
Choosing the right storage solutions for your home and business can be a daunting task, but it's essential for keeping your space organized and clutter-free.
Proper storage can help prevent damage to your belongings and make it easier to find what you need when you need it.
For homes, consider investing in a closet organizer system, which can help maximize vertical space and keep clothes, shoes, and accessories neatly stored.
Businesses can benefit from shelving units with adjustable heights, allowing for easy access to frequently used items.
Proper storage can also help reduce stress and increase productivity, making it a worthwhile investment for both personal and professional spaces.
Choosing the Right Unit
Self storage has a lot of benefits, and is nearly always the best solution for most people who need extra space for their belongings. It's more affordable, you have easy access to your belongings, and you control how your belongings are handled, so there's a much lower chance of your precious items being damaged or lost.

Full-service storage providers, on the other hand, take all the work out of storing items off your shoulders. They arrive at your home, pack your belongings into a truck, transport them to a new location, and hold your items in storage until you have them delivered.
To determine the right unit size for you, consider the space you need to store. Large Self Storage Units can be available in 10x20, 10x25, and 10x30 sizes. The 10x20 unit is suitable for items from a small house or a multi-bedroom apartment, including a complete living room, kitchen, and furniture from two bedrooms.
Here's a comparison of the different unit sizes:
Unit Sizes
Choosing the right unit size is crucial to ensure you have enough space for your belongings. A unit that's too small can lead to cluttered spaces and wasted money on additional units.
The size of your storage unit affects how much you can fit into it. Most facilities list the dimensions of their available storage units, but measurements can be hard to visualize. You can compare the various sizes to familiar room sizes to get a better idea of the capacity.

A 5' by 5' unit is about the size of a hallway closet, and a 10x10 unit is about half the size of a one-car garage. This can easily store two bedrooms' worth of furniture.
Good organization and packing can help you maximize the space in a small unit. Dean, a helpful staff member, recommends following the rules and guidelines provided to avoid any issues.
Here's a quick size guide to help you visualize the capacity of different units:
These sizes can store varying amounts of furniture and boxes, depending on how they're packed and organized. For example, a 10x10 unit can store two bedrooms' worth of furniture, while a 10x30 unit can accommodate items from a 5-bedroom house.
Is Month-to-Month Leasing Available
Month-to-month leasing is a flexible option that allows you to rent a storage unit for as short or as long as you need. Some storage facilities offer this option, while others may require longer-term contracts.

At SmartStop Self Storage, you can rent a storage unit without signing a long-term contract. This means you can stay for as long as you need storage without fear of lengthy commitments.
You can use your storage unit for less than a month, but prepayment of one month is required and will not be prorated if your use is less than one month. This is a standard policy at many storage facilities.
All leases offered by some storage facilities are month-to-month, so you can stay for as long as you need without having to sign additional leases.
Vehicle/Boat Parking in Unit
When storing a vehicle or boat, check with the storage facility first to see what they allow to be stored. Many storage facilities offer short- or long-term storage for your boat or RV.
Some storage facilities, like SmartStop, offer outdoor or indoor vehicle storage or parking.
You can find a facility near you that offers these services by checking the location pages of the storage facility.
Storage Options
Storage Options are crucial for right storage, and there are many types to choose from.
You can use plastic bins, which are airtight and waterproof, to store items like toys, linens, and out-of-season clothes.
Metal storage units are another option, and they can be used to store heavy items like tools and machinery.
Shelving units are great for storing books, files, and other paper-based materials.
Labeling your storage containers is essential, and it can be done using stickers, markers, or labels.
Consider the size and shape of the items you need to store when choosing a storage container.
For example, if you need to store long items like bikes or skis, you'll want to use a storage container that's long and narrow.
Security and Access
You should look for a storage facility that offers gated entries to ensure secure access to the premises.
Surveillance cameras that cover all public areas are a must, providing an added layer of protection against unauthorized access or theft.
Assigned key codes to access the facility are also a good practice, allowing you to control who has access to your storage unit.
By choosing a storage facility with these basic security features, you can have peace of mind knowing your belongings are safe.
Security Expectations

