A SELF STORAGE - EXPERIENCE

The price you pay to store may not be so cheap if you store with the wrong operator. Make sure the facility you rent at has these features:

SSA Member: Facilities that belong to the national Self Storage Association are storage experts. They can help you select the proper size space, answer all your storage questions, and provide you with the latest in storage services.

Approved to Offer Tenant Insurance: Facilities must meet strict standards and have a good track record before an Insurance company will approve them to offer storage insurance.

Not too Large: Large companies with facilities all over the country can not provide the flexibility and personal service of a regional operator.

Not a Public Company: Many storage facilities are now owned by public companies (REITS). As these companies must distribute 95% of their earnings to shareholders each year, maintenance and improvements are usually a low priority.

These items are the basics. When you call, E-mail or visit a facility, ask about their background. You are going to be storing your valuables with them.