The CASTER GROUP

Tips to Keeping Your Storage Unit Clean and Pest Free

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Pest_Control_WebPhotoWhile A-1 Self Storage keeps all of its facilities clean, there is always steps that you as a tenant can take to add extra protection to for their belongings.  Follow these easy steps to make sure that the items in your storage unit stay clean and pest free. Aside from the steps below we offer some added features such as climate controlled units to keep moisture out. For more information on our storage facility features visit our website and find a store nearest you!

 

  • Vacuum: Make sure to thoroughly vacuum all upholstered furniture, such as couches and chairs. While you may not be able to see any crumbs, all it takes is one crumb to attract pests.
  • Baits & Traps: Place dryer sheets in the corners of your unit and in the boxes. The odor will dissuade pets from entering your unit and keep your items smelling fresh as well. For the best results, replace the dryer sheets once a month.
  • Canvas Drop Cloths: Tape canvas drop cloths to the floors and walls before loading your storage unit. Canvas is much more efficient than plastic at keeping the pests out.
  • Eliminate Moisture: When storing your unit in a non climate controlled unit you can always stake these extra steps to keep moisture out: When storing appliances that use water, wipe the inside down with baking soda to remove any traces of water. Also, to absorb moisture in the air, place some charcoal in a pan.
  • Prevent Dirt Buildup: Before storing wooden furniture, use furniture polish to repel dust and dirt. Make sure to lubricate your metal items with oil to prevent them from rusting.
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The Right Questions to Ask When Renting a Storage Unit

Tips: Asking the right Questions | A-1 Self Storage

Tips: Asking the right Questions | A-1 Self StorageWhen checking out different storage facilities to determine where you would like to store your belongings, it is important to ask the right questions. As a tenant, you want to ensure that your belongings will be protected and unharmed. Here are some of the best questions we recommend you ask when visiting self storage locations:

  • When are you open and how often can I access my things? First you need to determine how often you are going to want to access your belongings. Make sure to ask the storage facility not only what their office hours are, but what their access hours are too. Some units may have 24/7 access, while others may not. Be sure to get the exact hours on the unit you are looking to rent.
  • How often is the facility cleaned? Make sure to ask how often they clean their facility, including pest control. You want to make sure that the storage facility makes cleanliness a high priority. The last thing you want is to open your storage unit door and see dust build up and a roach infestation.
  • How far is my storage unit from the loading area? Once again, this may be more important for others, depending on how often you plan on moving and removing items from your storage unit. Make sure to ask if they have elevators for upstairs units and flatbed push carts to load your stuff onto. It is a good idea to view the unit and see how far the walk is from the loading zone.
  • What systems do you have in place to protect my belongings? Naturally, the biggest worry you will have is whether or not your precious belongings will be safe or not. Make sure to ask what sort of security they offer. Do they have security camera’s, a gate or door with a code, climate control, etc.?

Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you want. The number one goal is for you to feel comfortable storing your belongings with that facility. Make sure to ask these questions and you will be well on your way to finding a storage unit that fits all of your needs.

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Convenient Payment Options

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We know that life can be stressful, but paying your storage bill shouldn’t be! That’s why at A-1 Self Storage we are committed to convenience, and we offer many different ways to pay, including our newest Pay by Phone automated system. Find the payment method that works best for you!

 

Automatic Payments

We offer automatic payments, so your unit is always paid on time and you don’t have to think about it. This option is convenient for anyone leaving the country, travelling for an extended period, or those who have a busy schedule and would like your payment automatically deducted each month. To set up automatic payments, stop by the office and fill out our short form.

Pay by Phone Automated System

We know that many people still find it most convenient to pay over the phone, therefore we are proud to announce that we have a brand new automated system to make the process that much easier for our customers! Pay your bill over the phone in three easy steps:

  1. Call your A-1 Self Storage location
  2. Press 2 on your keypad
  3. Follow the automated prompts

24 Hour Rental/Payment Kiosk

At 18 of our A-1 Self Storage locations, we offer a 24 hour rental/payment kiosk to take your payment by cash, check, or credit card. You can make your payment at any time, and we have live assistance available to help walk you through the process.

Pay Online

With just your unit number and gate code, you pay your bill day or night by visiting our website at http://www.a1storage.com. Our Pay Online service is mobile device friendly!

A-1 Self Storage offers many different payment options to fit your life, on your schedule. Choose the one just right for you.

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Storage Tips for the Summer

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Summer is almost here! Whether you are a student storing your dorm room over the summer or a family storing your items during a move, we are here to offer up some useful tips. There is no need to learn from your mistakes when we can help prevent them altogether!

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  • Pick one room at a time: This way when you pack your boxes into storage they will be better organized for when you go to unpack.
  • Pack Smart: Pack heavy items into smaller boxes so that they are easier to move. Don’t try to fit as much as you can into a large box and risk throwing out your back!
  • No Newspaper: Don’t use newspaper to back anything that can be stained by ink. Often times the ink will transfer from the newspaper to your items while in storage.
  • Metal Objects: Before putting metal objects into storage, such as bikes, tools, etc., make sure to wipe them down with a rag. This will help prevent rust!
  • Appliances: Make sure to defrost refrigerators and freezers before storing them. Leave the door ajar while inside the storage unit. All other appliances should be clean and dry as well.
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4 Tips for Saving Money When Using Self Storage

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People need storage for a variety of reasons. Whether you need to remove clutter from your home, store household items while moving, or downsize your home, each situation presents its own challenges. We offer some budget friendly tips to help you save money when using self storage. Keep in mind, when looking to save money not all self storage facilities are the same. Just because the price is low does not always mean it is a great facility. Always take A-1-Self-Storage-Huntington-Beach-Boxesa tour and make sure the facility you chose is clean, safe, and secure.

Store the Important Items

When deciding to use self-storage go through your items and decide what is worth storing. This is a great time to let go of items you have been holding onto and have never used. Decide what items can be trashed or donated. This will help scale back on the size unit you will need and help save money.

Ceiling Height

When getting price quotes ask about the ceiling heights of the units. Taller ceilings mean more space to stack items or turn them vertically, which will help save floor space and money. Utilizing vertical space will help you get into a smaller unit and save money.

Consider Elevator Access Units

Elevator access units are often less in price and will help save money. Elevator units can be just as convenient, A-1 Self Storage offers flatbed push carts and drive up elevators at select locations to make the move in easy.

How Often Will You Access Your Items?

When price shopping for a storage unit consider how often you plan to access your items. Rates may vary location to location. If you don’t plan to access the items often and your area is higher in price it might be worth driving a few miles to get a better rate and save some money.

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