•    Talk to your veterinarian if you are moving a long distance away. You will want to get any shot records that they have, as well as making sure that your animal has all of their vaccinations up to date before the move. Ask the veterinarians office if they have any recommendations for great vets in your new town.

•    Use the internet to search out and find a veterinarian ahead of time. Find one with positive online feedback, and call and talk to them about any questions you may have about getting there and to see if they are taking new animals.

•    Make sure and update the tags on your animals to include your new address and phone number. If your pet has a chip in them be sure and contact the microchip company with your updated information.

•    Be sure and have a pet carrier or crate available for the moving and packing process. The packing process can be long and one of the best ways to maintain organization during the process is to rent a self storage Toronto space. When boxes are packed up you can move them out of the space and into a storage unit. This will give you and your pet more room to move around the house as well as be able to clean as you pack. Having a pet carrier or crate when you are moving boxes and furniture out of the house can be essential to keeping your indoor animals from getting out. On moving day when you are traveling to the self storage Toronto space to get your boxes and furniture you will want to have a carrier so they do not get out of the car. Additionally it is safer for them than possible being thrown around the car should you have to make any sudden stops along the way.

•    Be sure and label any boxes that contain the pets food, bowls, and toys, and pet supplies if they are going into a self storage Toronto space. Your pet will need these items in the new home, and by setting them up with their stuff they may adjust to the new home easier.

•    Before you let your pet out of their carrier in the new home check for any hazards like holes in the fence or a loose window screen that may let them get out and become lost in the new environment.

These are just a few of the tips that can help you survive the packing and moving process with pets. Just remember that with a little bit of planning ahead you can make your move much easier for all people and animals involved.

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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How many times have you heard someone say around the office “If I have to add one more filing cabinet in here I wont be able to fit at my desk any longer?” How many times have you sat at your own desk looking at the piles of paperwork and thinking that you need more organization for your office.

One of the great things about Scarborough storage facilities is that they cater not only to the homeowner but the business owner as well. Businesses use self storage for all sorts of reasons, but here are just a few ways that they use self storage for their business:

•    Inventory- every business has some type of inventory that is necessary for the success of the business. Often times one of the most expensive parts to having inventory is having a place to store it all. With a self storage space, business find the storage they need for their inventory. This is especially great for businesses who have seasonal items of inventory, and for the remainder of the year may not be sold at all.

•    Files- While we may live in a technological age, there is still a mountain of paperwork to be filled, filed and stored. With only so much space to add in filing cabinets it can become an overwhelming task to keep everything organized and to house all of those filing cabinets. Scarborough storage can be the perfect solution when  looking for a clean, affordable, and safe place to keep any extra files.

•    Equipment- Office equipment can be drastically different depending on what type of business it is that you have. Some office equipment consists of a fax machine and a printer while others need to find a space to hold large tools and construction equipment. Construction equipment can be especially hard to find a storage space for when it is a vehicle that needs to be parked. Not only do many self storage facilities offer great self storage units for indoor storage, but offer parking spaces for rent as well.

These are just a few of the examples of how a self storage unit can really help your business to become organized, and as your company grows and expands having a solution already in mind for how to accommodate your business growth can be a great advantage to maintaining the growing momentum. So take a look around your office and envision how self storage in Scarborough can help you maintain a clean and clutter free organized space so that business can continue uninterrupted.

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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Make a list of items that will be needed before the move to college. If you will be moving into a dorm space, check with the dorm on the rules of what is allowed and what is not. Also check to see what furniture is already in the room. This will help you avoid purchasing items or furniture that are not allowed in the room, or is already in the room.

Once you have a list of known items that you need you can begin to prepare. One of the easiest ways to do this is by renting an Etobicoke self storage unit. This way you will not loose any livable space in your house, and everything can remain packed so that you have a head start. Depending on how much stuff you need to take your unit size may vary.

Now that  you are armed with a list of items that you need  you can begin to look for garage sales or bargains that you find in stores to begin to check these items off your list. Once they are purchased, simply pack these items up and move them into the self storage unit. By the time the day arrives to head off to college you will be well prepared.

Remember not only is self storage great to help prepare for college but it can be a life saver when it comes to summer break and students move out of the dorms. Finding an Etobicoke self storage unit near campus can house the majority of your items during summer break, instead of dragging all of your boxes, furniture, and suit cases back home.

Self storage can also be a great solution for the parents of college students. Instead of leaving their bedroom empty for eight or nine months out of the year, turn the room into usable space. Move their left behind furniture and belongings into a self storage unit and create your own space for yourself. Perhaps you have always wanted a library or a craft room. By clearing out their stuff you can create a room that is what you want it to be and make it usable, and perhaps you will work in a pull out couch for when they visit on breaks.

College is a great time of transition in the lives of young people. Finding out who they are, and working towards a career. By adding a self storage space you can work around all of these transitions by adding a little extra space to your life.

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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•    Utilities/Mail checklist- this is a list that you have begun compiling as soon as you knew you were moving. Any time a piece of mail comes you write it on the checklist. Keep track with this check list of who you talked to, when you need to have further contact, and any dates associated with the bills that may be important during the moving process. Be sure to contact all utilities providers, credit card bills, car insurance companies, and magazine subscriptions with your new address to avoid any missed bills or any lost communication. Set scheduled dates for all utilities to be either turned off or switched over to another’s name on the day of the move.

