Railroad Ave Self-Storage FAQ

Are there any restrictions to the length of stay?

We have a month-to-month rental agreement with a one month minimum.

When do I have access to my storage unit? 

7 days a week, 365 days a year, 7am to 7pm.

What type of security does your facility have?

Controlled keypad gate access, video surveillance cameras, on-site resident manager, and well lit facility.

Do you offer Boat & RV Storage? 

Yes, we have a paved Boat & RV parking area that is well lit with separate keypad access.

Are my items in storage insured? 

We do not provide insurance for your possessions; however insurance is available and recommended.

Packing A Self-Storage Unit Is Easy With a Little Planning

Packing a self-storage unit is not easy. However, if you follow these time-tested tips, you will learn how to pack away an abundance of items in a 5'x10' space and keep them safeguarded from weathering and destruction.

Packing Materials Needed

When packing the majority of your smaller possessions, it is important to use boxes instead of plastic bags. Not only are boxes much more rugged than plastic bags, but they also stack well, taking up less room in the unit. Also, plastic bags have the tendency of trapping moisture, which can lead to the formation of mildew.

You will need to invest in the right types of boxes. You should purchase average-sized packing boxes, such the type used by professional movers, rather than using supermarket cast-offs that have already been used and weakened. You will also need to purchase other packing materials such as tape. Masking tape and clear duct tape tend to work best. Also, you will need to gather old newspapers for wrapping fragile objects and for stuffing any extra spaces inside boxes. This will prevent the corners and sides from collapsing.

Boxes

Closest to the door of the self-storage unit, stack the boxes that you will need to access most often. Label all boxes on one side and stack them so the labels are all visible. Remember to clearly label boxes filled with breakable belongings as "fragile."

Furniture

When you pack away furniture, you should take specific precautions if your self-storage unit is not climate controlled. In essence, it is similar to leaving furniture outside in a barn. You don't have to worry about precipitation, but temperature changes can do a number on different materials and surfaces.

You should always treat leather sofas and seats with a leather conditioner before packing them away, and spray wooden furniture with furniture polish to give it extra protection. Then, to further safeguard furniture from dust or scratches, cover each piece with a large sheet or tarp. Also, any non-upholstered sofa or mattress should be stored under a slipcover for further preservation.

Disassembling tables and beds makes them much easier to pack. Make sure you place all the larger parts of a lone piece of furniture together, while keeping all assembly parts, such screws and nuts, nearby in a small, plastic bag labeled appropriately.

Larger pieces of furniture that cannot be dismantled, such as sofas, can be placed vertically to conserve space. If you have room to position your sofa flat, you can place other small pieces of furniture on top of it, extending your unit's capacity. You can also fill the sofa with boxes or breakables. Even kitchen chairs stacked seat to seat can line the inside of the sofa if done correctly. Always use empty space to your advantage.

Appliances

While smaller appliances can mostly fit in boxes, larger appliances must be prepared properly before placement in self-storage. You should wipe down the insides of appliances with a baking soda mixture to ensure that they remain dry. The metallic portions should be rubbed down with a bit of oil to avoid possible rusting.

If you are planning to store a refrigerator or stove, make sure that you enclose the back with a tarp or place it tightly against the wall to prevent vermin from getting inside. Defrost refrigerators and accompanying freezers and drain them thoroughly to prevent mold and mildew from growing. Drain your washing machine completely and tie all hoses and cords prior to putting it in self-storage. Usually, to save space, you can place a dryer on top of a washer.

Clothing, Draperies, and Bedding

If you have the means to get one, a wardrobe box with a built-in hanging rod is the best way to pack clothing. By hanging everything up on hangers, you will prevent wrinkling, and the enclosed box prevents any damage caused by moths and other vermin. However, if a wardrobe box is not within your budget, you can place clothing, as well as bedding and curtains, in vacuum-sealed bags. Another trick is to stick blankets, sheets, and pillows inside washers, dryers, and dressers already in the unit.

Fragile Items

You must take care when packing away fragile belongings and items that are delicate, such as personal photographs. For example, a good way to preserve photographs is by placing them between pieces of stiff cardboard and taping these pieces together tightly. This stops pictures from curling in excess moisture.

You can wrap mirrors in protective bubble wrap and purchase cardboard corners for those that are square-shaped. These corners are inexpensive, prevent injury, and reinforce the weakest portion of the frame. Also, mirrors and framed artwork should not be placed flat, because they may collapse under their own weight. It's always best to place such breakables and fragile objects inside furniture drawers, inside wardrobes, or on the shelves of bookcases already placed in the unit.

