Of course, there’s the basics when choosing a self storage location that you’ve probably already considered like location, square footage, access, etc. Once you have the unit rented, of course, you will want to make the most of it. Remember, every unused foot of space is money wasted.

Below are 13 tips for getting the most out of that self storage unit you are renting… or about to rent. The tips are even broken down into storage layout, furniture tips, and equipment tips.

STORAGE UNIT LAYOUT TIPS

1. Place items you’ll need often at the front.
2. Create a center aisle for access to all items
3. Use pallets or skids to allow air flow around/under items.
4. Climate controlled self storage should be utilized for any items that are sensitive to weather changes.

STORAGE TIPS FOR FURNITURE

5. Treat wood surfaces before storing.
6. Storing tables/furniture, remove legs and store on end.
7. Place dressers and tables top-to-top
8. Cover mattresses and store flat.
9. Keep photos flat. Place between cardboard pieces. Tape together.
10. Use wardrobe boxes for blankets, drapes, or dress clothes.

STORAGE TIPS FOR OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT

11. Drain gas and oil from anything stored with a motor.
12. Use trash cans to store outdoor maintenance tools.
13. Wipe metal surfaces with some machine oil to avoid rusting.

Hopefully these tips are helpful when moving day arrives. Following them should leave you with peace of mind while your belongings are in storage… as well as a well packed self storage unit, making sure you get the most for your money.

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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The first phase of interaction with the customer is during the marketing cycle. In the past, self storage businesses relied upon yellow pages and signage to generate interest from potential customers. Today the Internet has bought a new dynamic to the way in which customers present themselves. Gone are the days when the Internet was just an extension of the company’s brochure. It is now the way a potential customer will judge the efficiency and service provided by the company. The whole presentation needs to educate and then entice the customer into storing with that business.

A key debate in presenting information to the customer on the internet is the way in which a storage business explains the space for rent and at what price. The concept of space is very difficult to explain to customers and therefore it is difficult to relate price to space. Many self storage companies resist announcing prices on their websites and tend to address this issue by encouraging customers to telephone. There is very little evidence as to what is the more successful strategy although the consumer will increasingly demand prices to be displayed over the internet.

Once a customer has made physical contact with a company either on the telephone, in person or by email the following interaction is critical in closing the sale, and the customer taking the space. Each self storage business will have defined how this process is monitored and managed, and will be key to the business’ success.

The next phase is once the customer visits the centre and starts to move in. By this time, the deal with that customer is closed however, referrals in self storage is becoming increasingly important. The reputation of a centre is built up over time and the business is very much influenced by local reputation. Members of staff in the branch need to have a good process for booking in customers, and be looking to sell further products such as insurance and merchandise. It is very much the same as a reception at a hotel, the way in which you are treated helps you form an opinion of that business; a good experience is key to the future success.

In the centre itself it is the attention to detail which is vital. The floors need to be clean and regularly painted. The loading bay needs to be regularly cleaned. Customers should be educated on the do’s and do not’s in the centre. Posters and background music help making the whole environment less stark. Storage centre employees who are helpful and look to meet customer demands are critical in building the reputation of the branch.

Self storage, as an industry, is increasing in competitiveness every year and to win you need to present the right image from first contact through to when a customer leaves. It takes years to build a reputation and minutes to wreck it.

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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When you are pondering over the thought of boat storage the main thing that pokes you is the budget for boat storing. The cheapest way of boat storing is keeping it in a trailer and leaving it in your backyard or driveway. Chain your boat with anything immobile. If you have a small boat, keep it in a boat rack inside your house or garage. Whether you keep your boat inside or outside a cover is must. The cover should not be too loose or too tight cover. If it is too loose, dust and moisture will damage the engine. If it is too tight, it will not allow air circulation, which is very much needed for the protection of the natural parts of the body of the boat.

When you are storing the boat at the end of the holiday make sure that the boat is well-cleaned and dried enough. If the moisture remains, the damp will destroy the wood portion of the boat. Moisture also destroys the condition of the engine and creates rust on the metal part of the body of the boat. Before storing your boat wax it. Paint your boat once in a year because both paint and wax are natural protectors of the both metal and wood. It saves them from vermin and pest. Besides this there is a question of mental satisfaction. It is really enjoyable when in a sunny weather you are floating on a river on your colorful and almost new looking boat. So these are few simple tips of boat storage .

Beware of thief who is always ready to snatch the boat from you. It is always better to keep your boat inside your house. If you have a large garage, store your boat and lock it properly. But probably the best way of boat storage is hiring the boat marina slip especially if you have a large one. When you hire the service you do not have to bother about maintaining the boat. You will have to simply pay the bill. The charge of s varies from marina to marina.

Other deciding factor is the size of the boat. Naturally you have to pay more if you are the owner of a large boat. If you like comfort, like to avoid hazards and money does not matter to you then hiring the service is the most convenient option. Drive straight from your city home to the marina where your boat is, collect it, load it in your car, clear the payment and go straight for boating. In a same way when your holiday is over retrace the steps. After keeping your boat in the custody of your marina boat storage go back to your city life tension free.

El Cajon Self Storage

El Monte Self Storage

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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Climate controlled self storage places are actually like normal storing units where you store your goods. But the specialty is that you have the facility controlled for temperature. Usually the temperature is maintained between 60 degrees and 80 degrees, but temperature is not the only thing that is controlled in the good facilities. They also control the humidity and it should be made clear that humidity is a greater killer than temperature. It has the ability to facilitate the growth of moulds and fungi on the valuables if they are of organic nature and the worst sufferers are the furniture and paintings. So the moment you think of hiring such a facility for your needs make sure that by climate controlled the facility means both controlling of temperature and humidity.

Now comes the actual process of hiring. The first step is that you should know your requirement. Climate controlled self storage places are costlier than the normal storing units and you should maker a judicious choice and not waste your money on a unit that you will not utilize fully. Calculate the space you require and then step ahead. The sizes will vary and so will their rate. According to your requirement you can choose from as small as 5×5 to large units measuring 15×20. The height is enough for you to get in a store your articles. You must also decide how long you will need the storing for. If you are storing for more than a year then you are entitled to a discount if you pay the annual rent in advance.

Usually the climate controlled self storage places or for that matter all storing sites are open twenty-four hours every day seven days a week. So you will have no problem of moving in the articles and moving them out. Apart from this you will also have twenty-four hours surveillance through security cameras. This has become a norm for all the facilities but still you should make sure that they have it. If the storing space is not on the ground floor then make sure that they have freight elevators to take up the articles and also ensure that the units are easy to drive up to. If not then they should have arrangements for taking your articles to your storing unit.

The articles you store need good packing to prevent them getting damaged during the handling and storing process. The facilities that you are going to store your articles often provide these materials for a cost. But you can also get them from the open market. In climate controlled self storage the facility provider is only responsible for security of the place. If you think that your articles are that valuable, you should always get them insured.

