Find the Best Storage Units in Omaha, NE

How to choose self-storage units in Omaha

Do you have too much stuff and no place to put it? Did your parents tell you to find a place for your old college futon — preferably not their basement? Are you moving to a home in a new state and need a place to keep your belongings safe while you’re in transit? It’s time to get a storage unit.

Omaha has many storage options. When comparing facilities, the first decision is whether you want an interior or exterior unit.

• Exterior units have doors that open to the outside and drive-up access, letting you park your vehicle directly outside the entrance. This type of unit is convenient if you’re storing heavy furniture or other large items that are difficult to carry.
• Interior facilities are located within a large building, providing an extra level of security. These units may include elevator access to load items on upper floors and usually have climate-controlled units available.

Climate-controlled units maintain a temperature between 60 and 80 degrees and keep items belongings safe from extreme temperatures and humidity. This helps protect your belongings against warping, melting and discoloration in hot, humid Omaha summers. Items you should store in a climate-controlled unit include:

• Antique furniture
• Appliances
• Artwork
• Musical instruments
• Documents and photographs
• Electronics

Other features you may want to consider are 24-hour access, which allows you to access your unit at any time, and additional security. Some security options include:

• Perimeter fencing is standard for most outdoor facilities and helps restrict access to the property.
• Electronic gate access provides an entrance barrier to keep unauthorized people from accessing the facilities.
• Exterior and interior lighting make it easier to spot anyone attempting to break into units and keeps you safe when on the premises.
• Surveillance cameras allow for 24/7 monitoring to keep the area secure.
• On-site personnel ensures that any security issue is dealt with quickly.

The cost of storage units in Omaha

Storage unit prices vary dramatically. While size is a significant factor in the cost of a storage unit, other factors that affect the price are the facility’s location, how accessible the unit is and the level of demand for storage in the area. A climate-controlled unit costs 25 to 50 percent more than a non-climate-controlled unit.

The average monthly price for a storage unit in Omaha is $75, or $0.76 per square foot, which is about 25 percent below the national average. Generally, storage costs more in neighborhoods with less space — for instance, storage units in East Omaha likely cost more than those in West Omaha. Your facility may charge you a one-time administrative fee of $10 to $25 when you move in.

Storage companies in Omaha typically rent storage units on a month-to-month basis, which means your facility can increase the rent if market prices rise. Read the lease carefully so you’re clear on when your facility can increase the rent.

If you agree to a minimum rental length, you may receive promotional offers and discounts such as a free first month. Sometimes you can negotiate free perks such as boxes, storage bins and locks from the company when you sign a longer lease. Storage companies may also offer discounts for college students, military members and people who belong to organizations such as AAA or AARP.

Insuring your stored items in Omaha

Once you’ve decided to move your items into storage, you want to make sure they’re protected. Your homeowners or renters insurance may cover belongings stored outside your home — check your policy or speak with your insurance provider to be sure.

A few facilities require you to purchase insurance at an additional cost of $10 to $20 a month. Most companies waive the insurance fee if you show proof of existing homeowners or renters insurance.

Whether you use existing insurance or purchase a policy from the facility, make sure you know what your policy covers. With standard homeowners insurance, your furniture, clothes and other personal belongings are covered if they are stolen or destroyed by fire, wind, hail and other insured disasters. Water damage and mold from flooding are usually not covered.

For more information on how to properly insure your storage unit, visit the Insurance Information Institute website.