Self Storage Review

How Self-Storage Can Help Your Business

Lately more and more small and large businesses have turned to self-storage over warehouses for their storage needs. There are a few different reasons for this switch including more flexibility, better security, better maintenance policies, and more accessibility. With so many different facilities operating, and the various features each facility offers, businesses need to inform themselves on what to look for in a self-storage company as well as what to do to prepare the contents for storage. Preparations vary according to the items being stored and the length of time of the storage. This article will discuss the various features of self-storage as they pertain to small and large business owners looking for a better solution over the typical warehouse facility.

Warehouses allow people to rent a certain amount of space, or a unit, to store inventory, office supplies and equipment, just about anything a business owner would need storage for. The disadvantages to warehouse storage include limited accessibility, lack of security and maintenance and lack of space options. Warehouse storage can be adequate for items of little value and are not made of materials that are hazardous or likely to attract moisture or pests. If the company is not overly concerned with the security or condition of the items (for example a large supply of cardboard boxes for shipping) than a warehouse may be a viable solution.

However, most businesses do care about their supplies, even those that are of relatively little value. For this reason it is best to use a self-storage facility, which will better protect your company’s items from theft, harsh temperatures, rodents and insects. Warehouses are typically only accessible to customers during normal business hours whereas many self-storage facilities allow renters 24-hour access to their units. Warehouses usually hire a security guard or two to walk around the building periodically, while self-storage companies post guards, use perimeter fencing, security camera and theft-deterrent lighting. To gain access, individuals are usually required to scan a card, or punch in a code on a keypad. Some self-storage facilities have even added thumb print or hand print verification scanners for better security.

There are many possible uses for self-storage facilities for business owners. Business self storage is much safer for storing inventory than renting a warehouse. Your inventory will have less chance of getting stolen, or damaged at a facility with high security, climate controlled environments and protection against vermin. Excess office supplies may not seem important or valuable enough to rent a storage unit for but as any business owner knows, every supply costs money and you would have to find a place to store it somewhere. Finding yourself in the position of having to replace a large bulk of supplies, even inexpensive supplies like paper or file folders, that have been damaged by water, heat or rodents, can add up to hundred of dollars better spent elsewhere. If just one accident like this is prevented, the difference in cost between a warehouse and a self-storage unit has been refunded.

Self-storage containers can be helpful for storing excess office equipment during a move from one office to another. With the correct precautions, even sensitive electronic equipment can be stored for as long as you need. In the event that a seasonal item does not sell as well, you can store the excess inventory in the self-storage unit until the following year or until your business has a clearance sale.

By purchasing office supplies, such as printer paper, in bulk your business can save money. Use the self-storage container to hold the excess supplies until you have need of them. You can also store past documents that need to be saved but do not need to be kept close at hand inside a self-storage unit. Possibilities include tax documents, past employee files, and outdated contracts that may still require service or fall under the limits of legal action.

The majority of indoor self-storage facilities offer climate control, which prevents the unit from becoming colder than 40

According to a recent survey, one in 11 American households rent self storage space. The first self storage facilities originated in Texas in the late 1960s and now nearly 50,000 self-storage facilities have been developed throughout the United States.

Self-storage’s popularity comes from several sources. A recent industry survey indicates that 44% of clients use storage because they are moving, 34% don’t have enough space currently in their homes, and 15% of clients are people with business needs.

The biggest element in the use of self storage is America’s mobility. It is a fact that more households are in transition, whether its because of job opportunities, moving to be closer to grandchildren, or divorce The average American will change residences 11 times in his or her life.

And so many times when moving your household goods you just may need to store your possessions temporarily. Timing is always a factor, whether it’s complications with closing on a house or difficulties in locating a permanent home in a new city, you may find it necessary to store your belongings for a few weeks, a month or maybe even longer.

Or sometimes the move involves family members who just temporarily join your household. For example, what does one do with the recent college graduate’s futon or what happens to Grandpa’s toy train collection when he needs the spare room after an operation? You may find what so many others have that self storage is the answer.

The other way self storage comes to the rescue is by providing extra storage space for those houses with precious little of it. So many older houses have small rooms and even smaller closets. There’s simply not enough room for today’s modern family’s acquisitions. And many of the small houses and ranches so popular in the Sunbelt states, an area that has seen the most population growth in recent years, come without basements. And because it is cheaper for contractors to use trusses rather than rafters, we no longer can spend an afternoon rummaging through Grandmother’s hot and cluttered attic, because attic spaces have all but vanished.

So when reality shows such as The Learning Channel’s Clean Sweep inspires people to get organized, how can they achieve that lean look and still have access to items they are not ready to sell off at a garage sale for fifty cents. Self storage is once again the answer.

And when you’re thinking about self storage: don’t think small. Many of today’s facilities have options to store boats, motorcycles, wave runners and recreational vehicles. So instead of dealing with the complaints and frowns from your neighborhood association, because you parked your camper in your driveway, it’s so much easier to use the self storage solution.