When choosing a storage facility, one thing to consider is the level of security they provide. At a minimum, you should look for a storage facility that offers gated entries.
Surveillance cameras that cover all public areas are a must-have, so you can rest assured that your belongings are being monitored. This is a standard feature that most reputable storage facilities offer.
Assigned key codes to access the facility are also a good sign, as it ensures that only authorized personnel can enter the premises. This adds an extra layer of security to the gated entries.
When Can I Access Your Unit?
Accessing your storage unit is a crucial aspect of security and convenience. Some storage facilities only provide access to units during office hours, limiting your flexibility.
Before committing to a storage unit, it's essential to find out when and how you can access your unit. Office hours can vary, so be sure to ask about specific times.
Extended hours, often called "gate hours", are available at some facilities, giving you more flexibility to access your unit. This can be a significant advantage, especially if you have a busy schedule.
Make sure to clarify the access hours with your storage facility to avoid any inconvenience. It's better to know what to expect upfront.
5. Lockers
Lockers are a great option for those who need a little extra space without breaking the bank. They're compact and affordable, making them perfect for storing seasonal decorations, small household items, and even important documents.
Lockers typically range from 2'x2' to 5'x5' in size, with a 4' high ceiling, so you can't store anything taller than that.
If you're planning to store items that are too heavy to carry up a ladder, a locker might not be the best choice. You'll need to consider whether you'll need frequent access to your items, as lockers are stacked and require a ladder to access.

If you're looking for a more convenient option, you might want to consider a smaller ground-level unit instead.
Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding if a locker is right for you:
- Will you need frequent access? Since lockers are stacked and require a ladder, getting to your items can be a bit more effort than a ground-level unit.
- Are your items heavy? If you’re storing furniture, large bins or anything bulky, a small ground-level unit will be much easier to manage.
6. Business
Business storage units offer a flexible solution for storing inventory, supplies, and equipment, keeping your workspace clutter-free. These units are perfect for small business owners, contractors, and entrepreneurs who need secure and scalable storage.
Various unit sizes are available, ranging from compact spaces for paperwork to larger units that hold bulk inventory and supplies. This flexibility allows you to size up or down depending on your business needs.
For retail businesses, storage units can provide overflow space for seasonal or surplus inventory. Contractors and service professionals can store tools, equipment, and materials, while solo entrepreneurs can store extra materials and supplies.
If you need frequent access to your stored items, consider a drive-up unit to save time. Some storage facilities also offer business-friendly features like package acceptance and climate control.
There's usually no electricity in storage units, so bring a portable, battery-powered lantern if you'll be sorting through inventory or paperwork inside your unit.
7. Office Space

