» Self Storage Unit Locations
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Why Storage Rates May VaryBy admin on May 30, 2008 | No Comments
And How To Decide What Is Best For You
Believe it or not, when you are shopping around to find somewhere to store your belongings, different facilities in the same town and sometimes on the same street may have different self storage rates . The great thing is that from week to week or month to month, the space you were looking for will be a different price than when you called to get the initial price. With the economy the way it is plus the competition that is in the area, the prices fluctuates.
There are many factors that go into why the self storage rates are different from facility to facility and space to space. The different reason the prices might be different are convenience of location, amenities that benefit the customer, and of course the size of the space. Many facilities try to sell you on their facility and want you to come down to see them. Sometimes it might be in your best interest.
A great location can dramatically increase the self storage rates of that facility. For the store owner, the great location may mean higher land and building costs, which result in higher rent. Besides that point, people pay for convenience and the demand is higher. Being able to stop by your store room during your daily routine and not waste precious time in your busy day, let alone the cost of saving gas is what creates higher rent. Finding a facility that is on the way to everywhere you go is great. Sometimes you think about something you have in the store room that you need to get out. You will pay more to get in and out of facility that does not disrupt your everyday life.
If you have ever called around looking for somewhere to store your belongings, you have come across one or two facilities that actually do more than just give out their self storage rates . You will find that there are some facilities that believe they can convince a caller to come down and rent with them if they are told how their facility can benefit them. That is an interesting concept. The manager wants to discover your true need for storing and find the best solution for you.
It has been proven that customers are looking for more than just price. It is a common misconception that all people care about is just how much it will cost them a month. If the sales person on the phone takes one or two minutes to explain that they have some benefits that will improve your storing experience, you are likely to choose them. These things could be a computerized gate, security cameras, door alarms on every unit and maybe a conference room that anyone can use. But those are just a few of the things that may cause the prices of the self storage rates to go hirer.
When looking for the best self storage rates , you have to know what you are putting into the store room. How are you going to get the best value on a space if you are unsure on what you are putting in there? Different sizes are given a different price and of course the bigger you get the more expensive it is. Whether it is a 5×5 space or a 10×10 space, you have to know what you want to store and the manager at the site can assist you with the correct space for your needs. Sometimes you might luck out and get a bigger size for the same price as a smaller unit due to the availability of the space in question.
When you are calling around looking for the best self storage rates in your area, you have many things to consider. No matter what you need to be sure on what you are wanting to store and what you can live without in terms of amenities. With the competitive market today, so many people are offering you a free month, half off a couple of months of storing or to move in for only a dollar. You can spend days and sometimes months trying to figure out where to put your belongings. That final decision is yours.
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Why Portable Storage Is PreferableBy admin on May 28, 2008 | No Comments
The world is at your doorstep these days, and quite literally. The Internet has given us the power to summon whatever we wish and have it magically appear at our door within a matter of days. Books and movies, video games and electronics can all be brought right to your front stoop. Thank you delivery men!
More local services are available for delivery to your home than at any other time in history. Pizza is not the only food that delivers to your door any more. Now your local Chinese take out joint delivers, as does the Sub Sandwich shop up the street. Even Indian restaurants sometimes deliver their delicacies. But restaurants are not the only place in town that come to you. Florists come to you, and in some places even the milk man still makes his mysterious morning appearance to your front porch. Car windshield repairs are done in your own driveway in many cases. Rental car companies deliver their car right to your door. It stands to reason that the offsite storing industry should follow, and it has with mobile mini storage .Mobile mini storage has revolutionized the way in which people transport their belongings from their garage, attic, basement or living room to the local storing center. It is so easy and convenient, it is crazy that no one thought of it sooner. Here is how it works. One or more big metal boxes are dropped off in your driveway. The boxes are sturdy, solid and weatherproof. They open from the end, much like a moving truck in most cases. Sometimes the bins are made of wood.
The mobile mini storage bins easily fit into a driveway or parking space, giving easy access for loading your personal belongings. Take care to package and box up your articles securely so they do not break while being transported. The responsibilities are yours for insuring there is proper cushioning for delicate or fragile articles. Your local storing center can suggest tips for packing your things. Typically, you have up to a week to leisurely, or frantically, depending on your stress level and deadlines, pack up the portable storing containers. If you finish packing earlier than you thought you would, call the company to come and remove it early. If not, you can expect a big shiny truck to come and safely whisk away the mobile mini storage bins, ridding your life of them forever. Okay, maybe not forever, because you still want to keep the things that are inside, otherwise you would not have called for the service.
