If you are like me then you undoubtedly have amore than a few things cluttering up your home and it may be time for you to consider renting a self-storage unit. Once you have sized up just how much stuff you need to store and you have figured out the perfect size unit for that stuff you still have one more very important decision to make.
That decision is one that will be asked as soon as you go to the self-storage facility of your choice, ‘Do you want an outside unit or a temperature control unit?’ So what’s the difference? In layman’s terms an outside unit has no air conditioning and a temperature control unit does. Oh, and the unit with air conditioning is going to cost you more money. Why? The storage unit facility will be paying more to cool off you stuff and you can bet that they will pass that on to you.
Which unit you need is really a personal preference but it usually is dictated by what you are storing. For example, if you were storing antique furniture that you don’t want getting exposed to major summer heat, then you would obviously not want a unit that is not temperature controlled. On the flip side, you probably don’t want to pay the extra money for a temperature controlled unit if all you are storing is lawn equipment such as a lawn mower and weed whacker that would normally be stored in a garage or shed anyway.
A good rule of thumb is asking yourself where the items that are going to storage were kept before. If they were stored inside your house, then you may want to go with a temperature controlled storage unit, but if the items were stored I the garage, attic, or shed, then a hotter outside unit will probably suffice. Again, it is a personal preference, but knowing what to consider may assist you in making your choice.
Search for self storage units near you.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
Self Storage – Insuring Your Stuff
A common mistake made when storing your stuff in a storage unit is assuming that your belongings are insured by the facility. Wrong! The storage facility is simply providing you with a place to stow your belongings and usually makes it clear, though sometimes in small print, that they are in no way, shape, or form responsible for your belongings. So what can you do?
If you own your home, check with your insurance company. Your homeowner’s policy may cover your items that are being stored, but then again, it may not. Never assume you are covered because the time may come when something happens to your stuff in storage and you find that you aren’t insured and something valuable will be lost forever. If you are a renter and have renters insurance, the same applies. Call your insurance company and ask if your items that are being stored are covered I your policy. What if the answer is no?
If you are not covered by your existing policy you can always ask them if they do offer protection for self-stored items and how much it will cost. Then you can ask the manager of the storage unit facility if they recommend any insurance agency to handle insuring your things. Believe it or not, there are actually insurance companies that specialize in insuring self stored items. Once you have all the information in front of you look at things like coverage and cost and make your decision accordingly.
Just remember, your self storage unit facility does not insure your stuff, you have to do it. But don’t feel overwhelmed, as finding cost effective insurance for your possessions is nothing more than a few phone calls away.
If you own your home, check with your insurance company. Your homeowner’s policy may cover your items that are being stored, but then again, it may not. Never assume you are covered because the time may come when something happens to your stuff in storage and you find that you aren’t insured and something valuable will be lost forever. If you are a renter and have renters insurance, the same applies. Call your insurance company and ask if your items that are being stored are covered I your policy. What if the answer is no?
If you are not covered by your existing policy you can always ask them if they do offer protection for self-stored items and how much it will cost. Then you can ask the manager of the storage unit facility if they recommend any insurance agency to handle insuring your things. Believe it or not, there are actually insurance companies that specialize in insuring self stored items. Once you have all the information in front of you look at things like coverage and cost and make your decision accordingly.
Just remember, your self storage unit facility does not insure your stuff, you have to do it. But don’t feel overwhelmed, as finding cost effective insurance for your possessions is nothing more than a few phone calls away.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Packrat Promo Code
Packrat Portable Storage and Moving
Packrat offers all-steel containers and a 24 hour delivery guarantee. 1-800-PACK-RAT also offers 24 hour emergency response for fire and water restoration companies.
They deliver an 8×12 or 8×16 all steel, weatherproof, lockable PACK-RAT container. Take your time and pack it at your own pace. When you’re ready, they come and pick up a full unit and transport it to your next location or to their climate controlled secure warehouse.
Use a Packrat Promo Code to receive 5% off the delivery cost.
Packrat offers all-steel containers and a 24 hour delivery guarantee. 1-800-PACK-RAT also offers 24 hour emergency response for fire and water restoration companies.
They deliver an 8×12 or 8×16 all steel, weatherproof, lockable PACK-RAT container. Take your time and pack it at your own pace. When you’re ready, they come and pick up a full unit and transport it to your next location or to their climate controlled secure warehouse.
