What is Self-Storage?

Let's start with some basics! What is Self-Storage?

Well, that’s a great question. Since its inception after World War 2, one key factor makes this a “self” storage business. It’s the fact that, the owner of the property doesn’t have the key to the customers locked door. The customer brings their own lock. The owner of the property is just leasing the space to the customer. If the owner were to have the key to the lock then it would be a warehouse of sorts. The legal and property rights change with this simple fact.

Now, what a customer puts in that storage unit is almost up to them. There are some prohibited items in most, if not all Cities and Counties have specific laws around what are prohibited items. In the facilities I know and run we have a standard list.

List of Prohibited Items:

1. Flammable or combustible items
2. Hazardous materials, extremely hazardous waste/materials
3. Items that will attract pests (example: animal feed)
4. Items susceptible to mold or mildew
5. Anything living (e.g., plants, animals, people)
6. Controlled Substances

Storage of vehicles is prohibited (This is if you don’t store cars or have parking onsite).

A word about storing vehicles. If there is a loan/lien a said car then the occupant must provide the third-party lienholders on the lease.

So, in basic terms a self-storage unit is an extra storage space for a customer to put their belongings at a monthly rate.