Self Storage Review

When you want a storage unit and you call to rent one out you are given different storage unit sizes so that you can get a better understanding of what you really want and if it will benefit you. Because most people that call the call center really do not know what size they need and they do not want to get one that is too large or small. Therefore they then have to call and we give them the storage unit size and also what the storage unit can hold if you decide to get that one. Here are some of the storage unit spaces that you can think of when you are thinking of getting a storage unit.

5 x 10 and this can store a one-bedroom apartment also a couple of chairs and several boxes fit into this storage unit.

10 x 10 can store a two-bedroom apartment and also a couch and some boxes and a desk should fit into this space.

10 x 15 can store a three-bedroom apartment a couple of tools and some boxes also a washer and dryer and also a refrigerator in the unit.

10 x 20 can store a small home some tools, a washer and dryer refrigerator, boxes or a small vehicle in the unit.

10 x 30 can store a large home a washer and dryer and also a pool table etc.

There are several reasons why you should really call the call center and figure out which storage unit is good for you because you never know what you need, so you should get an second opinion on the storage unit size. Just by you calling and naming off the items you plan on storing, we can give you the best storage unit based on your needs. When dealing with a storage unit there are different things you should know about the storage unit such as if its climate controlled because you may need it to be for the items you are storing. Here are some storage tips.

Always lock your units

Put fragile items in a dresser to reserve space

Label boxes so you know what’s in them and make sure the writing is legible

Do not store and high risk items such as paint and bleach etc

Make sure you cover all of your items so they can stay clean

Pack boxes fully so that they wont sink in this helps when you are storing them on top of one another

When you are looking for a storage unit, make sure that you are getting the right storage unit size. It would be a hassle if you had moved in a unit and it was not large enough so you had to move out and find another one. When you are searching for a unit you should always have a back-up plan just in case your unit that you want has been taken. One way to guarantee your storage unit is by reserving it over the phone. Making a storage reservation is a responsible and worry-free way of knowing you can rest assured to have the space you need, when you need it.

After finding the perfect software solution for your self storage business, you may unfortunately discover that there are extra modules and services needed to run the software. For example:

Updates:
Many software companies charge additional for updates to the self storage software that are released in the future. These updates can include new features as well as “bug fixes”. Charging for these updates is standard practice but you can find companies that provide these updates for free. Some companies force the user to purchase updates even if their software is running fine. They force the issue by refusing to do technical support for the user unless they have purchased the latest version. A more reasonable approach is to provide the technical support, and if it is discovered that the problem that the user is experiencing has been fixed in a later version, to notify the user. The user can make their own decision whether they want to find a work- around for the problem or to go ahead with the purchase of the newest version which includes the corrected self storage software.

Additional Feature Modules:
Many software companies have a standard price, but additional, and often necessary, features cost extra and can really increase the price. Look for software which includes all of the features you need, or make sure to add up the additional costs when you are making price comparisons.

Technical Support:
Technical support represents a very important ongoing relationship with the software vendor. Most companies offer a user manual included with the software but this is often not enough when you are confused about how to use the software or are experiencing an error in the software. It is important that the vendor has free or low cost options for technical support for those with a quick question or error to report. For example there may be a free user forum or free email technical support. All software has occasional errors. A vendor that allows you to report errors without penalizing you by charging for reporting the error is a must.

It is important that the software vendor offer some type of telephone support for those who don’t want to search the manual. For those who need to get back to business quickly and want to be able to pick up the phone for quick answers, a telephone support plan is useful. Telephone support is almost always a paid option. However, the cost of this telephone support can reflect on the software program. Software vendors must maintain some sort of recurring revenue from their customers in order to stay in business, and to pay their trained technical support representatives.
However, if the telephone support is overly expensive, it may suggest that the software is full of errors and requires a lot of hours spent working with technical support.

Software Supplies:
Often a software company will add features into the software which require you to purchase more products from them. For example, a software program that offers a check printing feature may require that you use their printing company to purchase check forms that are compatible with the software’s banking feature. Other companies will also offer an alternative and less expensive option, such as the option to use checks compatible with QuickBooks or other software for which it is easy and inexpensive to purchase check stock.

