Sharing storage with friends – good or bad?

When you are moving, there is a possibility that you actually might need a storage unit. And it is very common to hear that friends are sharing a storage unit and in that way saving money. But, sharing storage with friends – is it a really good idea? You can easily find local storage and ask for a price. And, since you are moving and you need a storage unit fast you can easily decide to share it with friends. But, that can easily become a nightmare. So, before you decide that – you need to think about all the reasons why is that good idea, but also why is it a bad idea. We will do our best to give you reasons for both, so you can easily decide in the end.

Sharing storage with friends can be tricky

Well, as you probably know – all of us go through different periods in our life. And although in one point it might seem like you will be friends forever, in the next – you can easily get into an argument. And having to share something serious as a storage unit can be very tricky. It can become a big obstacle for your friendship if you don’t create an agreement before you decide to sign the lease for a storage unit. Besides that, you need to be sure that you have the same goal before renting a storage unit.

Someone needs to be in charge

When you decide to share a storage unit with friends – someone needs to be in charge. Although, the best option when you decide to sign the lease is to get everyone to sign it. That way – if anything happens everyone will share the same responsibility. With all those names on the lease you will avoid all possible issues, and all fo you will have the same rights all the time. As we mentioned, there is always a possibility that you can get into an argument with your friend. And if your name is not on the lease – it can cause you a lot of problems down the road. Sharing storage with friends will save you a lot of money, but if you don’t start it on the right foot it can cause you a lot of problems. For example, certain items need to be in a climate-controlled storage unit, but what if your friends change their mind after some time? You will get stuck with all those belongings. But if you all sign the lease – you will be much safer.

How to determine what type of storage you need?

Well, this is something that you need to clear with your friends. All of you need to sit down and create a list of all the items you plan on storing. If you have some specialty items you will probably need help from movers Fort Lee NJ. They simply have the experience of how to relocate different sorts of belongings, and also they can advise you what is the type of the storage unit you need. You might need a simple storage unit, but you might need a climate-controlled storage unit. Clarify with your friends do you need a storage unit that has video surveillance or not. Those are all small details, but you need to make sure that you are on the same page. 

Paying the bills for a shared unit

When you rent a storage unit by yourself- you are the one in charge when it will be paid. But when you are sharing storage with friends – you need to determine how all of you will be paying for this. Normally, you should agree that everyone is paying the same portion of the total rent for one month. But, also you need to make sure and talk about what happens if someone can’t afford to pay it anymore? Of course, you will pay for a month or two, but what happens if your friends can’t afford it any more? You need to consider this when you are deciding should you share a storage unit with friends. This is a very important aspect and makes sure to talk it through.

What is a good side of sharing storage with friends?

Well, one thing that comes to your mind is that you will save a lot of money this way. You will still get a good storage unit, but you won’t be paying the full price. That simply means that you can get a better storage unit. You can also take all the precaution steps from keeping the storage from getting the mold to getting some quality shelves and boxes for your storage units. And of course, one of the good sides is the fact that you will have the option to keep more belongings than you originally planned when you started the relocation process.

What are the bad sides of sharing a storage unit with friends?

Well, as we mentioned before – and we don’t say this will happen – what happens if you get into an argument with your friends? What happens with your belongings if that happens? You simply need to consider all the options before you decide to rent the storage unit together. The ideal scenario is that you never get into an argument and you use the storage unit together for years. But what happens if that is not the case? You need to take that into consideration. Also, one of the bad sides is that your friend needs a regular storage unit and you need a climate-controlled one. It changes the price, and your friends might not be okay with it. For example, you hired fine art movers NJ to help you relocate4 your art into storage, and naturally, you need a good and quality storage unit – while on the other hand, your friend needs only a basic one? How you will reach an agreement in this case? Talk about that with your friends. 

Make the decision in peace

The most important thing when making a decision like this one is to take your time. Talk with your friends, and make sure that you are all on the same page and that you need and want the same type of storage unit. Also, do not forget to place all the names on the lease. Take your time, and choose what is best for you and your friendship.