Have you never rented a self-storage unit? If no, you are bound to have some questions about getting started. Fortunately, we have the answers you need. But before we get to that, what is self-storage? It is primarily an extension of the shed or a garage, providing secure and dry space in the storage facility for storing your belongings for as long as you need. Typically, storage companies rent their self-storage units on a month-to-month basis. 

Types of self-storage
Here are some of the popular kinds of self-storage units. 

Drive up storage
If you need to organize and deposit your personal and valuable belongings in a clean, safe space that gives easy access to your belongings, you can consider renting a drive-up storage unit.

Climate controlled storage
It is one of the most popular amenities and self-storage facilities. Depending on what you wish to store, you may need more than protection from rain and wind. Hence, climate control is one of the top amenities required in a self-storage unit. You can use them to store antiques and furniture. So, these units can shield your stuff against moisture build-up, humid or hot summer months, and mold development. 

Business storage
These are appropriate for businesses, regardless of their size.

Student storage
When you move homes for the summer, graduate, shift abroad for a semester, or travel to a new city, it helps to rent a student self-storage unit. They are affordable and highly convenient.

Military storage
Military families frequently move around the city. So, while looking for a new home during the transitional period, a short-term storage unit can come in handy to accommodate all your belongings. 

24-hour storage
Most people believe they may want access to their belongings only during business hours. However, this may not always be the case. Most businesses, families, and individuals require access to their belongings at different times during the day. Hence, picking a facility that is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day can bring abundant peace of mind because you know you will have access to your items whenever needed. 

Vehicle storage
These are meant not just for personal and family use vehicles but also business vehicles. Business owners can store their company cars, trucks, and vans in storage units when not in use to free up valuable space on the property and guard the company’s investments.  

What can be put in a storage unit?
You can put several things in the storage units. Some such items are:
Furniture
Household goods
Documents and papers
Memorabilia
Clothing
Vehicles
Product samples
Tools and equipment

What should not be put in a storage unit?
You cannot put everything in the storage unit, but there are some limitations. A few things you must never store in the units are:
Furs
Fuel
Food
Firearms
In addition, some items may be restricted by local or state laws. So, if you are unsure, please check with your store manager. 

Self-storage unit’s laws
At least forty-six states have some statute discussing the lien rights of the self-storage operator. Though some have comprehensive and dedicated chapters solely to self-storage, others club it with other lien rights. Only Vermont, Nebraska, Montana, and Alaska do not have any industry rules, but most of the current laws require some modernizing and overhauling. Some of the regulations are over three decades old. Hence, they fail to reflect what the industry today has become.  

Eight American states – West Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, California, Maine, North Carolina, Missouri, and Arizona have laws governing the late-fee amount, applicable in the self-storage owner/tenant relationship. Typically, the laws support the industry. Remaining states, too, recognize the need and value of legislation to set a reasonable late-fee law to shield operators from potential litigation. Some states introduced legislation to apply sales tax on rent to self-storage owners. Ohio has successfully passed on this tax to the customers.

For homeland security, the Department of Homeland Security instructs storage unit owners to employ screening in the form of a check on tenants’ criminal histories and credit reports. The Self-Storage Association also introduced the counter measures package for criminal screening. Vendors also let the operators instantly check the credit and criminal backgrounds. 

So, be aware of the local laws before renting a unit or giving it on rent to a tenant.