Finding Reliable Storage Services in Tacoma WA

Storage rental services are ideal for those who wish to store items for both short-term and long-term periods.

Even if it is your first time to consider a storage rental service, doing thorough research will help you find the right option. There are some basic questions you need to ask so you can find the storage rental services in Tacoma WA you are looking for.

Create a checklist and find out if your prospective storage rental companies meet these criteria:

24/7 Access

It can be too much of an inconvenience for a tenant if the storage facilities only operate on specific business hours. Not all storage rental companies offer 24/7 access, so you need to ask about the hours offered by your prospects. You will also have to take note that there may be a different gate and business hours. Business hours refer to the hours where a manager is available onsite while gate hours refer to the hours you can gain access to your unit or the facility.

Climate Control

You will also have to check with your self-storage company how they handle climate control. When it comes to climate control, keep in mind that the company should have control over temperature and humidity. In most cases, units are kept between a range of temperatures, especially during summer and winter months. There are valuables that may require a higher level of climate control.

Security

Self-storage units are not only meant to keep your items but also protect them. It is not enough to use locks on your unit to keep your personal items safe as you also need extra security measures, such as gated key access, door alarms, 24/7 security guards, cameras, and secure building access.

Insurance and Special Requirements

The facility manager may require some documentation before you can proceed with using the facility. A valid photo ID is the most basic requirement you should secure. It should reflect your current address and emergency contact once you sign your lease. Ask if you are covered by self-storage insurance. Tenants are often required to have insurance, which is provided through rental or homeowners' policy.

Lease Terms and Conditions

Frustration when using a self-storage facility often originates from the lack of a better understanding of the company’s terms and conditions. Before signing the lease agreement, make sure you have thoroughly understood the policies. If there are terms you are not clear about, ask questions.

Payments

Self-storage facilities have different payment options. It is important to ask the accepted payment options to avoid inconvenience. Aside from the payment options, also ask about how much notice the facility will require when ending your lease.

Self-Storage Misconceptions

Myth #1: Self-storage units are costly

Some customers who have not tried considering self-storage before may have a preconceived notion that the facility is too expensive. However, the prices are affordable and the additional fees you pay will depend on several factors, such as the size, location, and features of the unit.

Myth #2: Security is not guaranteed at self-storage facilities

Most self-storage facilities these days are equipped with security features to ensure that your belongings are stored safely. The security features include key code access, door alarms, video surveillance, and more. These facilities are also well-lit so resident managers can easily detect any suspicious behaviors.

Myth #3: Self-storage facilities provide limited services

Facilities have a vast range of self-storage resources depending on your needs. Self-storage services are not only meant to provide a space to keep your items, but also to ensure that your belongings are in good hands.

Myth #4: Self-storage units are outdated

Self-storage units never go out of style as many people still prefer them, especially on situations such as relocating or taking a vacation. Self-storage services are a whiff of fresh air because these can take care of your storage needs and ensure that a high storage standard is maintained.

How to get the most use of storage rental services in Tacoma WA

1. Know where you place your items

Even when placing items in a self-storage unit, there are still some instances when you need to remove certain belongings. This is why you need to make sure that you place the items you use frequently closer to the door for easier access. Also, label boxes or create a checklist so you will not have any difficulty finding your belongings when you need them.

2. Ensure items are insured

Avoid risking losing valuable items while keeping them in a storage unit as the fire or roof may collapse. The facility has no liability if your items are not insured. If you have an existing homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, you can ask the agent if the items you place in a self-storage unit are still covered under your insurance policy.

3. Take the environment into consideration

Your items could be damaged due to extreme temperatures. Wood furniture may warp due to extreme heat. You will need to check where the storage units are located and make sure that the facilities offer environmentally controlled units. Aside from temperature control, a facility must also offer pest control.

4. Avoid focusing on the price

When exploring self-storage unit options, avoid focusing only on the price. Since these facilities offer flexibility as you can access your belongings whenever you need them, you need to choose a company that offers services based on your needs. Finding a location that is nearby is also a practical option so you do not need to travel far just to access your items. If you are looking for storage rental services in Tacoma WA, be sure to focus on the services offered.

5. Create an inventory of your items

It is also important to know the items you place in a storage unit. Taking photographs or video of the items will help you remember the items. The inventory will also serve as a guide when deciding how much storage space you need. Aside from creating an inventory, list all items’ current and replacement value, so you will have an idea about the cost of buying the item brand new.

