Getting the right sized self-storage unit is a concern for most people who are looking for self-storage, since you typically don’t see the units before renting one – especially now that it is possible to rent a unit online, without stepping a foot inside the facility beforehand. Although approximation works in many cases, it is wiser to actually take measurements, as many things have this uncanny tendency to appear smaller or bigger than they actually are. While getting a slightly bigger self-storage space isn’t bad, paying for it might be if cost is a concern for you.
Most self-storage units come in almost standardized sizes, making the selection of the right self-storage unit size easier, but it still might be hard for the average person to determine what might be too big or, worse yet, too small to fit all of their stuff. On the smaller side, there are the 10 foot by 5 foot self storage units, which may be ideal for storing furnishings from a dorm room, studio, or 1 bedroom apartment. Then there are the 10 foot by 10 foot self storage units that, when properly packed, may be ideal for storing furnishings from a 2-3 bedroom apartment. There are also the larger 10 foot by 15 foot and the 10 foot by 20 foot self storage units, which may be ideal for storing furnishings from a house.
When deciding on the right self-storage unit for your needs, it might also be wise to think from a long-term perspective. This means considering whether your storage needs are likely to increase or decrease with time, and whether -- in the case of a projected increase -- the self-storage facility will allow you to easily transfer to a larger unit.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Considering Using Pods
After complaining to a friend about the hassle of moving, I’m considering PODS for my next long term move. Think about a typical move:
1. Go pick up a moving truck.
2. Load everything into a moving truck.
3. Unload everything into a storage unit.
4. Return the truck.
5. Weeks or months later, go pick up another moving truck.
6. Load all your stuff back into a moving truck.
7. Unload the truck into your new place.
8. Return the truck.
By using PODS (Portable On Demand Storage), you can cut the process into two steps. All you would have to do is load the unit and then unload it. I don’t know about you, but I’ve had some very bad luck with moving truck rentals. Several times, even though I’ve made a reservation online, they don’t have the size of truck I’ve reserved. In a few instances they haven’t even had an alternative available. I would love to avoid that step in my next move. When considering the cost of using a service such as PODS, I’ll keep in mind the time and frustration you’ll save…it might be worth it! And by using a PODS promo code, I know I'll get a 5% discount off the cost!
1. Go pick up a moving truck.
2. Load everything into a moving truck.
3. Unload everything into a storage unit.
4. Return the truck.
5. Weeks or months later, go pick up another moving truck.
6. Load all your stuff back into a moving truck.
7. Unload the truck into your new place.
8. Return the truck.
By using PODS (Portable On Demand Storage), you can cut the process into two steps. All you would have to do is load the unit and then unload it. I don’t know about you, but I’ve had some very bad luck with moving truck rentals. Several times, even though I’ve made a reservation online, they don’t have the size of truck I’ve reserved. In a few instances they haven’t even had an alternative available. I would love to avoid that step in my next move. When considering the cost of using a service such as PODS, I’ll keep in mind the time and frustration you’ll save…it might be worth it! And by using a PODS promo code, I know I'll get a 5% discount off the cost!
Nine Essential Moving Tips
How many times do you have to do something to become an expert? I’ve moved 9 times in the last 9 years….an average of once a year. You’d think by this point I’d be a pro, right? Well, this last move was by far this worse. Probably because it’s the first time I moved out of a house. It’s amazing how much you accumulate living in a house.
Here’s some issues I encountered, yes even in my 9th move, hopefully you can learn from them.
1. I under estimated the amount of stuff I had. When you live in a home, don’t forget about things in the basement, the attic, shed in the backyard, and in my opinion…the deadliest of all, the garage.
2. Loose items. Those random items that you don’t really pack take up a lot of space..things like brooms, snow shovels, and bikes.
3. Going cheap on the truck. A 24 ft truck just sounded enormous. I in no way thought I’d need anything that big. Instead I got a 16 ft rental truck and ended make two trips. It ended up costing even more because in addition to the cost of renting the truck, you pay a fee for each mile.
4. Hired help. You can find help on sites such as craigslist, but you never really know what to expect. One of the helpers I found avoided carrying anything heavy…which is really why I hired him. I felt uncomfortable confronting this guy, so he really didn’t end up helping much at all, but I had to pay him anyway.
5. Books. It’s tempting to just sit at the bookshelf and fill a box with books, but that is going to end up being a very heavy box. Only fill a box half full with books and then put light items such as towels or Tupperware.
