Perfect For
Last updated: April 15, 2025
What is Self-Storage?
Self-storage (also called mini-storage) provides secure space to store your belongings outside your home or business. Think of it as an extension of your closet or garage - a place to keep items you need but don't use every day.
Common reasons people use storage:
- Moving or relocating
- Downsizing homes
- College breaks
- Business inventory
- Seasonal items (holiday decorations, winter clothes)
- Life transitions (marriage, divorce, deployment)
- Home renovations
- Vehicle and boat storage
Types of Storage Units
Indoor vs. Outdoor Access
Indoor Units (Like ours)
- Access through a hallway inside the building
- Extra protection from weather
- Climate-controlled options available
- More secure
- Better for valuable items
Outdoor/Drive-Up Units
- Direct access from outside
- Easier for frequent access
- Good for vehicles or large items
- More vulnerable to weather
Climate-Controlled vs. Standard
Climate-Controlled (Recommended in Puerto Rico)
- Temperature regulated (typically 55-85°F)
- Humidity controlled
- Protects against mold, mildew, and moisture
- Essential for electronics, documents, furniture
- Worth the investment for most items
Standard Units
- No temperature or humidity control
- More affordable
- Fine for items that can handle temperature swings
- Not recommended in tropical climates like Puerto Rico
Learn more about climate-controlled storage.
Choosing the Right Unit Size
This is where most first-timers make mistakes. Most people underestimate the space they need.
Quick Size Guide
5' x 5' (Small closet)
- Few boxes and small items
- Seasonal decorations
- Student dorm storage
5' x 10' (Walk-in closet)
- One bedroom apartment
- Office furniture
- Medium-sized items
10' x 10' (Half garage)
- Two bedroom apartment
- Appliances and furniture
- Business inventory
10' x 15' (Large garage)
- Three bedroom house
- Large furniture pieces
- Multiple rooms of items
10' x 20' (One-car garage)
- Entire house contents
- Vehicle storage
- Business equipment
Larger units available for commercial and warehouse needs.
Check our detailed size guide for interactive planning tools.
How Much Does Storage Cost?
Pricing depends on several factors:
- Unit size - Larger units cost more
- Climate control - Adds 20-40% to monthly cost
- Location - Urban areas typically cost more
- Access hours - 24/7 access may cost more
- Contract length - Month-to-month vs. long-term
Additional costs to consider:
- Lock purchase (one-time, ~$15-30)
- Insurance (optional but recommended)
- Move-in fees (we don't charge these!)
- Administrative fees (we don't charge these either!)
The Rental Process
1. Visit and Choose Your Unit
- Tour the facility
- See actual units
- Ask questions
- Choose your unit size
2. Review the Contract
Read before you sign! Key things to understand:
- Monthly rate and due date
- Payment methods accepted
- Late fees and grace periods
- Access hours
- Insurance requirements
- Termination notice period
3. Set Up Payment
Most facilities offer:
- Auto-pay from bank account
- Credit card payments
- Online payment portals
- In-person payments
Pro tip: Set up auto-pay so you never risk late fees.
4. Get Your Access Code
Modern facilities use:
- Electronic gate codes
- Mobile app access
- Security key fobs
- Personal access codes
5. Move In
You can typically access your unit immediately after signing.
Security Features to Expect
A good storage facility should have:
✓ Perimeter fencing around the entire property ✓ Electronic gate access with individual codes ✓ Security cameras throughout the facility ✓ Individual unit locks that you control ✓ Well-lit areas, especially at night ✓ On-site management during business hours ✓ Regular security patrols
At Flex Storage Park, we provide all of these features plus 24/7 monitoring.
What You Can Store
Generally Allowed
- Furniture and appliances
- Boxes and household goods
- Clothing and linens
- Electronics (in climate control)
- Business inventory and files
- Seasonal items
- Sports equipment
- Musical instruments (in climate control)
- Tires and auto parts (check first)
Never Allowed
- Perishable food
- Living things (plants, animals)
- Hazardous materials
- Flammable liquids
- Illegal items
- Stolen property
- Weapons (in most facilities)
Always check your contract for specific restrictions.
