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Storage Units in Miami

Miami, FL: Top Things to Know About Storage

We all remember the Will Smith song about partying “in the city where the heat is on” and the accompanying music video with the girls and the convertibles and the beaches (#iconic). If you’ve decided to make Florida beach life your best life, you know that actually living in Miami requires you to think about “real world” things occasionally like housing, employment and storage. We’re here to help you with that last one, so that you can get back to killing time (and a few margaritas) on the beach.

Storage in Paradise

The greater Miami area including Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach has a huge market for storage. There are 560 storage facilities in the area. Thinking more locally, you can search more than 150 Miami specific facilities through us and choose from facilities that offer basic, outside storage units to those with ultra fancy amenities.

With so many options, it’s often overwhelming to consider what’s the best option for you (especially if this whole storage thing is new to you). Because of the availability of storage in Miami, you don’t have to subject yourself to the old “beggars can’t be choosers” philosophy. Availability of unit sizes and rates depend on location. If you’re storing closer to an area that’s populated by college students or apartment renters, you’ll probably have a harder time finding smaller units (like 5x5 spaces). If you’re storing in an area that’s has more homeowners or more money, those larger spaces will be harder to come by. Generally speaking, Miami storage unit rent prices aren’t a direct reflection of the cost of housing in the area as is the case in a lot of cities. The median cost of an apartment is $1,800 in Miami (ouch) but you can typically find a 5x5 unit for around $60 a month, though this price can spike to more than $150 in some areas. The bottom line? Finding storage that’s just above the national average is possible if you’re okay with looking a little bit harder. For the staggering 41% of the city’s millennials living at home, finding an affordable storage unit might be the key to finally moving out.

Se Habla Espanol

You might think that your college spring break trip to Cancun prepared you well, but unless you want to go through life only knowing how to ask for una cerveza por favor, you’re going to have to learn Spanish. This is a lesson that the storage industry in Miami has taken to heart. You’ll find numerous facilities with staff members who speak Spanish, which is great news if that’s your native tongue or if you’re just trying to become fluent. About a quarter of Miami residents speak only English and that percentage is rapidly declining, so having a storage facility that understands the importance of speaking Spanish is more crucial now than ever. Having Spanish speaking staff members at a facility allows for better communication, so it’s a great thing to look for if you know someone who only speaks Spanish and is reluctant to call a storage facility due to the language barrier. Some people say that the best part of Miami is that it’s so close to the United States. Learn at least a little bit of Spanish and you’ll be in on the joke.

The Weather is Wild and so are the People

You can thank the Gulf Stream for Miami’s warm weather. Humidity is just as brutal as you’ve heard and they say you haven’t really experienced a thunderstorm until you’ve lived in Florida. You’ll find that out firsthand during the wet season which lasts from late spring to early fall. So how does this affect storage? Two words: climate control. If you’re storing art, photography, antique furniture, a nice bike or a musical instrument, opt for indoor storage and/or climate control to prevent moisture in the air and rainwater from destroying your items. You’ve probably seen the pages of a book or the edges of a photo curl in your own home. Imagine that times like a thousand if you store items like this in an outside, non climate-controlled unit. For general storage, you’ll find a lot of multi-story indoor storage options (Safeguard Self Storage is an excellent example) which give you added security and the advantage of literally rising above any flood damage that can occur from having a unit on the ground.

The weather is also a reason to consider storage insurance. Oftentimes, you can get this directly through your storage facility. If you’re storing an RV, boat or car, your auto insurance should cover your vehicle while it’s in storage. In either case, take the time to read your policy carefully and make sure it covers natural disasters. You already know about hurricanes, so we’re not going to scare you by linking to some crazy video of floodwater damage in Florida. We just want to gently remind you that if your insurance company doesn’t want to be held liable for “acts of God,” it’s best to know before they happen.