Castro Valley California Storage

Local Castro Valley California Storage

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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The government storing firms render services to both the residential and business personnel. One can expect the rent for the storing units provided by the government firms to be lower by at least twenty five percent than the rent prescribed by the private firms. However it is always advisable for one to check out directly with the firm providing the services on matters regarding the rent. With the government firms, one can be assured that one need not pay for something that he is not availing. There are no hidden charges imposed anywhere in the entire renting process.

National self storage firms are expected to provide reliable services to their renters and being administered by a central body, one can expect to find the terms and conditions the same in all the areas covered by a single jurisdiction. The prices at which the storing units and the services are provided can be expected to be lower than the market rates. One can be assured that his belongings will be stored in a secure manner in the company provided storing units. The storing units usually have electronically monitored gates with sophisticated security gadgetry. There are also TVs to monitor the activities going around the gate.

One should arrange the units of national self storage hired in a manner in which maximum number of items can be stored. Big furniture like sofa sets and couches should be kept in line with the walls of the unit. They can be placed in the periphery of the unit to save space in the middle. Otherwise these big items would occupy the major portion of the unit leaving little space for other items. All the items placed in the storing units should be covered. Even though the unit itself has a protective mechanism to combat environmental pollution it is always better for the owner of the property to provide his items with extra covering.

The middle portion of the national self storage warehouses should be left free so that one has space to walk in the unit and access the required items. Filling the central portion of the room right from the beginning with items will make it difficult for people to move around in the unit and carry out the required tasks. The central portion of the unit should be filled at the end. It is better to leave it free if possible. All fragile items should be covered with adequate padding and kept at a secure corner of the room where one can reach them with ease. They should not be put at the bottom or at the top as these are the places where there is a chance of their breaking. It is better to keep them in a middle shelf. The national self storage firms have special staff appointed to help one out in the placement of items in the most appropriate manner.

Car Storage in Lexington

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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Of course staying up till 12 the night before only to awaken the next day at five oclock in the morning is always fun. Making sure that you have everything in the garage sale that you wanted to have sold can be exhausting. In the back of your mind all you are thinking about is the more you sell, the less of a storage space you will need to pay for.

As you crawl out of bed, your head is filled with the happiness hopping that all the big ticket items you put out there for viewing leave your driveway. You open your garage and see that you are putting out two kitchen tables, a sleeper sofa, a riding lawn mower, a digital video disc wall unit, and some computer parts that all need to go in order to make waking up so early worth it. Also, with those items gone, your storage space will be small because all that is left is just odds and ends along with boxes.

As you drive around and put up flyers announcing your blockbuster garage sale to the neighborhood, you observe the cloud formations that are circling your community. The reports did say that it was supposed to rain the whole time your sale is supposed to be on. The wind looks like it is on your side as it is pushing the clouds to your south. You rush to the bank realizing that you should have went the night before to get some money and change for the many people that will need change after they purchase your what-nots.

Your driveway is packed with the things that you are willing to part with and now you are just waiting for people to come by and relieve you of those things. Time passes and no one has yet to show up. You look at your watch and it has only been ten minutes. You need to chill out. You take a look up and down your street. A normally busy street is as quite as the nearby park. You pray that soon someone will show up to your driveway sales bash or you have just wasted a perfectly great morning to sleep in.

Finally someone shows up and you are filled with joy. You jump up off of the sleeper sofa that you had been resting on and you stand at ease waiting for the first people to make their decisions. Just as one person shows up other cars passing by slow down to park, ready to gaze through your things.

As different people are walking around your garage, which was once used for the storage of the items spread out along the perimeter of your driveway, you overhear different conversation judging the different items that are for sale. Some comments are nice while others are not so nice, but hey, not all people are going to like every single piece that you have for them to buy. Some are gazing at that cheap sleeper sofa that they do not need at this present time, but could put it in storage until they are in need of it. But they decide to pass on it.

Hours pass, and you see many people wishing to view your items, but little people who want to purchase. As the rains come, it is time to place everything that is left back in its storage place until the next time you wish to have them viewed. As of now, you put finding a storage space on hold to see how you fair in a couple of weeks. Maybe next time you will put an ad in the paper instead of advertising on the day of. Maybe more people will come to see what treasures they might soon posses.

W. New York Storage

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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You might need to think about stocking away some of the things you had in that guest bedroom, now that you will be using it for the baby. If this is the case, current self storage prices are such that this could be a good option for you. With self storage prices so low, you can afford to pay for a month, or two, or even more if necessary, while you are planning for your babys arrival. Many companies begin with their self storage prices at only a dollar for the first month, which if you are planning to use the facility for only a couple of months, ends up being a great deal for you. Of course self storage prices vary depending on your location and the size that you would need, among other things, but for the most part, self storage prices are low enough that if you need them for just such an emergency, they is affordable to practically everyone.

When you first sit down to plan for your babys room, it is best to take stock of both what you have already been given, and what you think is likely you will be given, whether it is something brand new from a baby shower or an heirloom passed down from your mother or grandmother. There are also, of course, those friends and relatives who will let you borrow items temporarily, giving them back when your child has outgrown them, such as a high chair or a walker. When you look at this list of items and compare it to what you might have spent buying these things new, you will be amazed at what you have saved already.

One of the biggest and most expensive items you will buy immediately for your baby is the crib. Nowadays the popular thing to buy is something called the convertible crib. This serves several purposes. The mattress has several settings from low to high, and the bars on the side are removable if necessary, growing along with your child. And when your child has graduated completely out of the crib, most of these cribs turn into a full sized bed, with you only needing to supply a mattress for it to be ready to go. This might be a bit more expensive in the short term, but it will save you money in the future, when you realize you do not have to go out and buy an entire bed set with head and foot boards once your child has outgrown the crib.

Another huge money saver is getting things second hand. Garage sales, second hand shops and exclusively children consignment shops are wonderful for finding bargains on things that are many times in surprisingly good condition. Lastly, when it comes to things that are necessary to buy new, such as diaper creams and diapers, go for the generic brands as most of the time you are merely paying for a name and not necessarily quality. It pays to do your homework.

Lake Charles Car Storage

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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A typical metal storage building has four factors that make it a common choice for this type of application. First are the soft costs of the project. Because metal buildings are pre-engineered the design time is cut drastically. Basically, the plans are complete from the start of the project. The engineer has to make certain modifications to the plan for the specific site. Having plans like these allow engineers to sell their plans multiple times to turn the profit so the cost is split up.

The second factor is location. Metal buildings for this application are smaller and lighter. This allows for metal buildings to be erected in locations that typically are less desirable to other forms of business. Less desirable land is cheaper and allows for fewer ordinances for the governing councils.

