Self Storage Tips

The best way to judge a storage facility is to visit the site and take the tour.

At Bridge Storage we want you to check out our facility. We stress customer service and do our best to be flexible to meet your needs. We know that one satisfied customer sends us another.

We have full time resident security guards 24x7. Security is the goal of your storage experience.

We have helpful, friendly staff on duty during office hours.

Getting in and out of your storage unit should be safe and convenient.

The entrances are in open, well lighted areas and you can back right up to the doorways.

Are hand carts to help you move items to and from your unit. Are most units are on the ground floor.

How much space you need?

A Bridge Storage customer service representatives will help you judge how large a space you need. We can accommodate your needs by agreeing to give you a larger or smaller unit should your needs change.

If you are having your things moved by a moving company, they will be able to tell you the cubic volume of your load.

You will need to decide if you want aisle-ways within your unit to allow better access to your belongings during the storage period. Generally, although situations vary, you may need about 60 square feet of storage for each room in your home. This figure does not include any aisles and assumes you will stack your things 8' high.

Read the contract.

At Bridge Storage, we accept personal checks, credit cards or cash.

Check the range of services available.

At Bridge Storage, we include the free use of our moving van to help you move in and more than 30 different size units to accommodate any budget and self storage need.

We are very customer-oriented and will assist you at no cost in any way we can. If you require more help than we can provide, we can arrange assistance for you.

Look for climate controls which will serve your needs.

Climate controlled storage space is ideal for items having value and for owners who enjoy the comfort of indoor, temperature controlled storage space.

When visiting a storage facility to inquire about their services, keep your eyes open. Take a close look at the cleanliness of the warehouse both inside an outside. Also take note of the people working there. Would you want them looking after your goods?

Here are some quick tips on what to look for when visiting a facility.

Outside

• Are the facility grounds well taken care of?
• Is there overgrown vegetation growing up against the facility walls? - Vermin love to hide out in vegetation and can burrow their way in to the building
• Is the security fence intact?
• Are the parking areas well maintained?
• Is the facility well lit?

Inside

• Is the inside well lit and maintained?
• Are their smoke alarms in the building?
• Are there fire extinguishers and ceiling sprinklers visible?
• Is smoking allowed in the facility? Some facilities allow smoking in the office area only, some allow no smoking, period.
• Are the staff courteous and helpful?

Most storage contracts exclude damage due to molds, high humidity or vermin as this is considered inherent vice unless you have paid out for climate controlled storage.

So what items need controlled storage conditions and what ones do not? Here is a list of items you should consider storing in conditioned storage.

• Paper products such as files or important documents may rot due to high humidity
• Electronics such as computers
• Home furnishings especially antiques may get wood rot if stored in high humidity
• Furs– You may want to store in a cold environment during the summer months when not in use
• Mattresses – dampness can destroy mattresses with mold growth and rust in the metal springs
• Musical instruments such as pianos that may be sensitive to changes in environmental conditions especially humidity may rust and the wood can rot

What different environmental storage conditions are offered?

Your goods are still at risk of being damaged or destroyed as pests such as mice, rats or insects may be able to get to your goods. This is why it is critical to check out the storage facilities pest control program.

The grounds should be neat and clear of any overgrown vegetation as this attracts vermin. The perimeter of the building should have absolutely no vegetation up against the walls and ideally the perimeter should be either gravel.