Self Storage For Business

Better Business Through Self Storage

Self Storage is a convenient, safe and cost effective way for business to expand operations and maintain a competitive edge. A business self storage tenant can increase or decrease its leased space as need dictates.

Businesses of all types, size, and maturity are benefitting by using self storage facilities. When businesses are faced with expansion, they often find themselves limited by lack of appropriate space, availability of land, zoning regulations, proximity to customers and access. Leasing storage space can provide easy access and convenient 'office hours' with no appointment necessary. It also can help businesses expand market share.

Selecting a Storage Space

Ask the A1 Mini U-Store-It Resident Manager to help you choose a space that fits your business self storage needs because rental of a storage space is determined by the total size of the items to be stored. An efficiently packed small space will cost less than a larger space. If you frequently use the space, a larger space, well organized (racks and file boxes), may be more convenient. Specific modifications may be able to be made to meet your businesses' needs. A-1 Mini U-Store-It offers climate controlled storage units, and/or will accept business deliveries on site.

Storage Space User Agreement

For your protection, A-1 Mini U-Store-It provides a written agreement. Read it thoroughly and ask the Resident Manager to answer any questions you may have. Make note of your payment due date and the required notice for moving out. If you change your address or phone number, be sure to notify your A-1 Mini U-Store-It facility in writing.

SPECIFIC STORAGE TIPS:

• Inspect your business self storage space. The space should be clean with a door in good working order
• Determine the packing accessories you need: paper, bubble-pack, tape, rope, drop cloths, polyurethane sheeting, mattress and furniture covers, pallets, skids, file boxes and storage cartons.
• Fill containers to capacity; partially full or bulging cartons may tip or collapse. Heavy items like books or tools should be packed in small boxes so they are easy to lift. Protect your fragile goods with packing (i.e. bubble-pack, or other), and place them near the top of your storage space.
• Label boxes. Take home a list of the labeled boxes for easy reference when you need to locate your goods.
• Pack the storage space carefully. Leave air space around the perimeter to aid ventilation. Place a pallet on concrete floors (if your storage space does not have pallets, ask your resident manager) and do not lean items against walls. Leave a walkway to the rear of your space for easy access. Use all the space available, including the height. Place frequently used goods near the door.

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT: All equipment should be thoroughly cleaned and dry before it is stored. Any equipment with sealing doors, such as a refrigerator, should be stored with its door slightly ajar.

METAL EQUIPMENT, TOOLS AND OTHER METAL ITEMS: All equipment needs to be clean. To retard rust, wipe all metal surfaces with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil.

FILES, RECORDS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS: Pack books flat to protect their spines. Do not place boxes directly on concrete floors, but use pallets or skids to prevent moisture absorption. Use packing to fill out empty pockets in the boxes. Do not pack fragile items in the same box with books and do not overload.

FABRIC ITEMS: All items need to be clean and free from anything that may attract pests.

FRAGILE ITEMS: Place a layer of packing inside the bottom and at the top of boxes containing fragile items. All self storage items should be individually wrapped placing the most fragile near the top of the cartons. Again, fill all pockets with packing. When stacking boxes that contain fragile items, place these on top of those containing heavy items. Label all boxes containing delicate items 'FRAGILE'.

OFFICE FURNITURE: Place a pallet, corrugated cardboard mat, or plastic sheet on the floor and stand sofas and mattresses on end. Disassemble beds and tables and wrap table legs in paper. If a table will not disassemble, place padding on the floor and place the table on its top with legs pointing up. Most lightweight chairs can be stacked 'seat to seat' or placed upside down on other furniture. Keep upholstery off the floor. Finally, place a light dust cover on your furniture.

Member of the Self Storage Association