Rental Industry News Today

This writer never failed to chuckle whenever he used to see the corporate slogan which was once emblazoned on the sides of U-Haul rentals:

Adventure In Moving

It’s an adventure, all right, I used to mumble under my breath. Right up there with putting all my excess stuff into a rented self storage unit.

Thinking Inside the Box

A January 5, 2013 story in the New Haven Register spotlights a growing trend in the way individuals, families, and businesses move their belongings from place to place. This trend has the potential to make moving somewhat less of an adventure.

Now instead of buying cardboard boxes and assembling them, or scavenging at local stores and dumpsters to get the moving boxes you need, you can simply contact a business which will rent you the boxes you need to move. They will drop them off at your place, and pick them up when you’re done.

And these boxes are not cardboard; they are durable plastic. If you’ve ever moved when it’s raining you know what an advantage this can be. Water and cardboard just don’t mix well:

When it comes to moving, Allie Madlener of Wallingford may just be an expert.

As a Realtor for Weichert Realty Co., she’s busy every day helping clients find just the right house. And as a person living in the real world, she’s moved enough times to know that it takes a lot of cardboard boxes.

“You have to figure out how many you need, then go and buy them, then pack them up — and then once you’ve unpacked, you have to figure out how to get rid of them, which usually means hauling them to the landfill for recycling,” she said.

But last year, when Madlener and her husband, Alex, were downsizing from a full-size Woodbridge family home to a condo on the Wallingford/North Haven line, she made a discovery that revolutionized the way she….continue.

Severed Star’s Spiteful Suit Slams Show Producers

image: aetv.com

Rates Self Storage Titan a “Conviction Buy”

According to an October 22, 2012 post at StreetInsider.com, Wall Street investment firm Goldman Sachs has initiated coverage by adding self storage company Extra Space Storage to its Conviction Buy List.

The firms Conviction Buy List is a roster of stocks the investment bank’s research team expects to outperform. The investment firm’s recommendations focus on either the size of the potential return or the likelihood of the realization of the return, according to Goldman Sachs.

Shares of Extra Space Storage (EXR) closed at $33.44 on October 21st, with a 52 week range of $19.70-$35.17. Goldman Sachs puts the initial target for Extra Space stock at $40, which would represent a 21% potential upside.

Innovation Pays Dividends

Extra Space Storage is the second largest self storage company in the United States, with over 900 facilities under management.

Extra Space has a reputation as in innovator in the self storage industry. In 2011, after a feasibility study, the company began an ambitious program to install solar panels at all of its New Jersey locations. This move not only provides sustainable Green energy, it will provide ROI and acts as an incentive to acquire environmentally conscious customers. Extra Space’s goal is to have over 100 solar installations completed by the close of 2012.

Why It’s Called A Law

A story dated September 19, 2012 in the Chicago Daily Herald adds credence to the old adage that truth is indeed stranger than fiction, and provides evidence for the theory of the law of attraction described in the best seller The Secret.

If you were going to choose a place to stash your ill gotten gain from the alleged sale of dope, you might think twice about tempting the laws of attraction by choosing a locale that included the name Lock Up.

Yet apparently, that’s what Federal authorities uncovered in an investigation of the activities of a Chicago resident related to a drug operation.

He Did Not Choose…..Wisely

In short, the accused subject did not choose wisely when he selected a public self storage facility to warehouse the profits from the sale of his illegal contraband. He chose, of all places, a self storage business by the name of Lock Up Self Storage.

So now, in keeping with the law of attraction, he is locked up.

In a way, it’s unfortunate investigators stumbled upon the lease agreement for the storage unit after the man was arrested. Had they not been tipped off to the use of the storage unit, it potentially would have made for a jaw dropping episode of Storage Wars.

We’ll Start The Bidding At 500 Thousand

Imagine if our unlucky suspect had gone to jail without the authorities finding his self storage stash. When the unpaid rent on the unit finally forced the proprietors to auction off the contents, here is what bidders would have found behind the locked door, according to court documents:

•    133 one-hundred troy ounce silver bars
•    547 ten troy ounce silver bars
•    859 five troy ounce silver bars
•    10,001 one troy ounce silver rounds
•    Five 5-gallon buckets filled with gold and silver coins
•    $75,000 in cash

Total value of the contents of the self storage unit was estimated at 1.4 million bucks. Can you say: Jackpot!

