Self Storage Article Directory- Self Storage Locations by State

Colorado Self Storage

Sat, 08 Dec 2007 21:08:32 GMT

The self storage industry has skyrocketed over the past decades. With no foreseeable decline and the promise of a stable return on investment, the nation is seeing more and more self storage facilities emerge in cities as well as rural areas. It is common for a self storage owner to repurpose an existing warehouse or abandoned lot into a self storage facility. Rezoning existing structures makes self storage a low impact construction and environmentally friendly.

Building a new self storage facility is also considered one of the lowest impact constructions because of the nature of the steel materials commonly used.

Self storage businesses have recently become increasingly aware of the environmental aid the industry can provide. By implementing state of the art green building technology, the self storage industry could realistically become one of the first self-sustainable industries. Although the self storage industry is already considered a low-impact construction, the use of carbon-negative green materials would decrease the greenhouse gas emission.

Not only self storage in Colorado, but self storage across the nation could provide renewable energy resources by way of solar power, geothermal, wind, rain and other innovative techniques

Major cities in the US such as Chicago, Illinois; Oakland, California; and Austin, Texas enjoy the flexibility and convenience that self storage provides. It is also common for self storage to rapidly grow in less populated areas and in up-and-coming communities.

Self storage in Colorado has seen rapid growth, especially in its major cities such as Denver, Colorado; Boulder, Colorado and Colorado Springs, Colorado. Even smaller cities such as Basalt, Colorado have seen an influx of new businesses including self storage.

The Yellow Pages lists 1,652 businesses for self storage in Colorado. These businesses offer both household self storage and commercial self storage units. Colorado self storage facilities also offer specialized self storage such as wine storage, climate controlled self storage, RV storage, boat storage, car storage, food storage and more.

Wine storage is extremely popular in California self storage businesses and other self storage facilities located near vineyards and wineries. Colorado is a popular destination vacation, as travelers enjoy the adventure and romance the state has to offer. Along with these great destinations, comes fine dining. Wine self storage in Colorado allows vacationers the convenience of storing wine near their mountain getaway. Colorado wine storage also provides businesses an appropriate place to keep their inventory.

Colorado experiences a vast temperature difference between summer and winter months. Most of Colorado has a cool climate that could be termed as a highland or mountain climate. Because of the varying degrees of elevation among the valleys and mountain ranges, wide variations occur within short distances. In a 90 mile radius, Colorado experiences an annual mean temperature difference that is the same as that between southern Florida and Iceland.

The climate of Colorado ranges vastly by region as well as season. For this reason, storage units in Colorado are also available as climate controlled self storage. Climate controlled self storage units in Colorado offer protection from the vast difference of humidity, temperature and precipitation. Climate controlled self storage is designed to prevent mildew or mold and other moisture problems. In Colorado, climate controlled storage in ideal for antiques, wood, furniture, paintings, candles, musical instruments and other temperature-sensitive items.

The cost of climate controlled self storage units in Colorado is slightly higher than a standard self storage unit in Colorado. The benefits of climate controlled self storage far outweigh the alternative self storage unit and tenants value the safer environment that climate controlled storage has to offer.

Scenic drives are plentiful in Colorado. The roadways offer sweeping prairie views, awesome mountain profiles and a beauty of natural habitat that draws vacationers worldwide. Because of the beautiful scenery Colorado has to offer, many families enjoy RVing in Colorado. RVs offer families the luxury of hitting the road whenever the mood strikes them without the worry of costly hotels. For this reason, there is a high demand for RV storage in Colorado.

Similar to RV storage, boat storage in Colorado has become a hot commodity. Adventure seekers come in droves to Colorado’s whitewater voyages and families who enjoy the relaxation of waves lapping against their boat find Colorado the perfect getaway. Rather than haul a boat hundred or even a thousand miles, boat owners can enjoy the convenience of boat storage. Self storage facilities in Colorado offer top notch security boat storage.

Residents of Colorado find car self storage parking spaces more economical than some alternative car garages or parking spaces. The added security a self storage facility offers by having video surveillance and a gated facility is more than a car owner could expect parking on the street side or even in their own driveway.

Beyond residential self storage, other businesses benefit from commercial self storage. For example, distributors often rent climate controlled self storage to store inventory for the purpose of food storage. Restaurants and grocery stores whose in-house storage capacity may not meet their needs find offsite self storage more cost effective than building new warehouses or adding onto their existing facility.

The State of Colorado also hosts the Colorado Self Storage Association, which provides a network for self storage owners to promote and develop their businesses as well as the self storage industry. The Colorado Self Storage Association aspires to offer a unified voice for all self storage operators, regardless of the number of facilities, to increase the standards of conduct within the self storage industry and advance the knowledge of the self storage industry by way of research and education. The Association also purposes to be a leading resource for self storage industry information and technical expertise.

The Colorado Self Storage Association lists members with self storage in Denver, Dumont, Englewood, Westminster, Colorado Springs self storage and more. Self storage associations are common to each State in the US, and together, they join to form a stronger industry.

Self storage is commonly used by individuals who are moving or relocating. Families may find themselves moving out of a home before their new home is ready. They ask themselves, “Where will we put all our things?” Self storage is the answer; the service provides a place for safekeeping furniture and boxes of collectibles while a new home is being finished.

A couple may find their home is too big once the kids have moved out and begun families of their own. Wishing to downsize, they may discover that they aren’t ready to get rid of all their treasures, but don’t have room for it in their new home or condo. This is another great example of how self storage in Colorado meets the needs of couples relocating to Colorado.

A couple recently married may find that they don’t need two of everything. This is where self storage comes in handy. Rather than selling furniture or throwing out high school memorabilia, self storage offers tenants the luxury of keeping old trophies and safely storing a toaster in case the other one breaks.

Life’s milestones often present the need for more space. For example, a family expecting their first baby will be clearing out a room and making it a nursery. Chances are, the space they repurpose for their little one already had a roomful of furniture, boxes, office equipment or clutter in it. Self storage allows a growing family the convenience of maximizing their space.

The self storage industry also comes to the aid of families who find themselves in a time of crisis. When weather or fire damages a home, self storage is the perfect place to store items that survived. In times like this, the peace of mind that self storage offers is an invaluable service.

Likewise, self storage lifts a burden off families who are grieving the loss of a loved one. The daunting task of dividing up or selling Grandma’s estate can sometimes be more than a family or individual can handle. Renting a self storage unit buys more time for families to take care of affairs that are more important.

Locating self storage in Colorado is as easy as opening a phone book or clicking a link online. Colorado self storage is a thriving industry that continues to see growth as demand increases and niche storage opportunities present themselves. As the economy flourishes and the population increases, Colorado self storage facilities will grow as well.

The expansion of self storage is promising to self storage owners, yet it has benefits to the self storage customer as well. With increased competition in the self storage market, the amenities and conveniences of self storage will see new technology and better service. Self storage facilities in Colorado will become even more desirable in the future.

Florida Self Storage

Sat, 08 Dec 2007 21:09:59 GMT

Are you needing Florida self storage? Many residents of Florida find themselves in need of self storage for one reason or another. There are basically two times during the year that there is an influx of visitors and residents in the state of Florida. Florida’s weather maintains a balmy, humidity filled, sun drenched feeling most of the year. Traveling north in Florida can give you some relief from the heat and this area also can get cooler in the winter. The average temperatures in Florida are about 83 degrees in southern Florida and 80 degrees in northern Florida for the summer and 68 degrees for southern and 53 degrees for northern in the winter. Many Florida self storage companies will have some units that are climate controlled to help keep out the humidity. Ask your Florida self storage company if you need climate controlled storage for your items.

The first part of the year that you might need Florida self storage is the summer months. Now, just because Florida is typically warm throughout the year doesn’t mean they don’t have summer months. Unlike colder states, Florida doesn’t have much change in seasons, and even in December the grass is green and there are leaves are on the trees. For the sake of this article the year will be split in half, the summer months encompassing March through September and the winter months being February through October.

