Got self storage questions before you rent? You’re in good company. Renting a unit for the first time can feel like a big step, especially in the middle of a move. Fortunately, most of the answers are short and simple once someone lays them out plainly.
Plenty of people are asking, too. According to PwC and the Urban Land Institute’s Emerging Trends in Real Estate report, the share of U.S. households renting at least one storage unit rose from 11.1 percent in 2022 to 13.4 percent in 2024. That was the largest jump in the Self Storage Association’s recurring study.
Our FAQ page covers the basics in a sentence or two. This guide goes further. Below, we answer the 12 self storage questions Pembroke renters ask us most, from gate codes and 24/7 access to autopay and how to cancel.
Getting Started: Self Storage Questions About Renting
1. How does self storage work?
It’s simple. You rent a private unit, fill it with your things, and come and go as you please. At Sid’s Self Storage in Pembroke, every unit is drive-up, ground-floor, and fully enclosed. So you can pull right up to your door, unload, and get on with your day. You pay monthly, and you move out whenever you’re done.
2. How do I rent a storage unit online?
Online rental takes about five minutes. First, pick a size on our Rent Now page. Next, upload your ID and sign the rental agreement electronically. Then pay, and your gate code arrives by email right away. In other words, you skip the office visit and the wait. Prefer to talk it through? Call (912) 574-4473 and rent by phone instead.
3. What size unit do I need?
We offer three sizes. A 5×10 holds about a small closet’s worth, such as seasonal decor or dorm overflow. A 10×10 fits roughly a one-bedroom apartment. Meanwhile, a 10×20 works like a two-car garage and can hold a three-bedroom home. Still unsure? Try the size calculator on our home page, or call us for a quick recommendation.
4. How much does a storage unit cost?
Rates vary by size and availability, so we post current pricing in real time on the Rent Now page. That way, you always see today’s price instead of an outdated number. Also, use promo code MOVEINNOW to save on your first month.
Self Storage Questions About Gate Codes and 24/7 Access
Next up are the self storage questions we hear right after someone rents: how to get in, and when.
5. When can I get to my unit?
Anytime. Your gate code works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round, even on holidays. As a result, you can unload after a late shift, before sunrise, or on a Sunday afternoon. You never have to plan around office hours.
6. How do gate codes work?
Each tenant gets a personal gate code by email after renting. You simply enter it at the keypad, and the gate opens. Our system also logs every entry to the code that opened the gate, so your code stays tied to your account.
That’s exactly why your code should stay private. Insurer Amica puts it plainly: “Don’t share your code or key.” Likewise, don’t let another car follow you through the gate. Our storage unit etiquette guide explains why that matters for everyone.
7. Is Sid’s Self Storage secure?
We keep protection simple and practical. You need a gate code to enter the property, the yard stays well lit at night, and every unit is fully enclosed. In addition, Amica suggests bringing your own disc or cylinder lock. Whatever lock you choose, use it every time, even for a quick trip back to the car.
Self Storage Questions About Payments and Contracts
8. Do I have to sign a long-term lease?
No. Every unit at Sid’s rents month-to-month, with no long-term contract. Stay for one month or for as long as you need. Because of that flexibility, a unit works well during a move, a remodel, or a busy season.
9. How do I pay, and can I use autopay?
You can pay your bill online at any time, day or night. Better yet, turn on autopay and let it run in the background. That way, your rent goes out on time, even when life gets hectic.
10. Do I need insurance for my stored things?
Yes. Sid’s requires contents coverage at move-in. The good news is that your homeowners or renters policy may already help. Amica explains that many policies include off-premises coverage, although the limits are often lower. For example, a $50,000 personal property limit with a 10% off-premises cap may give you “up to $5,000 of protection for items in storage, minus your deductible.” So call your agent before move-in day, and snap a few photos of what you store.
Moving Out: How to Cancel and What Not to Store
11. How do I cancel my storage unit?
Since every rental is month-to-month, you can cancel anytime with no penalty. Just call us at (912) 574-4473 or email sid@sidwashere.com to share your move-out plans. Then clear out your unit. Your rental agreement spells out the details, so keep a copy handy.
At the same time, think about autopay. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau notes that canceling a service and stopping automatic payments are separate steps. It suggests telling the company whether you are “canceling your ongoing contract or subscription, or only changing the way you are paying.” So when you call, ask us to close your rental and stop autopay together.
What if you cancel before your rental even starts? Our terms and conditions say deposits are non-refundable. Cancellations made at least 14 days before the start date get a 50% refund, while later cancellations get no refund.
12. What can’t I store?
Nearly every facility bans hazardous materials, flammables, perishable food, and living things, and your rental agreement lists the full rules. For a complete rundown, read our guide on what not to store in a storage unit. Then follow our tips on how to pack a storage unit to keep everything safe and easy to reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sid’s the same as Bacon’s Self Storage?
Yes. It’s the same facility at 102 W Industrial Blvd, now under new local ownership with an updated online rental system.
Where is Sid’s Self Storage?
We sit just off GA-119 in Pembroke, about two minutes from I-16 Exit 143. Ellabell is about 10 minutes away, and Richmond Hill is about 22.
Can I move in the same day I rent?
Yes. Rent online, get your gate code by email, and move in the same day.
Who can answer my other questions?
For any other self storage questions, call (912) 574-4473, email sid@sidwashere.com, or use our contact page. Sid’s is locally owned, so you get a real person on the line.
Ready for Easy Storage in Pembroke? Rent Today
Sid’s Self Storage, formerly Bacon’s Self Storage, sits at 102 W Industrial Blvd in Pembroke. Our gated, well-lit property offers 24/7 access, drive-up units, and month-to-month rentals with no long-term contract. And whatever self storage questions come up next, we’re always happy to help.
Rent online now in about five minutes, and use promo code MOVEINNOW for your first month. Have questions? Contact us or call (912) 574-4473.
Sources: PwC and Urban Land Institute, “Emerging Trends in Real Estate: Self-Storage,” https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/financial-services/asset-wealth-management/real-estate/emerging-trends-in-real-estate-pwc-uli/property-type-outlook/self-storage.html ; Amica Insurance, “Storage Unit Insurance: What’s Covered?,” https://www.amica.com/resources/home/storage-unit-insurance ; Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, “How do I stop automatic payments from my bank account?,” https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-i-stop-automatic-payments-from-my-bank-account-en-2023/ ; Sid’s Self Storage, FAQ and Terms and Conditions pages.
