You can find self storage complexes all over the United States and Canada these days. Whoever originated the self storage unit concept certainly struck gold! Individuals such as college students needing space to store belongings between terms, homeowners remodeling their homes and even those who need a place to store items belonging to a recently deceased famly member all need to put those items somewhere. The ideal solution: a self storage unit.
Self storage facilities located in rural or suburban areas generally take shape as rows of individual units that are separated from each other by driving lanes. These individual units, which are available in a few different sizes to suit varying storage needs, are naturally ventilated but not climate controlled. The units are also typically windowless, surrounded by corrugated metal walls and covered with chain link or wire mesh ceiling material. A renter secures a self storage unit with his or her own lock. Some outdoor self storage facilities do also provide security measures such as controlled access by keypad entry, security guards, individual door alarms and surveillance cameras.
Self storage facilities located in urban (and some suburban) areas are constructed as multi story, climate controlled facilites with access to individual units via elevator or freight lift. Some facilities offer loading docks, moving dollies and rolling carts for easy unloading and transport of customer possessions to the units.
Self storage facilities generally impose restrictions on the types of items that they will allow in their units. Self storage facilities allow only nontoxic, nonhazardous and nonperishable materials, personal items, and motorcycles and bicycles. Retail overstock is also allowed, so long as it meets the criteria for acceptable materials. Customers are most definitely NOT allowed to sleep or generally live out of their self storage units.
Self storage facilities do not claim ownership of their customers possessions, unless a customer fail to make rent payments or otherwise break the terms of the lease. A facility will place a lien on the contents of the unit in question and sell the contents at auction if the customer does not bring the rent current. The defaulting tenant must also pay the different if auction proceeds do not cover the entire amount of the lien.
Finally, keep in mind that self storage facilities to not insure tenant possessions within the individual units. Place special tenants insurance coverage on your possessions to protect yourself in the event your things are damaged or stolen. More information Self-storage