Self Storage: The Basics of Commercial and Residential Storage Services

Self storage is actually a shortcut for the phrase “self-service storage.” Some companies also call it “mini storage” or “mini warehouse.” The idea is that, a person or persons are given storage space for rent (like an apartment) and they basically have full control over the space. They can store almost anything in these leased storage facilities including boxes of household goods, supplies for a small business, excess inventory, and whatever else they might need to keep secure. The storage units are watched over by the operator, and both he and the client have the only access to the unit. Self storage facility operators usually provide computer-controlled access to rental space areas and many often use security cameras for surveillance. However, the storage has in no way the authority to control, possess, or move the goods inside the unit unless it is requested by law.

There are now over 50,000 storage facilities in the US that provide storage solutions for personal and commercial purposes.  Public self storage areas have also started increasing in number in urban and residential areas because of the greater demand on secure storage. Since apartments and small houses have limited space for people's things and so, over the years, a good portion of residential areas have been converted into self storage facilities.

Self storage businesses offer a variety of storage unit sizes to residential and commercial tenants. They also give you the option of choosing the environment for your goods. There are units measuring 10 feet wide by 5 feet deep—almost like a large closet. There are also units as large as the back of a big truck. Storage rental is often dependent on the size of the unit and the period you will be leasing the space.

Storage buildings are usually only single-story structures with drive-up units. A storage facility with multiple single-story units is the most common type of holding unit available to urban and suburban areas. Storage Center is one storage facility found in the Fort Lauderdale area that also services nearby places like Riverdale, Harbour Isle of Ft lauderdale, and Dania Beach, FL. Most storage companies also offer moving vans and trucks to help with the transportation of goods. U-haul truck rentals are available for clients who need to transfer large volumes of goods to a storage container. Some may offer moving services for free, depending on the operator. For lighter loads, moving supplies like boxes and carts to make moving and storage easier and more organized.

Climate-controlled units are now part of the standard feature of storage areas. A climate-controlled storage unit prevents mold and mildew problems. This is very ideal for storing fragile or important materials like paintings, old documents, and even wine This is not the same as cold storage. Cold storage is literally storing goods in low temperatures. Restaurant owners and meat shops store their goods in facilities like this one. Old warehouses and large grocery stores are usually converted to climate controlled rooms since they have interior units.

There are also facilities who provide motorcycle storage. It's like a garage away from home. Motorcycle owners and retailers can use storage facilities to secure bikes and parts instead of just letting the mess lie around in the garage.

There are approximately 58,000 self storage facilities worldwide, of which 52,000 are located in the United States. In the future, greater demand for units will be a sure thing, so if you have storage needs, better call your nearest facility in FT Lauderdale.