Find the Best Storage Units in Detroit, MI

How to choose self-storage units in Detroit

When choosing a storage facility in Detroit, the options can be overwhelming. Some facilities may fit your needs better depending on the type of items you’re storing, how often they need to be accessed and how long you plan to store them.

Facility options in Detroit

Self-storage facilities in Detroit have a variety of options. Some of the most popular features are:

• Drive-up access, typically found in outdoor units, makes it easy to move items from a vehicle to your unit.
• Indoor facilities can be less convenient when storing large items, but offer more security and usually temperature or climate control.
• Elevators make it easier to access upper-level units in indoor facilities.
• Electronic gate entrances restrict access to the facilities and make the premises more secure.
• Self-service kiosks allow you to rent units, pay your storage bill and add insurance at any time.
• On-site security personnel and surveillance cameras deter criminals and ensure any threat to your property is handled quickly.
• Fenced and lit facilities are more secure and provide protection if you’re accessing your storage at night.
• 24/7 access lets you quickly access your belongings in an emergency situation or on holidays.

While some facility features may seem more like an added perk than a search-defining requirement, it’s important to consider that options that will benefit you. If you have a lot of heavy or unwieldy furniture, you won’t want to go up and down multiple flights of stairs and through a maze of hallways every time you need to store something. Drive-up access allows you to pull your car or truck right up to your unit.

Unit options in Detroit

Once you’ve chosen a facility, you’ll need to rent an individual unit. You should consider the amount and type of items you plan on storing. Available features include:

• Climate control protects possessions that can be affected by temperature, including photographs, vinyl records and electronics.
• The size of the unit you need is determined by how many items you plan to store. To save money, don’t get a bigger storage unit than you need.
• Interior lighting is necessary if you plan on organizing belongings while in storage or accessing your unit at night.
• The unit’s build and material may help protect some items from extreme temperatures if your unit lacks climate control.

The cost of a storage unit in Detroit

In general, the price for a 5’ x 5’ unit in the Detroit area ranges from $45 - $60 per month, not including the one-time administrative fees charged by many facilities or optional insurance coverage. Larger units are more expensive, with 10’ x 20’ units costing around $170 a month. Factors that influence the cost are:

• The unit’s size is the most significant factor in the cost of the unit.
• Optional features such as climate control are more expensive. Expect a climate-controlled unit to cost 25 to 50 percent more than an outdoor unit.
• Location of the facility and the unit in the facility affects the price. Facilities near major population hubs cost more than those located in remote locations, and easily accessible units near the entrance to the facility may be more expensive more than upper-story units.
• Your contract’s length may affect the monthly cost of your unit. Many facilities rent units on a month-to-month basis, but you may receive a discount for signing a one-year agreement.

Facility operators in Detroit can increase the price when your contract is up for renewal, and it’s up to you to monitor the monthly cost. In Michigan, facility managers can deny access and charge a $200 per month late fee if your payment is more than five days late.

Failing to make your payments on time can also result in a lien on any property inside the unit and ultimately result in the public sale of your belongings. Renters have two weeks after receiving notice to become current on their storage facility bill.

For the best storage unit rental experience, you should know what you want, what you need and what your rights and responsibilities are before you sign an agreement. Don’t forget to shop around, because the Detroit area is home to dozens of quality storage unit facilities.