Smart Self Storage - Des Moines

Self Storage Frequently Asked Questions

What size storage unit do I need?

5' x 5' Storage Unit
It is approximately 25 square feet of space. This size typically holds the contents of one room or a large home closet. It is an excellent size to store seasonal items, garden tools, clothes, office supplies, suitcases, and miscellaneous boxes.

5' x 10' Storage Unit

It is approximately 50 square feet of space. This size typically holds the contents of one room or an office. You can store small amounts of furniture, chairs, a mattress, kitchen appliances, and boxes.

5' x 15' Storage Unit

It is approximately 75 square feet of space. This type of unit is suitable for the contents of a one-bedroom apartment, including major appliances.

10' x 10' Storage Unit
It is approximately 100 square feet of space, about the size of a standard one-car garage. It holds the furnishings of a one-bedroom or small two-bedroom apartment, including major appliances.

10' x 15' Storage Unit

It is approximately 150 square feet of space. It holds the furnishings of a large two-bedroom apartment or a smaller home. It is great for storing large furniture and appliances.

10' x 20' Storage Unit
It is approximately 200 square feet of space. It holds the entire contents of a three or four-bedroom home up to 2000 square feet. It can also hold compact full-size vehicles and boats.

10' x 25' Storage Unit

It holds the contents of a large home, roughly 4 or 5 bedrooms, including large furniture, garage items, and major appliances.

What is the height of the storage units?

Storage units are approximately 8 feet high.

Do I need to rent a climate controlled unit?

If you have delicate items such as musical instruments, computers, pictures, or antique wood furniture, it is recommended to select a climate-controlled unit. Climate-controlled storage units protect against rust, corrosion, mold, cracking, and warping.

What’s the difference between an indoor and an outdoor unit?
An outdoor storage unit has direct access and is usually drive-up accessible. An indoor unit is located within a building.

What items can't be put in a storage unit?

Most storage facilities will not let you store firearms, perishable items, liquids, illegal drugs, flammable and hazardous materials, live animals, or plants.

Are my items insured while being in a storage unit?

You are responsible for the items you store. The storage facility's insurance protects the location that houses the storage units, not the contents of individual units. If your homeowner's insurance doesn't cover your items, the facility manager can usually help you sign up with an insurance provider.

Can I use my renters insurance for a storage unit?

Anything your renter's insurance policy covers under usual conditions will be covered in your storage unit. Usually, renter's insurance will cover items in a unit up to 10% of your policy limits, but it does not include natural disasters. However, there may be exceptions to this, so check with your insurance company to see if you're covered.

What do I need to bring with me when to rent a unit?

You will need a government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport) to complete your storage unit rental agreement.

Can I access my unit anytime I want?

Most storage locations are open 365 days a year, but access hours may vary. During access hours, usually between 6 am and 10 pm seven days a week, you can access your unit using your individual gate code. During office hours, company employees are available to answer questions and provide on-site support.

How long can I rent a unit?

Most rental contracts are month-to-month agreements billed in one-month increments. No long-term lease is required unless the customer requests it.