The Contract Question
When you're looking for equipment storage, you'll face a choice: sign a long-term lease (usually 12+ months) or go month-to-month.
The right answer depends on your business. Let's break it down.
Long-Term Contracts: Pros and Cons
Advantages
**Lower monthly rate** — Often 10-20% discount**Locked-in pricing** — Protected from increases**Guaranteed space** — Won't lose your spot**Relationship building** — Become a priority tenant
Disadvantages
**Commitment required** — Hard to exit if business changes**Upfront costs** — May require larger deposit**Inflexibility** — Can't easily downsize**Penalty clauses** — Breaking lease costs money
Best For
Established contractors with predictable needsBusinesses with stable, year-round workCompanies planning expansionThose who've already tested the facility
Month-to-Month: Pros and Cons
Advantages
**Maximum flexibility** — Leave when you want**No long-term commitment** — Test before committing**Seasonal scaling** — Add space in busy season, reduce in slow**Lower risk** — If business changes, you adapt**Simple exit** — Usually 30 days notice
Disadvantages
**Higher monthly rate** — Typically 10-20% more**Price increases possible** — No rate lock**Space not guaranteed** — Could lose spot (rare but possible)**Less negotiating power** — Short-term tenants get fewer perks
Best For
New contractors testing storage needsSeasonal businesses (landscaping, roofing, concrete)Growing companies with uncertain needsBusinesses in transition or relocation
The Seasonal Factor
Many contractors have seasonal businesses:
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Month-to-month lets you match storage costs to actual needs.
Example: A landscaper might need 5,000 sq ft in spring but only 2,000 sq ft in winter. With month-to-month, they save thousands annually by scaling.
Cost Comparison
Let's do the math for a 2,500 sq ft yard:
Long-Term (12-month) Contract
Monthly rate: $400Annual cost: $4,800**Total: $4,800**
Month-to-Month (Seasonal Scaling)
Peak months (Apr-Oct): $500 x 7 = $3,500Off-peak (Nov-Mar): $300 x 5 = $1,500 (smaller space)**Total: $5,000**
Difference is only $200/year, but month-to-month gives you flexibility to:
Cancel if you get a big contract elsewhereExpand quickly if you land more workDownsize further if needed
Questions to Ask Before Signing
For Long-Term Contracts
What's the penalty for early termination?Can I add space mid-contract?What happens at renewal — auto-renew? Rate change?Are there any guaranteed rate increases?What's included vs. extra?
For Month-to-Month
How much notice to cancel?How often can rates change?What's the policy if you need to downsize?Is my space guaranteed or first-come?Can I switch to long-term later?
Our Recommendation
Start month-to-month, then evaluate.
Here's why:
**Test the facility** — Make sure it works for your operation**Understand your needs** — Actual usage often differs from estimates**Build relationship** — Become a known tenant before committing**Negotiate from strength** — Long-term offer after proving reliability
After 3-6 months, you'll know if the facility works and whether long-term makes sense.
The Longyards Approach
We offer both options because contractors have different needs:
Month-to-Month
No long-term commitment30-day notice to cancelFlexible space adjustmentsPerfect for testing or seasonal needs
Annual Agreements
10-15% monthly discountRate lock for the yearPriority for space requestsBest for established contractors
You can always switch from month-to-month to annual when you're ready.
Find Flexible Storage That Works for You
No pressure, no long-term commitment required. Try us month-to-month and see why contractors stay.
Get started today