Hindsight is 20/20, but going forward it might behoove aspiring criminals to select somewhere other than a public self storage business to squirrel away their lucre. But if indeed they must, perhaps a look at actual storage rental businesses with the name Strongbox, Fortress, or even Extra Space would be a wiser choice.

Residents and business owners in the Boston suburb of Waltham, Ma who want to do business with a public self storage facility that is clean, secure, and staffed by knowledgeable professionals are invited to visit Extra Space Self Storage.

Conveniently located just off Interstate 95 at 195 Bear Hill Road, this imposing structure offers indoor heated and climate controlled storage units in a variety of sizes to fit your storage needs.

Extra Space is customer focused, a dynamic, growing company, and currently the second largest self storage provider in the USA. One visit to this site and you’ll see why.

Among the amenities:
1.    Multiple video cameras capturing activity throughout the property
2.    Electronic coded gate access for restricted secure entry
3.    Climate-controlled units to protect from humidity and temperature extremes
4.    Convenient freeway access
5.    Sturdy moving carts let you easily move heavy and bulky items
6.    Lifts available for hassle-free upper-floor access
7.    Loading dock for smooth loading and unloading
8.    Covered loading bay keeps you protected from the elements
9.    RV Storage - Recreational vehicle spaces.

Call or stop by this self storage fortress and see for yourself what they have to offer. Their staff will be happy to give you a tour and answer your questions. Seeing is believing.

When evaluating self storage facilities before choosing a Miami-Dade County rental self storage unit, there are several important considerations which generally make the checklists of prospective renters.

Cost, convenience, security, and staff professionalism are usually at the top of most storage shoppers’ lists, and apply to both both standard and climate controlled storage options.

There is one sometimes overlooked item which is also important and warrants attention from those shopping for self storage units for rent. That factor is the cleanliness of the facility. In the humid, sub-tropical climate experienced in the Greater Miami, Florida metropolitan area, this is especially true.

A Clean Storage Facility Is Important

Why is a clean facility important? A clean self storage business is much less likely to attract pests and rodents. This is vitally important when storing furniture, clothing, and pharmaceuticals. You do not want to be bringing in any new and uninvited house guests when you remove your items from storage and bring them into your residence or business, nor do you want your items in storage to be damaged by infestation. Be sure to ask management what measures they take to maintain a clean and pest free environment.

Cleanliness evaluation starts when you pull into the parking lot. Are the facility grounds well maintained and free of litter and debris? If there is landscaping, is it healthy and well cared for? It’s a good sign when the management is aware of curb appeal to customers.

Pay attention to the office environment as well. Is the office area clean and orderly, desks organized, and floors sparkling? Is there a lingering odor, especially of smoke? Not a good sign. Have the trash cans been emptied? When was the last time this office saw a paint brush?

A Hard Place To Hide

A great place to check to get an idea of the management attitude toward maintaining a clean environment is the public restroom. A dingy restroom that makes you feel like you might need to take a shower after you get home is an indicator that perhaps the facility is not focused on cleanliness.

Another spot to check to get an idea of the cleanliness culture of the facility is the dumpster storage area. Is there trash outside the dumpsters? Are there fenced enclosures around the dumpsters, and if so, are they well maintained and free of dirt? Are the dumpsters overflowing or the lids unclosed? This is a prime spot to check as it will be a pest and rodent magnet if it is unclean and/or disorderly. Some customers might leave it that way temporarily, but a good management team won’t let the dumpster area go unchecked.

So if you live in the Miami-Dade County area and are considering renting a self storage unit, do take cost, security, and staff professionalism into account, but with all the wildlife and pests known to inhabit this region, the overall cleanliness of your prospective self storage rental facility is an important factor you’d benefit from not overlooking.

Recovered Stolen Property Includes Electronics

The Canon City, Colorado Daily record reports on 8-27-2012 that an investigation into 20 burglaries of storage units and businesses in Fremont, Custer and Chaffee counties in Colorado has led to the arrest of two suspects. The area is southwest of Colorado Springs.

