All About Self Storage

Self-Storage Types

admin — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 01:58:02 +0000

Whilst there are a number of different types of self-storage units available, in order to get good value for money you need to ensure that you properly consider your needs as well as the type of goods that you are storing. A common mistake made by people is that they assume that “bigger is better” and often they sign up for a particular storage space provider thinking that they are getting a good deal because they are getting x amount of space for x number of dollars. However, the grim reality is that unless you actually physically use that space, then you are simply wasting your money.

Outdoor storage units are simply not suitable for items which are susceptible to the ravages of the climate and the weather, and this includes the likes of paintings, clothing and documents. The last thing you want is for your priceless manuscripts from George Washington, or the accounting balance sheets for your business suddenly warping and becoming spoiled due to the climate.

If you are intending to store valuable items, such as a boat or other type of vehicle then you may want to make use of a self-storage unit which has a high security presence, whether this takes the form of a security alarm, security camera(s) or even guards.

Storage space for boats and vehicles differ. Some providers will only provide outdoor storage, which poses concerns as to rust for metal components of the vehicle, as well as the risk of vandalism and theft. Some providers will offer indoor storage for an added layer of protection and security, although such providers will tend to be more costly than their outdoor counterparts.

Regardless of the type of self-storage space you decide to use, make sure you take out sufficient insurance to cover the cost and value of damage to the items.

Storage Auctions (Why You Should Always Pay Your Storage Bill!)

admin — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 01:56:59 +0000

A common legal remedy is “lien” whereby the goods of a customer are held effectively at ransom, until the customer pays the seller the outstanding amount of money. Lien can only ever be exercised over physical goods, and is used in a variety of different situations and professions in order to allow the seller an effective and dependable means of recourse, in the event of non-payment (also known as default) by the customer. Lien is especially common with the self-storage industry, and usually the customers would rather pay the fees, than risk losing the property outright.

In some cases however, (for whatever reason) the customer will not pay the money that they owe the self-storage facility and as a result will find that the goods that they stored in the self-storage unit will be sold at auction. For the original owner this can turn out to be a rather disastrous outcome, especially in regards to items that have little monetary value, but a very high sentimental value.

For potential browsers and buyers however, auctions which feature property recovered from self-storage units can provide a fantastic array of treasures and items of exceptional value, given that the primary focus is to recoup money the prices are aimed to ensure a quick sale as opposed to recover the full monetary value.

The items that are featured and which are on for sale are wide ranging indeed, domestic items, comic collections, computer games, sporting equipment, electronics you name it and its there. It is simply amazing just how much is on offer.

Make sure you set yourself a maximum limit as to the amount of money you are actually willing to bid and finally part with. The problem is that people tend to get too emotionally invested in the whole auction process and so make foolish judgement calls.

Self Storage Contracts

admin — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:53:37 +0000

Storage space is often regarded as little more than a convenient container in which to store items and so many consumers will sign a lease with a particular storage space provider with nary a thought as to the effects and impact of the contract. This is a very dangerous approach to adopt indeed, and that contract that you dismissed so loftily at the beginning may come back to haunt you further down the road!

The bane of all contracts is the small print, and as that classic maxim says “the devil is in the detail.” You would be surprised how the most pedantic and technical of details are argued, debated and strongly contested in court with both parties trying to best one another in this tiresome battle of wits. Therefore, make sure you are well aware of each and every term and condition that the lease imposes on you.

Some storage space providers will attempt to prolong the tenants stay as well as the duration of the lease by imposing hoops to jump through, such as a minimum period of notice to be provided in order for the termination of the lease. This may, or may not be combined with a clause that the tenant will be liable for a penalty fee if they fail to provide the necessary notice within the necessary timeframe. Regardless of what the landlord may try to tell you, this contract is a big deal, it should be carefully considered and it should be carefully examined by an attorney, if only to put your mind at ease.

On that note, make sure you that you resist the wily charms of the manager or salesperson as the case maybe and make sure that you do not take anything for granted. In order to better structure the interview, why not draft a list of relevant questions you would like to be answered, and bring them with you?

That will focus your attention on what you are trying to say, as well as providing you with a clearly defined set of parameters required in which to conduct the questions. Draw the questions up, stick to the plan, and you will be fine. Remember, given how many different storage space providers there are, if you feel unhappy with a particular storage space provider, then vote with your wallet and go find someone else, who you feel more comfortable doing business with.