What actually happens is that the containers are taken to a warehouse where they are numbered and stored until you need to access the contents again. When you want your things back, the company will bring the containers right back to your driveway or parking lot, perhaps a new and different driveway or parking lot if you prefer, but yours nonetheless. Your things will be safe, dry and protected for as long as you need them to be when you choose this revolutionary storing method as your temporary solution. For ease and convenience, many people have wisely chosen mobile mini storage to fulfill their temporary storing needs, and many others use it as a long term solutions for other storing needs. It is easy to understand why. Thank you deliverymen!
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Climate Controlled Storage Protects Your ValuablesBy admin on May 23, 2008 | No Comments
Do you have valuable collections you need stored? Do you have items that need to remain dry, such as photographs or written documents, when stored? Are you storing candles or cosmetics that need to remain at a controlled temperature? Storing your valuables in a climate controlled self storage area could be the answer to your storing needs.
One big benefit of the climate controlled self storage areas over a standard unit is temperature control. The units are controlled to keep the temperature above freezing, around 40 degrees Fahrenheit, in the winter and below 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer months. Instead of using individual heating and air conditioners for each unit, many facilities install commercial heating and cooling systems in an entire floor or building to control the climate. The advantage for the renter is they will not have to remember to turn on the heat or air conditioner for their particular unit. Any malfunctions for individual units will not go unnoticed for long periods. Using commercial units makes the facility run efficiently.
The climate controlled self storage areas are designed to prevent mold or other problems from moisture. Humidity control is as important as temperature control. Many of these facilities keep the relative humidity in their temperature controlled units lower than 50 percent.
Storing antiques, wood and furniture as well as musical instruments cosmetics and electronics are ideal items for the temperature and humidity controlled units. Long term storing in these facilities where the heat or cold can split wood furniture, damage antiques or electronics is desirable. Another plus is the humidity levels are kept low, preventing moisture to build up on boxes or furniture and causing mildew or other damage to the items.
These units are more expensive than standard storing. However the benefits out weigh the costs. One of the benefits of climate controlled self storage areas are their location. Most units are located inside a finished building, thus allowing it to keep out rodents or dust. Another benefit is the peace of mind knowing your belongings are safe from the elements.
Standard units are simply a slab of concrete with metal walls and a roof. Most offer some sort of security. People storing their stuff in one of these facilities need to realize it is like storing everything in a regular garage. If it is hot outside, it is even hotter in inside. This can cause candles or cosmetic samples to melt, record albums begin to warp and mold to develop from the humidity. The new climate controlled facilities gives the owners a competitive edge over the standard owner. Customers want to know their possessions will be stored in good condition and not destroyed by the temperature or humidity.
Naturally not all items require a controlled climate. But for those things like photographs, bedding and clothing having a unit that is temperature controlled helps avoid that musty smell.
Businesses can benefit as well from this type of storing. Those selling pharmaceutical supplies or cosmetic samples need a place to store where the climate can be controlled. Records and files, paper and electronic, need a place that is controlled to keep the papers from turning yellow or mildewed and the electronics from being damaged from excessive heat or moisture.
Climate controlled self storage is a specialty offered by this service industry. This amenity is worth the cost to have your possessions protected by temperature and moisture controlled facilities.
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What Is Important For Your Storage Unit?By admin on May 22, 2008 | No Comments
A majority of us have decided to call a self storage facility and inquire about needing somewhere to place our belongings. Most people are looking for completely different reasons to go with one company versus another. There are some decisions that the average consumer has to make in order to find the right fit for their items. We sometimes hear about the customer having problems with finding the right place for their items. What do the associates on the property have to do to close the sale?
The self storage facility associates have to be great at sales in order to close most of the people that are inquiring about storing spaces. Most people in this industry as well as the companies that they work for try to get their customers to agree on five things. Those things are when they need the space, if the location convenient for them, what size will best fit them, the correct amenities for their needs and all of that for the right price. It all sounds easy but it is not as easy as it seems.
One of the first things the self storage facility associate should ask about is when they are in need of the space. This way the associate can ensure that there is a size available for the customer. If they are limited on that space, they can create some urgency to get the caller to come down today to rent the space or to get them to reserve the space over the phone. Without knowing when the caller needs the space, it could be hard for the associate to close the sale.
The customer should know where your self storage facility is located so they can come by and visit you. By asking the customer if your location is convenient to them, that tells the associate that they can make it down to your facility with no problems. You should invite each caller down to see your facility and hopefully when they are down there, you can get them to sign on the dotted line.