•    Packing checklist- this is a list of all of the packing supplies that you will need to get started on the packing process. There are many specialty packing items, like electronic boxes, furniture pads, and glass wear dividers that you don’t want to forget. Make a packing “shopping” list so that you will have all of the tools you need to pack.

•    Keep a calendar with dates. Life will continue to provide you with events and obligations during your moving process. Schedule your time out, and remember that packing does requires some time dedicated to it, so be sure not to overbook yourself.

•    Since you will be utilizing a self storage in Toronto space to help you during the move, be sure and keep track of dates when friends will be over to help you move larger, heavier items such as furniture. This will give you plenty of time to prepare for their arrival and have a space cleared out to move items.

•    Moving day checklist- this is a schedule of what the moving day will look like. Make sure the friends and family members who are helping you move know what time to arrive and have a schedule for the day. List the start time to the day, and where to meet. Since you are utilizing the checklist method all of your packing can be done ahead of time so it may be easiest for your moving party to meet you at your self storage in Toronto space.

•    Car checklist- This is a list of all the things that should not be packed away, but needs to make it into the car on moving day. This includes any medication, your child’s favorite stuffed animal, towels and toilet paper (you want to be able to find that when you get to your new house), important documents, and the keys to the lock on your self storage in Toronto space.

With the checklist method in place there were be less of a chance that you have forgotten anything, and more of a chance that your move runs smoothly.

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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So what is the next step? One of the most important things that you can do is create a check list for the storage in Toronto space. This is a master list containing the items that are in the storage unit, as well as pictures of anything of value that you are placing into storage.

The first reason for creating this master list is that when you do want to find an items you don’t want to have to search through the house to see if it is there or have to search through the storage unit to find it. With the master list you will know if it is in the self storage unit, or if it was left unpacked and is in your home. You might be thinking to yourself that you can just remember what is in there, but generally after a few months most renters begin to forget what exactly is in their self storage unit.

The master list also serves as a layer of protection for your stored items. While the situations are rare they do happen that there is a break in, a storm that blows through damaging the property, or other kinds of natural disasters. By having the master list, and even photos of stored items, you can go through the insurance company that holds the policy covering your storage in Toronto space and work with them to get the value of your items recovered.

Creating such a master list may seem like a challenge in itself, but if you create it while you are packing the boxes to go into storage in Toronto it can be easier. When packing  up boxes you should label them with the contents of the box anyways. Simple create a master list and type the contents of the boxes as you pack them. Take photos of valuable items before you pack them and be sure to mark on the boxes that contain these items that photos are available for them so that you know what you have photos of.

By creating the master list for your self storage unit you can spend a little time now to save you a lot of time in the future should unfortunately something happen, and so you will have to spend less time searching for an items that you have need of. Be sure to update the list when boxes are added to the storage unit, or items are taken out. If your family shares a storage unit ensure that each person knows where the master list is so that if your spouse takes an item out or adds to the list they can also create an updated master storage list.

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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Most people think of garage/yard sales in terms of the stuff they find.  The expression “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” is proven over and over again every week.   Most people don’t consider how their own “trash” can be turned into treasure for themselves, but they should because if you do your garage sale right it can be a nice little money maker for you.

The most obvious way to hold a successful garage sale is to have quality stuff people want at prices that are realistic.  But presentation is a real key to a successful yard sale.  Self storage in Scarborough is a great way to maximize your sale’s potential.

With monthly leasing and move-in specials, self storage in Scarborough is both affordable and convenient.  This enables you to devote as much planning to your yard sale as you care to. Why is using self storage in Scarborough so beneficial to a yard sale?  Let us count the ways:

•    You won’t feel “forced” to sell an item.  If your main motivation to hold a garage sale is just to clear out your cluttered home you’re more likely to sell things well below their value just to see them leave. Moving those items out of your removes that desperation and willingness to settle for a lower price than you feel is appropriate.

•    Having a place outside your home to carefully sort your sellable items will enable you to properly evaluate everything and come up with prices that are both fair to your potential customers and you (while still leaving room for the time-honored tradition of haggling).

•    Having everything you want to sell in one place ensures you won’t hold your sale only to find an entire room’s worth of items you had forgotten to put on display.

•    You can actually go out of your way to find things to sell.  Visit other garage sales.  Is someone selling something far below what it’s worth? Maybe they’re feeling that desperation to sell.  Make a few wise purchases and flip them at your own sale for a profit. Trust us, you won’t be the only one doing it.

•    Renting self storage in Scarborough means you can pick and choose your weekend.  Scout out the newspaper ads and Craigslist postings. Does a particular weekend seem to have a lot more sales going on than another? Does someone appear to be selling many items similar to yours?  Stay away from those dates knowing that sitting on all your stuff an extra week won’t hamper your home life in the least.

Garage sales can be a fair amount of work.  Why go to the trouble if you can’t be successful?  Rent self storage in Scarborough for all the reasons listed above and you’ll be well on your way to yard sale success.

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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Even though you are excited about the unpacking process, and setting up your new house it is best that you resist the temptation to just start randomly unpacking boxes. Just as there was a planning process to packing, so is there a process to be followed for unpacking.

First, before any boxes begin to be opened think about the furniture layout of the space, and get all of the furniture placed where you want it to go. This will not only give you move spaces to work off of, but you will avoid having to move larger furniture pieces around a room that is covered in halfway unpacked boxes and the contents of those boxes.

Once the furniture is in place, find the boxes that have “open first” written on them. These are boxes that contain items that are essential to setting up the room. these items will help in getting the room organized and the space ready for the rest of the boxes to unpack.

