Self Storage Fast Facts

Self storage is a basic need for many people these days. They are families who live in small homes or apartments, those moving to a new home, single people moving to a new place of work or students who are moving to new school away from home.

There's no denying that the demand for this kind of facility continues to remain high. This fact has led investors to build more structures to keep up with the demand. Today, self storage is considered the fastest growing commercial real estate industry in the U.S. and growth is seen to continue moving forward.

Global trend

As of 2009, there were 58,000 self storage facilities around the world. Of this figure, 46,000 were in the U.S. covering a rental space of approximately 2.35 billion square feet. Statistics also show that some 3,000 new storage facilities were constructed every year for a five year period from 2000 to 2005.

Data from 2006 revealed that compared to the U.S., Australia has 22 million of rentable square feet while the U.K. had 20 million.

Self storage is in high demand in the U.S. In fact, revenue from this industry is said to be more than what Hollywood earns. In addition, one in 10 Americans were found to be renting a unit.

Popularity

Originally, these rental units were meant to provide storage space only for the short term. These days, however, more than 96 percent of tenants stay for more than a year with some renting space for even several years.

The popularity of this facility continues right now and showing no signs of waning in the coming years. A 2011 survey by SelfStorage.com reported that 73 percent of facility owners claimed steady revenue or revenue growth from the previous year.

An interesting fact you might want to know is that owing to self storage's popularity, it has inspired two new television programs that first aired in 2010. These are the Storage Wars and Auction Hunters that focus on storage auctions. These auctions are conducted to sell the item at self storage units abandoned or not paid by the tenants. The hosts of the shows are given a challenge each time which is to find rare items that can sell for a high amount when auctioned. They should then be able to profit well from the items.

Business

On the business side, many companies are looking into purchasing properties notably high-quality ones. Merchant builders are also building, leasing and selling self storage properties targeted at cash flow investors. Meanwhile, owners continue to enjoy strong cash flows although some are experiencing less activity.

On the other hand, property buyers are given increased access to capital these days. This development allows them to grow their portfolios through acquisition of existing storage facility.

There are also zoning-driven buyers who are in the business of seeking locations for other businesses. Reports have it that they have become more aggressive compared to the traditional buyers.

All these facts only show that the self storage industry remains strong in the face of issues.

For more information on Self Storage visit http://www.mystorageworks.com.

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Railroad Ave Self Storage!!

Self Storage - Choosing the Best Facility

So for whatever reason you have decided to store some of your stuff at a self storage facility, but don't know how to choose the best one. You might think that the self storage place right around the corner is the best place for you. Or is it? All self storage facilities are not created equal. There are three most important things you have to look for in selecting the best self storage plant in your area:

1. Security

2. Customer Service

3. Maintenance

SECURITY

Look for a self storage facility that offers many security features:

1. Is it fenced? Not just on the front, but also in the back and sides. That way, unwelcomed visitors will be deterred from entering the storage facility.

2. Is there a sliding security gate? The only people on the grounds permitted would be the customers who have there own personal security code. Others who would just want to take a "tour" of the place would be prevented from entering.

3. Is the self storage facility well lit? Are there outdoor lights around the facility? Do they come on automatically at dusk and off at down?

4. Is there video surveillance? Does the facility have enough cameras to monitor the entire facility and record any motion 24/7?

5. Is the facility "locked down" during the night? Although you should have access to your unit whenever you would like, security should be in place so that there is no access during the late night and early morning hours, let's say from 10 p.m. until 6 p.m. This action prevents any kind of mischief, robbery or vandalism that could occur.

6. Can you lock your unit using your own lock? You should be able to use your own lock on your self storage unit and not have to give a copy of the key of the self storage office. After all, it is your own stuff.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

It should be easy to contact someone at the self storage facility.

1. When you call, does a person answer promptly and courteously? Many times you would like information as soon as possible. Is the person knowledgeable? Does the person ask what you are going to store and recommend the best size unit for your needs?

2. If you leave a message, is your call returned in a timely fashion? How long do you have to wait for a response to your call? If you have to wait awhile for call back, how long will you have to wait for an answer if you have a question about your unit?