The summer months find Florida bustling with activity. Besides the true summer months being when most schools are out on break and families taking vacation. Florida is a hot spot for vacationers with many recreations activities to choose from. According to a popular Florida website, Florida has some 76.8 million visitors a year making it the top travel destination in the world. Some of the most popular Florida vacation areas for families include: Disney World, Sea World, Busch Gardens, Cape Canaveral, St Augustine, the Orlando area (attracts more visitors than any other attraction area) 663 miles of pristine beaches, and other attractions. Because of the large amount of people coming to Florida in the summer, some residents choose to rent out their homes to people looking for a short term stay. To get ready to rent out a home, many homeowners will rent a self storage unit to store items they don’t want left out. Some of these items might include, antiques, personal items like pictures and books, memorabilia, extra clothing and paperwork. Florida self storage is perfect for this kind of self storage need.

Another summer month reason you might need Florida self storage is to have a garage or yard sale. These types of sales are very big in the south and people plan ahead to make the sale a success and bring in extra income to the household. The typical Florida garage sale consists of a driveway, yard or garage filled with treasures that you think other people will buy. The weekends are the choice time of week to have a sale and Friday mornings have been beating out Saturday’s as the day to make money. Some people do not have enough room to sort and gather and price all the items that they would like sell in a garage sale so they choose to rent a self storage unit. Florida self storage businesses will tell you that many of their renters are short term and have specifically been rented for the use of a future sale at the renters home. It’s a good idea to get a Florida self storage unit that is big enough to be able to store you items and enough room to sort, price and go through but not too big as you are going to be paying a larger self storage rate. Sometimes several families or neighbors will get in on the action to make the sale even bigger.

The winter months in Florida make for a different kind of atmosphere. The summer months give way to a slower yet unique kind of pace. The winter months in Florida are known as when the “snow birds” come to the area. “Snow Birds” are older people who live somewhere else (mostly northeastern states) and come to Florida to live in the warmer winter months than their other residents. These snow birds usually have 2 residences and split the year with months lived in both locations. Florida is also known as a large retirement community and many people choose the Sunshine State to live out their “golden years.” Property management companies and builders utilize the land available and design it to be attractive to those wanting to retire and not have the burden of owning a home. These retirement communities offer housing and yard and exterior upkeep, golfing, swimming, tennis, crafts, restaurants, and shopping to draw in interested retirees. These retirement communities housing often means the people moving to them are down sizing on the space that they had previously owned. Because of this many people find the need to rent Florida self storage in addition to their retirement apartment, duplex, townhouse or condominium. Florida self storage for retirees often contain family items that will eventually be passed on to other family members. Pictures, nick knacks, family treasures, books, magazines, clothes, antiques, furniture and more are some of the items you will find in these self storage units.

Because many people choose to go to Florida over the winter holiday months to avoid the busy summer months, some savvy investors will purchase condos and townhouses near the beaches and bigger attractions. This housing choice is then rented out, similar to a time share so that the owners can make their mortgage payment. With proper advertising and scheduling, owners can pay their mortgage and make some money from the rental of the property. This is also a way for people traveling to Florida to save some money on accommodations. It is often a better deal financially to pursue a private residence than to stay a hotel or motel for a week or more. Some of these private condos and townhouses often have swimming pools, hot tubs, beach access and more to keep you busy. Property values are high and in demand and it can be a very profitable for those owning development land to turn these properties into rentals. These owners need to make sure that they are not in violation of any legal agreements that they might have with any homeowners or condo associations, etc.

Besides the time of year you might need Florida self storage there are year round reasons you might need Florida self storage. Residents of Florida experience a warmer climate and for that reason many Florida residents need self storage for all of their warm weather toys. Some popular warm weather toys that residents will use Florida self storage for are; golf clubs and golf carts, scuba diving equipment, bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, roller blades, hiking and hunting equipment, boats, 4-wheelers, camping equipment, fishing gear, water skis, sail boats, wave runners, and other warm weather toys. Florida self storage companies often specialize in boat storage. These specialized storage units for boats come in choices of dry docked and wet storage. The dry dock method utilizes racks of boats that are lifted with fork lifts and stored out of the water and sometimes in covered warehouses. Wet storage for boats is when the boats stay in the water and can be covered and uncovered. Yacht storage is also a popular Florida storage business. A popular type of boat to own in Florida is a houseboat. It is a mini residence floating on the water. These types of boats need storage that often contains electricity, sewage dumps and extra amenities that regular boat storage does not need. Another profitable storage option for the Florida self storage industry is recreational vehicle and camper storage. Florida has nearly 700 campgrounds with over 100,000 campsites available to the nearly 6 million people who camp in Florida. RV and camper storage can be added to existing self storage facilities that wish to take advantage of the high number of people seeking self storage for their recreational vehicles.

There is plenty of Florida self storage units scattered all over the state if you find yourself needing self storage. Make sure the self storage facility you choose can meet your needs and provide you with security, amenities and peace of mind. Some Florida self storage businesses cannot offer insurance on your items depending the hurricane season. Check with your local Florida self storage business to see what if any insurance they can offer you for your belongings.

California Self Storage

Sat, 08 Dec 2007 21:12:07 GMT

California is a very popular state. Not only is it one of the largest states in the United States, it has a varied climate, people, geography and history. California is the third largest state in the United States with over 158,000 square miles with a coastline of over 1,200 miles. Because of the long shape of the state the width of California only varies between 150 to 200 miles wide at any point. The Governor of the State of California is Arnold Schwarzenegger, film actor.

When you think of California some things might pop into your head like:

Disneyland, located in Anaheim has approximately 14,000,000 visitors a year

Hollywood, California- home of the stars

Golden Gate Bridge

Death Valley National Park

Napa Valley- Great wine country

California’s population as of January 2000 was about 34,336,000 which is close to 10% of the total United States population. The five largest cities in California are;

Los Angeles
San Diego
San Jose
San Francisco
Long Beach

The twelve main economic areas of the State of California are:

San Francisco Bay Area- a true “melting pot” for the state. With a host of multicultural people and neighborhoods with diverse residents, sun and fog are a main component here.
Los Angeles County is all glamour mixed with beaches, mountains, desert land and hillsides. Movie studios draw many visitors and star seekers to this area.
Gold Country is named for the discovery of gold around 1848. The “Land of Golden Opportunity” drew many westward to seek the riches of the land.
The Central Valley is a very fertile area that provides nearly a quarter of the U.S. table food. Many opportunities are available in the region for recreation.
The Central Coast region features agricultural areas mixed with old world Missions. This area is sometimes referred to as the “Middle Kingdom.”
Orange County may be best knows as the home of Disneyland but there are other sites in Orange Country besides a large mouse. With the building of this large park, the county flourished economically.
Shasta Cascade is an area located in the upper northeast section of the state and is an outside enthusiast dream. Wildlife and outdoor activities are abundant in this region.
The High Sierra is also a wilderness haven. From the crystal clear ice cold mountain streams to natural hot springs this area also boasts the giant sequoias.
The North Coast is home to vineyards as well as thriving forests, this area is what once most of the state looked like long ago.
San Diego area is a blend of all that California represents today. It is only a short trip from the beach to woods and onto the mountains.
The Inland Empire located on the south western part of the state, is bustling with activity. Festivals, orchards, vineyards and nearby ski resorts just touch on the activities available to you in this region.
The Desert areas of California have been developed to show the natural beauty of the area as well as provide world class golfing, tennis and resorts to pamper even the pickiest of people.

Because of the big variation in all aspects of the state of California, this is the perfect state to find/build/manage/own a self storage business. The climate of California varies with the distance from the coast to the elevated areas to the north and east. The five main climatic areas in the state are: the coastal climate, the mountain climate, the desert climate the valley climate and the foothill climate. This variation in climate allows for many types of recreational activities for residents and visitors to the state. California has nearly 4.1 million acres in National Park acreage and 1.3 million acres in State Park acreage available for visitors. These state parks encompass such outdoor activities as snow skiing, surfing, water skiing, hiking, bird watching, snow shoeing, swimming, mountain biking, trail riding, horseback riding, camping, rock climbing, hunting, canoeing, fishing, boating, sail boating, kayaking, and RV travel and camping.

