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Recreational vehicles are a popular form of transportation. From working in a reservation center for self storage, calls are received to store these vehicles (assuming the storage facility offers parking). Without knowing anything about recreational vehicles, some of the terms for these vehicles are not intuitive. It is important to have a base knowledge to at least point people in the right direction.

Recreational vehicles fall into two different categories and also have many different nicknames. The first group of recreation vehicles is actually vehicles as opposed to trailers that are hauled by other vehicles. A Class A motorhome, as the name implies, is a mostly furnished house on wheels. In their construction a commercial truck, specially designed motor vehicle, or a commercial bus chassis can be used. Bus conversions are commercial passenger buses that have been re-engineered into a recreation vehicle. These are usually the largest possible recreational vehicle and can be customized into a luxury status. Class B campervans are conventional vans that have had some modification. They either have had their roofs raised or have had their backs replaced by a low-profile body. Class C motorhomes are built onto a truck. They have a characteristic cab over design in which part of the motorhome spills over on top of the roof of the truck where a bed or an entertainment center can be placed. Sometimes these recreational vehicles are called mini-motorohomes. Moterhomes are the last all in one recreational vehicle. Similar to the Class C motorhomes, these use a semi truck chassis.

The second group of recreational vehicles is trailers. Folding trailers are on the smaller side and are lightweight. They are collapsible for easy towing and easy self storage. Folding trailers are also known as pop up campers or tent campers. A travel trailer is similar to a Folding trailer except for the fact that it is not collapsible. Teardrop trailers are the smallest, lightest, and most compact. They have a teardrop shape and can even be towed by motorcycles. Hybrid trailers are a cross between folding and travel trailers. They have many rigid sides but have collapsible walls to adjust height for easy towing and self storage. Fifth wheel trailers are meant to be towed. They are attached to pickup trucks or medium duty trucks by means of a special hitch. This hitch is called fifth wheel coupling and this is what gives this type of recreation vehicle its name. Finally we come to the toy hauler. This is part living space and part self storage for items like motorcycles or ATVs.

Recreational vehicles can range in length from 6 feet (teardrop trailer) to fifty plus feet. Given that some can be fifty foot range in length, one of the most annoying things about recreational vehicles is finding a place to put them. Standard parking spaces are about twenty feet in length so parking one is usually not easy. Also a lot of home associations especially in California do not approve of recreation vehicles parked in residents driveways as they can be an eyesore to others in the community. An alternative that is available is a self storage facility. Many self storage facilities are now adding parking lots to store recreational vehicles. There are also self storage facilities that only accommodate parking (with no actual self storage units on site). If one self storage facility does not have the capabilities of storing recreational vehicles, it is likely they know of another self storage facility that does.

South Carolina Storage Units

Bowling Green location, 1628 Campbell Ln, Bowling Green, KY 42104

Self Storage

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In addition to offering moving and storage supplies to generate added revenue, many self storage facilities also charge fees for other various services. The most common fees for self storage facilities are late payment fees but this is not a method any self storage owner or property manager prefers to add to the bottom line. In fact, late fees can even decrease revenue due to the time spent trying to collect late payments. Late fees however do have their place by encouraging the tenant to pay on time and to try and reduce lost productivity and rent.

It used to be in the old days the only way someone could pay his or her rent was to mail a check or stop by the self storage office to make a payment. This was problematic because not everyone has a checking account nor could everyone always come by when the office was open. The alternative back then was usually a drop box on the side of the self storage office. The downside of that was everyone calling on Monday to be sure if the payment was received taking up valuable time when you could be answering rental inquiries. With the onset of checking debit cards it did make it easier on the renter to pay on time by paying over the phone.

Just about everyone has some form of plastic to make payments with these days. But there are not many self storage facilities that keep a staff on 24-7. With the increase in technology there are many ways now to avoid late fees. The Internet has opened a whole new possibility for payment options among other things. Hopefully, your self storage facilities have a web site and are set up to take payments. This of course makes it simple for all parties involved although you will still have stragglers as not everyone has access to a computer.

