- 1). Determine the city where you want to store your items. Generally, you want to pick cities close to where you live or where you travel to frequently. If you live in Newark, it doesn't make a lot of sense to store your items in Trenton unless you go to Trenton regularly.
- 2). Look in the phone book for self-storage companies. Write down the names and numbers of the companies you would like to contact.
- 3). Search for the companies online. Many companies have information online about storage rates and any additional fees that may be incurred. Also check the Better Business Bureau to make sure that the company doesn't charge any hidden fees. As you find a price, write down the price, the size of the unit, any extra amenities and any fees associated with the storage unit.
- 4). Call any company not available online. Ask about price, size, extras, whether the units are upstairs or downstairs, if insurance is included and any other pertinent information. Write all of this down next to the name of the storage company.
- 5). Go over your list and see how much you would pay each month and what extras come with each unit. Generally, climate-controlled units cost more, but are worth the price if you plan on storing things for a long period of time or things that are valuable, since the weather in New Jersey can be unpredictable. Remember to include the price of insurance in your calculations if it is not provided. Generally, homeowners insurance and renters insurance do not cover self-storage locations, so you will need to purchase insurance to protect your assets.
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