Is it possible to break a self storage unit lease? That’s the question all-too-many people find themselves asking. Unfortunately, there is no easy answer. While there are ways to get out of a self storage lease, none of them are particularly attractive. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t move on by moving out your stuff. Trouble is, it’s often not that simple. But you can find a way out and stop draining your wallet. In other words, there are way to break a self storage unit lease or move on through other methods.
Is it Possible to Break a Self Storage Unit Lease?
Okay, so one of the best scenarios is to use a quick, end of lease storage unit cleanout. To put it another way, have the unit emptied just before the lease ends (and before the renewal option is due). Sadly, too many people who rent a storage unit treat it as a complete afterthought. It’s not until it’s nearly too late or actually too late to take action to make a clean break. The point is to stop incurring the expense.Some self-storage contracts spell out terms in plain language while others might leave you utterly confused. It’s smart to brush up on lease agreements before you sign on the dotted line. “If a manager is doing his or her job, there shouldn’t be any surprises,” said Kelly Epps, property manager at Pioneer Stor & Lok in Columbus, GA, who said she sits down with customers to make sure they understand their lease agreements. —SpareFoot.comTo get to that end, you’ve got to have a plan. After all, you rented the space for a reason. So, consider hosting a yard sale to make some money, while also emptying out the storage unit. You’ll have to decide in advance what you plan to do with your belongings. So, it’s best to make a list of what’s inside and then formulate a plan about what to do with each item. Then, you can concentrate on trying to break the self storage unit lease. Here are a few suggestions for how to get out of a storage lease:
- Pay the balance owed. Perhaps the most obvious way to get out of a lease is to just pay out what’s owed. It might be possible to pay to quit and that’s usually more worthwhile than just the dollars it costs in the long-term. Sure, you’ll fork over some dough but will save big over time.
- Clear it out and then wait. Another, less expensive option is to simply wait it out. Before you just let the clock run, take the time to clean it out completely. Be sure to read your contract to know what standards are expected so you don’t accidentally leave yourself on the hook.
- Try to transfer the lease contract. It could be possible to transfer the lease, although this is typically prohibited. You can try to enter a written agreement with someone else who’ll take over the payments and store their own belongings. But, this isn’t recommended because it opens a lot of risk.
- Submit a request for lease release. You might have the option to request a release from the self storage lease. Although this is unlikely, some self storage facilities will allow renters to go free. Though odds are against it, this is certainly worth a try.
