Alright, let’s talk. You’re staring at that monthly bill for your storage unit and you’re wondering, “Is this still the right place for my stuff?”
I get it. Moving everything sounds like a huge pain. But sometimes, staying put is an even bigger pain in the long run.
The Red Flags: Is It Time to Switch?
Here’s how you know it’s probably time to make the switch.
First off, trust your gut
When you pull into the facility, does it feel… sketchy? Is the gate broken again? Are there sketchy characters hanging around? If your stomach tightens up every time you go there, that’s your answer right there. Your stuff shouldn’t give you anxiety.
Then, there’s the ick factor
Did you open your unit last week and see a mouse? Or worse, evidence of a mouse? Maybe you noticed a weird, damp smell. That mildew smell gets into your cardboard boxes and never leaves. If you’re storing family photos or your kid’s baby clothes, that’s a hard no. You’re not being dramatic. You’re being smart.
And the price hikes
Oh man, this one gets me. You get that email – “Your monthly rate is increasing by $10.” For what? Did they paint the building? Nope. Hire a security guard? Nope. They’re just charging more because they can. It feels lousy. If you’re not seeing any improvements but your bill keeps going up, it’s totally fair to look elsewhere.
Maybe the drive is killing you
Life changes. You moved, you got a new job, your kid started soccer on the other side of town. If driving to your storage unit feels like a chore you always put off, then it’s not convenient anymore. The whole point is to make your life easier!
Or maybe your stuff doesn’t fit anymore
Is your unit so packed that you need a map and a prayer to find anything? Or are you paying for a giant space that’s half-empty? That’s just money down the drain. Your storage should actually work for your life.
You’re thinking about moving. Cool. Don’t just jump in
First, do some legwork. Actually, go visit a couple of new places. Don’t just look online. Go there on a Tuesday afternoon. See what it’s like.
- Is the person at the front desk friendly? Or are they staring at their phone, annoyed that you interrupted them?
- Does the place look clean? Or is there trash blowing around the parking lot?
- Try the gate code. Does it work smoothly or is it a fight?
This stuff tells you everything about how the place is run.
Do the math, too. Renting a truck might cost you $80. If a new place saves you $15 a month, you’ll break even in about five months. Is a better, safer, closer place worth one Saturday? For most people, yeah, it is.
And for heaven’s sake, read your current contract. See how much notice you have to give. You don’t want a surprise charge because you didn’t send a letter 30 days in advance.
Alright, you’re doing it. Here’s how to survive moving day
- PURGE: I’m yelling it because it’s the most important step. As you’re packing, if you pick something up and think, “What is this?” or “Why do I even have this?” – get rid of it. Have a “keep,” “toss,” and “donate” pile. Be ruthless. The less you move, the happier you’ll be.
- Get a dolly: Seriously. Don’t try to be a hero. Your back will thank you.
- Label your boxes like a maniac: Don’t just write “Kitchen.” Write “KITCHEN – MOM’S CHINA – FRAGILE!” You will need that specificity later, I promise.
- Load the new unit smart: Stuff you need to get to often? Holiday decorations, camping gear? Put it right up front. Create a little aisle down the middle so you can actually walk in. Put the heavy, sturdy stuff in the back.
Look, at the end of the day, it’s your stuff and your money. You should feel good about where you’re storing it.
And hey, if you’re looking around, come check us out at Plaza Mini Storage. We’re not a fancy corporation. We’re the local spot. We’ll give you a straight answer, a fair price, and a clean, dry unit. No runaround. Sometimes, a simple change is all it takes.
0 Comments