As the best that you can, try and place all of the items in the place where they will go. Taking an item from the box that you have gotten from your self storage in Etobicoke space and placing everything where it goes the first time will save you a considerable amount of time, compared to moving each item around six or seven times. While the unpacking process can help you set up the space, you also have to live in the space so if you really want to move something around go ahead and do it.

Remember in the frenzy of the unpacking process to be careful with scissors, box cutters, and knives. Now that your items have survives the packing process and have safely been moved out of the self storage in Etobicoke space and into your home you do not want to end up destroying your belongings on the last leg of the journey because you were over eager to unpack. Cut at an angle and don’t go too deep with the knife or scissors. Additionally use caution so as not to impale yourself on your own knife.

Lastly in the unpacking process remember to recycle. Recycle the cardboard boxes by placing them in the recycle trash or by giving the boxes that are still in good shape to someone else who is just starting out on the process of moving.

Most importantly remember to have fun with the unpacking process. Set up each room how you envisioned it and at the end of the process you will have a great new home.

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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•    Before you begin the search for a Toronto storage facility have in mind the items that you will be storing. A close estimate of the number of boxes and the amount of furniture that will need to fit into your self storage unit is important for two reasons. The first is that by knowing how much stuff you need to store you can have a good idea on the size of unit you need. This will help you compare prices. The second reason that having a close estimate of stored items is that you want to avoid wasting space or not having enough space. Why pay for a huge 50 square foot self storage unit when you only really need a 25 square foot space and could be paying too much. Why spend an hour or two moving in boxes only to realize that you don’t have enough storage space for it all. Having a count of boxes and size of furniture will help to prevent such mishaps.

•    When beginning the search for self storage in Toronto remember to compare facilities that are similar. You may be able to find a location that has the cheapest price of them all, but you also have to remember that you get what you pay for. Think about the amenities that you want your self storage facility to include. Benefits such as video surveillance, key pad access to the property, and outdoor lighting are just a few of the amenities when considering where it is best to store your items. While you may find a facility with the lowest price you have to consider the possibility that it may be lacking in the amenities that you need for you to feel your possessions are safe.

•    Ask questions. Self storage may seem like a simple concept, but the industry is growing and evolving. Find a Toronto storage facility that is willing to answer any questions that you have as a first time renter, or even a new renter to that particular location.

Once you find the self storage facility that is the right location, has the right size unit to fit your self storage needs, includes all of the amenities that you want for your belongings then don’t hesitate to rent the space right away. Move your belongings into the  storage unit that you choose as right for you, and you will now be a part of the ever gowning number of people who choose self storage to help them solve their space needs, clutter issues, and home organization issues.

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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1.    While self storage is a great place to store your families belongings, there are certain things that for safety reasons are not allowed into the Etobicoke self storage facility. The list usually includes gasoline and other flammable items, any live pets, any live person, and any illegal substances. Be sure and check with the manager of the location for a list of items that are not allowed to be stored in your self storage unit.

2.    When placing your boxes into the self storage unit remember a few tips when moving everything in. Start with the heaviest items on the bottom of the pile. Whether it is furniture or boxes of books by placing the heaviest items on the bottom of stacks of boxes it will be safer for you and your possessions. Keep fragile boxed items for the top of the stack. You do not want a box to crush your grandma’s china set because you put the box on the bottom of a pile. Another great rule of thumb is that stacks of boxes should not be created to be any taller than shoulder level. This will keep the strain of lifting from possible causing damage to your back and neck muscles as well as lessen the possibility that a stack of boxes could tip over.

3.    By making the most of your Etobicoke self storage facility space  you can really maximize the livable space in your home. Move seasonal items such as decorations, outdoor patio furniture during winter months, and snow blowers during the summer can help to free up space both inside the home and outside as well. Be sure to place these seasonal items near the front of the self storage unit so that they will be easier to access when their seasonal time comes around.

Having a clean and organized space can move from being a dream and start becoming more of a reality. With the help of a self storage unit you can hold on to those items that you just don’t have room for but want to hold on to. Adding storage space to your home can help you reclaim the unusable space that is currently be used as storage space in your home. Take the first steps of organization and rent your self storage unit today. The process is quick and easy and you can be one step closer to your dream of organization.

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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If you are a storage facility that only needs one person to run it, then you have the unique opportunity to motivate yourself. Now most of the time there will be some regional manager or district manager to come by and say or do something encouraging. For the most part though, you are on your own. So you have to keep your self entertained. If you have other people that are with you in your office, then you have some more options on keeping yourself motivated to do your job. When you are alone, you create a to do list and try to space out your list as the day goes. This can help you on most days. What gets you out of bed in the morning?

Some property managers are truly motivated by helping other people. So that is what gets them out of bed in the morning. They know that they are going to help someone in a rough situation find a solution to their problem. Most people would love to have that kind of motivation in the morning. Some people feel that it is a job they like so why not get out of bed each morning. Why not make a good living for their selves and along the way take care of someone’s issues? If you have a facility full of people that work there, there are many thing s you can do to keep each other motivated such as different games, setting goals, having competitions, etc. You can even help alleviate the stress of everyone by splitting up the facility responsibilities.

There is not many people who will say they are not motivated by money and other incentives. People like to get things for free. All they really have to do is stay within the realm of the rules of the incentive. If you do what is needed you have the chance of getting the incentive which will get you do more motivated. The company can be ok if they gave the employees something every now and then to show their appreciation. When the company rents a space, the owners figured that money will go along way if it comes in regularly. Then the workers will be compensated additionally for their efforts.

