Should You Book a Storage Unit in Advance?

When people start looking for a storage unit, one of the first things they ask is whether they need to book it ahead of time. Technically, no one’s going to stop you from turning up and renting a unit on the spot. But in most cases, sorting it out in advance will save you a lot of stress.

At Urban Locker, signing up only takes a few minutes, and you can move in quickly. But if you’re using a different company or need a very specific kind of unit, it’s worth planning.

Why it pays to plan ahead

Storage units aren’t one-size-fits-all. You’ve got tiny lockers for a few boxes, then you’ve got units that can hold everything from a full house move to tools and stock for a business. The most popular sizes tend to go first, and during busy periods, they go fast.

If you wait until the last minute, you might end up with a unit that’s either way too big or way too small. That usually means you’re either paying for space or playing Tetris with your belongings. Neither is ideal.

By reserving your space ahead of time, you get more options. You can take your time to compare sizes, locations and prices. You can also visit the facility, get a feel for the place and check if it suits what you need to store.

Bigger items need more planning.

If you’re storing anything bulky like furniture, gym gear or music equipment, booking in advance becomes even more important. Some storage units are on upper floors or have tight doorways that make moving large items a challenge. Not every site has lift access or drive-up spaces either, and these can make a big difference when you’re moving in.

Some items need taller ceilings or wider doors, and not every unit offers that. Giving your storage company a heads-up lets them find the right space for you. This is especially useful if you’re going travelling and need somewhere secure for your stuff while you’re away.

Businesses benefit from booking early, too.

If you’re running a business and need somewhere to keep stock, keep track of your inventory, tools or paperwork, having the right storage unit is crucial. Business storage tends to be more specific, and you might need things like 24-hour access, electricity or a unit you can use regularly without any fuss.

Some businesses even work from their storage unit, so booking early gives you time to find the right setup before you move in. If you wait until the last second, you might end up compromising on something important.

Moving house or doing renovations? Sort storage early

Storage is often needed when people move house or start building work. These things are already stressful enough without having to scramble for a unit at the last minute. Booking ahead gives you one less thing to worry about.

It’s especially important during busy periods like the summer or the end of the month when a lot of people are moving at once. If you leave it too late, the location you want might be full, and you could end up travelling further than you planned.

Changing plans? No problem

One of the main reasons people hesitate to book is that they’re worried their plans might change. Most storage companies understand that, and many will let you amend or cancel your reservation without charging a fee. That means you can still keep your options open without risking anything.

Reserving early also gives you the chance to look around the facility before committing. You can check the access, security and condition of the units, and make sure it all feels right.

What happens if you just turn up?

If you arrive without a reservation, you might still get a unit, especially if it’s a quiet time of year. But you’ll probably have fewer sizes to pick from, and you might end up paying more than you wanted because the smaller units are already gone.

It can also slow things down. If you’re in a rush, having to fill out forms and wait for someone to show you around can be a pain. Giving the company even a bit of notice helps everything go more smoothly.

Same-day rentals are usually possible if there’s space, but the service is nearly always better when you book in advance. Even a quick call or online booking can make a big difference to how things go on move-in day.

So while it’s not always essential to reserve a storage unit ahead of time, it’s nearly always worth doing. It gives you more control, more choice and takes a lot of pressure off when you’re trying to get organised.