The third factor is the foundation, this typically consists of nothing more than a concrete slab on grade. This helps create less preparation time for the site or development in turn it costs less and has less of an impact on the environment. How is this better for the environment? First, the site needs to be graded to a particular elevation. Then utilities are brought onto the site and forms for the concrete are erected. Sounds like your typical building project dirty, loud and ugly. This is true, but when you have to do less of this type of work you do not have to worry as much about sediment runoff and pollution released from heavy machines as well as noise. Some larger facilities will have concrete footings or piers under the slab in lieu of concrete slabs on grade.

The fourth factor is the framing. This typically consists of structural metal studs. Some larger facilities have structural girt in lieu of structural metal studs. When the design is finalized a shop can pre-fabricate the walls and ship them the site for erection. Using pre-fabricated metal panels can cost more than just erecting the studs on site, but this allows for quicker erection times that save labor costs. This also allows less experienced contractors to be utilized instead of more experienced contractors. More experienced contractors typically demand higher wages, but can deliver the buildings faster and closer to budget. After the erections of the storage walls are completed the roof is ready to be constructed. Metal building can have multiple pitches or single sloped roofs. Single sloped roofs use less material, but have lower degree of slope for water drainage. A mono-pitch roof uses purlins to form the slope as well as framing to attach the metal roof.  The metal roof is typically a standing seam roof that is powder coated with the customers desired colors. At the same time the metal roof panel is being installed the walls are lined with a mini-rib metal panel for the interior. The storage exterior is lined with R-panel.

Hopefully this look into the construction of storage can help you understand some of the basics. Stop by your local site for a tour, there is more to it than you think.

Miami Car Storage

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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In preparing for departure, first decide on a self storage facility location that is convenient. Take into consideration, the type and size of unit required. Standard units are not climate controlled, but many have the advantage of drive up access, which means the truck can be parked directly in front of the unit and accessed by a roll up door. This is convenient and makes moving in and out very easy. If there are leather goods or electronic equipment to be stored, items that can be affected by extreme temperatures, a climate controlled unit would be the best option to pick. The last thing anyone wants to worry about is the safety and condition of their belongings upon returning.

Find a facility that is fenced and well lit, offers controlled gate access, video surveillance, and protection coverage. Whether that sabbatical is six months or one year, plan to prepay for the store room, find out if there are any discounts for paying in advance, there are usually price discounts offered for paying in advance at the six month and annual time periods. If planning to pay online make sure the facility offers online accounting or automatic billing. Take full advantage of the protection plan. This will ensure that should the unlikely event of fire, theft, or water pipe breaking occur, there is compensation for any potential loss. In choosing the best facility, keep in mind that the self storage facility that offers a wide range of amenities and security options, is an indication the facility is professionally managed and customer service oriented. Pricing is competitive in the store room business. If there is a large rift in pricing, outside of incentive introductory offers at the nationally owned store room facilities, the difference in price is directly related to the amenities and security offered. A great price quote should not be the only determinate factor in choosing a self storage facility, as a great monthly price compensates for no security and poor customer service should the unthinkable happen. Plan for the worse possible scenario, and ask what to expect, if while away there would be a fire, theft or water damage at the facility. The facility manager will be able to convey exactly what procedures are in place so there is no question as to what emergency response mechanisms are in place. Peace of mind is the most important thing. Belongings that are packed safely away and are being cared for by a professionally run self storage facility means that time away on sabbatical, can be enjoyed carefree without the worry of the safety and security of ones stored possessions.

If one is lucky enough to have earned a sabbatical, they have worked hard and deserve to have a great break from the day to day schedule that earned that sabbatical. Be smart, do the homework and find the best place to store. Do not ruin the time away by storing at an inferior facility that does not care. Continue to make the great types of choices made so far in life and enjoy a well deserved break.

Property Manager

South Carolina Motorcycle Storage

Hillside Storage

March 2006 Total Quality Assurance Service Blog Archive

Automobile Storage

Self Storage Article Directory – Wine Storage

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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With the popularity of being able to store your belongings yourself, many people are trying to find the place that will allow them to have all of their needs satisfied. You really have to look at many factors when trying to determine the best method of storing your belongings.

When you are looking for a store room you must consider your environment. Every state or city has its different weather issues. For instance, Arizona has little or no humidity in the air because it is mostly desert.  So when you are looking for a facility to house your property, you want to ensure what you are putting in there is not in need of humidity. If it is, you might want to consider climate controlled self storage because the humidity and temperature are closely monitored. With that said, you do not have to worry about your personal effects not having enough water in the air.

The temperature inside of a climate controlled self storage space monitored to protect your belongings from the extremes of hot and cold weather. For those who live in the upper northeast and get hit with mountains of snow, those who do not have temperature monitored spaces might be reconsidering having those types of spaces when they come to check on their property. Some facilities have reported items freezing within the spaces due to the extreme temperature outside. How crazy is that to think that if your belongings could freeze inside of a space. Well if you take a second to think about it, who does most of property do in your not always insulated garage? If you are looking to put your belongings in a space like your garage, then having your temperature monitored is not for you.

Another advantage of climate controlled self storage is that for the most part they are located inside of a building. Being located inside of a building with the entrance doors to the space being inside as well, it prevents most pest or vermin to enter your unit. How upsetting would it be to come in to get something out of your space and see that it has been nibbled on by termites or your mattress has been burrowed into by a mouse? That would not be fun at all.  So having your space located inside of a building and the temperature monitored would greatly benefit you if this is a concern for you.

So we will ask again, do you know what you are putting in to your store room? Since you do, are you confident that it will be protected from the elements of outdoors, insects, vermin and most dust? If you are then an outside store room would work best for you rather than a climate controlled self storage space.

Negocio de los Storage

Oklahoma Boat Storage

Brooklyn Storage

October 2006 Property Management Blog Archive

Self Storage Rates Revisited

Self Storage Article Directory – Car Storage

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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First of all, begin well in advance. Sometimes you have to just admit that you will not have enough free time to plan your wedding to the best of your abilities. Many people are still attending school when they decide to get married. Others are trying to work 40 or more hours per week, and when they get home at night planning the details of a wedding is the last thing they feel like doing. If you know ahead of time that you will not have sufficient time to plan, make your engagement a little longer. If this is not a favorable or possible option, then you will have to buckle down and start planning immediately after you are engaged.

If you are not planning a large or complicated wedding, that makes it much simpler. This will not be so taxing on your mind and body during the next few months. Unless you already live with your significant other, there are many things to take into consideration when beginning a new life together. Amidst the fact that you are trying to organize every detail of your wedding, there is the additional complication of merging both sets of your belongings together. Storage is one option to temporarily fix this problem, although long term storage is seldom something new couples want to immediately jump into.

