Self Storage Guide
Self Storage Glossary of Terms Self Storage - Abbreviated term for self-service storage, and is commonly referred to as moving storage, mini storage, public storage, storage locker, storage center, or self store. Self storage providers lease space to individuals, usually storing household goods and other valuables, or to businesses, interested in storing archived records and excess inventory. Self Storage Facility- A structured designed to rent storage space to tenants seeking offsite storage solutions. Storage facilities may include climate control and non-climate control units and special in various types of storage including portable storage, RV storage, boat storage, wine storage, and records storage. Self storage facilities may provide additional offerings including truck rental, shipping and delivering services, car wash, and Ebay drop-off services. Self Storage Unit- The space rented by a tenant within a self storage facility. The storage unit is often secured by the tenant's own lock and key or a password protected keypad. Storage units may be as simple as a marked area assigned to a tenant to a more sophisticated, highly secured climate controlled enclosed structure. Climate Control - A self storage unit that will use reasonable efforts to avoid temperature extremes in a unit by keeping the unit warmer than the outside temperature in cold weather and cooler than the outside temperature in hot weather, through an HVAC or other system. Climate controlled units are ideal for items that are sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity levels. Non-Climate Control - An enclosed storage unit secured by the tennant's locak and key or by digital keypad that is not protected from humidity and temperature extremes. This type of storage is ideal for items that are not sensitive humidity and temperature extremes. Portable Storage - commonly referred to as Mobile storageis a relatively new offering that marries the concepts of traditional storage and self storage by helping customers transport their items to the self storage facility to store. Mobile storage companies supply storage containers to store and move residential goods. Customers selectthe unit size they want and the self storage provider drops a mobile storage container off at the customer’s home or business. Customers load and pack the unit rather than company workers. Customers have the option of leaving the unit at their residence or having it delivered to a central warehouse for later access or return. RV Storage - Storage space dedicated to recreational vehicles. Facilities catering to RV storage offer various options from fully enclosed storage units to outdoor parking space. A fully enclosed RV storage unit may include climate control, electricity, and a secure roll-up door to fully protect the vehicle from the elements. Some facilities offer three-walled structures that offers protection from most weather conditions but lacks the full security that a fully enclosed unit provides. Other facilities offer overhead protection only where vehicles are parked under awnings or canopies. This type of storage will protect RV's from some weather conditions, but they will be exposed to wind and severe weather. The most common offering is outdoor parking space. Although there is no protection from the elements, RV's are typically kept within the gated facility for added security. This is a popular option for RV owners who live in neighborhoods with restrictive laws against parking RV's on the street or within sight on personal property. Boat Storage - Storage space primarily used to securely store boats. For specific types of boat storage, see the description for RV storage as the storage offerings are typically the same. Records Storage- Sometimes referred to as records management. Records storage can be as simple as renting a small self storage unit for offsite storage of important documents or business files. Some facilities offer records management where they dedicate a secured warehouse to storing and managing records from many local businesses using organized records management processes. Wine Storage - Storage units dedicated to storing wine for collectors at ideal humidity and temperature settings to promote the proper aging of wine.
Self Storage Unit Sizes The following table lists the storage unit sizes commonly available at many self storage facilities. Unit Size | Total Square Ft. | Approximate Unit Size | | 5 x 10 | 50 sq ft | Small Closet (Walk-in Closet) | | 10 x 10 | 100 sq ft | Small Bedroom (Kids Bedroom) | | 12 x 10 | 120 sq ft | Master Bedroom (Average Size) | | 10 x 15 | 150 sq ft | Master Bedroom (Larger Size) | | 8 x 24 | 192 sq ft | Comparable to a One-Car Garage | | 10 x 20 | 200 sq ft | Comparable to a One-Car Garage | | 10 x 25 | 250 sq ft | Larger than typical One-Car Garage | | 10 x 30 | 300 sq ft | Comparable to a Two Car Garage | | 12 x 25 | 300 sq ft | Comparable to a Two Car Garage | | 10 x 35 | 350 sq ft | Comparable to a 2-3 Car Garage | | 12 x 35 | 420 sq ft | Comparable to a 2-3 Car Garage |
Self Storage Lease Carefully read the contract you are asked to sign. If there are provisions that you don’t understand, ask the manager to explain them. If you still don’t understand or don’t feel comfortable with the explanation, don’t sign the rental agreement, which is a legal contract. Make sure there are no blank spaces and that any verbal promises made by the manager or staff are in the written rental agreement.
• Visit the self storage facility and ask to see a space of the size you think you may need. If climate controlled space is available, compare the climate controlled space to the non-climate controlled space. Check for cleanliness, convenience and security.
• Keep a copy of the written rental agreement. Obtain and read a copy of the rules and regulations of the self storage facility, if any.
• Insurance is the responsibility of the customer. Self storage facilities are generally not responsible for the contents of your unit. It is always a good idea to insure the goods you are intending to store. Self storage insurance is almost always available to you at the time you rent your unit. Sometimes the facility collects the premium from you directly. Before you buy insurance from the manager, check with your own agent, because sometimes your homeowner’s or renter’s policy will cover you at no extra cost.
| 