Value Added Services:
Many software programs offer value added services embedded in their self storage software. For example, there may be a credit card processing service that will process payments for you. Often the software company itself receives a portion of the user’s cost for each use of the feature. You need to decide if you can get the feature less expensively elsewhere or if the added cost is worth the convenience of the feature interacting seamlessly with your software.

Watch for hidden costs when you are considering a purchase of new Self Storage Software. Find Storage Sidekick - Software with no hidden costs, specifically designed for management of self storage facilities at http://www.StorageSidekick.com

BASICS

At a local office supply store or the storage facility, get packing materials. Consider what you are packing and the supplies you’ll need. For example, you might need cardboard boxes, wardrobe boxes, bubble wrap, Styrofoam stuffing, newspaper, rope, packing tape, and permanent markers.

If possible, heavy items should be packed in their own boxes so they can be handled easier. For example, computers, electronic equipment, or camera equipment can be packed in their purchased boxes.

Fill the remaining boxes you pack to capacity, but do not overfill them; the box could rupture and break open. Fill any empty space in your boxes with newspaper or Styrofoam stuffing. After the items are packed, label the boxes for easier identification. Plan out your storage space for easy access to the things you’ll need most.

MAJOR APPLIANCES

It is important that refrigerators, freezers, washers, driers, and stoves are clean and dry before they are packed and stored. When storing these items, the doors should be closed. Fridge and freezer doors may be left slightly open to avoid molding, however make sure to child-proof the door so it cannot be opened all the way. During the move, if you chose to discard any appliances, make sure to remove the door completely so a child cannot enter and close the door.

HOME FURNISHINGS

If possible, remove the legs from items of furniture to avoid damage and save space. Before storing it, vacuum your furniture and remove any loose change from chairs or sofas.

Empty dressers or trunks and pack all clothing into appropriate wardrobe boxes. Secure furniture doors and drawers with tape or strong ribbon. Use mothballs or other similar products to protect your packed clothing from insects and other pests.

KITCHEN CHINA, GLASSWARE, FRAGILE ITEMS

These items need to be packed in a way so they won’t fall against each other. Avoid this by packing newspaper or Styrofoam in the free space between your items.

Place packing material in the bottom of the box. Wrap each item by itself with tissue paper. Lastly, seal the box with tape. Mark the box as “fragile” and identify which room they belong in. To avoid crushing, make sure you don’t place heavy boxes on top of them.

SILVER, GOLD, BRASS, AND OTHER METAL OBJECTS

For these items, wipe all surfaces clean. Wrap these items individually, in materials that won’t damage the finish, such as bubble wrap; make sure that any packing material you use is chemical free.

Place packing material in the bottom of the box, mark the box as fragile, and identify what room it belongs in. To avoid crushing, be sure not to place heavy boxes on top of these items.

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT (COMPUTERS, HOME ENTERTAINMENT EQUIPMENT, CAMERAS)

If possible, pack these items in their original box and packing materials. However, if you no longer have the original box, pack it carefully. Put packing material in the bottom of the box and wrap each piece in bubble wrap by itself. Place newspaper or other packing material in the voids of the box and seal it with tape. Mark the box as “fragile” and identify their correct room. For additional tips on computers, see our section at www.123movers.com.

THINGS IN YOUR SHED (GARDENING AND OTHER MECHANICAL DEVICES)

The best advice is in your owner’s manual or from the original manufacturer. Generally, remove all of the fuel, check or avoid lubricant to avoid spillage. Instead of putting these items in boxes, wrap them in plastic or cloth and secure them with heavy rope or tape. Label each item after covering them. Make sure not to place heavy items on top of your mechanical items.

PLANNING THE USE OF YOUR STORAGE SPACE

If you plan carefully, you can easily get the most out of a small storage area. Do not place heavy items on top of fragile ones. Divide the storage area by item type. Be sure to give yourself easy access to the items you need to get to most by placing them near the opening of the storage unit. Leave walkways around other items so you can easily get to them.

USING RENTAL SELF-STORAGE FACILITIES

Always read the agreement and make sure to abide by the rules and regulations of the facility you’re using. Ask the facility managers for advice if need be. Do not store hazardous items, chemicals, or illegal items.