Packing and Organization Tips
Start with Good Supplies
- Sturdy boxes (various sizes)
- Heavy-duty packing tape
- Bubble wrap for fragile items
- Furniture covers
- Labels and markers
- Plastic bins for items needing moisture protection
Read our complete packing guide.
Create an Inventory
Make a list of everything you store:
- Helps with organization
- Needed for insurance claims
- Makes finding items easier
- Tracks what you have
Pack Strategically
- Heavy items in small boxes
- Label on multiple sides
- Create an aisle for access
- Most-needed items toward front
- Stack heavy boxes on bottom
Use Vertical Space
- Stack boxes to ceiling
- Store mattresses on edge
- Use shelving units
- Maximize every inch
Insurance: Do You Need It?
Short answer: Yes, absolutely.
Your Options
Homeowner's/Renter's Insurance
- Often covers items in storage
- Check your policy limits
- May have deductibles
Facility Insurance
- Available through storage facility
- Covers specific perils
- Usually affordable ($10-20/month)
Specialized Storage Insurance
- Third-party providers
- Comprehensive coverage
- Good for high-value items
Important: The facility's insurance covers the building, not your belongings.
Access and Security
Understanding Access Hours
24/7 Access (Like ours)
- Access anytime, day or night
- Great for busy schedules
- Important for business users
Limited Hours
- Typically 6am-10pm
- Lower cost
- Fine if you don't need frequent access
Your Responsibilities
- Don't share your access code
- Keep your lock secure
- Report any security concerns
- Don't prop open gates or doors
- Follow facility rules
How Long Should You Rent?
Short-term (1-3 months)
- Moving between homes
- Renovations
- Temporary situations
Medium-term (3-12 months)
- Extended travel
- Deployed military
- College students
Long-term (1+ years)
- Downsizing
- Business storage
- Document archiving
- Seasonal rotation
Most facilities offer month-to-month contracts - no long-term commitment required.
When to Move Out
Give Proper Notice
- Check your contract (usually 30 days)
- Submit notice in writing
- Confirm final payment amount
- Schedule move-out inspection
Clean Out Completely
- Remove all items
- Sweep the unit
- Remove your lock
- Return any keys or access devices
Get Your Deposit Back
- Leave unit in good condition
- Take photos of empty unit
- Complete move-out inspection
- Confirm final billing
Red Flags to Avoid
When choosing a storage facility, avoid:
❌ No on-site management ❌ Poor lighting or security ❌ Pest or moisture problems ❌ Hidden fees in contract ❌ Bad online reviews ❌ Unclear access policies ❌ Damaged or dirty units ❌ No climate control options (in Puerto Rico)
First-Timer Checklist
Before you rent:
- Determine what you're storing
- Estimate size needed (add 20% buffer)
- Research facilities in your area
- Compare prices and features
- Read reviews online
- Tour facilities in person
- Review contracts carefully
- Check insurance options
- Gather packing supplies
- Plan your move-in day
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Underestimating size needed - Get a size larger than you think Skipping insurance - Always protect your belongings Poor packing - Use proper boxes and materials No inventory list - You'll forget what you stored Packing in the unit - Pack before you arrive Storing prohibited items - Read your contract Forgetting to create access aisles - Plan for retrieval
Questions to Ask Before Renting
- What's included in the monthly rate?
- Are there any additional fees?
- What are the access hours?
- What security features do you have?
- Do you have climate-controlled units?
- What's your cancellation policy?
- Do you require insurance?
- Are there move-in specials?
- Can I pay online?
- Do you have carts or dollies available?
Ready to Get Started?
Now that you understand the basics:
- Browse available units to see sizes and prices
- Check out our packing tips for expert advice
- Contact us with any questions
Related Resources
- Packing Tips Guide - Expert packing techniques
- Hurricane Preparedness - Special considerations for Puerto Rico
- Student Storage - Tips for college breaks
- Climate-Controlled Storage - Protect your valuables