There is nothing worse than when a customer decides to go with a self storage facility that does not really offer what they need, but the price is what they want to pay. What they do not realize is that even though the price is what they wanted and the location is in the place they want to rent, their belongings might not make the storing term. If you really need climate control, then find a facility that can offer it. Yes, standard space will cost you less than a climate controlled space. You have to consider that if you place something in a standard space that does not do well in regards to the fluctuation in temperature, you could damage those belongings.

 
So many people try to save some money by storing their belongings in a standard space when they know they should be storing them in a climate controlled space. They will save money in the long run by maintaining the integrity of their belongings. Think long and hard before you store something that should be in climate controlled space in a standard space.

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

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You should try to find a location that is close to you. No one really wants to drive way out of their way for their storage belongings. So what more people end up doing is on the drive to their favorite destinations see if there is a self storage location on the way. This way, the customer knows that they could have their belongings be conveniently on their normal, daily path. If you end up choosing a self storage facility that is way out of your way, you could spend unnecessary time driving. So you have to decide if the price you are getting on storage worth the drive you have to make to get there?

 
Also, make sure that the site is secure. You are paying someone to treat your belongings like it is their own. You do not want to know that your belongings have the possibility of being stolen or damaged. A facility that has a gate that is surrounding the facility is a start. A facility that has door alarms on your unit that will sound if someone besides you tries to open the door is better. A facility that has surveillance cameras that keep an eye on your belongings when you can’t is even better. There are more bells and whistles that make a facility secure, so make sure you check out what they have to offer.  Security should be your most important thing to look for.

 
Access hours should fit your schedule, as well. Access hours are going to be different than office hours for the most part. The office is going to typically be open a shorter time than you have access to your storage facility. If you need to talk to the property manager about something or need something in the office then you need to see when the office is open. If you just need something out of your unit, then the access hours is what you need to look into. Some facilities offer 24 hour access so you can access your belongings when you need to. Depending on the company they could give you some pretty lengthy gate hours to access your belongings. Some facilities consider it a security option in where they only allow you access when the office is open. This way they can see everyone that comes into the facility. Whatever the access hours, make sure that it fits what you need.

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

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If you receive a flyer or coupon in the mail or on line for a self storage unit you might want to hold on to it if you need storage later.  You might not need it now, but you never know when it will come time for you to need self storage. We sometimes do not think ahead so we decide to act spur of the moment. We look through our coupon books and find some things that would love to get discounts on the products that we need, then discard them. We do plan on using those discounts but we are not organized enough to keep then on or near our person so we can use them.

When you are offered a self storage coupon or discount, you should hold on to that and put it away for safe keeping. Your job could relocate you, you could have a death in the family and have to move, there are so many reasons to need self storage. In a time of crisis you do not want to have to worry about how you are going to pay for your self storage unit. That’s why it’s good to have your self storage coupon handy for you to use. It could save you a couple of dollars or it could save you a couple of months of rent. Find a safe place for your self storage coupon.

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

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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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There are a few things that go into the size you might not have thought about.  First you need to determine what you are putting into the space.  If you only have boxes, you can go with a smaller unit.  Also, do you need to get in and out of the unit on a regular basis?  If you will need to go through boxes, you want to make sure to get a unit large enough to accommodate.  There is nothing wrong with getting a larger space than you need if you need to rifle through boxes and have some room. Just check with your self storage manager to see what the next size up will cost you.

 
Finally, consider how long you need it.  If you may need it long term, you might also go bigger in case you want to add things later. Sometimes if you know you will need the space for a long time, you can get a long term deal from the property manager. Since most storage facilities will have a lease that goes month to month, you might be able to find a space that you need at a price that can make you smile. The first step is to tell the manager what you are storing and have them recommend a size that can work for you.

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

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What do you do if you are working on a home remodeling project, and your furniture is in the way? There are many people who would actually sit there and scratch their heads. They would really take a lot of time trying to figure out this dilemma. It does not really have to be that hard. Unfortunately many people don’t really there are pretty simple solutions when it comes down to need a little extra space to move furniture in order to remodel.

