{"id":145,"date":"2016-04-04T22:30:38","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T22:30:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.sandymidvaleministorage.com\/blog2\/?p=39"},"modified":"2016-04-04T22:30:38","modified_gmt":"2016-04-04T22:30:38","slug":"39-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/apexstorageutah.com\/39-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Questions for Existing Customers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p dir=\"ltr\">Sand Mini Storage&#8217;s blog is full of tricks and tips\u00a0for getting the most out of your self storage\u00a0experience, from how to store furniture to how to avoid unexpected moving expenses.\u00a0We are the premier self storage facility in the Sandy, Midvale and West Jordan area of Utah.\u00a0But being as close to the subject as we are, it\u2019s not always possible for us to anticipate all of the problems that first-time storage renters might face. To get a better idea of issues faced by new renters and the solutions they came up with, we asked our customers a simple question:<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span id=\"more-3545\"><\/span>What is one tip or piece of advice you\u2019d like to share with other people researching and booking a storage unit?<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The following are some of the responses people gave:<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>1. Finding the Appropriate Size<br \/>\n<\/strong>One of the most common problems encountered by new renters is size expectations not meeting reality. Some felt misled by size guidelines supplied by the facility or booking service:<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cDon\u2019t just follow the standard size guidelines. Every site said I needed a 10\u00d715, but I actually needed a 10\u00d720, at minimum. Take the time to figure out the size of your furniture and the volume of your boxes.\u201d<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sparefoot.com\/self-storage\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2013\/05\/tape-measure.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3547 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sparefoot.com\/self-storage\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2013\/05\/tape-measure.jpg\" alt=\"tape-measure\" width=\"580\" height=\"350\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Like this customer, many found they\u2019d underestimated the size they needed and recommended going with a larger unit to err on the side of caution:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cMake sure you realize that the storage unit sizes are not always as large as they seem.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cDon\u2019t underestimate the size of the unit you will need.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Other renters offered advice on how to better estimate the size you need:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cThe best way to figure out what size you need is by experimenting with how your things fit together using an empty corner in your home, then measuring the best fit.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cBe organized and know exactly what\u2019s going into the unit in order to make sure you book the right size.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">One of the best pieces of advice was a reminder that while storage units\u00a0are listed in two dimensions, taking advantage of that third dimension is an important part of fitting everything in:<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cRealize that even though the size of the room is small, your items can always be stacked. You aren\u2019t reserving a space that is 5 feet tall.\u201d<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Actually, storage units generally are between 8 and 10 feet tall.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">There&#8217;s a reason why the height of a storage unit is listed. An extra few feet make a big difference when it comes to fitting more into your storage unit. Just be careful not to over load your unit to the point where an object could possible fall or crush other items stored below.<\/p>\n<p><strong>2. Choosing a Facility<br \/>\n<\/strong>One of the biggest\u00a0decision when it comes to storing your belongings is choosing the right storage unit for you.\u00a0\u00a0While a lot of customers recommended using the Internet to find and compare facilities, many also advocated checking out the facility in person before signing a lease:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cGo to the unit in person to check on the security and appearance of the unit you require.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cThe Internet is easiest way to find storage. But after looking at facilities online, you need to physically check out the ones you have selected.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Other customers added that the perks a facility offers\u2013and potential downsides, like limited opening hours or additional fees\u2013often can be more important than price itself:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cCheck out at least 3 facilities and compare them, apples to apples, including any move in discounts and free truck usage.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cAsk about time access to your unit as far as entrance goes. Ask about any rate increases and additional fees and insurance. For example, do they have a truck available to help you with your move?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sparefoot.com\/self-storage\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2013\/05\/self-storage-unit.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3550 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sparefoot.com\/self-storage\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2013\/05\/self-storage-unit.jpg\" alt=\"HPIM0966.JPG\" width=\"580\" height=\"386\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">One of these most important perks is <a href=\"http:\/\/blog.sparefoot.com\/1060-avoid-summer-damage-with-climate-controlled-storage\/\">climate control<\/a>, which is more expensive but helps guarantee the well-being of your belongings:<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cCheaper is not always better. The extra $5 or $10 you may pay each month is well worth the peace of mind knowing that your items are secure, free from pests and ever-changing weather.