3. Is the self storage manager helpful? Many times people renting a storage unit for the first time are not quite sure what to ask. An excellent owner or manager should be able to recommend the best size unit to fit your needs, recommend the best type of lock to use on your unit, and the best way to store your belongings in a self storage unit.

4. Are your questions answered to your satisfaction? If the person can not answer your questions to your satisfaction, will they make an effort to find the answer by asking someone else?

5. Are you invited to take a look at available self storage units? You should be able to visit any self storage facility to look at available self storage units without any kind of obligation to rent a unit. Appointments should also be available to accommodate your busy schedule.

MAINTENANCE

Great facilities are apparent the first time you see them.

1. Is the facility in good repair? Self storage units are kept clean; and the ceilings are insulated and have raised concrete pads to keep the unit dry.

2. What about the driving area? Driveways are paved and maintained. A dirt or gravel driveway most likely will be rutted so vehicles would bottom out and kick dust into your self storage unit. Any water is directed away from your storage unit and into drainage areas.

3. Are the grounds taken care of? Landscaping and signs are evident, well placed and taken care of. Grassy areas should be mowed and driving areas kept clear of obstacles. These are all signs that the owner/operator cares about the quality that his/her business offers.

Your experience with a self storage facility will be greatly rewarding if your follow the above guidelines. Customer service, security, and maintenance go hand in hand. With wonderful customer service, your move into a self storage unit should be positive and easy. With modern and state of-the-art security you can be rest assured that your belongings are safe and secure. And finally, with a well maintained facility, you can be sure that the owner is concerned about you, your belongings and the quality of care you receive.

My husband I have been in the self storage business for over six years and are the proud owners of two modern, state of the art facilities: Beaver Creek Mini-Storage (http://www.beavercreekministorageny.com) in Farmington, New York and Apple Blossom Self Storage (http://www.appleblossomselfstorage.com) in Canandaigua, New York. Back then we decided that there was a need for modern self storage facilities that were well maintained, offered high security for low prices and the best customer care possible. We have done just that. We always have used "How would we like to be treated" as our mantra when we deal with our customers and potential customers.

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Self Storage Unit Types: Variety For The Tenants' Needs

For more than a century now, self storage facilities have consistently proven to be a practical option for the safekeeping of valuable keepsake items. Consequently, self-service storage units have evolved from the regular, "one size fits all" warehouse to the modern-day, sophisticated facility.

Briefly defined, self storage units are third-party facilities rented out to tenants for their excess inventory or household goods. Monthly fees are charged for the use of space, added security, property insurance, atmospheric conditions or other client specifications and services. The size, basic features, costs and capacity of the facility vary with different self storage rentals.

Needs versus Types: Classification of Facilities

Generally speaking, the types of self-service storage rentals can be grouped into two broad categories: shed-type storage and indoor storage. Shed-type facilities are simple, boxed structures normally used for outdoor purposes. Shed storage units are usually stand-alone spaces which make them feasible for large-scale storage needs. Indoor storage units, on the other hand, are room-like spaces accessible through enclosed storage and multi-level buildings. Indoor units are generally smaller in space and can be tailored according to the needs of clients.

Because of the changing needs of tenants, storage facilities have now evolved into different variations of the two general storage types. The following are the most common shed-type or indoor storage units available in the market today:

· Regular self storage unit - is the most basic, indoor type of facility. This type of unit is perfect for general goods which can be stored at room temperature level.

· Climate-controlled storage unit - is also a room-type, indoor facility which is equipped with temperature controls. Temperature-controlled units are best for properties which require a specific level of humidity or dryness to retain its perfect condition.

· RV self storage unit - is an outdoor facility for the storage of recreational vehicles, automobiles or other large-scale equipment. This type is expansive and proportionate to the size of the items being stored.

The choice of self storage types to rent or lease largely depend on three basic things: what kind of items to be stored, how big the items are and how long the subsequent storage period will be. This basic information can give clarity on what specific type of facility to avail of. However diverse the specifications of the clients are, self-service units scattered in different locations are definitely available to safe keep the tenants' household items, property and other miscellaneous items.