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5 Things to Beware of Before You Choose a Storage Space

So you have finally decided that you need a storage facility, maybe because your family is expanding and so is your stuff or maybe you just want to clear up a little extra space. Whatever your reasoning one thing is for sure; storage spaces are a great way to help you organize your life. But before you call up the storage facility nearest you, there are a few things renters should beware of.

Below we listed five things renters should familiarize themselves with before they take that next step and rent a space. Renters are also encouraged to do the research themselves and learn everything there is to about renting a space.

1. Storage facilities are never exactly alike. Depending on where you rent you will have to deal with things like; customer service, grounds cleanliness, hours of operation, etc. It is up to you to do the research and find which storage facility fits your needs best. Those who own storage facilities are keepers of your precious belongings and you would not turn things over to just anyone would you? It is your responsibility to make sure you know all about the storage facility before you commit to it.

2. Although storage facilities may provide a little more security than your home, burglaries do happen. You would never want to store something that is priceless to you, such things should be kept in a bank. Be aware of what is going into your storage unit and take inventory. It is also good to occasionally do a thorough check to make sure everything is still there. Also, one thing to look for at a storage facility are their security cameras. Questions to ask may be; How often is someone guarding the premises? Or are there any hidden cameras?

3. Some storage facilities raise their rent, before you commit you must ask what is the constant going rate, also see if you can get a written agreement to lock in your price.

4. Remember to make the most use of your storage space. Remember when you were a kid and Dad would pack the car before a vacation? Did he utilize every ounce of space possible or just throw things into the car carelessly? Making the most from your small rented space is smart. To get the most from your investment it would be wise to disassemble anything that can be taken apart and pack everything as neatly as you can.

5. Check with the storage facility and see what their insurance policy is. Most storage facilities are not liable for your belongings so if they do not offer some type of insurance, you should consider getting it from an outside source.

These five things that renters should make themselves aware of are not to scare anyone from renting a storage space. Overall, a storage facility is a wise decision for anyone looking to free up some space in their home or apartment. However renters should beware of what they are getting into. Knowledge is power and the more you know, the more prepared you will be in the long run.

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A Self Storage Company Could Be The Answer For Your Storage Needs

Ever so often, homeowners find themselves with the need for a self storage company. This is mainly because a lot of homes have a lot of clutter lying around. The trend is normally to buy new stuff and store the old stuff into any available space. Sooner or later, all vacant spaces are filled to capacity leaving one with no more room to store junk. Some of the unused items can be disposed of through a yard sale or donating them to charities. Items of sentimental value and cherished stuff can be kept in a temporary rented space.

Private warehouses and storage spaces are offered by some companies for safe-keeping of personal assets. It is imperative for you to locate such facilities as close to your residence as possible. This will enable you to have ready access to your stored items. So how do you easily locate a local company in your vicinity?

The most convenient services are the best for homeowners. That means it should be located close to your home for optimum usage. Locating such services is therefore not very hard. Check around for advertisements or banners for such services as you drive to work or home. Any such company nestled along the way is obviously convenient.

Most self storage companies have also gone online. You can easily locate such companies by searching in your web browser. Focus your search on a local company and ask for a quote of their prices. Compare several local storage companies in order to get the best bang for your dollars. An even better means of doing this is by use of online directories to locate a self storage company.

You may also decide to go old school and browse through the newspaper classifieds or Yellow Pages. Self storage companies frequently advertise their services in local daily classifieds. Such companies also appear regularly on TV and radio advertisements. Note down such companies when watching TV or listening to the radio on your way to work. That way, when you need their services in a hurry, it would be possible to reach them.

Such services may be necessary during a quick remodeling and refurbishment of your home. Self storage companies will often have moving vehicles that can transport your possessions directly to the company's warehouse freely.

The need for self storage services is always present for homeowners. The quandary is solved simply by contracting the services of a self storage company. You can use the means outlined above to search for a local company in your vicinity.

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Your Self Storage Unit Is Waiting For You

Let's face it, everyone needs a place where they can store a few extra things from time to time. Many people make the decision to store their things in their basement. What they don't realize is that this is perfectly good space that is going unused. If you are hoping to use that extra space in your basement, it's time to start thinking about cleaning it out. Rather than getting rid of things that you may need, consider putting them into a self storage unit.