Another solution is to partner your self storage facilities with an off-site call center.  There are numerous software programs that now make it possible for someone off-site to access accounts and post payments. For the tenant it would be just like paying with someone at the store while it frees the onsite staff to show rental units. One popular program is using software that allows communication between self storage facilities and off-site sales staff. It even allows new customers to bypass the onsite office for move-ins increasing the opportunity to make new sales. This is like doubling your staff without doubling your payroll.

Many self storage facilities charge an upfront administration fee to help offset some billing and paperwork expenses but this can be tricky as many people making inquiries might be put off for someone charging a fee in addition to rent.  The best thing is to compare with other self storage facilities you compete with to determine what to charge. A solution to charging an upfront fee is to arrange an automatic monthly debit program where you can charge a tenants credit or debit card each month. This would prevent late charges accumulating and your attempts to make collections a total win-win scenario. For those who cannot pay electronically you could still charge an upfront fee or encourage the tenant to pay a certain number of months in advance.

There are also multitudes of ways to charge fees that are not rent dependent. This brings to mind the luggage carts at major airports that for a small fee they can rent one. Many self storage facilities have inside storage where you have to go down a hallway to get to the unit so this would be an advantage.  What about 24 hour access to the self storage units? Many self storage facilities have certain time frames a tenant can come in and out with a pass code but what if someone needs 24 hour access on an occasional basis?  Charge a small fee each time a tenant accesses after normal gate hours and track it with the gate log.

If you put your mind to it there are ways to pump up profit while keeping the monthly storage unit rent competitive. Look to see what your particular self storage facilities offer that a small fee could be charged or create new ones. The one thing you do not want to do is fee people to death like many of the car rental companies do.  No one likes to rent the economy car for 19.99 a day and end up spending 75.00 a day, after fees and taxes.  This type of fee scheduling has given the car rental industry a bad reputation and you want to try and avoid that at all costs.

Oklahoma Storage Units

StorageMart Scenic Hwy Lawrenceville, GA 30045

Self Storage

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Deep in the heart of Texas, there are many different self storage facilities. If you are looking for self storage Dallas, you can find dozens of different ideal facilities. The one that you choose will depend upon what you are seeking in a storage facility and what sort of items you may be storing.

Some of the options you may consider when investigating self storage Dallas facilities include

Lease term.  Do you need a storage facility for an indefinite period or just a month?  The price that you pay may be determined by the amount of time you wish to lease the space.  Naturally, if you want to lease your space longer, you can get a better deal on your self storage Dallas unit.  Storage unit rates also rise and fall with the summer and winter, as there is more demand for storage in the spring and summer months.

Rent terms.  Can you pay your rent monthly or do you have to pay annually?  You should find a storage facility that will accommodate your payment needs.  Most of the self storage Dallas facilities will require you to pay on a monthly basis.  Others will ask that you pay up front for the entire storage lease.  Make sure that you study the rent terms before you sign the rental agreement. Storage facilities also accept various forms of payment, which may include check, money order, cash and even auto-payment options.

Size of space.  There is quite an assortment of space when it comes to self storage Dallas units.  You can rent a small or large space, depending on your needs.  Some people, naturally, need larger spaces than others.  Most of the self storage Dallas is the size of a one car garage. 

Use of space.  If you are planning on storing questionable items, such as those that run on gasoline or firearms, make sure that they are not prohibited in your lease.  Study the list of prohibited items before you sign a contract for a self storage Dallas facility. 

Climate control.  It can get hot in Dallas, especially in the summer.  In order to make sure that your items are kept cool, you will want to look into climate control.  Make sure that your self storage Dallas unit has climate control so that your stored items are not exposed to excessive heat. 

Safety features.  You will want to make sure that your self storage Dallas unit locks and that you are the only one, besides the facility, who has the key.  You will also want to inquire with regard to the hours of the facility.  Some facilities have a gate and are open all hours.  Others are only open at specified times.  If you are planning on going to your unit in the middle of the night, you will want to make sure that it is safe and that the facility has a gate to keep others who do not belong in the area, out. 