Peach Country is the leading landscape supply company in South Jersey. Featuring all types of mulch, topsoil, pavers, mowers and tractors along with all types of small engine repairs. Peach Country is your one-stop landscape supply wholesale warehouse and also the leading storage units in South Jersey company.

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Ron Gutman: The Hidden Power of Smiling

Ron Gutman reviews a raft of studies about smiling, and reveals some surprising results. Did you know your smile can be a predictor of how long you'll live -- and that a simple smile has a measurable effect on your overall well-being? Prepare to flex a few facial muscles as you learn more about this evolutionarily contagious behavior.

Top 5 Reasons Why We Use Self Storage

Are you constantly moaning about the lack of storage space to store all of your things? Do you frequently spend a lot of time rummaging through your belongings trying to find things that you need? Perhaps it's time to de-clutter your house and place those items that you rarely used in self storage. There are so many reasons as to why people use self storage.

Lack of sufficient space

A lack of sufficient space is one of the most common reasons why we need self storage. With housing get more expensive and the size of flats getting smaller, you need extra space to keep all those excess items of yours. This is especially important if you are staying with your parents or in-laws.

Renting out the vacant room

To earn extra income, many married couples are renting out their unused rooms at home to others. As a result, there is a need to remove items that are stored there previously. Although tenants make a deposit, there is no knowing when they will suddenly terminate their rent. Therefore, it is difficult to rent a warehouse just to store items in the short run.

Moving house

No matter if you are upgrading or downgrading while moving house, you definitely need an interim storage space to keep your things while preparing for the move. Most of the time, you are unable to hold on to both apartment at the same time and thus, you need a holding area to keep non critical items before your new home is ready to move in.

Hobby collection

After marriage, it may be difficult to continue your hobby in the comfort of your home. It is due to either your spouse disliking it or the lack of dedicated space to keep them. To prevent any disagreements in future, it is best to shift your hobby to a self storage facility where you can enjoy them on your own and in a safe and secure place.

Archives

If you are a freelancer, you need a lot of space to store documents related to all your work such as the remuneration paid to you and type of work done. This is required under the law during times when you need to declare your income for the past financial year. These documents need to be stored for at least a few years and you need a proper storage space to store them.

Self storage units are configured in different sizes and this is what appeals to most consumers as they can rent one based on their needs and financial means. With the security and flexibility, it is not surprising that demand for self storage units are rising.

Running out of space at home? We introduce you Big Orange where professional storage tips and storage space will be offered to maximize your storage space.

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5 Tips for Storing Clothes in Self Storage

When it starts to seem impossible to close your wardrobe doors, you know that you need help urgently. A self storage unit is probably one of the best choices for you due to its flexibility and accessibility. However, storing clothes in self storage units require some care to prevent them from being damaged by environmental factors such as moisture and humidity. You want to retrieve your clothes that are in the same condition as when you first stored them, don't you?

Donate away unwanted clothes first

Since you pay for what you use, you only want to store things that you actually use. Rummage through your pile of clothes and donate away those that you haven't worn for a year. Chances are that you will never wear them again. After eliminating a large chunk of your apparel, you can now plan better.

Wash clothes prior to storage

One important point to note is that never store dirty soiled clothes in self storage units. Stains will become harder to remove the longer they are on the fabric and bacteria can multiply at a fast rate, leading to unpleasant odour in the unit. It is also an invitation for pests such as cockroaches and lizards who are attracted by the odour. Also, do not try to starch your formal wear prior to storage. Starching will attract moths which will eventually eat your fabric, causing holes.

Do not use airtight bags

Airtight bags seem to be the best way to store clothes due to the ability to compress and reduce the storage space required. However, airtight bags do not allow the exchange of moisture and this can cause moisture to retain inside, causing mould to grow rapidly. Overtime, your clothes will be damaged and rendered un-wearable. Instead, consider using normal bags with desiccant gels placed strategically around.

Check the clothes once every 6 months

You should make it a habit to check your clothes once every 6 months to ensure that they are still in good condition. If you spot any mould growing, you can still salvage the situation by sending them for professional cleaning.

