Storage tips

 People rent storage space for a variety of reasons. According to John Steckler, Vice President of marketing for Shurgard Storage Center the most common is, “The person might be thinking, My house isn’t ready yet, so I’ll put my stuff in storage for awhile or maybe, I’m moving into a smaller home, so I’ll need to put some stuff into storage or even there is too much stuff for me to unpack right now, so I’ll put some of it in storage for awhile”. John goes further to say, “ And sometime the stuff stays in storage for a long time”.

 Having too much stuff is the second most common reason people need storage. “Maybe, there was a birth in the family, or a parent is moving in, or the furnishings have been rearranged. Having too mush stuff has become a more accepted reason to need storage space” Steckler says. People also rely on storage space for more traditional reasons, including getting divorced, being evicted from an apartment, deciding to remodel their home or having their home damaged by fire or another destructive natural force.

 Storage space prices vary. Costs will depend upon supply and demand in the local area, land value (single largest expense), and the type of storage. Here are three types...
     Type A storage features the latest in amenities such as security cameras, electrical gates, secure locking systems, concrete storage units, and brick walls. 
     Type B storage usually consists of a mix of metal and concrete storage units surrounded by a fence. This type may or may not have security cameras. 
     Type C storage offers low-budget, no frills storage units. This type of storage unit usually provides little or no security. Property stored in this type of facility is generally of low value.

 Storage units are generally rented on a month to month basis. This means you can cancel at anytime, but it also means rates can rise at anytime as well. If your storage space rental is on a month to month basis inquire about the company’s “rent increase policy”. Most large chain storage companies will not increase your rent for at least the first six months.

 It is difficult to estimate how much space you will need. Most people rent more space than they require. If you do not plan to access your property it is best to stack it. You will want to make best use of the entire storage space. One common mistake is to try to create an aisle in a small storage space. According to Steckler, “If you want an aisle, you need to get a bigger space”.

 Storage facilities rarely keep keys to individual storage units. If you lose your keys gaining access will be your responsibility and may involve hiring a locksmith. Only those persons whose name appears on the rental agreement will have access so if you intend to share space be sure to include both parties.

 Renters are responsible for insuring the stored goods. Some storage facilities offer limited insurance coverage with prices based upon the value of the goods.