The Ins and Outs of Paying Your Self Storage Bill

Paying your self storage bill doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. With a range of payment options, understanding late fees, and tips for budgeting, you can easily stay on top of your storage payments. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about paying for your self storage unit so you can avoid any surprises or headaches.

Overview of Payment Options

Most storage facilities offer several ways for you to pay your monthly bill. The most common options are:

• In Person Payments You can stop by the storage facility office and pay with cash check or credit card. This allows you to pay upfront each month.

• Online Payments Many facilities let you login to an online portal to pay by credit card or bank account through an e-check, This allows contactless payments

• Auto Pay You can enroll in auto pay to have your credit card or bank account charged automatically each month This ensures you never miss a payment

• Mail-In Payments: Some facilities allow you to mail in a physical check or money order each month. This is an old-school option.

• Over the Phone Payments: Some places let you use a credit card or an e-check to make a payment over the phone. This is convenient but may have fees.

The most popular options tend to be online payments through a facility portal or enrolling in auto pay. These digital options allow easy contactless payments each month. However, choose the option that best fits your needs and payment preferences.

Understanding Late Fees and Grace Periods

To avoid extra fees, it’s important to know what your facility’s rules are about late payments. Here’s what to understand:

• Due Date: Your storage bill is typically due on the same day each month, depending on your facility. Your lease agreement should state the exact date.

• Many places don’t charge late fees for 5 to 10 days after your due date. This is called the “grace period.” Some, though, don’t give you a grace period, so the late fee starts as soon as the due date.

• Late Fee Amount: The late fee is usually a flat rate, such as $10 or $20. This is charged per month you pay late. Some facilities charge a percentage, such as 10% of the monthly rate.

• Additional Fees: If you go multiple months without paying, some facilities will begin charging additional fees on top of the late fees, such as a lien fee. This varies by facility.

• Potential for Lock Change/Auction: If you are severely late on payments, such as 2+ months, your unit contents may be auctioned. Your lock will be changed first so you cannot access it.

To avoid headaches, understand your facility’s policies and make sure to pay on time each month. Setting payment reminders can help prevent ever being late.

Budgeting and Planning for Your Storage Bill

Since your storage bill is a fixed recurring cost, it’s important to budget for it each month. Here are some tips:

• Account for it in your budget: Add your storage unit payment amount to your monthly housing expenses budget so you plan for it.

• Set payment reminders: Mark your calendar or set email/text reminders for a few days before your due date so you never forget.

• Check for rate increase clauses: Your lease may allow rates to increase after 6 months or a year. Factor this into your budget.

• Inquire about discounts: Ask if any discounts are available, such as for automatic payments, pre-paying 6+ months, etc. This can lower your monthly costs.

• Downsize if needed: If your budget gets tight, consider downsizing units or sharing with someone to lower costs.

• Use automatic payments: Enrolling in auto pay ensures you never miss a payment due to forgetting.

• Watch for fees: Avoid late fees by paying on time. Also watch for other fees like overlock fees if you lose your lock.

With some planning and organization, you can easily account for your storage bill in your budget. Reach out to the storage facility office if you ever have payment questions or concerns.

Payment Troubleshooting Issues

Sometimes issues can come up with making storage payments on time. Here are some potential problems and solutions:

Lost/Forgotten Login Details: If you forgot your online portal username or password, you can call or visit the office to have it reset. Bring ID to verify.

Card Declined: If your credit card on file gets declined, try updating the card information online. If it continues, you may need a new payment method.

Incorrect Billing Date: If you think your bill’s due date is wrong, contact the office to verify the correct date per your lease.

Auto Pay Not Working: If you enrolled in auto pay but notice payments aren’t processing, call the office to troubleshoot the issue and correct it.

Bank Account Changes: If your account on file for payments changes, be sure to update your details so payments still go through.

Vacation/Time Away: If you’ll be away during your bill cycle, prepay or set reminders to pay online to avoid late fees.

Job Loss/Financial Hardship: If you’re struggling financially, talk to the facility manager to explain the situation and see if arrangements can be made.

The bottom line is if any issues ever come up, communicate with the storage facility office right away to resolve them. They want to keep receiving your payments.

Comparing Payment Options at Top Storage Chains

While payment methods are generally similar across storage chains, there can be some differences in policies, fees and web portals between major national brands. Here is an overview:

Public Storage

• Online portal and auto pay options
• Standard late fees apply after 10 days
• Lien fee and lock change after 30 days late
• Phone payments available but incur fees

Extra Space Storage

• Online payments and auto pay available
• 10 day grace period before $20 late fee
• Auction after 60 days past due
• Mobile app allows easy payments

CubeSmart

• Online payments and auto pay options
• 10 day grace period before late fees
• Storage auction after 30 days late
• Kiosks at facilities allow contactless payments

Life Storage

• Online and mobile app payments available
• No set grace period, late fees apply after due date
• Storage auction after 30 days past due
• Recurring card payments incur fees

While core payment methods are similar, each company has differences like days of grace periods and late fee amounts. Review policies at a facility before signing a lease.

Storing Items When You Can’t Afford Payments

If your financial situation changes and you can no longer afford your storage unit payments, you have a few options:

• Downsize Units: Transferring to a smaller, cheaper unit could lower your monthly costs.

• Find Cheaper Facility: You may find similar units for less at other nearby facilities, allowing you to move and save.

• Discuss Payment Plans: Talk to the manager about altered payment arrangements that work for your budget until you get back on your feet.

• Access Assistance Programs: Some facilities work with assistance programs that may be able to help make payments for a few months.

• Sell Contents: Have a yard sale or sell items online you’ve stored to earn cash to pay off the unit and clear it out.

• Auction Contents: If you fall severely behind, your unit will go to auction. Any proceeds left over after paying off the unit would go to you.

The key is communicating with the storage facility office early on if you anticipate missed payments. They’ll want to work with you to keep you as a tenant if possible.

Key Takeaways on Self Storage Bill Pay

• Evaluate payment options like auto pay and online payments for convenience
• Understand your facility’s late fees and grace periods to avoid penalties
• Budget appropriately each month to ensure you can pay on time
• Set reminders for your due date and check for rate hikes
• Address any payment issues quickly by contacting the office
• Compare policies and portals across national storage chains
• If struggling financially, discuss options with the manager early on

Paying your storage bill doesn’t have to be a hassle. With some planning and organization, you can easily stay on top of payments each month and maintain access to your unit. Reach out to storage facilities with any questions!