Storage FAQ's

Do you have pest control?
Most facilities in Miami schedule professional pest control services every month, and twice a month during summer months.
Will the company have access to my space?
No, no one in the storage facilities has access to your space unless you specifically ask them or give them the right to do so. For example, you may want them to have access to your unit for things you may want delivered directly to your unit.
Do you have advice on how to pack my storage space?
Yes, storage managers can provide you with tips and techniques on how to most efficiently utilize your storage space. Their hope is that you can have easy access to your items and that your storage space is worth every penny of your money.
Do I need insurance for my storage unit?
We recommend that you get insurance for your belongings because the contents of the units are not insured through storage facilities.
Is there anything unique to keep in mind when choosing a storage facility in Miami?
Some factors to keep in mind when choosing a storage facility in Miami are: weather, peak rush hour times, items that you will be storing, and location within Miami.
How long is the lease and what are its terms?
Storage companies in Miami offer a month-to-month lease. If for some reason you would like to cancel your lease during a particular month, please contact one of the facility managers to assist you.
Do you have different policies and prices for students or active military members?
Students and active military members are clients that have unique needs because of the nature of their schedules. Most storage facilities in Miami offer discounts to students, and discounts and different policies for active military members. Please call your local facility or see our students and active military members pages to get detailed and updated information.
Can I rent climate-controlled spaces in Miami?
Yes, climate-controlled spaces are available in Miami due to the varying weather. Temperatures range from 57.2 to 59.0, which can dramatically affect things in your storage unit. For storing items such as wine, wooden items, electronics, metals, artwork, etc. storage facilities recommend that you rent a climate-controlled unit. For questions and more details, please contact a local facility.
What are the prices of the storage spaces? Are prices based on the square footage of the storage space?
Generally the prices of storage units in Miami vary based on the size of the storage unit and the location of the unit in the facility. Prices range between 28.0 and 385.0, but representatives can better assist you once they have the details of your storage needs.
What security measures are taken to protect the storage units?
Security is every storage operator's priority. Speak with the storage manager of a facility of your liking in Miami to find out what security measures they take to protect your belongings.
Do you provide your customers with movers?
No, storage facilities do not provide movers. However, managers and team members would be happy to provide you with a list of reliable and reasonably priced movers in Miami. See our resource guide for movers in Miami.
Will I receive a monthly invoice?
Most storage companies in Miami only provide invoices upon request.
If I lose my key, can you provide another one?
No, storage facility employees do not have copies of the keys used for the units. If you lose your key, check with the facility for lock cutting fees. They may also be able to sell another lock and key to you.
What if I need more or less space after I move in?
Once you move in and feel that you need to move into a smaller or bigger space, storage facilities are happy to accommodate your move. Before renting a space, it is recommended that you speak to a storage facility representative to help you find the best sized unit for your needs. If things change through the course of your lease, they will help make the transition to your next unit as efficient and simple as possible. We also have a size guide that may answer some preliminary questions you may have.
What storage space sizes are available?
In Miami, there are 129 storage facilities, with a total of 139 storage units. Storage unit sizes generally range from 3' X 3' to 10' X 30'. Call one of your local facilities to have a representative find what size unit is best for you.
What options do I have for payments? What forms of payment do you accept?
Most storage facilities accept cash, credit cards, or checks. Always ask about autopay, it's faster and much more convenient.
How do I know what size storage I need?
Storage managers would be happy to help you determine which size unit is best for you so that you're not paying for a 10' X 30' unit when you really need a 3' X 3' unit. Please reference our size guide for more information.
Do you accept deliveries for customers?
Most storage facilities in Miami accept deliveries for their customers so that they don't have to go through the process of moving every time they need something to be placed in their storage units. They will keep your items in the office and will inform you when they arrive so that you can place them in your storage unit at your convenience.
Do you sell boxes and moving supplies?
Yes, most storage facilities sell boxes of various sizes, tape, bubble wrap, labels, and other items for your packing and moving needs.
What access will I have to my belongings?
You have 129 facilities to choose from in Miami. Access hours range from 8 to 24 hours a day. Please contact your local facility for more specific information about your unit.
Should I rent a drive-up or interior storage unit?
Drive-up storage units are typically more expensive and not as clean as interior units. Drive-up units are more exposed to the elements (water, dust, etc.) and are therefore not as clean as interior units. Interior units, on the other hand, have a much better climate. Essentially, the desire to rent a drive-up unit comes from clients thinking that they will be visiting their unit very frequently, which is surprisingly not the case. Most people don't come to their units as often as they think they will, so given the cost and cleanliness issues, it's better to rent an interior storage unit.

Miami, FL Military StorageView Hide

Miami, FL Military Storage

As is this case with all cities on the ocean, Miami has a solid Coast Guard presence. While it’s not necessarily a hub of uniformed activity, a decent amount of troops will spend time here. And with warm weather, endless cultural opportunities and coastline for days, we’re pretty sure there are worse places to be stationed. We know you’ve got a lot to figure out if you’re in the military, so let’s get you briefed on storage.