How to Invest in Self Storage Facilitiy

How to Invest in Self-storage

No matter how hard people deny it, there’s a bit of a hoarder in everyone. Somehow, a lot of people just cannot resist the urge to buy stuff and hold on to them for a long time. Even when some of these items have already gone beyond their usefulness, they are still kept for sentimental reasons or maybe in hopes that they can be used again someday.
The penchant of a lot of people to hold on to things that they do not necessarily need at the moment has helped the self-storage industry stay afloat. Even during times of recession, self-storage still managed to get profits unlike other forms of real estate.

Why Invest in Self-storage

A self-storage business is a good investment to put your money in. It belongs to an industry that is not affected adversely by economic swings. It’s also a business that does not require a lot of operational processes and capital infusion. You only need a piece of real estate property, storage containers, and a secure perimeter for this business. For those who do not want to run a self-storage business themselves, investing in self-storage companies would be a good option.
During recessions, when people are downsizing their homes, self-storage facilities remain to be high in demand. In most cases, it is cheaper to store their stuff inside self-storage facilities rather than to try to cram everything in a small apartment. Besides, it would be expensive to look for a bigger apartment just to accommodate all the accumulated furniture, fixtures, and other miscellaneous items.

On the other hand, when the economy is doing well, people tend to turn to storage facilities for excess items that result from their increased ability to purchase more goods. The more they buy and the less they throw away or give to others, the more they need additional space in which to store their items.
Experts in investing predict that the demand for self-storage units and facilities will remain high in the coming years. Anyone engaged in the self-storage business and those who have put their money into these businesses is in for great returns.

Opportunities to Invest in Self-Storage

There are many ways for you to tap into this market and cash in on its gains. Here is a couple:

• Stock Investment – The easiest way is for you to buy shares of stocks of publicly listed self-storage facilities. This works like any other stock investment. You simply have to contact a broker to look for a viable self-storage company where you can invest your money in. If this is your first time to invest in stocks, ask the broker to run you through an introduction to the rudiments of investing. This way, you have an idea about what to expect especially when it comes to risks, returns, and investment amount involved.
Carefully study the risks of investing in stocks and be wise about your choices. This goes for your choice of the broker as well. He should be able to give you credible information about the stocks that you are about to purchase. You should also do your own research on the financial viability of the self-storage company you are planning to invest in.
Try buying stocks of well-known storage facilities to ensure that you are getting stocks that have a high rate of returns. Well-known storage facilities, unlike smaller companies, have facilities all over the world. So even if one facility gets compromised, there are still more places where they get income. Stocks of well-known storage facilities are also more stable than smaller up and coming companies.

Take note of the amount of time within which you can reap the gains. There are some stocks take a number of years to make substantial gains. Ask about lock-in periods within which you cannot liquidate your stocks or recover your investment. There could also be restrictions when it comes to selling these stocks to realize your gains. It is best to find out what these restrictions are as well as the penalties and options you have for cashing in or opting out of the investment.

• Owning a self-storage facility – You can build a self-storage facility yourself. If you have a piece of property somewhere that’s just sitting empty, why not convert it to a self-storage facility? A self-storage facility takes less cost to build than a set of apartments. It also requires very little maintenance. This means there is no need to hire a full maintenance crew. In some cases, all you will need is one or two caretakers.
Building a self-storage facility is a more economical way to earn income from your real estate property. There is also no need to spruce up the place once the last tenant moves their stuff out. You do not need to hire an interior decorator to make the space beautiful. Just clean it up and place a for rent ad online. The turnover rate for self-storage facilities is also lower as people tend to hold on to their containers for long periods.

Your Risk Appetite and Investment Personality

Whether you choose to invest in self-storage stocks or set up your own self-storage business, there are always risks involved. It could be quite difficult for you if you do not have the heart to take these risks. Make sure that you know what you are getting into and that you are ready to face all the challenges that your choice will bring. The self-storage industry is one where lucrative options abound. It’s up to you to choose which one of these options you are ready to risk your money and resources on.

Self-storage facilities are easy investments that anybody can get into. Whether you choose to invest in an existing company or create your own storage facility will depend on your capacity to invest. You should dedicate ample time and effort to making sure your investment will flourish.

Think also about how this investment will affect your day to day spending and the long-term implications. Though there are proofs of success in this kind of investment, nothing is ever full proof. Always be aware of your rights as an investor. Do your research, go with reputable brokers, and take every precaution to protect your investment.

Storage Rental for Businesses and Organizations

How to Market a Storage Rental for Businesses and Organizations

Here are some great examples of what can be done to get the word out about such services:

1. Community marketing – community marketing can be a great way to help build awareness about self-storage rental for businesses and organizations. This is done by getting involved in the activities of the communities near the facility. Self-storage rental companies can join nearby community events like local fairs, conferences, town hall meetings, and other gatherings in order to become more visible.

