Climate Controlled Self Storage

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 13:44:39 GMT

Self storage facilities, also known as mini storage are businesses made up of real estate properties that divide space into smaller units that are rented or leased on a monthly or weekly basis. Today there are upwards of 50,000 self storage facilities that have been developed in the United States.

Self storage began as a modest industry, sometimes dividing space for rent by chicken wire or temporary materials. Today’s modern self storage facility comes with more security and peace of mind that it did in its beginning. Examples of the amenities of modern self storage include access controlled gates, video surveillance, police patrol, onsite managers, well lit areas, fenced perimeters, personal pin codes, pest control and more.

Access controlled gates allow only tenants to enter the premises, which enhances the security and safety of the property being stored as well as the safety of the tenants. Video surveillance ensures that any suspicious action is recorded. Most self storage facilities have cameras in plain sight, to discourage undesirable behavior, along with hidden cameras that would-be criminals aren’t aware of. Police Patrol is often a bonus service that will make any tenants feel safe visiting their storage unit and more comfortable leaving their possessions behind. Onsite managers contribute an added benefit of knowing some one is always there to keep a watchful eye out.

Self storage facilities should have well lit areas for security purposes and so that tenants can clearly see after dark. Fenced perimeters, combined with an access controlled gate, make the self storage property more secure because only tenants can enter the premises. Fencing also keep out stray or wild animals. Personal pin codes are often used in conjunction with the access controlled gate; some self storage facilities also use pin codes to access the floor your unit is on as well as the unit door itself. Pest control is an added feature that self storage facilities offer tenants as another measure to protect their belongings while in storage. Most self storage facilities do not have pest problems because of the care and attention they give their facility.

There’s more to self storage than great security, the self storage industry offers many amenities and conveniences as well. Some of the most common amenities are climate controlled storage, drive up access, wine storage, boat storage and RV storage and truck rental services.

Climate controlled storage is designed to prevent mold or mildew or other moisture problems. More important than the exact temperature of the climate controlled unit is the humidity control. Self storage facilities typically keep the relative humidity of climate controlled storage units lower than 50 percent; however, it is important to note that the definition of climate controlled storage may vary greatly between storage companies.

The major benefit of climate controlled storage over standard self storage is protection from extreme heat or cold. Climate controlled storage should never fall below freezing in the winter or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. Most self storage facilities use commercial heating and cooling systems for an entire floor or building of climate controlled storage units, and not individual heaters or air conditioners for each unit. This does bring an advantage to the climate controlled tenant because they will not have to worry about if they turned on the heat for their individual unit or if they forgot to turn off the air conditioner. This also avoids malfunctions of individual climate controlled systems, which could go unnoticed for an extended period. Commercial heating and cooling systems also allow the self storage facility to run more efficiently.

Climate controlled storage is ideal for antiques, furniture, wood, musical instruments, paintings, candles, cosmetics, electronics and other temperature-sensitive items as well as long term storage. Climate controlled units should keep items from facing extreme heat or cold, which could split wooden furniture, antiques or musical instruments if exposed to a constant cycling of freezing and thawing.

Climate controlled units also come with less obvious benefits. Because most climate controlled storage units are located inside a finished building, they are less susceptible to vermin and rodents. Climate controlled units located inside a building are also less likely to draw in outside dirt and dust.

Climate controlled storage is usually a bit more expensive than standard self storage. However, the benefits outweigh considerably outweigh the cost difference. The peace of mind in knowing your possessions are safely out of harms way and protected from the elements in a climate controlled storage is worth a little bit extra and will protect the value of your storage items.

Many self storage facilities also offer drive up accessible storage units. These units are typically not climate controlled and are more garage-like, allowing the temperature inside the unit to be directly affected by the temperature outside, as well as the humidity level.

Drive up accessible storage units are ideal if you plan on storing for a short period or if you do not have items that need humidity and temperature control. The advantage of drive up accessible units is that tenants do not have to navigate interior doors and hallways to place their items in their storage unit. The doors on a drive up storage unit are usually roll up doors, which give more width to the door and allow easier storage for large and bulky items.

Drive up storage units can also accommodate car storage and small boat storage. The price for drive up accessible units is usually more than the price of standard self storage located inside a building, but less than climate controlled storage.

Wine storage may be considered an elite member of the climate controlled storage category. Wine storage is closely monitored and kept at around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The humidity is ideally kept between 55 and 75 percent relative humidity. Wine storage is a great alternative to more expensive residential wine storage options, such as customized wine cellars or cabinets. The initial cost of using a wine storage facility is a fraction of the price when compared to alternative wine storage options.

Wine storage comes with its own perks such as private tasting rooms, the perfect environment for aging wine and the convenience of having your wine close enough to grab for dinner, but far enough away as not to tempt you in a weak moment to open a bottle before its time.

Wine storage is more expensive than standard self storage, but considering the two are not interchangeable and wine storage is a specialized service, the benefits do not compare to that of standard self storage or climate controlled storage.

Boat storage is becoming increasingly popular with self storage facilities across the country. Some boats such as small fishing boats or wave runners may be able to fit into drive up accessible storage units. Large pontoon boats, speed boats and yachts are usually stored in large parking spaces secured behind the self storage facilities fenced perimeter. Some storage facilities do offer indoor, garage-like storage specialized for large boats. Outdoor boat storage is relatively inexpensive and is a fraction of the cost of indoor boat storage. Most boat owners are happy to pay for this service and know that their investment is safe while they’re not out riding the waves.

In recent years, self storage facilities have even developed boat storage along the coastline. These facilities hoist boats in and out of the water and store them at least two or three high inside their warehouse. Boat storage facilities like these often offer ancillary services such as detailing and cleaning. This specialized form of boat storage is more expensive than outdoor boat storage or storing a boat in a drive up storage unit. The amenities and convenience of storing your boat on the water convince many boat owners to pay the extra storage fee.

Along with standard self storage, climate controlled storage and boat storage, the self storage industry offers many options for RV storage. RV storage does not require a climate controlled environment, so indoor storage is not necessary. Most RV storage spaces can be rented as outdoor parking located behind a secured section of the self storage facility. Some RV owners may not want their RV to withstand the elements of winter and could opt for a large drive in storage unit. Outdoor RV storage is less expensive than indoor storage, which can get pricey if you need an exceptionally large indoor unit.

The self storage industry also plays a large part in the truck rental business. Because tenants needing self storage often need a truck, many facilities collaborate with national moving companies or offer a special on a truck rental. It’s not uncommon for self storage facilities to promote a free moving truck with a new rental or offer a discount on a moving van for new tenants.

Climate controlled storage is just one of the specialty storage services that the self storage industry offers. The conveniences and amenities that climate controlled storage bring to your treasures is well worth the cost of service. When choosing a self storage provider, make sure to learn the details of what each storage facility offers in the way of climate controlled storage. The caliber of climate controlled storage differs between businesses, so tenants should protect their investment by making sure they find a reputable self storage facility.

Self Storage Article Directory- Climate Controlled Storage

Climate Controlled Self Storage