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There’s just something about returning to a vacation destination that attracts even the most adventurous traveler. Perhaps it’s the familiarity. Perhaps it’s the community. Perhaps it’s the range of activities that can’t be accomplished on one – or even 10 – visits. Perhaps it’s family tradition. Whatever the reason, or combination of reasons, people who maintain a second home or simply return to the same spot year over year have specific seasonal storage needs at both their destination – and the home they left behind.
Avoiding the Search Engine Trap
When looking for a seasonal storage unit, most repeat vacationers are focused on how to find cheap storage units both at their destination – and for the items they’re leaving behind. Popular search terms for price-savvy shoppers include phrases like “affordable storage near me” or “how much is a storage unit per month near me?” It makes sense to be price aware. Storage can be costly, especially in ritzy vacation areas with expensive real estate. We recommend the following steps to find the right storage unit for you:
1. Consider what you’re storing.
When packing up a vacation house, many people find themselves with outdoor chairs, grills, umbrellas, tables, gardening tools, and other items too bulky to store in the house itself. Given the very real threat of hurricanes and other intense weather at many vacation spots (not to mention garden variety theft), these pieces must be put away in a safe location before closing the house for the season. Take a good look at what you’ve got, and what needs to be stored, and make an inventory list for future access.
2. Consider what size storage.
Some folks leave cars or SUVs at their “home away from home” so that they always have a reliable vehicle at the ready. Others leave smaller pieces like summer clothes and beach supplies to avoid the cost of lugging them back and forth. Whatever it is that you may want to store at your vacation destination, you’ll want to give serious thought to what size storage unit you need. Make sure staff at any storage company you choose can talk you through the available options and offer flexible contract terms so you can upgrade, or downgrade as needed.
3. Consider the level of security.
When it comes to storage, potential costs are all over the map – which anyone who’s ever searched the term “storage unit prices near me” can tell you. Many times, the cheapest options are cheap because they are skimping in one way or another. Before you commit to a contract, be sure to ask about the security on-site. The last thing you want to do is entrust your possessions to a storage company considered “easy pickings” by the locals. Talk at length with the manager about on-site security, and be sure to look carefully at any cameras, access points, and lighting at the facility.
4. Consider the location.
When choosing a storage facility at your repeat travel location or at home, it’s critical to take the location into account. Many “snowbirds” (people who live in the North during the summer and the South during the winter) head straight from the airport to pick up their ride from vehicle storage. Folks who drive to their destinations like their units to be close to their home bases, so they can move their items in and out easily. Make sure the storage facility location you choose is convenient to however you plan to travel.
5. Consider the accessibility.
When vacationers (or those returning from vacation) use seasonal storage, they need to access their belongings when they need them. Any delay means delaying having fun and relaxing during their breaks or getting settled back home. While you may be pondering how to find cheap storage units, you should also be thinking about how accessible they will be to you. Does someone always need to be on-site to let you in? Does the facility close early on weekends? What impact do holiday hours have on accessibility? Can customers drive up to their units? Make sure your items are available to you when (and how) you need them. Anything else will cause stress and frustration, which is never a good deal.
6. Consider the climate.
We talk a lot about the importance of climate-controlled storage for your valuables. While it may be obvious that you don’t want to store delicate family mementos, records, or wood furniture in units that are at the mercy of heat, humidity, and cold, you may be surprised that climate-controlled options are also the best options for long-term jet ski storage and boat storage. Make sure the storage facility you choose has the capabilities to store your valuables the way you want them stored – for the short- or long-term.
7. Consider the perks.
Low-cost options typically don’t offer self-storage benefits like free moving truck rentals. Large capacity moving vehicles can be crucial when moving patio furniture, surfboards, bicycles, and other oversized items you don’t want to keep in your vacation home in the off-season. Cheap storage companies also might not carry the boxes, tape, and other packing and moving supplies you need to make the most of your unit. Be sure to ask these questions prior to signing any contract.
8. Consider the contract terms.
While inexpensive storage units may seem most cost-effective, you’ll need to make sure that the contract terms are flexible. The last thing you want is to be locked into an annual contract when you really only need to store your belongings for the six months you’re not in town. Look for month-to-month rentals that provide the flexibility you need – at a price you like.
9. Consider the customer service.
Although you may be prioritizing “affordable storage near me,” you shouldn’t discount the importance of customer service – especially so if you plan on leaving town for an extended period. If something goes amiss in the region you’re storing in, you’re going to need a friendly and helpful voice at the end of that telephone line. Be sure to choose a company that prioritizes customer service. Otherwise, the unit you rent may be cheap – but the lack of communication and assistance will extract a serious toll.
10. Consider the ease of booking.
Last but not least, you’re going to want to consider how easy it is to book a unit. Do you have to sign the contract in person? Can you find the info and advice you need on the company website? Better yet, is there an app? Modern conveniences will save you an enormous amount of time – which is the one thing there’s never enough of on vacation.