California self storage is a great way to store all of your recreational items that keep you busy outside. Self storage in California is very popular to use year round. Because the activities vary with the weather, it’s good to have a self storage unit available year round to store all of your gear. When the weather is warm, you can store your cold weather items and vice versa.

Boat storage and yacht storage are very popular in California. With lakes, oceans and streams, many people need boat storage for their watercraft. Recreational Vehicle storage is also a very common way to store your RV or camper when not in use. Because of the high cost of land in California, many people do not have the space to store boats or RV’s on their property so they have to seek out storage for those items. Many California self storage properties are on constant wait lists for vehicle, RV or boat storage. People have been known to try and find RV storage before purchasing their RV. This allows them to budget in a self storage rate to their monthly payment for the RV.

There is self storage located throughout the state of California. Because of the large population, and density of people, spaces in homes and apartments become smaller. The market for California self storage remains prevalent in all areas of the state. There are even some Hollywood stars that are known to have self storage units that they rent. One popular starlet did not pay her self storage rent and her items were auctioned off. She has the money to pay for it but didn’t find the need to keep up with her self storage rent. Some very personal items were sold to the highest bidder and disclosed to the public. Because of the varied climates in the state many California self storage companies will choose to offer climate controlled self storage. This option is great in those areas that need to keep moisture and maintain a relative constant temperature in the units.

Wine storage is very much in demand in California. California wine storage is a thriving business as people set out to stock up with great wines. Because wine storage can be tricky with the temperature and humidity settings, it is sometimes recommended to use professional wine storage. California wine storage is always a factor because of Napa Valley. Napa Valley is a significant producer of American wine and all that wine needs wine storage. Many California self storage businesses offer wine storage to those who do not have enough space to store their own wine. Napa Valley is located in the North Coast area California wine storage will remain a profitable service to add to your self storage business. Many California self storage businesses are seeing the need and retrofitting regular self storage units to accommodate wine storage.

Another fashionable California self storage idea is the records or file storage business. With Silicon Valley at the forefront of some of the best US computer technology, there has grown the need for records storage. California storage facilities for business records have been popping up over the last two decades. Records storage provide a safe and secure way to store business documents that you don’t need to have on hand. Because many legal and medical documents must be retained for a certain amount of years it becomes cumbersome to store all those files in house. Here is where California self storage comes to the rescue. Some California self storage and record storage companies will pick up and deliver documents to your office so you do not have to travel. Other businesses will transfer you paper document to digital so that storage becomes easier.

If you need self storage in the great state of California you will not have a problem finding a convenient self storage facility near you. This is good for the self storage consumer because the more competition out there for shares of the California self storage market will drive down the cost of the individual self storage unit. But as the need for self storage increases then the price can then go upwards. Make sure to do your homework when looking for California self storage. Be sure to compare apples to apples and make sure you feel safe storing your belonging there. This will allow you peace of mind when it comes to self storage and your property, your vehicle, your RV or boat.

Kansas Storage Units

Sat, 08 Dec 2007 21:15:23 GMT

Self Storage Cool Facts – From the Guru to the Laymen

Looking for a storage unit in Kansas? Well, there are many important things to consider when shopping the storage business. Obviously, the items you are storing hold great value, so you want to be sure they are sealed with protection. Not all self storage properties are the same. More is offered than a large closet with a garage door where you put you possessions in, really. Therefore, to ease you mind knowing your treasures are in good company, take into account my advice before you make a rash decision on a self storage center. Think of me as your storage insider spilling self storage secrets.

When shopping for a storage unit in Kansas, think about what you want to store. Is it furniture? If so, how many rooms? Storage Mart at 195 Southwest Blvd Kansas City, KS 66103 can accommodate any size and multiple rooms. Self storage spaces range from small bathrooms sizes that hold some furniture like a dresser or chair plus some boxes to 1 ½ car garages which hold furnishings of a 3 bedroom house plus miscellaneous items and boxes. Are you preserving your antique car or truck? They may be stored in a space 10 x 20 and up. Think about what you want to store and consider other possible items that can be stored also. Many times a renter will take advantage of the storage unit by storing items that they did not at first consider. In addition to size, think about the storage unit’s accessibility. Some have drive up access so you can unload from the back of your truck of van. Others are located on a second level and may be problematic if you are dropping off large and heavy items. If you are not sure how much space you will need, the property manager or the call center specialist can narrow it down for you when you are looking for a storage unit in Kansas.

Once you have a list of places to call and make your inquiries, ask yourself if this self storage business is a convenient location for you. In an era when the average gas price is 3 dollars a gallon, consider how much gas you will burn between back and forth trips from your house to the storage unit. If not use to driving a truck, you might want to avoid a busy part of town. Make sure the self storage’s business hours are convenient for you too. Storage businesses have dissimilar access and office hours. Storage Mart in 16101 W 95th Street Lenexa, Kansas 66219 has 24 hour access. So, if you are a night owl consider times you have access to your storage.

As your self storage insider, I ask you to pay particular attention to this. This is extremely important. When shopping for a self storage unit in Kansas, consider the value that goes into the price. In other words, what are the some of the key features that come with the storage unit? Take the Storage Mart at 7460 Frontage Road Merriam, KS 66203. Here the price includes video surveillance which adds peace of mind when your miles away from your precious goods. Other security features include bright lighting and protective fencing. Depending on what you are storing, you may need a climate controlled unit. At a consistent 70 degrees, climate control units protect items such as antique furniture and wine from harsh temperature differentials between hot muggy summers and bone freezing winters. Depending on how much you are storing, it can be an all day job to get your storage unit organized. There is a good chance that Mother Nature will call. Storage in Merriam, KS offers outside restrooms.

There are many reasons to use a storage unit in Kansas. Unfortunately, I can only touch on a few; however, they are important reasons. It is very common to rent a storage unit in Kansas if you are moving. Real Estate agents recommend thinning out the furniture space and the clutter in your house before putting it on the market. Your house will look larger in the inside and more presentable. It’s possible that your house will sell before you found a new home. Use self storage in Kansas to stash you belongings until a new home is found. Perhaps you are welcoming a new member to the family and need to convert that study into a nursery. However, you are not ready to part with great grandpa’s solid oak antique furniture, because you promised your parents that you would hand it down to your kids one day. Don’t put it in the garage where it takes over the space of the BMW convertible. Put it in self storage where it is out of the way. Okay, so, you decided to put the family’s emblem in the garage. Put the Beamer in storage. There is a good chance you won’t drive that convertible in the winter, so keep it safe, and put it in a storage unit. Own a boat? Preserve that good relationship you have with your neighbors. Put that eyesore away in storage. Many folks are part-time residents of Overland Park, KS where Storage Mart at 9220 West 135th Street Overland Park, KS is located. Here, some residents store away items for safe keeping when they spend time at their summer home at The Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. I can go on and on of all the possible self storage trends. Only you know what’s best to put in a storage unit in Kansas. Check out a self storage blog to generate other ideas.

In no doubt, storage in Kansas offers superior service. Storage businesses use mystery shop to strengthen property management skills. They learn how to treat each customer to his or her own personal need for storage. Also, these individuals undergo an extensive training program, so expect excellent service. The manager is a source of storage knowledge. His or her experiences in the storage industry helps provide you with advice on the importance of early planning, storage safety, and other aspects of storage. Storage in Kansas caters to the “busy body” with extended office hours and 24 hour gate access. At the office, properties offer conveniences through storage supplies, such as boxes locks, and moving truck rentals.

We have reviewed the uses of storage, what to think about before using storage, the conveniences on location, what is offered in the price, reasons to use storage, and special services storage in Kansas offers. So, what is left? You’re probably wondering, “Hey storage insider, how and where do I start looking.”