Fremont County detectives recovered an estimated $200,000 worth of stolen property from two large self-storage units in Fremont County. Detectives have so far been able to return only $20,000 worth of the confiscated goods back to owners who had filed police reports.

Property waiting to be returned to its rightful owners, if they can be identified, includes motorcycles, a trailer mounted welder, tools, sporting goods, electronics, firearms, collectibles and household goods.

Valued At More Than $180,000

With more than $180,000 worth of recovered items still unclaimed, detectives ask that anyone who has rented a storage unit in Fremont or surrounding counties check their property and report any missing items to police in their local area.

Theft victims who have filed a police report may call 719- 276-5620 for information on viewing the property.

Know What To Look For

This story illustrates the importance of knowing what to look for when renting a secure self storage unit, as well as proper insurance which would cover theft of any valuable items. Renting a self storage unit from a provider with good security will greatly lessen the chances of theft, and proper insurance coverage will protect you in the event the unthinkable should happen.

According to a story released by The Auburn Reporter on August 27th, 2012, King County, Washington fire investigators have made an arrest in connection with the July 11th arson fire which destroyed much of a self storage facility in Auburn, Wa.

Mike Aguilar was arrested and charged with arson in the second degree, a class B felony. A charge of arson in the second degree means the suspect is accused of knowingly and maliciously causing a fire or explosion which results in damage to a structure. Aguilar faces a term of 10 years in prison, a $20,000 fine, or both if found guilty.

The four-alarm fire required the attention of over 60 firefighters from several departments to control and is estimated to have caused nearly a million dollars in damage to the building and contents. The fire raged for hours before being extinguished.

The story serves as a graphic reminder of the importance of adequate renters insurance for the possessions stored in a self storage rental facility. The fire consumed the contents of nearly two thirds of the units comprising the business, and most of the contents of the affected self storage units were destroyed. Any items stored in the damaged units were likely a complete uncompensated loss if they were not covered by adequate insurance.

Many self storage facilities offer their customers renters insurance as an additional charge to help protect them from loss in the event of an unexpected occurrence like fire, theft, or weather damage. It’s a safe bet that those who had renter’s insurance for items which were consumed in the fire are very glad they did.

Residents of highly populated areas like Houston, Texas might be cautious regarding rental of a self storage unit because they are concerned about how secure their belongings will be if they are stored off site. It is true that security measures do vary from one self storage location to another, and it is important to know what to look for when deciding where to rent a Houston storage unit.

News stories about Houston area self storage break ins occasionally make the news. These stories usually relate how crooks hack the lock off the door of a storage unit and steal its contents. Closer scrutiny of these crimes shows they tend to happen at self storage facilities that do not offer security measures beyond a fence and a lock that is placed on the unit by the renter of the storage space.

These stories are very much the exception. The vast majority of Houston self storage facilities are very concerned about the security of their customers’ belongings. They are very aware that their business and reputation are dependent upon maintaining a very secure environment. They also know that a fence and a lock on the door are only two of many important considerations to deter theft.

What To Look For

So what do you need to examine when evaluating a facility for self storage?
The best thing you can do is to visit the prospective location after dark. You’ll want to see how well lit the facility is as this is a prime deterrent to would be thieves.

The fence around the storage facility you are evaluating should be well maintained and build to a height which will deter both two and four legged intruders. The access point into the facility should feature a very secure door or gate which requires a pass code to gain entry.

Look for coverage by security cameras not only of the access point, but of the grounds which comprise the facility as well. If a criminal knows he is being video recorded, he is much more inclined to seek another target.

Some self storage providers offer units which have individual alarms in addition to the aforementioned measures. If an intruder gets into the facility and removes the lock on your unit, an alarm will still go off when the door to your unit is opened.

Resident Managers Are A Strong Deterrent

As much as all the above will deter thieves, there is one security facet which is not offered at all self storage businesses: a resident who lives on the grounds and is part of a 24 hour a day human presence. Managers who live on the premises of the storage facility are a major deterrent to thieves, as they can respond quickly to any alarm and notify law enforcement the alarm is genuine. They also are aware of any suspicious goings on and act as first responders in any security related situation. Word that a storage business has a resident manager travels around the community and has a tendency to decrease criminal activity.

