Self Storage Solutions
The home storage industry is experiencing a recent Renaissance. It seems that most every day someone comes out with a new and clever way to hang something, box something or store something. The most recent improvement has been in long term storage which is also climate controlled storage.
There is a growing trend in markets large and small to convert former grocery stores or other vacant retail space into secure, climate controlled storage centers. This new market model is a win-win for everyone. Strip mall owners are able to get long term leases on retail space that was sitting idle. The self storage center is able to get a great price on existing space that is already under roof and has HVAC. Plus,can be converted less expensively to storage units then if they were starting from scratch. The big winner is the self-storage consumer.
Since these new storage centers are in retail areas they tend to be more conveniently located than newer, free-standing self storage centers. Because the overhead is lower the rates for individual storage units are often less expensive per square foot. These centers also offer a wider variety of space options since not all of their storage units are the same cookie-cutter size. This is really handy if you have something that is over sized or an odd shape that needs to be stored. The biggest plus is this new generation of climate controlled storage is an added level of security.
The converted retail stores to self storage centers have limited access, either through the front doors or the shipping bay doors. These are easy to monitor both by humans and by video security cameras. This is much better that hundreds of feet of chain length fence - often with blind spots that are not monitored - and the risk of someone breaking into your storage unit undetected.
Another plus, especially if you do not visit your storage unit very often, it is unlikely you will experience a climate related accident such as freezing of water damage. If the roof is leaking in these storage centers, someone will notice. If the roof is leaking in a single storage bays of a free standing self storage center, no one would notice until you arrived and opened the door.
Another plus of these next generation storage centers is many will offer high security storage. This is usually a section within the storage center that is well secured, with heavier locks on doors, better video monitoring and often manned by a security guard 24/7. These are well suited for the storage of valuable antiques or works of art. While not inexpensive, this level of storage goes for a fraction of what high end, all-climate storage used to cost.
The only down side to these new storage centers, especially those that are just getting started, they do not offer the same access that the more mature free standing self storage centers offer.
Because there are now more options then ever for self storage, including the new portable on demand storage solutions, rates have been stabilizing and in some cases actually coming down. You would be well advised to shop around for the best pricing, especially if you are looking for a long term contract. Self service center owners are less likely to give a price break to someone who will only be there for a few months, but will often cut deals better than the printed price sheet for someone looking at a multiple year lease.
Before you sign any long term contract, be sure to read it carefully and insist on a job change or emergence "escape" clause. If you suddenly get transferred or have something else unforeseen occur, you don't want to end up paying for years on an empty storage unit.
Related Tags: storage
Written by John Q Wilson, owner of Practical Storage Solutions. For more information on this subject visit Self Storage Solutions. Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Lawn Mowers Electric Vs Petrol - Which Is Better?
When searching for the perfect lawn mower, many homeowners find themselves wondering which kind is b - Popular Types Of Mattresses
It is needless to describe the utility of mattresses for having a sound night's sleep; bed mattresse - Furniture Sofa Legs - Making The Old Sofa New Again
Home decorators get excited when confronted with an old sofa with a lot of potential. For those who - Finding The Right Granite For Your Home
The massive amount of options that are available can make choosing the right granite countertop for - The Truth About Black Mold Toxicity
The term "toxic mold" is not accurate. While certain molds are toxigenic, meaning they can produce t - Bunk Beds For Older Individuals - Are They Genuinely Worthwhile Acquiring?
Typically people think it a little random when adults get to sleep in loft beds. Nonetheless, in the - Kitchen Countertop Ideas: Ceramic And Granite
Ceramic tiles for kitchen countertops have become a must have in home buyers' kitchens.Whether you p - Why Front Door Security Is Important
It is an important aspect to realize the fact that even by having a fully fledged home security syst - Use Fire Seals On Fire Doors And Save Lives
Basically, a fire door is designed to save lives. This is the reason why there is such a big require - The Importance Of Front Door Security
The importance of your home's security hinges upon your door's quality and the lock system. For that
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Learn About The Basics of Basement Dehumidifier
Ever wonder how people keep their basement dry? Let me tell you a little secret. With proper air con - Cable Lock Foundation Repair
Foundation repairs are the most expensive, and sometimes the hardest type of damage to detect. This - What's Covering Your Windows?
At one time, curtain rods were used for only one purpose – hanging curtains. Today they are mu - Wooden Railings and Their Many Uses
Wooden railings remain one of the most common types of railings throughout the country. They not onl - Feng Shui To Greater Luck In This New Year
There are at least six ways to learn Feng Shui Luck. First you must learn and understand the very b - Adding A Pleasant Marble Coffee Table To Your Home
Usually, the couch or entertainment center get most of the attention in one's house, but there is no - Scroll Saw Basics
Scroll Saw Basics by Lee Bowman If you are wanting to try your hand at scroll work, a - How To Clean Wood Furniture
A room full of beautiful wood furniture brings warmth and elegance to any room, however, it's inevit - Welding And Metalwork: Strength And Function, Part 2
Metalwork is the art of making various objects out of metal. Most metalworkers are also called machi - The Bahamas Hurricane Shutter
Every year, hurricanes are formed in the ocean and wreak havoc when reaching land. This usually occu