Storage for Military Needs

Whether you’re stationed at the Coast Guard, Miami’s Integrated Support Command or US Army Garrison-Miami, you’re required to be flexible. We think that your storage facility should work hard to make your life just a little bit easier. If you’re new to self storage, let’s break it down. There are more than 100 storage facilities in Miami. That’s a lot. In fact, the Miami/Fort Lauderdale/West Palm Beach area has the eighth largest number of storage facilities in one area in the country. This means that competition is fierce amongst facility managers, and when that’s the case, you win! Some deals you’ll see at Miami storage facilities include one month free, up to three months at half price and free moving truck upon move-in. And that’s not even factoring in military discounts, which you should easily be able to find (expect about a 10% discount at participating facilities) whether you’re active duty, in the reserves or retired. Other amenities that are so common they’re practically standard in Miami include climate control, 24 hour cameras and and access whenever you need it. That last one is perfect for military members who don’t necessarily work a conventional set schedule. Oh and here’s an extra tip for military members on the go: Whether you’re moving in or out of Miami or just traveling, flash your ID at Miami International Airport and enjoy free snacks, drinks, wifi, TV and community at the Military Hospitality Lounge.

Storage and Deployment

If you’re traveling on a regular basis for military purposes, you probably appreciate staying in the same place for a little while (especially when that place is a beach in Miami). Facing deployment is tough and the logistics of having to figure out what’s going to happen with your family, your apartment and all of those bills makes it even tougher. Fortunately, your storage unit doesn’t have to be an added stress during this difficult time. You can select a unit with online bill pay. Many even let you set up auto-pay, so as long as there’s enough money in your account, you don’t have to worry about a thing. But let’s talk about what happens if there’s not enough money in your account, or something weird happens with your bank, or you just plain old forget to pay rent on your storage unit. If you’ve seen Storage Wars, you know what goes down when tenants abandon or don’t pay their rent. Florida’s lien laws make it so that if a storage unit goes unpaid for, it can eventually be auctioned off (but there are other steps, such as repeated attempts at contact, that take place long before this happens). If you’re deployed and you miss payments, you should be able to hang on to your stuff. Besides the fact that storage facilities can’t legally auction it off, none of them want to disrespect the military either.

Miami, FL RV and Boat StorageView Hide

Miami, FL RV and Boat Storage

You’ve heard about South Beach, where girls with tan legs wear sparkly dresses and mingle with guys in tight shirts. You’ve seen the nightclubs and maybe even had your eardrums destroyed by them firsthand. It is very much not your scene. If you long for glimmering seas over shiny skyscrapers and miles of beachfront over streets of shops, your RV or boat (or both!) is very, very important to you. Taking care of it when it’s not in use is just as important as taking care of it when you’re traveling. Besides keeping it clean and in good condition, storing it somewhere great can make a huge difference. Read on to learn the inside scoop on RV and boat storage in Miami.

What You Can Expect

Even as a local, you should still reap the benefits of living in a tourist destination. One such place where those benefits are apparent is in Miami’s storage industry. You can choose from more than 150 storage facilities in Miami (and lots, lots more if you’re willing to look outside of the city too). Maybe it’s the large population of service industry professionals in the area, but hospitality is important to facility managers. If you’ve ever had a negative or even a neutral experience with a storage facility in another city, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the professionalism and wide range of amenities that exist in Miami storage facilities. That being said, don’t be afraid to ask managers for tours of their properties. Most are happy to do it as they understand how important it is for you to find the perfect place for your RV, boat or extra vehicle. If you do a search for RV and boat storage in Miami, one name you’ll come across quite often is StorageMart. They have three locations in Miami, so chances are, wherever you live, you’ll be able to find a location that’s great for you. Their Southwest 40th Street location offers multiple options for RV, boat or vehicle storage. You can choose a basic, outside parking spot with gated access and 24 hour cameras (among other awesome features) or opt for something a bit more delux in the form of an inside unit with climate control. The facility has gated access which is open from 7am until 9pm seven days a week. While we’re huge advocates of 24 hour storage facilities, we think that these hours are pretty generous and should allow you plenty of time to enjoy a relaxing weekend in the Everglades without having to rush too much in order to make it back to the city in time to put your RV or boat back into storage.

Safety First

There are a million reasons why you shouldn’t park your RV or boat outside of your home in Miami. First off, if you live in a centralized, congested part of the city or somewhere that’s subject to HOA regulations, you might end up getting towed, fined or both if you dare to attempt parking. Another thing to consider? Miami’s crime rate. Leaving something as pricey as an RV or boat out on the street (especially if you’re living in a rougher neighborhood) leaves it vulnerable to vandalism and robbery. No one expects you to stand outside of your house and watch your driveway 24 hours a day. Have someone else do it for you by choosing a facility that has 24 hour cameras, a fence, great lighting and most important of all, a staff that cares. Other features to look for include individual door alarms and actual security guards (or maybe at least a facility manager with an intimidating dog).

What Kind of Lease Should You Sign?