Use plastic hangers instead of metal ones

Using plastic hangers will prevent any rust from staining your fabric. Rust stains are difficult to remove and can damage the fibres. Plastic hangers can also last longer than metallic ones although they are unable to take as much load as the latter.

Running out of space at home? We introduce you Big Orange where professional storage tips and storage space will be offered to maximize your storage space.

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Sizing Up Self Storage Sizes

Many inquiries to self storage facilities are about the size units available for rent. Most of the time the people inquiring about units do not really know what is the best size for them to rent. Self storage units can be divided into three different sizes: small, medium, and large. A simple guideline for different sized units and what can be stored in them is needed.

SMALL SIZE

Small units range from 25 square feet to 70 square feet. This would include the following size units: 5'x5', 5'x7', 5'x10'and 7'x10' (and other similar size combinations). They are about the size of closet spaces in your home.

• 5'x5' and 5'x7' are about the size of an average closet. This size is ideal for boxes and seasonal items.
• 5'x10' and 7'x10' are a walk-in closet size and will hold the furnishings of a one bedroom house or apartment.

MEDIUM SIZE

Medium units range from 100 square feet to 150 square feet. This would include the following: 10'x10', 10'x12', and 10'x15' (and other similar combinations). They are about the size of one and two car garages.

• 10'x10' and 10'x12' are a small bedroom and will hold the contents of a one bedroom apartment.
• 10'x15' is an average bedroom and will hold a 2 - 3 bedroom house or apartment. A small sports car can also be stored in this size.

LARGE SIZE

Large sizes range from 200 square feet to 300+ square feet. This would include the following: 10'x20', 12'x20', 10'x30' (and other similar combinations).

• 10'x20' and 12'x20' are about a one car garage and would hold the contents of a 3 - 4 bedroom house or one car or boat.
• 10'x 30' about a two car garage and will hold contents of a 5 bedroom house.

OTHER FACTORS TO CONSIDER

When deciding what size unit to rent, also consider the following factors:

• How high is the ceiling? Boxes can be stacked and sturdy pieces of furniture may be stored on end.


• Are you storing a boat? Measure the trailer at its widest point and double check its length. Measure the entrance to the self storage unit for width clearance and the length of the unit to make sure the trailer will fit comfortably.


• How often will you be visiting your unit? If you will be removing items or adding items, consider leaving a pathway for easy access to the items you will need.

The majority of self-storage facilities have a mix of different sized storage units that range from small sized to medium sized to large sized. Picking out the best sized unit for your needs can be daunting but by using the above guidelines can help you choose the correct sized unit you need. And remember, if you still have questions, a knowledgeable self storage facility owner or manager can help you choose the best size storage unit for you.

Diane Keiffer along with her husband John retired from their regular jobs in 2008 to devote their energies to their self storage business. Beaver Creek Mini-Storage ( http://www.beavercreekministorageny.com ) in Farmington, New York opened its doors for business in 2005. Apple Blossom Self Storage ( http://www.appleblossomselfstorage.com ) in Canandaigua, New York open its doors for business in 2010. Both businesses are extremely successful.

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Making Self-Storage a Success

Whether you are moving, downsizing, de-cluttering, or just want to use self-storage to hold valuables, there are a few key aspects to make it worth your while and a success.

Storage space is an extra expense to figure into your budget. When figuring a storage space into your expenses, the first key to self-storage success is to do your homework. Investigate your options, speak to customers, managers, and friends regarding their experiences, facilities, and costs. The last thing you need when entrusting your valuables to an industrial storage company is high cost, poor service, and low security or regard for your belongings- ultimately you.

When conducting your homework, you should look for excellently kept facilities; ask to view a storage space. As you inspect, look for problems such as misaligned doors, dented doors, weakened security or lack of security. Conversely, what you should look for is a cleanly kept facility, nothing should be in disrepair, and the lock system is solid with no room for anyone to use a tool to pry it open or bypass the system if it is an electronic entry system. Internally your storage space should be clean, well maintained, with no pest problems. Look for signs of bats, rodents, bugs (think moths, bed bugs, lice, or the like from previous renters who may have stored vessels that hosted and fed such insects), or various other critters. These pests can cause major damage to your belongings, and most storage spaces do not come with a clause for replacement or repair of personal goods stored on the company's property due to infestation.

