What is Self Storage?
Self Storage is a Storage Facility where you can store your excess items when you don’t have room anywhere else to store it. You are in charge of storing your own items and it’s your responsibility for packing and unpacking your unit. You can do this at your leisure within the access hours allowed. You get to put a lock on the unit and usually you are the only one with a key. You are able to come and go as you please within those available hours to store more items, visit your items or take out items when needed. You don’t have to set up a time with a store employee to access your items. You also know where your items are since you put them there and you don’t have to worry about anyone else going through your things.
Why do I need storage?
There are many reasons why people may need storage. Some of the reasons include that they need extra space in the garage, or they are doing some remodeling and need to store the furniture from the room to complete the renovations. People also need storage because one home has sold before the other one has been completed. Many soldiers and other military personnel that are deploying or going to an assignment out of the country will need to store their belongings while gone. Relocating or moving is not the only reason for storage; if your storage or attic is too full and needing additional storage space then a storage unit is for you. A storage unit is also a good place to store gifts for the holiday season or graduation presents and other special events that call for storage.
What’s the difference between climate controlled and a standard unit?
Climate controlled units are typically used for anything that is sensitive to extremely cold or hot weather, such as electronics, antique wood, leather furniture, oil paintings. Climate controlled units are temperature controlled, meaning it is cooled in the summer and heated in the winter.If you feel comfortable storing your items in your garage then you could store your items in a standard unit.
Why should I reserve a unit in advance?
Storage units are rented out daily, so if you need a unit, you should reserve it in advance as quickly as possible to ensure that you have something when you need it. Reservations are taken all day for units, so availability constantly changes and you don’t want to be stuck without a unit when you need one. If you have a unit reserved, then you don’t have to worry about it being available when you get there, and if there is a special on that unit, it will also lock in the special so you are sure to get that as well.
Can someone else come in and rent for me?
Yes, absolutely. The unit would then need to be in their name, because they need to show proof of id. when they come in to rent. If you want to switch the paperwork over to your name, you can do that at a later time and would need to show proof of your I.D. This usually happens when someone cannot make it in to the store themselves to rent the unit, such as someone who is sick, out of town or just too busy.
Why do I need insurance?
Insurance is for your protection. It’s like any other insurance that you may have, such as life insurance, car insurance, renters or home owners insurance, or even health insurance. You don’t ever anticipate anything ever happening to where you would need to have the insurance, but it’s there just in case you do.
It gives you the peace of mind knowing that your things are covered so you don’t have to worry about it.
How much insurance do I need?
The amount of insurance you need depends upon what your needs are. Coverage varies and you can choose what is suitable for you. Typically the amount of insurance is based on the value of your items. Whether you purchase insurance through the store location or through an insurance agency, they can discuss with you what would work best.
Where can I purchase insurance?
If you have renters or homeowners insurance, check your policy as it may also cover storage. If it does, they you can simply use the current policy that you have. You may also able to purchase insurance directly through the storage facility itself. Most Storage facilities offer insurance, or a protection plan. You can also purchase insurance through an insurance agency. Many are listed in the phonebook. Sometimes the store can also refer you to an agency.
Does the storage facility supply a lock for my unit?
All storage facilities sell locks and they usually offer various locks to choose from with different types, sizes and colors. Very rarely do storage facilities supply the lock for you, but there are some that do. In those cases, they will either give you a free lock to use, or one that you can have. In a more rare case, the storage facility will have you put one of their locks on they unit, but highly suggest that you use a second lock of your own. n most cases, however, you can simply use your own lock. You want to check with the store to see if it needs to be a certain type of lock.
What type of lock do I need?
Usually you can use whatever type of lock you feel comfortable using. Any type of lock will be sufficient for the storage units as the lock hole is large enough to accommodate any type of lock. However, some stores do require that you use a particular type of lock. Check with the store location to see if they require you to use a specific kind of lock. If they don’t require a specific type of lock to be used, then, you can choose between a padlock or cylinder lock which both requires a key, or the combination lock which requires the use of memorizing the combination numbers.