Also, businesses as different as film companies to small stay-at-home-mom offices may need space from time to time. Also with the emergence or so many people selling items on E-Bay, self storage makes sure the business doesn’t consume the home with books, computers or other collectibles. The self storage solution once again is the perfect solution.

So whether you’re looking to store just a few items, selected pieces of furniture, archive your paperwork, save precious mementoes from your youth, get the boat out of the driveway or put most of your possessions in a safe place for a few weeks or more; it’s clear self storage is the answer.

In addition, self storage offers both personal and business users a storage solution that they can almost control themselves. In the past, large storage companies offered limited access, no flexibility, long-term contracts and high charges.

But unlike traditional storage methods, self storage now allows easy access to your storage space free-of-charge. And that means you can take your Christmas decorations out of storage and replace it with your summer camping gear at your convenience. Or you can take Junior’s furniture, books and gear out when he finally gets a job and moves out of the house.

If you’re looking to use self storage, the first difference you’ll notice is that it’s your responsibility to get your stuff to the self storage facility and then pack your goods into the space provided. But this is a great option because it means you can pack your storage space in the way that best suits you. That way you can easily access items without having to unload everything in the unit when you need to get extra lawn chairs for your next family reunion.

And here are a few hints to make storing you items in self storage more efficient. Box everything that you can and make sure you label it for easy identification. If items are in a box they will stay cleaner and free of dust. And make sure you don’t fill large boxes with heavy items such as books. They’ll become impossible to carry and who needs the extra backache? Also, using cardboard boxes or paper bags will keep your items from mildewing. Sealed plastic bags, should be avoided when possible. Remember to store books flat to protects their spines, and remember fragile items such as mirrors and china need the extra protection provided by bubble wrap. Also, make sure your keep an inventory. Make sure to place your inventory list near the front of the unit. That way you know which box the bread maker is in and you can get it out easily to make your favorite loaf of bread for the Thanksgiving feast.

Also, keep in mind most facilities will sell you packing supplies and may even offer removal vehicles to make the whole process quick and simple.

Another big advantage self storage has is that your belongings will be secure. In most cases, the storage unit you lease can only be accessed by yourself and you’ll be the only authorized key holder. Though of course you can authorize others to access your space. In most cases, you’ll be expected to provide your own lock for your self storage space. This gives you an extra guarantee of security.

And keep in mind in the competitive self storage industry, many operators now offer state-of-the art security with such security devices as secured fencing, code-access gates, individual unit alarms, video cameras, security lighting and even guard dogs. Each of these measures focuses on keeping unauthorized people from entering a facility and gaining access to units. This means your personal possessions will many times be safer in self storage than in your own home or business.

And remember, facility operators do not have casual access to the contents of your space. A self storage operator never takes possession, care, custody or control of the contents of the storage rental space unless the issue of non-payment of rent becomes a problem.

Another advantage to self storage is that the units are clean, dry, safe and vermin free. In addition, many facilities offer climate controlled units that allow storage of fine wines, furs, antiques and prescription drugs.

And you can store almost anything in self storage, everything from pots and pans to the mounted deer head your new wife won’t allow in the den. Do keep in mind there are some very basic limitations as to what objects or goods you can store in the self storage units and these vary from one storage company to the other depending on the services each one offers. But, most do not allow their clients to store flammable goods, chemicals, toxic material or anything hazardous. Most storage companies also do not permit storing food or other perishables. So expect to be asked to drain the tanks if you’re storing items with fuel tanks such as lawn mowers. Fuel is one of the few things that you cannot store in a storage unit facility.

If you are like most people, you’ll prefer storing your family belongings as close to your home as possible, or someplace convenient to the roads you use to get around town on a day-to-day basis. At one time the most efficient way to locate a self storage facility was to use the Yellow Pages and then call company after company until you found the right match for your needs. Now you’ll find the Internet is a good place to find units close to home. And websites can often provide you with an easy-to-use, efficient means of obtaining free self storage quotes. You will usually have the opportunity to choose from a vast selection of self-storage facilities. Not only is this a convenient way to quickly locate a self storage facility, but it is also an excellent way to obtain discount moving boxes, and various other packing materials.

Furniture storage is a common request for many self storage companies and businesses. Why would someone need furniture storage? The reasons that you would need furniture storage are many and varied. When you are looking for storage for furniture you should first find a reputable self storage facility. The first reason that many people choose their self storage company is location. There might be a cheaper self storage place across town but convenience always rules out, even price.

Once you have established where you would like to have furniture storage, you will need to decide what size storage unit that will best suit your furniture needs. If you have no idea what size unit you will need, make a mental list or jot down all the pieces of furniture that you will be storing in your self storage unit. Then contact your self storage manager and ask their advice on what size unit they think you will need. Most all self storage companies have a storage guide to help them decide what size self storage unit they should recommend to the customer. The larger the unit size the more it costs, with the exception of any specials or deals a company might be running. Make sure that the height of the unit is taken in consideration when choosing a self storage unit size to store your furniture. The taller the unit means that you will be able to stack items and take advantage of the height rather that the floor dimensions only. The average small self storage unit usually runs about 5×5 and would not be good for storing any large pieces or quantity of furniture. The 5×10 unit could hold some small pieces while the 5×15 and up are better sized for storing your furniture.