So many things could motivate people in the self storage industry, especially property managers. They have the power to affect their business the most by either setting the example for their works are doing what is needed to drive the business. Regardless of what motivates you to do your job, just rest assure that if you do it well, you will be rewarded.

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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It is not a shortage of good property managers in one view than in the other view there is. Some owners would say that not a lot of people want to be property owners at a self storage facility where other people say that many would line up at the opportunity. Some would say that managers are gone through due to lack of training, poor job description, or expectations to high. Of course it would definitely depend on who you speak with on why they decided to leave the company they were with. Who’s to say that it wasn’t a conglomerate of different reasons.

Some property managers have it good to where they can live on site, not have to drive to work, have a supporting cast and do very little to maintain their position where others might have to do everything their selves. These managers need to have adequate training in order to do their job so that they know what is expected of them. No one can complain about the manager if their job description is different than what they are actually supposed to do. That would also make the manager uncomfortable. Owners need to be upfront with all the people they are looking at to hire about what the job entails. They will be better in the long run if this is explained.

No matter if you do an extensive hiring process or just draw names out of hat, you could end up with the same result. There have been many owners bamboozled by potential property managers because they talked a good talk. There will be a time in which talk won’t mean anything and the person you hired has to show what they can do. If they just said some phony things to get the job their true colors will show soon. That is not always the fault of the owner, because they had no clue the person would be making up things.

Every now and then you find that manager that just knocks everything out of the park. They are professional, maintain a great facility and they are an asset to the company. You wish you could clone them but you struggle to find someone like them. What made them so great? Then you have to go out and find someone just like them. Sometimes those people could already have a job. Many owners need to broaden their horizon and see what all is out there in terms of property managers. Not everyone will fit the mold of a manager, but you can be surprised where you find the one that turns one of your facilities around.

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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Always treat eat customer with respect and take the time to listen to their problem. You never know what will say. What they say can give you the information that you need in order to help them out. Sometimes you will have to hear a story about their lives and what is going on in order for them to tell you what they need in terms of self storage. You just have to remember, they are there because they need storage.

So take as many deep breaths as you need to take and make sure you are giving them your undivided attention. This customer truly needs you to take care of their storage needs regardless of how you feel and how the customer in front of them felt. There will be plenty of times in which your patience will be tested to the maximum capacity. Just remember, you have what they need. They need you. That should bring a smile to your face, right?

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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Customers come down to visit their local self storage facility for a couple of reasons. They do so because they want to see the facility and where their belongings are going. They also want to meet you. But for the purpose of this discussion we are only going to talk about how your property appeals to them. If the customer walks in and sees something they are not particularly fond of, they will not rent there. Some customers are just picky and there is nothing that you can do about that. For the customers that are not as picky as others, you can do a couple of things here and there to ensure that your facility is looking up to tip top shape every day.

It goes without saying that a regular vacuuming and dusting can happen often throughout the week. If you have a heavy traffic store, then you might want to consider vacuuming more than one time a day. Just because you cleaned up things the night before doesn’t mean that you should not clean again until close. One of the simple things you can do is when there is a slow spot of the day, get everything freshened up for the next customer. You can take some time out and walk the facility to ensure that nothing has happened to the property or there is not any debris that can be in the way of customers. There is many times that a manager gets so locked in to that is happening inside the store that they forget the outside. There are many things going on outside their office.

As you are walking outside the facility make sure that there is nothing that does not need your immediate attention. The reason that some of these self storage facilities do not look as inviting is because they do not take regular care of the outside. Cut the grass, pull weeds, make sure there are not any structural damages to the building or pavement. One small chink or hole in the building or pavement could turn into something much worse later. If it is in the budget find a way to fix it sooner than later.

Always communicate with your owner. The owner wants to know what is going on at the property. Don’t just sit there and give them a laundry list of what is wrong. Be smart and prioritize the things that need a change now vs. later. If anything can wait, then it can wait. It is ok to put the thought into your owner’s head about a change in the facility, but be as realistic as you can. Take care of your facility and it will take care of you. Customers will come in to rent because of how clean and nice your facility is. Believe it or not, there are some people who just like a good visual presentation.

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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As a property manager, what do you like most about your job? Who likes to be asked that question? Well that is not a question that is an issue for many but for some people they will have to think carefully about that question. For those that love their job, they are able to rattle off many things they love about their job. You can see it in their eyes and they can not hide the excitement. You don’t want them to stop them from going down the list, but you must. Some property managers could go on for hours. It seems to be a big difference when you ask the person who does not as interested in the great things about work as those that are not. Flip the question around and you get a free flow of what they do not like about company.

In this scenario one manager did not have much to say about the topic of liking their job. But when it came time to talk about why they do not like their job, they were all about telling someone why. That is because they found something they were willing to talk about. The same thing goes for the customers. Do not go into every conversation that you have with the customer the same way you would for every customer you deal with. Every customer is different. Along with that, sometimes a different question will open up the lines of communication. If you ask the right question it will be as if the customer is laying down on a couch opening up their life to you. Then all you have to do is listen and pick out things that could really help you to help them.

It feels as if asking questions is a lost art when it comes to self storage. There are managers that believe they can ask a couple of questions and then they can throw a price out there to rent to the customers. That is way off base. Sometimes the customers already know what the price is when they come down to the facility. The customer already feels they can afford the amount of money that is being asked for in order to rent the facility. They are coming in because they have other concerns about renting and they want your help with them. Can you help them figure that out? So understand that tidbit of information before you help the next customer.