One suggestion would be to get a portable storage unit.  By getting one, you can bring the unit to your home, and put your furniture inside.  Not only are your things close by, but they are out of your way so you can complete your project.  Some might argue that the cost is more, but I like having the peace of mind that my things are safe on my own property. Another advantage to the portable storage unit is that with some companies they will actually take the unit away and bring it back to you when you need it. How convenient is that?

Not every thinks that portable storage is an option that could really help them. They believe that it could be too expensive even if it is very convenient. So they decide to go ahead and go with standard self storage. They won’t mind packing up their furniture, rent a truck and take it over to their local facility if they believe it will save them money. Sometimes when it comes down to it the decision between using portable storage or self storage, is simply how much is your time worth?

What do you do if you are working on a home remodeling project, and your furniture is in the way? There are many people who would actually sit there and scratch their heads. They would really take a lot of time trying to figure out this dilemma. It does not really have to be that hard. Unfortunately many people don’t really there are pretty simple solutions when it comes down to need a little extra space to move furniture in order to remodel.

One suggestion would be to get a portable storage unit.  By getting one, you can bring the unit to your home, and put your furniture inside.  Not only are your things close by, but they are out of your way so you can complete your project.  Some might argue that the cost is more, but I like having the peace of mind that my things are safe on my own property. Another advantage to the portable storage unit is that with some companies they will actually take the unit away and bring it back to you when you need it. How convenient is that?

Not every thinks that portable storage is an option that could really help them. They believe that it could be too expensive even if it is very convenient. So they decide to go ahead and go with standard self storage. They won’t mind packing up their furniture, rent a truck and take it over to their local facility if they believe it will save them money. Sometimes when it comes down to it the decision between using portable storage or self storage, is simply how much is your time worth?

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

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If you are going to move that much, it is a good idea to make sure that you purchase items that you can reuse over and over. Plastic totes are a great alternative to cardboard self storage moving boxes when you are storing your items in a self storage unit. It is a good idea to place the belongings that will not be unpacked every time you move in to storage. This way you can consider getting a smaller space each time that you move. If you do not need a large space why get one. Use plastic totes each time you move.

 
With plastic totes you do not have to worry about the bottom falling out if you have heavy items in the box. You also do not have to worry about boxes getting crushed. If you have plastic totes when you move often, you can stack them up as high as you want and not worry about them toppling over because of pressure. It might cost you a little bit at first when you purchase the plastic totes, but at least you will not have to worry about purchasing anything else when you move next.

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

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It is best to shop around for storage as a serious customer. When you call in for prices, it should be time to do business. You should be ready to move in and you should have your plan of action in mind on how to get your belongings to the self storage facility. You are not calling around to get an idea on self storage, you are calling around to figure out who wants your business. Pick up the phone with that mindset.

 
Specials come and go. Just because there was a special when you called a couple of months ago does not mean that it will still be available. For this reason you should not be solely dependant on the special to help you out. Maybe there is something else that you need from the self storage unit. Whether it is great security, location or what not. Ensure that you are not just relying on the special to tell you where you want to rent from.

 
Pretty much anything that you could ever need as far as moving and storage supplies can just be picked up at the store you are renting from. Most storage facilities now pride their selves on being a one stop shop for self storage. So do not bother going to the hardware store looking for a lock or what ever else you need, just visit  your local storage facility to help you out.

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

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Moving to another home can be an expensive process, even if you’re not heading across the country. When you are forced to move and have limited time and money to get the packing done, your stress level can go through the roof. Here are some tips to help you move affordably, allowing you to make a successful transition into your new home.

The first lesson is to be prepared for anything. This means having more on hand than you really think you’ll need. In particular, this includes having plenty of boxing tape, a few extra box cutters and loads of boxes. Stock up on bags; keep a container of markers handy. Sheets are great for wrapping items and a handcart will save your back. Lastly, keep a toolset handy and you will be ready to go.

In the even that you will be putting items in storage, add a few extra things to your list. Mousetraps will protect your belongings, as will moth balls. You also might consider adding air fresheners so your items don’t pick up that musty smell. Newspapers are a cheap way to wrap fragile items. Stock up on these items and you are prepared to begin the packing.