\u201d<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Finally, our favorite hint on finding the right facility:<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cFinding a facility is simple and easy with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sparefoot.com\/\">SpareFoot<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>3. Getting the Right Price<br \/>\n<\/strong>The most common piece of advice for getting a low price on a unit was to expand your search area:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cI found that storage is cheaper in the outlying areas of town and surrounding communities.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cAt first I wanted a storage location closer to where I live, but this one was better by far than those close to home.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cShop around, try other cities nearby.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sparefoot.com\/self-storage\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2013\/05\/price.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3548 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sparefoot.com\/self-storage\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2013\/05\/price.jpg\" alt=\"price\" width=\"580\" height=\"535\" \/><\/a>Perhaps our most most budget-minded customer recommended some old-fashioned haggling to score a deal:<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cShop around for prices: you can usually bargain for first month free!\u201d<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>4. Sizing Up the Unit<br \/>\n<\/strong>Many respondents suggested giving the storage unit itself a thorough inspection before signing any paperwork:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cMeasure the inside of the unit: sometimes measurements like 5\u2032 x 5\u2032 are not exact.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cMake sure you check the lock holder on your new unit. Sometimes they are loose from wear and tear.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cMake sure the storage unit is not easily floodable.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>5. Watching Out for Extra Fees<br \/>\n<\/strong>It is important to make sure that your storage unit is insured. Some home owner&#8217;s or renter&#8217;s policies may cover a storage unit. To be sure, you should check with your insurance agent,<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Sandy Mini Storage offers storage-unit insurance through a third-party insurance company&#8211;Storesmart Insurance. These plans are simply, straight forward and inexpensive. Having a peace of mind will always put you at ease.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cMake sure to see if there are any added fees like the \u2018admin\u2019 fee that they charged me an $20 extra for.\u201dA lot of storage facilities add an administration fee. Sandy Mini Storage believes that an administration fee is generally unnecessary and is simply a way many storage facilities get extra money from their customers.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>6. Making the Move<br \/>\n<\/strong>Finally, after selecting a facility and a unit and filling out the paperwork, many renters offered solid advice on what to do when you\u2019re actually moving into your storage facility.\u00a0A<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cMake sure you call before you arrive at the facility because some facilities are closed for lunch or at other designated times. They could also be closed due to an emergency or a shortage of staff.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cDon\u2019t just assume things went smoothly on the facility\u2019s end. Call the facility to confirm your reservation, including the size and price of the unit prior to moving in.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sparefoot.com\/self-storage\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2013\/05\/moving.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3549 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sparefoot.com\/self-storage\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2013\/05\/moving.jpg\" alt=\"moving\" width=\"580\" height=\"393\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Others dished out some superb packing tips:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cIf you have furniture, remember to bring a blanket, sheet or canvas to lay out to protect it from the concrete floor.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">\u201cLeave some extra empty space inside the unit if you think you\u2019ll ever need to get to anything while it\u2019s in storage. You can\u2019t find anything unless you move it all out of the storage unit, and after that you\u2019ll have to put it back. Lots of wasted time.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sand Mini Storage&#8217;s blog is full of tricks and tips\u00a0for getting the most out of your self storage\u00a0experience, from how to store furniture to how to avoid unexpected moving expenses.\u00a0We are the premier self storage facility in the Sandy, Midvale and West Jordan area of Utah.\u00a0But being as close to the subject as we are,&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/apexstorageutah.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/145"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/apexstorageutah.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/apexstorageutah.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/apexstorageutah.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/apexstorageutah.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=145"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/apexstorageutah.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/145\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/apexstorageutah.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=145"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/apexstorageutah.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=145"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/apexstorageutah.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=145"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}