New York City is a great place to live in, but it comes with a big price tag. Yes, living costs here are very high and affordable housing is very hard to find. That’s why many people opt out for smaller apartments and studios. To utilize the limited space many decide to rent a storage unit. It is possible to find affordable yet safe storage units in NYC. You just have to know where to look and what to pay attention at.
How much safe storage units in NYC cost?
Before you start looking for safe storage units in NYC, you have to see can you afford that cost. To be honest, it will significantly contribute to your monthly expenses. However, it is a much cheaper option than renting a bigger apartment.
The proximate rate for a medium storage unit (8×8) goes between $180-$250/month.
Maybe you can find cheap storage units in Long Island and near areas for less money, but it is the median monthly cost of renting a safe storage unit in the New York City area.
Of course, the number of your belongings will dictate the cost, since the bigger storage units cost more. Time is also of the essence here, since the short term options are usually more expensive than the long term ones.
If you are moving from California to New York, when it comes to East Coast vs West Coast living, the living costs are almost the same. Still, since Big Apple is one of the most expensive cities in the US, you will probably have to pay more for a safe storage unit in NYC than in Los Angeles.
Finding the right storage unit
In order to find the perfect storage unit, you need to know what you’re looking for. The amount and type of your belongings will determine the type and the size of the space that you should rent.
Size
It is important to determine the right size of the store since that will affect greatly the renting price.
Larger units can set you back for over $300 a month, so be wise in assessing the number of your belongings. Small storage spaces are always the cheapest ones. If you’re operating on the limited budget, consider do you really need all of your stuff or its time to say goodbye to some of them. There are a lot of good organizations where to donate furniture when moving and other things that you no longer use.
Location
Ideally, you will look for the storage unit near your apartment. If you will use it to store seasonal clothes or Christmas decoration, it only makes sense to find storage facility within your neighborhood. If you need a storage unit when moving to New York, then you can widen your search in search for cheaper, but still safe storage units in NYC. Keep in mind that attractive locations are highering the prices of renting a storage unit.
Like everything else, the storage unit in the heart of Manhattan will cost a lot more than on other locations.
Type of storage unit
If you want to store art collection, leather goods, antiques or sensitive objects, you may consider renting a climate controlled storage unit. It will cost you more, but it will keep your belongings safe. There’s no point in renting a regular unit where your delicate objects will be exposed to most and heat which can make a lot of damages to them.
If you wish to store any of the following objects or materials, you will need a climate controlled storage unit:
• Artwork
• Antique furniture
• Books and other paperwork
• Electronics and music instruments
• Videotapes
• Metal appliances
• Bedding and mattresses
• Sports equipment
All of these items are very sensitive to climate condition.
Duration of the rental lees
If you need to renovate your home or to storage belongings when moving, renting a storage unit on a short term is an excellent solution. Also, it’s a good investment when you have a little space in your home for all of your household. Long term renting of the storage unit opens a lot of space for negotiating the price. Longer the lease, less the price will be.
How to find safe storage units in NYC?
When you want to store items for some time, the safety of your stuff comes first.
It is always best to use storage facilities that have a good reputation. That will minimize the chance of involving yourself in some kind of scam. Since many people have the necessity of renting a storage unit when moving, the moving companies and storage facilities have a great collaboration.
Reputable moving companies like Capital City Movers NYC want to provide their customers with the most quality service, so they will recommend only the best storage solution. It is always a good idea to ask your movers which storage options will work the best for you.
When it comes to choosing the safe storage units in NYC, make a selection of at least three suitable storage facilities and inspect them in person.
On the spot, you can see are their storage units safe as their advertisements claim it is.
Pay attention to the following features in establishing the safety of the storage facility:
- Location
Dark allies and shady neighborhoods aren’t suitable for safe storage units. - Video surveillance
The very important feature that will ensure the safety of your belongings. - Physical security
It is comforting to know that there is a security guard on the premises in case someone tries to break in into your storage unit. - Lighting
It is important that the facility is well-lit in case you want to access your unit in the evening. Also, thieves usually don’t target a facility with a lot of light, since they can be easily spotted. - Measures against pest infestations
Pests love storage units because they are providing shelter and food for them. Critters in one storage unit soon become the infestation for the entire facility. That’s why is important that storage unit take measures against the pests that can destroy your things.
Rodents are a big threat to your belongings
Get storage unit insurance
Even the most secure storage facility has its flaws. At the end of the day, fate can mix its fingers, and we all know how unpredictable scenarios it can create. It’s always best to take precautions against its wimps. That’s when storage insurance comes to the scene. It will protect your things for all the elements that can endanger them while in the storage unit.
Storage unit insurance policy is about $10 a month. Small price to keep your mind at ease, won’t you agree?