Companies can also try holding events or sponsoring events within the storage rental premises and invite the members of the business community so that they can see the facilities. It will be good to have people who are known in the business community and are considered to be influential in the guest list. If these people like what they see, they would not only avail of the services but also endorse or recommend them to their peers.

2. Sponsoring events – many events are held every day and getting the word out about self-storage rentals can easily be done by sponsoring one or several of these events. This, of course, will require the company to spend money. A good way to address the budget issue is to work out an exchange deal with the event organizers.

Free services or fee waivers could be offered in exchange for having a booth in the event where the company’s representatives can connect with the attendees and gather leads. Ideal for these sponsorships are events where owners and ultimate decision-makers of businesses and organizations that are most likely to need self-storage facilities are present.

3. Referral marketing – the idea behind referral marketing is to have existing customers help in finding new customers for the self-storage rental company. This can often be done for only a fraction of the budget that is required for full-on marketing campaigns. What the self-storage company needs to do is to provide incentives that will encourage customers to refer the company to their family, friends, and colleagues.

In any referral marketing campaign, the quality of the company’s services and the perceived value of the incentives are critical elements. The customers need to be satisfied with the services that they are getting. At the same time, the incentives have to be attractive enough to compel the customers to actually give referrals. Some companies give free items while some offer discounts and free services to referring customers.

4. Traditional advertising – companies with advertising budgets can choose to buy spots in traditional tri-media. A short mention from the local TV news anchor or a local radio DJ would be a good idea. Choosing the time slots when business owners and organization leaders are listening would also make the ad more effective.

Companies that wish to advertise would have to consider the production side as well. TV and radio ads, for instance, would require writing a script and hire talents. Companies would have to spend time and effort to come up with their advertising materials.

5. Promotions – probably the simplest way to market companies that offer self-storage rental for businesses and organizations is to hold promotions. These could also be quite costly. Depending on the available budget, advertising can be done through various channels. Flyers, posters, and brochures can be printed for display and distribution.

Promotions can be in the form of general campaigns as billboard ads, posters in the lobbies of business buildings, print ads in leading newspapers, pop up internet ads, etc. They can also be done more strategically as targeted campaigns like direct mail special discount offers and business organization newsletter ad placements.

6. Printed materials – omnibus posters and flyers can be printed out for distribution to various audiences. Flyers can be left in take-one racks at convenience stores, bookstores, furniture stores, home depots, and other places where people usually go. Posters can be displayed in community bulletin boards, school announcement boards, and similar locations. To distinguish the brand from all the other companies using the same marketing channel, a self-storage rental company should ensure that its printed materials are well-designed and strategically displayed.

7. Freebies and giveaways – unlike fast-moving consumer goods like food, clothes, and gadgets, self-storage rental for businesses and organizations do not have any tangible product that they can give as free samples to organizations. To help promote their brand, companies can give out pens, hats, t-shirts, caps, and other promotional items. Aside from the company logo, the complete company details should be printed on the promotional items so that businesses and organizations can easily call or visit if they have inquiries.

All-occasion gifts to business owners, organization officers, and ultimate decision-makers can also be given. Corporate gifts and tokens are likewise popular during special events and holidays like Christmas, and Valentine’s Day. The gift does not have to be extremely expensive. More importantly, it has to be something that will be useful to the recipient and something that will make them remember the brand.

It is important to note that some companies have gift-giving policies that prevents employees and officers from receiving gifts. There are some that allow gifts that exceed a maximum value asset in their policies.

8. Tie-ups and partnerships with moving companies – moving companies can help build a clientele for self-storage rentals. Their own clients would most likely have the need for storage services as well. These clients are usually those who are downsizing or relocating their offices. Such a tie-up could entail giving commissions for every new customer that is referred by the moving company.
Partnerships and tie-ups can also extend the reach of the advertising efforts of companies offering self-storage rental for businesses and organizations. These businesses can arrange to have their logos and corporate information appear in each other’s promotional materials.

9. Social media marketing – this is one of the more popular ways to market various businesses these days. It is relatively inexpensive, yet flexible enough to serve the specific needs of each company. For companies offering self-storage rental for businesses and organizations, having a social media marketing officer would be a good idea. This officer will take care of all the social media activities of the company and its target audience. He will also be responsible for conceptualizing, implementing, and monitoring various social media campaigns to generate leads and eventually increase the number of customers availing of self-storage rentals.

