Residential Storage

Residential storage units are secure, climate-controlled rental spaces that range from 5’x5′ closet-sized units to 20’x55′ garage-sized spaces where homeowners store furniture, seasonal items, and household belongings. U•STORE•IT offers heated units that start around $50 monthly for small spaces, while most two-bedroom home contents fit in 10’x15′ units that cost $150-$200 monthly. Our facilities provide drive-up access, 24/7 surveillance, and password-controlled entry gates.

How Residential Storage Units Work

Residential storage units work by providing private, lockable spaces within secure facilities where you maintain exclusive access to your belongings. The rental process requires you to select an appropriate unit size, sign a month-to-month agreement, receive your access code, and move items using provided carts and dollies. Most renters visit their units weekly or monthly and access them during extended hours (7 AM to 9 PM daily) using personalized gate codes and their own padlocks.

Types of Residential Storage Units Available

Climate-controlled residential storage units maintain consistent temperatures between 15-25°C year-round and protect electronics, wood furniture, photographs, and documents from Alberta’s extreme temperature swings. Drive-up storage units offer convenient vehicle access through garage-style doors and suit frequent visits or heavy items. Indoor units provide maximum weather protection through interior hallway access, while our heated-only units prevent freezing but allow some temperature variation and suit less sensitive items at lower costs.

Cost Comparison: Residential Storage Units vs Alternatives

Residential storage units cost $50-$300 monthly while garage rentals cost $400-$800, basement suites cost $800-$1,500, and pod storage costs $200-$500 plus delivery fees. The cost-effectiveness becomes apparent when security features, climate control, and flexibility enter the comparison – a 10’x10′ storage unit that costs $125 monthly provides superior protection and access control at less than most parking spaces charge.

Hidden Costs to Consider

Residential storage unit rental fees are straightforward, but your budget should include additional expenses such as padlocks ($15-$50), moving supplies ($50-$200 depending on household size), truck rental if you don’t use our free service ($50-$150), and optional insurance ($15-$50 monthly). Some facilities charge administration fees or require deposits, though U•STORE•IT eliminates these extra charges.

Residential Storage Unit Size Calculator

The right residential storage unit size prevents overpaying for unused space or cramming belongings unsafely. Our storage specialists apply these guidelines based on typical household contents:

Small Residential Storage Units (5’x5′ to 5’x10′)

These closet to walk-in closet sized units hold approximately 10-25 boxes plus small furniture pieces. Small units store seasonal decorations, business documents, sporting equipment, or one-bedroom apartment overflow perfectly. A 5’x5′ unit equals a hall closet while a 5’x10′ unit matches a large walk-in closet. Monthly costs range from $50-$100.

Medium Residential Storage Units (10’x10′ to 10’x20′)

These units compare to a small bedroom (10’x10′) or one-car garage (10’x20′) and accommodate entire apartment contents including sofas, dining sets, appliances, and boxes. A 10’x15′ unit holds a two-bedroom apartment comfortably with navigation room. Climate control costs $125-$200 monthly.

Large Residential Storage Units (10’x30′ to 20’x55′)

These garage to barn-sized spaces store complete four-bedroom homes including patio furniture, lawn equipment, and vehicles. The 20’x40′ option equals a two-car garage, while the 20’x55′ option matches a large barn. Pricing ranges from $250-$400 monthly, and multiple family members often split costs during estate settlements.

Common Mistakes When Renting Residential Storage Units

First-time renters underestimate space needs and cram items floor-to-ceiling without access paths. This arrangement makes retrieving holiday decorations or specific boxes nearly impossible. Other mistakes include storing prohibited items (fuel, perishables, plants), using inadequate locks that bolt cutters can defeat, and forgetting to protect furniture with blankets or plastic covers. You can avoid these problems by planning box placement, creating an inventory list, and leaving a center aisle for access.

Residential Storage Unit Alternatives and When to Use Them

You should consider whether alternatives better suit your needs before renting residential storage units. Portable storage containers work well for short-term moving transitions but lack climate control and security. Friends’ basements seem free but risk relationship strain and damage liability. Shed rentals provide outdoor equipment storage but expose belongings to pests and weather. Professional storage facilities remain the optimal choice when you store valuable items, have long-term needs, or when security matters.

Preparing Items for Residential Storage Units

Proper preparation extends stored belongings’ life and prevents damage. You must clean and dry all items thoroughly because even slight moisture causes mold in enclosed spaces. You should disassemble furniture to save space and prevent warping, then store hardware in labeled bags taped to furniture pieces. Mirrors and artwork need moving blanket wrapping, mattresses require protective bags, and boxes containing fabrics or papers benefit from moisture absorbers. Electronics perform best in original packaging or anti-static bubble wrap.

Insurance Options for Residential Storage Units

Residential storage facilities maintain security, but insurance protects against unforeseen events like fire, flooding, or theft. Homeowner’s insurance sometimes extends coverage to storage units, though limits typically cap at 10% of policy value. Dedicated storage insurance costs $10-$50 monthly and depends on coverage amounts while usually offering $2,000-$10,000 protection. You should document stored items with photos and receipts, especially for valuable collections or electronics.

Seasonal Storage Strategies for Edmonton Residents

Edmonton’s extreme seasons make residential storage units particularly valuable for seasonal transitions. Summer items like patio furniture, BBQs, and camping gear occupy garage space throughout winter, while hockey equipment, snowblowers, and winter tires clutter summers. Smart residents use small storage units ($50-$75 monthly) to rotate seasonal items twice yearly and reclaim garage space for vehicles and active hobbies.

Business Use of Residential Storage Units

Residential storage units serve personal use primarily but also accommodate small businesses that store inventory, documents, or equipment. Home-based businesses use units for product storage and free living spaces from work materials. Contractors store tools and materials between jobs, while online sellers maintain inventory in climate-controlled units. Commercial activity within units (working, meeting customers) requires commercial storage agreements.

Why Edmonton Residents Choose U•STORE•IT

U•STORE•IT has provided residential storage units to thousands of Alberta families since 1978 and understands unique local needs like protecting belongings from -40°C winters and +35°C summers. Our facilities near major Edmonton neighborhoods (North Edmonton, South Edmonton, West Edmonton) plus St. Albert and Red Deer locations ensure most residents live within 15 minutes of secure storage. We offer true month-to-month billing that saves customers hundreds annually, unlike national chains.

Questions to Ask Any Storage Facility

You should ask about actual monthly versus 4-week billing cycles (13 payments yearly), climate control specifics (heated-only versus full HVAC), access hour restrictions during holidays, whether the manager lives on-site for emergencies, and insurance requirements or options when comparing residential storage units. You should also confirm pest control schedules, security camera coverage, and whether individual unit alarms are available. U•STORE•IT provides transparent answers to all these concerns.