One alternative to storage is simply going through all of your belongings and both of you deciding what you must keep and what can go. Then have a garage sale to get rid of the excess. This will also make some extra money for you, which, when planning and financing a wedding, is always a huge help! You do not want to start your new married life with a cramped house and rooms, or with half of your possessions pushed away in storage somewhere. 

To make a worry free workspace that is comfortable and to do all your planning in, temporary storage is definitely something to consider. If there are things that you simply cannot handle at the moment, and you would rather not have them around and in your way until after the wedding, storage is probably the option you need to choose.

The clearer you can make your home, workspace and mind while planning for your special day, the better and happier you will feel about it when it finally arrives. Keep a ledger of the things you need to do, marking off the things you have already done. This gives you constant feedback on where you are in your planning and how much more you can anticipate. There are many sample lists online or in bookstores that you can follow that are extremely helpful. Most brides do not go without them. The sooner you begin planning, the more moderate of a pace you may go. This helps to make you feel as if you have more time, keeping the anxiety and strain at bay for a longer time.

Just remember, your wedding will be one of the most important days in your life. Do not let yourself become overwhelmed with everything. Enlist friends and family to help you carry the burden of planning and make certain you are organized. No matter what you feel like ahead of time, the odds are that you will have a wonderful wedding.

Shoe Storage

New York Self Storage

Lenexa Storage

May 2007 Property Management Blog Archive

Craft Storage Revisited

Self Storage Article Directory – Self Storage

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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Planning and furnishing a bedroom for your new baby is almost always an enjoyable thing to do. Picking out the furniture, the colors, toys, blankets and rugs is a big task. There is not any detail that you will not relish planning in anticipation for that squirming little bundle that you will love so much! Just remember that all of this does take time. Unless you are planning on hiring someone to do most of the work for you, you will need to give yourself plenty of time to do that wallpapering or painting. You will be having baby showers, phone calls from well wishers, mommy chats with other mothers, and plenty of daydreams about when your little angel makes his appearance. But you cannot let that take away from the time you need to do the actual work for your little one. If your significant other is available and willing, have him do most of the heavy work and painting while you oversee.

If you find that you have to put some of your or your other childrens things in storage, think carefully about what they will be. You do not want to put things in storage that will be needed soon. Furniture that is not used often or clothes that have been long outgrown are good candidates for storage for an extended period of time. When you put items away like this, it helps eliminate the clutter that will frustrate and confuse you at a time when all you really want to do is enjoy your newborn. This is extremely important.

One more important detail in planning for your babys room is your budget. Make sure that you set one beforehand if you are planning anything excessive at all for decorating or furniture. This will take away much of your stress ahead of time so you will know the boundaries you are working within. Of course, if you are using things that have been given to you or handed down from others, this will not be much of a concern.

Nine months seems like a long time, but it will pass by so quickly that you might get overwhelmed with last minute details that you have put off doing. If you wait until late in your pregnancy, your body will be heavier and more awkward, making it uncomfortable and dangerous for you to attempt many things associated with decorating and arranging furniture. Just remember, organize and complete your task well ahead of time, and you will already be on your way to making your new baby happy and comfortable, even before he has arrived!

Call Center

New Jersey Self Storage

Bogart Storage

July 2007 Total Quality Assurance Service Blog Archive

Automobile Storage

Self Storage Article Directory – Boat Storage

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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Now let us breakdown the different sizes of the units.

The 25 square foot units can hold some furniture. Like a dresser or chair, a few boxes, and other small items. This unit is for miscellaneous items that would fit in a small half bath. The 50 square foot units can hold some furniture, perhaps a couch, chair, mattress, and some small items. The 75 square foot self storage units are about the size of a large walk-in closet. They hold the furnishings of a one bedroom apartment, but no appliances. The 100 square foot units hold the furnishings of a one bedroom apartment with appliances, or about 100 standard boxes. The 150 square foot units hold the furnishings of a two bedroom apartment or house plus some miscellaneous boxes and such. The 200 square foot units hold the furnishings of a house with appliances and or a car or truck. These units can hold over 200 standard file boxes. The 250 square foot units are the size of a large one car garage. These self storage units hold the furnishings of a large two bedroom home, with appliances and miscellaneous articles. The biggest or one of the biggest units you can find on a facility is the 10×30 units. These units hold the furnishings of a three bedroom home, or the contents of a 40 foot van. It is always hard to figure out exactly what unit would work the best, so it is always good to speak to a customer service representative or manager to figure out which unit would best for your needs.

Self storage units also have a variety of different features to suit your needs. One of these features is climate control. It helps to avoid too hot or too cold temperatures. Other units provide heating for locations that endure extreme cold, like Minnesota. The opposite is true for Florida, here the units have air conditioning. Some self storage units are lighted and have outlets. Other units have roll up doors for easy access for moving large items, and other units have only door access. Some self storage units have carpeted floors and a heated ground floor. Most units are 8 feet high, however some are 12, 14, and 18 feet tall. Units also can have slanted ceilings. Since these have an odd symmetry, the price for these units is usually a little less expensive. Once again it always best to speak to a customer service representative or manager of the facility.

The units you choose depend on what you are going to store. For instance, if you have antiques, musical instruments, or leather it would probably be best to store in a climate controlled unit. If you have heavy or awkward items, a terrace locker would probably not be the best choice. Ladders are sometimes the only way to access these self storage units. Storing motor vehicles is also a dilemma. Boats and cars can be parked inside or out. Different states have different laws, so you must be careful about that legal aspect. These are just a few things to take into consideration when moving into a unit. Never hesitate to speak with a customer representative or facility manager to help you find the right unit.

Climate Controlled Unit

Nevada Furniture Storage

Key West Storage

September 2007 Total Quality Assurance Service Blog Archive

Self Storage Quote Revisited

Self Storage Article Directory – General Information

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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You should return to gather any salvageable property just as soon as you can. Placed in a self storage unit they will be safe from vandals or anyone scavenging the area for valuables. You will only want to place furniture, and non-essential items like out of season clothes, photo albums and household goods in your self storage unit. You should keep all jewelry, birth certificates and other ID with you or place them in a safe deposit box.

You should check with the manager or owner of your self storage unit to verify that you will be allowed to move your damaged belongings in. Some owners of self storage units will not allow smoke or water damaged property into their self storage units due to the smell, the possible development of mold, and the perception of added liability. You might need to sign a waiver acknowledging that your belongings were damaged prior to moving them into your self storage unit. Make sure to choose a self storage unit that will allow you to clean or repair your property on the premises. Just because your belongings are damaged does not mean you should not take time to store them properly. Dry out soft goods, couches, chairs etc as thoroughly as possible to prevent them from developing mold. Wrap large broken items in bubble wrap or wrap them in blankets, anything that will provide a cushion and prevent further damage. Wrap small delicate or broken items in bubble wrap before placing them in small storage containers. Try not to stack items on top of each other as this can cause further damage.

