When you need a storage unit, you might grab your cell phone and start calling around to find the best price. Unfortunately, if you aren't familiar with storage unit pricing, you might end up paying more than you need to. Here are two things to understand before you start checking rates, so that you can get the best deal possible.

1: How Storage Units are Priced

Before you start checking around for storage unit prices, it is important to understand how they are priced. Here are a few things that can affect the price of a storage unit, and how you might be able to save. 

• Size: Most storage units are priced based on their total square footage. On average, most storage units are $9 per year per square foot. To save money, consolidate your items and squeeze them into a smaller space.
• Climate Control: Some storage facilities offer climate-controlled units, which are heated in the winter and air-conditioned during the summer. Although these units might be important for someone storing items that are especially sensitive to temperature, like food storage or candles, most people don't need climate-controlled spaces. To save money, ask about regular, run-of-the-mill spaces, which generally cost much less per month.
• Other Features: Some units have special features like electricity outlets, storage shelves, or upper lofts. If you want to save money, ask for standard units without all of the bells and whistles.

Understanding how storage units are priced can help you to find a unit with the features that you need without inflating your monthly bill.

2: You Might Be Eligible for Specials

Did you miss that sale that your local storage facility was offering? Fortunately, you might be eligible for other specials just for asking. Here a few discounts that some facilities offer if you mention them to the sales clerk. 

• Administration Fee Waivers: To encourage you to rent a storage unit, some facilities will waive administration fees such as charges for setting up your account, or putting your credit card number on automatic billing.
• Free Locks: To sweeten the deal, some storage managers will offer free locks, which can also help you to keep your unit safe.
• Referral Credits: Did someone tell you about the facility? To reward free advertising, some facilities will offer new customers a credit for mentioning the person that referred them.

As you call around to talk with storage facilities, ask about these specials. You might be surprised how much you can save just by being friendly and talking with the sales clerk.

Knowing how to get the best deal on a storage unit can keep you from spending more than you need to, and struggling to make your monthly bills. 

Visit http://www.magnumselfstorage.com to learn more.