Storage 101: The 5 Kinds of Self Storage

No, you can't live in a storage unit. This is probably the most common rule, and for a good reason. Self-storage is a great way to store your belongings and essential moving supplies when you don't have the space. It is not meant for human habitation. That's just one of the many items prohibited by most self-storage providers.While each facility has its own list of prohibited items to protect its clients' safety and security, some general rules apply to all. Hence, when selecting a facility, it is crucial to be aware of the list of commonly prohibited items, which may be a deal breaker for some people.This article will discuss commonly prohibited and limited things at a storage facility.Why You Can't Live in a Storage UnitSome people think they can live in a storage unit, but this is not the case. You cannot live in one mainly because they are not designed for residential purposes. There is no running water, no kitchen, and no bathroom. While some people may try to make it work, it is not ideal.These facilities are typically designed for long and short-term storage, meaning people will store their belongings for a while. Such an environment is not conducive for living, as you need a place where you can stay with acceptable living conditions.Additionally, these facilities are often closed off from the public, meaning that you would not have access to the same amenities that you would if you were living in a traditional apartment complex, home, or other legal housing option.You can't live in a storage unit. Same with your petsMany self-storage providers do not allow pets, and those that do allow pets have restrictions on the size and type of pet that can be stored.Pets are prohibited for a variety of reasons. The most common reason is that pets can damage property. They can scratch or bite the furniture, walls, and doors in the storage unit.Pets can also track in mud and dirt, damaging the storage unit's flooring. Some facilities also have rules against leaving food out and attracting pests like rats and cockroaches.Some facilities are in shared residential areas, and landlords do not want tenants with pets because they may cause noise or odor issues.Things to Avoid for Self StorageBelow are some items people mistakenly believe they can store in a self-storage unit. While some places, including South Rock, allow for the storage of some of these items, there may be restrictions.Hazardous MaterialsSelf-storage providers prohibit dangerous materials to protect their customers, employees, and the general public. Self-storage units are not designed to store hazardous materials like gasoline, oil, or pesticides. They are a closed environment, which can be dangerous if hazardous materials are present. For example, if a fire started in a storage unit with hazardous materials, the smoke from the fire could be toxic, and everyone in the vicinity could be harmed.Many facilities are located near residential neighborhoods, so it is essential to keep any potential dangers away from these areas.ChemicalsSome types of chemicals can damage the contents of a storage unit, and in some cases, it isn't even possible to store them. This includes bleach, gasoline, and other flammable or poisonous liquids.Chemicals are prohibited because they can corrode and damage the property stored in the facility.Chemicals can also be harmful to people and cause respiratory problems. To protect the safety of their tenants, facilities prohibit the storage of many chemicals.PerishablesSelf-storage is not the best place to store perishable items like food, beverages, and flowers. These items can become spoiled in a very short time, and the unit may never be able to be rented out again.There are a few reasons why most facilities prohibit perishables. The first reason is that it's challenging to keep track of what's in each unit when food items are present.The second reason is that food can attract insects and rodents and infest the entire facility. Many facilities have rules against storing perishable and unpackaged food to keep their units clean and pest-free.Batteries and Electrical ItemsIf you're looking for a safe place to store your belongings, a non-climate-controlled facility is not the place for batteries or electrical items. Some facilities don't allow these items due to their fire hazards. Not only could a battery start a fire, but it can also release harmful fumes that can be dangerous to both you and the other tenants in the facility.Battery-operated devices like video game systems, computers, tablets, and cell phones can also create a fire hazard. If one of these items were to malfunction or become damaged, it could quickly start a fire. Because of this fire hazard, many electronics and battery-operated devices should be stored in climate-controlled units, no matter their size.AppliancesSome units may allow the storage of appliances such as stoves, microwaves, and refrigerators. However, all appliances must be checked with the facility to ensure they are safe to store.In general, most facilities have restrictions or rules on appliances because they can create a fire hazard. Some appliances contain oil or gas that can easily ignite, leading to a dangerous fire.Many appliances take up a lot of space and can be challenging to move, which can cause problems for other tenants in the