Sometimes the customer has a size in mind for what they need, but you should always ask what they are storing to ensure that size will work for them. The caller does not want to be disappointed to find out what the size they thought would fit would not and the size they need is occupied. Finding the right size for the caller is crucial to them deciding to give you their business.
You have got to sell them on your facility and what they are getting for the money. Every facility will offer similar or very different amenities. What makes your company stand out from the rest? That is what you have to let the caller understand in order to get them to grace your doors with their presence.
Determining all of their needs before giving out the price might all but secure you as their self storage facility of choice. By waiting to give out the price, you are setting yourself up for success. After you give out the price and they decide to accept or deny, you can recap them agreeing to all the steps above. What is really keeping them from renting from your facility? It is ok for you as an associate to ask the customer what they were expecting from you as a place to store their belongings.
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What Type Of Storage Do You Need?By admin on May 20, 2008 | No Comments
A self storage unit is not the same at every facility. In fact, there are many different types of spaces available to the average consumer. You can have a space that is climate controlled, portable, or what most call regular spaces.
When you are talking about a self storage unit that is climate controlled, you are speaking about a space that the temperature is kept constant. Most spaces keep the temperature between 60 degrees and 80 degrees. You can use this type of space if have belongings that are sensitive enough not to be placed in your garage. Many people prefer this type of space because they feel like their items are with them at their house because of the temperature adjustments that can be made. Climate controlled spaces give the customers a peace of mind that no matter the weather conditions outside, their belongings will be safe from the elements. Also, usually this type of space is located within the facility and there is no access to the outside. This limits any kind of vermin to enter their space and chew on their furniture. One downfall to that is that you might have a facility that does not have space down their aisles to bring large pieces into the building. If you find the right facility, you could spend less money on this space than a regular type.
Another type of self storage unit is the spaces that are portable. This type of space gives you the convenience of having the space come to your house to load. The unit can be left there at your house until you are ready to have it picked up. It is very convenient for you because you might not be able to get to load the space today, but now it is at your house and you load it first thing the next day. This type of space was created to replace renting a truck and having to bring your items to the facility. This alleviates you having to pack and unpack your belongings more than one time. You can put your items in that portable space, the company comes to pick up that space and they put it in a warehouse that is monitored by security and climate controlled. One of few downfalls to this type of space is that most of the time, your space will not be accessible to you. They usually place your space on top of another space. If you needed something out of this space, you would have to call ahead to see if they could get your space down for you to access.
The last type of self storage unit is the regular type. This is the most common, inexpensive that most people end up renting. Most people feel they need to access their belongings more than a couple of times a week. This self storage unit would fit you well because it usually has a big roll up door that allows easy access. You place some sort of lock on the unit, in order to ensure that your items can be safe from intruders. This space is the first space to sell out because it is also the cheapest of the spaces. Every now and then you will find that the type of spaces above can be less expensive, but that is because they are usually left unfilled and the facility needs to drop the prices to sell them. If you do not mind that your belongings can be exposed to the extremes of heat or cold, or they could be susceptible to insect and other type of creepy crawlies, then a regular space will be good.
No matter what self storage unit you choose for yourself, there are some things that make one space enticing than the next one. You have to know what you want and what you expect from these spaces. Know what you are trying to store and put your belongings in the right space.
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Finding Storage Close To HomeBy admin on May 19, 2008 | No Comments
Within every major city, there are several zip codes. There might be only one zip code for the little towns outside the major cities. Depending on where you live, you can find several self storage facilities in almost all zip codes. The easiest thing is going online and searching for self storage facilities in your area. The hardest thing might be to make the right decision on which facility is right for you.
There are many things to consider when finding that right facility for your needs. Usually there might be one to three reasons people choose the facility that they do. Those three reasons people choose the facility for them is the location, the price of the space and the value or special running on the space.
With the many self storage facilities available in your area, you are in perfect position to make a great decision. It is a sure bet that a space is within a good driving distance of where you usually travel on the course of your busy week. Most people do not want to drive out of the way to get into their space. No one wants to take more time out of their busy day to check on their belongings. Most people do not need to visit their space on a day to day basis. But, if location is very important and convenient to you, make sure you do not settle for less.
If you wallet is tight, then you are looking for the self storage facilities that are easy on your budget. When searching through the World Wide Web, you can find many different spaces for a great price. Not everyone can give hundreds of dollars to put their belongings into a space other than their home. Many of the top facilities have great security in order to protect your items. These facilities are awesome for those who are concerned about the precious items that they have to live without for a while until they get their living situation more stable. You know your budget more than anyone else. Do not get into anything that you believe you can not afford. Look for places that you can live with.