You do not need to throw out your broken possessions. Find as many of the pieces as you can and move them into your self storage unit. Wait a couple of weeks or months before you evaluate all of the pieces you have collected. Pick a day that you have some time, spread out all of the pieces in your self storage unit and then make a list of what you have. You might be able to make something new out of what was broken. Pieces of china and glass can be turned into a mosaic top for a new table. Damaged photos can be restored and reframed. Pieces of wood from dressers and tables can be repurposed into something new. You might have to be creative, but keeping as many of your possessions as you can, will help you and your family settle into your new home faster.

Making the most of your self storage unit means you will have to check on your belongings several times a week. You will need to watch for mold on upholstered furniture, heavy items that are starting to lean onto more fragile items and anything that has fallen over.

Taking steps now to ensure your homeowners policy covers the rental of a self storage unit will save you time, money and possibly your memories if a disaster should strike your home.

Boat Storage

Massachusetts Car Storage

Bogart Storage

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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A self storage company should attain by any means necessary the new rental customer for your business. Because if you are losing those possible storage renters, then another storage facility will be more than happy to assist them. Another way that you can continue the rental or reservation or even information process is to have a website where one can go to do so.  Computers are ever growing in numbers and the number of people learning how use them are growing in order to simply keep up with todays technology. Computers are being taught more everyday within the school system to teach kids what they will need to know when they get out their on their own. If you are old school and graduated from high school anywhere before say 1985, then you probably were not given the opportunity as these kids are in todays society to learn how to use a computer.  Back then we were taught how to type. And that was probably the extent of it. Children as young as 6 or 7 years old these days are taught how to use computers in school. And after they get a little older and by the time that they graduate from middle school, they are taught how to use documents such as popular writing and spreadsheets and how to email text and pictures over the internet. You look around and see more computers and more types of computers than ever before, even in the storage industry.

Now there is a device that is ever growing in popularity which is the Kiosk. It is sort of like an ATM machine. You can rent a storage unit, pay a bill, buy a lock and make your monthly payments there. How crazy is that? Crazy, but very efficient. If the store manager is busy with several customers inside of the store and you are in a hurry and just stopped by to pay a bill, instead of going inside, you can go to the Kiosk on the property and make your payment there. No line, no waiting, no hassle. It is quick and easy to use and you will be on your way.

The Kiosk is becoming more popular within the storage industry. Self storage kiosks are ever spreading to make everyones storage experience a little more convenient.  With every attempt in making your storage property more helpful and more prosperous it takes more money, risks and investment in order to achieve the end result that you may be seeking. Kiosks will help your store run itself when no one is available to do so. If your employee is out on the property showing a storage unit, you do not want to miss the customer who showed up at the office 5 minutes after you left. Obviously, you want every possible rental that comes to your door. Why risk missing that chance when you could have had a kiosk in place to assist them?

Vehiculo en un Storage

Louisiana RV Storage

Helotes Storage

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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The demand for offsite airport automobile storage is greater in medium size cities that serve as spokes for the airlines hub and commuter system, especially those that lack good public transportation to the airport. Airports are usually positioned away from downtown areas to reduce noise pollution and traffic congestion so even larger cities would benefit from offsite airport automobile storage. 

Most real estate around airports is already zoned business and industrial so there would be no interference from homeowners associations complaining of traffic, noise, or building design. One good option is to invest in an existing building that was used for warehousing and convert it to accommodate inside automobile storage. By doing this it helps reduce building costs and freeing some money to be used toward installing a drive through car wash, snack bar, and providing full client services. 

Installing high tech security systems and having the ability to monitor them are an important selling point for offsite airport automobile storage. Offering a drop off and pick up valet service eliminates the need for anyone but staff to be in the security areas and offers your client an area to stay dry and warm when loading and unloading.

Business travelers are the largest shares of those seeking offsite airport automobile storage and many are used to the small appointments of luxury afforded to the business class. Having complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport based on on-time airline flight information keeps the traveler up to date with his or her flight and eliminates unnecessary down time at the terminal. It also benefits the automobile storage facility by not making wasted trips saving on fuel economy and nonproductive employee time.  Providing comfortable lounging areas for delayed travelers and offering soft drink and snack services caters to exceptional customer service and boosts the bottom line. 

Whatever client services you decide to offer at your offsite airport automobile storage facility it is important to market them to your target client, the frequent business class flyer. Teaming up with airline frequent flier award companies, billboard advertising, airline member clubs, or in business journals and travel magazines is a good way to get started.  Providing this level of automobile storage for the frequent flyer is a radical and viable departure from the days of standing in a remote, dark, airport parking lot next to the runway, trying to find your car after catching the red-eye.

Self Storage Businesses

Hawaii Furniture Storage

Bogart Storage

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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Large assortments of cardboard boxes are available for purchase at many self storage facilities. These well constructed containers are a must have whether someone is putting things away in an attic or moving across country or stowing treasures in a storage unit. 

Little boxes are ideal for storing books and other small but weighty items. Even though a large amount of these heavy things will fit okay in larger boxes, they will be too heavy for most people to pick up. 

The medium boxes sold at self storage facilities work great for packing dishes, drinking glasses, and other things that need to be wrapped in some sort of protective material. Cartons specifically designed for kitchenware items such as dishes and fine china are also available at many self storage facilities. 

Large cardboard boxes can be purchased at most self storage facilities to pack bigger, delicate items that need a lot of TLC. Everyone needs to remember to clearly mark these cartons FRAGILE, to help assure safe handling.

Then of course there are the wardrobe boxes that can be bought at many self storage facilities. These boxes stand tall and have a bar going across the top to hang clothing, alleviating the worry of wrinkles. Many self storage facilities also sell suit and dress bags for the frequent traveler.

Boxes tend to get crushed if they are not completely full. It is important to fill any empty space with bubble wrap or packing peanuts. Tape and tape dispensers are other necessities when it comes to packing. And not only do the items inside of the box need to be secure, but the person opening them down the road needs to have some idea of what to expect. That is why self storage facilities sell all of these materials, as well as markers and labels to tag each box. Utility knives to later open the boxes are available, too.

Self storage facilities sell many things predominantly for customers renting a self storage unit. This home away from home holds things that are obviously important to someone, or they would have simply discarded it in the trash instead of paying a storage rental fee.

There is a large selection of door locks on the market, ranging from lower priced basic ones to the cylinder and disc locks. It is very important that customers of self storage facilities have the peace of mind that their particular unit is safe and sound.

People can buy a variety of sizes of mattress covers to keep the dampness out and to protect them from tears and dings. There is also moisture absorbent material available that can be put next to next to materials sensitive to dampness and humidity. 

Many self storage facilities offer a wide array of other services besides just moving and storage supplies.  Numerous self storage facilities are also pick-up locations for popular delivery services. Plus, there are mailboxes available for rent, in sizes ranging from simple slots to ones having the capacity to hold large boxes.

