How To Cancel Your Self Storage Unit

Cancelling a self storage unit could seem complicated at first, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re moving to a new home, decluttering or simply don’t need the extra space, knowing how to cancel your storage unit efficiently can save you time and stress.

At Pay Less For Storage, we’ve streamlined the process to make it as simple and hassle-free as possible. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about cancelling your storage unit — whether it’s with us or another provider.

How to Cancel Your Storage Unit with Pay Less For Storage

At Pay Less For Storage, we believe that cancelling your storage unit should be straightforward and stress-free. For example, unlike most storage companies we don’t require any notice and we’ll cancel your payments immediately, ensuring you don’t spend any more money on your unit than you need to.

Here’s how easy it is to cancel your storage unit with Pay Less For Storage:

1. Clear Your Storage Unit

Start by removing all your belongings from the storage unit. Ensure the unit is clean and free of any damage, as this will help us quickly inspect and verify the condition of your unit.

2. Contact Us

At Pay Less For Storage, we understand that plans can change (especially when you’re moving house) and we know it’s hard to know exactly when you’ll no longer need a storage unit. That’s why we don’t ask for any notice before you leave.

All you have to do is let us know when you leave and we’ll take care of the rest — it’s our way of offering you more flexibility and better value.

3. Final Inspection

Once you’ve cleared everything out and you’ve told us you’re leaving, we’ll send a member of our team to inspect the unit and confirm it’s been left in good condition.

4. Receive Your Refund

After the inspection is complete and everything checks out, we’ll process your refund for any unused time as well as your deposit.

How to Cancel Your Storage Unit with Other Companies

While cancelling your storage unit with other companies is likely to be similar, it could also require more steps and careful planning. Most storage providers will ask for at least seven days’ notice, while others may need up to a month. On top of that, the amount you’re refunded for unused time could vary depending on your provider and type of unit — so there’s a lot to consider.

Here’s what you need to do when it comes to cancelling your unit with other storage companies.

1. Check Your Contract

The first step is to review your contract, specifically the self storage cancellation policy. Look for details about notice periods, which can range from seven to 30 days, and any potential fees associated with cancelling your unit early.

Pro Tip: Be sure to do this in advance and make a note of the notice period, this way you’ll avoid any unwelcome surprises when you want to move out.

2. Give Proper Notice

Once you know how much notice you need to give, the next step is to contact the company via email, phone or an online portal, depending on their preferred method of communication, and let them know you’re leaving.

3. Empty and Clean Your Unit

Before your cancellation can be made official, you’ll need to remove all your belongings from the storage unit and ensure it’s left in the same state it was given. Make sure there is no damage to the unit, as this could lead to additional charges.

4. Return Any Keys or Access Cards

After emptying and cleaning the unit, you must return all keys and access cards provided by the storage company. Follow their procedure for returning these items, which may involve dropping them off at their office or sending them back by post.

5. Final Inspection

Schedule a final inspection with the storage company. During this inspection, they will check that the unit is empty, clean and in good condition. This step is essential to avoid any extra charges and to confirm the cancellation.

6. Confirm Your Cancellation

Once the final inspection is complete, confirm your cancellation with the company. You may receive a final bill or a confirmation email, detailing any remaining balances or refunds.

Tips for Clearing Your Storage Unit

Regardless of how easy it can be to cancel your storage unit, moving everything out presents a whole other challenge. Depending on the size of your unit, the stuff you’ve got stored and how well you’ve organised your storage unit, moving out could be harder than moving in!

Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to make the moving out easy and stress-free, such as:

Review and Organise Your Inventory

Before you begin moving, take some time to review your inventory. Check off items as you pack them to ensure nothing is left behind. This will help you stay on top of your move and make unpacking easier.

Dispose of Items Responsibly

As you clear out your storage unit, you might find items you no longer need. Instead of throwing them away haphazardly, find out the best way to discard them. Many facilities have specific disposal guidelines, so follow these to avoid fines and to be kind to the environment.

Clearly Label Your Boxes

While labelling boxes is one of our top storage unit tips, it’s best utilised before you move in. However, if you didn’t label your boxes then, there may still be time to quickly check the contents of each box and write what’s inside it. As well as helping you identify the contents quickly, clear labelling will also ensure fragile items are handled with care.

Ensure Safe Transport of Your Belongings

To avoid damage during transport, make sure you don’t overload your moving vehicle. If necessary, make multiple trips or hire a larger van to accommodate all your items safely, as a well-packed vehicle can prevent items from shifting and getting damaged on the way.

Seek Help When Needed

Moving can be a big task, especially when dealing with heavy or bulky items. Don’t hesitate to ask friends for help or hire a moving professional. Even just one extra pair of hands can make the process quicker, safer and less stressful, ensuring your belongings are moved without damage and reducing the risk of injury.

Cancel Your Storage Insurance

Once you’ve cleared your storage unit, don’t forget to cancel any storage insurance you might have — especially if you bought insurance through a third-party provider. This can save you additional costs and complete the move-out process.

FAQs

What Happens If You Stop Paying for Storage?

If you stop paying for your storage unit, most companies will send reminders and give you a grace period to make the payment. However, late payments can result in late fees and continued non-payment can result in your belongings being auctioned off by the storage provider to recover the costs. If you’re worried that you’ll miss a storage payment, it’s best to contact your provider as soon as possible.

How Do I Give Notice to a Storage Unit?

At Pay Less For Storage, you don’t need to give any notice — just let us know when you’ve cleared out your unit. We’ll then check you’ve left it in good condition and refund you for any unused time. Other companies will usually ask that you give them seven to 30 days’ notice via email, phone or an online portal.

Can You Cancel a Storage Unit at Any Time?

Yes, you can cancel your storage unit at any time with Pay Less For Storage by simply letting us know once you’ve cleared your unit. Most other companies require a notice period, so be sure to check your contract for specific details.