6. Used boxes. I got all the moving boxes I used for my move second-hand. Be selective about the quality of the box and what you put in it. Some of my heavier boxes were falling apart due to the weight. Also, when so many boxes say “fragile” , it’s hard to know which ones really mean it. I’d consider getting colored packing tape to differentiate the truly fragile boxes.
7. Where is….? Don’t think you’ll remember which box certain items are in. Think about what you’ll want right away in your new place….towels, cleaning supplies, a few kitchen items. Put those in a box and somehow mark it so you can just open one or two boxes to get what you need instead of going through all your stuff.
8. Cold water. Isn’t it always hot on moving day? Moving into a new place you won’t have cups or ice readily available. I made this mistake on a day in the 80’s. All I could do was drink from the kitchen sink. Get some bottled water and have it handy!
9. Stacking boxes. My nice stereo, which I’ve moved a handful of times, got damaged in this move. Even though I had it padded with bubble wrap, that doesn’t necessarily protect against weight. I think a heavy box (like a box of books) was placed on top of it. Keep this in mind when stacking boxes.
Here’s some issues I encountered, yes even in my 9th move, hopefully you can learn from them.
1. I under estimated the amount of stuff I had. When you live in a home, don’t forget about things in the basement, the attic, shed in the backyard, and in my opinion…the deadliest of all, the garage.
2. Loose items. Those random items that you don’t really pack take up a lot of space..things like brooms, snow shovels, and bikes.
3. Going cheap on the truck. A 24 ft truck just sounded enormous. I in no way thought I’d need anything that big. Instead I got a 16 ft rental truck and ended make two trips. It ended up costing even more because in addition to the cost of renting the truck, you pay a fee for each mile.
4. Hired help. You can find help on sites such as craigslist, but you never really know what to expect. One of the helpers I found avoided carrying anything heavy…which is really why I hired him. I felt uncomfortable confronting this guy, so he really didn’t end up helping much at all, but I had to pay him anyway.
5. Books. It’s tempting to just sit at the bookshelf and fill a box with books, but that is going to end up being a very heavy box. Only fill a box half full with books and then put light items such as towels or Tupperware.
6. Used boxes. I got all the moving boxes I used for my move second-hand. Be selective about the quality of the box and what you put in it. Some of my heavier boxes were falling apart due to the weight. Also, when so many boxes say “fragile” , it’s hard to know which ones really mean it. I’d consider getting colored packing tape to differentiate the truly fragile boxes.
7. Where is….? Don’t think you’ll remember which box certain items are in. Think about what you’ll want right away in your new place….towels, cleaning supplies, a few kitchen items. Put those in a box and somehow mark it so you can just open one or two boxes to get what you need instead of going through all your stuff.
8. Cold water. Isn’t it always hot on moving day? Moving into a new place you won’t have cups or ice readily available. I made this mistake on a day in the 80’s. All I could do was drink from the kitchen sink. Get some bottled water and have it handy!
9. Stacking boxes. My nice stereo, which I’ve moved a handful of times, got damaged in this move. Even though I had it padded with bubble wrap, that doesn’t necessarily protect against weight. I think a heavy box (like a box of books) was placed on top of it. Keep this in mind when stacking boxes.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Selling Your House Yourself
So, you are thinking of selling your house yourself. It’s a project, but it can mean significant savings. Before you decide whether to sell your own home, you should consider some of the advantages and disadvantages of doing so.
By selling your own house, you can save thousands of dollars. There’s no brokerage fee or commission to a realtor- all the proceeds of your home or your own. Of course, this is the best benefit of selling your own home. You also have total control of the transaction. You don't need to worry about someone else making errors. You're always available for showings answering inquiries, etc.
However there are some disadvantages to selling your house yourself. After all you must rely on your own instincts you don't of the education or experience of a realtor. When you're selling your own home, all of your marketing and advertising costs, come out of your own pocket. This can add up in a hurry. However, there are several online programs that can help you list your own home for free. Keep in mind, though, when you as a free service, you won't be able to access multiple listing services and you will have to seek out buyers one at a time.
Another mistake many people make in selling their own home is not knowing how to price the house. You don't want under price and lose value, but if you price too high you won't be able to get buyers, especially in a tight real estate market.
There is a lot of paperwork involved in selling a home. Remember you will need to handle the legal and financial forms on your own. Another problem, you can run into is buyers often think that if you're selling your home yourself and not paying commission, they should be saving money. This can make negotiations difficult.
