Storage & Moving Blog | Bargain Storage


5 Sneaky Ways the Big Storage Companies Charge You More Money

Self-Storage Unit


Crumpled Money and National Public Storage Brands

Did you know that there are more than 50,000 storage facilities across the United States? That’s three storage facilities for every McDonald’s location in the country. Some facilities are run by large national chains, while others are run by regional operators or local “mom and pop” managers. You have a lot of options! One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a storage facility is how it’s managed. This choice will have a very material impact on how much you pay in rent over time. Unfortunately, many big, national companies try to nickel and dime their customers — or even scam them. The storage facility you choose may advertise one price. However, when you reserve your storage unit, they’ll bill you another. Or the company could make you pay for add-ons you didn’t think you’d need — and probably don’t. Let’s uncover the tactics that national self-storage companies use to charge you more money to store your items, including: Changing their prices hourly Increasing rent frequently Charging high fees Selling you insurance Making you buy an expensive lock When you search “storage units near me,” you can avoid surprises and expensive bills by skipping over the national storage chains that pay for search engine advertisements. These include Extra Space, Life Storage, Cubesmart, U-Haul and Public Storage. Instead, choose a small, locally operated storage company with transparent pricing. Here is a little-understood fact: national companies are all publicly owned, meaning you can buy their stock and own some of the company. Therefore, they have a responsibility to the shareholders to make as much profit as possible. That is why they use multiple methods to charge you more. Local companies are not obligated to charge you as much as possible. 1. Changing Prices Hourly National self-storage companies use a system called “revenue management” to set their prices. At the national storage conventions, owners take classes about how to use this software to increase revenue by raising prices on ...


Barry Raber
February 14th, 2025


10 Things That Can & Can’t Be Stored in a Self-Storage Unit

Self-Storage Unit


10 things that cannot and can be stored in a storage unit

If you’re reading this article, we’re guessing it’s because you did an Internet search for what you can and can’t store in a storage unit. It’s a fair question to ask because just like most things in life, there are rules and exceptions — plus usually some grey areas in between. Whatever your reasons for seeking a self-storage unit, we’re guessing you rank somewhere on the scale between info-savvy and street-smart. So, you probably don’t really need to be told that you can’t store pets, stolen items, or things likely to explode in self-storage. Right? (The only good answer here is, “Correct!”) As your Internet search probably proved, there are plenty of lists about what you can and can’t store in a self-storage unit — and most of them are similar, straightforward and appeal to good, old-fashioned common sense. Those lists are helpful but we want to offer a different spin on things: What do those “do’s and don’ts” storage tip lists really mean to you, just a regular person looking to protect your stuff and avoid any inadvertent storage slip-ups? Well, let’s find out! We’ll focus on 10 broad categories of items that you can and shouldn’t store, but we’ll talk about what this means in real-life terms — plus provide some bonus tips based on what we’ve learned over the years as self-storage experts. Think of this as your common-sense self-storage guide. 5 Things You CAN’T Store in Self-Storage Let’s start with what you can’t store, because frankly, that list is more interesting: Hazardous Materials These lists can be long but here’s the short rule: If they can catch fire or explode, then they’re a no-go. This includes gasoline, propane, oil, grease, chemicals, cleaners, aerosols, and paint. What This Means In Real Life: ● Are you storing art supplies? Then this means that you can’t store mineral spirits or paint thinner. ● Are you packing up bathroom or kitchen items? Best ...