Let me share with you my self storage secrets on searching for a storage unit in Kansas. My favorite place to start is the internet. Why not the phone book? On the internet, I can type in a search for “storage unit in Kansas” and get a listing of all self storage businesses in Kansas. It is much easier than rummaging around the house for the phone book. If it is ever found, how do I look it up? Do I look up “storage”, or “self storage?” How do I know if the location is convenient when a map is not provided? Use an internet search engine like Google. You will save yourself much desired time and energy. Storage businesses have web sites with full descriptions about their property. Phone books only provide company name and number. These useful descriptions will answer questions you have before you call to make a reservation. It’s always good to be armed before making inquiries about anything. It makes the understanding process much easier between you and your call center representative, so you get the best accommodations for your storage needs.

A self storage unit in Kansas brings joy to the home. Just imagine the free space you will gain in your home when you put your extra belongings away in storage. Getting rid of the clutter will add beauty and comfort in your living space. Start inviting friends and relatives again to your renewed home, because you have rid away the embarrassment that kept you from entertaining. A storage unit in Kansas is a dream come true for anyone married to a pack rat. If you can’t convince your spouse to throw away the beanie baby collection, you can sure convince him or her to put it away in storage.

For more information and advice on a storage unit in Kansas, browse a self storage blog, a storage blog, a storage business blog, a storage diary, or a secret shopping blog. Or, stay tuned for more self storage secrets from the self storage insider.

Illinois Storage Unit

Sat, 08 Dec 2007 21:23:11 GMT

Wintery Weather Driving Tips

Winter is still two weeks away; however, our merciless Mother Nature has started the cold season early as usual. Illinois’s wintery climate is subject to icy roads and hazardous roadways. A slight sprinkle of water will freeze at temperatures near and above the freezing level resulting in conditions ideal for ice skating, not driving. According to the U.S. department of Transportation, over 450,000 injury crashes occur annually in adverse weather conditions. As a self storage insider, please drive carefully to your storage unit in Illinois this winter and follow these widely acknowledged safety tips.

Priority number one is packing a safety kit. Go to your storage unit in Illinois and retrieve that winter safety kit you stored last Spring. Take inventory; you should have an ice scraper, tire chains, sand or kitty litter, booster cables, small snow shovel, blanket, snow brush, flares, and flashlight. Give the flashlight fresh batteries and check the bulb. Remember, the kitty litter is not for Muffy; rather, it is use to regain traction if your wheels are stuck in a spin.

Get familiar with your vehicle. Knowing how to handle your vehicle and how it reacts in hazardous weather conditions is vital. Hitting the break pedal too hard will cause you to lose control of the car. See the recommendations that you owner’s manual provides on braking and tire traction in hazardous weather. At slow speeds, try testing maneuvers in an empty snowy or icy parking lot.

When driving on slippery roads to your storage unit in Illinois, remember that every maneuver slows down. Drive, steer and brake more slowly than normal. Keep at least a 3 car distance from the car in front of you. Stopping takes twice as long compared to normal driving conditions.

Be aware of the invisible presence of black ice. Black ice remains on roadways that are hidden from direct sunlight. It is common on roads that hug around lakes and rivers, in tunnels, on overpasses and in highly shaded, rural areas. Black ice is virtually invisible, so be especially guarded when driving into shaded areas, and decrease your speed during your approach in such areas. Arrive to and from your storage unit in Illinois safely.

There are other areas you should approach extra cautious. Besides areas with lack of sunlight, other areas that claim victims to wintery weather are bridges, overpasses and tunnels. If there are bridges, overpasses, and or tunnels on the way to your self storage unit in Illinois, avoid them by taking an alternate route or use extra caution.

If you are unfamiliar with your vehicles drive type, identify whether it is front or rear-wheel-drive. It makes a difference when driving under slippery conditions. Front-wheel-drive vehicles are more superior to rear wheel drive vehicles on slippery roads. The weight of the engine is on the drive wheels of front-wheel-drive cars, which helps to improve traction. On rear-wheel-drives there is virtually no weight on the back wheels of your car. The risk is high that your car will fishtail (slide side to side) during turns on snowy or icy roads. If you own a rear-wheel-drive car or truck, place bags of sand in the bed of the truck or trunk of the car to add weight to the rear wheels for extra traction. Save these bags of sand in your storage unit in Illinois during the warmer months and use them again in the future.

While in your owner’s manual, check information regarding your braking system. Not all braking systems are the same. Identify which type of brakes your vehicle uses.

Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) is best on slick roads, if operated correctly. Drivers should apply steady pressure to the brake pedal during the entire stop. ABS will automatically pump the brakes, if necessary, to keep the wheels from locking. Never manually pump ABS brakes yourself. Apply only steady pressure continuously until you come to a complete stop.

On the contrary, cars without ABS brakes, you should gently apply pumping pressure to your brakes during slippery conditions. Do not apply steady pressure to your brakes. Steady pressure on your brakes will only lock up the wheels, and may result in your car spinning out of control.

No matter how slow and cautious you drive, you may find yourself in a skid. Handling skids is the same for front-wheel-drive and real-wheel-drive vehicles. If you are in a skid, slowly take your foot off the gas, but do not hit the brakes. Braking will make the skid worse. Gently turn your steering wheel in the direction that your rear wheels are sliding, but don’t turn too sharply.

Before you put your car in gear, improve your visibility by wiping all snow and ice from your vehicle. While you are at it, remove ice and snow from the hood, the roof, the trunk, the turn signals, the tail lights, the headlights, the windows, and the mirrors. Ice sheets may blow off from the top of your car, and could be dangerous to other motorists on the road if you fail to clean the snow off your car.Low beams provide better visibility during a snow or ice storm. Use the low beams rather than the high beams.

If other motorists seem to be in a hurry on the way to a storage unit in Illinois, don’t be intimidated by aggressive drivers. Maintain a speed that you are comfortable with. If possible, find a safe area to pull over and let them pass. You don’t need them to hit you in the rear for their foolishness when their car fails to stop in slippery conditions. Allow yourself for greater stopping distances. Give 8-10 seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you during slippery conditions.

Uphill driving on ice is a bit tricky. Locate a path that will allow the most traction, usually on unpacked snow. Watch vehicles in front of you for the slippery areas to avoid where they spin wheels or slide about. Decrease speed before curves and turns to maintain control of your car. Sudden acceleration or deceleration during a turn will send you into a skid.

The biggest mistake that most inexperienced wintery weather drivers make is applying the brakes while driving on ice. Our instincts tell us to hit the brakes when out of control, but our instincts are wrong. Brakes add fuel to the fire when driving on ice. When approaching ice patches, brake during the approach, not on the ice.

If you get stuck in a patch of snow or ice on your way to your storage unit in Illinois, there are ways to get out if help is unavailable. First and most important, do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper – you will dig your self in a deeper hole, in a manner of speaking, literally. Instead, turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way and then, try to proceed with a light tap on the gas, to ease your car out. If you packed one, use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and underneath the car. Get a hold of the sand or kitty litter that you should have pack in your safety kit. Pour the sand or kitty litter in the path of the wheels. If you neglected to pack sand or kitty litter because you left it at your storage unit in Illinois, find some gravel as a substitute.

The people from self storage industry, call center, self storage business, storage association

All things considered, you should avoid driving if you can to your storage unit in Illinois during snowy, rainy, or icy weather. Wait for the snow plows and sander trucks to finish their work. Your possessions are as safe as they ever were in storage. If it is an emergency to retrieve something out of your storage unit in Illinois during extreme weather conditions, please be alert of other drivers and use the advice provided above by your storage insider.

The people from the self storage industry and the call center want you to be safe this winter, especially when driving to your storage unit in Illinois. You can find more advice on storage and on self storage trends on one of the many self storage blog websites. Not only is it time to get your safety kit out, it’s time to retrieve your shovel and other winter supplies too from your storage unit in Illinois.

