Whether you’re about to move across the country, renovate your current space, or plan an estate sale, a storage unit is the ideal way to stay organized.

However, vital details must be considered, including proper documentation, costs, security, and climate control.

So, what do you need to rent a storage unit?

At a basic level, you’ll need to assess the items you plan to store to get an idea of the type of unit you need. Then, you’ll gather identification documents and money for payment.

After that, you’ll just need to find the right storage company to work with. This guide will show you how to make that decision and everything else you need to ensure a smooth experience.

What Do You Need to Rent a Storage Unit?

Amidst all the stresses of a big move, you don’t want your storage solution to create more issues. That’s why it’s vital to research before purchasing a unit.

So, what do you need to rent a storage unit?

At a basic level, you’ll need valid identification, payment, and key information like your address(es).

Required Documents and Identification

Every storage unit service requires a valid form of identification. This would be your Saudi National ID, Passport or Iqama. This document should include your name and address, as that helps storage facilities verify your identity.

You’ll also want to provide your contact information, and you’ll likely need to leave a form of payment on file.

If you’re using portable storage, you’ll need to provide the address of your destination so the company can deliver and pick up your unit.

Note that if you rent a unit for a corporation, you’ll also need to provide commercial information, especially if the renting party isn’t the same as the owner.

Choosing the Right Rental Term

What do you need to rent a storage unit besides documentation?

A crucial decision you need to make is determining the ideal duration for your facility.

The differences in terms can save–or cost–you thousands of riyal.

For example, if you’re redoing the floors in your home, you may only need a 1-month rental. On the other hand, if you’re studying abroad for 5 years, an annual plan will provide far more value.

Understanding Payment and Fees

Payment for storage unit rentals is directly related to your rental terms.

Generally, there are a few different fees you can expect to pay.

First, there’s the contract itself. You’ll pay a set amount for the unit over your rental term–annually, monthly, or weekly. If the company offers packaged pricing, this may be the only price you pay, but there are often other costs to consider.

For portable storage, there may also be costs for delivery and pick-up. Some companies may also charge extra for climate-controlled units, insurance, or additional security.

Do You Need Storage Unit Insurance?

Speaking of storage unit insurance, it’s a vital thing to consider. While storage units are well-protected, there is still the chance of damage during transportation, theft, or weather damage.

That’s why choosing a reliable storage unit provider with an excellent track record for keeping items safe is necessary. Pairing that with insurance coverage will protect your precious items.

After all, whether you’re storing family photos, a vehicle, or commercial supplies, you’ll want to be covered if something goes wrong.

Access and Security Protocols

When you put your precious belongings in a storage unit, you want to rest easy knowing they are safe and secure.

What do you need to rent a storage unit in terms of security?

We recommend looking for safe facilities with plenty of guards and state-of-the-art security features. Prioritize companies where only you, as the storage unit rentee, can access the unit with personalized keys and access codes.

Tips on Choosing the Right Storage Unit to Rent

So, what do you need to rent a storage unit?

Simply, it only requires identification, money, and security considerations.

But there’s another vital decision to make–finding the correct type of unit to rent. Let’s delve into that so you can make the right choice.

Assessing the Right Size for Your Needs

It is critical to learn how to choose a storage unit size. Consider all the items you need to store. You can get away with a small unit if you store a few family photos and small trinkets.
Conversely, a larger size would be ideal if you’re storing a vehicle, several pieces of furniture, or valuable machinery.

Check out our online storage space calculator at Wheekeep if you want a visual representation. It will estimate your item dimensions in meters and recommend a suitable unit size for several everyday items, including jetskis, rugs, and sofas.

Deciding Between Climate-Controlled vs Standard Units

Climate-controlled units are essential, especially in extreme temperatures. In Saudi Arabia, we recommend choosing a unit that can reach a maximum of 32 degrees Celsius. Otherwise, the storage facility will act like an oven and melt or warp your products. The list of items that need temperature control is longer than you think. Electronics, wooden furniture, leather, artwork, family photos, and business inventory are susceptible to extreme temperatures.

We recommend keeping only items to withstand extreme heat in a standard unit, such as camping gear, construction tools, and sports equipment.

But the rule of thumb is that if you aren’t sure, stick with a climate-controlled unit to avoid adverse outcomes.

Comparing Different Storage Facility Types

There are two types of storage facilities: self storage and portable storage.

Self-storage facilities are the traditional method for storing items. You rent a moving truck, pack all your goods, and arrive at the facility. You load everything in (sometimes up several flights of stairs), and you’re all set.

However, this has a few drawbacks. First, it can be a lot of work, which may not be the stress you need during a tumultuous time. Additionally, these facilities often have limited access hours, so if you need something from your unit urgently, you’ll be out of luck.

The other option, portable storage, is much more convenient. A unit is delivered to your location. You can then pack it in your front yard or parking lot, keep it on your property, or have the company transport it back to their facility.

