Self Storage Tips

Self storage facilities are one of the fastest growing industries in the real estate business today. In fact, a study conducted by the Self Storage Association of the US found out that there were 51,223 "primary" self storage facilities in the US as of the first quarter of 2007. Self storage facilities, also known as "mini storage" or "mini-warehouse," lease space to people who store household goods or to businesses who keep excess inventory and archives. Self storage facilities are rented on a monthly basis and allow you to have access within specified time periods. Self storage facilities have different sizes with larger units usually having two entry points from both sides to facilitate access to the other end of the unit. The leased units of self storage facilities may be of the same size as a large closet, a child's bedroom, a one-car garage, or a two-car garage. These units usually do not have windows and have walls made from corrugated metal. Self storage facilities with controlled access may have security guards, security cameras, door alarms, and hand scanners as security measures. Controlled access facilities may also have electronic gates that are activated by a password or keycard. The password or keycard restricts access to the self storage facility if you are unable to make your monthly payments.

Self storage facilities are ideal for people who want a place to store excess property that may be needed in the future. This includes seasonal items like Christmas trees and decorations as well as unused furniture and clothing. You can store any non-hazardous, non-toxic, non-perishable material including motorcycles and overstocked retail wares in self storage facilities.

Self storage facilities can be classified into three main types:

1. Type A- type A self storage facilities has modern equipment and amenities such as security cameras, electrical security gates, failsafe locking systems, concrete storage facilities, and/or brick walls.
2. Type B- type B self storage facilities are usually a combination of metal and concrete units that are enclosed by a fence. Type B self storage facilities may or may not have security cameras.
3. Type C- type C self storage facilities have simple, low-budget storage units that have little or no security amenities. Property that is stored in this type of self storage facility usually has low value.

If you plan to use self storage facilities, you must keep in mind that you are primarily responsible for transporting your items into the self storage unit, packing these items in the space that is provided, and eventually moving them out. This gives you free rein in arranging your storage space in a way that is best suited for your needs. Many self storage facilities also sell packing equipment such as boxes, tape, bubble wraps, and locks to facilitate transportation and storage of your property. Self storage agreements are usually canceled at a moment's notice. Even though you are charged a deposit or rental fee advances, many self storage facilities will give you a refund if you haven't used them. Another benefit of self storage facilities is they do not charge you for accessing storage space unlike most storage facilities that ask for advance notice and charge you whenever you want to access your stored property.

Self storage facilities are especially beneficial for house staging purposes. House staging is defined as the process of preparing a house before it goes up for sale in the real estate marketplace. House staging is aimed at selling a house quickly at the highest possible price by attracting the most number of potential buyers. House staging achieves this by improving the features of a house to make it an attractive piece of property for potential buyers. The marketability of a staged house is enhanced by removing its defects, rearranging clutter, cleaning, accessorizing, and landscaping. These processes which aim at improving a house’s external appeal is called curb appeal. Staged houses that are light and spacious are easier sold than other units. Homebuyers usually prefer to buy houses with larger rooms. If you want to stage a house, you should arrange the furniture in a way that exudes comfort and spaciousness. Items that are not important should be removed to minimize clutter and crowding and de-emphasize the presence of the current homeowners. These items may include photographs, religious paraphernalia, certificates, trophies, and cultural artifacts.

Self storage facilities facilitate the process of house staging by providing a storage area for non-essential items that contribute to room clutter. Renting self storage facilities is a good option if you want to stage a house that you intend to sell. Self-storage facilities allow you to pack, transport, and store property that you think may reduce the marketability and appeal of your house. With self storage facilities, you don't have to worry about where to put non-essential property. You can even choose to store all your property in self storage facilities and rent new furniture and accessories for house staging purposes. Some self storage facilities even have a free quote at your home that assesses the storage space that you need and provides a removal option for non-essential property.

In choosing a self storage facility for house staging purposes, you should keep in mind the following factors:

1. The self storage facility must have adequate security amenities to protect your property.
2. Self storage units must allow you ready access to your property.
3. Self storage units must have enough space to accommodate your property, especially ones that are bulky and take up a lot of space.
4. Self storage units should suit the types of property that you want to store. Choose a self storage facility that has enclosed walls if you want to store valuable items such as jewelry and expensive furniture.
5. The self storage facility must have adequate climate control features to protect items that are vulnerable to climate conditions such as upholstered items, important records, and business documents.Bridge Storage, a self storage company in Richmond, California has climate control storage facilities such as centrally controlled air conditioning and heating to preserve items such as wine, antiques, artwork, pharmaceuticals,and valuable documents.
6. The self storage facility should allow access for large vehicles in case you what to store and later remove a large quantity of property.