First Time Renters Guide to Self Storage

You've got a garage full of seasonal gear, furniture from a recent move, or boxes that haven't found a permanent home yet. Renting a storage unit seems straightforward enough, but first-timers often discover the process has more nuance than expected. A few things worth knowing upfront can save you from renting the wrong size, paying for features you don't need, or storing items that don't hold up well over time.

What a Storage Unit Rental Actually Involves

One of the most common misunderstandings is that renting a unit works like a long-term lease on an apartment. At Homegrown Storage, rentals run month to month, which means you're not locked into a year-long commitment. You pay for the time you actually need, and when you're done, you give notice and move out. There are no complicated exit clauses to navigate.

Another misconception worth clearing up: a storage unit is not a substitute for a warehouse or a place to run daily business operations. Units are for storing inventory, equipment, and belongings; not for working inside them or receiving regular deliveries. Small business owners needing inventory overflow space will find that's a perfectly legitimate use, and you can read more about it in our complete guide to business storage.

Choosing the Right Unit Size

Unit sizes are measured in square feet, and the most common options range from small 5x5 units up to large 10x30 spaces. A 5x5 is roughly the size of a large closet and works well for a handful of boxes and a few small items. A 10x10 fits the contents of a one-bedroom apartment comfortably. Larger units accommodate furniture from multi-room homes, oversized equipment, or vehicles.

First-time renters tend to underestimate how much they have. A good rule of thumb: take stock of your items by category, not by count. One couch takes up as much floor space as a dozen boxes stacked three high. If you're on the fence between two sizes, go with the larger one. Running out of room mid-move is far more disruptive than paying a little more for breathing room.

When to Consider a Climate-Controlled Unit

Standard units work well for most belongings, but certain items benefit from a temperature-regulated environment. Wood furniture can warp under repeated temperature swings, and electronics are sensitive to heat buildup over time. Musical instruments and documents are also worth protecting from units that cycle through wide temperature extremes. If you're storing any of these, a climate-controlled unit is worth the additional cost. For a deeper look at what qualifies and what doesn't, our guide to climate-controlled storage breaks it down clearly.

What You Should Not Store in a Unit

Flammable materials and hazardous chemicals are off-limits in any storage unit. Beyond the obvious, first-time renters sometimes try to store items that are technically allowed but poorly suited to the environment, like unsealed cardboard boxes left directly on the floor, or items that aren't properly wrapped and end up scuffed or scratched against each other. Pack thoughtfully, label everything, and leave an aisle down the center of your unit so you can reach items in the back without unloading the whole space.

Getting Started With Homegrown Storage

Renting with Homegrown Storage is straightforward. Pick a location and choose your unit size, then set up your account online in a few minutes. If you're storing a vehicle alongside your other belongings, plan that out in advance since vehicle storage has its own sizing considerations. Our vehicle storage options and sizing tips are a good place to start if that applies to you. Month-to-month leases mean you can get started without overcommitting, and you can adjust your unit size as your needs change.