» Self Storage
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Moving TipsBy joel on January 9, 2012 | No Comments
When moving, make sure you have enough people to help the more people the quicker you get it done and less stress. If you know when you are going to move let your friends and family know in advance. Of course having your loved ones and friends help you could make the moving experience a fun experience instead of a stressful one. If you want to get your move done, of course you can hire a professional moving team to take your belongings to your self storage facility. That will cost you money where your friends could either do it for free or for a couple of drinks or food.If you can not find people to help you move you might want to call you local storage facility and get some references. You might be able to luck out and find someone in the area that will not charge you that much. Also one thing that could help you that your local self storage facility can help you with is offering a free move service. Depending on the facility you will get a different free move service. Some facilities will offer a mover and a truck while others will just offer a moving truck. Make sure that you ask your facility manager if they have a free moving truck option.Your local storage facility has lots of packing and storage supplies at a reasonable price. So if you need some boxes or other storage supplies you could use for your move. When it comes to your belongings, make sure that you pack them up correctly and do not try to save costs by using items that could be potentially harmful to your items. Really think through how your belongings are packed and use the right storage supplies.When moving, make sure you have enough people to help the more people the quicker you get it done and less stress. If you know when you are going to move let your friends and family know in advance. Of course having your loved ones and friends help you could make the moving experience a fun experience instead of a stressful one. If you want to get your move done, of course you can hire a professional moving team to take your belongings to your self storage facility. That will cost you money where your friends could either do it for free or for a couple of drinks or food.
If you can not find people to help you move you might want to call you local storage facility and get some references. You might be able to luck out and find someone in the area that will not charge you that much. Also one thing that could help you that your local self storage facility can help you with is offering a free move service. Depending on the facility you will get a different free move service. Some facilities will offer a mover and a truck while others will just offer a moving truck. Make sure that you ask your facility manager if they have a free moving truck option.
Your local storage facility has lots of packing and storage supplies at a reasonable price. So if you need some boxes or other storage supplies you could use for your move. When it comes to your belongings, make sure that you pack them up correctly and do not try to save costs by using items that could be potentially harmful to your items. Really think through how your belongings are packed and use the right storage supplies.
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All You Need in Self StorageBy joel on December 30, 2011 | No Comments
In the world today, not many people are looking to go from one place to another in order to get everything they are looking for. In fact they would love to go to one place where they can get all of their shopping out of the way. For this reason you are seeing places beginning to sell things that they would not normally sell. Sometimes when you are walking through the aisles of your favorite store, you could come across something that you have never seen there before. The company thought that they would go ahead and sell that product because there is a demand for it. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. Customers do see the effort and will realize that store has the items in which they need.When it comes to self storage, you could pretty much get everything in one store. What do you do if you are looking for a lock or moving supplies? The best thing to do if you are looking to store or move is to visit your local storage facility to get some items that you need. They should have everything that you need so that you do not have to run all over town just to get what you need. They should sell a variety of boxes that will come in handy in pretty much every situation. Also, you choose from a nice selection of locks for your storage unit. They should have bubble wrap and tape, as well. They are pretty much your one stop shot for self storage and moving supplies.If your facility does not have these things, that does not necessarily mean that you shouldn’t rent from them, that just means that you if you need something, you have to go elsewhere. For some people that is not something they want to do and it is time consuming. Self storage managers will without a doubt, speak up about having that kind of facility that is basically a full service self storage facility. If managers have that kind of facility and they do not speak up, they will undoubtedly lose business.In the world today, not many people are looking to go from one place to another in order to get everything they are looking for. In fact they would love to go to one place where they can get all of their shopping out of the way. For this reason you are seeing places beginning to sell things that they would not normally sell. Sometimes when you are walking through the aisles of your favorite store, you could come across something that you have never seen there before. The company thought that they would go ahead and sell that product because there is a demand for it. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. Customers do see the effort and will realize that store has the items in which they need.
When it comes to self storage, you could pretty much get everything in one store. What do you do if you are looking for a lock or moving supplies? The best thing to do if you are looking to store or move is to visit your local storage facility to get some items that you need. They should have everything that you need so that you do not have to run all over town just to get what you need. They should sell a variety of boxes that will come in handy in pretty much every situation. Also, you choose from a nice selection of locks for your storage unit. They should have bubble wrap and tape, as well. They are pretty much your one stop shot for self storage and moving supplies.
If your facility does not have these things, that does not necessarily mean that you shouldn’t rent from them, that just means that you if you need something, you have to go elsewhere. For some people that is not something they want to do and it is time consuming. Self storage managers will without a doubt, speak up about having that kind of facility that is basically a full service self storage facility. If managers have that kind of facility and they do not speak up, they will undoubtedly lose business.