And keeping inline with the whole business theme, many self storage facilities provide the ability for copying, printing, and faxing. This is ideal for the small business person that does not have these services otherwise available to them.

Self storage facilities have become a convenient place for busy people on the go.  Not only are customers able to rent a self storage unit, but there are a myriad of other services and products available these days at most self storage facilities.

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Colorado Self Storage

Waldorf Storage

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It you take the time go search for self storage in your area, you will be surprised at the number of available companies that provide self storage. Self storage is a fast and growing business that people are taking interest in, but it is highly competitive. One search revealed 33 self storage facilities within a ten-mile radius. The zip code searched only had a population of 25,000 within that ten-mile radius. If you take a second to think about that number, you will find three self storage facilities within one mile in each direction you go.

With the outrageous number of self storage facilities out there where do you choose to put your belongings. That part is up to you as a customer. Many people have different needs and reason for needing storage. Someone might need storage because they are doing a remodel that involved clearing that room or rooms out. Not everyone has a garage or a portion of the house to put those belongings. That is why they turn to self storage. Some people are looking for price or a convenient location. For this person only needing self storage because of a remodel, they might need a cheap price (so they can put most of their costs to the remodel) and a convenient location (so they can quickly go and access their belongings). There are plenty of people out there who look beyond the typical lowering price points in self storage out there. Some people are looking for a value.

In self storage, with so much competition out there, the owners have to be smart and innovative in order to keep their facilities full. When people are thinking about where to put their belongings, all owners would like to the customer to think about their self storage facility. Most companies tell you about their great security and how they have 10 or more security cameras and their security access gate in order to show you the value of where you are trying to store. In addition, this is a great way to show you how secure your belongings would be. Some companies have a 1-dollar move in special to where they only charge the customer a buck for the first month and then the regular price after. There are companies out there that spend thousands in advertising trying to throw out there what they can do for you as a customer. It is definitely not easy to decide where you want to put your belongings.

There are people out there who have great experience in deciding where to put their belongings. In self storage, you have to first realize your needs for storage and then find a facility that is accommodating to those needs. You should not just look at pricing for your final answer. Is the place convenient to where you need it to be, can you just stop by quickly on your way back from work? Are your belongings safe and secure at the facility? Do you feel the people that run the facility are helpful and will be there if you need their help?  These are all questions that you need to pose to yourself when you are deciding where to put your belongings in self storage.

Mystery Shop

Arkansas Boat Storage

Merriam Storage

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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The first thing that needs to be done when finding self storage is to estimate how much you would be storing. Making a list of everything that you plan to store will not only help the store associate find an adequate size for you, but it will also give you an idea how much you have. This way you can get rid of anything you do not need.

The second step to assist you in finding self storage is to plan ahead. Have a date in mind that you would like to start moving your items, and give yourself at least two weeks to make the necessary preparations. Also, set a date that the items will have to be out of their current location and placed in a self storage unit. It is recommended that you mark these dates down on a calendar.

Then, determine how you will get your items to the self storage facility and what items you will need to pack. Lots of self storage facilities have boxes, bubble wrap, tape, shrink wrap, and more to help you with your packing. The facility may also have a truck that can be used for a discounted rate. Make sure you estimate the mileage from the facility to the location. This is where convenience plays a large role in finding self storage. The farther the storage unit, the more it will cost to transport your items.

Next, find self storage. By this, it is meant to actually start the search for self storage units in your area, or the area that you will be moving. Like it was mentioned earlier, start this process at least two weeks in advance. Websites, phonebooks, or just driving around can all be excellent resources when finding a self storage unit. In order to find a self storage facility that best suites your needs, there are several things that you should look for.  The most important is security. Regardless of where on earth you store your belongings it is important that they are safe and secure. Some people may say that the security features at stores are not worth paying for, but in reality if you care enough to pay for a storage unit, you will care if your items were damaged. Finding self storage can be easy if you take the time and make a plan.

When finding self storage, websites may provide prices, pictures, and security amenities that are essential in the moving process. Phonebooks may paint a small picture of what exactly their facility encompasses, so it is imperative to call these places first and ask about their amenities and security features. By driving by the location you will have the opportunity to see the facility and the different sizes offered first hand. The phonebook is another option to help you when finding self storage, but it is not as reliable as the other stores. In conclusion, finding self storage is a difficult task, however if you follow these simple steps finding self storage will be easy as pie.

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StorageMart Mannheim & Belmont Franklin Park, IL 60131

Wine Storage

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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• as an actual walk in
• as someone calling in to your store
• as someone surfing the web

As a walk in customer, what would grab your attention? How would you expect the property to look? Clean and attractive? What type of service would you expect to receive? Would you expect to be greeted as soon as you walked into a self storage business? Most people like attention even though they may not admit it, so keep that in mind. What are some of the ways that you would want an employee to notice you? By making small talk such as the weather? Would you expect them or prefer them to smile when they greet you as if they were happy to see and help you? Or by asking if you need any help? What if you as a self storage business seeker arrived at a self storage business to find that the doors were locked during office hours and there were no sign on the door? Also would you prefer to have the opportunity to make a pick between two choices? People like choices so they can decide for themselves. Offering choices such as sizes or specials is always a good one to interact with. Would you expect the employee to explain things to you voluntarily, by giving you all the information you need without you having to ask? Remember that each individual is different and some prefer small talk and some prefer to only get your self storage business expertise. But they do want to know that you realize they are at your store and they want to know that you are available to assist them with all of their self storage business needs. 

A short example of a recent experience. A family went out to an all you can eat buffet and it was about an hour before closing. They expected good service as normal and expected the waitress to immediately greet them upon sitting down. They had no such luck. They had to flag down a waiter and asked for plates who then passed them off to a waitress whose table they were not sitting at. When she brought the plates, she was in an uncomfortable position as the waiter had already dropped off the plates. Their communication could have been better. During the dining experience they never did hear from the assigned waitress, although she was about 30 feet away from them wrapping silverware and getting ready. Assumably, getting ready to close her shift and head home. She did her best to ignore the guests and they never did hear from the other waitress or waiter again, either. You can imagine what the tip was like. 

As a caller how would you feel if you were put on hold? How about if the employee was talking to someone else in the background while you were trying to get information? Did the employee sound happy to be of assistance or did you feel rushed to get off the phone as if they could care less if you helped them or not? 

What about someone surfing the web searching for a self storage business? Would your self storage business be easy to find? Does your self storage business website offer plenty of information to the prospect? Would the prospect be able to reserve a unit online? Can they get all of the information they need from the website? Is it easy to navigate through? Does it offer updated information?