Perhaps one of the most difficult things of selling your house on your own is disconnecting yourself emotionally, try to remember you're selling a house not a home. If you can’t remove your emotions from the building, you will have a much more difficult time selling it on your own.
Before anyone looks at her home make sure you clean everything thoroughly. Remove all clutter and distractions and pack up and put away most of your personal possessions. A buyer will be more likely to see themselves living in the house, if your personal belongings are put away.
Don't forget the outside. Make sure all the landscape is looking fresh and neat. Finish any small repairs that need to be done. A new buyer certainly doesn't want to look around and see nothing but projects he has to tackle winning moves in. Even if you don't use a realtor you're still going to need some professionals involved in your transaction. You need to be prepared for a first-time buyer. You may need to help your buyer choose a mortgage broker, broker as well as all other details right through the closing. It's a good idea to make connections with a mortgage broker before you begin to show the whole. They will often have a list of approved clients that haven't found a house yet, so this can be a great way to find a qualified buyer. Your broker can also estimate closing costs for your home and help you with financing tips for marketing, such as no money down, interest-only options and other financing strategies.
Make sure you know who you are marketing your home to. Who is your most likely buyer? Is a first-time homeowner, an empty nester or a family? By figuring out who your ideal buyer is, you can make the most of your advertising budget.
You need to advertise your home. Classified ads, a sign in the front yard, free home listings, and a brochure box all will help you get the word out that your home is for sale.
Your buyer has the right to have your home inspected. It's a good idea to have the home inspected before you ever advertise it for sale. You're obligated to make any major repairs, so it's a good idea to them all before you ever begin to show your home.
When you're selling your house yourself, be prepared for closing once an offer is made. You need to take it to your lawyer. If you don’t like the offer, don’t just turn it down. Make a counter offer. Don't be afraid to negotiate in ways other than dollars and cents in a tight real estate market. Maybe you can leave the window treatments or appliances. You're better off making a few concessions than to wind up with another six months of mortgages payments on a house you no longer want to live in.
It is possible to sell your own home, effectively. You just need to have a few tricks of the trade up your sleeve before you start.
One more thing: you should consider getting help with selling your home yourself at ForSaleByOwner.com. You can also create a free home listing at FREEhomeownerlistings.com.
You can use a current pods promo code to save 5-10% off the cost of a Pods portable moving and storage unit.
By selling your own house, you can save thousands of dollars. There’s no brokerage fee or commission to a realtor- all the proceeds of your home or your own. Of course, this is the best benefit of selling your own home. You also have total control of the transaction. You don't need to worry about someone else making errors. You're always available for showings answering inquiries, etc.
However there are some disadvantages to selling your house yourself. After all you must rely on your own instincts you don't of the education or experience of a realtor. When you're selling your own home, all of your marketing and advertising costs, come out of your own pocket. This can add up in a hurry. However, there are several online programs that can help you list your own home for free. Keep in mind, though, when you as a free service, you won't be able to access multiple listing services and you will have to seek out buyers one at a time.
Another mistake many people make in selling their own home is not knowing how to price the house. You don't want under price and lose value, but if you price too high you won't be able to get buyers, especially in a tight real estate market.
There is a lot of paperwork involved in selling a home. Remember you will need to handle the legal and financial forms on your own. Another problem, you can run into is buyers often think that if you're selling your home yourself and not paying commission, they should be saving money. This can make negotiations difficult.
Perhaps one of the most difficult things of selling your house on your own is disconnecting yourself emotionally, try to remember you're selling a house not a home. If you can’t remove your emotions from the building, you will have a much more difficult time selling it on your own.
Before anyone looks at her home make sure you clean everything thoroughly. Remove all clutter and distractions and pack up and put away most of your personal possessions. A buyer will be more likely to see themselves living in the house, if your personal belongings are put away.
Don't forget the outside. Make sure all the landscape is looking fresh and neat. Finish any small repairs that need to be done. A new buyer certainly doesn't want to look around and see nothing but projects he has to tackle winning moves in. Even if you don't use a realtor you're still going to need some professionals involved in your transaction. You need to be prepared for a first-time buyer. You may need to help your buyer choose a mortgage broker, broker as well as all other details right through the closing. It's a good idea to make connections with a mortgage broker before you begin to show the whole. They will often have a list of approved clients that haven't found a house yet, so this can be a great way to find a qualified buyer. Your broker can also estimate closing costs for your home and help you with financing tips for marketing, such as no money down, interest-only options and other financing strategies.