Use a Packrat Promo Code to receive 5% off the delivery cost.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Top Self Storage Companies
People seek out self storage for a number of reasons these days. Many times it may be a move that requires some personal items to be stored during the transition. Perhaps it is a case of too much stuff, or even an office that needs to store old documentation. Whatever the reason you need self storage, you of course want to know the top self storage companies in the industry.
In the recent years, there are a great number of self storage companies that have cropped up. Some are great and some are not worth a darn. That being said, there are three companies that have been around for a great number of years and have a wonderful reputation and service record to go along with their names. These three champions of self storage are:
• Public Storage: Public Storage has been around since 1972 and now has over 2100 company run sites both here in the United States and in Europe. Public Storage offers a number of different sized storage units both air conditioned and non-air conditioned. On their website they have an interactive guide to help you decide what size will accommodate your needs. Still need help? They also offer a toll free number for you to call should run into a snag. A great feature with Public Storage is that they require no credit card or long term commitment for renting.
• U-Haul: That’s right; they aren’t just for moving trucks anymore. U-Haul has actually been offering self storage for a great number of years, but many are unaware that the company that they trust most when it comes to a moving truck will also give them access to a wide variety of storage units. Like Public storage, U-Haul has a toll free number that can be called if you need advice on what size storage unit you need. Some of the nice features with using U-Haul as your storage facility include, online bill pay, 24/7 security, and access to your unit even on weekends and holidays.
• U STORE IT: Of the three companies listed, U STORE IT is the baby of them all, but is rapidly catching up. U STORE IT has over 400 locations nationwide and is growing every year. U STORE IT offers online deals and even has a price match guarantee. Like its bigger counterparts, U STORE IT also offer a toll free number which can be called for advice and tips.
No matter where you are in the country you are bound to be close to one of these powerhouses in the self storage industry. If you need more assistance in finding a location near you, you can either use the location finder found on each company’s website, where you simply type in your zip code and have the closest location listed for you, or call the toll free number and simply ask where a close location is.
Storing your personal effects can be somewhat worrisome; they are after all your personal effects. Going with one of the best storage companies that are available makes you decision not only a little easier on your time, but on your mind as well.
Get rate quotes from the top self storage units in your area.
In the recent years, there are a great number of self storage companies that have cropped up. Some are great and some are not worth a darn. That being said, there are three companies that have been around for a great number of years and have a wonderful reputation and service record to go along with their names. These three champions of self storage are:
• Public Storage: Public Storage has been around since 1972 and now has over 2100 company run sites both here in the United States and in Europe. Public Storage offers a number of different sized storage units both air conditioned and non-air conditioned. On their website they have an interactive guide to help you decide what size will accommodate your needs. Still need help? They also offer a toll free number for you to call should run into a snag. A great feature with Public Storage is that they require no credit card or long term commitment for renting.
• U-Haul: That’s right; they aren’t just for moving trucks anymore. U-Haul has actually been offering self storage for a great number of years, but many are unaware that the company that they trust most when it comes to a moving truck will also give them access to a wide variety of storage units. Like Public storage, U-Haul has a toll free number that can be called if you need advice on what size storage unit you need. Some of the nice features with using U-Haul as your storage facility include, online bill pay, 24/7 security, and access to your unit even on weekends and holidays.
• U STORE IT: Of the three companies listed, U STORE IT is the baby of them all, but is rapidly catching up. U STORE IT has over 400 locations nationwide and is growing every year. U STORE IT offers online deals and even has a price match guarantee. Like its bigger counterparts, U STORE IT also offer a toll free number which can be called for advice and tips.
No matter where you are in the country you are bound to be close to one of these powerhouses in the self storage industry. If you need more assistance in finding a location near you, you can either use the location finder found on each company’s website, where you simply type in your zip code and have the closest location listed for you, or call the toll free number and simply ask where a close location is.
Storing your personal effects can be somewhat worrisome; they are after all your personal effects. Going with one of the best storage companies that are available makes you decision not only a little easier on your time, but on your mind as well.
Get rate quotes from the top self storage units in your area.
Self Storage Rates - How Much Should You Pay for Self Storage?
When determining self storage rates, there are several factors that should be considered. Of course every self storage company will offer different rates and many will offer different deals as well. Knowing what to look for and what to expect can save you time and more importantly money.