Georgia Storage Unit

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 13:45:23 GMT

Storage Units in Georgia Offer Relief During Long Drought

Since 2006, Georgia has been suffering from a severe drought across much of the Peach State area. Meteorologists predict the drought will continue through the Spring of 2008 and will expand into more territories. Many industries are in distress due to the drought conditions. Drinking water from reservoirs, streams, and groundwater are becoming scarce; farms are turning into wastelands; vacation and tourism industries are going broke. Massive lakes used for summer leisure and family boating fun now appear like puddles of water. The only industry that seems to be thriving from the drought is the self storage business.

Useless boats are dry docked in a storage unit in Georgia. Boats can no longer peacefully float on gentle water; boats now tilt to one side on dry mud. A Christmas boat parade, a twelve year tradition, at Lake Lanier has been cancelled this year due to the drought conditions.

Lake Lanier is a hotspot for boaters, house boaters, jet skiers, and other summer fun enthusiasts. It’s only 45 minutes Northeast of Atlanta. Athens, Bogart, Decatur, Douglasville, Duluth, and Lawrenceville are a few towns that surround Lake Lanier that have self storage units. A storage unit in Georgia is also available around other towns near the Lake Lanier and the Atlanta area. Those include, Kennesaw, Lithonia, Lithia Springs, Marietta, and Norcross. Kennesaw is home to Kennesaw State University.

Since the Georgia waterways can no longer bring watery adventure, many lake goers are putting their jet skies in storage too. A storage unit in Georgia is a smart place to warehouse jet skies for Georgians until the drought ends. Jet skies left out are still vulnerable to environmental elements, such as sunlight and heat. A Jet Ski’s life expectancy increases when stored in a storage unit in Georgia. A storage unit protects jet skies from thieves. The owner’s costly investment is out of sight from thieves while hidden in a storage unit protected by a secure barrier.

The drought also has put a damper on recreational fishing. Residents of Georgia cannot fish on a lake that is nearly dry. More and more everyday, a typical storage unit in Georgia resembles a bait-and-tackle shop. Fishermen are temporary putting away fishing poles, nets, and other fishing gear they may have stored in their houses. They feel no need to keep such useless items around the house where they take up space and distract comfort.

Droughts do not have a negative affect on a storage unit in Georgia. Your valuables will be safer inside a shaded compartment than in the harmful heat outdoors. Harmful sun-rays cause discoloration. Sun damage alone can rapidly weather the upholstery and fabric on boats which makes it ever more essential to put it in storage. Overtime the sun’s great heat will damage the rubber seals and bumpers. A boat’s regular maintenance is expensive enough, don’t add any preventable costs. Put it in a storage unit in Georgia today if it is grounded by the drought.

If you are planning on putting your boat or Jet Ski in a storage unit in Georgia, consider the following. If you don’t know the size of you boat or jet ski, find it out before you call so the call center representative can properly fit it into an appropriate storage unit. Have your boat documents ready, such as registration, insurance, and proof of ownership, before you drop off your boat at a storage unit in Georgia. If your boat is on a trailer, bring documents pertaining to that too. Not all storage properties require documentation, but bring them just in case. It’s better to be prepared than underprepared . Storage businesses in Georgia are enjoying the profits generated by boat storage. Because of the large nature in water sport recreation vehicles, storage can be expensive. And since water crafts are grounded this year, more of them are resting in a storage unit in Georgia.

Since it looks like your boat will have to stay in a storage unit in Georgia until the drought ends; store it properly, and winterize it. Mechanical phobes should take it to a boat dealer. However, if you are engine savvy it’s not hard to do it yourself. The internet provides many websites with directions and tips on how to winterize a boat yourself. Read a few and look for consistency. Your owner’s manual is the best resource if it provides instructions on how to winterize it yourself. Do not overlook your trailer. Run a maintenance check and find the proper way to store your trailer with your boat. It would be a shame when the lakes again are flowing with lively water and you cannot get your boat out of storage because the trailer is busted.

Georgia has a great extent of history and demographics. It was one of the original 13 colonies. It is one of the most populated and fastest growing states in the country. Besides the Peach State, it is also known as the Empire State of the South. Georgia is bordered by 5 states which include Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Alabama. The Atlantic Ocean touches the southeast corner.

Georgia is also home to many geological land features. The Blue Ridge Mountains, a mountain range associated with the Appalachians, raise the northern part of the state. The east part of the state is in the continental coastal plain region. Both areas are affected by the drought

Atlanta is Georgia’s largest city and is the 9th most populous city in the United States. Like the rest of the state of Georgia, Atlanta normally receives is significant amount of rain fall each year. Atlanta has numerous self storage and storage businesses. 8711 Dunwoody Place is home to Metro Self Storage. Metro storage has more locations in some of Atlanta’s suburbs, such as Decatur, Douglasville, Lithonia, Lithia Springs, Norcross, Roswell, Stockbridge, and Stone Mountain. 30 educational institutions are located in Atlanta including Atlanta University Center, Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Clark Atlanta University.

After you put your boat, jet ski, and fishing supplies in a storage unit in Georgia, do something in Atlanta to make up time lost on the water. Eat breakfast at the Flying Biscuit Cafe on McLendon or Piedmont Avenue Go watch America’s great summer past-time at Turner Field, the home of the Atlanta Braves. You will see the original wall Hank Aaron hit number 715. On Turner Field the wall is preserved from Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium when the new ballpark was built. Visit Centennial Olympic Park, where you can seek relief from the heat in the fountain and pay your respects to the victims of the 1996 Olympic Park Bombing. Watch the sunset from Stone Mountain and then catch the Atlanta Ballet, the oldest professional dance company in the United States. Visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and Museum. See the creepy mummies at the Michael C. Carlos Museum and research dinosaur fossils at the Fernbank Natural History Museum. Take a tour of the World of Coca Cola at Pemberton Place to explore the past, present and future of one of the world’s most famous brands. Sample drinks of various Coke products from around the world, including Beverly from Europe. Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, tour the largest aquarium in America, Georgia’s Aquarium. Get a behind the scenes tour through the CNN newsrooms. If you’re not into site seeing or touring, get the golf clubs out of storage and whack away at any of the areas 71 public courses. As you can see, there are many alternatives to boating in Atlanta while your boat is in a storage unit in Georgia. Don’t let the drought get you down, there are plenty more fun activities for you and your family.

One a normal year, most of Georgia receives moderate to heavy precipitation with an occasional hurricane, but the unusual weather trends remain debatable. Some people blame global warming. Opponents of global warming declare that there should be lots rain if global warming exists. But most agree that Georgia’s water shortages did not rise from the drought, rather it came from overdevelopment. There are many other theories on the water shortage issue in Georgia, and they are all under debate.

If you have not done so already, act now; call your local self storage business today and reserve your storage unit in Georgia. Be hasty if you plan to shelter your priceless possessions in a secure storage unit under lock and key. Availability is limited do to the holiday season accompanied by the drought. A call center representative makes the reservation process quick and painless and you can move into your storage unit with no fuss, no muss today.

Storage Unit In Louisiana

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 14:29:50 GMT

How To Rent A Storage Unit In Louisiana

Renting a storage unit in Louisiana – or Lake Charles - has a certain cachet, but finding the right place is fraught with frustrations. There are many things to consider before reserving “any old” unit. Whether your stay is a long or a short one, following the advice listed below will save you from a headache if things don’t go right. Reserving a storage unit in Louisiana seems simple to the layman, but if you ask an expert in the field, he’ll tell you many horror stories from customers who have had horrible experiences. Read on, so you can get the best out of self storage .

Know What You Want to Store

Reasons for renting a storage unit in Louisiana vary from small to big. Quantities of customers want to protect their luxury car from the wintery elements; some are in the middle of a divorce and need a place to stash belongings while in between homes; others simply just have too much stuff in their homes and what to get rid of it without throwing it all away. Whatever the reason, know what you want to store before you reserve a storage unit . Storage units come in a choice of sizes and amenities. For example, you can rent a 5 by 5 unit that will fit some furniture, such as a dresser or chair, plus some boxes and other small items. If you’re moving out of a one bedroom apartment, a 5 by 15 may be more sufficient. And sizes of units go as high as 10 by 30 that will hold a three bedroom house and more. A climate control unit is an option if you have weather sensitive items, such as wood furniture and electronics. Also, while a storage unit in Louisiana can serve as a storage base, keep in mind the properties access hours, so if you need a stored item frequently, you can attain it when you need it. StorageMart in Lake Charles has 24 hour access and an on-site management team.