Steve Reed
February 12th, 2025


Fact or Fiction: Debunking Storage Unit Auction Myths

Self-Storage Unit


Popular reality television shows have brought an obscure part of the self storage industry into the limelight: storage unit auctions.   Being in the storage unit business for over ten years, these auctions are our least favorite part of the business we are in.  However, the public might not find them as entertaining without the added drama of show business. We’re on a mission to reveal the truth about storage unit auctions.  Here’s what you’ll learn: What a storage unit auction is Popular myths about storage auctions How to avoid having your self storage unit auctioned off What Is a Storage Unit Auction? A storage unit auction takes place when a storage tenant stops paying rent. After a certain period without payment, the tenant’s belongings may be auctioned to the highest bidder to pay back rent owed.  It also clears out the contents of the self storage space so that the landlord may re-rent the unit. 7 Storage Auction Myths Reality shows like Storage Wars have dramatized storage unit auctions and spread misinformation about them.  Here, we’ll debunk seven common myths inspired by television shows about storage auctions. 1. Storage Facilities Don’t Make an Effort to Contact Tenants  Truth: Storage unit facilities are required per each state’s lien laws to make several attempts to contact tenants including sending notices via certified mail as well as advertising the auction.  Storage companies want to give every opportunity to tenants to pay their missed rent and reclaim their items.  Selling the items is truly a last resort. Unfortunately, sometimes a renter’s contact information has changed and the storage facility is unable to reach them. The tenant and the self storage facility have a contract in place that sets the terms for late or missing payments. If the facility doesn’t receive rent within a certain time, they notify the renter about their intent to auction off the contents of the storage shed. 2. You Can Bid on Individual Items in a Storage Auction Truth: Storage auctions are unlike traditional auctions. At a traditional auction, items are highlighted individually and sold separately. However, at ...


Maddy Osman
February 6th, 2025


7 Crazy Items Found in Storage Units

Self-Storage Unit


Picture of a Bargain Storage facility

Some people play the lottery, others go to casinos, and some buy up abandoned storage units.  They are all a gamble. But, when it comes to storage unit auctions, you never know what the payoff will look like. All sorts of treasures (and trash) find their way into people’s storage units. Sometimes, an item is stashed there to keep it secret. Other times, it simply acts as an overflow storage space for items that no longer fit in someone’s home. Whatever the initial reason for renting a storage unit, public storage facilities throughout the country are filled with strange items.  Why?  Well, because people are weird. And weird people collect weird things.. How is a Storage Unit Auctioned Off? If you are renting a storage unit, you don’t have to worry about anyone else going through your stuff unless the police enter with a search warrant. If you rent from a quality personal storage facility, it should be equipped with state-of-the-art security systems to ensure your privacy. However, if someone stops paying the rent on their storage unit, the facility has the legal right to recoup their costs by auctioning off the contents inside. Each state’s lien laws define exactly how long before non-payment leads to a default, and the unit becomes eligible for auction. In most states, it’s between 30-90 days. When a storage unit goes to auction, potential bidders line up, the lock is cut, and its contents are revealed.  At that moment, you might feel like you’re Howard Carter uncovering the burial chamber of King Tutankhamen in Egypt. Though the results are usually less glamorous (and valuable), there are still plenty of strange and unusual treasures to be found in storage units. The Top 7 Crazy Things Found in Storage Units While some secret treasures are uncovered by bidders, not all of the most notable items that end up in storage units are auctioned off. In fact, some people can’t help but share their odd valuables with property managers. 1. Vehicular Artifacts Jose, the property manager for Sunrise Bargain Storage in Las Vegas NV, was pretty ...


Maddy Osman
February 5th, 2025


Temperatures & Self-Storage: What Should You Know About Storage in Texas This Fall

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Temperature and self storage

While Texas may be considered one of the more temperate climates in the U.S., there is a comparatively large drop in temperatures during the fall months. This quick drop from summer highs to winter lows can affect items that would generally not be stored until winter. For example, in the Dallas-Fort Worth region of the state, temperatures can plummet 20 degrees in one month going from the 70s to the 50s. This is also the case in Houston, where the changes can be greater because of the weather over the Gulf of Mexico. A drastic drop in temperature is not good for many of the items normally stored in yards during the summer, or those stored around pool areas and on BBQ decks. For this reason, we want to tell you about some items to consider storing in the fall rather than waiting for winter’s cold to set in. Outdoor Items to Bring in From the Cold Summer recreational gear is the most important to store away in storage units before a drastic drop in temperature. Motorcycles, bicycles, canoes, kayaks, scuba diving equipment—these are just some of the items that can be damaged by a sudden cold snap. For families with kids, there are additional items that, if left outside through the fall into the colder months, may be of no use the next year. These would include things like bikes, strollers, tricycles, beach and pool toys, and sports equipment. Other items that can be overlooked in the yard and around the house would include hoses, sprinklers, gardening tools, and lawn and patio furniture. Harsh drops in temperature can be very damaging to wood, aluminum, wicker, and even some light plastics. And, of course you’ll want to make sure any outdoor summer decorations are safely in self-storage before winter weather arrives. Prepping Your Outdoor Items for Storage With any items that have been outside through the summer, you’ll want to make sure they are clean and dry before putting them in your storage units. Go over summer gear and vehicles carefully ...