There are several factors to consider before you can accurately find self storage rates, these include:
• Size of Storage Unit: It stands to reason that the bigger something is, the more money you will pay for it. This is also true when it comes to self storage units and self storage rates. If you rent a self storage unit that is five feet by five feet it will obviously be cheaper than a store unit that is 25 feet by 25 feet. In a nut shell, the more stuff you have to store, the more you can expect to pay.
• Air conditioned or non-air conditioned: When taking two equally sized storage units, the one that is air conditioned will cost you more than the one that is not. Why? Generally if you have personal effects that could be ruined by heat, then you will have to rent an air conditioned storage unit. These units are typically located inside as opposed to outside. The storage facility will be running huge air conditioning units to keep all of the indie units cool. This will cost the facility more in electricity and maintenance and you will pay a higher bill as a result, so you need to know whether the items you are going to store will be alright without air conditioning or they need constant cool.
• Length of stay: When it comes to determining self storage rates you can often be helped or hurt by the time you stay. Some storage facilitates will have a higher per month rate than the rate that would be charged for the commitment of six months or more. Most are month to month these days, but even those types of storage facilities will often give you a better rate if you commit to a longer stay. If you know for sure you will be storing your items for six months or more, see what type of deals is available for you. If you are not sure, then just go with a month to month as more times than not, along with a better rate, comes a contract to sign.
Once you know the size unit you need, whether it needs to be air conditioned or not, and how long your things will be stored you are ready to determine the actual rate of the self storage unit. This is the time to call multiple storage facilities and do what is known as ‘price shopping’ in order to get the best deal available.
Many storage facilities will offer better rates when you rent online or pay your bill online so be sure to ask all the companies you call. Also be sure to look for companies that offer a price match/beat guarantee as this can be another way for you to save on self storage rates.
Lastly, make sure you are going with a self storage unit you are comfortable with. At times you may pay a touch more for as bigger and more reputable facility, but when it comes to your personal effects, a little price difference sometimes isn’t a big deal.
There are several factors to consider before you can accurately find self storage rates, these include:
• Size of Storage Unit: It stands to reason that the bigger something is, the more money you will pay for it. This is also true when it comes to self storage units and self storage rates. If you rent a self storage unit that is five feet by five feet it will obviously be cheaper than a store unit that is 25 feet by 25 feet. In a nut shell, the more stuff you have to store, the more you can expect to pay.
• Air conditioned or non-air conditioned: When taking two equally sized storage units, the one that is air conditioned will cost you more than the one that is not. Why? Generally if you have personal effects that could be ruined by heat, then you will have to rent an air conditioned storage unit. These units are typically located inside as opposed to outside. The storage facility will be running huge air conditioning units to keep all of the indie units cool. This will cost the facility more in electricity and maintenance and you will pay a higher bill as a result, so you need to know whether the items you are going to store will be alright without air conditioning or they need constant cool.
• Length of stay: When it comes to determining self storage rates you can often be helped or hurt by the time you stay. Some storage facilitates will have a higher per month rate than the rate that would be charged for the commitment of six months or more. Most are month to month these days, but even those types of storage facilities will often give you a better rate if you commit to a longer stay. If you know for sure you will be storing your items for six months or more, see what type of deals is available for you. If you are not sure, then just go with a month to month as more times than not, along with a better rate, comes a contract to sign.
Once you know the size unit you need, whether it needs to be air conditioned or not, and how long your things will be stored you are ready to determine the actual rate of the self storage unit. This is the time to call multiple storage facilities and do what is known as ‘price shopping’ in order to get the best deal available.
Many storage facilities will offer better rates when you rent online or pay your bill online so be sure to ask all the companies you call. Also be sure to look for companies that offer a price match/beat guarantee as this can be another way for you to save on self storage rates.
Lastly, make sure you are going with a self storage unit you are comfortable with. At times you may pay a touch more for as bigger and more reputable facility, but when it comes to your personal effects, a little price difference sometimes isn’t a big deal.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Top Car Rental Questions and Answers
Every summer brings about roadways full of travelers all going somewhere on vacation, many of them in a rental car. Rental cars can be great as they can be tailored to fit the needs of a certain trip you are planning. With a rental car you are free to choose whether you need a minivan for the entire family or an economical smaller car for yourself, it’s all up to you. With renting a car, there are many questions that can be covered but there are three that usually come up every single time.