Label Everything
There’s nothing worse than searching through boxes without labels. Spare yourself the misery by taking the time to label items as you go. It doesn’t matter if its extra soap for the bathroom or your fine wedding china. Label the items to make your life easier when you arrive in the new home. Mark what’s in the box, what room it will go in, how heavy the box is and whether or not it is fragile.

You might also want to consider using a scaling system to mark your boxes as they are packed. Items with a number one would be considered very important and should be opened first, items that are labeled as low as a number ten could be left indefinitely.

Inventory
Nothing helps you get organized at your new home like a well-planned inventory list. You don’t want to toss something on the packing side and then waste time searching for it when you are unpacking. Make the inventory list before packing even begins so you can be sure you don’t forget to pack something. Mark every box on the inventory sheet so you will know that all the boxes arrive safely. Make a note of items you decide to donate or throw out so you won’t forget and search for them later. This step is time-consuming but can save a great deal of frustration later.

Vehicles
If you are moving in town you can recruit friends to help you on the big day. As soon as you decide to move you should start talking to friends and relatives who have big vehicles and might be willing to help. If necessary, rent a truck or hire a moving van. The vehicles should be lined up well in advance so you are not left scrambling to transport items on moving day. Remember that the more people who come with vehicles, the fewer trips back and forth you will have to make.

Ask for Help
This isn’t to say you should hire professionals, but your friends are probably willing to help and you should let them. The chore will go faster, you will have less physical strain on your body and they can help ease some of the anxiety that goes with moving. They can help you pack, label and unpack. The key is to make sure that everyone is using the same labeling method and you will be in great shape when you arrive at your new home.

Following these steps can take most of the stress out of packing. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and with this advice it can be a little less of a dreaded chore.

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

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One way people can save money on moving is by using the same boxes over and over again. The key to this is to buy boxes that are sturdy. If you do not have sturdy boxes, this method of saying money will not work. Now of course you have to realize that you will pay little extra for those storage boxes at first but you will not have to buy any next time. If you are not liking the idea of buying boxes at all, you can drive around to your local grocery stores or retail environments to see if they have any boxes that you can use. They will most likely give them to you since they are just going to compact them or throw them away.

 
Instead of renting a moving truck and movers, you can have a couple of your loyal friends with trucks come by and help you out. Typically one of your friends will know someone with a trailer or a couple of trucks that you can use. It might take a couple of trucks and a trailer or two to help you move but it will save you money. With the addition of many friends helping you move, you will get done quickly. The more time you save, the more money you save.

 
One last tip that can save you some dollars on your move day is making sure you pack things as tight as possible. The reason for this is so you can make the least amount of trips as you can. That will of course save you gas. With the prices of gas, it is essential for you to save as much as you can. So make sure boxes get stacked properly, you bring with you what you are going to keep, and ensure that the right sized item goes in the right vehicle.

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

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Some family members will tell you that you they do not have time to go through all the belongings. Some will tell you that they just do not want to. At least they are honest. That still does not solve the problem. Someone will need to step up and decide to do it for the loved one who just passed away. It would seem as though the person or people that cared for the passed away family member the most will do what is necessary to help out. On the other hand, there will be people who are obligated to help out. Hopefully they will keep their negativity to their selves.

One big help that people find is to clear out all the things that will be thrown away and store the rest. Usually the family will have to get everything moved out by a certain time so that the landlord, bank or whoever owns the property can find another person to move in. For the most part you will not be done sorting everything out before it is time to move out.  Until then move everything into a big enough self storage unit so you can sort everything out there. Then you can decide who gets what and the rest can be given away to charity. Do not feel as if you do not have options when you do not know where to put such things until you are able to look through them. Most storage facilities have a month to month lease so you can stay as long as you need in order to everything figured out.

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

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There are so many different methods in order for a self storage facility to take payments for the customer. It is a good idea for the self storage manager to inform the customer on the different ways they are able to pay their monthly rent. The manager will tell the customer that they are able to pay their rent online, they can come by the store or they will be able to call the payment in. Now the customer will have to understand the different ways they are able to make a payment. The truth is not all facilities will allow all the methods of making a payment detailed above.

