Moving and storage go together like peas and carrots. When moving, you always find that there is something that needs to be stored. Whether it's a collection of your personal belongings that you just need to safely store until you are all set up in your new abode, or it's things that you just don't have the space for storing at home – or don't want to store at home, a self storage unit can be the solution to your storage problems. There are so many different types of self storage units; indoor, outdoor, heated, non-heated: Before deciding on a unit to rent, consider the following questions so that you can be sure that you are making the best choice for your needs.

How much storage space will you need?

Once you've gone through your belongings, decided what to take and what not to take and have packed up the items you are taking, you need to decide how much space you will need in your storage unit. Choose one that is too small and you could end up cramming your stuff in and thus damaging it. Choose one that is too big and you'll be wasting money on storage space that you don't need.

In order to determine which size unit is the right size, consider what you are storing. For example, a unit that is 10'x10' will be able to hold the contents of a two bedroom apartment. If you are having trouble deciding what size to choose, arrange your belongings into a configuration that resembles how you would place them in a storage unit, take the measurements of the amount of space that the items take up and use that to gauge your selection.

How long will you be storing your items?

The length of time you plan on storing your items will impact the type of unit you select. For example, if the items are going to be indefinitely stored, or you are going to be storing them during cold weather, indoor, heated self-storage units may be the best option for you. However, if you are only going to be using the unit for a small period of time, an outdoor unit that isn't temperature controlled may be a wiser investment of your money.

What type of access will you have?

Do you want to be able to access your possessions any time you want, day or night? If so, then a facility that offers 24/7 access is the right option for you. However, a word of caution: If you do choose this type of facility, make sure that there is ample security around the clock. If having access to your stuff any time isn't such a big deal to you, a unit that is open during specific business hours will work for you (however, do make sure that this type of unit also offers ample security around the clock.)

With careful consideration, you can choose the best unit to meet your specific needs and ensure that your possessions are being safely stored for however long you plan on storing them.