Here are the top three rental car questions and answer:
1. QUESTION: ‘Do I need to buy the rental car insurance?’
ANSWER: Obtaining rental car insurance can be costly. In fact, there are certain instances where the insurance can cost you more than the rental itself. But you must keep in mind that YOU are responsible for the car you rent if any damages or even theft occur while the car is in your possession. Many individuals decline to get the coverage because they assume that their personal insurance or their credit card has them covered, only to find out later they were mistaken. Never assume. Always check first with your insurance company and or credit card company to see if you are fully covered. If you are not, then it is definitely to your advantage to buy the rental insurance, as you never know what might happen.
2. QUESTION: ‘Is there any way to obtain a cheaper price than what I was quoted over the phone?’
ANSWER: Absolutely yes! Keep in mind that when you call for a price the agent is not going to tell you about any special deals that may be going on. The first step is to ask if they do have any unadvertised specials. You can also go online to book your reservation and many times this will save you money as well. While online, look for other specials like free upgrades or things of that nature that the car rental company may be offering. AAA Members can almost always save a few bucks, but only if they tell the agent that they are members. Lastly, call your credit card company. Many credit card companies work hand in hand with car rental companies and can give you a special ‘code’ that will save you additional money.
3. QUSTION: ‘How far in advance should I book my car rental?’
ANSWER: You should always book your car rental at least one week in advance of your trip. Why? First of all you want to ensure that the vehicle you want will be available and the closer you wait until your trip, the more of a chance you have to get stuck with whatever is left on the lot. Second, and even more important, it may save you money. Here is another unadvertised special that the car rental companies will not tell you about. Really it is more of supply and demand. The longer you wait, the more the car rental companies generally charge because basically they know you will pay the fee as you have little choice. What are you going to do, walk to Disney? On the flip side though, if you book in advance, the car rental companies know you have plenty of time to call around and price shop if you are displeased with the price of the rental and so they will offer you a lower rate to try to seal the deal so to speak.
Car rental can be a headache and the car rental companies love to play the game. If you prepare yourself and know the answers to the top car rental questions, then you will not only be able to play the game with them, but win the game and save yourself some time and more importantly, money.
Tip: Use a Budget coupon code and save up to 20% off your next Budget car rental.
Here are the top three rental car questions and answer:
1. QUESTION: ‘Do I need to buy the rental car insurance?’
ANSWER: Obtaining rental car insurance can be costly. In fact, there are certain instances where the insurance can cost you more than the rental itself. But you must keep in mind that YOU are responsible for the car you rent if any damages or even theft occur while the car is in your possession. Many individuals decline to get the coverage because they assume that their personal insurance or their credit card has them covered, only to find out later they were mistaken. Never assume. Always check first with your insurance company and or credit card company to see if you are fully covered. If you are not, then it is definitely to your advantage to buy the rental insurance, as you never know what might happen.
2. QUESTION: ‘Is there any way to obtain a cheaper price than what I was quoted over the phone?’
ANSWER: Absolutely yes! Keep in mind that when you call for a price the agent is not going to tell you about any special deals that may be going on. The first step is to ask if they do have any unadvertised specials. You can also go online to book your reservation and many times this will save you money as well. While online, look for other specials like free upgrades or things of that nature that the car rental company may be offering. AAA Members can almost always save a few bucks, but only if they tell the agent that they are members. Lastly, call your credit card company. Many credit card companies work hand in hand with car rental companies and can give you a special ‘code’ that will save you additional money.
3. QUSTION: ‘How far in advance should I book my car rental?’
ANSWER: You should always book your car rental at least one week in advance of your trip. Why? First of all you want to ensure that the vehicle you want will be available and the closer you wait until your trip, the more of a chance you have to get stuck with whatever is left on the lot. Second, and even more important, it may save you money. Here is another unadvertised special that the car rental companies will not tell you about. Really it is more of supply and demand. The longer you wait, the more the car rental companies generally charge because basically they know you will pay the fee as you have little choice. What are you going to do, walk to Disney? On the flip side though, if you book in advance, the car rental companies know you have plenty of time to call around and price shop if you are displeased with the price of the rental and so they will offer you a lower rate to try to seal the deal so to speak.
Car rental can be a headache and the car rental companies love to play the game. If you prepare yourself and know the answers to the top car rental questions, then you will not only be able to play the game with them, but win the game and save yourself some time and more importantly, money.
Tip: Use a Budget coupon code and save up to 20% off your next Budget car rental.
