Ever felt that you do not have enough space for all of your stuff? At the same time, are you finding it hard to throw away things because they have sentimental value attached to them? Have you just moved in but the house is not yet ready for all of your stuff? Do you need to store your furniture somewhere else for the mean time? Self storage can be the answer if you are in any such situation.

Vancouver storage facilities are one of the most appropriate solutions to people’s space and storage problems. Today they have turned the self storage industry into one of the fastest growing businesses.

Self Storage Users

There are numerous reasons why this business clicks: Sometimes people tend to buy too many things leaving their homes cluttered and cramped for space. Some homeowners rent out units to store seasonal stuff such as snowmobiles, sleds and the like to create extra space in their own homes. Some businesses even use Vancouver storage facilities for keeping excess inventory or supplies and storing their old files and records. Some store owners use the units to keep their products, tools and equipment.

Collectors also take advantage of self storage. They store their collections at storage facilities.

How The Self Storage Works

Vancouver storage facilities offer a practical solution for storage such that you as a customer are in total control. The self storage unit you rent is self-contained. When you sign up for a self-storage, you are given a certain space as per your need – this can vary from a walk-in sized closet to a space large enough to store two automobiles. Apart from that, self storage lets you access your unit easily at any time without any charge. There is also no need to make an appointment. As long as the facility is open you can drop by anytime to take out what you have stored or replace with other items.

Self storage means you have to store your items yourself. Usually, customers have to bring their items and arrange their items in the unit themselves. They are also advised to bring their own lock so that not even the self-storage manager or staff can have access to your unit.

Some storage companies also deliver the storage container to you so that you can pack your items in the comfort of your own home. Once it is ready, a truck picks the pod from your place and returns to the facility where it is stored. This helps you to pack your items the way you want to. Some companies also offer packing services for a fee.

Your Stuff Stays Safe

Security is an important factor with self storage companies. Everyone wants assurance that their belongings are protected and safe and that they will not be moved around without their permission. In most cases, your storage unit can only be accessed by you as you are the sole authorized key holder. The practice of customers providing their own locks gives a greater sense of security.

Storage facilities are usually large and fenced and you can come and go as you like. Units are normally windowless and walled with ridged metal. Usually, the security gate has a key pad entry where the customer punches in an access code. Security cameras are installed at every nook and corner. There are also individual door alarms for each unit. More advanced facilities have the biometric thumbprint or hand scanners to ensure that only authorized persons are able to access the unit. Some of the larger self storage companies have resident managers that live on the site.

Storing Items

Of course there are also limitations when it comes to what you can store in these units. Live animals are not allowed in the premises. Explosives, inflammable liquids are also not allowed. Lawn mowers, motorcycles and any gas powered tools are only allowed if all the gas has been drained out. And naturally, the facility will not allow the storing of anything illegal in their units. Perishables and food items are usually not allowed because they attract rodents and bugs. And customers are definitely not allowed to live or stay in the storage room.

If you plan to store important valuable papers, furniture or art, you are going to need a climate-controlled unit to keep your belongings safe. Some units offer these services. Climate control helps prevent mold, mildew and other moisture problems.

If you plan to store perishable items, there are cold storage facilities that provide cold storage rooms suitable for storing meat and vegetables. For books, you might want to check if there is any potential water problem such as floods that can ruin your book collection.

Paying For Your Unit

Most Vancouver storage facilities have a monthly lease which is a good thing because it does not bind you to a long term contract. The price range depends on the size of the unit you rent - the smaller the storage unit, the lower the rent. Some would require a security deposit upfront just in case you damage the unit or you do not pay the rent.

It is important to pay your rent on time. If you neglect doing so, the storage facility owner can auction off your items in order to recover the losses. In the event of nonpayment, you are usually given a chance to reclaim your items before they are to be auctioned off but you do have to pay additional charges. If the auction does not clear the balance, the customer is held responsible for the remaining amount.

You can also pay for several years in advance if you choose to. If you have paid in advanced and found that you no longer need the storage space, you can let the company know and take a refund. If you pay monthly, the company may only give you a refund if the goods have been stored for less than 15 days.