For some self storage facilities they will tell you they do not want to take payments over the phone because they want to reserve the phone for new customers. If the customers that are only wanting to make a payment call in then that could tie up the lines for new customers to call in. Again, the facility manager would need to ensure they are informing the customers of this procedure. It is good to verbally tell the potential renter and also to put that fact in the renal agreement. This way if the customer has a disagreement, the manager can point out the agreement on the lease.

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

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When people are calling around looking for storage they are trying to figure out what makes the self storage facility different. If they cannot find something that makes them different they then turn to price. For many customers, the specials really make the deal when shopping for storage units. One site may be cheaper monthly, but a free first month would mean the other may be cheaper. In this instance, what really would make the difference is how long you were planning on renting. In some cases you will be able to use the special in order to make your total payments for how long you are storing, cheaper.

 
All facilities will tell you that you need a lock. Locks come in many shapes and sizes. You can get a padlock style lock to meet the requirements or you can get a disc lock for added security. You do not want to get a lock that is easy to cut off because you want your belongings to be safe within your storage unit. Make sure that you do not try to be too cheap here and get the lock that is going to keep your belongings safe.

 
If you are looking to sell a lot of items that need to be shipped, you may want to check out the packing supplies available at your local storage facility. If your local facility is a one stop shop when it comes to self storage, then you definitely lucked out. This way if you need anything such as boxes moving supplies or anything of the sort, you do not have to leave the office. When you are calling around looking for the differences between local self storage facilities then you will want to ask about moving and packing supplies.

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

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You should start your storage search sooner rather than later. This is a great time of the year to look for storage because it will busier in just a short time and units will be hard to come by. It would seem as though people think that they can call up the day they need storage and the facility will have the space they are looking for. Unfortunately the most needed storage spaces will be rented first and that could be the space that you are looking for to rent. If you do not get the space that you are looking for then you will end up paying more for a space that you do not need. That typically does not make the person looking for storage happy.

 
Every discount that you can find will put money back in your pocket. If you get a first month free promotion, you should still ask about other promotions. Sometimes a facility manager will tell all about the short term promotion they are running, but say nothing about the long term deal. The more questions that you ask the better, especially when it comes to pricing. If you can save money on a monthly basis, then you can feel assured that you have made the right choice when it comes to storage. Now in the same respect, if a facility has a great monthly cost, but is not giving away free rent, still consider them. If you are storing long term, you will have to do the math to see what the best deal is for you.

 
Every manager will tell you that they have good security. You should schedule a site visit to see for yourself how safe the site feels. Most people will talk a great talk over the phone, but when it comes to what is actually going on at the facility, that leaves something to be desired. When you walk into a facility really look hard and see how everything works. Watch the self storage manager put in the pin code, make sure the door alarms work and any other security feature is in tact before you sign the lease. You do not want any surprises when you move in.

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

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A caller of mine yesterday called in to inquire about a self storage space in her local area. Naturally she called the right place and we chatted about their new home. It was a great time because the customer was still on high about getting their new home so they were completely ok with everything that we were discussing. We got them set up with a self storage unit only for a small amount of time since they will be fully moved within a month.

 
Many people come in to self storage with the idea that they want to store short term. Unfortunately other circumstances do not allow them to move their things out of their storage unit. The good thing is that the facility typically does allow you to store your belongings month to month. So in the case of this customer, they were able to store only for one month until they got everything else done and placed where they wanted. They did not need to deal with all their belongings being in the way.

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

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She was getting ready to hang up when I stopped her by explaining that there was a one dollar to move in special. Whether she rented a 5×5 or 5×10, it would cost the same for one month of rent. The customer was very excited and wanted to rent the space. Of course she was a little skeptical trying to figure out what the loop hole was to this special deal.

