Storage units can be a great solution for seniors, especially if you’re moving into an assisted living facility, downsizing, or simply traveling for an extended period of time. You can have peace of mind knowing your belongings are safe in a storage unit.
Unfortunately, storage units aren’t always cheap and will cost you a monthly fee. But thankfully, there are ways you can save money! Follow along as we share six tips on how seniors can get deals on storage units.
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Rent During Off-Peak Season
Just like vacation rentals, storage units have on and off-peak seasons too. If you’re looking to save money and get better deals you might want to consider renting during a slower time of year.
The summer months tend to be busier because many people are moving including college students. If you only need a short-term rental and are willing to try renting during their slower season then be sure to ask for their special deals and promotions.
Negotiate the Price
Never be afraid to negotiate the price, especially with a storage unit. Some businesses may be firm on their prices but there is no harm in asking, right?
Before negotiating you’ll want to do your research. Find out what the going rates are in your area to ensure you’re are negotiating a fair price.
Find a New-Build Storage Unit
The benefit of finding a newly constructed storage facility is that you’ll often find the lowest price. This is because newer businesses have fewer tenants which will often encourage the business to offer special promotions.
Storage units that have already been in business for a few years will already have an established rotating customer base. That said, this doesn’t mean they won’t be running promotions as well. When in doubt, always ask!
Take Advantage of Additional Discounts
Make sure you ask what type of discounts the storage facility offers. Many businesses will offer tailored discounts for other businesses, group rates, college students, military, and seniors.
Further, some businesses offer discounts for AAA members while others may offer a discount such as “get your first month free” or “money back for every referral”. Make sure you ask and take advantage of these discounts as they could save you up to 15% off your monthly rate.
Be Mindful of Amenities and Insurance
When searching for a storage unit you need to be mindful of the amenities that come with it. A unit with climate control may sound nice but know it often requires an additional cost. In some cases, this type of unit may cost from 30-percent to 50-percent more than a unit without it. To avoid any unnecessary additional costs be sure to find a unit that is tailored to your specific needs without anything extra.
Along with amenities, you’ll want to ask about the storage facility’s insurance. Is their insurance included in the monthly rate or is it an extra charge? Does the facility require you to have your own insurance? These are all great questions to ask and will help you avoid surprise charges!
Choose the Right Size
In addition to these tips, it would also be a good idea for seniors to pick the right size unit. It’s not necessary to pay for a unit that is larger than you need.
First, evaluate how much stuff you have to put into the storage unit. If you’re not sure how much space you’ll need then ask for a professional opinion. You’ll also want to take a tour to see first hand, the quality, and size of the unit you’re inquiring about. With these best practices, you’ll be well on your way to getting the best rates for a storage unit.
Additional Tips for Seniors
Here are a few more tips seniors should be mindful of when searching for a storage unit:
- Always take a tour of the facility to check out the quality of units.
- To ensure your items are kept safe be on the lookout for important things like a working security gate, proper locks, 24-hour video surveillance, and sufficient lighting.
- Before renting be sure to donate or sell as much as you can to help you move your items into a smaller unit.
- Don’t be afraid to shop around before picking a facility.
- Check out these downsizing tips for seniors!
