us, starting from the day you begin your search for a storage unit. Our storage units are ideal for business, moving, and household storage needs, so you’ll have the accommodations and space you need no matter what. If you’re looking for storage units near Tuttle, AB, or storage near you in Red Deer County, Bluebird Self Storage is the solution for you!

Store Your Stuff in Our Storage Units in Red Deer, Alberta

While it’s easy to search for storage facilities near you, finding the right facility for your belongings and budget is more complicated than you’d think. That’s why our storage facility near Tuttle, Alberta is ideal for you and your belongings! We take your storage needs very seriously and want to help our customers find the best storage solution for their needs. 

If you’re searching for storage units in Red Deer County, our facility is located in the following areas - Tuttle, Springbrook, Mintlaw, Penhold, and other nearby cities. Don’t settle for a storage facility that doesn’t accommodate your needs. Our Red Deer Country storage facility can go beyond ordinary storage. We also have vehicle storage and parking available! Now, you can secure your household goods and your vehicle for the season with ease.

Don’t delay - now’s the time to rent a storage unit in Tuttle, AB! If you want to learn more about our facility, give us a call at 587-802-9896 or email us at mckenzie@bluebirdstorage.ca.


Thinking about renting a storage unit near you, but aren’t sure how to approach the big move? Our Ultimate Packing & Storage Guide is here to help!

Ultimate Packing Storage Guide

Frequently Asked Self Storage Questions

What size storage unit is right for me?

Finding the right storage unit depends on the number of possessions you plan on storing at our facility. The more items you have, the more space you’ll need. At every Bluebird facility, we offer units ranging from below 5’ x 5’ to 10’ x 30’ or even larger, so you can find the right amount of storage space. To find the right unit size, explore our Storage Unit Size Guide or read this resource to see which unit fits your needs best.

Can I buy boxes and packing supplies at Bluebird?

Yes! If you’re about to move into a storage unit, our facility offers moving and storage supplies that help protect your belongings. Our supplies range from boxes, packing tape, mattress and furniture covers, and so much more!

How long can I rent a unit?

We don’t have any long-term agreements at Bluebird, so you can rent your unit for as little as a month or two or upwards of a year if you’d like! If circumstances change, we can always extend or shorten your storage stay with us.

How do I access my storage unit?

You, selected family, and any business associates can access your local facility by using our secure keypad entry using a personal security code. Individual units are protected by a lock that is only accessible by the customer. Only contacts you authorize will be able to access your unit.

Typical daily access hours are from 6AM - 11PM, so you can always access your stuff when you need it. Check with the location nearest you for more information about access hours.


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