One of the practical questions that arises for many storage renters is whether they can adjust their unit size after they've already moved in. Life circumstances, business inventory fluctuations, or simply a better understanding of your storage needs can all lead to the realization that your current unit is too large or too small. The short answer is that changing your unit size during your rental period is often possible, but the process, timing, and associated costs are governed by your facility's specific policies and current availability.
Understanding the Process of Changing Unit Sizes
Most storage facilities are accustomed to handling requests for unit transfers. They operate on a month-to-month basis, which provides inherent flexibility. However, this is not an automatic or instantaneous process. It requires coordination with the facility manager and hinges on one critical factor: whether a unit of your desired size and type is available at the time of your request.
Steps Typically Involved
- Contact Facility Management: The first step is to speak with the on-site manager or call the rental office. Inform them of your desire to change units and specify the size you are looking for.
- Check Availability: The manager will check their inventory for an available unit that meets your criteria. You may need to be flexible on location within the facility or consider a slightly different size.
- Review New Lease Agreement: If a suitable unit is available, you will be presented with a new rental agreement for that specific unit. It is crucial to review this agreement, as the rental rate will reflect the current market price for the new unit, which may be higher or lower than your original rate.
- Schedule the Move: You will coordinate a date to transfer your belongings from your old unit to the new one. This is almost always the responsibility of the renter; the facility does not typically provide moving labor or equipment.
- Complete the Transfer: On the scheduled date, you will move your items, clean your old unit to avoid cleaning fees, and then return the old lock. You will receive a new lock or use your existing one for the new unit, and your access will be updated.
Key Considerations and Potential Costs
While the process is generally straightforward, there are important financial and logistical factors to keep in mind.
- Prorated Rent and Administrative Fees: Your rent will be prorated. You will pay for the old unit up until the day you vacate it, and the new unit's rent will start on the day you take possession. Some facilities charge a one-time administrative or transfer fee to process the paperwork and reprogram access codes.
- Rate Changes: Your new rental rate will be the facility's current rate for that unit size and type. Do not assume you will keep your original, possibly promotional, rate. Industry data shows that rental rates can fluctuate based on demand, season, and unit features.
- Security Deposit: If you paid a security deposit, it will typically transfer to your new unit. However, the facility may require an adjustment if the deposit amount is tied to unit size or value.
- Logistical Effort: You are responsible for the physical move. This requires time, effort, and possibly renting a moving truck. Consider if the cost and effort of moving are worth the long-term savings or convenience of a better-sized unit.
- Insurance Update: If you have purchased a storage insurance policy through the facility or a third party, you must update your policy with the new unit number. Your coverage amount should still be appropriate for the value of your stored goods.
When a Change Might Not Be Feasible
There are scenarios where changing units may be difficult or impractical. High-demand facilities, especially those in urban areas, may have very limited availability for popular unit sizes. If you need a climate-controlled unit and none are available, you may have to wait. Furthermore, if you are in a long-term, fixed-rate promotion, changing units will almost certainly void that promotional rate.
Practical Advice for Renters
To navigate a unit size change smoothly, adopt a proactive and communicative approach. Contact your facility manager well in advance of when you ideally want to move. Be clear about your must-have features, such as drive-up access or climate control. Before signing the new agreement, confirm all costs in writing, including the new monthly rate, any transfer fees, and how your security deposit will be handled. Finally, plan your move during the facility's access hours and ensure you have adequate help and packing supplies to make the transition efficient.
In summary, changing your storage unit size is a common and usually manageable process that underscores the flexibility of month-to-month storage rentals. Success depends entirely on your facility's policies and real-time availability. Always base your decision on a complete understanding of the new costs and terms provided in your updated lease agreement.