Make sure you know who you are marketing your home to. Who is your most likely buyer? Is a first-time homeowner, an empty nester or a family? By figuring out who your ideal buyer is, you can make the most of your advertising budget.
You need to advertise your home. Classified ads, a sign in the front yard, free home listings, and a brochure box all will help you get the word out that your home is for sale.
Your buyer has the right to have your home inspected. It's a good idea to have the home inspected before you ever advertise it for sale. You're obligated to make any major repairs, so it's a good idea to them all before you ever begin to show your home.
When you're selling your house yourself, be prepared for closing once an offer is made. You need to take it to your lawyer. If you don’t like the offer, don’t just turn it down. Make a counter offer. Don't be afraid to negotiate in ways other than dollars and cents in a tight real estate market. Maybe you can leave the window treatments or appliances. You're better off making a few concessions than to wind up with another six months of mortgages payments on a house you no longer want to live in.
It is possible to sell your own home, effectively. You just need to have a few tricks of the trade up your sleeve before you start.
One more thing: you should consider getting help with selling your home yourself at ForSaleByOwner.com. You can also create a free home listing at FREEhomeownerlistings.com.
You can use a current pods promo code to save 5-10% off the cost of a Pods portable moving and storage unit.
How Much Do Storage Units Cost?
In our mobile society, people move to different homes or to different cities more often than in the past. This has created an entire new industry, because people need a place to store their belongings, either temporarily or for more long-term time frames. The self storage unit industry was born.
There are a variety of different companies that provide places where people can store their goods. Some of the bigger recognizable names in the industry are U-Haul and Public Storage. There are also independently owned storage operations. Storage facility units can be movable storage boxes that can be picked up from your home and stored in an enclosed facility that are about the size of a bedroom closet. Fixed storage units are also available with a garage-like door and enough room to fit the entire contents of your home, a car, or even a boat.
Determining the cost of his storage unit is entirely up to you. Because rates for these units vary widely around the country, you will need to do some legwork by comparing the rates and amenities for different storage companies in your vicinity. Typical rates for the smallest removable storage box are $40 per month, but again, rates do vary around the country. Once you've done your comparisons, it would be wise to visit the facility to see where your goods will be stored firsthand before you sign any rental or lease agreement. You will need to decide what options are most important to you because extra amenities cost more money. Here are some tips to consider:
• Do you want your goods to be stored in a facility with extra security like security cameras? Some companies have electronic entrance gates, security cameras, and the 24 hour employee at the facility. Others simply have a locked gate and the high fence. You will pay more for extra security.
• What size unit will you need? Do you only have enough belongings to fit in a closet? If that's the case, the smallest unit will suffice. You will need a larger unit. If you have most of belongings from your house. Some people choose a large unit, only to find out that if they stack things carefully, they have more room than they need. This situation can be avoided by organizing your stuff before you procure your storage unit.
• Will you need utilities in your storage unit? Some storage units offer a climate controlled environment and electrical service. Some people have items that need to be in a temperature controlled environment. If this is you, get a space that has heat and electrical service available.
After you've completed these steps, you should have a good idea of the unit size needed, the amenities you want, and the best price per month. Before you sign any lease or rental agreement, be sure to read the fine print. If you have to move your stuff out of the unit, you want to make sure that you will not pay some kind of penalty fee.
Find and compare self storage units near you at EasyStorageSearch.com. Save 5-10% on Pods portable storage units by using a current pods promo code.
Need to store your boat. First consider boat storage basics.
There are a variety of different companies that provide places where people can store their goods. Some of the bigger recognizable names in the industry are U-Haul and Public Storage. There are also independently owned storage operations. Storage facility units can be movable storage boxes that can be picked up from your home and stored in an enclosed facility that are about the size of a bedroom closet. Fixed storage units are also available with a garage-like door and enough room to fit the entire contents of your home, a car, or even a boat.
Determining the cost of his storage unit is entirely up to you. Because rates for these units vary widely around the country, you will need to do some legwork by comparing the rates and amenities for different storage companies in your vicinity. Typical rates for the smallest removable storage box are $40 per month, but again, rates do vary around the country. Once you've done your comparisons, it would be wise to visit the facility to see where your goods will be stored firsthand before you sign any rental or lease agreement. You will need to decide what options are most important to you because extra amenities cost more money. Here are some tips to consider:
• Do you want your goods to be stored in a facility with extra security like security cameras? Some companies have electronic entrance gates, security cameras, and the 24 hour employee at the facility. Others simply have a locked gate and the high fence. You will pay more for extra security.