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So Many Choices in Self StorageBy joel on December 28, 2011 | No Comments
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The best thing about a good, quality storage facility is that they are able to offer you a lot of different options so that you are able to get the space that you are looking for. You can get a big or small space. There is nothing to say that you can’t have one of each if you need it. This is not uncommon. When you are looking for self storage it is important to know your options so you can make an informed decision.
You are not just limited to big and small spaces, there are standard and climate controlled spaces as well. I know it is going to get confusing. So you can have a big standard space or a small climate controlled space. It is up to you. Typically the standard spaces are cheaper than their climate controlled counterparts. More people seem to flock to the cheaper prices not realizing the benefits of using climate controlled storage. In order to understand the difference between the two, you should definitely speak to your local property manager.
You can even get a drive up space or one that is in the building. Many people like the convenience of a drive up space because all they have to do is drive up to their unit, roll up the door and then place all their belongings inside. With an inside unit, you will have to open a door, walk down the hallway to your unit, then you roll up the door to place your belongings inside. So both have a similar concept, but obviously one is more convenient than the other. There are many that prefer the inside space over the outside space. This is especially true when there is really bad temperature outside.
Some facilities even have first and second floor spaces. There are advantages to both, but the higher you go in the facility the less amount of money you have to spend. The manager will always try to get you into the best unit that will work for you. They will most likely give you a choice on many spaces if they have many spaces available. If they don’t have many choices available, then you have to decide whether or not the size they offer is the size that will work.
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Keep Shopping for Self StorageBy joel on December 26, 2011 | No Comments
When in need of storage, do not just go with the first place that you call. It is very helpful to go ahead and make a few calls for info. That way, you can find what the best in town is. There will be many places that will try to pressure you into stopping your shopping and rent with them. If you believe that is the best situation and the best deal for you, then go right ahead. In the grand scheme of things though, everyone has something to offer, and you do not want to feel as if you lost out on saving money because you gave up your search early.Many self storage facilities in your local area will try to say something to you that will get you excited about renting there. Some manager might even be shocked when you turn them down to go shopping elsewhere. The truth of the matter is that when you are looking for a self storage facility you should definitely find something that fits you and not worry about what other people say or think. Before you go shopping around to different places ensure that you have written down what you are looking for or at least have a mental note. One of the worst things that people do is that they have no idea what to shop for or what to ask so they end up not asking everyone the same questions. Then not everyone is compared properly.You should find a spot that is close by and has good security. As long as the price is affordable, you should be pretty confident that you will have a great storage experience. Still take a moment or two to at least make two to three phone calls to the self storage facilities in your area to see what they have to offer. If it is not what you are looking for then move on. At least you know that you are not settling if you have done your research.When in need of storage, do not just go with the first place that you call. It is very helpful to go ahead and make a few calls for info. That way, you can find what the best in town is. There will be many places that will try to pressure you into stopping your shopping and rent with them. If you believe that is the best situation and the best deal for you, then go right ahead. In the grand scheme of things though, everyone has something to offer, and you do not want to feel as if you lost out on saving money because you gave up your search early.
Many self storage facilities in your local area will try to say something to you that will get you excited about renting there. Some manager might even be shocked when you turn them down to go shopping elsewhere. The truth of the matter is that when you are looking for a self storage facility you should definitely find something that fits you and not worry about what other people say or think. Before you go shopping around to different places ensure that you have written down what you are looking for or at least have a mental note. One of the worst things that people do is that they have no idea what to shop for or what to ask so they end up not asking everyone the same questions. Then not everyone is compared properly.
You should find a spot that is close by and has good security. As long as the price is affordable, you should be pretty confident that you will have a great storage experience. Still take a moment or two to at least make two to three phone calls to the self storage facilities in your area to see what they have to offer. If it is not what you are looking for then move on. At least you know that you are not settling if you have done your research.