With every move comes packing, calling friends, and of course securing a moving truck rental. While there are plenty of moving truck rental companies out there, there are three that stand out from the crowd, not just because of their names, but also because of their reputations. Chances are you saw one or all of the trucks out while you were driving to work today. Yes when it comes to moving time, nothing says time to go like U-Haul, Budget, and Penske.
Each company offers many different options and sometimes choosing comes down to who is offering the best deal. The following is a little bit of information about each moving truck rental company and what they have to offer:
• U-Haul: Perhaps the best known of all the moving truck rental companies, U-Haul has been around forever and it is not uncommon to hear someone say, ‘We have to rent a U-Haul,’ even if they simply mean a moving truck. The company can accommodate your moving needs if you are doing an in town move or across the country move. They offer a wide variety of vehicles from a pick-up truck all the way up to a 26-foot moving truck. Depending on what your needs are you can rent a truck for a flat rate per day plus extra per mile driven for an in town move and they will give you a free quote on an out of state move, also known as a one way move. U-Haul sometimes offers special pricing when making your reservations online so it pays to check.
• Budget: Budget is not quite as well known as U-Haul but their presence in the moving truck rental business is big. They offer vehicles from the size of a cargo van to that of a big straight truck. Budget also charges a flat per day fee and also extra per mile driven for in town moves. You can rent a Budget moving truck for a local move or a one-way move across the country. If you choose Budget as your moving truck rental company, be sure to reserve your truck online as you can use a Budget promotion code and receive an additional discount.
• Penske: These are the big yellow trucks that can be seen on a daily basis running the highways. Penske’s vehicles range from smaller trucks to big rigs that can pull a 52-foot trailer. Like U-Haul they offer free quotes on one way moving as well as in town moving for a flat per day fee plus additional money per mile driven. Penske, like the others, also offers certain discounts when reserving online.
Each company has a toll free number that you can call if you have any specific questions that need to be addressed and each company suggests that you make your reservations well in advance so that you can make sure that the truck you want will be available on the date you need it. As far as choosing the right one for your move, make sure the truck you need is available and then go with the best deal.
Moving can be a big stress, but you can lighten that stress by making sure that you go with one of these top moving truck rental companies. With the piece of mind of knowing that your truck needs will be filled you can be left with worrying about which friends you can sucker into giving up a weekend to help you move your things.
Find a self storage unit near you, where you can also quickly locate moving companies and moving truck rentals near you.
Each company offers many different options and sometimes choosing comes down to who is offering the best deal. The following is a little bit of information about each moving truck rental company and what they have to offer:
• U-Haul: Perhaps the best known of all the moving truck rental companies, U-Haul has been around forever and it is not uncommon to hear someone say, ‘We have to rent a U-Haul,’ even if they simply mean a moving truck. The company can accommodate your moving needs if you are doing an in town move or across the country move. They offer a wide variety of vehicles from a pick-up truck all the way up to a 26-foot moving truck. Depending on what your needs are you can rent a truck for a flat rate per day plus extra per mile driven for an in town move and they will give you a free quote on an out of state move, also known as a one way move. U-Haul sometimes offers special pricing when making your reservations online so it pays to check.
• Budget: Budget is not quite as well known as U-Haul but their presence in the moving truck rental business is big. They offer vehicles from the size of a cargo van to that of a big straight truck. Budget also charges a flat per day fee and also extra per mile driven for in town moves. You can rent a Budget moving truck for a local move or a one-way move across the country. If you choose Budget as your moving truck rental company, be sure to reserve your truck online as you can use a Budget promotion code and receive an additional discount.
• Penske: These are the big yellow trucks that can be seen on a daily basis running the highways. Penske’s vehicles range from smaller trucks to big rigs that can pull a 52-foot trailer. Like U-Haul they offer free quotes on one way moving as well as in town moving for a flat per day fee plus additional money per mile driven. Penske, like the others, also offers certain discounts when reserving online.
Each company has a toll free number that you can call if you have any specific questions that need to be addressed and each company suggests that you make your reservations well in advance so that you can make sure that the truck you want will be available on the date you need it. As far as choosing the right one for your move, make sure the truck you need is available and then go with the best deal.
Moving can be a big stress, but you can lighten that stress by making sure that you go with one of these top moving truck rental companies. With the piece of mind of knowing that your truck needs will be filled you can be left with worrying about which friends you can sucker into giving up a weekend to help you move your things.
Find a self storage unit near you, where you can also quickly locate moving companies and moving truck rentals near you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