 
It is very common for a customer to feel as if the wool is being pulled over their eyes. They do not want to be taken for a fool so they ask a lot of questions until they feel comfortable renting the space. The manager onsite tries to do all they can to assure the customer about the special deal that is being offered. Now of course the customer most likely will still need a lock, pay some sort of administration fee and maybe insurance. Regardless of the possible additional fees, it is still a good value.

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

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When college students call in looking for storage, as a self storage manager, I always get excited.  After working in storage for over two years, I am well aware that once the school year ends, college students and parents start flocking towards storage.  The primary reason for this increase in rentals is due to the number of students who leave the area to return home for the summer.  Most people do not realize how quickly smaller storage units go during the summer months.  I always advise my callers to make sure there unit is reserved in advance, so they do not have to be the ones calling any place they can for any sized unit they can find.

 
There is nothing like trying to find something last minute, but some of these student storage shoppers that is what happens.  This is especially true for those customers who are shopping for the first time because their student is a freshman. It is assured that in the second year of college for their child, they will be more active to find a self storage unit. Most of the time you will find that self storage facilities are looking to get students into a 5 x 5 space or a 5 x 10. Typically a student can fit everything they are storing from college dorm room in a 5 x 5 space. Of course the 5 x 5 spaces are the first to run out so a self storage manager will typically get them into the next size, a 5 x 10. Hopefully the manager does not have to go any higher than this one because it will be too big for what the student needs and also they do not want the customer paying more.

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

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#StorChat is hosted by Kenny Pratt (@SellingStorage), President of Crescendo Properties and Editor-In-Chief of Selling Storage, along with Rachel Greenfield (@SpareFoot), Marketing Analyst at SpareFoot and Editor-In-Chief of the Storage Facilitator. The hosts will ask three questions relating to the topic at hand over the course of thirty minutes, and everyone participating is encouraged to answer, discuss and exchange ideas and opinions via tweets.

“The great thing about a Twitter chat is it brings users together from all over country or world to a place where they can interact in real time, rather than communicate in a delayed manner as they might through email or forums,” Pratt said.

Many self-storage operators currently use Twitter as a promotional tool to reach potential customers, but #StorChat hopes to demonstrate there’s more to the platform. It presents a progressive opportunity to meet new connections and learn from knowledgeable peers on anything and everything self-storage business. Twitter chats have been popular and successful in a variety of niche industries, from real estate to multi-family housing to blogging.

Social networks like Twitter can feel overwhelming, so #StorChat offers self-storage professionals the chance to cut their teeth with a group of supportive people they can relate to. Everyone in the industry is encouraged to join in, learn and socialize with their fellow smart and creative storage owners, investors, managers and employees.

The first #StorChat on Wednesday, Sept. 7 from 3-3:30 CST will cover the use of social media marketing in self-storage. To participate, simply sign up for a free Twitter account on Twitter.com (or log in to your current account), then follow the hash tag #StorChat by searching for it in the Twitter search box. Be sure to type the hash tag “#StorChat” at the end of every tweet you send during the chat. Get more tips, advice and details about #StorChat here: http://sellingstorage.com/self-storage-twitter-chat-unleashed-september-7th/

About SpareFoot:
SpareFoot is the largest online marketplace for self-storage, making it easy for consumers nationwide to find, compare and reserve storage units online. The company also offers a suite of leading web marketing tools for facility operators. Across multiple properties including SelfStorage.com, Apartments.com and others, the SpareFoot Ad Network helps facility owners and managers find new tenants— all through an entirely pay-for-performance model. SpareFoot is backed by Silverton Partners, FLOODGATE and Capital Factory. For more information, please visit http://www.sparefoot.com.

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

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I told one person that we only have one left and that she should at least put it on hold just in case when she calls back it will not be gone. She said she would take her chances. That same customer called back not even a half an hour later and wants the unit. I told her sorry I just rented the unit five minutes ago. She was very upset and now she has to take a unit somewhere else that was much farther out. She told me she did not believe me that it was that busy and she would miss out if she did not reserve the space. Also stated next year she will listen and reserve ahead of time to make sure she gets what she wants.

