While businesses utilize self storage facilities for document archives and secure equipment and inventory storage, the first place most people want to de-clutter and organize is their home. Whether it’s for ordinary household items or family heirlooms, a modern self storage facility presents many options for secure storage, letting homeowners and renters reclaim their homes, basements and garages!

Because modern self storage facilities provide a multitude of storage options–including various unit sizes and climate-controlled units–the possibilities for what you can store are abundant. Some of the more common personal uses for self storage units include:

- Transition space: As a mid-point space to store items when moving from one house to another.

- Secured environment: Many people use self storage facilities to keep special family items and/or valuable collections safe.

- Seasonal storage: Whether its holiday decorations, off-season clothing or bulky sports equipment like skis, snowboards and surfboards–seasonal items are ideal for out-of-home storage.

- College students: Rather than packing up and hauling a dorm room full of stuff home (especially out of state) many college students opt to store their items near campus.

- Downsizing options: For many people who downsize after retirement, there simply isn’t the necessary space to store all belongings in the home.

These are only some of the many personal reasons you may choose the secure, customizable solution provided by a self-storage facility. From more traditional uses, like storing home items while away, to parents storing Christmas gifts away from the prying hands and nosy eyes of little children, renting a self storage unit can ensure a safe, worry and hassle-free storage solution.

Self-storage units can also be a business asset, allowing secure archival of sensitive business documents. Look for self storage facilities that have fire and water proof construction, thereby ensuring that all your essential papers and files will be out of harm’s way. When a pipe bursts or an electrical wire sparks in a traditional office building, the results can be catastrophic, leaving business owners saying, “We lost everything.” Using a self storage facility to house your most confidential and important business documents ensures that your property will be safe should a flood, fire or accident occur. Beyond file and record storage, a self storage unit can also house overstocked office furniture, supplies and/or inventory. Self storage spaces come in many sizes, from storage for one file cabinet of documents to a room of desks, chairs and cubicle walls.

Popular reasons a business may choose to use a self storage unit include:

- To store old records and archived files.
- As a place for overstock and unused office furniture.
- During a move to a new office space.
- To keep important tax records, receipts and other vital documents.
- To store confidential or sensitive files that could be compromised if not secured.
- As an alternative to an expensive and inconvenient safe, or lock-box.
- To house seasonal and promotional items.
- And many more…

As you can see, both personal and business uses of a self-storage unit are limited only by your imagination. Self storage facilities have many units of varying sizes that can accommodate your customized requests for storage space. The facility’s employees can also find a space that resides within your budget. Self storage is perfect for those who don’t want a one-size-fits-all solution, and would prefer a personal and enjoyable experience as they store their belongings.

The facility of self storage is being utilized by a good number of people- not only by those who Relocate from one place to other but by many others like those who want to create extra space in their homes. Offices too use these self storages for keeping their documents and other records. However, when it comes to selecting a proper self storage, most of the people find themselves puzzled. Lets analyze the points to consider when choosing a self storage.

First of all, decide whether to go for a self storage or not? If you are moving temporarily, for say a couple of months, it is wise to store your belongings so that you will not have to spend a fortune to buy everything when you come back. However, if you are going away for a year and more than that, the cost of self storage should be considered prudentially. Think twice about whether it is beneficial to sell the things away and buy new ones when you come back or storing the things by paying a good amount of money? The location of self storage should be decided carefully. If you are not moving and just keeping away certain belongings in the storage that you might need frequently, a self storage nearer to your place is ideal. However, if you are going away and relocating in other city or country, location will not matter so much. You can then go for the best deal after comparing the quotes of various self storage companies. Size matters, in case of self storage too. Take an estimate of the things you are going to store and have opinion from someone who can guide you about the space required for storing away the things. Next decide whether you should go for regular self storage or do you need climate controlled storage? Generally climate controlled storage units are more expensive as the storage facilities have to spend a lot on equipment for maintaining temperature and humidity. However, if you have valuable things like antiques or artworks, you might not be uncomfortable paying more charges. Always find out the security provisions of self storage facility. While you are away, you must remain assured about the safety of your precious belongings. Read more about security and other aspects of self storage

Storage units have become a very popular alternative in storing important items. It is critical to go for the best storage company which will secure your valuables.

A storage unit refers to the rented space provided to tenants by self storage companies. Companies that offer self storage facilities belong to real estate and personal property cargo transits. The storage facilities are divided in self storage spaces which are then leased to tenants mostly on a monthly basis. Self storage services are usually used by individuals or businesses to store inventories, equipments, collection of records and household goods.

Storage units come in assorted sizes for residential and business tenants. The most common size is the 10 feet by 5 feet with 1.5 meters depth. Some units are larger and the largest is measured at 20 feet by 20 feet similar with the dimension of two car garages. Storage units are built with corrugated metal and are without any window. They can only be accessed through the roll up metal door.

These storage units feature secured locks for protection. Only the tenant or lessee has the sole authority in accessing the contents. The facility operator does not have the right over the contents of the storage unit. Also, the operator does not take care, control, or have custody over the contents unless in cases where the lessee fails to pay the rentals imposed. Most of these facilities provide computer controlled access to the storage units, as well. Surveillance cameras are even installed for additional security. Some self storage companies present biometric scanners to ensure that only the tenant can have access on the units.