You will be pleased to know that you can get a storage unit for a very affordable price. There are a number of different sizes available. It's up to you to stop by your local storage facility to look at the different units. This will help you to decide what size would be best for you. Keep in mind, the amount of money that you will have to pay for your unit is going to depend on the size. Therefore, you want to be very economical if possible.

Another benefit of self storage is that you can keep your things in storage for as long as you like. You aren't going to have to sign a contract stating that you will keep your things in for a certain amount of time. However, some storage facilities will give you a discount if you pay for six months at a time. Every situation is going to be different. This is why you will want to visit the website for your storage facility or even stop by when you have some extra time.

You will be the only one who has a key to your storage facility. Therefore, you don't have to worry about whether or not your things are going to be safe. If you are getting transferred through your work and you need a safe place to store your things until you can get to them, you can put them into self storage for now.

Nobody is going to bother your things as long as you stay current on your monthly payment. This way, you don't have to worry about storing your things with friends or family. When you decide what you are going to do with them, your things will be waiting for you. Stop by your local storage facility today and find out what they can do to help you. You will be surprised at how affordable it is to store your things.

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Finding the Right Self Storage Unit

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.

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Questions to Ask Before Storing With a Self Storage Facility

Before deciding upon whether to store your good with a self storage facility or not you should ask some important questions that will help you make your decision. It is advisable that you get all the information possible. This article deals with a few questions you must answer so as to decide what is best for you.

Ask the Right Questions:

Qs. Are there any hidden charges in the cost of the unit?

To avoid any unpleasant surprises it is advisable that you confirm with the storage company about all the charges they will be taking from you. Most self storage facilities will charge you for cleaning, security, administration etc before the first month which can end up doubling your initial pay up. Another thing you need to confirm is that how much you will have to pay in case you cancel your rent period. If you cancel before the time then you will have to pay a certain sum so it is advisable that before you sign on the dotted line you confirm everything.

Qs. What about access to the storage facility?

Another thing you need to consider is the access to the storage unit. It is important that the storage unit where you store the goods is easily accessible and there aren't any bottle necks as this can be very frustrating especially if you are paying removalists by the hour, then you will end up paying them a lot. Also you need to make sure that you can access your storage unit when you want to make sure that your goods are well taken care of.

Qs What about Security?

It is very important that you take care of the security measures so that your goods are well taken care of. Ask for the best kind of security they can offer so that you have nothing to regret over in the future. Sometimes bolt cutters can cut through padlocks so make sure that your facility has tamper proof locking system. It is a good option to ask for individual door based alarm systems for every storage unit. Disc locks are the best option where locks are concerned. Ask if the storage facility has security alarms, video surveillance, fire alarms, if there are security personnel, etc.

Qs. Is there a solid roof over my storage unit?

Inspect your storage unit before finalising everything. Make sure that the storage unit has 4 walls and a solid roof overhead for maximum security. Don't settle for wire mesh roof or no roof at all.

Qs. What are the available Storage Unit Sizes?

Make sure the facility you choose has plenty of storage space options so that you can choose accordingly. Why pay more for a space you don't require or over stuff a certain unit? Also make sure that you pack all your good in a correct manner so that you utilise the space correctly.

Qs. Do I need insurance?

Insuring your goods even if it is only for a certain while is a very good idea as incase there is a mishap you have everything covered. You can either get it insured yourself or you can ask the self storage facility to help you out.

Qs. Do Storage Facilities help you move?

Self storage facilities mean you have to move the goods on your own, but some self storage facilities offer to rent out moving trucks to help you move the goods. These can either be charged or then some companies offer this service free of cost which helps in saving on costs.

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6 Moving Hacks You Should Know

The faster you move, the faster you can have pizza.

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You can save a lot of money moving yourself, but only if you avoid some of the common pitfalls

10 Reasons Why Renting a Storage Space is Better Than Your Attic

Have you taken a peek into your attic lately? If it has been months or even years since you poked around in that crowded attic of yours, perhaps it is time you considered using a storage facility. Storage facilities are a fantastic solution for anyone looking to "de-clutter" their life.

If you know that Martha Stewart would have a heart attack just from looking into your attic then maybe it's time you took that step forward and start re-claiming your life and your belongings.