• What size unit will you need? Do you only have enough belongings to fit in a closet? If that's the case, the smallest unit will suffice. You will need a larger unit. If you have most of belongings from your house. Some people choose a large unit, only to find out that if they stack things carefully, they have more room than they need. This situation can be avoided by organizing your stuff before you procure your storage unit.
• Will you need utilities in your storage unit? Some storage units offer a climate controlled environment and electrical service. Some people have items that need to be in a temperature controlled environment. If this is you, get a space that has heat and electrical service available.
After you've completed these steps, you should have a good idea of the unit size needed, the amenities you want, and the best price per month. Before you sign any lease or rental agreement, be sure to read the fine print. If you have to move your stuff out of the unit, you want to make sure that you will not pay some kind of penalty fee.
Find and compare self storage units near you at EasyStorageSearch.com. Save 5-10% on Pods portable storage units by using a current pods promo code.
Need to store your boat. First consider boat storage basics.
Benefits of a Toll Free Number for Your Self Storage Business
Are you concerned about the accessibility of your self storage business to customers in this tough economy? Are you worried that your customers will not place an order and will not communicate with you by phone because they are unwilling to spend a few dollars to make a call?
If you have these concerns, consider the merits of a toll free number to make you more accessible to your clients. Contrary to what is generally believed, getting such a number is not an expensive investment. For as little as $10, you can get 100 monthly minutes and for twice that, you can receive 500 minutes per month. If you have a more active business, you can get about 2,600 (almost 50 hours) for as little as $50.
Due to its affordability, you can now level the playing field with large self storage businesses. Much of the success of your business depends on your image and the professionalism you project. Toll free numbers attract customers to your business because they give it an air of professionalism. They also increase the customer’s confidence in the security of financial transactions with your company. With a toll free number, you can create a virtual office in your home-based business.
One of the greatest benefits of a toll free number is the ability of your company to increase its customer base because you can now sell your goods and services to those who live outside the area in which your business is located. People do not need to hesitate before contacting you and there is no longer an advantage for them in dealing with local businesses.
You can also provide better customer service. Should a customer have questions or concerns about a product, they can call without hesitation, providing your business an opportunity to build a relationship with or troubleshoot with clients. Otherwise, those long-distance clients who have issues with your products or services may just remain silent, never to be heard from again.
Perhaps one of the most critical benefits to having a toll free number is its portability. If you have to move your business for some reason, you can still be reached by your customers, without any interruption in the services that you provide. A related benefit is that you can be mobile in your day-to-day business activities, as your toll-free number can be forwarded to your cell phone, pager, email address, and even you home phone.
Another perk to having a toll free number is that you can have a plan in which you only have to pay for the usage and the calls made to your number. Thus, your bills don’t shoot up if just a small number of calls come in. They only go up once usage of your toll free number goes up as well. This is great news for small, start-up businesses that do not yet have a large customer base.
Toll free numbers are also easy to set up and come with a lot of features and bonuses. These include the capability for audio conferences, professional voice announcement feature, call screening, call recording, call forwarding, auto attendant, and many other features.
Most significant, however, is that having a toll free number is a guaranteed means of staying in touch with your customers. This will keep you attuned to their needs and will boost customer service. Taking good care of your relationship with your customers is a surefire way of keeping them and enticing more to expand your clientele by way of referrals from your old customers. By making it easier for your customers to reach you, you get to stay up-to-date on trends in the market. Obviously, customers love toll free numbers because they wouldn’t have to spend anything to get certain information or to comment on your goods and services.
Get an affordable, professional toll free number and improve the professional image of your self storage business.
If you have these concerns, consider the merits of a toll free number to make you more accessible to your clients. Contrary to what is generally believed, getting such a number is not an expensive investment. For as little as $10, you can get 100 monthly minutes and for twice that, you can receive 500 minutes per month. If you have a more active business, you can get about 2,600 (almost 50 hours) for as little as $50.
Due to its affordability, you can now level the playing field with large self storage businesses. Much of the success of your business depends on your image and the professionalism you project. Toll free numbers attract customers to your business because they give it an air of professionalism. They also increase the customer’s confidence in the security of financial transactions with your company. With a toll free number, you can create a virtual office in your home-based business.