Steve Reed
December 6th, 2024


How to Select the Perfect Storage Unit Size for Your Belongings

Self-Storage Unit


An info graphic that shows different sized storage units and what fits into them

Finding the right storage unit size will save you a lot of time, money, and stress! Of course, when you’re looking at storage locations, there are several things to keep in mind.  We recommend considering whether the space needs to be climate-controlled, the convenience of the location, and whether you need it for short-term or long-term storage. But the exact amount of space needed is one of the most important decisions to make. Check out these tips on how to choose the perfect storage unit size for your belongings. You’ll love the overviews on what contents specific storage unit sizes can accommodate! What’s the Right Storage Unit for You? No one wants to end up with a storage unit that is too small to fit their belongings. However, it’s a common issue. The reason this happens is pretty easy to explain. No one wants to pay more than they need to for their rental storage. Unfortunately, choosing a unit that is too small means that you may have to get rid of things in a rush because you run out of time to move things to a larger unit. When you need to figure out what size storage unit to get, there are two things you can do that will help a lot. The first recommendation is to make a list, and the second is to measure well. The list will help you stay organized through the move, but it will also give you a good idea of everything that needs to be stored. The measuring does not have to be exact, but large items and boxes should be measured for sure. Also, keep in mind that the ceiling height will be a factor, so you should find out exactly how much vertical space you have to work with (it’s usually about eight feet). It is always best to visit the space if you can to get a better idea of what you’re working with, but sometimes this is not possible. Fortunately, there are a ...


Steve Reed
December 4th, 2024


How to Pack a Storage Unit: Tips for First Timers

Self-Storage Unit


A drive-up self-storage unit with the roll up door open and boxes stacked inside it.

Knowing how to pack a storage unit can make all the difference in the world when it comes to maximizing your space and finding items when you need them. No matter why you’re investing in a storage unit, it can be a bit overwhelming to get everything crammed inside a unit. Even more difficult is the process of getting just a few specific items out, unless you put the necessary time and energy in up front to be organized and smart about how you use the space.Thankfully, there are a few rules of thumb and plenty of tips to put you on the right path when it comes to deciding how to pack a storage unit the right way. These will not only help you access items down the line and maximize your space, but it will also make them last longer — protecting them from dust and mold. Invent an Inventory Creating an inventory for your storage unit is essential. The last thing you want to be doing is tearing apart your house and digging through the attic because you could swear you had the right tool for the job somewhere, only to have your partner inform you that it got packed up in your storage unit.Even if nobody is helping you pack — eliminating the possibility of them slipping your favorite comic books into deep storage — don’t be so sure your memory is going to be able to recall every single item boxed up and put away.With today’s technology, it’s easier than ever to quickly and accurately make an inventory of items. There are a number of apps that can help you keep track of everything. Sortly is touted as “the ultimate organizer app” and allows you to take a visual inventory of all your belongings, tagging and filing each one away. The premium version of the app even allows you to create QR labels for your boxes.Another option is SmartStop, which has a remote-inventory-system feature, so you can find and ...


