When it comes to researching a storage facility and storage unit in Salt Lake City, it can be easy to choose the cheapest option or only factor price into your decision. With everything rising in price, we understand that saving money is a major concern for many Utah residents, but there are some things that you should never skimp on. The saying “you get what you pay for” can apply to storage units, especially if a facility has been neglected. Before you move in your expensive furniture or personal belongings, you may want to dive deeper into why these units are so much cheaper than the competition.
Cheap self-storage can actually cost you more money and frustration in the long run. Renters should be aware of what is hidden behind these cheaper units and how it can hurt you in the long run.
Narrow Down The Reason For Cheap Self-Storage
When it comes to choosing a price for rentals, storage facilities have a few different factors to consider. Before renting a unit from anywhere, dig into the background of the company, read past reviews, and see if they offer discounts only to new customers. If the facility is known for cheap rental options, here are some of the hidden costs that could be lurking behind the curtain. Before you immediately assume that cheap self-storage is a scam, let’s take a look at some ways that price can change depending on the storage facility.
Price Transparency
It is common for storage facilities to offer sales and cheaper rates for the first few months of your rental. However, some popular national storage chains rely heavily on aggressive price hikes, taking many tenants by surprise. They offer deeply discounted rates to those interested in renting, only to raise the price significantly shortly after move-in once their belongings are already locked inside.
When you see an advertisement for cheaper rates, it may not always indicate that someone is trying to scam you, though. Consumers should ask the facility manager what they can expect to pay after the introductory period is over and thoroughly read through the rental contract. Facilities that are transparent about pricing will tell you exactly what you will be paying each month and when the price will change. Looking at this contract and discussing price before signing any agreement is a good way to avoid this nationwide price gouging. Renters should be made aware that a cheap unit may not remain at that price a few months into renting.
Sizing
Storage units of various sizes will also be priced differently. Some facilities may only offer 5×5 units, while others may have different sizes and larger options (10×20, 20×20). If a facility has a lower price, it is worthwhile to look deeper into the size of the unit and what available space is given for that price. If a company is charging a low price for a 20×20 unit, it could indicate a lack of repairs and maintenance.
Cheap Units Often Attract Squatters
Storage units are made to hold furniture, clothing, documents, and electronics; they are not meant to be lived in. Cheaper facilities often don’t have security measures or anyone manning who accesses the storage units, which could draw in squatters. If units are empty and easy to break into (often because a company doesn’t have the money or manpower to keep up on security measures), the facility may find people living in units.
Not only does this open up facilities for legal issues and lost money, but it can also affect other renters. This could lead to someone accessing the facility at unreasonable hours, putting your belongings at risk of theft. Those attempting to live in a unit may also try to cook, charge electronics, or remain warm using a heater, which poses a fire risk to surrounding units. This has been a consistent problem in the storage industry, which is why many facilities are cracking down on legitimate rentals and adding more security.
Maintenance/Repairs Often Fall Short With Cheap Storage
Facilities need to bring in money in order to keep the operation running smoothly. Putting rental money towards unit maintenance, modern upgrades, and staffing security guards is a great way to reinvest in the business and keep units clean and nice for future renters.
There is so much that comes with owning a rental facility, which can be difficult to handle as one person. Broken doors, pest infestations, sun damage, broken locks, burnt-out light bulbs, or out-of-service elevators are all common problems that storage facilities can experience. While you may want to keep monthly rates competitive for your customers, charging a competitive rate can help you upkeep the entire facility, prevent theft of renters’ items, and avoid legal ramifications from customers. Hiring help or outsourcing some tasks to third-party companies will help keep your facility from cheap self-storage allegations.
Lack Of Security
Running a storage facility is often not a business that should be handled by one person, especially if you want to ensure proper protection at all times of the day. A storage facility that can not afford to have on-site security or even a few cameras could be considered cheap self-storage. When a renter pays for lower rates, they may be sacrificing better security than if they splurged a little for a more modern facility.
Managing several units can be difficult, especially for a camera that can only be angled in certain directions. As your facility and renters grow, investing in security cameras or paying to hire security guards will give renters more peace of mind, increasing the number of qualified renters you will attract.
Visit The Facility Before Renting
The best way to ensure you avoid a cheap self-storage unit that isn’t able to protect your items is to visit it in person. Touring the facility, asking questions to the owner, and looking inside a potential unit that is available to rent will help renters establish a clear picture of the quality. Renters who visit a facility may be able to spot potential infestations or moisture damage that they will want to avoid.
Depending on what you need to store, seeing different-sized units in person may also help you save a little bit of money. Renters may believe they need a large unit, but in reality their items will fit in a smaller 5×5 or 5×10 unit, saving them up to $70-90 each month.
Affordable But High-Quality Units From 700 Block Storage
We believe our customers deserve transparency. At 700 Block Storage, our rental agreement specifically states that tenancy is month-to-month and that rental charges and other terms may change with 30 days’ notice. Our facility is constantly monitored and is highly secure for Salt Lake City residents. Instead of settling for cheap self-storage, we believe in providing deals to first-time renters and keeping our pricing competitive to other facilities in the area.
With strict policies on who can rent our units and what can be stored in them, there may be renters who are turned off by these strict policies. Sometimes that means turning away business when the intended use doesn’t fit a self-storage facility. We would rather lose one rental than compromise the environment for hundreds of existing customers. Learn more about our storage rental options and book directly on our website.
