Before You Rent a Storage Unit: A Checklist for Sandwich Generation Families

Take inventory 

• Walk through your parent’s home room by room and discuss with them, and with siblings or other family members, what items need to be sorted.
• Sort everything into three piles: Toss, Donate, Store. If you plan to donate, put the items directly into boxes or bins to save time. 
• Note any fragile, confidential or sentimental items that need extra care in packing (artwork, photos, documents, etc.)
• Look at large furniture pieces that may need disassembly or special handling and make a plan on who will handle that.
• Look around your own home for seasonal gear, holiday decor, and sports equipment that can also move to storage.

Determine the right size storage unit

• Estimate the total volume of what you’re storing before you shop for a unit:
  • 5×5 (25 square feet): Personal items, clothes, boxes, skis, toys, small furniture items, business records
  • 5×10 (50 square feet): Small amounts of furniture, sofas, chairs, a box spring and mattress, business supplies and records. Other small items and boxes.
  • 10×10 (100 square feet): One-bedroom apartment with major appliances, other furniture and supplies.
  • 10×15 (150 square feet): A two-bedroom apartment or house, including appliances, boxes and miscellaneous items or storage for business inventory.
  • 10×20 (200 square feet): A three-bedroom house with major appliances, plus lots of boxes or storage for business files and inventory. Ideal for storage racks.
  • 10×30 (300 square feet): A four-to-five-bedroom house with major appliances and room for boxes. Excellent for storage of business files, equipment, and records.
• When in doubt, plan to rent a size up; more space can never hurt.
• Ask the facility if they can help you estimate based on your inventory.

Ask questions about climate

• Does the facility offer climate-controlled units?
• What temperature and humidity range do they maintain year-round?
• Are climate-controlled units available in the size you need?
• Do you have items that specifically require climate control?

Evaluate security

• Does the property have working security cameras throughout the property?
• Is access gated or keypad-controlled; is there Bluetooth access capability? 
• What are the access hours and do they fit your schedule?
• How is entry to individual units managed?
• Is the property well-lit, especially at night?

Assess the facility 

• Is the property clean and well-maintained?
• Are the units dry with no signs of moisture, pests or damage?
• Is the staff welcoming and willing to answer your questions?
• Are there trucks, carts or moving resources available to help you move items in?
• Is the location convenient to your home for regular access?
• Do they have reviews online?
• Do they have testimonials on their website or social media? 

Understand costs and terms

• Ask for a breakdown of monthly costs and any additional fees.
• Is the lease month-to-month or is there a long-term commitment?
• Are there any move-in specials or discounts available?
• Can the cost be split easily among siblings or family members? 
• Does the facility offer or require insurance on stored items?

Get organized 

• Label every box clearly.
• Create a shareable inventory spreadsheet or make notes in your phone. 
• Plan your layout so frequently accessed items go near the front.
• Take photos of valuable items for your records.

Plan ahead 

• Set a recurring phone or calendar reminder for seasonal items you’ll want to retrieve (holiday decor, summer gear, winter clothing.)
• Schedule an annual review of the unit to reassess what can be donated or let go.
• Keep a copy of your rental agreement handy.
• Save the facility’s phone number and access code somewhere accessible and share with whomever may need it.

Ready to find your unit?

Guardian Storage has convenient locations across Pennsylvania, Colorado, and West Virginia with friendly teams who are genuinely happy to help you figure out exactly what you need. No pressure, just good people ready to make one part of this season of life a little easier. Find a location and reserve your unit today at guardianstorage.com.