All About Self Storage
All About – Self Storage
- Self storage provides an individual with a flexible option to store their belongings in a place that is outside their home. The storage unit, the space being rented by the customer, is typically rented on a month-to-month basis. Though many utilize self storage for short-term purposes, there is no limit to the duration you rent a storage unit if you adhere to the agreement you signed.
- Self storage provides more convenience and access to your belongs than other storage services. While long-term, full-service storage solutions are responsible for storing and caring for your items, they also offer little access and flexibility. Self storage, on the other hand, allows you the flexibility of accessing your unit and your stored items as often as you need during the posted access hours.
Moving
Life Transition
Decluttering
Storing a Vehicle
Home Renovations
Business Storage
College Storage
Military Living
Location
Security Features
Price
Upkeep
Caring and Friendly Customer Service
The Basics
As each storage facility varies in size and set-up, your availability for different types of access varies as well. Some facilities are fully indoor and your access will vary by floor. Others, on the other hand, will offer outdoor access only. Some storage facilities offer a mixture of the two depending on the building.
Having a better understanding of what access types there are and how they can impact your ability to utilize your self storage unit will help you ensure you make the right choice when choosing your unit.
Outdoor, Drive-up Access
Storage units with outdoor access are located so that you can drive your vehicle right up to your storage unit to load and unload your items. These units are very convenient, especially for items such as camping gear, jet skis, and furniture. On the other hand, most storage units with drive-up access are not climate controlled.
Indoor Access
Storage units with indoor access can be on the ground floor, in a basement, or located in a multiple storied building. In these cases, access via elevator is required. Some facilities offer indoor storage units that are accessible via a simple hallway making access rather convenient.
You can find air controlled or climate controlled storage units at facilities that have indoor storage units. It is important to remember, however, that if your storage unit does have indoor access, it does not guarantee that it will be climate controlled. Be sure to talk contact your closest Shield Storage location to learn more about the storage unit access types available.
Choosing a storage unit that is the right size for the items you want to store is vital. The last thing you want to do is pack your storage unit and suddenly realize you don’t have enough space. On the other hand, you don’t want to pay for more space than you need unless you know you will grow into it.
To learn more about finding the right size storage unit for the items you need to store, visit our Storage Unit Sizing Guide.
Gate Access Codes
Every Shield Storage customer is provided a personal gate access code. This code is specific for each unit to allow us to track who is always on the property or in the facility.
Having a gate access code provides an extra layer of protection for our customers in case something may happen at the facility such as a fire, break-in, or other unforeseen event.
Extended Access Hours
Many of our field storage locations offer extended access hours to allow our customers to get to their unit when it is most convenient for them.
We understand that you may need to access your business storage before you go to the office or that you want to get your camping gear early on a Saturday morning or late Friday night.
To accommodate all your access needs, we do the best we can to offer access hours that fit the needs of the community around each Shield Storage location.
Climate Controlled Storage
Climate-controlled storage units provide a controlled environment for many of your belongings that can be damaged by the high heat or increase in humidity.
Learn more about climate-controlled storage units in the “All About Climate-controlled Storage” section.
Vehicle Storage
Self storage facilities can offer many different options for vehicle storage. You can park your RV or boat at locations with covered or uncovered parking. Or you can park a vehicle inside one of our larger storage units that are available at some Shield Storage locations.
Learn more about climate-controlled storage units in the “All About Vehicle Storage” section.
Wine Storage and Other Specialty Storage Units
Some storage locations offer specialty units such as wine storage units for rent. Our Millbrae, CA location offers wine storage units that allow wine collectors to expand their wine collection without taking up more room in their home.
These units built and maintained specifically for wine, and offer a better storage solution for the local wine collector.
Self Storage Insurance and Protection Plans
To ensure your items are covered in the event of a loss, we require that all customers either cover their stored items with their own renters’ insurance or that they purchase one of our protection plans.
As we have said before, the safety of your property is our priority which is why we require that all customers follow this company policy prior to renting one of our self storage units.
Packing and Storage Supplies
For added convenience, many of our store locations offer storage and packing supplies that can be purchased in the office.
We want to make sure that you have everything you need to have a successful storage experience which is why we have boxes, tape, and other packing materials available for sale during office hours.
There are a wide variety of things that can be stored in a self storage unit. Though the list below provides examples of what you can store in your storage unit, this is not a complete list. If you have any questions, please contact us today.
– Furniture
– Collectibles
– Electronics
– Camping gear
– Sports equipment
– Vehicles
– Books
– Yard tools
– Documents
– Appliances
– Clothes
Though there is an extensive list of items that can be stored in a self storage unit, there are also items that can NOT be stored in a self storage unit. The list below is not an extensive list of all exclusions.
- Flammable chemicals
- Drugs
- Food
- Vehicles that do not run
It is also important to remember that it is not safe, or legal, to live inside any self storage unit.
Please contact us today with any questions you may have about the items you would like to store.
General Self Storage FAQs:
Contactless move-ins are available at all our facilities for your convenience and safety. Contact your Shield Storage facility today with further questions about contactless rentals.