One of the greatest benefits of a toll free number is the ability of your company to increase its customer base because you can now sell your goods and services to those who live outside the area in which your business is located. People do not need to hesitate before contacting you and there is no longer an advantage for them in dealing with local businesses.
You can also provide better customer service. Should a customer have questions or concerns about a product, they can call without hesitation, providing your business an opportunity to build a relationship with or troubleshoot with clients. Otherwise, those long-distance clients who have issues with your products or services may just remain silent, never to be heard from again.
Perhaps one of the most critical benefits to having a toll free number is its portability. If you have to move your business for some reason, you can still be reached by your customers, without any interruption in the services that you provide. A related benefit is that you can be mobile in your day-to-day business activities, as your toll-free number can be forwarded to your cell phone, pager, email address, and even you home phone.
Another perk to having a toll free number is that you can have a plan in which you only have to pay for the usage and the calls made to your number. Thus, your bills don’t shoot up if just a small number of calls come in. They only go up once usage of your toll free number goes up as well. This is great news for small, start-up businesses that do not yet have a large customer base.
Toll free numbers are also easy to set up and come with a lot of features and bonuses. These include the capability for audio conferences, professional voice announcement feature, call screening, call recording, call forwarding, auto attendant, and many other features.
Most significant, however, is that having a toll free number is a guaranteed means of staying in touch with your customers. This will keep you attuned to their needs and will boost customer service. Taking good care of your relationship with your customers is a surefire way of keeping them and enticing more to expand your clientele by way of referrals from your old customers. By making it easier for your customers to reach you, you get to stay up-to-date on trends in the market. Obviously, customers love toll free numbers because they wouldn’t have to spend anything to get certain information or to comment on your goods and services.
Get an affordable, professional toll free number and improve the professional image of your self storage business.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Self Storage Unit
When you have the need to use a self storage facility, you also need to make sure you ask the right questions in order to make the best decision on a self storage facility that will meet your requirements. Whether you are storing your household goods, precious belongings or need extra storage space for your office or business, making an informed choice at the start can save you headaches later on. Your first step in making the choice best suited to your needs is to either speak in person or on the phone to the manager of the self storage facility and find out some facts against a checklist of questions.
What are the critical elements you need to consider in a self storage facility?
There are five critical areas that you should think about when you are choosing a self storage facility. These are:
1. Size
2. Security
3. Costs and insurance
4. Environmental control
5. Access
Do the size options at the self storage facility meet your needs?
Size matters, especially when you are looking at placing things that are valuable enough to pay for storage. Self storage units come in a variety of sizes, so the first thing you need to find out is the size of the units available at a particular facility. Picking the wrong size unit can either cause you headaches on the day your moving things in or be uneconomical if what you’re storing is much smaller than the unit size. Here is a quick guide on common self storage unit sizes and their storage capabilities:
Self Storage Unit Size and Typical Storage Capacity
5x5 – size of small bathroom 30 file boxes on shelves or a few bits of furniture
5x10 – size of large closet 84 file boxes or furniture from one room
5x15 – size of a walk in closet 130 file boxes or furniture from three rooms
10x10 – size of a mid-sized bedroom 180 files boxes or furniture from four rooms
10x15 – size of small garage 295 file boxes or furniture from fives rooms
10x20 – size of car garage 379 file boxes or furniture from 2 bedroom house
10x25 504 file boxes or furniture from 2-3 bedroom house
10x30 – size of a 1.5 garage Contents of 3 bedroom home plus misc items
If you’re still not sure, make an appointment with the self storage facility manager to come and view the options available. As a double check to your own assessment, ask the manager what size unit they recommend. It is best to take along a floor plan/size estimate of your items so the manager can help you decide on the size you need.
Ensuring your goods are secure at all times while in a storage unit
The levels of security that different self storage facilities have on offer also differ along with the size. This may be because they specialize in the types of goods they store. The level of security that you need for your household belongings and goods will also differ depending on their value (both sentimental and replacement cost). Ask the manager of the self storage facility what their security arrangements are for the facility as a whole along with the individual units. You can also check to see if you can add your own security, such as padlocks to the unit. Lastly, ask who will have access to the units and if the facility can also gain access (in an emergency) which personnel would hold the key or access information. As the levels of security will probably also impact on the costs, you want to make sure that your not over or under valuing the goods you are storing. If your storage needs are for a business, most likely you will require a facility that runs state of the art security across its site.