 
Some customers would not learn their lesson from this situation and they would just keep doing the same thing. Luckily some people are still able to find a self storage unit when they need one. If you find something that is close to you, a good value and is secure, rent it now. Do not wait for it and continue to shop around. If you wait till the last minute, you can be like many customers who will have to end up going with a storage unit they do not really want, that could either be more money, not big enough or they have to travel further out to get it.

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

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The courtesy hold only requires some general information, and still reserves the unit for the caller. Many storage facilities found that it was not fair for the customers who did not have credit cards to not be able to reserve or put a space on hold over the phone. Not everyone was in a position to come down to the store and go ahead and rent the space. The courtesy hold seemed to be the next great idea to help those who did not have a credit card.

 
Customers could now breathe a sigh of relief knowing that they had a space reserved. Sometimes when a self storage facility told them that they could not reserve a space over the phone, they were very upset. The customer knew they needed the space but they simply did not have a credit card they could use to hold it. Now with the courtesy hold, the customer knows that they still have a space, they can move on to the next item on their to do list and get ready for the move.

 
Now one thing that is slightly different about the courtesy hold than the credit card reservation is the hold time. With a credit card, typically the storage facility would hold the space longer, if needed, than with a courtesy hold. Storage facilities still feel that customers who have put down a credit card are still more likely to come down to rent. So with that said, customers who reserve a space with a courtesy hold are asked to come down to the facility within a week or less to rent the space. There are facilities that will hold a space up to two months if the customer uses their credit card to reserve.

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

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Many facilities have video cameras in which they can see things that the manager can not see. Some facilities have the cameras going all the time where other facilities have the cameras on whenever the facility is open. Always know the difference between the two options. If someone breaks into the facility or a current tenant that tries to take something that is not theirs, the camera will capture it.

 
A fenced property is a great security feature for those who are renting. When facility is fenced then we know that not just anyone can walk right up to our unit. Now you will find that some fences are locked with a chain and lock where other facilities have a gate code that you enter to open the fence. Usually you have longer access to your belongings when the facility has a gate that has a gate code.

 
Having a facility that well lit is always a plus. This is good because no matter what time of night you come to the facility, you will always feel safe that you can see all around you. You will be able to access your unit safely and then go about your night. You do not have to feel that someone is lurking in the shadows. The facility will be so well lit that there will not be many places that are dark.

 
Door alarms are a good feature because when someone tries to lift the door to your unit, an alarm will sound. Typically you will find that the gate code is associated with your door alarm. So this way the only person that can enter the unit without an alarm sounding is the renter of that space. That should make a fair amount of people happy.

 
Some facilities will have a resident manager that lives on site and will ensure all is running smoothly. It would make sense for them to know what is going on since the facility is literally their backyard in some cases. Other cases the manager will live close so they can get to the facility if there are any issues or emergencies.

 
When the facility is in a good part of town, everyone take s a sigh of relief. They know that as a customer they will not be bothered as they are entering or departing their unit. Now of course it is not completely unreasonable to think that just because your storage facility is in a good area that it cannot be in danger of being robbed. Understand what your facility has to offer and also what you feel is important to you when storing.

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

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A young woman who needed a space for her dorm room things called because a particular self storage location was offering the first month rent free.  She was so excited about the special that she did not even ask what the normal rate was.  She then called another facility, to which the facility manager stated no special was available.  She instantly wanted to end the call.  She said the competition was offering a way better deal.  The customer informed that although this particular self storage facility did not offer a special, the rates were way lower than the other facility.  After calling the other store back, she realized the facility manager was, in fact, true.

 
Be careful not to make the same mistake. Make sure that you are shopping for value and not just for the special. If you are staying with your self storage facility for only a month and the month special is great, then take it. The unfortunate thing is that you never know if you will be staying longer. No one wants to move their belongings from facility to facility in order to get the best special. Look at the special and the monthly rate. See which one best suits your needs.

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

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However, most companies now offer a wide variety of boxes, packing supplies, and furniture covers.  Usually, the prices of these items cost less than at a retail store.  This gives self storage an extra layer of convenience.  Not only can you store your things, but everything you might need is right on site whenever you have to have it.  How could it get any better than that?