Look into and have no hesitation about asking for a complete breakdown regarding the security features of your prospective self-storage providers. Things that are arguably vital features are options such as 24/7 bright lighting. It is never a good idea to be moving valuables, organizing them, or trying to access them in dimly lit conditions. Dim lighting allows hazards to be missed- hazards which could result in personal injury, damage to goods, or dangers to the property. Without bright lighting there is also the risk of prowlers lurking, observing, or worse, becoming aggressive against self-storage tenants.

Ease of access to your storage unit is another safety and convenience feature. Quick, dependable, and unique access to your unit is a must. If at all possible, you will want to invest in a storage facility that allows access by an electronic code that you can choose and is unique to you. Having this level of accessibility will drastically cut down the chances of theft, prowling, and worry. Ask if your facility has individual door alarm systems; this alarm set up will alert management or on-site security when a door is open, and alert the local police department if it is after hours.

Finding a balance between cost and security may be forefront, but never compromise one for the other. To make self-storage a success, it will be imperative to ask around. Getting hands on with your self-storage options will ensure that you obtain the right fit for your needs and your wallet.

Christine Layton writes for Access Self Storage, which offers storage units throughout Metro New York and New Jersey, including Access Self Storage of Franklin Lakes. All facilities offer plenty of free extras, including door locks, door alarms, a moving truck and a rate-lock guarantee for 1 year.

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5 Benefits For Your Business When You Use Self Storage Units

Self storage units are a great way to store your important business documents in an environment that is low-cost and secure. The most common reason that businesses use self storage units is to store archived documents and records instead of using up valuable commercial space.

There's no getting away from the fact that when you're in business you have a legal requirement to store documents for several years. The majority of those documents are not needed on a daily, weekly or monthly basis and most will never be accessed again - they just need to be kept safe and sound. So it makes good common sense and business sense to store them away from your normal working day premises. Here are 5 benefits for your business of using self storage units to store your important documents:

1. State of the art security - Self storage units offer the highest level of security for your archived records and documents. You might not need the documents now, but you would be devastated if they were stolen or destroyed. Making use of a self storage unit means your records are in a secure locked unit which is monitored and not able to be accessed by anyone without your permission. You can store your documents and basically forget about them, because you know that the self storage unit is perfectly secure.

2. Clean and climate controlled - It's not easy keeping paper documents in a good condition when you store them in a roof cavity or a back cupboard. You never know what could be happening to them, from rodent attack to damp or heat damage. Self storage units are well-maintained, clean and have just the right climate controls for archived documents. There's no chance your precious records will get wet or hot, so when you need them, they'll be in just the same condition as the day you left them there.

3. Convenience and service - You never know when you will need one of your important documents. You might think they'll never be needed, but then along comes a day when you're asked for something in particular. Storing your business documents in a self storage unit with purpose-built racks and filing systems means they're available when you need them at a site that is convenient. You can access your property whenever you need to and find the right document easily.

4. Value for money - It makes good business sense to use your office space well. Storing documents is not a good use of office space, so keeping archived records in a self storage unit makes financial sense. Self storage units are great value for money. You can rent exactly the size you need and you'll be surprised at how inexpensive it is.

5. Welcoming friendly staff - Keeping your important documents in a separate location is a big decision, so you need to know that the staff who monitor the premises where they are kept are doing a great job. When you need a document quickly, a friendly staff member can make all the difference in keeping your business ticking over smoothly.

Guardian Self Storage is a provider of clean, safe, flexible and affordable self storage options for all your personal and business storage needs. For business or commercial storage you don't need to waste valuable commercial rental space using it for storage of your archived documents and records. Let Guardian take care of these with their specially designed facilities and racks for easy storage and retrieval. Guardian Self Storage Units is a provider of clean, safe, flexible and affordable self storage options for all your personal and business storage needs.

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