A Step-by-Step Guide to Using Self Storage in Seattle

Living in Seattle comes with some great perks, including access to one of the country’s most dynamic job markets, diverse communities, fantastic coffee culture, great food, and an excellent quality of life. However, there’s something that Seattle doesn’t have in abundance: living space.

The average apartment size in Seattle is under 690 square feet, which doesn’t leave much space for storage. On top of that, over 25% of Seattle’s workforce now operates remotely, exacerbating the strain on the limited living space available to the city’s residents.

Fortunately, there is a quick and easy fix to that – Seattle’s self storage units help locals live more comfortably at home while holding on to the important possessions they don’t have space for. Here are some valuable tips you should consider if you are planning to find and rent a self storage unit in Seattle:

1. Start with the location

Many people use self storage to store personal items they frequently use, such as bicycles, sports gear, or craft and hobby supplies. Others use self storage to hold onto business items, like important documents, files, tools, and equipment. And, even if you plan on storing other types of belongings, you’ll still need to drop by the storage facility occasionally. Therefore, it’s crucial that you rent a unit in a conveniently located facility, either close to your apartment or home in Seattle or in an area that you frequent regularly (for example, near your place of employment or favorite grocery store). This will make it easier for you to drop off and pick up belongings when needed.

Finding a storage facility in Seattle that works for you, location-wise, shouldn’t be difficult. There are almost 60 storage facilities across the city, featuring over 5,300 storage units of different sizes.

2. How big of a unit do you need?

It’s essential that you pick the right unit size for your needs. Most self storage facilities in Seattle offer an assortment of units, ranging from small, 5’x5’ lockers to large and extra-large units that can accommodate the contents of an entire home or even large vehicles like RVs and boats. Start by taking inventory of the belongings you plan to store to determine what size you should get.

If you only have a few boxes of items that simply don’t fit in your small Seattle apartment, a 5’x5’ unit, about the size of a standard home closet, should do the job. However, if you need to store bigger possessions, such as furniture and appliances, a 10’x10’ unit is probably the best choice. Larger options, such as 10’x20’ units, are suitable for people who are moving and need a place to store their belongings temporarily.

3. How much does self storage cost in Seattle?

The average price of a storage unit in Seattle is $185. Still, prices vary significantly depending on the unit size, its amenities, and even the facility’s neighborhood. A small 5’x5’ locker can be rented for just under $70 per month, while a roomier 10’x10’ unit hovers around $240. On the other hand, those who need a lot of extra storage space and are planning to rent a 10’x20’ unit should expect to pay an average of $316 per month.

The neighborhood where the storage facility is located directly influences its rental costs as well. If you live in Seattle’s First Hill, North Beacon Hill, or Roosevelt neighborhoods, you’ll enjoy the city’s most affordable self storage rates. On the other hand, those living in the Interbay, Victory Heights, and Month Baker neighborhoods will pay the most expensive rates in Seattle.

4. What amenities are essential when renting a self storage unit?

You want your belongings to be safe while in storage and for the entire experience to be quick and seamless. That’s why you should note the amenities a facility offers. For safety reasons, you should ensure that the facility has security cameras and that fences and gates protect the property’s perimeter.

Another important consideration is access hours – you might need to go to your storage unit outside regular business hours or during weekends. Shop around for facilities with 24/7 access if you require the flexibility of constant access. Designated customer parking spaces for loading and unloading are another welcomed amenity – most people drive to their storage unit and often transport heavy items, so proximity matters.

Suppose you plan to store fragile and expensive items, such as collectibles, antique furniture, electronics, or old books. In that case, you might want to consider climate-controlled self storage. Not only does this amenity maintain a consistent temperature inside the storage unit, but it also ensures that humidity is under control, which is essential considering Seattle’s notoriously humid climate.

5. How to make the most of your Seattle self storage unit

Once you rent your Seattle self storage unit, you can do a few things to ensure you maximize the extra space. First, ensure that you only store items that are in good shape and that you will actually need and use in the future. It makes little sense to pay for a unit only to fill it with random stuff that you will eventually dispose of.

Organize your self storage unit strategically so you can easily access your possessions when needed. Label your boxes with contents that make sense and arrange the inside of the unit by categories, leaving enough free floor space to reach everything easily.

Drop by your unit regularly to check on your belongings, particularly if you are storing long-term. This way, you’ll be able to take appropriate steps if something gets damaged and ensure that all your items remain in good shape while in self storage.