What if I lose the key to my lock, or forget the combination to it?
It’s always best to write down the combination to your lock in a couple of different safe places, in case you forget. The same goes with copies of a key if you have a key lock. However, if you do lose the combination or the key and you need to have the lock cut off, there is generally a fee that is attached for the manager to use the bolt cutters and cut the lock off. And if you aren’t moving out of the unit at that time, then you need to replace the lock before leaving the property.
Do you give me a key to my unit?
In most cases, you are responsible for supplying a lock, whether it needs to be purchased at the store location, or you are able to bring your own lock in. Either way, you would then be the one who holds the key and supplies your own key with the purchase of the lock. In rare cases, the store that you choose to rent from might have you use one of their own locks. In that case, they would give you the key as well.
What type of storage and moving supplies do storage facilities offer?
Some only offer locks and no other types of supplies. With those stores you would have purchase any other needed supplies from elsewhere. Other stores can offer anything, from tape, tape dispensers, bubble wrap, various sizes and types of boxes, measuring tape, mattress covers, crates, packing paper, foam wrap, dish protection kits, garage sale labels, garage sale signs, chair covers, couch covers, storage labels, packing peanuts, stretch wrap, protective garment bags, protective suit covers, cardboard chests of drawers, shelving, hooks, show organizers, sweater organizers, etc. Depending on the store that you are renting from, storage and moving supplies differ from store to store. Check with the store that you’re renting from.
Why is the price higher for Drive up access?
Not all properties charge more for a drive up unit, but most do. Generally it’s because the drive up units are easier to get to, making them more popular and less available for rent. Its ease of use allows you to drive right up to the unit so you can simply unload your belongings and store in to the unit, without having to go through a hallway to get to your storage.
Why is the price cheaper for an upstairs unit?
Most storage facilities will charge less for an upstairs unit because it’s not as easily accessible as say a first floor unit or a drive up unit. It may take a little more effort to get to an upstairs unit since you usually have to go through a hallway and use either an elevator or the stairway to get to the unit.
How secure are storage facilities?
Storage facilities have become very secure over the years with different types of security features available. When calling for storage check on the security features that they offer. Security features can range from an access controlled gate, video cameras, motion censored lighting, on site managers that live on the property, limited access hours, door alarms, police patrolled lots, and other various features. Stores also vary from site to site as to how many different types of these security features they offer at a particular location. The best way to judge a location is to visit the actual site and see for your self.
What do I need to get a storage unit?
You need to have a valid picture ID whether it’s a driver’s license or state, student or military identification card to rent a unit. You are also required to have a lock to secure your unit once you rent it as you are then held responsible for the unit. The total amount of rent and any possible deposits, administrations fees and insurance requirements must also be met before you are able to move your items into a storage unit.
What can I put into storage?
One can put just about anything that they desire to put into the storage unit such as items from the home, garage or business. As long as the contents do not exceed the acquired amount of space of the storage unit itself. Items included would be such items as, furniture, appliances, boxes, totes, clothes, appliances, equipment, lumber, vehicles, etc. Some restrictions may apply. The main guideline for storage items not allowed would be dead or living organisms, perishable foods or flammables.
What is the administration fee for?
The administration fee covers a variety of reasons. Mainly it is used to complete your paperwork and get your name and information into the system. Administration fee’s are a one time fee which covers anything from issuing you your own personal identification code to get in and out of the gate, the use of the dollies and pushcarts, the use of the dumpster on site or maybe even the use of a lock. You can check directly with the store.
Could I store a car at a storage facility?
Yes. It is possible to store a vehicle at a storage property as long as they have the means to offer it and your vehicle meets the stores requirements.Typically vehicles do have to be in running condition, titled, registered and insured in the renters name and no mechanical work can be done on the property. This includes RV’s, trucks, cars and motorcycles.