Fortunately, storage facility leases are flexible. Unless you’ve agreed to some kind of special where you’re paying for several months in advance, you’ll probably be renting month-to-month. Because RV and boat storage is one of the more difficult types of storage to find in most places, many facility managers and customers alike argue that if you find a spot you like, you should hang on to it for as long as you can. This means paying for it even if you spend long periods of time on the road. In Miami, you’ll find a large number of people who own RVs and boats or have vintage cars. A lot of these people will want storage. If you’ve got a unit and you have zero other storage options (as in, you can’t park your RV outside of your apartment and you don’t have a back-up facility with availability in mind), we suggest keeping your storage space. This is a great opportunity to talk to your friendly facility manager and see what he or she can do for you about pricing. Facility managers appreciate loyal customers. If you’re in the habit of paying your rent on time and being a great tenant, you might get a special deal. And don’t forget to ask about online bill pay for when you’re on the road!

Miami, FL University StorageView Hide

Miami, FL University Storage

They say location is everything. When it comes to what city your college is in, we couldn’t agree more. Think about it. Would you rather be snowed in at your dorm or studying on the beach? Not to throw shade on schools up north, but we choose option B. If you do too, you’ve got a lot of decisions to make when it comes to planning your college years in Miami. If those plans include bringing a lot of your stuff with you, utilizing self storage can help answer the age old college student question of, “But where does it all go?” Here are a few pointers:

Storage Near Your School

Getting around Miami isn’t exactly a stroll on the beach (We wish!). If you’re unfamiliar with the city, a quick search for storage facilities in Miami brings forth a lot of options. Thanks to the wide availability of storage, the only reason for driving more than a few miles is your budget. You can find the same unit size just about anywhere, but prices vary based on location and what’s included. It’s a lot like renting an apartment in that sense. For example, you can find a climate controlled 5x5 unit at Safeguard Self Storage on Flagler Street for just $55 a month. At the Coconut Grove location a climate controlled 5x6 unit goes for $161 a month. That’s quite a difference in price for pretty much the same unit. Keep an eye on how rates fluctuate so that you don’t end up paying too much just because you signed a lease with the first facility you called. If convenience is the main thing you’re looking for in a storage facility, it’s easy enough to find a unit close to where your dorm or apartment is. If you go to Florida International University, try US Storage Centers just seven miles away. Their 5x5 units rent for as low as $34.50 a month and climate control is available as is truck rental and drive up access. If you’re fortunate enough to attend Barry University (The same school where Shaquille O’Neal got his PhD in 2012!), you can find storage at Safeguard Self Storage just three miles away. There 4.5x4.5 units are just right for those extra items that won’t fit in your dorm room closet, and they rent for around $41 a month. If you attend the mid-sized University of Miami, you’ll actually be looking for storage closer to Coral Gables (even though the word “Miami” is literally in the name). A facility like Hialeah Drive Self Storage, offers climate control, truck rental, online bill pay and even wine storage, so you can tell your parents that all of that Franzia boxed wine isn’t irresponsible, it’s a collection.

Storage for the Summer

Wondering what all this talk is about climate control? Just consider those the two words to live by when you’re choosing a storage unit for summertime storage. Climate control is perfect in environments that experience high humidity, which certainly describes Miami. This type of storage is typically indoors, which is an advantage over outdoor units which are more likely to experience some kind of damage from the elements (i.e. floodwater seeping under a door). In addition to protection against humidity, climate control also offers your items relief from the heat. If you’re storing photos, posters, artwork or books, an air conditioned unit will preserve them. If you’re not sure whether or not you need climate control, look at what items you’re putting into storage. Are you storing a bike? Electronics? Furniture? A musical instrument? Your vinyl collection? If you answered yes to even one of those, climate control is probably for you, but you should at least choose an indoor unit over an outdoor one. Thankfully, Miami has many options for indoor storage. Safeguard Self Storage is a great choice for an indoor unit that’s also climate controlled. They offer carts and dollies and a covered loading area so that even if you’re storing on a fifth floor unit, the process is painless.

Storage and Textbooks

Even if every single one of your classes and accompanying textbooks is online, you’re probably going to have to print something out at some point. Paper is unavoidable and it’s likely that you’ll need to store documents, textbooks or your personal library at some point. You already know the importance of climate control, but there are a few additional steps you can take to properly store your books. Avoid packing them in cardboard boxes as these can wick moisture. In small amounts, moisture causes books to mold. In larger amounts, it destroys them. You should also avoid placing them directly on the floor, especially if you have an outside unit. Even if you’re storing inside, something like an improperly defrosted fridge can cause water damage to your unit. Place books on a pallet or simply on top of an item you’re comfortable placing on the ground of your unit, so long as it’s not an item (like something cushioned) that absorbs moisture.

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