Just like any other business, a self-storage rental should have a well-thought-of of the marketing plan. Not all marketing initiatives are effective for all self-storage rentals. Choosing the ways to market the company would have to depend on what its business goals are.

10 Ways to Save Money on Self Storage

Here’s something to remember though, when it comes to renting storage units

Tacoma’s top facilities can be expensive, especially for those on a tight budget.

To allot a chunk of budget for storage rent is a leap and needs to be justified by utilizing the space and making sure that the need to rent one is necessary in the first place.

Sort it out

The first step before considering a self-storage unit is to sort out your house. Make a list of the major furniture that you want to set aside then picture each room without it. After that, declutter and reorganize each room. Chances are, you already have more space in your house and the excess valuables can either be put in a storage space or a yard sale.

Sort out what’s valuable and what’s not. Many tend to hoard and get emotionally attached to their possessions that can cause their homes to look jammed or crowded. Note that if you are planning to store a piece of furniture only to keep it boxed after taking it home again, it has to go.

Find the right unit

After finalizing the furniture or stuff needed to be stored, you need to look for the appropriate kind of unit. Search for a right storage unit that is good for your crafts and art collection, or seasonal household supplies, recreational and lawn furniture, or even antiques. There are a number of storage types like indoor, outdoor, standard, heated, and climate-controlled spaces that will not damage your belongings.

Do not settle once you find a self-storage facility near your home. Search for all the self-storage units near you and compare their price range. If possible, you can even search for areas that offer low-cost rent spaces with larger units.

Size up your options

Note that the smaller the storage unit, the more money one can possibly save. After finding a reasonable priced-facility, drop by and see it for yourself. Picture how you can pile up your furniture. Use your Tetris game skills and plan on making it a puzzle with every space filled from top to bottom.

Measure the length and width of your belongings and plan on categorizing each stuff that can safely be placed at the bottom.

Negotiate

Finding a reasonable price is a step but negotiating to make it more affordable is another. Avoid settling on what’s on the paper and inquire if there are lower rates other than the ones they advertised. Justify why your request is needed. Not all prices are fixed and make sure to tally the price range.

Share the space

Consider sharing the space. Ask your friends, a relative, or co-workers who are also planning to rent a storage space. In this case, you can rent larger units that meet both of your desired budgets.

Store it elsewhere

If you have large furniture or household supplies that are quite big, try lending it to a friend or a relative. You can also post an ad online to have your recreational equipment rented. This can be your time to be creative and acquire an entrepreneurial attitude. Turn your excess belongings into events equipment for extra income. If there’s really no room in your house, who says it has to stay there ‘always’?

Just note to store your most used belongings near the entrance of your storage units or somewhere that is easier to access. Pile up your belongings in a way that is convenient for you. If you constantly rearrange the piles in your storage, it might eventually damage or break some of the equipment.

Look for perks

As you negotiate for a lower rent rate, inquire or search if they are offering discount storage units. Tacoma’s biggest storage firms offer specials or discounts for students, the military, or members of certain organizations. Some even offer discounts for recreational items like kayaks and boat gears.

Ask for free racks and compartments. Make use of the occasional freebies or any perks that make your renting transaction smooth and convenient.

Inquire if you can have a free moving truck or assistance if you pay a few months ahead. There are also coupons or promos that are posted on self-storage websites during certain seasons that you can look forward to.

Box it properly

It is best to box your equipment and compartmentalize those that are irregular in shape or too small. Use bubble wraps on fragile antiques or glassware and make sure to put them on top of the pile. You can wrap fragile lamps, figurines, or porcelain items in an old newspaper. Make sure that all items are dry before packing. At times, the ink on the newspaper can be transferred to your delicate glassware.

It is a must that you label each box and categorizes before moving on whether they are fragile or not. Place mothballs and insect repellant sprays in the storage units to ensure that rodents or insects won’t damage your belongings. If possible, place a dehumidifier in the unit.

Make an inventory

Make sure you have an inventory of everything that you put on the storage unit. You can make one while boxing and labeling your equipment, as well as when placing things in your storage unit. This can be helpful when categorizing your items based on weight.

This way, you can also monitor the items you take out or add-in. It may be a tedious habit but knowing you have all your equipment on a checklist after the renting period can be a relief.

Have it ensured

Lastly, look for a storage facility that offers insurance for your items, especially if you have high-value items or antiques. If you’ll be renting storage units, Tacoma’s best facilities should be able to protect your personal items – providing assurance that everything is covered for cases of fire, theft, storms, or other accidents.