MS Storage Units

StorageMart La Frontera & FM 1325 15601 FM 1325 Austin, TX 78728

Car Storage

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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Back in the day, we carved the self storage units out of solid rock and installed doors made of rolled tree bark.  These self storage units had trenches on each side for drainage. Self storage units still came in a variety of sizes. A standard battle club times 3 deep, and two wide was a very popular one, or four dinosaur leg bones deep, 3 clubs wide where you could store a lot of stuff. When it was cold, we left a space for a fire pit in the center of the storage space. Ventilation was always a problem, letting in the air for circulation without letting in our unfriendly neighbors. We installed rock walls around the storage sites, with heavy wooden gates that were opened in the morning and closed at night. There were few self storage units available and everyone wanted one.
 

Like most of our fellow dwellers, our cave has very little extra space with no closets or basements. We have too much stuff and no where to put it. Most of it makes its way to the garage, uggg. My wife has been grunting and complaining about all of the animal skins and woolly mammoth bones, and the kids sticks, rocks, clutter and mess of modern cave living. She never mentions or seems to notice all of her stuff that we trip over every day in the cave, uggg. We have decided that we can not put it off any longer, we have to consider looking at some self storage units. How does a cave person go about putting their worldly possessions in a self storage unit? A better question would be, where does a modern cave dweller find self storage units? And what does one cost. We do not know where this industry will go and if it will ever take off, but we will just have to see.

Minnesota Storage Units

Downtown Nashville, 1615 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37203

Boat Storage

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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So how do we compete without giving away the store?  It seems anymore when someone calls for self storage on the phone explaining features and benefits their attention is lost because it sounds like they are listening to a broken record.  Most all self storage facilities these days offer a certain level a security so it is almost a given and the self storage consumers have come to expect that.  When you go buy a car and you are sitting in the salespersons office and discussing the price you expect that the selling price would include things like an engine, a steering wheel, tires etc. This is a given when buying a car.  It is the same for a self-storage seeker to expect a certain level of offerings.

Maybe we need to rethink the way we approach selling our self storage facilities to our prospects since what use to work no longer does or has become so watered down it is no longer as effective.  A big trend now is specials, specials, specials which in and of itself is not a problem but the larger risk is conditioning consumers to expect, no even demand, some type of discount every time.  It seems like every other call taken, the first thing out of the callers mouth is, what are your specials?  For the brand new self storage facility that has such high initial operating costs, depreciation not withstanding, they cannot afford to give a free months rent.  Even older properties that have already recouped their opening expenses and the building and property are paid for can have a hard time offering discounts say due to having high occupancy rates.  What we have been witnessing here at our company call center seems to be the battle of the specials between companies we answer for especially in larger metro areas. 

Specials are a great way to secure potential self storage customers and help reduce their initial out of pocket expenses especially for price shoppers, just do not use this as a primary way to sell your property.  If you have great state of the art security equipment certainly sell all that but find something to sell that will set you apart from the competition.  If you have great locations, emphasize that.  If you have an all climate controlled self storage facility, emphasize that. One feature that is used to sell a property and differentiate from the others when possible is having lights in the self storage units.  Can you imagine trying to unload your three-bedroom house in to a self storage unit and not be able to see what you are doing?  Find a feature that is semi exclusive to your property such as lights in the units and sell it, sell it, sell it. 

Let us not discount specials entirely as they do have a purpose and a benefit for both customer and self storage operator.  One thing our company likes to use specials for is a trump card when the customer is sitting on the fence.  Sometimes it just takes that little push to get the customer to commit.  Customers that are looking for permanent or long term self storage need the discounts the most and prepaid specials for six months to a year really benefit the customer. This ensures your occupancy rate is full and less hassles collecting payments and charging late fees.  Okay, all you self storage marketing pros push the envelope and develop new methods to sell with less reliance on using specials.  Remember, we all prefer to explain the quality than have to justify the price now that is special.

GA Storage Units

StorageMart Mannheim & Belmont Franklin Park, IL 60131

Storage

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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Individuals inexperienced in laying out self storage facilities often times build facilities with too many small units.  Small units get a higher dollar value per square foot but are much harder to rent up.  Large facilities laid out with many small units often have low occupancies.  While large units have a lower return per square foot they are more utilized by customers which creates higher occupancy.  Individuals who have not been in the industry for a substantial amount of time fail to lay out facilities to fit their geographic location.  While smaller units are often harder to rent up, that mantra is not always true.  Some facilities located in cities require large amounts of small units while other facilities located in rural areas call for larger, more spacious units.  The unit mix for a facility should be determined by the market demand in the area that the facility is being built.  Inexperience and lack of planning has been the down fall of many self storage investors.     

Struggling facilities are good news for investors in the self storage industry.  With ample cash on hand, companies at the top of the industry can purchase mismanaged facilities at discount prices.  The implementation of experienced management and demanded amenities makes these once unsuccessful facilities into cash cows in the self storage industry.  Changes made to these facilities can be as simple as adding security features, employing an onsite manager, contracting a call center, or expanding advertisement.  On the other hand, changes to these facilities can be complex and difficult.  Buildings often times need to be completely renovated.  This process includes changing unit sizes, building structure, and climate controlled features.  Major renovations like these are not for the faint hearted investor.  Major renovations should only be attempted by companies with construction departments employing designers and project managers.  While technology such as excel and computer animated drawing is making it easier to design facilities and set up project budgets, it still takes extensive training using these technologies to be successful in running a project.  To conclude this blog entry it is important to point out that there is an exception to every rule and if you have a level business head on your shoulders you can make owning a self storage facility work by following the examples of the top industry companies. 

Illinois Storage Units

Storage Concierge is your premier Storage, Storage Unit, Car Storage, RV Storage, Furniture Storage, Boat Storage, Yacht Storage and Self Storage Finder.

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Why are college dormitories boxes of dirty rooms? It’s because college students lack adequate storage space, especially when sharing a room with another student. Within the space comparable to a walk in closet, college students must fit a desk, a chair, a dresser, a refrigerator, and a bed. These are just the essentials; college students pack whatever they can into this space. When students are assigned a roommate, the same amount of space must hold double the furniture. Now there is no room for shoe storage or even Book storage. What is a college student to do?

There are two answers to this question. First a student can put excess furniture and clothes into a self storage unit. The other answer is for the student to move into an off campus apartment. However, the latter option is usually not an option until a student has completed his or her freshman year. Either way, self storage fits into the plan of both options.

Usually, students only need the smallest self storage unit available. A 5 x 5 will fit extra furniture, like a dresser and chair, plus some boxes of books and other small items. Some incoming college students found it unnecessary to bring the computer when the college campus offers the use of computer labs. Computers and other electronics will fit in a storage unit too. However, students may want to rent a climate controlled self storage unit for temperature and moister sensitive items.