There are several reasons why renting a storage space is better than your attic. For your benefit, we listed them out here below:

1. Storage units are easily accessible. When you rent a storage space, you will not have to duck under two by fours or walk on the rafters to find something specific. Everything you need is right there in front of you.

2. You can never be certain what is lurking in your attic. Rodents, have field days in your attic, making their nests out of your belongings. At a storage facility, you can rest assured that your treasures are free from pests.

3. Your attic is not always protected from bad weather where as a storage unit is safe and secure from the outside elements.

4. You can free up some space in your home. Who would not love a little extra room? With a storage space you are guaranteed to free up plenty of space.

5. You won't have to worry about parting ways with your prized belongings. Old baby clothes and toys that you are holding onto for keepsakes will be better protected in a storage facility than in your house.

6. Your things will remain protected from criminals. In the world we live in today you can never be guaranteed that you will not be robbed. Because of the security measures taken at most storage facilities, you can be certain that you will have less of a chance for theft.

7. You can de-clutter your life and begin to feel organized. A little organization never hurt anyone and when you move some of your belongings to a storage unit you will feel the relief that organization brings.

8.If you ever decide to move, you will not have to worry about making sure you have gotten everything out of the attic. When a sudden relocation for your job is sprung on you, you do not really want to worry about cleaning the clutter in your attic that is why keeping your things in a storage space is the best solution.

9. You will never again have to climb a tiny wobbly ladder and crawl through a crammed attic to find something specific. No more bending over backwards looking through your stuff- with a storage unit, you will always be able to find just what you are looking for- it is always easily accessible to you!

10. Your belongings will be protected should there ever be a fire in your home.

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Why College Students Value Self Storage Units

College students are notorious for their uncanny ability to acquire vast amounts of "stuff" in their door rooms and apartments. When they move back to their parent's home for the summer or graduate into a new home, some of the belongings they have accumulated may not fit or be welcome. That is why every college student (and parents of college students!), should consider self storage as a way to ensure the safe storage of their student's stuff.

Self Storage for Students:

Looking for somewhere to store all the collegiate memorabilia you've accumulated over the year? Perhaps your parents won't appreciate or allow some of your coveted college "decorations"? Self storage provides the perfect solution. With self storage, your parents don't even have to know what sort of out-there collections you've amassed--in fact, no one does. Part of the security of self storage units is that you are the only person who has a key. So you and you alone control who has access to your belongings.

Many self storage facilities use closed-circuit video surveillance systems to monitor the comings and goings of all customers and associates. Plus, modern storage units are equipped keypad-controlled access and individual door alarms, providing additional levels of security.

For college students traveling for a semester abroad, a self storage unit provides a great alternate to moving everything back home. Simply store your items at a storage facility near campus and when you come back from traveling, you'll have everything you need to re-establish your college home. The beauty of a storage unit is it provides an excellent option to keep your things safe and secure--allowing you to travel and explore the world without worrying about whether your parents are 'helping you' get organized by throwing away a bunch of your things.

Self storage is not just for your school's summer and winter breaks, however. Many students securing jobs out-of-town after college are faced with the prospect of having to throw out many of their prized collegiate possessions because of apartment size and storage restrictions. If you cannot bear to part with your collection of memorabilia, and know that you will regret selling it when you eventually purchase a home with enough room to house it, securing your belongings in your own self storage unit is the perfect way to keep your things out of sight, but certainly not out of mind. You'll find residential storage to be a great way to remove clutter from your home.

When the summer is over, or you finally can afford that big apartment, you can pick up your things from the self storage facility and bring them home to enjoy.

Self Storage for Parents:

Your home is your haven and having a college student at home for the summer can definitely create a little chaos. Add boxes of 'school stuff' that litter his/her room or worse your prized garage, closet or attic space--and you're organized home just got a little "unlivable."

Using a self storage unit to keep these items close to school (and out of your house!) is a great way to save your own home's organization, while allowing your student to keep his/her belongings and save the effort of lugging all that stuff home! It also gives your student the opportunity to assume some responsibility. He/she will be responsible for moving in and out of the unit--and while the items are stored, he/she will be the only one with the key to his storage unit. Giving your child the responsibility to store his valuables while away at college is good 'training' as a future homeowner, as he/she learns the lesson that clutter can be remedied without having to throw away priceless memories.

Self storage is the perfect solution for both parents and college students. Self storage units provide a safe, secure, and affordable way to store every valuable belonging--even when it's that famous bottle cap collection.

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