This eliminates most of the stress and effort. Some portable storage companies even pack items for you, so all you need to do is place your order and provide proper documentation, and you’re set.

Location and Accessibility Considerations

Depending on your reasons for renting a storage unit, you’ll also want to consider your ability to access your items.

For example, if you’re moving across town, you’ll often be in and out of your unit to shuffle items between your properties. In that case, a portable unit would be far more convenient than driving to a third location each time you rearrange your furniture.

On the other hand, the location may not matter as much if you’re going abroad for school for the next three years; you just want a secure place to store your items.

The Cost Side of Things

Finally, be sure that you are evaluating your budget. Storage units may cost hundreds of riyal per month, depending on the company you’re working with.

You want to ensure you get the most value for your money. Look for companies with competitive prices, inclusive bundles with extra features like insurance and climate control, and a strong reputation for safety.

We’re Here to Take Storage Stress Away at WheeKeep!

Living in Saudi Arabia, you know life can keep you on your toes. Whether you’re busy renovating your current place, moving to a new one, heading to a new city for school, or receiving orders for your new business, storage units give you the flexibility and convenience you want.

However, traditional facilities can be stressful for many people. After all, who has time in their busy schedules to arrange moving trucks, carry sofas and tables up the stairs, and worry about organizing everything?

Wheekeep makes self storage a breeze. Located in Jeddah and Riyadh, we’ve revolutionized the storage industry for people living in Saudi Arabia.

We created three sizes of portable storage units to simplify the process. We deliver the units to your address and even provide packing services if you want a hands-free experience. Then, we transport your business or moving storage unit back to our facility, where it will be under lock and key under the watchful eye of our guard staff.

Our on-site storage units are climate-controlled and waterproof; you can only access them through a traditional padlock or electronic passcode. This makes us the perfect residential and business storage provider that will ease your mind.

Our customer support is top-class. You can schedule a visit to our facility, get advice on packing your items, or get guidance on what to store in a storage unit.

How to Use a Storage Unit

We’ve explored everything you need to know about renting a storage unit, but there’s still one crucial thing you need to know: how to use it!

Packing and Organizing Your Unit Efficiently

Learning how to organize your storage unit will help you get the most value for your money. Packing your items like a pro can increase the practical space inside your unit exponentially.

We recommend making a list of your items and measuring each one. If you have a 2 m-long item and your unit is only 2.5m long, you’ll want to ensure it is adjacent to a wall rather than haphazardly placed in the middle to take up more space.

Start by placing your heaviest and largest items on the bottom of the unit. This will create a solid foundation that won’t shift or move around much during transportation.

Then, maximize your vertical space. You can place smaller items on top of your large items. Don’t be afraid to disassemble some items like tables, chairs, or beds to accomplish this.

You should also set aside a tiny, “walkable” portion of your unit, about 60-100cm wide. This will enable you to walk through your unit and quickly access items.

Keeping Items Safe and Secure

As you pack, you want to ensure your items remain in the best condition possible, especially if you’re buying long-term storage.

Cover all your items–ideally, cloth rather than plastic- to avoid trapping moisture. For breakable objects, you should also add airtight bubble wrap.

Exceedingly valuable objects, such as jewelry, legal documents, or precious family heirlooms, should be placed in a locked box to provide additional protection in the event of theft.

You also want moisture protection, especially in coastal cities like Jeddah. Use desiccants and keep most items off the floor to stave off moisture during the humid months.

Regularly Maintaining and Checking Your Unit

Inspecting your unit at least once a quarter to identify damage before it becomes an issue is essential.

Wipe down exposed surfaces to remove dust, look for pest activity, replace traps if necessary, and move some items around to prevent long-term compression.

This is also a good time to remove old items or add new ones. Some items you originally wanted to store may no longer be something you wish to keep, which can free up space for new things.

If you’re placing items in long-term storage for several years, you may not be able to perform these tasks as frequently. That means getting the packing done right the first time is even more vital to avoid damage.

Moving Out of Storage Eventually

Ultimately, you should have a plan to move your items out of the unit. With portable storage, this process is relatively simple: The company will deliver the unit to your new home, and you will retrieve the items and end the contract.

If you’re using a facility, this can be a more convoluted process, as you’ll also need to arrange a moving truck to minimize trips.

Final Words on What You Need to Rent a Storage Unit

Storage units are all about convenience. What do you need to rent a storage unit?

Simply put, you just need identification and the right provider.

At WheeKeep, we simplify storage for Saudi residents. Our portable units are climate-controlled, waterproof, and stored safely in our CCTV-protected facility. We offer competitive pricing plans to make the entire process a breeze, whether you’re using us for a week or several years.

Talk to our team today to schedule a tour of our facilities, or use our online tools to place an order in minutes!