If you're a small business owner or remote team member, you might be looking for a flexible solution to get work done without breaking the bank. Office space rentals within storage facilities can be a great option.
These rentals often come with a month-to-month lease, giving you flexibility to rent during busy seasons without a long-term commitment.
Some workspaces come equipped with electricity and outlets, a must-have for your devices. You might even find windows in some locations, providing natural light.
Easy access to storage units in the same facility is a huge plus, making it easy to store supplies, paperwork, and other business needs.
Here are some scenarios where office space rentals within storage facilities can be a good fit:
- Entrepreneurs and small business owners needing affordable office space
- Contractors and service professionals managing tools, paperwork, and client meetings
- E-commerce sellers looking for a place to store and process inventory
Keep in mind that availability is limited, so you'll need to check with your local facility to see if they offer office or workspace options.
Storage Considerations
For most people, indoor storage units are a great fit due to their affordability, convenience, and protection. However, if you're storing something more specialized, like a vehicle or business inventory, you might need a different type of unit.
Standard outdoor units are the most affordable option, but they might not be the best choice for temperature-sensitive items. Climate-controlled storage is a worthwhile investment if you're storing items that could be damaged by extreme temperatures.
If you're unsure what size storage unit to rent, use a size guide to get a better idea. Visiting your local facility and seeing the unit in person can also help you get a sense of scale.
What Are You Storing?
When storing everyday household items, a standard or indoor storage unit will likely do the job.
If you're storing temperature-sensitive belongings, climate-controlled storage is probably worth the investment. This will ensure that your items are kept at a consistent temperature and humidity level, which is especially important for items like artwork, antiques, or electronics.
If you have large, bulky items like furniture or appliances, a drive-up unit makes loading and unloading much easier.
For items like a car, RV, or boat, vehicle storage ensures your ride stays safe and secure. This type of storage is designed specifically for vehicles and often includes features like covered parking and security cameras.
For business owners, a business storage unit or office space can help you stay organized and keep your inventory or supplies safe and secure.
Here's a quick rundown of the different types of storage you might need:
- Everyday household items: Standard or indoor storage
- Temperature-sensitive belongings: Climate-controlled storage
- Large, bulky items: Drive-up unit
- Vehicle storage: Vehicle storage unit
- Business inventory or supplies: Business storage unit or office space
Things to Consider:
As you're considering storage options, there are a few things to think about. You'll want to start by determining your budget, and standard outdoor units are generally the most affordable.
The size of the unit you need will depend on how many belongings you plan to store. If you're unsure, use a size guide to get a better idea. Visiting the storage facility in person can also help you get a sense of scale.
If you're storing items that are sensitive to temperature or humidity, you may want to consider a climate-controlled unit. These units cost more, but they provide extra protection for items like electronics, artwork, or wooden furniture.
Here's a quick breakdown of the types of units you might need:
- Standard outdoor units for general storage
- Climate-controlled units for temperature-sensitive items
- Vehicle and business storage units for specialized items
Keep in mind that vehicle and business storage pricing can vary depending on the size and amenities of the unit, so be sure to compare options carefully.
Facility Information
When storing items, it's essential to consider the facility's information to ensure right storage.
The facility's climate control is crucial, as extreme temperatures can damage stored items. For instance, a storage unit in a facility with uncontrolled temperatures may not be suitable for storing electronics or sensitive equipment.
A well-maintained facility with 24/7 security cameras and on-site staff can provide an added layer of security for your stored items. This can give you peace of mind, especially when storing valuable or sensitive items.
Some facilities may have specific regulations and restrictions, such as limited access to certain areas or restrictions on storing hazardous materials. Be sure to review the facility's policies before signing a storage agreement.
Month-to-Month Rentals
You can rent storage from month to month, but not all facilities require this flexibility. Some storage facilities require you to sign a contract for six to 12 months.
At SmartStop Self Storage, you never have to sign a long-term contract. They frequently have specials and discounts to save you even more money.
All leases offered by some facilities are month-to-month, so you can stay for as long as you need storage without lengthy commitments. Prepayment of one month is required, and it won't be prorated if your use is less than a month.
Climate-Controlled
If you live in an area with extreme temperatures and/or humidity, a climate-controlled unit is a must-have.
You should consider a climate-controlled unit if you're storing items that can be damaged by temperatures and humidity outside a specific range, such as furniture, electronics, or artwork.
These units are designed to maintain a steady temperature and humidity range, typically between 55°F and 85°F, which is perfect for storing delicate or high-value possessions.
Some items that can benefit from climate control include wooden furniture and antiques, electronics and appliances, artwork, books and important documents, clothing, leather goods, and musical instruments.
You might not need climate control if you're storing everyday household items like plastic bins, metal tools, or patio furniture.
If you're planning to store your items for longer than a month or two, climate control is a smart investment to prevent damage from heat, cold, and moisture.
Here are some examples of items that can benefit from climate control:
- Wooden furniture and antiques
- Electronics and appliances
- Artwork, books and important documents
- Clothing, leather goods and musical instruments
In some locations, you may also have the option to choose an air-cooled unit, which is suitable for items that can tolerate slightly higher humidity levels but need cooler temperatures.
About 1460 W. Broadway Rd Facility
The RightSpace Self Storage facility at 1460 W. Broadway Rd. is located in Mesa, Arizona, near the neighborhoods of Apache Junction, Guadalupe, and Gilbert.
This facility offers easy access to your belongings due to its convenient location.
You can reserve a storage unit online or call if you have any questions.
Uncovered parking is available at this facility, providing a straightforward and economical solution for vehicle storage needs.
These open-air spaces are ideal for larger vehicles like RVs and boats.
The facility features on-site security cameras, electronic gated access, and a fully fenced perimeter for added security.
Well-lit areas also contribute to a secure environment.
At RightSpace Self Storage, your belongings are a top priority, and their facility is designed to protect them.
A unique perspective: Secure Self Storage Washington Dc
Sources
- https://smartstopselfstorage.com/about-us/our-blog/how-to-choose-a-storage-unit
- https://www.nsastorage.com/storage/arizona/storage-units-mesa/1460-W-Broadway-Rd-721
- https://www.storeright.com/self-storage/ruskin-fl-33570
- https://www.storitright.com/about
- https://smartstopselfstorage.com/about-us/our-blog/different-types-of-storage-units
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