Make a List

Most people don’t think past the items they want to initially store. What happens is customers will find other uses for their storage unit and need a larger unit. After they store an extra bed and some furniture into a 5 by 10 unit, they decide storage is a great idea for other things too. They clean out the garage to take back the space designed for the car; they hide the family’s old cedar chest that was promised to be handed down to the next generation; they store seasonal items, like the lawn mower and shovels in the off-season. In other words, customers always find other things to store, so before you reserve a storage unit in Louisiana, think about other possibilities and make a list of all the items you can store. It will save you time and energy from having to move your items twice.

Think about any special needs. Do you need a drive-up, or will a second level work for you? Do you need climate control, or will a standard unit be safe enough? Will you need to rent a truck, or do you have adequate means of hauling your furniture? These are just a few of the questions you need to ask yourself before reserving a storage unit in Louisiana. Not all storage businesses are the same which is why prices per unit vary from one property to the next.

Work With a Pro

The best Self Storage property managers know all the glorious details as well as the downsides to storage. Don’t take the word from a stranger; see the property yourself. A Self storage manager can arrange a tour of their property so you can find the one right for you. Plus, you can view the extra amenities involved in storage, such as video surveillance, fence and lighting, parking availability, and access for large trucks. Property managers can educate customers with the art of storing. Storing stuff sounds easy, right? Just put you stuff in the unit and lock the door. Well, it is surprising with how the average storage customer fails to make the most out of a storage space. This is the area where the best property managers thrive in. For instance, the management team at StorageMart in Lake Charles is willing to work with its customers on getting the best value for their customer’s buck.

Do It Yourself

Die-hard DIYers will find no shortage of Internet listings for a storage unit in Louisiana. There is an overkill of websites in the self storage industry. Customers can go directly to a storage company’s website, or create a search on “storage unit in Louisiana” and get full details on a local property. Self storage blogs offer storage insider information where a potential customer can be educated about competing storage facilities. But use caution. Skipping the middle man won’t shave any dollars off of your rental bill and you are just limited to the information placed on the website. A combination of both, web research and calling a facility direct, may be the best option.

Get Details

No matter your approach, the key to finding the right storage unit in Louisiana is asking lots of questions. A good call center representative and a good property manager will volunteer lots of details. But don’t assume anything. Every property is different; therefore, they don’t offer the same amenities. The storage representative on the phone will not tell you what they don’t offer. If it is important that you have 24 hour access to a drive up climate control unit, ask specifically. Don’t just shop price, because you want to get the best value for your money. Inquire if there is a Spanish speaking manager on the property. See if they have roll up doors, easy access for large trucks, and video surveillance. Ask if there are any extra charges, such as start up costs, deposits, and taxes. Are they running any monthly specials? Get driving directions if you are unfamiliar with the property’s location.

Accept Reality

You may be renting an Old World storage unit without electricity and is ruled under a totalitarianism control. If you visit your storage unit in Louisiana at night, you may be caught in the dark. Without a power source, you are limited to hand tools if you are planning to work on your vehicle. Also, keep in mind that not all self storage properties allow customers to work on vehicles in a storage unit. Certain combustibles, like gasoline and oil, are banned from storage units. Perishable goods, such as food, are most likely forbidden. Since 911, in order to rent a storage unit in Louisiana, or anywhere else for that matter, a customer must have proper identification; it’s the law. The storage unit must be in your name; you can’t open up an account in you wife’s or husband’s name. Property managers are human like you and me. Keep in mind that they sleep at night and eat lunch at noon. Find out what the office hours are before a problem develops and you can’t get access to your possessions. Check with the storage property manager on these rules and regulations if they are important to you.

Is This the Right Property For You?

Most likely, the first place you will call to inquire about a storage unit in Louisiana is the one that is most convenient for you. The ideal spot will have all the amenities you are looking for, and is close to your home. If you are going to be going back and forth from your home to the storage unit a lot, you would want to save gas. The storage unit close to home may be more expensive than the one 10 miles away, but you might save money in the long haul. Remember that you can tour the facility before you make a commitment. Ask the property manager if you can see the unit before you make a reservation. The last attendant may have been a slob, so make sure it is clean and free from odor. For the busybody, see if they have shipping services, like UPS and FedEx, and moving supplies. Some properties offer copy and fax services. Think about all the time and money you will save if you can do all of your business needs in one place.

That’s It!

Now that you have done your homework, renting a storage unit will be trouble free. For more information regarding storage, visit a self storage blog, or a call center blog. There you can get the latest information on the latest self storage trends and self storage secretes.

Storage Units in Maryland

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 14:37:50 GMT

Storage Units in Maryland

Maryland residents have many purposes for a storage unit in Maryland, which is why there are scores of them across the Free State. Maryland’s wide variety of storage customers include students, military personal, government officials, vacationers, and home renovation folks. EZ Storage offers 40,000 storage units in Maryland and is seeking to add more. With its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, and home to two major metropolitan areas, Baltimore and Washington, DC, it’s no wonder why the storage business is booming in this area.

Maryland has many of the best college Universities and schools in the United States. Students from all over the country are attracted to Maryland’s campuses beauty and history. It’s to no surprise why this area is an ideal place to attend college since it is home to two Major cities and near beautiful beaches. And storage units in Maryland are nearby to support the customer’s every storage need.

At the University of Maryland, twenty-five percent of students are from out of state. Unfortunately, out of state tuition costs don’t pay for adequate storage in college dorms. Often, incoming freshmen students will bring more belongings than their dorm room can handle, but don’t want to part with their favorite items because they can be useful. So, they rent a storage unit in Maryland at a place like EZ Storage in Capitol Heights. Only 5 miles away makes this a convenient location for University of Maryland Students. They have spaces as small as a walk-in closet and as large as a two car garage. Climate controlled units are perfect for storing extra televisions and stereos that are not needed because a roommate has brought a better one. Normally, colleges forbid freshmen students from driving a car to campus; therefore, a storage unit in Maryland is a way around this rule. Self Storage Zone, also close to the University of Maryland, offers free truck rental at most locations to assist students with moving bulky furniture.

A storage unit in Maryland is also well-located for John Hopkins University students. John Hopkins main undergraduate campus is located in Baltimore, a city saturated with available storage units. EZ Storage has 8 convenient locations in this area alone, accompanied by US Storage Centers and 21st Century Self Storage. Not only do storage units provide security for college students of John Hopkins, they also serve a purpose for faculty members. Employment at colleges works like a revolving door. Visiting professors need storage because their time at John Hopkins is temporary. While staying at a furnished guest home, storage is a place for professors to stash their belongings until another job comes along.

On the breath-taking shores of the Chesapeake Bay and on the banks of Severn River lies Annapolis, Maryland, home to the United States Naval Academy. EZ Storage in Pasadena and EZ Storage in Glen Burnie are both attentive to our future military officers. Both convenient locations are just minutes away from Annapolis, and have experienced residential managers to assist our military students in storage needs. EZ Storage offers one-stop shopping for moving supplies and free use of carts. These sites are well secure and clean. Boat and RV parking is available at the Pasadena location for a bargain. Call today, and reserve a storage unit in Maryland now. Ask the resident manager for a comprehensive tour and for military special offers.

A storage unit in Maryland is popular for our government officials. Senators and representatives live part-time in the Beltway area. Whether it’s furniture or important documents, storage properties accommodate to every storage need. Climate control units protect items from the extreme temperatures. Maryland’s hot and muggy summers are, contrasted by cold and dry winters. A climate controlled unit preserves our lawmaker’s property in a safe secure environment; hence, keep our taxes at bay since they won’t have to replace damaged items.