Storing your personal possessions or business inventory at a Houston area self storage facility which incorporates all the security measures mentioned herein means you can rest assured your items are safe and sound. Nevertheless, don’t lose sight of this: Houston is not immune to natural disasters, especially tornadoes, so get insurance on valuables or irreplaceable possessions. The combination of a secure location and proper renters insurance adds up to peace of mind.

On a warm summer day it’s nice to be able to open the windows and let some fresh air flow through your residence.  From time to time living quarters can feel a bit stuffy and allowing some outdoor air to flow into your space usually makes you feel better.

Getting Organized Makes You Feel Positive and Productive

Another warm weather activity that makes you feel positive is cleaning out some crowded and cluttered areas of the home or apartment and getting organized. The Spring and Summer months provide a timely opportunity to do this too, as you don’t have to be concerned with cold air blasting inside as you move things in and out of the house or garage. The yard, patio, or a large interior room make a great staging area as you rearrange items which just don’t seem to be in the right place.

As possessions are accumulated after you move into a residence, many times you just can’t seem to find the right spot to store an item, but you don’t want to take it out to the curb for the garbage truck, and you really don’t want to offer it for sale. Public self storage units for rent are a great place to safely and securely harbor these items. Seasonal items, furniture, musical instruments and old personal records are examples of items which can be stored off site in order to free up extra space in your dwelling. In addition if you live in geographic region that gets warm and humid in the summer months, self storage facilities lease air cooled and climate controlled storage units.

That Pesky Pile of Wires and Electronic Junk

Another type of item often confronting the beginning organizer is the accumulation of electronics like computers, monitors, televisions, and game consoles which you weren’t quite ready to abandon until you were sure their replacements worked as advertised. These discard piles have the potential to take on a life of their own  and can seem to grow exponentially as the days of the calendar fly by. There’s even a term for this electronic junk now. It’s call electronic waste, or E-waste.

You won’t want to store these old items and you won’t be using them anymore. They’re also so outdated that donating them is unfeasible since nobody will take them. You can’t set them out on the curb because the garbage crew won’t pick them up either. What to do? Recycle them!

E-waste Recycling Collection Points To The Rescue

The demand for properly disposing of unwanted, outdated, or just plain broken electronic equipment in a manner that is environmentally safe has led to the development of recycling collection locations that accept e-waste. Progressive communities have special centers or businesses where unwanted electronics and e-waste can be taken for proper disposal. Many of these services are offered free of charge or for a very nominal fee.

For example, in the State of California, an organization called Greenspot Dropoff has teamed up with a number of self storage businesses to create e-waste recycling collection points. One of the largest self storage companies in the state, Extra Space Self Storage, is going all-in and is making every one of their self storage facilities in California an e-waste collection point. So, if you have an Extra Space location in your community, you have a convenient place to take your e-waste clutter for proper disposal. Municipalities like Sacramento, Compton, Carson, Irvine, Long Beach, San Leandro, El Cajon, Lake Elsinore, Emeryville and Cerritos are among many that offer e-waste recycling drop off at the local Extra Space Self Storage locations.

Searching online for an e-waste recycling center in your environs is a good way to learn about and find electronics recycling centers and how they can be of benefit to everyone. Another idea is to call your local government or landfill operator to inquire about to proper disposal of unwanted computers and electronic waste.

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As home to an airport and one of the largest ports in the country, Long Beach, Ca is a departure point for many overseas excursions. Undoubtedly, some of these flights and cruises take individuals overseas for an extended stay, if not an outright relocation. So what are some practical considerations for your furniture and belongings if you are going overseas for several months or several years?

You can elect to rent or sublet your home, condo, or apartment fully furnished to someone, which could be ideal if you’re pretty familiar with the individual to whom you are renting. This way you don’t have to sell or store your furniture and can keep your friendly familiar space for when and if you return.

Another option is to give up your space and ship your furniture overseas. This is not only an expensive option; it can also become both a planning and logistical challenge. Besides running into many thousands of dollars cost wise, it requires jumping through a lot of hoops like customs as well as determining if some items, like mattresses, will even be allowed into the country to which you are moving. Be prepared for a lot of your possessions to be inspected and pass thorough the hands of various third parties. As a rule of thumb, shipping furniture and possessions is only practical if the items have great value. It is much more practical to sell off what you can, give away or donate the rest, and simply buy replacements in your new surroundings.