Customers are not dumb by any means. Since the creation of the internet, customers are way more knowledgeable than they used to be. They now know many things about storage before they even come to your door. Give them the credit they deserve and ensure that you help their needs accordingly. Before you are able to help them and their needs ask questions that could get them to open up. If they can open up to you, they have showed you that they can trust you. You do not need to write down every single thing that they are saying. All it takes is a couple of thoughts here and there to figure out what the customer’s need really is. Take the time to figure out what those needs are and take care of them. The customer will release the floodgate of information if you ask the right question.

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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Should a manager ask what a customer is storing? This has been an idea that has been tossed around many times. There are managers that will not ask because they have come across customers that have been mean in their response back to them. There have also been times in which the customer was pleased that the manager asked so they could find the right space for them. Some customers feel that what they are storing is their business, not the managers. This is some crazy thinking.

It is true, that what you are storing is your business. Another truth is that a self storage manager has to manage the property and ensure nothing is stored that can be harmful to others. Would you rather a property manger give you a list of things you can not store and then ask you if anything you are storing is on this list? Of course not, some people might take offense to that. It is not uncommon for a manager not to be able to please everyone that comes through their door. If they thought they could do that, they would drive their selves crazy. It is hard for you to be able to make everyone happy that you meet. In fact it is impossible. For this reason, rules are in place.

Facility mangers have to find out what size the customer needs. Of course if a customer just says something like I am just storing household goods does not help the manager find the correct space for the customer. The customer can be as stingy with information as they want, but they will end up paying for a space they were not wanting to pay for. The manager could get them into a space that is a great price for what they need instead of a large space that will be more than what they need. Sometimes keeping things to yourself because you do not want anyone else in your business can cost you money.

Property managers are not asking what you are storing to be annoying, nosy or even to covet your things. The manager actually has your best interest in mind so that is why they are asking what you are storing. Do you part and just answer the question. You do not have to go over the complete list of what you are storing, but you can give them an idea. Typically you can go over the largest pieces you are storing and leave the smaller things off the question answer inquiry. The manager always knows that you will most likely store some smaller things along with the bigger items.

Sometimes a customer will be moving across country, city, or state and they are moving everything. Going into a self storage facility and telling them that you are storing a three bedroom house with appliances is all you need to say. Then the manager can tell you exactly what you will need in terms of a self storage space. They have been in the business for a long time. They are there to make sure that you do not pay more for a space you do not need. Believe it or not, the managers do not get paid by knowing what you are storing. They get paid off the satisfaction of their customers.

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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What is in a name? Introducing yourself to the person that you are talking to seems to be a lost art in sales. Now when you are involved in some other kind of negotiations, for some reason people seem to introduce their selves. When you are trying to sell a customer a storage space or other answers to their needs, the introduction seems to be not there. How much easier would it be to sell to your friend than a complete stranger? Isn’t it less rude to call a person hey you, or even sir or ma’am. Many people are comfortable with those types of greetings. On the flip side not everyone is.

When a customer walks into a self storage facility and the property manager does not acknowledge they are there, what impression does that give for the customer? That does not make the customer feel they are important or that the manager wants to do business with them. What changes when a property manager goes out of their way to say hello and greet them properly? Everything changes. The demeanor of the presentation changes, the customer is a little more receptive of the manager, and the possibility of building rapport is there. What do you think would change if we added the introduction of names?

It is very common for a customer to call a self storage location or any type of business and the rep on the other end answers with their name. Since the customer now knows your name, why don’t you know there name? It just makes sense right? Unfortunately it goes deeper than that. It is felt sometimes rude or people are scared to ask someone for their first name. They rather resort to just calling them ma’am or sir. That is formal and sometimes respectful, but what happens if you call the wrong person sir or madame? That could lead to an uncomfortable situation.

You will not always deal with a person face to face. You might only talk to them if they are over the phone. This might be your one and only shot to get them into the store. You can easily say something like, hi my name is so and so, what is your name? The customer should open up and tell you their name. If they do not, then there is another issue and you will have to make them comfortable enough to gain access to their name. Otherwise when you get their name, you should use it through out the conversation. Don’t say it over and over again like a broken record, just say it enough to where the customer sees that you are making an effort to be friendly.

When it comes time to close the sale, using their name is very important. At t his point you are on a first name basis so you can use their name to ask for the reservation or the rental. For example you can say, James, it looks like we have the best unit for you. Let’s go ahead and get you set up. You can begin moving in right away. That is a lot friendlier than using sir or just asking for the sale. It makes it more personal. Gain the customer’s name and make sure that you use it. This personal touch could mean the difference between you getting sales and not. Every little bit helps.

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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There is not an exact science to moving, but there are many property managers who will give you a couple of ideas. Don’t shy away from asking the property manager about different things that you can do in order to store. The important thing that you need to keep in mind is that you need to get your belongings there safely. Since you are going to be putting your belongings into storage, wouldn’t you want to make sure that your belongings stay safe?

Make sure you ware the right clothing for your move, warm for winter, cool for summer, and dry for raining season. Most times when you move you will not have time to change your clothes when you are moving. You want to get done with your move as soon as you can so you can get back to your normal day. Of course you still have to put your new home together before you can really relax.