Insurance.  How safe are your items at your self storage Dallas facility?  Chances are that they are very safe, but you want to be sure that you have some sort of insurance, just in case something goes wrong.  Insurance should cover fire and theft, even though the facility has safety features. 

Take a look at the many different self storage Dallas facilities before you choose the one that is right for you. 

Hawaii Storage Units

StorageMart Mannheim & Belmont Franklin Park, IL 60131

Automobile Storage

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Self storage companies are not all created equal.  One thing to consider as you are doing your research on the different self storage companies is the greeting you receive when you call in.  Were you able to understand the person that you called?  Are the self storage company personnel friendly?  Were you able to understand everything the person said in their greeting?

Let us break down the self storage call for you so you know what to listen for when you make that important phone call to the self storage companies that serve your area.

The store personnel should clearly tell you which facility that you have called.  They should also verify the location that you are calling and make sure that it is convenient for you.  The main reason people choose self storage companies is that the location is convenient for them.  So make sure that you know where the facility is located.  The personnel should be able to give you directions as well as a landmark or two.

Self storage companies should have great customer service.  Did the person on the phone clearly identify himself or herself so that you know with whom you are speaking?  It is always important to know whom you are dealing with, with the persons name you can build a connection with them when you say someones name you can be sure that they are listening to what you are saying.  Also, with a name you can ask for them again if you have further questions or if you would like to call back and reserve a unit.  Self storage companies often have limited availability, so if you have the persons name you can ask for them and save your self time when you are ready to make that reservation.

The personnel at self storage companies should also ask you when you are going to need the unit.  Since availability is often limited they need to be able to talk with you about how long they can hold a unit for you.  Self storage companies all have different hold policies, so be sure that you understand when you need to be in by so that the unit is still available for you.  Many self storage companies have non-refundable pre-payments towards the first months rent.  Since it is non-refundable it is important that you are in by the date that you have agreed to.

Self storage companies have many different amenities, you want to be sure that the location that you choose is safe for you and your belongings. The person on the phone should volunteer the information about safety and security features.  Also the self storage companies should let you know the access hours to your belongings as well as the office hours.

Last but not least, the person that you are talking to should review all the details with you.  Self storage companies have many details they should let you know of.  Items in the fine print that you should be aware of include office hours, administration fee, deposits, required length of stay, billing date and if insurance is required on your belongings. 

You want to be sure that the self storage companies that you deal with help you and provide a great greeting and all the self storage information that you need.

California Storage Units

StorageMart Mannheim & Belmont Franklin Park, IL 60131

RV Storage

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Self storage rentals are an ideal solution for commercial and public customers who need to store items without time and place limitation. It is also a very secure and inexpensive way to store someones possessions while spending several months abroad without paying rent for a whole apartment in their home country .Self storage rentals are also a great way store personal items for a temporary job transfer either within your home state or state-to-state.

A majority of self storage rentals are used for both residential customers and commercial customers who need extra space that they may not have at home, or that they require to operate their own business. Some added benefits to self storage rentals are non-stop entrance, no time losses for waiting, confidentiality, security, no long-term liabilities, one pays only for the services used, etc. Some simply use self storage rentals to make more room in their homes. As baby boomers move into their retirement years, many of them have started seeking out self storage rentals as well. For many of them move a family home into smaller retirement facilities and desire to retain personal items that can be easily stored, self storage is a great alternative in this scenario.

Self storage rentals will usually come with a contract, and there are certain items that you should be aware of. A self storage contract outlines all fees and rules regarding your rental unit. Look at the self storage contract to see what happens if you miss a payment or are late on a rental payment. This is important if you are not signing up for an automatic payment plan and leaving the state or country for some time. Ask the facility what their company policy is in regards to employee access to your self storage rental unit. Confirm with the self storage rental company that both of your inspection check lists match, and that the correct list is what appears on the contract. Be sure to ask what the policy is if you add items to your self storage unit after your initial date of rental. Look over the contract for your self storage rental unit to see what it says about using the companys equipment to move your belongings to and from the unit if they have any available. In relation to this, find out how short of notice you have to give when canceling your self storage rental contract.

