Before you rent a storage unit, ask about the rate (and how long it’s locked), whether the rental is month to month, what insurance you’ll need, how you get in and when, what security the facility has, whether you need climate control, and what you’re not allowed to store. Those seven answers tell you what you’ll really pay, how flexible you are if plans change, and whether your stuff will be safe. A good facility will answer all of them without making you dig.
Here’s what to ask and what a good answer looks like. We’ve included how we handle each one at Go Blue Self Storage in Jackson, so you can compare us to anyone else on your list.
1. What’s the Rate, and Will It Go Up?
The price you see online is just the starting point. Ask whether that rate is the same for your whole stay or if it can jump after a few months. Rate increases catch a lot of renters off guard, especially if you planned to store for most of a year.
At Go Blue Self Storage, your rate is locked for a full 12 months from the day you sign on, so there are no surprise increases during that time. Whoever you rent from, ask them to put the rate lock terms in writing.
2. Is It Month to Month?
Life changes. A move gets delayed, a renovation wraps up early, or you finally sell the thing you were holding onto. You want a rental that lets you leave when you’re ready.
All of our rentals are month to month, so you can store things for a few weeks or a full season. Also ask any facility what notice they need when you move out, so you’re not paying for an extra month by accident.
3. What Insurance Do I Need?
This one gets skipped a lot, and it matters. Insurance isn’t required at Go Blue, but we recommend it. Many people already have some coverage and don’t realize it.
The Insurance Information Institute notes that some standard homeowners and renters insurance policies include coverage for personal possessions kept off premises, including those in a storage facility. It also points out that those policies don’t cover damage from flooding, earthquakes, mold and mildew, vermin, or poor maintenance, and that coverage limits vary by company.
So before you sign:
- Call your insurance agent and ask about off premises coverage and the limit
- Ask the facility what protection, if any, comes with the rental
- Take photos and make a quick inventory of what’s going in
- Ask about extra coverage for valuables like art, antiques, or jewelry
4. How Do I Get In, and When?
Think about how you’ll actually use the unit. If you need to grab a box on a Sunday night or load a truck early before work, office hours won’t help you much.
Our gate runs on a keypad code, and access is 24/7, so you can get to your unit when it fits your schedule. Our office is open Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm. You can also pay online with a credit card or by ACH, and renting is easy to do online. If you’re not sure which units are available, our storage units page lists our sizes.
5. What Security Does the Facility Have?
Your stuff is only as safe as the facility it’s in. The Insurance Information Institute suggests that, at a minimum, there should be fencing that secures the entire property and controlled access, and ideally onsite security like 24 hour video surveillance cameras and coded security pads.
Here’s a quick checklist to use when you visit:
- Fencing around the whole property
- A gate with controlled access
- Cameras
- Good lighting
- Units you can lock yourself
On locks, you can bring your own padlock, or buy one from our office. A sturdy lock is worth a few extra dollars. And look at how clean the place is. A facility that’s kept up is more likely to be watched for pests and problems.
6. Do I Need Climate Control?
Michigan swings from humid summers to deep freezes, and some belongings don’t like it. Wood furniture, electronics, documents, photos, antiques, and instruments are the usual items we recommend climate control for. Durable stuff like lawn equipment and tools does fine in a standard unit, which usually costs less.
Our post on climate controlled vs. standard storage units breaks down how to decide. If you’re not sure what size you need, our guide to what size storage unit you actually need [INSERT: link to the storage unit size guide post] can help you avoid renting too much or too little.
7. What Can’t I Store?
Most facilities prohibit a few categories for safety reasons, and you don’t want to find out on move in day with a loaded truck. Items that are typically off limits include:
- Hazardous chemicals
- Gasoline or propane
- Fireworks or explosives
- Perishable food
- Live plants or animals
- Illegal items
If you’re storing lawn equipment or a motorcycle, ask what you need to do to prepare it, like draining fuel. We cover more prep tips in our self storage tips for homeowners.
Compare Us to Anyone: Go Blue Self Storage
We’re a local self storage facility at 4131 W. Michigan Ave. in Jackson, with climate controlled and drive up units in a range of sizes, month to month rentals, and a 12 month rate lock. Rentals are easy to set up online, and you can reserve your unit in a few minutes.
Questions before you rent? Call us at (517) 750-0400 or send a message through our site and we’ll get back to you within one business day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I ask before renting a storage unit? Ask about the rate and whether it’s locked, whether the rental is month to month, what insurance you need, how and when you can access your unit, what security the facility has, whether you need climate control, and what items are prohibited.
Do I need insurance for a storage unit? It isn’t required at Go Blue, but we recommend it. Check your homeowners or renters policy first, since some include off premises coverage, and ask your agent about the limit.
Can I rent a storage unit month to month? Yes. All of our rentals are month to month, so you can store for exactly as long as you need.
Will my rent go up after I move in? Not for the first 12 months. We lock your rate for a full year from the day you sign on.
Can I get to my unit at night or on weekends? Yes. Access is 24/7 with a keypad gate code, even though our office is open Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm.
Do I have to buy a lock from you? No. You can bring your own padlock, or buy one from our office.
How do I pay for my unit? You can pay online with a credit card or by ACH.
Go Blue Self Storage is a self storage rental facility in Jackson, Michigan and has flexible storage options designed to fit the needs of those in Jackson and the surrounding areas, including Spring Arbor, Brooklyn, and Michigan Center. Questions about our company or what we offer? Contact us here.