To keep things dry and free from dust in your boxes, put plastic bag in first and tape shut when done. No one really knows when they put things into storage, how long it is going to be there. In fact many plan to only store for a month or so, while select others believe they will be storing for an indefinite amount of time. If you do not move around your belongings are store them properly dust could really be a problem in the future.

Put car Air fresheners in your boxes to help keep things smelling nice.  They are really not that expensive. It most people would rather smell a great smell of an air freshener than other smells that could be around the self storage facility. Not many property managers or owners will suggest it, but it’s a nice touch.

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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Technology has grown over the years and has made things much easier for us. Previously in order to pay a bill you would have to walk into a store where your payment was due and pay in person. Oh my how we’ve grown. Now there are downloadable applications for your mobile phone to make things simple like paying for your storage unit.

A renter I spoke with had no idea that the store they rented at offered this. She was ecstatic to find out how easy the application worked and wanted to immediately find out where she needed to go to download the program. In this technology day and age, we can do just about anything. Everything should be very simple and easy. Paying your bill and renting a storage unit should be just that easy.

Property managers, if your company offers an online app that could make your customers’ lives a little easier, make sure that you offer it. Many companies do not think such technology is important. That can’t be further from the truth. Some customers do not even go with a company because they don’t have website or have an application to use. Always put your best foot forward.

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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Had a call yesterday for RV parking and wanted indoor, I told him sure I can help you with that we have both indoor and out door parking. It is not everyday that someone would call and ask for RV parking. So I had to make sure I took care of this person because their RV will be very important to them. Also, not every facility is equipped to handle RV inside parking. So before we began to talk about pricing, I had to ask some basic questions that any property manager would ask.

I asked him what size was his RV to make sure we get him in the right size. He told me the size of his vehicle and I found him one indoors that I believe would work for him. The customer told me it was too much and he wasn’t too pleased with that price. He informed me that last year the price was much cheaper. I had to explain to him that over the courser of years, the price does change. The customer understood that, so I told him what if we looked some outdoor storage. He also thought that price was also too high. Naturally at this point, as a property manager, I anticipated that he would want me to change the price or he was going to shop around. He said he would call around to see if he could find one cheaper.

I told him that would be fine because we do check prices ourselves with everyone around us to make sure we are competitive, but we only have a few spaces left and are going fast. This time of the year people are calling ahead to make sure they have a space so don’t wait to long so that we will have a space for you, or what we could do is hold that space for you while you call around. He agreed and gave me his information to hold it for him.

He thanked me for helping him and would call me back tomorrow to let me know what he is going to do. No matter what he does at this point whether he will continue to shop around or bring his RV down tomorrow, he can rest assured knowing that he has a parking space waiting for him. That would make anyone happy.

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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There have been some calls from people that need to rent a storage space for their house hold goods. This would be a daily occurrence, but their only problem is they are out of state. So they will not be able to be at the store before it closes nor will they be there to sign the lease. These customers still want to rent a store space so they ask us whether they are able to do all the paperwork over the phone or by fax. That is of course up to the facility manager.

Naturally as a representative of the company, we tell them we can help with that. We still go through the naturally steps of finding out what they are storing so we can get them in the right size. We get all their personal information and an email address so that we can send them the lease and all other paper work. We then tell them we need a major credit card so that she can pay for it now and it will be waiting for her when she gets here. They will either after that point, have to send someone else in to sign the lease or paperwork or rent when they are in town. The customers are happy with the idea that they could do everything over the phone and could just bring in their paperwork. Unfortunately we can’t give them a lock over the phone but they can pick one up at the store from the property manager.

The customer was very happy that they could do it all before they even got to the store. It was a good idea that the manager of the facility gave the caller a follow up call to ensure that every thing went well with the initial conversation. The manager also will want to ensure the customer will be there when agreed they would be there. The manager wants to be there when the customer is actually able to walk into the facility.

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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It would seem as if there is special need for self storage for many different people. No matter what your situation is self storage could be a solution for many situations. There will be people who will disagree with that statement but there are many different sizes that could accommodate a variety of customer needs. No matter what you are using self storage for, just know that there are solutions to your needs available.

If you are in need of self storage, you should start your storage search sooner rather than later. Depending on the time of year you can never know when you will have a self storage unit available for you to rent. Some seasons the self storage units leave so quickly that won’t be able to get the popular sizes. If you are in need of one of the popular sizes then you definitely need to call sooner than later.

Every discount that you can find will put money back in your pocket. If you get a first month free promotion, you should still ask about other promotions. If you know that you will be storing for longer than month or maybe even a year, ask the manger whether or not they have long term discounts. Sometimes you will find that the long term discounts would save you more money than the move in specials.

Every manager will tell you that they have good security. You should schedule a site visit to see for yourself how safe the site feels. Reserving a space over the phone is one thing, but signing on the dotted line of your lease without really walking around the facility is a bad idea. Talk with the property manager a little bit about the facility and get a good look and feel of the facility. The great thing about most self storage companies is that you only have to sign a month to month lease. If they treat you badly you could pack up and move out the next month without penalty.

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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If you need a truck rental, you may be able to rent one from the facility that you are renting your storage unit from. Just ask the manager when you call in. The property manager, I am sure, will be more than happy to tell you about their special deals on renting a truck. When a storage facility has a truck for you to use they figure that you might also want to use their self storage units as well. It would make sense. If you need storage and need a truck, why not get it all from the same place?

