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Climate Controlled Self Storage is growing by leaps and bounds. Not too long ago the only option you had in self storage was car garage type units or interior units with a regular door. Now, a lot of storage facilities are incorporating climate controlled units. Some facilities only have climate controlled units.  Others, have a mixture of both.  The climate controlled change now allows storage customers the option of regular storage, heated, air conditioned or year round temperature options.

When some customers call for storage, they specifically ask for climate controlled units only.  Others have no idea what climate controlled units are or what items you store should go into them.  We gladly go through the items that should be put in climate controlled self storage.  That gives them the option to put their items in there or take the few items with them when they move.  Sometimes the difference in pricing for climate controlled self storage or regular self storage determines which unit the customer will choose.

When some customers call and are not sure of the unit size they need we ask what items they are putting into self storage.  When they mention an item or items that do require climate controlled self storage then we advise that is where they should put them.  The price of climate control versus the cost on regular storage units usually determines where they will put their items.  Sometimes customers who store sensitive items refuse climate controlled self storage.  They do that because regular self storage is all they are used to and that is what they choose.  They will state they stored those items in regular storage before and nothing has happened to their items.  Even though some customer refuse to store in climate controlled self storage we still go through the list of items that should go in there.

The items that a customer puts into storage that we recommend for climate controlled self storage are as follows.

• Leather or suede furniture. 
• Antiques. 
• Photographs and paintings. 
• CDs and DVDs. 
• Computers, TVs, stereos, appliances and anything else that is electronic. 
• Believe it or not, furs need climate control too.
• Items made of certain glass also need to be stored in climate controlled self storage. 

Anytime a customer says that they are storing any of these items, we recommend climate controlled units.  A lady called in yesterday that wanted a storage unit.  When she was asked if she needed climate control or a regular unit she asked what the difference was.  We told her.  She was surprised and said that she had a micro-suede sofa and leather recliners and since we told her that she would probably needed climate control she thanked me and said that she had called a couple other facilities and nobody mentioned that.  She was advised that the facilities probably did not have climate controlled self storage and therefore did not mention it.  She reserved the unit.  A man called from Florida looking to store some clothing.  Turns out, he had to get a climate controlled self storage unit because he had some heavy leather coats in there and he was worried about moisture getting to his coats.  He was very grateful that we mentioned climate control.

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Nowadays most self storage facilities offer a lot of other items and services to their customers and the general public than just plain old storage. Self storage facilities have become a one stop shop for anyone in need of moving and storage supplies, shipping and packing services, and copying and faxing services. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Colorado Self Storage

Waldorf Storage

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March is here and we start to see a slight change in the self storage business. We are still in the midst of winter, yet spring is approaching fast. The college students are not quite ready for the need and use of the self storage business. None the less, they are also are calling about storage. Who else at this time of year is looking to rent storage maybe a bit more frequently than during other times of the year?  Businesses are always in the need throughout the year. And those seldom movers who are relocating due to a transfer at their current place of employment are also on the hunt for storage. Then there are the movers who for whatever their situations are at their present home address who just are not working out for a possibility of various reasons are also on the hunt for storage year around. Whether it is due to a divorce, an eviction, roommates not getting along, or families who experience a change in pay, all of these people might need storage.

Right now it seems that we are starting to see the spring cleaners in need of service from a self storage business. Cleaning out the clutter and reorganizing their home is a spring task.  It seems a little early for it, but the incoming calls are showing a slight increase and need for more space and thanks to the self storage business,  they are able to rent a unit and start this well needed task. 

Depending on what state your self storage business establishments are located in, in-coming calls will vary in the amount of calls that you will actually receive at this time of year. If you are interested in and make it a yearly ritual to advertise your self storage business for specific seasons or specific trends then right now would be the perfect time to start advertising your self storage business.  Now would be perfect to advertise for a spring cleaning special. 

Of course if your self storage business is located in warmer regions then you should fare pretty well with this type of seasonal, promotional special. Other regions where the weather may not be so great could also see an increased need for storage. There will always be someone no matter what region they are in that it will not matter to.

So think of a spring cleaning special that you can advertise and be creative with. Also, you want to make sure that you advertise in all areas such as mailings, or newspaper advertisements. Even the internet is a great place to advertise since it seems that the internet is a highly popular place to advertise your self storage business.  If you do not have a web page for your business, you may seriously want to think about getting one. The cost will pay for itself by the increased number of rentals you receive. 