According the US Census Bureau, Maryland is the richest state in the United States. And what do rich people love to do? They love to entertain. But to entertain they must have adequate space in their homes to do so. This booming trend seems to have started in the mid 90s. Places in homes formerly used for storage are now converted into entertainment and media rooms. Basements previously used for storing old toys are now more impressive than movie theaters. Attics, where the Christmas decorations were stored, have been converted into more living space to make room for enlarged kitchens, dens, and game rooms. Where is all this stuff going? In a storage unit in Maryland, that’s where.

The cost of living in Maryland correlates with its high median house-hold income. The negative result is on young couples starting a new future. Many young couples cannot afford the expense on buying a brand new home. They resort on buying a fixer-upper. But the problem with older homes is that they do not support the wants of our consumer society. We love to buy things, especially clothes, and we hate to give things up. Older homes deny us walk-in closets and other storage places for our clothes and shoes. But a storage unit in Maryland allows young couples to live like royalty. Storage units grant space to store surplus items. Maryland residents can store their clothes seasonally; put your winter clothes away in the summer and vise versa in the winter.

Unfortunately, the most popular motivation for a self storage is divorce. The PhoneSmart call center receives many calls from customers in need for a storage unit in Maryland. An opinion poll shows that divorce is the number one reason why people seek self storage. When a man or woman leaves a home, they are usually stuck in between two places until he or she finds a new permanent home. They may stay at a hotel, with a friend, or at a family member’s house. In this transition they need a place to store his or her stuff. PhoneSmart call center representatives are experienced and sensitive to this issue. They will do their best in finding the right accommodations during this life changing event.

Another sadly common reason why Maryland customers search for a storage unit is to put away the possessions from a lost relative or loved one. Sometimes life hits us with unexpected events and the call center representatives know this. They are prepared to take phone calls from grieving customers who are undecided about what to do with the property. Storage serves as a temporary solution until a definitive answer is made. Since there are no long-term contracts involved with self storage, a quick decision is okay. Storage Units in Maryland may be used for as little as a month or less.

What should you expect in a storage unit in Maryland? The best value for your money, that’s what. A storage unit in Maryland is clean and secure. Most facilities have surveillance cameras. All have gate access with convenient access hours. Some have on-site management teams that can assist with your storage concerns and reservations. There are a variety of unit sizes depending on the quantity that is being stored. Climate control is an option for temperature sensitive items. The majority of self storage businesses have one-stop shopping for moving supplies, such as boxes, and specialty boxes for computers and glasses. A U-haul truck rental may be available at a location near you. Some facilities cater to your shipping needs with UPS and Fed Ex and offer copy and fax service. So, as you see, renting a storage unit in Maryland is more than just a garage for keeping your valuable possessions safe, it provides other great services during your stay. Ask the property manager if they are running any monthly specials.

Renting a storage unit in Maryland comes without controversy. Portable storage, or PODs, where customers rent and fill up large containers in front of their homes, causes issues with neighbors. People are complaining that the new trend in self storage adds an eyesore to the neighborhood with its bulkiness and takes away lovely views from their living room windows. If they are on the street they are a traffic hazard by obstructing driver’s views. Many Maryland communities are cracking down on the usage of portable storage containers.

But the portable storage business is still second to self storage. The typical storage unit in Maryland renter is long-term and the typical portable storage customer is short-term.

If you are in the need for a storage unit in Maryland, call your local storage business today for pricing and availability. A call center representative will help you determine the right unit size.

Storage Unit in Kentucky

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 14:39:49 GMT

Couple Finds Dream Home with a Storage Unit in Kentucky

Reporting from the Bluegrass State, Kentucky is known for horse racing and lawns. A lot of people think Kentucky is a southern state, but it is also influenced by the Midwest and Appalachia. There are over 4 million people living in Kentucky that enjoy the laid back lifestyle. And that is what Suzanne Shafer and Eric Applegate love about it most when living in Lexington where they went to college at the University of Kentucky.

“We became friends by hanging out and doing homework together. We both became engineers,” said Eric.

Since graduation, Eric had lived with his parents in Bowling Green before moving in with Suzanne in Lexington. Suzanne had lived just outside of Bowling Green and works in Lexington. They not only like being close to work in Lexington, they get to visit the same places as they had in college too. Although they enjoy their first place together, the merge has not gone as smoothly as planned.

“When we moved in together, Eric had his own furniture and I had my own furniture. Our house does not have the space for both.”

Eric’s personality is very warm and Suzanne’s is very organized. Either wants to permanently part with his or her possessions. Though they love their little home, they see the need for more space, but cannot afford a larger home just yet. Also they thought it would be a good idea to keep their extra furniture when they are ready for a larger home. The two put their brainy minds together and solved their space challenges. They decided to rent a storage unit in Kentucky until they are ready to buy a larger home.

“I love my current home, but I’m just running out of space,” said Eric. “My favorite room is the office, but it shares the same space as my closet.” Eric is now ready for a space of his own.

As for Suzanne, she works for a consulting firm, so she’s always on the road. The overflow in her home she keeps in the trunk of her car. She keeps work materials, her seasonal clothes, and her beanbag chair in her trunk.

“I can’t wait to give up this lifestyle. I can’t wait to give up my mobile home,” she said.

Now the couple wants to share a storage unit in Kentucky after researching other options. They asked their parents if they could hold their extras until they bought a larger home, but both sides had declined or didn’t have the adequate space. A garage sale was also on the table, although they knew they would need the furniture again in the future.

With a budget of $180 per month, they should not have a problem with finding a storage unit in Kentucky. Depending where the storage unit located they will get more for their money at certain places.

The couple knows the same size unit that costs $180 in Bowling Green might be double in Lexington.

“We would like a unit that will fit a couch, a table, a dresser, and lots of clothes,” said Suzanne. “I love my home now, but it lacks storage space for our extra furnishings.”

Okay, it is no secrete that a storage unit in Kentucky is conveniently located and safe. This is why Suzanne and Eric are confident that their belongings will be out of harm’s way. They look forward to gaining more space in their now cramped home.

Suzanne and Eric kick off their search with a 5 by 8 unit at a StorageMart in Lexington. This one is centrally located close to home and the University of Kentucky. Off Winchester Road, it is across the street from Proctor and Gamble peanut-butter factory.

“This place looks great,” said Suzanne.

The StorageMart in Lexington is fenced and well lighted. Video cameras are always on patrol, which adds to Suzanne’s and Eric’s reassurance. Between the access hours 6AM and 10PM, seven days a week, they can move into their unit. Suzanne and Eric can rent a truck and buy storage supplies at the office here.

“Wow. Look how clean it is. But I’m not sure it’s big enough for all of our stuff.” said Suzanne.

This unit goes for $56 per month, well under the couple’s budget. The property manager suggests the possibility of upgrading to a 10 by 15 and a 10 by 25 with climate control.

“There’s plenty of space here,” said Eric about the 10 by 25. “But maybe too much, I could park my car in here.”

They wave their option as they move on to the next storage property. They like the fact that the property was well lit and secure. They didn’t consider climate control as an option before they set their budget. But with the value they would get for their money, this storage unit in Kentucky is a contender.

They move on to Frankfort, KY, which is about 20 miles north-west of Lexington. It’s a bit further from their home than the Storage Mart in Lexingtion, but this StorageMart is local to where Eric works, so it is still convenient for them. Here they look at a 5 by 10 drive up and a 5 by 20 drive up, both well within their budget. 24 hour access is available here which is good for the Suzanne’s and Eric’s long working hours. This location also offers the same amenities as the other place, video cameras, truck rental, and fenced and lighted property. The property manager shows them a 10 by 10 climate control unit well within their budget.

“I like the idea of climate control because it will preserve my oak furniture better then a regular unit,” said Eric.

Here the price range for a storage unit ranges from $55 to $95. Though these units are inexpensive, Suzanne rather rent a storage unit closer to home. Will they ever agree on the perfect storage unit in Kentucky? Let’s see.