During semester breaks, many college students are in the hunt for better living conditions, especially an apartment with plenty of storage space. Instead of hauling every piece of furniture and school gear back to mom and dads, rent a self storage unit for temporary storage. Self storage provides storage solutions for students in between homes during semester breaks. Most likely dad’s garage is already full of home storage and has no room for anymore clutter. Plus, keeping furniture and other storage items close to campus will save you time and energy it takes to haul everything back home.

In addition to more storage dilemmas, the new apartment may not support all of your storage concerns. It may be bigger than a dorm room, but you may have more than one roommate to deal with.

There are enough dirty messes you will have to deal with at college besides a cramped and dirty dorm room. Use self storage to sweep up any unnecessary storage problems.  

Connecticut Storage Units

Storage Concierge is your premier Storage, Storage unit, Car Storage, RV Storage, Yacht Storage, Self Storage Finder.

Storage

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When people call in looking for storage for the first time, it is up to the managers on site to give them assurance that they are making a good decision for their lifestyle. For me if a manager at a self storage facility asked me why I want to store, that is the first step to having me go ahead and renting. I am trying to figure out if I want to spend money to store my belongings so I can park my car in the garage during this wintery time of the year. For instance, last night it snowed, and it have been convenient for my wife to just pull the car out of the garage free of snow and ice, instead of watching her to go out there without a hat on trying to clear off the car in blistery coldness. 

What I am getting at is this. If we as self storage sales people can find a way to determine the true needs of the caller in terms of storing, we can sell them on why they need it. Why have boxes stacked to the ceiling in a standard room, when you have company coming over with nowhere for them to sleep? Why place your antique wood cabinet in the garage when the temperatures can reach below 0 degrees or get as high as 100 degrees when you could safely store it in a climate controlled unit? Is it worth $25 to $100 for convenience and to protect your assets?

Joel Little, experience sales manager.

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Secret Shopping

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I remember taking care of a customer and getting them all set up with everything that they needed to bring their experience to life. We were sitting down chatting about stuff other than their home theater system and building a great connection. Unfortunately, the time came to where I had to move on to the next customer and they wrote me a check for the transaction. I looked at the check to verify all the information was correct and then I looked at who they wrote it out to. They wrote the check out to Circuit City!!! I looked at the young lady and she looked back at me with a confused look on her face. I asked her where she was and who she was making this purchase from, she said, Best Buy. I agreed with her and then showed her the check she had written. She seemed embarrassed and then wrote the correct check. I asked her if I didn’t take care of her and if she got a better experience at Circuit City and she said emphatically, No! However, she was just there and she apologized.

As I evaluate self storage calls and listen to the property managers talk to the callers and try to get them to rent, most don’t remind the caller about who just helped them. As most people are looking for pricing, they might call a couple of different facilities. It is up to you to differentiate that experience for them and engrain in their head which facility to rent from. Always end the call with, Thank you for calling Athens Self Storage (or your company name). This way the caller remembers who took care of them and their needs.

Written By Guest Blogger, Joel Little

Self Storage

Self Storage Article Directory

Secret Shopping Blog

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Boat storage is something that more and more self storage businesses are getting into. With the increase in boat sales, they realize people need somewhere to keep their boats during the off-season.

One reason boat storage is ideal for many boat owners is because it frees up their space in their yard or driveway. Your neighbors would likely be less than thrilled to see a huge boat in your driveway each time they exit their home.  In addition, you will want a place to park your car. And when you park your boat in the yard you are doing nothing but killing the grass underneath it.

Another reason it is great to store your boat in a professional self storage business situation is because it will protect your boat. When you store your boat in an indoor storage unit, your boat will be out of the outdoor elements and will stay in good shape much longer.

Lastly, storing your boat indoors during the off-season can allow you to keep the boat un-winterized and ready to go if you should want to grab it during a warmer day during the off-season.

Written By Our Guest Blogger.

Self Storage Blog is brought to you by PhoneSmart – Your Premier Offsite Sales Force.

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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Here is just a sampling of some of the calls:

1- ME:  Hello, thank you for calling ZZZ Self Storage, how can I help you?
    Customer:  I just have a quick question for you… 
            (And then he droned on and on and on and on…..)

2- ME:  What will you be storing?
    Customer:  You know. 
             (No, I really don’t!)

3- ME:  Did you want me to reserve the 5×20 or the 10×10, since they are both the same price?
     Customer:  I want the bigger one.
             (Math is not your strong suit?)

4- ME:  What sized storage unit do you need?
    Customer:  I don’t know. I am calling for someone else.
    ME:  What will they be storing?
    Customer:  I don’t know.
    ME: Are we a convenient location for them?
    Customer:  I don’t know.
    ME:  When do they need the self storage space?
    C:  I don’t know.
             (Why are you calling??)

5- ME: You can call back to speak to the manager in about 15 minutes, or I can give you
             their voicemail.
    Customer:  Okay. 
            (Okay, what?)

And my ultimate pet peeve!
6- ME:  What credit card will you be using today?
           (BEEP, BEEP – I hear the dreaded call waiting beep)
    Customer:  I have been expecting this important call.  Goodbye. (Click.)
           (Why did you call me if you knew you were expecting a call.)

Written by Ann Sheehan, Call Center Rep with nerves of steel.

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Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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From how much you pay your staff, to how much you pay someone to mow your grass, to how much electricity it takes to raise your computerized gate, these are all things, plus more that you have to look at monthly. Your bottom line is how you see if you are a profitable business or a non-profitable business. And there aren’t many not-for-profit self storage organizations out there. When making any decisions, you have to think to yourself, how this decision will create a profit for me in the future. If you are not thinking this way, you are possibly placing your money somewhere it should not be. You could be carelessly throwing your money away.

I will always preach that the first line of defense of your bottom line comes from how well your staff is trained. If they can understand the P&L (profit and loss report) as you do, show them some kind of incentive to reach the goals you establish, your bottom line will be extraordinary. Everyone in my business understands how we make money and how we lose money. Knowledge is power and now I just empowered my whole staff to make sound business decisions around the bottom line. In result, the store profits, they all get a share of the profits at the end of the year.  Make good decisions; understand what is costing you money and what is making you money. Trim down the costs, and increase the profit. 

Joel Little, Experienced Manager

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Think about it. If you call into a retail store looking for a particular item, you find it, and go down to the facility, you are most likely going to buy it from that retailer barring some catastrophic turn of events. The same thing is true in self storage. If you can get the caller to commit to coming by your facility and showing them a great, personalized experience, they will hand you their money to rent today. I personally would not take my time to venture down to a place if I was not intending to buy from there.

In self storage, we need to take every opportunity to get the caller to rent from our facility vs. our competition. Get the caller to stop on by your facility. When they do, ensure that your facility is clean, warm and inviting to them. You need to make every effort to impress, but do not be over the top because the customer can see the over aggressiveness. After you’ve given a self storag quote, get the caller to stop by and you are more than half way there to getting a new tenant.

Joel Little, Experienced Manager

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Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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