Aug 29

Self storage is the provision of storage space which is a part of a larger cargo container, rented on a monthly basis to the consumer. These facilities are used by individuals for storing household goods, and by small business for storing excess inventory or any other purpose. The storage spaces referred to as a unit are secured by the customers own lock and key for its safety.

Possession of the storage space is in the hand of the tenant and the facility operator is not allowed possession or casual access to the contents of the units. A service provider can gain access to the unit through approaching the judiciary for a right of lien for non payment of rent under self storage laws. In the United States in 2007, there were around 52,000 storage facilities which were developed in a property ranging from three to seven acres. The storage facilities cover a total size roughly three times the size of the island of Manhattan.

In its infancy the self storage industry was considered the bottom of the real estate industry , though now it generates more than $20 billion a year. These spaces which are windowless walled and lockable are available in many different sizes ranging from the size of a walk in closet to the size of a two car garage. The facilities which have control access generally employ state of the art security which includes security guards, cameras and individual door alarms as well. Your access to your unit might be controlled by a keypad or a biometric thumbprint scanner as well.

For a higher fees a consumer might be provided a climate controlled unit for there more precious belongings. Self storage has gained popularity over the years , one in ten families employ the service of a storage provider in the United States. Items allowable in such units are non toxic, non hazardous and non perishable thus household items and vehicles such as motorcycles are allowed. The storage space cannot be utilized for living or sleeping in by the tenants.

If a tenant is unable or does not pay rent for storage space, the operator has a right of lien and can recover the money by auctioning the items present in the tenants storage space. The auctions of these items are open for all and are considered a good chance to buy inexpensive second hand goods.

In areas where space is not an issue facilities have a number of single storied buildings so that the ventilation is good and climate controlled storage spaces are not required. Climate controlled storage space is required to prevent mold, mildew or other moisture problems, as humidity control is required more than temperature control.

An ancillary business in the self storage industry is public storage such as lockers in clubs, railways etc, where items can be stores, though these are at a much smaller level and are not always related to self storage.