Insurance is also a vital aspect for any self storage rentals contract. Read over the contract to see what kind of insurance is included in the cost of your self storage rental. It is in your best interest to get a more comprehensive self storage insurance. Different self storage facilities will offer various options for your car storage, RV storage, and boat storage needs. Choosing self storage is a secure and cost efficient option for all of your car, RV, and boat storage needs. You want to know that your car, RV, and boat storage facility is secure, so you will want to ask the self storage company about their security measures. Certain self storage rentals may only have open units with an offer to cover the vehicles and boats. There are some self storage companies that offer extensive options, including washing and maintenance, for vehicles and boats that vary according to your needs. They may even offer transporting services to and from the self storage site. These types of services are all dependent upon your needs, as these extra services most likely come at an added cost to your self storage rental. If your self storage company offers these add-ons, clarify the restrictions and fees. Most self storage rentals require an advance notice if you want to end your contract so be sure to plan ahead.

StorageMart US Hwy 1 & Bocca Chico . Big Coppitt Key, FL 33040

Storage

Storage Units

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Self storage are units of different sizes that are rented to people who put their stuff there (personal or businesses stuff) when they need to move to a new house or apartment. Some people need self storage if their lease is expired or just because they need more room or just move their stuff  out of the way or clean out their car garage.  Self storage facilities offer a month to month service. 

They usually do first of the month billing or anniversary billing. Some facilities prorate the move in plus move out and some just prorate the move in or the move out. If the tenant or customer does not pay according with the self storage enforcement rights that are outlined within the laws of each state they put the storage in auctions or lien sales to vacate the unit. These auctions are opened to the general public.

Some self storages facilities require in-house protection plans or require the customer to use their own insurance policy. Most self storage properties offer their own warranty for a monthly rate that covers fire and forced entry theft, limited instances of water damage, like roof leaks and water pipe leaks.

Self storage companies usually offer good discounts like

• 50 percent off move in
• 1 dollar moving
• firt month free or second month free
• 20, 50 or 75 dollar coupons
• 10 percent off for seniors 
• 10 percent off for military discount
• 10 percent of students discount
• free truck moving
• free move in service 
and more

Popular unit sizes of self storage include

• 5×5 (25 square foot that is equal to a small half bathroom)
• 5×10 (50 square foot equal to a large closet)
• 5×15 (75 square foot about the size of a large walk in closet)
• 10×10 (100 square foot, which is comparable to an average bedroom)
• 10×15 (150 square foot that is equal to a large bedroom or extra small garage)
• 10×20 (200 square foot similar to a one car garage or living room)
• 10×25 (250 square foot equal to a large one car garage)
• 10×30 (300 square foot similar to a one-and-a-half car garage)

Some self storage facilities also offer locker storage units 5x5x5 (can not walk into them) and stacked storage units (ladder access and box storage only).  They also have self storage units for RV storage and boat parking and for car storage or truck storage. Some units are inside access or outside access, they also have drive up access, upstairs and downstairs and ground level units. Most multi-level self storage facilities have elevators for the convenience of the customers.

Every tenant or customer has their own lock and they can access it any time during the access hours. Some self storage facilities even offer 24 hours access.

Most of the self storage facilities have access controlled gates and many use security cameras, door alarms. Most self storage properties are fenced and lighted. Some self storage facilities have manager who lives on the site. Some offer inside parking, wine storage, trucks for rental and private mail boxes.

Some self storage facilities offer climate controlled storage units to prevent moisture problems. Climate controlled storage units are recommended for temperature sensitive items like leather furniture, art, antiques, or computer equipment.

StorageMart Federal Hwy and Atlantic Pompano Beach, FL 33062 (866) 748-6951

Storage Unit

Storage Space

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Mobile mini storage is also commonly referred to as mobile self storage, mobile storage, pod storage, and portable storage, along with many other terms. The idea of mobile mini storage is very similar to that of offsite self storage. Customers can rent extra space to help them during a transition or circumstance in which they find themselves with too many belongings and not enough storage.