Comparing costs and insurance options to fit your self storage needs
Whether your self storage needs are short or long-term, the costs will need to fit your budget. Some factors that will impact on the costs at each self storage facility are size of the unit, security of the unit and facilities and whether or not the unit is climate controlled. Each contributing factor that adds to the cost should be balanced against the amount of goods you need to store, value of the goods and level of risk your willing to accept during the storage. When you’re interviewing self storage facilities to determine the best value for your needs, find out the following:
1. Your size requirements
2. Your security requirements
3. Costs for each size of unit available, if you require more than one unit will the facility offer you a discount? Check to see if two smaller units are more economical than one larger unit. Are there different costs for climate controlled units?
4. Short and long term rates, also if you can rollover and reduce costs if your goods are stored longer than expected
5. Are there any costs for accessing the facilities? Are there any extra costs for accessing the facilities after hours?
6. Is insurance covered in the lease or do you need to buy a separate insurance policy? If insurance is included check the fine print to ensure it covers events such as fire, floods and natural disasters.
7. Does the storage facility offer moving services as well? Will this reduce the overall costs of storing your goods?
Environmental control of your self storage unit
Each type of climate comes with its own problems for goods in storage. Too damp and your goods can be exposed to mold and mildew, too hot and dry and your goods could crack and warp. When your discussing the options available at a self storage facility, be sure to ask whether or not they have climate controlled units available and if they do, will you be able to have control over your particular unit/s with an independent control. The other kind of environmental issue you may face are pests such as rodents, ants and cockroaches. Ask the facility manager what their pest control measures are or whether you will be responsible for any pest control in your own unit? Do they have a facility wide pest control procedure in place?
Check also with the types of goods that are NOT allowed to be stored at the self storage facility. This may include any flammable or hazardous materials.
Access when you want it at self storage facilities
Even with the most careful planning, sometimes there is something you need urgently and find that it’s in storage. Ask the self storage facility manager whether or not you will be able to gain after hours access in an emergency along with what their normal and weekend operating hours are. This way you know that if you are caught short – you can get what you want, when you want it. Lastly, ensure that you will be able to get hold of personnel who can help you on the day that you are moving your goods into the facility. Ask for the managers cell phone number as part of the contact information you have for the facility.
Knowing what your needs are and what self storage facility options are available to you, ensures that your goods can be stored safely, securely and that you have peace of mind during your lease.
Find Denver self storage or Chicago self storage or Nashville self storage or anywhere else nationwide at EasyStorageSearch.com.
What are the critical elements you need to consider in a self storage facility?
There are five critical areas that you should think about when you are choosing a self storage facility. These are:
1. Size
2. Security
3. Costs and insurance
4. Environmental control
5. Access
Do the size options at the self storage facility meet your needs?
Size matters, especially when you are looking at placing things that are valuable enough to pay for storage. Self storage units come in a variety of sizes, so the first thing you need to find out is the size of the units available at a particular facility. Picking the wrong size unit can either cause you headaches on the day your moving things in or be uneconomical if what you’re storing is much smaller than the unit size. Here is a quick guide on common self storage unit sizes and their storage capabilities:
Self Storage Unit Size and Typical Storage Capacity
5x5 – size of small bathroom 30 file boxes on shelves or a few bits of furniture
5x10 – size of large closet 84 file boxes or furniture from one room
5x15 – size of a walk in closet 130 file boxes or furniture from three rooms
10x10 – size of a mid-sized bedroom 180 files boxes or furniture from four rooms
10x15 – size of small garage 295 file boxes or furniture from fives rooms
10x20 – size of car garage 379 file boxes or furniture from 2 bedroom house
10x25 504 file boxes or furniture from 2-3 bedroom house
10x30 – size of a 1.5 garage Contents of 3 bedroom home plus misc items
If you’re still not sure, make an appointment with the self storage facility manager to come and view the options available. As a double check to your own assessment, ask the manager what size unit they recommend. It is best to take along a floor plan/size estimate of your items so the manager can help you decide on the size you need.