For those in the self storage business that do not show an increase after you have advertised for a cleaning special your first year, then you know not to bother with it again in the following years. But for now, go out on a limb and find different times of the year to advertise for such specials to help your self storage business increase sales throughout the year. You could hit the jack pot of new rental inquiries.  You just have to find what works and what does not.

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Downtown Nashville, 1615 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37203

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Self storage facilities have many different sizes of units because there is vast array of purposes for people needing to rent storage.  The five by ten (5×10) self storage unit is one of the most popular sizes.  It works well because of its length, but lesser price than that of a larger self storage unit. 

A 5×10 self storage unit is very well-liked among homeowners that are getting ready to put their house on the market.  Real estate agents encourage everyone in this situation to declutter their home, to remove all of the unnecessary boxes and things piling up in closets and attics.  Most neighbors are not interested in storing these items while their friends are trying to make their house look more appealing to buyers.  That is why a 5×10 self storage unit works just perfect.  The dimensions of this size of a self storage unit is long enough to accommodate that extra bed in the guest room and the eight foot ceiling is tall enough to stack those containers of Christmas items upwards.  

The 5×10 self storage unit is coveted by college students going home for the summer.  They oftentimes line up outside a storage facilitys office during the last week of spring semester, hoping to get a 5×10 self storage unit for the summer months.  The students usually have some furniture and boxes that they (and their parents!) have no interest in carting all of the way home for the summer break, only to turn around and haul it all back to town three months later.  The 5×10 self storage unit works well because it is big enough to hold all of their things, but cheap enough that they do not have to share the self storage unit with anyone else. 

A 5×10 self storage unit is perfect for someone needing to park a motorcycle.  Some people use the self storage unit to park the bike over the winter months, while others live in a nearby apartment complex that only allows parking for one vehicle.  Since the car gets the lone parking spot, the motorcycle gets moved to the self storage unit.  And this size of a self storage unit is also popular with other outdoor enthusiasts for similar reasons.  Snowmobiles are parked in a self storage unit in mountainous regions, and surfboards are put away in coastal areas.

Many businesses need to keep files and records for years and years.  Renting a larger office to accommodate this need can be very expensive.  Renting a 5×10 self storage unit with the eight or ten foot ceiling can be very economical, for small and large companies alike.

One particular industry that is very familiar with the 5×10 self storage unit is the pharmaceutical industry.  Their representatives basically work from home and have a large assortment of samples and displays they need to store.  Spouses tend to get tired of seeing these items accumulate in the basement or the garage, so a self storage unit is the perfect solution.

Customers that have started using a 5×10 self storage unit in recent years are people that buy and sell on Online auctions.  They use the self storage unit kind of like a clearinghouse as they sort through all of the goods that have been found at garage sales and flea markets.

The main reason that the 5×10 is such a popular size of a self storage unit is because of its versatility, and therefore its usefulness to a wide variety of customers.

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StorageMart US Hwy 1 & 3rd St. Key West, FL 33040

Furniture Storage

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When in need for a storage unit there should be some guidelines that you should go by to make sure that the facilities you are researching are the right facilities for you. Moving, packing, finding, researching and renting self storage can be a very hectic process, but if these guidelines are followed, finding self storage will be made very simple.

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

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

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

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

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

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StorageMart Mannheim & Belmont Franklin Park, IL 60131

Wine Storage

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When someone needs self storage they expect to find secure, convenient storage at a reasonable cost.  After having worked for this company for the past five years, it is interesting to watch the self storage industry grow in leaps and bounds in technology and the variety in which storage is offered.  From wine self storage to recreational vehicles there seems to be a niche for any type of storage in the market today.  Consumers are much savvier these days and with the growth of the industry added competition as well.  As the housing boom increased so did the self storage market to keep up with the demand.  Unfortunately the boom went bust and now there are some markets that are saturated with storage facilities increasing the competition even more.

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

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

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

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

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StorageMart Mannheim & Belmont Franklin Park, IL 60131

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Talk about some weird stories about self storage, just search the Internet and you will have plenty of wacko stories. In the history of self storage there are always a few of those stories that you do not know whether to believe or not. Could they be an urban legend or do these things really happen to people. Here are just a few stories that I found about self storage while doing a search on the Internet the other day.