Tenants are not allowed to store hazardous, toxic, or perishable stuffs in the storage units. Also, they are not permitted to either sleep or reside in the units. In some modern facilities, a climate controlled system is set up in order to prevent mold and build up of moisture. The common temperature of these climate controlled facilities is from 50 to 80 degrees Celsius.

Based on records, there are around 58,000 of self storage facilities around the world. 52,000 of these self storage facilities are from the United States. Roughly, there’s 1.6 billion square feet rentable in this country, as well. The United States is generating around $20 billion revenue every year from self storage businesses alone. In Australia, there is 22 million for storage services while in the United Kingdom there is 20 million. For the past years, customers availing of self storage services have increased and continue to grow at an average of 10 to 15 percent. This is due to some social factors such as high rate of divorce, workforce mobility, and home improvements.

Storage facilities grant clients a secure and less expensive way of keeping their other belongings. These also free up their homes with some valuable space. This service is also especially beneficial when you are having home or office renovations or restorations. The most reputable storage companies offer their customers with added assistance such as free packaging, boxes and bubble wraps. Trucks or vans are also supplied as free service when you need to transport your things from your house to the storage facilities.

When selecting a self storage company for your requirement, it is essential to know some details before deciding to avail of their service. You must know of the unit sizes available, rental cost, safety features, distance from your house and other vital details important for your composure. When you have already chosen a particular self storage company, it is now time to pack your things and ready it for transport. Here are some basic tips in packing your things:

Create some labels for each of the boxes so you can easily identify which boxes to open when looking for a particular item.

Never stack boxes too high for it would be very difficult to get an item which is beneath the stack of boxes.

Ensure that you have properly locked your storage unit.

Read and understand the terms and conditions set in your contract.

Understand whether they charge for the access of the storage unit or not so you can schedule your visit.

Get the contact numbers of the storage manager. You will need it in case any problems arise.

Avoid sharing your keys, access cards, or passwords with anyone.

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.

One often overlooked aspect of personal financial planning is security. Think of it this way: Working to build up more assets will be wasted effort if you cant hold on to what you already have. This means that people need to protect their homes, their businesses, their credit cards and identities everything they value. For people who rent self-storage facilities, this means making sure their storage locker is secure, as well. Here are some keys to choosing a secure self-storage facility.

One of the tried and true rules for buying real estate applies to selecting a secure facility, although it is not the primary criterion. Location, location, location is the mantra for homebuyers, and it does make sense, assuming all other key criteria are also good, to have a facility close at hand. This makes it easier to access, of course, as well as easier to keep tabs on.

Geography and size

It also makes sense to avoid storage facilities that are close to freeway onramps, since thieves scout locations with that characteristic in mind. A facility in a downtown area, on a cul-de-sac or in an industrial park with few entrances would be a wiser choice, if possible.

The size of the facility may have an impact on the security provided. A sprawling compound with a dozen buildings that is managed by just a few employees is not going to be the most secure. Consider the ratio of employees to acreage. You should also find out how the security is managed, and a combination of foot patrols, video surveillance, access control and well-lit aisles is a good balance.

Secure by design

The most important considerations have to do with the facility itself, and the individual storage area you rent there. Never rent a space at a facility that does not control and, better yet, record the cars and the people entering the property. Storage facilities that have modern, secure entrances with video surveillance are your best bet. An added benefit is having the office and the onsite managers living quarters adjacent to the entrance, for additional real time views of the people entering and exiting the facility.

Another design element of a good, secure facility is the placement of video cameras on each aisle of units. The more surveillance there is, the better for you. You should also determine how long the tapes (they are taping, right?) go back, as sometimes months can go by between storage locker visits. The entry/exit records generated by the entrances PIN-pad or card-activated terminal should also be saved for a reasonable amount of time.

Your contribution

You can also improve your storage lockers security by getting the best, hardened steel lock you can afford. These are not the kind of locks you will find at the drugstore, either. Go to a locksmith and ask for a lock with a round key (harder to pick) with a round or rounded body (harder to leverage) and thick, hardened steel loop (harder to cut). Do not skimp on the lock, as it is your final line of defense if thieves get that far. And remember this: Many storage facility rip-offs are inside jobs, perpetrated by other renters, or by thieves who rent a storage locker to gain access to a facility.

You also need to cover all your bases insurance-wise. Add the storage locker to your homeowner or renter policy, and always keep an accurate, updated inventory of your stored belongings. Anyone with access to your locker, from family to employees, should be listed on the access form kept by the facility, and ID should always be required of first-time visitors. Check on this, and other procedures, with the storage facility managers. Get to know the facility personnel, and make sure all persons to whom you give access do the same thing.

Bottom line? Use your head, consider all the elements, visit the facilities you are considering and compare them one against the other. The right combination of features may make several of them good candidates, so be sure to assign a weighted importance to the security considerations most important to you. As a final check, investigate any complaints against the facilities you are considering. You can do this easily on the Internet (Better Business Bureau, Complaints.com, etc.). With just a little homework, and another bit of footwork, you should be able to locate a facility that gives you, personally, a solid sense of security!