If you have small items that you wish to store, or if you need some storage space for a short period of time, perhaps renting self storage may be your best solution. Today, there are many storage solution providers available in the market, catering to the needs of homeowners and business owners.

Self storage solutions come in many different sizes. You can rent small spaces like cabinet of shelves for storing documents. This is common for companies who have a need to store documents for a number of years. For instance, an accounting company residing in a small office may need to store financial documents for at least 3 years or more. As they continue to operate and take on new clients, the number of the documents that need to be stored away increases quickly. After a while, the company finds that it is running out of storage space. So instead of renting additional office space just for storage purposes, the company can decide to rent a proper storage facility to store those documents.

Besides the size of the storage facility, security measures are also very important. In fact, storage facilities tend to be even more secure than ordinary offices. There are advanced swipe card devices with passwords for higher security, and there CCTV cameras installed both in the facilities and in the vicinity. Professional self storage providers also have site managers who are on shift to respond to circumstances. So how do you find and locate service providers who are reliable?

The Internet.

The Internet should be the first place you turn to. You should start here because information is easily accessible through the Internet. You can find background information of a service provider, or even read reviews by customers at forums. You can also find out more about the products and services offered by the provider from the corporate website. You may then decide whether you want to do business with them.

Personal referrals.

Friends and relatives are the people you trust most. So if they have a positive experience with a service provider, they would want to share their experience with you too. Ask them if there is anyone they know who provides reliable storage services. This approach is much better than groping in the dark, hoping to find a reliable service provider that you can trust.

Professional contacts.

You can also get contacts from related professionals such as contractors, real estate agents, etc. These people are in the same industry, and word spread fast in the industry. If there is someone in the storage sector that stands out, the industry will get to know. Also, they may have their own personal contacts, and can easily make a referral. Who knows, you may even get a discount!

And remember, the cheapest you find is not always the best! Reliability, security and convenience is what matters. So be sure to choose one that is professional and providers excellent storage services.

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.

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.

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!

There are many reasons people look into storage options. Everyone has been there, when your home has just become to crowded, but you can not simply get rid of your things. You may even find that you are moving and need temporary storage. It could possibly be that you are awaiting the day your oldest child moves out and you have decided to save furniture for that day. It does not matter the reason, the only thing that matters is that you have options.

There are many options available and you may even find that you have a hard time choosing which is best for you. You can look into a storage kit that can be purchased at the local hardware store. These have to be assembled by you, but they come with everything you need. They are great, but you will find a few down falls. One being that they do not keep the weather from damaging your things. These are perfect for storing out door equipment or toys.

I personally favor the storage rental. These are great units that you can purchase for a monthly charge. The price ranges by what size unit you rent. You can purchase a small unit for a few things or a very large unit if you have a whole house worth of things to store. You will be pleased to know that the elements will not ruin your precious possessions while in these units. Most will even be insured.

You may choose to go with a customized storage building. These buildings may be a little more costly but they are built to your specifications and then they are delivered to your lawn. If you need electricity, windows, or even doors that is not a problem. A big plus with these buildings is that the weather can not get to your possessions.

If you still have not found the storage you are looking for, you are in luck because there are still more options available to you. You may only need a small amount of storage, like for a closet or room. If this is the case you could consider buying a storage system for your closet. These can be bought as a kit or individually. They come with rods, shelves, and drawers.

You may even need something smaller still. There is something for you too, storage baskets and storage bins. These are great inexpensive ways to make more room in closets or rooms. They are wonderful for packing to move, or to simply store extra clothing. I personally love to store any holiday decorations I have lying around. There are unlimited storage options with these bins.

If you have still not found you storage needs met, you may want to look into renting a POD, this is just basically a portable on demand storage unit. These units are brought where ever you need them and left until you are done filling it with the things you need to store.

Just call the company to come pick it up once it is filled. It can be moved to a new home if you happen to be moving. It can even be stored for you until you need it. They have a facility where they keep the units for a monthly fee. These can be a lot more convenient than renting a truck.