subject: What Can We Expect From Self Storage [print this page] An individual may have known for sometime about the existence of self storage and that they may soon be requiring the service. If you have never heard of or utilized a business like this you undoubtedly have many general questions about how purchasing a service like this works, what storage unit looks like, how much they cost, what is required to rent one, and exactly what type of items you can put in one. This article should be able to answer many of your questions about storing your things with someone else.
A storage business is usually a relative large warehouse or building that is sectioned off into hundreds of individual units of varying sizes, sort of like an apartment building where each person has their own apartment. These can be expanses of property or tall buildings but the idea remains the same. Each individual unit has a steel garage like door the opens from bottom to top and has the ability to be locked. Doors are usually made of metal and unit spaces can range from a few hundred square feet to enough square footage to hold a car.
The size, features, length and length of rental contract are all factors that will influence the lease rate of a storage unit. A space that is 200 to 300 square feet will set you back about 20 to 30 dollars a month. Spaces 400 square feet or greater will be over 100 a month as you can store a full size car in spaces such as these or numerous belongings. Some facilities even allow RV's and boats to be stored and fees can vary if the facility offers indoor or outdoor storage. Other businesses may be offering substantial discounts such as a nominal fee for the first month.
Criteria for renting a self storage unit are relatively minimal. Most companies will want some form of ID and perhaps a credit card to be kept on file, others may only want identification. Many storage companies require renters to be at least eighteen years of age to enter into a storage contract. Other than these there are really no other criteria for renting a unit.
Now down to business, which is what can actually be stored in your unit? The answer is pretty much anything you want with some basic guidelines and rules. Many companies prohibit the storage of flammable or hazardous chemicals such as gasoline, paint thinners and paint, antifreeze or any other toxic or combustible liquid. For obvious reasons companies look out for the best interest of every renter in the storage community.
These are some of the most frequently asked questions about storage units. If you have specialty items like RV's or boats it is best to contact a storage unit near you to see if they offer storage for these items. Now that you are armed with some basic information you are ready to look for the right prices, units, or self storage businesses that are right for you.