In terms of value, you most self storage facilities have a great special or value for you or your family. You can ask the sales associate that answers the phone what kind of special they are running, most will gladly tell you. There are many different specials out there that create a value for the caller. You might be able to get a space for less than a CD or DVD these days. There some companies that rent their spaces for only one dollar. Sometimes the second month in that one dollar first month deal can be very expensive. Make sure that you balance out all the costs associated with renting such as the administration fees, deposit or the monthly charge. No one wants to be taken by surprise or have to move out of the space in a month or two because you were uncertain that you could afford the monthly charge on your space.
Finding the right place to store your items can be the easiest thing or one of the most difficult decisions you could make at this time. You are transitioning from house to house or apartment to house or any other combination of home to home. You do not want to make a decision to put your belongings that could hurt you in the long run. Do your research and make a great decision based on your needs.
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There Is More To Storage Than PriceBy admin on May 7, 2008 | No Comments
There are rental facilities everywhere it seems. Some people wonder where they find self storage . If you walk out of the door, get into your car and drive a couple of miles in any of the four directions, you are bound to run right into one. There are facilities everywhere. When you are driving down the highway next time, look to your left and to your right and you will see many facilities lined up in prime view.
Why are you trying to find self storage ? Most people use this service when they are attempting to make their homes less cluttered. They want to give their homes the appearance of being open and free. Some people just need a place to park their vehicle for the winter. There are many reasons to need this service. You just have to determine your need for the service.
You can use the vast Internet for your guide to find self storage . No matter what search engine you use, you will find over 10 million hits with some reference to the rental industry. With it being one of the fastest growing businesses in America right now, it makes sense that there are that many website links to it. Make it a point during your search, that you identify if the location is convenient to you, so that it would not cause a major detour in your day to get there. When trying to find self storage , there are some things you might want to consider.
One thing that most people think about first is the price. While price is very important, is that all that you care about? Hopefully, the answer is no. Now, do not get this message wrong or confused. The price is important to the final decision, but you need to find out what you are getting for the price, which leads us to the next point. Are you seeing the value in where you are storing? When seeking out rental facilities, it is good to know what you are paying for. As we all know, there is a rental facility once every five to ten miles in one direction. What makes one facility better than the one down the street? That is up for you to ask.
Does that facility have any hidden fees that they decide to spring up on you at the last minute? Who wants to pay for you to be entered into the system or to do your paperwork? You have to believe that you are making a good decision based off what you are hearing the associate tell you. It is good to do research online, but actually talking to a person can give you so much more at times.
Why are you trying to find self storage ? Make sure your reason is valid. Stop to think about it. Do not call around looking for free when you know you will have to pay something to store your belongings there. Do not go into it expecting a certain amount of money only to be disappointed. Keep an open mind and realize the value in what you are paying for. Do not put your belongings in facility in which you feel uncomfortable. You are storing things for a reason. If you did not care what happened to them, why are you wasting money on storing them?
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Get Your Storage Unit While You CanBy admin on May 5, 2008 | No Comments
When in search for self storage it is important that if it is need it in the near future it should be reserved or rented as soon as possible. Currently, renting is in its busy season that began in early March and it is very unlikely during this time that facilities will have units available. There are many reasons why self storage is so limited right now. The number one reason is because the climate is getting warmer in the United States regardless of the state one is located. Thinking about it, it seems if during the warmer months people tend to do a lot of necessary spring cleaning. This includes redecorating, un-cluttering and reorganizing from the cold and winter months. The prevalence of garage sales also increase which may also lead to an increase in the unavailability of rental facilities. Another factor that may play a large role this year in the unavailability of self storage is the current economic situation. It is evident that foreclosure is a major problem in 2008 in the United States. Many citizens are unable to pay their mortgages and the interest rates have increased significantly. What situation does that put homeowners in? Many choose to either attempt to sell their homes within the housing market that is also difficult goal to accomplish or move and let their homes be foreclosed and move into something they could rent out rather than own. Many are moving into apartments and rented homes that are smaller and are more affordable. By moving into a smaller space, excess furniture and items will need to be either stored in a self storage unit or in another safe place. The increase in gas prices may also be another factor in the reason why facilities are practically rented out. Gas is almost at 4 dollars per gallon all over the United States and many people have turned to public transportation in order to save money. It costs almost 50 dollare to fill up a small car today.