• A man was arrested after being served a search warrant regarding the large of amount of women’s shoes that were found in his apartment. The man had a history of keeping hundreds and hundreds of high heeled shoes in his apartment and in a rented self storage unit.
• While robbing an interior self storage unit, a man was choked to death after his head became lodged in between the ceiling and the wall of the unit.
• A homeless man was accused of stealing some merchandise and during the interrogation, he said that he spends his money on a gym membership, a $200 a month storage unit, a mailbox, and a cell phone. He has a job but sleeps outside because in the area that he works in you cannot find any housing or apartments to rent within his budget.

The other continuing sad story about the self storage business is that some people find themselves not being able to pay their monthly rental fee. When you start a self storage lease with a self storage company you will have to sign some legal documents saying that you will pay your self storage rent and pay it on time. Many self storage owners and property managers have big hearts but it comes down to business and if you cannot pay your self storage rent then you put the self storage owners in a position to reclaim their loss of revenue from your self storage unit.

No one wants to sell the items out of someone’s self storage unit, but many property managers and self storage owners are forced to do such a thing. The only advice is to not fall behind in your self storage rent, ask friends or family member to help you till the next pay period. If you see that in the future you will not have enough money to rent your current self storage unit, find someplace for the stuff in your self storage unit. Most self storage companies go on a month to month lease and if are current in your rent than with notice you can move your items out. Do not fall behind on your self storage rent and make the self storage company pursue eviction; it is not fun for anyone. 

Read the fine print and remember that the self storage business is like any business; they provide a service for a cost. The self storage owners and property managers are not out to get anyone, they are trying to make a living themselves and provide good customer service.

Written by Natalie Thomas, TQAS agent.

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

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Several members of the PhoneSmart sales force team will be attending the Inside Self-Storage Las Vegas Expo this February. Attendees from PhoneSmart include Tron Jordheim, PhoneSmart Director; Sarah Little, TQAS Director; Bob Jesse, Account Manager and Natalie Thomas, Account Manager.

Not only will they have a booth on the trade show floor, you’ll have a chance to hear Tron speak in a session, Tron and Sarah will each be hosting roundtable discussions, the team will be making a short Vendors presentation, and Tron will be promoting PhoneSmart’s new software and online systems at the security and software marketplace session.

If you’re interested in finding out how you can capture missed phone calls and turn them into rentals, start a sales training program to improve the sales skills of your team, or implement a secret shopping program to create a sales increase for your self storage facilities, then stop by our booth or sit in at one of our sessions to learn how PhoneSmart can become your sales force.

Written by Sarah Little, TQAS Director

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Self Storage Article Directory. Visit our General Information Section.

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I saw a funny but true commercial today. It showed a family rummaging through all their clutter looking for their New Years Resolutions list. They hunt and hunt through closest and the garage and all over the house. Finally the dad finds the list in a box in the garage in a pile of paperwork. The list has four items on it and when the husband yells that he found the list the wife walks in and says, we could move organizing to number one. Then the commercial goes to a large home store that promises to have all of the items you would need for organizing your home.

Many find themselves ready to make their lives better at the first of the New Year. One of your New Year’s Resolutions might be to be more organized in your home. There are even several shows on television right now that help ordinary people organize their lives. And poof, their homes are organized. What I would like to see is 6 months down the road and if the family is still organized. All of their items, boxed, labeled, stored, decluttered, crated and put in storage bins. Some families might even consider self storage or climate controlled storage for helping with the overflow of extra items in the home. Extra storage in your home or at a self storage facility can be space you are looking for to get organized in 2008.

Natalie Thomas, TQAS agent

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Here is another StorageMart Build It Green Design Challenge Judge.

Please welcome Mr. Phillip Allan, President of Apple Self Storage. Phil is a very busy self storage owner along with his brothers Scott and Jeff. Apple self storage opened their first location of 4th generation self storage starting in 1999. Currently Apple self storage has grown to 12 locations with almost a million feet of storage space. Apple self storage companies are located throughout Ontario and Quebec, Canada. Starting this year they have divested itself of a number is its locations and has since re-started the growth with a number of new starts and purchases.

The Apple model is to either build from greenfields, create quality product from conversions or straight up acquisitions. Modern technology and maintaining strong vendor and staff relationships has created a wonderful environment from which Apple is basing the future. Apple also is aware of their responsibility to decrease its carbon footprint and to act responsibly in new and acquired facilities.

Cheers, from Phil.

Compiled by Natalie Thomas, TQAS executive.

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