If you shop around enough you could come across a storage facility that is offering a free move service. A free move in service will usually include a free truck and driver. You will not get movers to help you with everything. You will find that not every self storage facility will offer this free moving service so if it is important to you then you really need to continue shopping until you find one. Otherwise maybe the property manager can recommend something in the area that can help you get your belongings to the property.

When you get a storage unit, you will need to have a lock for the space. You can bring one in or the site will sell them for around ten dollars depending on the type of lock that you get. The property manager will be more than happy to direct you to the storage supplies that they have available for you purchase. It is good to have a self storage facility that is a one stop shop when it comes to self storage.

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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Sometimes people just end up settling on a space and they do not even ask the property manager if a particular size is coming available. It makes sense to ask the person who is running the property about what is coming open. Instead people just settle and they end up trying to cram everything into a smaller space when they do not need to. That could lead to all kinds of inconveniences such as damaged goods, physical pain on yourself, and also and inconvenience in price. It is very important that you think before you rent.

Price is very important when looking for a self storage unit. Work with your local property manager to figure out what is the best size for you in regards to price. If the location is ideal, see if you are in the budget you are looking for with your storage unit. Location is great, but you know you need to pay for the space still. Maybe you are able to find a space at a location that is slightly further in order to ensure you get the right size for your situation.

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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Climate control is something a lot of people know little about when looking for storage.  Most people think it is necessary to have a climate controlled space, even when they store things that usually sit outside.  This is not the case.  A renter usually only needs at room temperature controlled space when storing expensive furniture and/or belongings. They do not know any better and when they are shopping around, they are asking each facility manager about climate controlled spaces.

There are some things that would need a climate controlled space for. For example, artwork would be stored in a climate controlled space, while patio furniture would not.  If you feel that you can place things in your garage for safe keeping then you can most likely go with a standard space. Most garages do not have air conditioning going to it. So walk out to your garage and see how you feel about storing your belongings in there.

Usually climate controlled units are more expensive, so if you don’t need it, don’t pay for it! Most facility managers will try to tell you which space you need. Listen to them. They will not try to lead you astray. If they tell you something that is not true, they are putting your faith in them on the line. They do not want to do that.

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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One of the main reasons that self storage facilities will not allow food in their units is that food will quickly go bad inside a space. Unfortunately with the change in temperature and the condition of food, the property managers just are not allowed to take them. When food goes bad, you will typically attract some unwanted little visitors that will try to get to the spoiled food. It would seem that no matter how tight the unit is, those little critters find a way to get to the spoiled food. No one wants to have a bunch of bugs and rodents in their storage space.

People often think that climate control means cold storage.  This is not true.  Climate control simply keeps the space around room temperature.  As said before, food attracts pests, such as mice and bugs.  Not only does this affect your things, but also the belongings of your neighboring tenants.  There are places made just for cold storage.  If you are looking for long term storage, try one of those places first before looking at self storage.

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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Just like most things in life, there are rules. There are rules when you go to school, rules in life, and also there are rules when it comes to using self storage. Many things make sense in terms of why there is a rule for it now. Still unfortunately people still get upset when those rules are enforced. This is also true for the rules of life and how you treat people.

Never is it a good idea to be rude to people when you are trying to get something you want even in the storage industry. Sometimes customers come in to the self storage facility and attempt to bully the manager into doing something they are not allowed to do. Then customers try to hassle the managers to give in or they threaten to go to another facility. Of course the manager wants to mean back in some cases, but it is good for them to hold their ground. Most of the self storage property managers will have to get approval from their regional manager or owner.

In most cases, it is not allowed or wise to store anything food related. You cannot store fish in a storage unit. You will hear many crazy stories from property managers telling you people tried to store things they were not allowed to store. Customers will try to store the weirdest things. The property manager will tell you that you are not able to store some things. Unfortunately some people try to go behind their backs and do it anyway. The truth will come out eventually, rules were broken and the tenant will be asked to leave.

If you are managing an estate, you should be able to find an affordable storage space if you run out of room. Self storage property managers will be available if you need help. Just give them a call and you will be surprised at their wealth of knowledge.

Before you do something silly, just make sure you talk to the property manager. It would be silly to be thrown out of the facility for doing something you knew was against the rules. Make sure that you are fully aware of the rules so you can ensure your stay at your local self storage facility is a pleasant one.

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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There are a lot of people who do not know what kind of security to look for when getting a storage rental.  In fact there are fair number of people who just call around looking for price and nothing else. Many customers are untrained on what to look for when beginning their search on self storage. There will be times in which a property manager will tell them what features they have to offer the customer, but the customer does not know how it will benefit them. Below are a few security features, and how they benefit you.

Access Controlled Entry:  This keeps people without a unit out of the property.  This helps to monitor traffic and decrease the chance of a break in. Typically a property manager will assign a gate code that is unique to you so no one else can use it. The property manager wants to ensure that no one else will have access to your unit. Also having this code also lets the facility manager know who is entering their facility at what times. If something ends up missing from another self storage unit, the manager can check the records to see who was on the property at that time.

Cameras:  This gives the property extra eyes to keep watch throughout the property. It is good to know that cameras are all over the facility to keep watch on things going on. The manager is not able to catch everything that is happening on their facility. The cameras are a much needed back up. Now some property managers will tell you that some of their cameras are used just for surveillance, where other cameras are actually recording what is going on. Ask your local manager which type of cameras they have.

On Site Manager:  A store with a manager on site is a good bet.  With someone on site all the time, the manager is able to watch the property, especially since its’ their back yard! Most of the time, the property manager, will live above the facility or on the same property as the facility in order to be close when they are in need.  Now sometimes a facility might mean something different when they talk about an onsite manager. They could just mean there is someone on site to help the customer when they come into the facility. Again, ask the property manager which one they are.