 
The answer to that question is you cannot. For the average self storage customer who is in a rush to get every thing done on their moving day, they can get everything they need from one place. They do not want to move into a storage unit and then have to leave to go get a lock, box, or any other storage supply they need. They can turn around in the office and grab the lock they need off the wall. Most self storage facilities now are considered to be your one stop shop for storage.

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

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It is a common fact that as long as there are possessions in this world, there will be a desire to store them. The concept of self storage may seem like a modern concept, but it goes over 6,000 years to ancient Xian China. The ancient Chinese used clay pots of various sizes to store their belongings, and stored them in public underground storage pits which all had access to. The tradition continued throughout history. The first storage business was created in the 1850s, when moving and storage pioneers devised the first warehouse specifically designed for household goods and treasured personal items. This was the beginning of an industry waiting to boom.

The first official self storage facility as we know it was in Odessa, Texas and was called “ A1 U-Store-It, U-Lock-It, U-Carry the Key” . Although this was almost 100 years ago, the basic concept has stayed the same. Then other states caught on; two moving companies, Minneapolis Van Lines and Weimer Storage in Elizabeth, New Jersey, began offering personal storage during the 1920s. Storage facilities became interconnected when Arthur Trachte, of Trachte Building Systems, built interconnected metal garages for what he called “ cars without homes” in 1928. Commercial storage facilities became extremely common in the 1960s.

Demand for storage units increased dramatically in the 1990s, and companies began to pick up the pace. During 2000-2005, over 3,000 new facilities were built each year. Now, there is more than 2.35 billion square feet of self storage in the U.S. alone. This is equivalent to three times Manhattan Island under a roof! Storage facilities are about 32% urban, 52% suburban and 16% rural, so everyone can find units near them. There are many varieties of modern storage units—climate controlled, secure storage, and any size from a small locker to an entire garage. In the United States, 1 in every 10 households rents a storage unit, and that number is on an upward trend. Although modern storage units are not exactly underground clay pots, the concept is the same: I need someplace to put my stuff!

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

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People can often get worked up over small things.  Tenants sometimes call into their self storage facility in order to get a second storage unit, only to find that the rate of said unit was twice the price they are currently paying. They will immediately began ranting and raving and threaten to go to a different facility or even file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. Most good managers will allow the customer to let out their steam and then let them calm down. Then the manager will politely explain to them that the price quoted was the current rate for new tenants.  As a current tenant, sometimes the manger can sometimes offer a multiple unit discount, which cuts the cost for multiple spaces owned by the same tenant.

 
The attitude of the customer would then change as they realize, they may have over acted. This happens very often in these kinds of situations. Without really knowing the whole story a customer can get extremely upset and sometimes it will be too late in order to reconcile. Always make sure you understand the full situation before going off the handle, even when in need of self storage.

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

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When people add a pet to their family, some would say they are adding another member of the family while others would say they are just adding a good friend. Pets comfort their owners and others protect. It would depend on the home and the person on how their pet will affect their household. Moving can be a difficult time for your pet. They are used to their surroundings and the smell of where they live.

When moving, not everything will go into their new home. Some things will go into storage. Many people store their pets until they can get everything moved into their new home. When everything is moved, they will then bring their pets into their new home and let them get acquainted. If everything goes according to plan, their pet will act like nothing has changed and all will be well.

Don’t move with your pet running around. Get everything moved and then bring them to your home. No matter how good your pets are, they can get in the way. When moving day is here, it is not a place for pets. See if a friend or your local shelter can hold them for a while until moved. Even though they can not tell you, they will appreciate you thinking about them during your move.

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

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The fee would be pretty low if you are looking to do just a local move. There are many that believe that a moving truck is very expensive, but there are many companies out there that don’t hold true to that stereotype. Companies that just offer moving trucks could rent it out to you as low as free if you find the right deal and company. Now the actual truck might be free or low cost to rent, but most of the time you will have to pay for gas and insurance. Even with those cost, renting a truck is still more convenient and could cost less than driving your car multiple trips.

