There are numerous reasons why individuals and businesses turn to self storage. Some of these include terminating a relationship, undergoing a home remodel, living in temporary housing, or moving across the country. Visit https://www.storagebayok.com/pages/contact to learn more.

There are a variety of different sizes of storage units to choose from. The size that you need will depend on what types of items you plan to store and how many of them you have. Smaller units can be adequate for storing boxes of light items, but if you have a lot of large furniture or appliances to store, a larger unit may be needed. Taking the time to carefully calculate the amount of space that you need can help you avoid overpaying for a unit or wasting money by renting a bigger one than you need.

For students, using self storage can save money on accommodations and allow them to use a place for their belongings that is separate from their living space. For small business owners, it can provide an affordable alternative to a larger office.

If you are unsure of the size of storage unit you need, start by making an inventory list of your belongings. Take note of the number and size of each item, as well as their dimensions. Once you have a list, use online storage calculators to determine how much space each item will need. Alternatively, you can ask a storage expert for advice on choosing the right size of storage unit for your needs.

The smallest option available is usually a personal locker. These are about the size of a walk-in closet, and they are ideal for storing clothes, shoes, and smaller household items. They are also popular among people undergoing a move and need to temporarily store some of their belongings until they can get settled in their new homes.

A larger option is the 10 foot by 20 foot unit, which offers up to 200 square feet of storage space. This is slightly larger than a one-car garage and can fit the contents of a small to medium house. This size is also ideal for storing vehicles, such as motorcycles and bicycles.

Larger still are the 10 foot by 30 foot units, which offer 300 square feet (2,400 cubic feet) of storage space. This size is slightly larger than a two-car garage and can fit the contents of large houses, as well as mid-size vehicles like cars and trucks. These are a good choice for those who need to store an entire household during a military deployment or while they renovate their home.

Security

If you run a self storage facility, then it’s your responsibility to provide secure facilities for customers to store their belongings. This involves a combination of security measures like fences and gated access systems with intelligent technologies such as access readers, cameras, and alarms.

Having a strong, reliable security system is crucial for your facility to maintain its reputation and attract new renters. After all, customers want to know that their belongings are safe and well protected when they rent a unit. This is why many of them will ask about the security measures in place before renting a unit.

A storage facility’s security systems need to be integrated and connected so that they are able to provide full coverage of the entire property and all of its individual units. They can also be designed to allow tenants to manage their own security via mobile devices. This way, they can control and monitor their own storage space even when they’re not on site.

There are a variety of different types of security systems available for use in self storage facilities, depending on the specific needs and budgets of each business. For example, some facilities choose to use traditional keypad systems, with customers required to input a code or swipe a card in order to enter the property. Others may opt for more advanced self storage security solutions that operate on mobile credential systems, with personal access credentials stored and managed on the customer’s own smart device.

In addition to these physical security measures, some self storage facilities employ a team of onsite guards to deter crime and act as a direct line of communication with local police in the event of a break-in or other serious incident. While these services can be costly, they are often a necessary part of the storage experience.

Some self storage facilities also offer insurance to their tenants, which can help cover the cost of items lost or stolen during a break-in. Tenants should be made aware of the benefits and limitations of this type of insurance so that they can make an informed decision about whether or not to purchase it for their units.

Climate Control

Adding climate control to your storage facility can increase your revenue by drawing in customers who are willing to pay more for protection against humidity and temperature fluctuations that can damage delicate items such as antique furnishings, electronics, and paper documents. Many people also store expensive clothing and furniture in climate-controlled units, as it helps to prevent mold, mildew, and rot. This specialty storage also offers superior sealing compared to standard drive-up buildings, which reduces the risk of pest infestations.

Many facilities confuse temperature control with climate control, and they use the terms interchangeably in their marketing. However, a true climate control building has heating ventilation, air conditioning, and interior access. It should be designed with insulated walls, and a ceiling with a vapor barrier, ensuring that the air is kept at a steady temperature without losing energy through the roof panels or exterior wall openings.

If you’re thinking about expanding your storage facility with climate-controlled spaces, it’s important to analyze the demand in your market. A thorough market analysis can reveal the age and income demographics of your local area, as well as zoning regulations that may impact your development plans. Taking the time to carefully analyze this information can help you make the right decision about whether or not to include climate control in your facility.

Climate-controlled units are typically located inside buildings with professionally sealed and insulated roofs, walls, and floors, reducing the amount of dust that can collect over time. They’re also more protected against rodents, which can cause significant damage to stored belongings and potentially pose health risks to storage tenants.

In addition to regulating the temperature and humidity of a storage unit, climate control can also include a dehumidifier, which is necessary to keep the air clean and dry. In areas with high humidity, this can be especially important to avoid the buildup of moisture in the air that can lead to a variety of problems such as mildew and mold.

Climate controlled storage is a growing trend in the self-storage industry, and it can be a great way to differentiate your business from competitors. In addition to the higher revenue that it brings, this feature can also improve your facility’s image by showing customers that you care about protecting their belongings.

Access

Self storage facilities provide a practical solution for people experiencing significant life changes. Whether they’re remodeling their homes, transitioning between leases, caring for a loved one, or moving across the country, they need somewhere to store personal belongings until they’re ready to bring them home. Moreover, these facilities offer convenient access to stored items through 24/7 security cameras, coded gates, and individual alarms on each unit.

Besides providing extra space to store belongings, these facilities also offer climate-controlled units to protect valuable collectibles from fluctuations in environmental conditions. Additionally, some offer specialized packaging supplies for sale to help customers pack their belongings efficiently and safely. They may also offer truck rentals to facilitate transporting and loading goods.

These facilities cater to both residential and commercial clients. Residential clients are mostly homeowners storing household items, while commercial clients are primarily small businesses utilizing storage units for seasonal inventory and archived records. It’s important for facility managers to understand that each client segment has unique needs and expectations, and tailoring their service offerings accordingly will improve customer satisfaction.

The type of access barrier that a facility chooses for their gate control system plays a crucial role in the overall user experience. This is why choosing a reliable, scalable, and customizable system with an easy-to-use interface is vital. In addition to that, choosing a system that can seamlessly integrate with existing management software is a must. It will save time and effort, as well as reduce operational costs for both the facility and its tenants.

When choosing a gate control system, it’s important for self-storage facilities to prioritize features that address their specific geographical location and the types of threats they face. This will ensure that the system is designed with the right features to prevent unauthorized access while providing easy and consistent access for all users.

Another key feature to consider is the system’s connectivity options. It’s important to choose a system that can be connected via cellular, internet hardwired, or a hybrid cellular/internet system. This will allow facilities to choose the best option based on their infrastructure, reliability requirements, and the desired user experience.