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Finding the Right Self Storage SpaceBy joel on December 24, 2011 | No Comments
When you are looking for a storage space, it is not helpful to call up and just ask for price and get mad when the person on the phone does not just start shouting out prices. There are going to be other factors that you will want to consider. The price will only tell you how much your unit cost. Where as what you are getting for the price is far more important. You can look up prices online with some companies but people still call and talk to the manager. Subconsciously they are thinking in their heads that they want to hear what else they are getting for the price.The size is the first thing that the manager will need to know in order to quote you a proper size. They will and should ask you what you are thinking about storing. If they do not ask you this question, you should bring it up. You can ask for the price all you want to, but you if you have narrowed down a size it does not matter. Let’s make it this simple. A price is associated with a size. No manager just wants to go down their price list and tell you everything they have. They want to narrow something down for the customer so they can find the right solution for them.A small space may be around 50 dollars while a big space could be 300 dollars. You do not want to spend any more money than you need to. There are people that will call a property manager and say to them that they want the average space or the middle space. Some manager will just go right into them needing the 100 square foot space that is most common. Again they have to ask the customer questions to ensure that that is the right size for them. As a manager it is important for you to find the right solution for the customer, not just go whatever the customer says. The customer sometimes does not know what is right for them.When you are looking for a storage space, it is not helpful to call up and just ask for price and get mad when the person on the phone does not just start shouting out prices. There are going to be other factors that you will want to consider. The price will only tell you how much your unit cost. Where as what you are getting for the price is far more important. You can look up prices online with some companies but people still call and talk to the manager. Subconsciously they are thinking in their heads that they want to hear what else they are getting for the price.
The size is the first thing that the manager will need to know in order to quote you a proper size. They will and should ask you what you are thinking about storing. If they do not ask you this question, you should bring it up. You can ask for the price all you want to, but you if you have narrowed down a size it does not matter. Let’s make it this simple. A price is associated with a size. No manager just wants to go down their price list and tell you everything they have. They want to narrow something down for the customer so they can find the right solution for them.
A small space may be around 50 dollars while a big space could be 300 dollars. You do not want to spend any more money than you need to. There are people that will call a property manager and say to them that they want the average space or the middle space. Some manager will just go right into them needing the 100 square foot space that is most common. Again they have to ask the customer questions to ensure that that is the right size for them. As a manager it is important for you to find the right solution for the customer, not just go whatever the customer says. The customer sometimes does not know what is right for them.
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Self Storage LocksBy joel on November 22, 2011 | No Comments
What are the different types of locks you use? Many people ask me this on a regular basis. First of all let’s stop here and understand why you need a lock. You would think that this is a common sense kind of question, but not everyone knows that you need a lock for self storage. Self storage just gives you the space that you need, you are the one that needs to put a lock on it. If you want your belongings safe, then you should consider putting a lock on your unit.There are many different types of locks, of course, the ones most commonly used for storage are of a larger variety than that of you diary lock. The most common is a pad lock, which everyone has seen at least once. This is a standard square lock with a key. This type of lock is of course would be the least expensive to purchase so many people end up buying this lock. Conversely this lock is the most susceptible to being cut and your storage unit being broken into. That Is not something that you want to hear of course. Spend a little more and go with another lock that is listed below.Disk locks are similar, except they are round, and the key hole is on the front instead of the bottom. There is not a lot of room for someone to get a lock cutter in there so it is harder for someone to break into. There are also cylinder locks, which slide onto a steel teeth piece, and combination locks, which are not recommended for storage units.There are many different kind of locks that you could use for your self storage unit. I guess it really depends on what you want to use for your unit and what you feel the most comfortable with. Your belongings are special to you for a reason, so why not put a lock on there that could keep them safe and in your possession.What are the different types of locks you use? Many people ask me this on a regular basis. First of all let’s stop here and understand why you need a lock. You would think that this is a common sense kind of question, but not everyone knows that you need a lock for self storage. Self storage just gives you the space that you need, you are the one that needs to put a lock on it. If you want your belongings safe, then you should consider putting a lock on your unit.
There are many different types of locks, of course, the ones most commonly used for storage are of a larger variety than that of you diary lock. The most common is a pad lock, which everyone has seen at least once. This is a standard square lock with a key. This type of lock is of course would be the least expensive to purchase so many people end up buying this lock. Conversely this lock is the most susceptible to being cut and your storage unit being broken into. That Is not something that you want to hear of course. Spend a little more and go with another lock that is listed below.
Disk locks are similar, except they are round, and the key hole is on the front instead of the bottom. There is not a lot of room for someone to get a lock cutter in there so it is harder for someone to break into. There are also cylinder locks, which slide onto a steel teeth piece, and combination locks, which are not recommended for storage units.
There are many different kind of locks that you could use for your self storage unit. I guess it really depends on what you want to use for your unit and what you feel the most comfortable with. Your belongings are special to you for a reason, so why not put a lock on there that could keep them safe and in your possession.
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Make Moving SimpleBy joel on November 17, 2011 | No Comments
What is the quickest way to move? Most people think moving has to be a slow, tedious project. However, there are other ways to make moving simpler. Moving can be fun if you build the right team to help and also the right atmosphere. You can save your team a lot of harm and stress but making sure all is packed up and ready to go. In addition to that, there are a couple of other tips to follow.