To find a self storage location nearby, click here.
At Shield Storage, we offer our customers the convenience of auto-pay through your credit or debit card.
We understand that your storage needs may change from month to month which is why we offer our Shield Storage customers the convenience of month to month agreements.
Promotions at our facility will vary. Please be sure to contact our facility today for the most up to date promotions being offered.
All About Climate Controlled Storage
What is Climate-Control Storage?
- Climate-controlled storage units are units that are kept at a specific temperature.
- These units are typically indoors and provide a consistent environment for your stored items. Extreme temperatures and humidity can wreak havoc on your items which is why having a climate-control unit can be so beneficial.
- These units, also known as temperature-controlled units, are maintained by utilizing heating or cooling systems to maintain the desired temperature inside the storage building.
- Just as extreme heat and humidity can cause problems for some stored materials, the cold can be harmful as well.
How Extreme Temperatures and Humidity Cause Damage?
- Extreme temperatures and humidity can cause damage to many different items which is why having access to a climate-controlled storage unit is beneficial to some storage customers.
- Depending on the location and the local climate, the need for heat or cooling will differ.
- Many factors can come into play when determining whether to provide climate-controlled unit at a storage facility. The overall need of the local customers provides a great starting point.
- Some environments don’t require as much temperature control as others. On the other hand, there are locat de an affordable climate-controlled storage solution.
- Though many may think that moving into an inside unit may be difficult, our locations provide carts that make moving easier and more convenient.
How does Climate-Controlled Storage Work?
What Temperature are Climate-Controlled Storage Units Maintained?
- The storage industry sets a standard for facilities to maintain climate-controlled storage units between 55- and 80-degrees Fahrenheit.
- At Shield Storage we make it a priority to maintain this standard at every location where climate-controlled storage units are available.
How do Climate-Controlled Storage Units Work Against Excessive Heat?
- When the heat becomes to excessive for too long, it can take a toll on your belongings. Records, photographs, and electronics can be ruined if they are left in the heat for too long.
- Furniture made of wood can be affected by the heat and even ruined as wood naturally expands in the heat which can cause warping.
- Having a climate-controlled storage unit that is kept within the required temperate range will keep your items safe and in good condition.
How do Climate-Controlled Storage Units Work Against Excessive Cold?
- Many don’t realize by the extreme cold can cause damage to your items as well.
- Furniture shrinks in the cold and can crack with extended exposure.
- Other items that can retain water can freeze, crack, and endure lasting damage.
- Extreme cold can cause damage to stored vehicles, electronics, vinyl records, and other types of media.
How do Climate-Controlled Storage Units Work Against Humidity?
- Humidity can cause mold, mildew, warping, and other damage to your items.
- Fabrics, collectibles, wood furniture, photos, and many other items can suffer irreparable damage by extreme, lasting humidity.
Heated/Cooled Storage Units
- Most storage units are climate-controlled using both heating and cooling systems to maintain the required temperature.
- This is especially true in areas where there is extreme humidity year-round and/or have a climate that fluctuates between extremely hot summers and cold winters
Air-Cooled Storage Units
- In some parts of the country, you may find air-cooled storage units.
- These units typically are only air conditioned as the area they are located primarily experience high temperatures in the summer but are milder during the winter.
- Typically, the requirement is that these areas experience very few extreme cold temperatures (long periods colder than 50°F).
Heated Units
- Heated storage units are found in areas that experience extremely cold weather for extended periods of time but have mild summers (few extended periods warmer than 85°F).
- This requires that the climate-controlled storage units units in this area are heated in the winter but aren’t required to be cooled during the summer months.
What Should be Stored in Climate-Controlled Units?
Records, CDs, and other Media
- Extreme temperatures can damage your vinyl records, CDs, and other media you may choose to store.
- The heat can cause to your records warping while the cold can cause them to become brittle and break.
- This is also true for CDs, DVDs, and other forms of media that you may choose to store in your storage unit.
Climate Controlled FAQs
At Shield Storage, we recommend that you keep your furniture, especially if made of wood, in a climate-controlled storage unit. This is particularly true if you live in an area where there is high humidity or extreme temperatures during the summer or winter months.
Typically speaking, climate-controlled storage units are more expensive than a traditional storage unit. This price difference is due to the cost of maintaining the required temperature within climate-controlled storage units.
Yes. Traditional, non-climate-controlled storage units can get hot enough to cause damage to your stored items especially in some regions of the U.S. where summer temperatures are sustained above 85 degrees for extended periods of time.
Absolutely. If there are climate-controlled units available at the facility you are currently storing, you can talk to the store manager onsite about moving to a climate-controlled unit.
Typically speaking, you don’t have to store the following items in climate-controlled storage units:
Work Vehicles
Boats
RVs
Cars or Trucks (exception: antique vehicles)
Tools
Lawn equipment (including tractors, mowers, and weed whackers)
Dishes
Plastic outdoor furniture
Metal furniture
Some facilities may offer a few drive-up climate-controlled storage units but be sure to contact your nearest Shield Storage location prior to reserving your unit to be sure they can accommodate this request and any others you may have.