I know someone who’s been renting with the store for a long time and their car doesn’t run. Why can’t I store my non-running vehicle there?
Most likely the property used to offer spaces for rent when for vehicles that didn’t run and sometime between then and now, they have changed their policies and they no longer offer it. You can still ask when you are calling around if they offer it, and if you find a location that does accept non-running vehicles, you’ve gotten very lucky.
What kind on unit could I store a car in?
There are a couple different options you could choose from when storing a vehicle. You could either go with an inside storage unit that is set up like a garage where you can put your own lock on the unit. Another option is that you can store your vehicle on the property outside in the parking lot which is usually behind a security gate. Very few places may also offer vehicle storage that is a warehouse style unit. This is where all vehicles are stored but under one roof.
What’s the difference between storing a car inside of a unit rather than outside in the parking lot?
If you store your vehicle inside of an individual storage unit, you have protection against any climactic changes outside. You also have a lock on the unit where you are the only one to be able to access the space. If it is stored in the warehouse style unit, it is still out the weather. These inside vehicle units are more expensive because you do get that extra protection. The outside parking spaces are open to any weather changes thus making those spaces less expensive. These spaces are easier to get in and out of as well. If you prefer to pay a less expensive unit, you could go with the outside space and use a car cover.
How tall are storage units?
Unit heights will vary from store to store so you want to check with them when calling, especially if you have large pieces; whether it’s furniture or other items like lumber or siding. Generally, ceiling heights can range anywhere from 8 feet tall up to about 13 feet tall for your standard storage unit. There is also locker size units offered that generally range from 3 feet to 5 feet tall. These types of units are for those who only need to store a couple of boxes or bags of items.
Do I have to worry about pests in the units?
Storage facilities do monthly pest control, so you shouldn’t have to worry about pests. There is no guarantee that you would never have a pest inside of your storage unit, but there are ways that you too can help protect your items of pests. You can make sure that all of your boxes are taped very well including the sides and corners of the boxes as well as the use of furniture covers whenever possible. There are also products that can be purchased at most storage facilities that you can also put inside of your unit. Check with your local store.
How do I know what size to rent?
The 5x5 is the size of a small half bathroom and is perfect for storing small furniture such as a chair or tall dresser as well as miscellaneous items and boxes. It can also hold approximately 30 standard file size boxes on shelves with access or 36 file size boxes without shelves and boxes.
The 5x10 is the size of a large closet and is great for storing the contents of 1 to 1 ½ rooms of furniture or 48 standard size file boxes with shelves and access or 84 standard file size boxes without shelves and access.
The 5x15 is the size of a large walk-in closet and holds about 3 rooms of furniture such as a 1 bedroom apartment without appliances plus small items and boxes. If you are only storing boxes, this unit will hold about 66 files size boxes on shelves with access or 132 file size boxes without shelves and access.
The 10x10 is the size of an average bedroom and holds 4 rooms of furniture and miscellaneous items, or you can store 108 file size boxes on shelves with access or 168 file size boxes without shelves or aisles.
The 10x15 is the size of an extra small garage which holds up to 5 rooms of furniture i.e. a 2 bedroom home full of furniture, or 156 standard file size boxes on shelves with access or 294 file size boxes without shelves or aisles.
The 10x20 unit is the size of a 1 car garage which holds the contents of 2 bedroom home without appliances plus misc. items or 204 file size boxes on shelves with access or 378 file size boxes without shelves or aisles.
The 10x25 unit is ideal for storing a 2 -3 bedroom home or 252 file size boxes on shelves with access or 504 file size boxes without shelves or aisles.
The 10x30 unit is the size of a 1 ½ car garage, and holds the contents of a 3 bedroom home plus appliances or 300 file size boxes on shelves with access or 588 standard file size boxes without shelves or aisles.