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.

Self storage is used for many different purposes. Some may utilize self storage for a short period of time, while others have found it to offer a great solution for an extended period. No matter the reason, a self storage unit can offer you the convenience and flexibility you need no matter the reason.
Typical uses for a self storage unit include, but are not limited to, the following:

Moving

Moving can be extremely stressful. Especially when down-sizing, a self storage unit can offer you the extra space you and your family needs. Many also utilize self storage when relocating to a new city. There are times when you are ready to move, but your new home isn’t quite ready for you. It’s times like these that self storage offers a better storage solution for you and your family.

Life Transition

Life can be quite the journey and along the way there are many points of transition we all face. Whether you’re combining households, preparing for a new baby, welcoming an aging loved one to stay with you, or getting divorced, life happens. At Shield Storage, we recognize that life’s transitions can also bring several different emotions and stress which is why we look to help by providing you enough space to fit the need of the transition you’re going through.

Decluttering

In the last year or so many of us have spent more time at home than we really every have before. Thus, we have all come to realize that we need to declutter our space and get more out of the space we have in our homes and garages.
This doesn’t mean you have to completely get rid of everything you own, but moving items from the basement or garage to a self storage unit can help free up space while also allowing you the ability to keep the items you love that have sentimental value.

Storing a Vehicle

Many don’t realize that you can store your vehicle at a self storage facility. Some locations have covered and/or uncovered parking for your boats, RVs, or trailers. Others have larger units (10×20 or larger) that offer enough space to store your car or even a work truck.
Learn more. (Here we can link to the “All About Vehicle Storage” page)

Home Renovations

Renovating your home can take weeks, if not months, and having to stack and shift your furniture around to constantly make it work can be exhausting. If you are renovating your home or office and need a place to store your furniture, appliances, or other materials, then a self storage unit offers you the best storage solution.

Business Storage

Self storage offers businesses a better storage solution. From document storage to extended space for inventory, a self storage unit can provide business customers with a cost-effective storage solution that can grow as your business grows. Many business owners will shift units as they grow and their space requirements grow as well. Our flexible, month-to-month agreements make this a great solution for many local business owners.

College Storage

College brings several different challenges for parents and students alike. One of those challenges is storing your student’s items while they are away at college. You love them, we all know that, but housing their things while they are away can be cumbersome. Self storage can provide a better storage solution for your college student’s personal belongings that they aren’t able to take with them to college.
Another challenge faced when you have a child in college is summer break. Your student has their dorm room items and essentials that they need each year while away, but they aren’t able to keep those things in their dorm room over summer break. Self Storage can also provide you with the space that is needed to store their dorm room essentials while they are home over the summer.

Military Living

Much like college, when you join the military you move away from home and live in the barracks until you reach a certain rank or become married. Thus, you need to find a place to store most of your personal items. A self storage unit can provide you a storage option nearby so you don’t have to get rid of your belongings.
As many know, there is also a lot of travel that goes along with being in the military. This is another case where your local self storage facility can offer you a space to hold your things while you’re away. Whether your deployed for 3 months or a year, Shield Storage is here to help as you serve.
Also, please note that all our Shield Storage locations offer a discount to all Active Military members. Thank you for your service.

Location

Location is everything, but what that means will vary for each customer. You may look to store items that you will want to access regularly, utilizing your self storage as an extension of your home so to speak. Others, on the other hand, may be looking for something that will store camping gear or other items that they will take with them on a getaway. In this case, easy access to a highway may be the best options.
If you are looking for a storage location for your business, you may prefer to have a storage facility that is located between your home and office. It is important that no matter the location you choose, you find a location that fits your specific needs.

Security Features

Ensuring your property is safe and secure is one of our highest priorities at Shield Storage. We strive to provide a safe location for you to store you items by offering multiple security features at our properties. Though some features may vary from store to store, you will can count on each of our facilities having:
– Fully enclosed facilities
– Access via personal access code
– Protection plans available for all customers
– Digital surveillance systems

Price

Pricing for your self storage unit will vary based on multiple variables. Location, storage unit size, and amenities such as climate control play a role in the pricing of the storage unit you choose to rent. At Shield Storage, you will find some locations offer move-in specials to limit your initial cost when moving into your unit. No matter what your budget may be, you will never pay a deposit or reservation fee.

Upkeep

When looking for the right storage solution for you, you will want to take the cleanliness and upkeep of the facility and units into consideration. The best way to do this is to visit a storage facility nearby to look at the storage unit you are interested in renting. Storage facilities that keep their storage units and facility grounds clean show that they care.

Caring and Friendly Customer Service

It is important to the Shield Storage family that each of our customers is treated with respect and care. We understand that many of the situations that cause one to utilize self storage are stressful. Thus, we want to do our best to assist you with all your storage needs.
Our staff our kind and friendly and will always do their best to serve you and be there to answer your questions. Many of our locations have onsite store managers who are dedicated to ensuring all staff meet the Shield Storage customer service standards.

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?

How Extreme Temperatures and Humidity Cause Damage?

How does Climate-Controlled Storage Work?

What Temperature are Climate-Controlled Storage Units Maintained?

How do Climate-Controlled Storage Units Work Against Excessive Heat?

How do Climate-Controlled Storage Units Work Against Excessive Cold?

How do Climate-Controlled Storage Units Work Against Humidity?

Heated/Cooled Storage Units

Air-Cooled Storage Units

Heated Units

What Should be Stored in Climate-Controlled Units?

Records, CDs, and other Media

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.