Ensuring your goods are secure at all times while in a storage unit
The levels of security that different self storage facilities have on offer also differ along with the size. This may be because they specialize in the types of goods they store. The level of security that you need for your household belongings and goods will also differ depending on their value (both sentimental and replacement cost). Ask the manager of the self storage facility what their security arrangements are for the facility as a whole along with the individual units. You can also check to see if you can add your own security, such as padlocks to the unit. Lastly, ask who will have access to the units and if the facility can also gain access (in an emergency) which personnel would hold the key or access information. As the levels of security will probably also impact on the costs, you want to make sure that your not over or under valuing the goods you are storing. If your storage needs are for a business, most likely you will require a facility that runs state of the art security across its site.
Comparing costs and insurance options to fit your self storage needs
Whether your self storage needs are short or long-term, the costs will need to fit your budget. Some factors that will impact on the costs at each self storage facility are size of the unit, security of the unit and facilities and whether or not the unit is climate controlled. Each contributing factor that adds to the cost should be balanced against the amount of goods you need to store, value of the goods and level of risk your willing to accept during the storage. When you’re interviewing self storage facilities to determine the best value for your needs, find out the following:
1. Your size requirements
2. Your security requirements
3. Costs for each size of unit available, if you require more than one unit will the facility offer you a discount? Check to see if two smaller units are more economical than one larger unit. Are there different costs for climate controlled units?
4. Short and long term rates, also if you can rollover and reduce costs if your goods are stored longer than expected
5. Are there any costs for accessing the facilities? Are there any extra costs for accessing the facilities after hours?
6. Is insurance covered in the lease or do you need to buy a separate insurance policy? If insurance is included check the fine print to ensure it covers events such as fire, floods and natural disasters.
7. Does the storage facility offer moving services as well? Will this reduce the overall costs of storing your goods?
Environmental control of your self storage unit
Each type of climate comes with its own problems for goods in storage. Too damp and your goods can be exposed to mold and mildew, too hot and dry and your goods could crack and warp. When your discussing the options available at a self storage facility, be sure to ask whether or not they have climate controlled units available and if they do, will you be able to have control over your particular unit/s with an independent control. The other kind of environmental issue you may face are pests such as rodents, ants and cockroaches. Ask the facility manager what their pest control measures are or whether you will be responsible for any pest control in your own unit? Do they have a facility wide pest control procedure in place?
Check also with the types of goods that are NOT allowed to be stored at the self storage facility. This may include any flammable or hazardous materials.
Access when you want it at self storage facilities
Even with the most careful planning, sometimes there is something you need urgently and find that it’s in storage. Ask the self storage facility manager whether or not you will be able to gain after hours access in an emergency along with what their normal and weekend operating hours are. This way you know that if you are caught short – you can get what you want, when you want it. Lastly, ensure that you will be able to get hold of personnel who can help you on the day that you are moving your goods into the facility. Ask for the managers cell phone number as part of the contact information you have for the facility.
Knowing what your needs are and what self storage facility options are available to you, ensures that your goods can be stored safely, securely and that you have peace of mind during your lease.
Find Denver self storage or Chicago self storage or Nashville self storage or anywhere else nationwide at EasyStorageSearch.com.
Friday, November 7, 2008
How Much Do Storage Pods Cost
A question I am commonly asked is how much do storage pods cost? The convenience storage pods offer is undeniable. Instead of having to load your belongings into a moving truck, then perhaps a storage unit, then another moving truck, and finally your new home - with storage pods you simply load the container once and unload it once. The company can either store your belongings for as long as you'd like or deliver them right away to your new home. And this can all be done locally or across the country.
But how much do pods cost?
The answer is of course dependent on a number of factors. First is the size of the storage pod you choose, which of course in turn depends on the amount of stuff you have to move and/or store. Then there is the matter of the moving distance involved. And if you will be storing your stuff the cost will be greater the longer it is in storage. The best way to get an accurate quote on the storage pod cost is to go right to the source and ask them. Go to http://www.pods.com and enter the details and you'll get quote in about a minute. Oh, and be sure to use the Promo Code R101 and you will save 5% off the 1st Month storage rental or 5% Off long-distance moves.
But how much do pods cost?
The answer is of course dependent on a number of factors. First is the size of the storage pod you choose, which of course in turn depends on the amount of stuff you have to move and/or store. Then there is the matter of the moving distance involved. And if you will be storing your stuff the cost will be greater the longer it is in storage. The best way to get an accurate quote on the storage pod cost is to go right to the source and ask them. Go to http://www.pods.com and enter the details and you'll get quote in about a minute. Oh, and be sure to use the Promo Code R101 and you will save 5% off the 1st Month storage rental or 5% Off long-distance moves.
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