Looking for a self-storage facility to store your stuff? Make sure you don’t overpay – check out this guide on how to find the best deals in Houston.
Did you know that around 78% of renters overpay for storage? With how expensive life is these days, you don’t want to spend more than you have to for anything, even if it’s for something as important as a safe place to keep your belongings. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to find the cheapest self-storage options, and experts like FindStorageFast are here to help shed some light on what you should be looking for.
Let’s start with the obvious: size is one of the most important factors in self-storage pricing. A smaller unit will cost less than a larger unit, and this rule applies to facilities in Houston as well. For example, 5x5 storage units, which are about the size of a small closet, will have an average monthly price of $44.00, while 10x10 storage units, which are about the size of a bedroom, will be more expensive, typically costing renters around $94.00 a month.
Proximity to the city center also impacts costs: Katy, Pearland, and areas beyond Beltway 8 are up to 30% cheaper than storage units within Loop 610. That being said, if you plan to access your storage frequently, like on a weekly basis, you might prefer the convenience of somewhere closer. Traffic in Houston is no joke, and even if you can score a cheaper deal farther out, you’ll be paying for it in transportation costs and commute times.
Of course, if you won’t need to access your belongings often, a facility farther out will definitely offer you better value.
Here’s another important consideration in Houston: climate control. Naturally, this option will also cost you more, but it’s worth it; climate-controlled storage is particularly important in Houston, where climate conditions can pose a risk to stored belongings year-round. Storage units without climate control can reach internal temperatures of 115°F, which, combined with the region’s humid conditions, will destroy most electronics and damage furniture.
Non-climate-controlled storage units also promote rusting and mold growth, making the option an important consideration for valuable items, instruments, pictures, and sensitive documents, even for short-term storage.
Luckily, 154 facilities currently offer climate control as an add-on for as little as $5.50 a month. It’s a small price to pay to ensure your belongings remain safe.
If you’re on the lookout for storage units with the lowest prices, don’t go to the company directly; they’ll just tell you what their prices are without giving you an idea of what the market is like. Instead, try an online directory. The most extensive ones track over 200 facilities operating across Houston, including Public Storage, Extra Space, CubeSmart, and Life Storage, and they’ll frequently update their listings with live price changes for all options. That means you’ll be able to locate the cheapest units in your area or find any ongoing promotions at the time of your search.
Most of these directories will also tell you whether you can reserve for free or whether you need a credit card. That’ll save you a trip and a nasty surprise if the place you’re looking at happens to have more stringent requirements.