Self storage requires that tenants bring their items to the self storage facility and then place them into a storage unit. They must then retrieve their items as they need them and bring them back to their home. Once it is all said and done, a self storage tenant moves their belongings no less than four times because they first move them from their home into a car or truck. Next, they have to move them out of the car or truck and into a storage unit. To get their items back, they once again have to move them from the storage unit back into a car or truck. Lastly, a customer has to move them out of their vehicle and back into their home. All that unnecessary moving is eliminated by using the conveniences of mobile mini storage.

Mobile mini storage can cut the labor of moving by half, allowing a customer to move their items just twice. Most mobile mini storage providers deliver a mobile mini storage unit to your driveway or sidewalk outside your home or apartment. Once the mobile mini storage unit, is delivered, a customer can move their items directly into the unit where their belongings will be safely kept. Thus eliminating the packing and unpacking of a car or moving truck. The mobile mini storage unit is then re-delivered to the same address or to the new address of the customer and they can then easily put their belongings back into their home.

Another benefit of mobile mini storage is that it saves the cost of renting a moving van. However, a customer considering mobile mini storage should ask each storage provider what fees may be associated with the delivery and re-delivery fee. Most mobile storage companies do charge delivery fees in addition to monthly rent. Yet many storage customers find that mobile mini storage is still the most affordable and convenient, especially with the rising gas prices. Renting a moving truck usually requires a deposit, flat rate, mileage rate and returning the truck with a full tank of gas. That can all add up quickly and should be weighed against the cost of mobile mini storage delivery fees.

Mobile mini storage has some other advantages over self storage. Once a tenant has placed their items in the container, it is returned to a warehouse for safe keeping. Because there is no public access to the property and  mobile containers are stacked two to three high, vandalism and theft are extremely difficult. It is also a standard that the mobile mini storage warehouse provides a climate controlled environment.

Mobile mini storage does come with some disadvantages that one should consider. For example, a customer needing frequent access to his or her storage unit may find the convenience of self storage because of the extended access hours and freedom of stopping by to shuffle through a few boxes at their leisure. Accessing a mobile storage vault usually requires advanced notice, at least a few hours, so that the staff at the storage facility can pull the vault out of the warehouse. In addition, access may be limited to one or two times per month, which could result in additional fees for customers needing access that is more frequent.

Canada Storage Units

Acorn Mini Storage

StorageMart I-95 & Griffin. Dania Beach, FL

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At the PhoneSmart Call Center our specialized computer program tells us vital information we need to help a future customer rent a self storage unit. We know the price and current specials, as well as the availability of different sized units, boat storage and any basic information about the self storage site that our client wants a caller to know. Another important thing we have access to is the directions to different storage locations. We have directions from major intersections, as well as familiar landmarks in the area. This helps us make sure the customer knows where they are going, and makes sure that it is the location they were looking for. If we answer for multiple properties for the same company, we will have that information at our finger tips also. Many times in the larger cities there will be many self storage locations for company XV, but the caller has called a location that is not as convenient as the other XV location across town.

Even though we try our best, sometimes our directions are not accurate. The name of that grocery store has changed or that restaurant has been torn down. It can be very frustrating for phone reps, and our admin department tries their best to keep everything up to date.

PhoneSmart is taking the guess work out of dated information with their on line updating service. This website allows each individual self storage site that is our customer to go online and update any information that we are giving to potential self storage callers. Why is this so important? Being up to date in your business information allows PhoneSmart to be able to turn around and relay that information about your self storage facility to the caller. If you only have one 10×10 left then you do not want 3 different callers to want to rent that particular unit. Taking that quick minute will save you the potential confusion with customers when they want that last 10×10 but you rented it two hours ago and did not update your site. This program is also great for updating holidays and unexpected times out of the office, when bad weather may strike or a power outage in the neighborhood.  

That is one of many reasons it is fun to take a call from someone needing storage in Mid-Missouri, where we are located. We are not only reading local directions off of a computer screen, but we actually know where the local self storage facility is located and the easiest way for a customer to get there. You can even put in some other landmarks that you may know into the conversation to help guide the caller to the appropriate self storage location. And every now and again it turns out we know our caller. My co-worker just had a call from her brother’s next-door neighbor. Talk about a small world!