storage facility.Some appliances can also damage the property in the storage unit. Aside from cases where appliances have caused fires in these facilities, there is also the potential for water damage if a refrigerator leaks or a washing machine overflows.Illegal Weapons and SubstancesThe reasoning behind this rule is simple: self-storage businesses are a public place, and as such, illegal weapons and drugs cannot be stored on their property. In addition, by prohibiting these items, the facilities can help protect their customers and employees from potential harm.While it may be inconvenient to leave illegal weapons or substances at home, it is essential to remember that the safety of everyone involved is at stake. So if you're looking for somewhere to store your belongings, make sure you check the list of prohibited items first.Types of Self-Storage UnitsThere are many different types to choose from. You can rent storage space by the month or year, and there are many different sizes of units to choose from. The most common type is a traditional self-storage unit, a room or garage-sized unit you can rent by the month.These units are typically climate controlled, meaning they are kept at a steady temperature and humidity level to protect your belongings.Other popular types include:Vehicle StorageVehicle storage can be a great solution when you need to free up your garage or driveway space. Self-storage facilities offer indoor and outdoor parking spaces perfect for storing cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, RVs, and other vehicles. You can typically rent a space by the month or year, and many facilities offer discounts for longer-term rentals.When choosing a self-storage facility for vehicle storage, be sure to ask about security features like locked gates and security cameras. You'll also want to ensure the facility is well-lit and has easy access so you can get to your car when needed. If you're looking for a climate-controlled environment, be sure to ask about the temperature and humidity levels in the facility's parking spaces.Vehicle storage can be a great way to keep your car safe and secure while freeing up space in your home or garage.Climate-controlled storage unitsThese units may be smaller than some of the larger traditional self-storage units available, but they offer all the benefits of climate control. They're perfect for storing documents, furniture, or any other items that need to be kept in a controlled environment.Final ThoughtsWhile storage units can be a convenient and affordable option for short-term storage, they are not suitable for long-term living. The lack of privacy, space, and amenities can make living in a storage unit uncomfortable and impractical. If you are looking for a place to live, please consider other options.Self-storage is a great way to store your belongings, but make sure to check with your local company to see what is and is not allowed. Contact South Rock Storage today. We are an award-winning self-storage facility in Wichita, KS! We have been in business since 2006 and have an excellent reputation for providing affordable, secure storage.We offer storage units as well as expert storage solutions for the entire area. Our clean, safe, and secure facility offers a variety of storage unit sizes to accommodate your needs.

When most people think about storage unit auctions, they think about the popular television show Storage Wars. While this show is entertaining, it can also be misleading. Storage unit auctions are not like the scenes in the show. There is no excitement or fighting over items. The reality is that it is a lot like a garage sale. There are many misconceptions about auctions at storage facilities. Below are some things you may not know: What is a Storage Unit Auction Storage unit auctions are a recent trend in the United States, and they're exactly what they sound like: an auction of storage units. The storage units are opened, and the bidders can look at everything that's inside before placing a bid. Individuals or businesses who have failed to pay their rent or abandoned their possessions will often have the contents sold at auction. Most storage auctions are handled by a third-party company. This company does the auction, takes payment for the units, and handles all of the paperwork for you. Why Are Belongings Left Abandoned? There are a few possible reasons why items are often left abandoned. Some are as follows: The tenant never bothered to move their belongings out, even after the rental agreement expired. The tenant may have passed away, and their family never claimed the belongings. The tenant may have simply abandoned the unit and moved on without their possessions. Whatever the reason, it's not uncommon to find abandoned storage units littered with old furniture, boxes, and other random items. What Can You Find in Storage Auctions Storage auctions are a great place to find a variety of items at a low price. The most common type of item you will find at an auction in a storage facility is furniture, but you can also find appliances, tools, and other household items. Note though that not everything you find here is valuable. People often attend these kinds of auctions because they are looking for a good deal on items. However, it is important to remember that not everything in the unit being auctioned will be worth