A Beginner’s Guide to Renting Your First Storage Unit

Author | March 5, 2026 @ 12:00 AM

What is Self-Storage?

Self-storage is a service or renting an area in order to store your belongings. At Security Public Storage, we assist people in Santa Fe Springs, CA and South Gate, CA, rent their first self-storage units regularly. In the blog, we will walk you through the steps to locate and rent the right self-storage unit for you.

Step 1: Figure out Why You Are Using Self-Storage

In order to compare costs and sizes, you should figure out why you are using self-storage. Your "why?," will affect the size, accessibility and duration you will need the self-storage for.

Reasons First-Time Renters Typically Use Self-Storage

Moving from one house to another, or from one apartment to another
Downsizing and retaining extra furniture
Making space during renovations
Seasonal goods and garage overflow
Business inventory or supplies near your work site

When you want to make this process as seamless as possible, you should consider two things prior to starting the comparison process: How many times per week do you expect to access your stored items? And, how many months do you believe you will be storing your items?

Step 2: Find the Right Sized Storage Unit

First-time renters usually select a unit which is too big for their needs and get irritated; or, they select a unit which is too small and waste money on unused space. There is a simple method to assess your needs: Consider your total space in terms of "rooms", or categories of items you will be storing, then add a little extra room for the paths you will need to travel to and from your unit, if you plan to visit your unit frequently.

Here is a simple method to evaluate a proper storage unit size:

Small Units: Suitable for boxes, small furniture, seasonal decorations and excess items from smaller apartments
Medium Units: Suitable for a Studio or One Bedroom Apartment and Larger Furniture Pieces with Boxes
Large Units: Suitable for multiple rooms of furniture, larger moves, and Business Storage Needs

You can also consult a sizing chart which is referenced here, and/or contact us directly to pair your items with the correct storage unit size.

Step 3: Decide Which Type Of Access Works Best For You

Another mistake many first-time renters make is selecting a unit that is hard to access and therefore fear going to it. Conversely, you can think about what type of access works best for you.

There are mainly two types of access:

Interior Storage Units: Located inside the building and are best for individuals who prefer interior access
Drive-Up Storage Units: Allow you to pull your vehicle up to your unit and load/unload easily, especially for larger furniture or heavier items

If you are planning to store heavy furniture, tools, or visit your unit frequently, Drive-Up Access can save you time and frustration.

Step 4: Determine What Features Are Important To You

As you are evaluating different Storage Units in CA, determine what features will make your self-storage experience more efficient and secure.

Many common features first-time renters look for:

Gated Entrance: Provides Controlled Access
24 Hour Security Cameras: Adds an additional layer of security
On Site Management: Provides Local Assistance When Needed
Bright Lighting: Provides a safe feeling when you go to your unit
Carts/Dollies: Assist you with moving items in/out of your unit
Online Billing: Makes it easy to pay your bill
Contactless Storage Rentals: Enables a quicker start
Free Lock Upon Move-In (if applicable)

If you will be accessing your items frequently, the same importance is placed on convenience features as price.

Step 5: Learn About Pricing, Promotional Rates/Offer and What "Move-In" Includes

Prices of storage units can vary based upon the size of the unit, supply and demand. As you are viewing Storage Units, you may see Limited Time Offers or Online Specials.

For First-Time Renters, The Following Are Some Quick Points To Remember:

Compare the Regular Monthly Rate and the Promotion Rate to know what happens to the pricing after the promotion ends

Know what is included at move-in (i.e., Free Lock, etc.) and what is included as part of the Protection Coverage
Understand how your monthly payment will be processed and when

At our Santa Fe Springs location, you should note that we have different promotions for specific spaces, due to high demand and limited availability, promotions and availability can change very quickly, so it is recommended that you reserve a space that fits your needs. It is important to confirm about the promotions on our site or contact our staff and would gladly help you make the right decision.

Step 6: Keep Your Space Organized and Easy to Access By Packing Like a Pro

Put items that you may need next to the entrance of the unit
Keep boxes at the bottom of the unit and put the lighter boxes above
Label all boxes on both sides
Leave enough space in the unit for you to enter/exit, if necessary
Protect your furniture with protective covers and refrain from putting fragile items under anything that could crush them

If you are storing electronic devices or breakable items, consider placing them in sturdy plastic containers and place them on pallets or shelving when feasible.

Step 7: Know What You Cannot Store

Most self-storage facilities have prohibitions on hazardous or restricted materials. It is crucial to follow these regulations for your own safety and liability.

In general, do not store:

Flammable liquids/fuels
Fireworks or explosives
Perishable food
Illegal or stolen items

If you are uncertain whether a certain item is allowed to be stored, inquire before you move in. It is usually better to re-pack than to re-store.

Step 8: Prepare for an Easy Move-In Day

Bring your Photo Identification, Method of Payment and Standard Moving Supplies (tapes, box cutters, gloves) etc.

Also Plan;

Route to the Storage Facility
Time to Unload
Assistance Needed for Large or Heavy Items

If you would like a speedy start, Contactless Rental is usually the easiest option, especially for first-time renters looking to reserve quickly.

Security Public Storage Self-Storage Facilities in California

If you are searching for Self-Storage Near Me in the area, Security Public Storage offers two convenient locations in both Santa Fe Springs, CA and South Gate, CA, giving you the opportunity to choose the closest location to your daily commute.

So, Are You Prepared to Rent Your First Storage Unit?

Begin your exploration of Security Public Storage in Santa Fe Springs, CA and South Gate, CA today to discover the ideal Self-Storage Unit and develop confidence in your first storage experience.

RESERVE YOUR UNIT TODAY!