If you would like information on how you can turn your missed calls into profit while providing them with the most accurate information about your site, then contact PhoneSmart for information. Call 866-639-1715 today.

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

California Storage Units

Local Self-Storage

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PhoneSmart is a Sales Force to be reckoned with!  This December we answered 5,000 more calls in the month of December 2007 than we did last year in December 2006. 

Since the opening of this business, we have consistently grown in number of employees, departments, clients, callers and stores. You can’t stop us!

PhoneSmart is not unfamiliar with the self storage business to say the least.  We’ve handled every range of customer service in the self storage business such as the storage reservation, rental, billing or storage process with all of its various situations that come along with it. 

We’ve talked with the abused spouses, the newlywed couples who are blending families, the college kids who’ll be away from home for the first time and are excited about starting school, the family who gets evicted and needs family services to assist in the payment and set up of a unit, the woman who was being held captive in a storage unit by her estranged husband.  We’ve dealt with irate customers who’ve paid their bill and can’t get into storage, the customers who were worried about their items after the store caught on fire, the Louisiana residents that stood in line for hours attempting to get a storage unit so they had somewhere safe to put what little they had salvaged from their destroyed-beyond-recognition homes.

We’ve spoken to the soldiers who were going off to serve in Iraq, the families who didn’t want their loved ones to leave afraid of them not ever returning. We’ve dealt with employees of businesses in which the company needed storage because they were going out of business, the prospective customer who’s sitting in front of the store waiting for the store to open or the manager to come back so they could get the unit. 

We’ve dealt with the policeman who was called because a tenant was stuck behind the gate, the crowd of customers gathered at the gate that won’t open because the store manager hasn’t arrived at the office yet, the family who has to put their parents in a retirement home and are having a difficult time doing it although they have no other choice to, or the family who has lost a family member and they now have to deal with the emotionally draining process of storing all of their goods into storage because they do not want to let those items go.

We represent ourselves as professional, friendly, storage guru’s because we know storage!  The number of calls and the types of calls that we handle we do not take lightly, as it helps us to increase our sales techniques.  When you know how to handle the types of situations that we handle, how could you not take advantage and get to know how to handle each one of them in case it comes across your line again. 

Our average full-time rep handles approximately 80 calls per day.  Our business handles approximately 20,000 or more calls a month!  A Month!  We’ve talked to nearly every possible situation out there that comes up with someone trying to find storage facilities. 

We’re personable with our callers and sincerely care about what works for them and what doesn’t. Our training is ongoing and always available when someone needs help.  We are reservation commission based.  Which tells you that we know we can get the reservations and we know we can convert those reservations into rentals.  

We’re not just a Reservation Center or a Call Center.  We represent that particular store that the caller is calling into at that time. We are a Sales Force to be reckoned with! 

Written by Robin Turner, Call Center Co-Director

VT Storage Units 

Self Storage Article Directory. Visit our Boat Storage Section.

Storage Units Location

Storage Unit Locations

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Are you making the most of every rental? If you’re self storage facility is like most self storage businesses these days you have items for sale in your office. Things like, boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, mattress covers, couch covers, locks and more. Some people might stop by just to buy some of the moving and packing supplies that you have for sale. But I would bet that many people including future tenants are not aware that you have moving and packing supplies for sale in your office.

Make sure that you are letting callers and future self storage customers know that your self storage facility is a one stop moving and packing supply center. Adding on a few items to every one of your rentals than you will be up selling that rental. And besides making more money for your self storage company, you are providing those self storage customers with a quick and efficient way to purchase their moving and packing supplies from one place. If you are a self storage owner then you could offer a contest to your managers. See who can sell the most moving and packing supplies in a week or a month and then reward the winning employee. You will see your sales numbers rise and they will not all be from rentals.

Written by Natalie Thomas, TQAS agent.

AK Storage Units or AR Storage Units

Self Storage Article Directory. Visit our General Information section.
 

Storage Unit

Storage Units Location

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