Friday, November 18, 2011

How Self Storage Works

By Adriana Noton


Self storage is a popular industry in the United States. The term refers to space that is rented or leased out to tenants, usually on a monthly basis, for storage purposes. These businesses may over storing space that is as small as containers and lockers, or as large as rooms and outdoor spaces. Businesses and individuals may be tenants at a storage facility.

Space are usually rentable or leasable. A self-storage facility, also called self-service or mini, is different from a warehouse. A primary difference is that an employee at a storing facility does not have access to the contents within a unit. In fact, employees are only able to take possession of the stored contents if a lien is placed because of rent not being paid. However, when this occurs, most state laws require an public auction to be held.

In the US, it is legal to hold a lien sale or auction to vacate a non-paying tenant. Auctions are open to the general public. Most bidders are concerned with buying the property so that they can resale it for a higher price. These facility owners use the money to cover unpaid dues. If a tenant pays their bill before the auction begins, they can reclaim his or her space and items. Bidders are allowed to see the inside of the unit but are not permitted to touch its contents. The highest bidder is awarded the unit, and its entire contents, as is.

Modern forms of these facilities did not appear until the 1960s. There was a slow down of business during the 1990s, when demand outdid supply and there was a growth in these businesses. Since then, things have leveled out.

Storing spaces will vary in size. Some of the most common dimensions of these rooms: 20x20, 15x20, 10x20, 10x10, and 10x5. The window-less rooms are usually fronted with a metal door that rolls up and walled with metal. Most facilities have security cameras, alarms, and guards, but tenants are responsible or making sure their space is properly locked. These types of buildings are usually accessible 24 hours a day. They may have outdoor storing space, climate-controlled spaces, and power or light outlets.

Traditional units are commonly found in rural or suburban areas. They include a single-story facility that is accessible by car. Most units that are within a building are considered climate controlled. These units may be in a multiple-story facility. Most businesses offer dollies and rolling carts for tenants who need to move their property.

Storing units are becoming more widely used. It is estimated that they are commonplace in many American households. As lifestyles change-marriage, divorce, life, death, retirements, moving-the demand increases. Most tenants use the space to store household goods. They are responsible for making sure their space is properly locked. A business with access to a unit may use it for inventory and archives.

Both businesses and individuals make use of self storage. The units, which range in size from small to large, are available to rent or lease. Generally these buildings are highly secured, but in the event that a tenant does not pay what is owed for rent, a space can be auctioned off to the general public, to cover unpaid fees.




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