Most individuals in this situation elect to move their possessions into secure self storage. This way, you keep your options open if things don’t work out and you decide to return to home sweet home. Self storage businesses are very familiar with individuals in this situation, and can offer practical suggestions to make the best of the situation.

Fortunately, the metro Long Beach area is home to a number of very good professionally staffed and managed self storage facilities. They offer storage solutions which can accommodate a single room, right up to the contents of an entire home. Many also offer boat and vehicle storage as well, so you can deal with one provider. Bear in mind that some items like upholstered furniture are best stored in climate controlled facilities, especially if they are susceptible to humidity and temperature extremes.

Talk to a reputable local storage provider. They will be happy to share their knowledge and experience to help you manage your possessions, and allow you peace of mind while you’re away.

According to a press release from prnewswire.com, Storage Post Self Storage has launched an integrated, Spanish-language version of its website in a strategic move to reach a wider demographic. The translated website features information about Storage Post, customized self-storage options and a blog with storage tips. 

Spanish-speaking Web users can search for self-storage locations by state, city or ZIP code, and access specific information about each Storage Post facility. Headquartered in Atlanta, the company currently operates self-storage locations in Georgia, Louisiana, New Jersey and New York.

“Our hope is to attract and serve a broader audience who require self-storage,” said Susie O’Connell, vice president of communications. In addition, Storage Post also plans to increase its marketing and communication strategies toward the Spanish-speaking public.

The move continues a trend by self storage companies to make it easier for Spanish speaking potential customers to search for self storage units.

Going Green and recycling are integral parts of an ongoing effort to raise awareness of what you can do to help keep your environment healthy and sustainable. If you are getting organized and need to rent a self storage unit in Long Beach, CA you can also recycle your e-waste instead of throwing it away.

An important aspect of protecting the environment is utilizing electronics recycling and proper e-waste disposal, especially computer recycling, according to the EPA. Choosing to recycle electronics versus setting them on the curb on garbage day or throwing them into a dumpster is going Green in a big way.

One of the worst options for disposing of electronics is sending them to a landfill. Not only is this practice wasteful, it is also extremely harmful as toxins and chemicals contaminate the earth and water supply as, over time, they leach out of the electronic waste. 

Environmentally friendly alternatives to sending outdated or unusable electronic equipment to the landfill are becoming better known. For example, an organization known as Greenspot Dropoff now makes it easier to find a convenient location to take your unwanted computer, tv and related electronics for safe disposal. Best of all, the service is free.

Greenspot Dropoff was founded in California in 2009 to promote as well as provide a responsible way to dispose of e-waste. Currently most Greenspot Dropoff locations are in California and Texas. Greenspot’s goal is to build out and establish electronics recycling drop off locations within 10 miles of most population centers in the USA. 

So what can you recycle at Greenspot Dropoff? With the exception of appliances, if you can plug it in and it has a circuit board, they will accept it: televisions, fax machines, oscilloscopes, computer monitors, optical drives, PC boards, DVD players, laptops, VCRs, keyboards, printers, radios, computer mice, and stereo components are all eligible. They’ll also take cables and cords.  

On March 9th of 2012, the e-waste recycling program received a significant boost when Greenspot Dropoff announced an alliance with Extra Space self storage facilities including 48 of their locations in California. Extra Space Self Storage is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and is the second largest self storage provider in the United States.

Now businesses and individuals in cities like Long Beach, California can take advantage of e-waste recycling at self storage unit rental providers and the community will benefit not only environmentally, but financially as well. Extra Space and Greenspot have pledged to donate one dollar to schools and charitable organizations for each CRT monitor, television, computer, flat screen and laptop brought to any participating Extra Space location for recycling.

Regardless of whether you live in the areas currently served by Greenspot Dropoff and their partners like Extra Space, it will benefit you and future generations to recycle your e-waste at a facility or drop off that will dispose of it properly. An online search usually will provide locations in your area. Your earth will love you for it.