buying. In fact, most of the time there will be very few valuable items in the unit. It is important to really take the time to look at the items before making a bid. Moreover, it's also important to remember that you can't always trust what you see. In fact, you must always remember the inherent risk of bidding at an auction. There are simply many things that you can be unaware of - from hidden damage to missing parts - that you cannot always trust what you see. So before you go bidding on that locker full of "treasures," take a moment to consider the risks involved and whether or not it's really worth taking the chance. Know Your Storage Auction Rules There are no specific rules or guidelines in an auction, and things can quickly get out of control if you do not know what you are doing. Make sure you know what you are doing when you attend an auction. Always seek to clarify the rules of the event and if you have questions or uncertainties, never be afraid to seek help. It is open to the public Auctions are open to the public so that anyone can bid on the units. However, be aware that you may not get the best deal possible if you're not familiar with how the bidding process works. The best way to maximize your chances of getting a good deal is to attend an auction or two and watch how the process works. This will give you a better understanding of when to bid and how much to bid. Keep in mind that most units are auctioned off in bulk, so don't expect to get a lot of high-end items for cheap prices. But if you're looking for some good deals on basic household items, storage auctions are definitely worth checking out. It often takes place on weekends Weekends are when most people have free time to attend. The units are usually auctioned off in the order that they were rented, so the earliest units to be rented are usually auctioned first. The auctions usually last for a few hours, and there is a lot of bidding for the best units. Sometimes people will even start bidding before the auction begins in order to get a good unit. People often get very excited at auctions because there is the potential to find some great treasures. You do not need to be present to win You can still win an auction without being there. Yet, there are a few things that you will need to do in order to participate in an auction without being there. First, you will need to find a reputable auction company. Next, you will need to register for the auction and provide a method of payment. Finally, you will need to make sure that you have read and understood the terms and conditions of the auction. Once you have taken care of these things, you can relax and wait for the results of the auction. You have to be prepared to make a quick decision When you go to an auction, there is a minimum bid that you have to put in if you want to participate in the auction. However, at some auctions, there is no minimum bid, so you can bid as little as you want. This can be helpful if you're looking for a bargain or if you're not sure how much something is worth. It also means that someone could potentially win an auction with a very low bid, so it's important to know what you're bidding on and be prepared to pay what the item is worth. When you go to an auction, the bidding typically starts at 50% of the total. This is referred to as the opening price. Keep in mind that this is just the starting point, and the price can go up from there. In order to get an idea of what the final price might be, you need to take into account how much inventory is being auctioned off. If there are a lot of items for sale, then the price will likely go up. Conversely, if there are not many items being auctioned off, then the price could potentially go down. The bidding increments at an auction are typically $5 or $10. This means that when someone bids, the next bid must be at least $5 higher than the previous bid or $10 higher than the previous bid. This system keeps the bidding going and prevents people from just bidding a dollar amount and walking away with the unit. It also ensures that people are serious about buying the unit. It can be unpredictable Storage auctions can be unpredictable. For example, one person might bid on a unit with the intention of finding valuable items to sell, while another person might bid on the same unit with the intention of finding furniture or other household items they can use in their home. This means that the final price of a storage unit can vary drastically depending on who is bidding and how much they are willing to pay. This is all part of the fun! You've Won Your Storage Unit, Now What? The highest bidder wins the unit and many times is responsible for paying all of the fees, including the auctioneer's commission and any storage charges that have accrued since the unit was last paid for. In addition, bidders are typically required to put down a deposit in order to participate in an auction, which is often refundable if they do not win the property. Finally, it's important to be aware of the closing costs, which can include transfer taxes, title insurance, and other fees. Final Thoughts If you wish to know more about storage auctions, don't hesitate to contact South Rock Storage, a reliable storage facility in Wichita, KS. At South Rock Storage, auctions may be hosted once a month if there are units that have been abandoned.