When rental areas are so limited it is essential that one rents in early March. After about Mid-May one would be lucky to find a unit anywhere. How does one go about reserving a unit? Most facilities take pre-payment of anywhere between 10 and 25 dollars. This pre-payment is likely to be applied to the total balance once one comes into the office. Other facilities may require a credit or debit card called a non prepayment hold. This is like a hotel reservation in which the card does not get charged, but it holds the unit for an extended amount of time. By reserving a unit in advanced the customer has a unit guaranteed for them, and whatever special that may have been quoted to them guaranteed. After reserving the unit, the customer would need to go into the office with picture identification on the date that was agreed upon. The unit will be guaranteed and the customer will be able to get a unit without any worries. Without reserving a unit the customer is faced with the chance of not getting a self storage unit or being put on a long waiting list.
In the summer months climate controlled units typically fill up the fastest. Most people store electronics, computer parts, leather furniture and antiques in climate controlled units. These units are popular in states like Arizona, Texas, and other southern states where the temperature is significantly warmer in the summer months.
Storage Concierge is your premier Storage , Storage Unit , Car Storage , RV Storage , Furniture Storage , Boat Storage , Yacht Storage and Self Storage finder .
August 2005 Secret Shopping Blog Archive
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Self Storage Is About ConvenienceBy admin on May 2, 2008 | No Comments
Self storage is a service that many people use on a day-to-day basis. It is a convenient way to store your belongings in a location other than your house to save space. Some people use it in order to store their companys documents because office space is expensive and can be used for something other than storing boxes. So is it better to find and a storing facility for that reason. But what all goes into renting a space?
If you take the time go search for self storage in your area, you will be surprised at the number of available companies that provide this service. It is a fast and growing business that people are taking an interest in, but it is highly competitive. One search revealed more than thirty three facilities within a ten-mile radius. That zip code searched, only showed a population of 25,000 within that same ten-mile radius. If you take a second to think about that number, you will find three facilities within one mile in each direction you go. That is crazy. In another area that was searched, the city had over 2 million people within this city and its outer limits came up with a 330-facility results. That is a ridiculous amount of facilities in that area.
With the outrageous number of self storage places 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 reasons for needing somewhere to place their belongings. Someone might need the service 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 your company for help. Some people are looking for price or a convenient location. For this person only needing this service 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 out there. Some people are looking for a value.
With so much competition out there in self storage, 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 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 one-dollar move in special to where they only charge the customer a buck for the first month and then the regular price their after. There are companies out there that spend thousands in advertising trying to through 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 the store room 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.
December 2005 Secret Shopping Blog Archive
Self Storage Article Directory – Self Storage Advertising and Marketing
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Find Self StorageBy admin on April 8, 2008 | No Comments
There are all kinds of ways to find self storage units. People are using units for different reasons. Someone may need to use these types of areas for selling his or her house. He may use rental areas just to stage the house for show. A customer will usually get a small unit to put boxes or clear out clutter just so their house looks bigger.
You can find self storage online. This is a very popular way to find units. A customer can go online and do different searches to find something in his or her area. Usually a web site will help, someone can put his or her zip code in and it will pull up all location in their area. If you want a certain company, then someone can put that company name in and it will pull up all locations where that company is located. This really helps those customers who are moving to a new area, or even a new state. Lots of customers who are relocating will use this search. A manager can hold a unit until the customer gets moved to their new location and most facilities can accommodate a semi truck, a lot of times when moving from another state a semi truck brings it in.One way for customers to find self storage seems old fashioned. This is where you are using the local phone book and see what is in the area or close by. Most customers that use this type of service will use a location close to their house, so if they need to get something out it is close by. Most facilities have decent access hours for customers to get in to their rentals. So that way if some one is having a big dinner party but forget they had pack away the good china, they can run to their unit and get the box hopefully mark china and have their good china for the dinner party.
People still use word of mouth to find self storage. Most people in general will ask around to their friends and family, have you tried this or have you used this or that. Whatever they are looking for it seems most like to hear someone else has used it or tried it. And they have had good results with it. Well it is the same with this business. For instance, students who are going home for the summer will need a place to store their items and they will ask their classmates where they should store.
If a customer is moving to an area they do not know, but have a family member in that area, they may ask their family member, do you know of any companies or know of any one who has used rented before. Sometimes the family member may have rented before or heard of one close by their house and they will suggest that one. There are a lot of times if a family is moving to the area then their family member who already lives there will shop around for them. Calling locations in them area and seeing what kind of security they have and the cost.
Regardless of where customers are at or where they need a rental there is a way to find self storage.
January 2008 Property Management Blog Archive