For starters, consider what things you need in your new home immediately. If you do not need those things in your new home, then you need to think of another option. One option could be to put the things you do not need into storage. That way you can go through it before bringing it into the house. This makes less clutter in your new place, making furniture moving a breeze.
The best piece of advice that can be given is to always be prepared and get started a little early. Depending on the time of year, the sun rises early and it sets early. You could run out of daylight if you start too late. Moving can be simple and easy if you plan ahead, move things that you need into your home and use self storage for the rest.
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Moving DisasterBy joel on October 19, 2011 | No Comments
It is time for your move across the state and you have planned everything down to the smallest detail. There is nothing that you have missed when it comes to your move. Everything is packed up correctly, everything has been turned off at your former home in terms of utilities. You have let no stone unturned. The confidence that you feel right now makes you feel like you are ten feet tall. You get to your self storage location only to find out that there is not one at the facility. You go to the door to enter the facility and the door is locked. You know that you checked with the facility manager before you drove across state to ensure someone would be there. But there it is looking you right in the face, a sign that says, be right back.There is nothing worse for a first time self storage user than to have come all this way to the self storage facility in which you want to store at, and there is no one there. You have packed your moving truck full to the brim, but you do not have anywhere to unload your belongings. You frantically knock on the door to no avail. There is no one there. You honk your horn hoping that someone would hear you and come out to service you, but that does not happen. Your heart falls down to your stomach but of course disappointment soon turns into anger, which then turns into panic.What are you going to do now? You have done everything the self storage manager has instructed you to do, but then the most important thing you need from the manager does not happen. You just need the manager to be there to open the door, show you to your unit and let you move in. Depending on where you are locally and also what time off day you are trying to move in, you might not have a lot of choices. All you want to do is unload your belongings at the facility that you have chosen to store from.As a self storage manager, it is important that you communicate with a potential renter that you will be there at a certain time, ensure that you are there. If for some reason you have to leave, then make sure you communicate with the renter that you will be back at a certain time or delay the reason you needed to leave. What ends up happening to a customer like the one discussed above is that they decide to go to another facility. You then lose business, you lose potential customer loyalty, and you lose that customer’s recommendation of you to one of their friends or family.It is time for your move across the state and you have planned everything down to the smallest detail. There is nothing that you have missed when it comes to your move. Everything is packed up correctly, everything has been turned off at your former home in terms of utilities. You have let no stone unturned. The confidence that you feel right now makes you feel like you are ten feet tall. You get to your self storage location only to find out that there is not one at the facility. You go to the door to enter the facility and the door is locked. You know that you checked with the facility manager before you drove across state to ensure someone would be there. But there it is looking you right in the face, a sign that says, be right back.
There is nothing worse for a first time self storage user than to have come all this way to the self storage facility in which you want to store at, and there is no one there. You have packed your moving truck full to the brim, but you do not have anywhere to unload your belongings. You frantically knock on the door to no avail. There is no one there. You honk your horn hoping that someone would hear you and come out to service you, but that does not happen. Your heart falls down to your stomach but of course disappointment soon turns into anger, which then turns into panic.
What are you going to do now? You have done everything the self storage manager has instructed you to do, but then the most important thing you need from the manager does not happen. You just need the manager to be there to open the door, show you to your unit and let you move in. Depending on where you are locally and also what time off day you are trying to move in, you might not have a lot of choices. All you want to do is unload your belongings at the facility that you have chosen to store from.
As a self storage manager, it is important that you communicate with a potential renter that you will be there at a certain time, ensure that you are there. If for some reason you have to leave, then make sure you communicate with the renter that you will be back at a certain time or delay the reason you needed to leave. What ends up happening to a customer like the one discussed above is that they decide to go to another facility. You then lose business, you lose potential customer loyalty, and you lose that customer’s recommendation of you to one of their friends or family.