Now the next question to ask your self storage facility manager is if you will need climate controlled storage for your furniture. If the self storage business you have chosen has both regular self storage and climate controlled self storage then they will be able to guide you in your decision. Sometimes self storage facilities that do not have climate control self storage will often tell people that they do not need it to store their furniture. They tell people this so that you will rent with them, so do some research and figure out if you will need climate controlled storage. Most of the time people need climate controlled storage for furniture is for antique pieces and leather furniture. The reason these two furniture items require climate controlled self storage is because of the range of temperature and humidity levels. Climate controlled furniture storage helps maintain a constant temperature year round with little or no humidity.

Now you are ready to rent furniture storage. Here are some common reasons why people call and ask for furniture storage.

1.Have extra pieces that you cannot part with but do not have room for at your home

2.Inherited furniture from a loved one Saving furniture for a college grad or newlyweds

3.Remodeling and need space to work Water or smoke damaged furniture waiting to be cleaned

4.Extra office furniture that needs to be kept off site from your business

5.New baby or kids off to college

6.Impending storm, flood or fire and need to evacuate 7.New home building goes over schedule and your deliveries are waiting

8.Your business rents chairs, tables or other pieces of furniture

9.Cleaning out your garage of collected furniture 10.You sell furniture on a popular Internet auction site

11.Getting ready for a yard, garage or estate sale 12.De-cluttering your home for an upcoming home sale

13.Staging your home with newer or updated pieces that fit the space better

14.Military or job transfer and need to place items away

15.Grown child or older parent needs to move back to your home

16.Eviction or foreclosure Tenant eviction

17.You are a pack rat

18.You found a furniture sale and could not pass up the deal

Whatever you reason for needing furniture self storage is, you should be able to find a local self storage business to help accommodate your storage needs. Here are some additional tips when storing furniture in a self storage unit; use old sheets and/or blankets to cover and protect furniture against scratches, stack pieces flat side to flat side to reduce scratching, take apart tables and other pieces that can be broken down to save on space, turn your couch on its end to save on floor space, spend the money on furniture cover and mattress covers to protect from dust and take out self storage insurance if available. You never know when you might need the coverage.

If you are looking to find furniture storage around your home you might want to reorganize your current floor plan to allow for those pieces you are trying to store. In the home office, try and use two small filing cabinets on either end of an old door or large square piece of wood, making your own desk. Utilize a small odd shaped dresser for an end table or media table. Many ottomans and benches now come with storage underneath the hinges; a great place for blankets, toys, magazines or other small items. Use an old table in the garage or craft room to have more counter and work space. Move older pieces to the basement and create a family room, play room or media room out of odds and ends. Have a large walk in closet? Put a tall dresser in there to help with items of clothing that can be put in drawers instead of hanging them up.

If your business is selling furniture then you probably store your furniture in some type of warehouse setting. The new furniture is wrapped to prevent dust and dirt from getting on the outside and to keep any unwanted critters out also. If there is any type of hardware, then those items are wrapped separately to avoid scratching and damaging the piece. Warehouses of furniture will utilize racks or stacks to store furniture and utilize the height of the warehouse. Furniture storage is a necessity for large furniture companies that carry a large inventory. Some pieces of furniture are unassembled and are boxed, saving the furniture company room in storage of bulky pieces.

So let us go over what we have learned. You probably already know the reason why you need furniture storage, now get it. Look for a convenient self storage business to store your furniture. Ask the self storage manager to assist with choosing a size to best fit your furniture needs. Ask the self storage manager if you will need climate controlled storage or regular storage for your furniture. Pack the self storage unit correctly to take advantage of the space. Safely pack your furniture in the self storage area so that items are secure and covered with blankets or sheets. Use mattress and couch covers and get the insurance if offered in your state. If you need to find furniture storage in your own home, look and see what if any pieces of furniture can be moved around or put into another room. There are many popular TV show about remodeling and decluttering to help you with ideas. Sometimes it takes a fresh eye to see your furniture in another place in your home, ask for help if needed.

Affordable furniture self storage is out there and these self storage businesses would love to have you as a renter. Most furniture self storage businesses will rent to you on a month to month basis so even if you only need furniture storage for a short time you will find a business that will work with you. If you know you are going to need furniture storage for a long or extended period of time, some self storage businesses will offer discounts for pre paying the months you will be there. Plus it never hurts to ask if the self storage facility you are calling offers any military, senior or student discounts to renters. Furniture storage can save you space in your home or office and should be a serious consideration if you cannot get rid of the pieces some other way. Call around, get the best price and make sure the place you want to store your furniture has good security. You will sleep better at night know that your treasured pieces of furniture are safe and secure and out of your home.