Door Alarms:  This prevents people from messing with you lock.  If someone is actually able to break into your self storage unit, an alarm will sound. It could be silent, which gives the manager enough time to catch the thief, or it could be loud enough to scare the perpetrator away. Usually the door alarm will be deactivated by the pin number that you put into the gate upon entering.

As you see, there are many different features a facility can have. Your local property manager will be happy to tell you what sets them apart from the other facilities in the area. Some managers want to brag all about their features. It is good to know how those features benefit you.

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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A self storage property manager has pretty much heard it all when it comes to self storage. It would seem as though they are storage experts, storage counselors, and your storage friends. It is completely a great idea to go to them when you need help with storage. They will give you great tips on what to do on your day to move. Of course people will call them and tell them a whopper of a story thinking they are the only one to have gone through that. One word of wisdom that property managers try to give to their soon to be renters, is that they prepare for moving in all kinds of weather conditions. Even though we try to plan, it still does not always go the way we plan.

When moving, make sure you get good rest the night before so that the stress level does not get to high. Do not over stuff yourself the night before or the morning of your move so you are not feeling sluggish when you are moving. If you are having a moving company do the moving for you, then you can eat all you want. It is still a good idea to get some good sleep before moving day. You will have to some direction to give to the movers.

When moving in hot weather ensure you and all your helpers drink enough liquids so you don’t over heat. You do not want anyone going to the emergency room or worse on the day you are supposed to move. That is one thing that you can plan for by having beverages available. If your movers or helpers do not want anything from you, make sure they have something of their own to drink. Some people will say that there will not be a lot of moving so they do not need anything to drink. On hot days, you will sweat more than you think and will need to replace that water loss with liquid.

If you have to move in the winter weather, have salt and sand handy so you don’t have any accidents. Make sure your driveway or moving area is clear, and then call ahead to your local property manager to see if their property is clear. If the property manager tells you that it is clear, then start moving as soon as possible. Wear plenty of layers so don’t have to stop moving to get warm.

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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When you store the contents of your home, it is usually because you are in between moves.  Most people believe this time will be a very difficult time, but it does not have to be. Here are a couple of tips on how to make the transition easier for you and your family.

Place your furniture in the back of the space. Most likely you will not need the large pieces of furniture while waiting on your new home to be ready. You will need the small things during this transition. Also when you are ready to move into your new place, you will have the large furniture at the front of the truck for easy placing inside your new home. There is nothing like trying to move in large furniture when there are smaller objects in the way. You do not want to step on something when you have a large couch in your hand. That could be disastrous for everyone involved.

Try to place boxes which will need to be accessed the most in the very front. No one wants to climb all over things in order to get to the boxes that you need. It will be smart to place all the boxes that you need to use frequently off to the side while you load everything else. Then on the flip side of the move these things will be the last to come off the truck which means they will be readily accessible for you.

Make sure the unit you are going to use will fit everything securely. When talking to the property manager, ensure that you discuss with them what you are storing. This way they will be able to recommend the best self storage unit that will work for you. They will recommend something that is not too small or something that is not too big. It is a great idea still to walk to your storage unit with the property manager in order to see what the unit looks like. Believe in the property manager, they have seen many people come in and out of their storage units. They have a lot of experience.

Always check the location to ensure it is safe. The property managers understand and know what their property has to offer. They will be happy to tell you about the features of their property because they are proud of those features. If a manager tries to throw price at you first, make sure that you know why they are so anxious. The case may be that they do not have great security so they are just trying to throw a very low price at you. They are, of course, hoping that you be blinded by the savings to notice that your belongings will not be as safe.

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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Property Managers are always available to inform customers on how to better store their belongings. They will give great advice on how to store your belongings in order to prevent damage. Believe it or not the property managers are the experts when it comes to storing. Use them for their advice they are there to help. When packing fragile dishes or décor, it is important to keep a few things in mind.

Property managers will inform you to wrap your belongings in bubble wrap, use packing peanuts, or at least protect with old newspapers. Of course the managers of the storage facilities will offer for you to buy the packing supplies that are at their location. Most storage facilities are one stop shops when it comes to self storage. If you do not have something to use to pack your belongings, it is ok, just contact your local property manager.

Always stack like items together to ensure there are not many open spaces. Open spaces in boxes typically lead to sliding around and breaking. Make sure that you put plates with plates, cups with cups, etc. Of course you will want to put tissue paper or other packing material in between these items. Pack things into the box snuggly.  This way, everything does not roll around in the box.

Tell those moving your boxes to be gentle. You will want to be careful with what is being moved around. Most people will as for help moving so they will ask any and everyone to help. Unfortunately with that said your hired help might just throw boxes around or set them down abruptly. If you hire movers, they typically are gentle but it does not hurt to tell them to be gentle with your belongings.

Be sure to label boxes, so they can go on the top of stacked boxes. This way when it is time to move or put the boxes where they go you can see which box is which. One of the worst things that can happen is that you misplace a box and you can not find it until you do not need it. Make sure that you label all sides of the box so no matter which way you stack it, you can see which room the box will go.

Property managers can give you plenty of help when asked. Some veteran property managers can give you great advice on how to store your belongings. When advice is given do not turn it down.

Disclamer: This entry is intended to promote our partner StorageMart and some or all participants received compensation.

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