 
When you are looking to get a self storage unit as well, you might luck out to find a facility that will rent you the moving truck for free. You can not beat that deal. You need a self storage unit so it makes sense to need a moving truck as well. It is good for a facility to be able to offer both. When shopping around for moving trucks, do not forget to call around to local self storage facilities, they could be of assistance as well.

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

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There is a simple answer to that. When it comes to reserving a space, many people like the idea of it not costing them any money, but many hotels hold the funds in your account until you come in. Well not a lot of people think that is a good practice. For that reason they shy away from reserving the space. Also people do not want to use their credit card in order to hold the space. They want to pay in cash and not use any form of credit to hold the space.

If the space really is free to hold, then make sure that the customer knows that. Saying that holding a self storage unit is just like renting a hotel space is not really the truth. Make sure as a facility manager, you are explaining that correctly or people might shy away from reserving a space. So with that said, why not reserve a self storage space today? It’s free.

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

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When you are storing in the winter it is important to get a space that is climate controlled so that your belongings are kept nice. Also, it is nice that it is not freezing when you go to get things from your storage unit. If you are unsure of whether or not you should get the space, you should see if the manager can make a recommendation of what you should do.

 
The summer can get hot and a climate controlled space will be cooled. When the weather is to hot for words outside, you will know your belongings will be hanging out in the cool temperatures. Even if you are not able to escape the heat rays of the sun, know that your belongings will as long as they are in a climate controlled unit.

 
The temperature inside a climate controlled space is typically set at a constant temperature set by the property. This will prevent anyone who believes their belongings need to be at colder temperature than any other space. If you feel you can leave your belongings in your garage and feel comfortable, then you do not need a climate controlled space. If you do not feel good about putting your things in a space that fluctuates in temperature, you should invest in a climate controlled space.

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

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CEO Chuck Gordon coordinated the nine-week project, in which duos of employees moved a growing pile of possessions from one storage facility to the next around Austin, adding their own creative items for the next teams to discover and move. Each duo was responsible for finding storage near one teammate’s home, with or without the help of the company’s own self-storage finder site.

All employees – from developers to salespeople to marketers – booked units, signed leases, obtained locks and optionally rented trucks to cart the pile around town. Moving forward, every new employee to join the SpareFoot team will pick up where things left off and complete the task themselves.

The idea sprang from Gordon’s realization that most SpareFoot team members had never personally used self-storage, but he wanted them to understand the challenges storage customers face. He hopes Adventures In Storage inspires improvements to SpareFoot’s website that will make finding, reserving and executing self-storage easier than ever for everyone.

“To speak intelligently about anything related to the consumer experience, everyone at SpareFoot should have personal experience renting a storage unit,” Gordon said. “Everyone will learn what it really means to rent storage, and see how much of a pain it is. This should help guide everything we do to make the process easier for consumers.”

The project was documented through filmed interviews with each duo at SpareFoot’s office, and some scrappy video footage taken at the storage facilities. Weekly blog posts will unfold the story in a narrative style similar to that of a typical TV reality series. A short video, featuring interviews and photos, will accompany each written post. New blog “episodes” are released every Monday for nine weeks at 6 p.m. CST, starting June 20.

In tandem with the June 1 release of a teaser trailer for Adventures In Storage, SpareFoot is running a social media contest whereby the first three people to correctly guess one item in the final storage unit win $100. All in all, the series should reveal a lot about how a fun high-tech start-up staffed by a team of smart, nerdy personalities operates. It will also be an experiment in pushing the social media reach of a niche industry. Follow along on Twitter @SpareFoot with hash tag #adventuresinstorage.

About SpareFoot:
SpareFoot is the leading online marketplace for self-storage. With more than 5,000 self-storage facilities listed nationwide, SpareFoot offers consumers the most complete comparison shopping experience in the storage industry. Across multiple properties including SpareFoot.com, SelfStorage.com, Apartments.com and many others, SpareFoot helps storage facility operators find new tenants— all through an entirely pay-for-performance model. SpareFoot is backed by Silverton Partners, FLOODGATE and Capital Factory. For more information, please visit http://www.sparefoot.com

Sparefoot Adventures In Storage Teaser.

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

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