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Preparing For Moving DayBy joel on September 19, 2011 | No Comments
There are many things that you can do in order to prepare yourself for your move day. It is very important that you write down all the things that you need to do in order to get you move successfully done. By taking your time and actually doing each step that you planned out, your day will be less stressful and you will be able to relax at the end of the day. Otherwise you will be scrambling all day thus adding more stress to your life.One thing to not do a week before your move is not to buy a lot of food. This way you are not wasting food because food is hard to keep good in a move. If you can fit it into your budget it might be a good thing for you to eat out the last couple of nights before you more. Otherwise choose something that you can eat each day that does not involved dirtying up dishes. You do not want to have to wash dishes on moving day. That is an unnecessary waste of time.Call and get a shut off date to all your utilities even your cable a week before the move so you do not forget. There is nothing like getting paying more money for your utilities than you need. It is important for you to conserve all the money you have for your move and for your next home. There is no need to waste money unnecessarily when you can call your utility companies a week before to shut them off.The last things you should do before you leave your old place are a walk through to make sure you have not forgotten anything. Take your time and carefully look everywhere in your apartment in every nook and cranny. Open up all your drawers and underneath your sinks. The more you find, the less you have to pay to replace. You typically know when you will be moving, so try to pack as many things up as you can before that day. If you can do this, you will spend less time on your walk through because you know you got everything.Moving day is only stressful because people do not plan for it. If you can take some time out of your day or week to sit down with your family to plan moving day, it will go by easily. Get a lot of help and follow the steps listed above and you will have time to relax at the end of the day.There are many things that you can do in order to prepare yourself for your move day. It is very important that you write down all the things that you need to do in order to get you move successfully done. By taking your time and actually doing each step that you planned out, your day will be less stressful and you will be able to relax at the end of the day. Otherwise you will be scrambling all day thus adding more stress to your life.
One thing to not do a week before your move is not to buy a lot of food. This way you are not wasting food because food is hard to keep good in a move. If you can fit it into your budget it might be a good thing for you to eat out the last couple of nights before you more. Otherwise choose something that you can eat each day that does not involved dirtying up dishes. You do not want to have to wash dishes on moving day. That is an unnecessary waste of time.
Call and get a shut off date to all your utilities even your cable a week before the move so you do not forget. There is nothing like getting paying more money for your utilities than you need. It is important for you to conserve all the money you have for your move and for your next home. There is no need to waste money unnecessarily when you can call your utility companies a week before to shut them off.
The last things you should do before you leave your old place are a walk through to make sure you have not forgotten anything. Take your time and carefully look everywhere in your apartment in every nook and cranny. Open up all your drawers and underneath your sinks. The more you find, the less you have to pay to replace. You typically know when you will be moving, so try to pack as many things up as you can before that day. If you can do this, you will spend less time on your walk through because you know you got everything.
Moving day is only stressful because people do not plan for it. If you can take some time out of your day or week to sit down with your family to plan moving day, it will go by easily. Get a lot of help and follow the steps listed above and you will have time to relax at the end of the day.
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Craft Self StorageBy joel on August 27, 2011 | No Comments
It always feels good to help out someone that is in need. An older woman called into my self storage location, looking for a small unit to hold some of her craft supplies. She needed the unit because she lived in a studio apartment, and had no room for her things. She told me she loved sewing, and make quilts in her free time. I thought that was a great way to spend her free time. Then, she explained she needed a very cheap unit, since she was on disability. I was sure that I could definitely help her with that.
After pulling up the prices, I found that all of the units were out of her price range. It was very frustrating because I wanted to help out this customer who was in need. Just when I was about to give up, I did notice we had one self storage locker space available. I explained it would have different dimensions, but should still hold all of her things. The price was only a few dollars a month, which fit her price range perfectly.
It definitely feels good to be able to help out a customer who really needs our help. Not every customer is going to be so forthcoming with what they need and are expecting from their self storage facility. The customer above needed a small space which we actually did have, so we were able to satisfy her need. This customer will move into her self storage locker and store her belongings. This will make her happy, and in turn I felt like I really helped this customer and their needs. I wonder if she will make me a quilt?
It always feels good to help out someone that is in need. An older woman called into my self storage location, looking for a small unit to hold some of her craft supplies. She needed the unit because she lived in a studio apartment, and had no room for her things. She told me she loved sewing, and make quilts in her free time. I thought that was a great way to spend her free time. Then, she explained she needed a very cheap unit, since she was on disability. I was sure that I could definitely help her with that.
After pulling up the prices, I found that all of the units were out of her price range. It was very frustrating because I wanted to help out this customer who was in need. Just when I was about to give up, I did notice we had one self storage locker space available. I explained it would have different dimensions, but should still hold all of her things. The price was only a few dollars a month, which fit her price range perfectly.
It definitely feels good to be able to help out a customer who really needs our help. Not every customer is going to be so forthcoming with what they need and are expecting from their self storage facility. The customer above needed a small space which we actually did have, so we were able to satisfy her need. This customer will move into her self storage locker and store her belongings. This will make her happy, and in turn I felt like I really helped this customer and their needs. I wonder if she will make me a quilt?

