How Much Notice Should You Give Before Ending a Storage Rental?

Once you no longer need your storage unit, the next step is to let the storage company know you’re moving out. But how much notice do you actually need to give? In most cases, around a week is enough, but it can vary depending on where you’re storing.

Some storage companies only ask for a few days’ notice, while others might want a full two weeks. If you’re not sure, your best bet is to check your rental agreement or contact the company directly. It’s always better to ask early than to leave it too late and end up being charged for days you’re not using.

Why it’s worth giving notice

Letting the storage company know in advance makes everything go a lot smoother. It gives them time to close your account properly and avoids any surprise charges. It also allows them to free up the unit for someone else, which helps everyone in the long run.

If you leave without saying anything, you could be charged for another full billing period, even if you’ve cleared everything out. Most places don’t refund unused days unless you’ve stuck to their notice policy. So by giving notice, you could save yourself money as well.

Planning your move-out the right way

Just like when you moved in, planning can take a lot of the stress out of moving out. This is a good time to go through what you’ve got in storage and figure out what to keep, what to get rid of and what you don’t need anymore.

If you’ve been keeping track of what’s in your unit with a list or photos, packing up will be a lot quicker. You’ll be able to spot what’s missing, what can be sold or donated, and what should come home with you.

Going travelling or moving abroad? Give yourself extra time

If you’re heading off on a long trip or moving overseas, you’ll want to wrap up your storage properly before you go. It’s much easier to deal with the paperwork and clear the unit now than to try to sort it from a different time zone later.

Some storage companies will let you share your storage with someone else, so they can help you move out if you can’t be there in person. Just check with the provider to see what’s allowed.

Make sure the unit is empty and clean.

Before you hand the keys back, the unit should be left as you found it. Most storage companies expect the space to be empty and reasonably clean. If anything is left behind, you could be charged for disposal or for extra time.

Bring something with you to tidy up, like a broom or some cleaning wipes, just in case. Once you’ve cleared everything out, let the staff know so they can officially close your account. Some companies might ask for a quick email or a signed form to confirm. That way, it’s clear you’re no longer responsible for the space.

Leaving earlier than planned? That’s usually fine.

If your plans change and you need to end your rental early, that’s usually not a problem as long as you follow the company’s notice rules. Most storage providers offer flexible monthly contracts so you’re not stuck with a unit you don’t need.

Just check if there are any conditions in your agreement. Some places have a minimum rental period, but most are happy as long as you’ve given the right amount of notice.

How to give notice

Some companies are happy with a phone call. Others prefer an email or a short online form. However, you do it, it’s a good idea to get confirmation in writing so there’s no confusion later on. If you pay by direct debit, ask when your last payment will be taken and whether it needs adjusting.

Don’t forget to check your things before you leave

Before locking up for the last time, take a proper look inside your unit. Make sure nothing’s damaged or missing and that you’ve got everything you came with. If something isn’t right, report it straight away.

If you had insurance, now’s the time to use it. Having a record of what you stored will make any claims much easier to handle.