The next day they look at a storage unit in Bowling Green. How did this unit in Kentucky measure up? This unit is far from their home in Lexington, but is near Eric’s parent’s house. This storage unit in Kentucky is at StorPlace of Greenwood. This property offers many of the same amenities as the past two with security cameras, access control gate, fence and brightly lighted, and moving supplies. Although they do not have 24 hour access available, the access times from 5AM to midnight fit into Suzanne’s and Eric’s lifestyle. They believe they could kill two birds with one stone with the distance factor.

“This property is a far from our home, but we can use it as an excuse to visit my parents. Besides, we may move to this area one day and it would make it an easy move for us,” said Eric.

They look at both climate and non-climate control units at StorPlace of Greenwood. Here they can get a 5 by 5 non-climate controlled unit for as little as $29 per month, but they realize it would be too small. Then they went to the other extreme by looking at a 10 by 30 unit and realized this would be too big. The property manager helped them narrow down the size by asking them what they will be storing. They came to realize that a 10 by 15 would be sufficient.

Now that the Suzanne and Eric narrow down the size of their storage unit, what storage unit in Kentucky will they choose? Will it be the Storage Mart 10 by 15 climate controlled unit in Lexington, which is at the top of their budget; the affordable 10 by 20 unit at Storage Mart in Frankfort with room to grow; or, the least expensive non climate control unit at StorPlace of Greenwood that is the furthest away from their home?

Well after seeing three great places, Eric and Suzanne have made a decision. Can you guess which storage unit in Kentucky they had picked?

“We choose the Storage Mart in Lexington,” said Eric. It’s in our college community and the price was right for the value we’re getting.”

Several months later, they are finally settled in their new storage unit and gained back space in their home. They filled the climate controlled unit with mostly Eric’s old furniture, in which Suzanne’s view is fit for a college frat house. Suzanne is also happy about the space she gained back in her car.

“It’s nice to trade in the trunk of my car for a great storage unit in Kentucky.”

Since renting the unit, the couple reflects on the benefits of using a storage unit in Kentucky. Now, they entertain with the extra space gained from putting their things in storage. Eric has his office space back and his clothes properly placed in the bedroom closet. When the seasons change, they switch out the appropriate clothes from their storage unit.

“I would say we are living in our dream home now,” said Suzanne.

Storage Units in Texas -- Storage Units in Texas Have Bigger Needs than Anywhere Else

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:21:40 GMT

Storage Units in Texas Have Bigger Needs than Anywhere Else

Everything is big in Texas, including storage units in Texas. How and why do people need storage units in Texas? The reasons are far and many. Like all self storage customers, Texans need furniture storage, boat storage, shoe storage, file storage, and many other types of self storage. Whatever the reason, storage units in Texas cater to all self storing needs. The following are some self storage secrets from a self storage insider. Texans, follow the advice below to make your storage space at home event bigger.

Once a potential storage customer overcomes the denial that they need storage they are ready to move on. In fact, everyone has storage problems at home, no matter how much closet storage, or food storage is in their house. People always find ways to overload their existing storage space. If you are reading this, you must have overcome your storage problem denial and you have some idea of what you want to store in self storage.

Make a list of all the things you want to store. Furniture storage is the most popular reason. Add all the pieces of furniture on your list that you want to put into a storage unit. If it is a whole room that is being converted into a nursery, count it as one bedroom. Once you have written down the most essential items for your furniture storage, think about other furniture pieces that you can store in your self storage unit. Your garage storage or basement storage may be full of excess furniture. Let storage units in Texas relieve you from home storage shortages. Everyone has excess furniture, files, and electronics taking up storage space in their homes. Put these things in a self storage unit too. Plan ahead. You might want to convert the basement storage area into a medial room one day. You can remodel your home when you have the space to do so. Get that space by using storage units in Texas instead.

Now that you have made your list of essential and nonessential storage items, figure out how much storage space you will need for your storage unit. Search the internet for a self storage business. Self storage businesses have web sites with tables determining your storage unit size. But if you are still indecisive about your storage unit size, a self storage property manager will narrow it down for you. This is why your storage list is important before you inquire about storage units in Texas. Self storage property managers are storage experts that will find the right storage unit for you.

When choosing a storage location, look at all the amenities that the self storage business offers. Remember, when it comes to storage, you get what you pay for. Not all storage business and storage properties are the same. Is the storage property a convenient location for you? This question is the most important to ask yourself. If a cheaper storage unit is further away from your home, you may save money in the long haul on gas money if you rent a more expensive storage unit close to home. Compare storage security features. Does the self storage business have video surveillance? How about the lighting in storage property? Is it well lighted? These are the questions worth checking into before you commit to a cheaper self storage business. You would want to be sure that your furniture and files are safe as possible. Check the access hours you would have to your storage unit. Does it matter that the storage business is not open 24 hour 7 days a week. It might if you are a night owl and can’t get to your storage unit during the day. See what other services are offered, like copy service, fax service, and mail service. If you need storage supplies or moving supplies, see if the storage business offers retail services too. Furniture storage sometimes requires special attention, so you might want to inquire about climate control storage. If you are still unsure about a storage property, ask the property manager for a guided tour and see a storage unit yourself.

Once you have seen a few self storage units in Texas, pick the best self storage property that suites your needs. Remember to look for:

Convenient storage location
Security and video surveillance
Bright lighting
Storage unit cleanliness
torage access hours and office hours
Climate Control units
Fax, copy services
Storage supplies and moving supplies

These are just a few important storage needs asked by the typical self storage customer. You might have a list of your own self storage concerns as well. Don’t be afraid to ask about them.

If you are searching for car storage or boat storage units in Texas, make sure you get the load down on the rules and regulations regarding car storage and boat storage. Sometimes a self storage business has no rules at all; however some do. Car and boats may need all documentations up to date. Check before you commit to car storage and boat storage. It would be a shame to haul your boat all the way to the storage business to only get denied storage space because you did not bring the registration and proof of ownership. Also, confirm chemicals and hazmat materials banned from storage units in Texas. It’s better to check ahead then finding out later.

Now that you’ve found the right storage property, the right storage unit, and rules and regulation regarding the self storage unit, it’s time to move in. But you are looking into the empty storage unit and wonder where to start. First remember that you want to provide easy access to frequently used files, furniture pieces, and other stored items. Don’t burry your commonly used storage in the back behind the huge entertainment center. Place these stored items in the front; likewise, store hardly used bulky storage in the back. Use the empty spaces within the furniture storage. Stow important documents and files inside cabinets and drawers. Suitcases can hold clothe storage and shoe storage. Part storage will fit in almost anywhere. Just remember that most storage units have very tall ceilings. Keep the heavy furniture on the bottom so you can stack storage on top.

Once you’re moved in, the storage adventure doesn’t stop once the door is shut and locked. There are a few more self storage insider advices about storage units in Texas. Stay current with your monthly rent. If you get behind on your storage unit rent, you will be lock out of the storage property. Normally you can just go into the storage office; pay your rent; and be on your merry way to your storage unit. But what if you need access after office hours or late on Christmas Eve when the office if closed. Though a property manager will do his best to satisfy your situation, a property manager may be out of town. So remember, stay current with your rent. Another common problem reported by self storage insiders is storage customers who get locked inside the gate. Usually, the root of this problem is from self storage customers who follow the customer ahead of them though the gate without entering their access code. Every vehicle that enters a self storage property must enter his access code. The customer who doesn’t by following the car ahead of him closely will not be able to get out. His access code at the exit is worthless. In normal circumstances, a customer in this scenario can just walk up to the storage office and have the property manager let him out. However, what if the property manager is gone for the night? If so, I hope you have a bed in your storage unit, because that is where you’ll spend the night.

Self storage units in Texas offer conveniences for the lifestyles of today. People collect and hold on to more storage than they have ever before. We hold on to antique furniture, classic cars, and files for all kinds of reasons. Unfortunately our homes do not have the storage space to accommodate our save our furniture storage, car storage, and file storage. At one time you might have had the storage space, but our inability to let go of sentimental value gets the better of our storage space. Don’t cramp your lifestyle; especially, in your home. Go out and rent storage units in Texas where everything is bigger. Texans need storage units more than any other state. You will be more comfortable and feel better about yourself.