Bargain Storage
December 3rd, 2024


Tips on Organizing & Storing Financial Documents

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Storing Financial Documents

With only a few days left before April 15th, you might be feeling a bit stressed. Getting your receipts and files together before filling your taxes can seem like a big job. Do you know where all of your tax documents and receipts are? You might have recently moved and stored a majority of your documents and files, along with your personal items, in a storage unit to help save up some space. The truth is, it’s important to stay organized instead of scrambling at the last minute to get everything ready. This process will make your accountant’s job much easier for both of you.Here are a few tips to staying organized at home or off-site, so you can maximize that tax return: Create a System – You want to make this system simple. If it’s complicated, you probably won’t stick with it. Make sure to keep documents, such as statements and current bills in a folder that’s easy to get. Those other documents and receipts that you don’t necessarily need on a regular basis but need to be saved should be filed away in boxes. Eliminate Unnecessary Documents – Next tip is eliminating any of those unnecessary documents, such as pay stubs and ATM receipts. Most of your year end information will be able to be found online. It’s time to clean up and remove the clutter from your desk and wallet. Remember – tax records should be kept for at least seven years from the filing date. Secure Place for Documents Off-Site – Another important tip is keeping extra copies of financial documents, like tax forms and mortgage papers. Bargain Storage, for instance, is a great place to keep all those important documents safe from any unexpected disaster. This will give you an ease of mind that your documents and personal items are organized and secure. Keep Track – Having an organized system will only work if you use it regularly. Whether you decide to store documents electronically or in a storage ...


Steve Reed
November 27th, 2024


The Importance of Packing your Items for Long-term Storage

Self-Storage Unit


Moving and long term storage

Storing your items long-term is not as straightforward as putting them away for a couple of weeks. Long-term means that your belongings are going to spend a prolonged period within a storage unit. During this time, your things may be in danger if you do not prepare them adequately for their stay. When packing your items for long-term storage, the type of storage unit is an influencing factor, but not the only one. The way you pack them beforehand plays a vital role, and today, we will give you some tips and best practices that will guarantee a smooth process. How to prepare your items for long-term storage? While your items are in storage, they can be influenced by a variety of factors. The best way to prevent these factors from damaging your belongings is by providing them with proper protection, mostly in the form of packing materials. The storage units themselves offer a variety of services and assurances, as well. To get information on their offer, all you need to do is contact the storage unit owners and ask about them. The more you are informed, the better. Here are the three most important tasks: ● Obtain packing supplies ● Pack delicate items in high-quality moving boxes ● Disassemble furniture Packing supplies First off, you will need containers and padding for your items. While storage units are generally safe, there is a chance that your items can get dislodged and even fall. Making sure that your items are well-protected, even in that scenario is of utmost importance. It would be good practice to properly organize your storage unit right away, to minimize the chances of it happening. However, even if you do prepare everything correctly, a tremor might occur in the area, or anything similar. What you need to do is to give your belongings the best chance of staying safe. And the only way to do this is to use the right packing materials and boxes. Pack delicate ...


Steve Reed
November 27th, 2024


What's The Deal With Climate Controlled Storage And Are You Burning Money On It

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Climat Control 101

When you’re driving around town, do you ever notice just how widely available climate-controlled storage is? It’s a popular option that self-storage companies love to list on their signage. In fact, it’s so widely available that you may wonder, “Hey, what’s so great about climate control? Did I miss the memo, and should I be considering it?” It’s a good question to ask, but if you’re just looking to stash some stuff, the expense of a climate-controlled unit — usually 15-30% higher than standard units — can quickly add up over time.  Climate control is just one of a handful of choices you get to make about your self-storage. It’s great to have choices but navigating them all can leave you with a serious case of decision fatigue. Just pull up a browser to find a storage unit near you, and you’ll be faced with choices like: Unit Size - Generally offered in increments of 5 feet (ex. 5’ x 5’) Drive-Up vs. Walk-Up Units 24-hour On-Site Security vs. Video Monitoring Container Storage vs. Self Storage Valet Storage vs. Self Storage Climate Control vs. Humidity Control vs. Regular Ol’ Storage If these options feel overwhelming, take a breather, and click through the above links to educate yourself. Also, know that we’re here to help — especially if you feel like an outsider with wide eyes having to make decisions based on insider information. Out of all of these choices, climate control is a massive point of confusion within and outside the storage industry, so for this edition of the Bargain blog, we’ve tapped our self-storage experts to clear the factual fog.  Consider this your “Climate Control 101” guide to understanding what climate control really means, what self-storage facilities may not want you to know about climate control, and how your actions can impact whether or not you choose it. What Does Climate Control Really Mean (and Cost)? 📷To understand climate-controlled storage, let’s start by defining it. This task is easier said than done, given that there isn’t a universal ...


Bargain Storage
November 27th, 2024


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