Frequently Asked Questions
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What’s self storage?: Self Storage is an industry in which space is rented to tenants on a monthly basis. A self storage facility provides rooms, lockers, containers and/or outdoor parking space in which tenants can store and access their belongings. Self storage tenants may include businesses and individuals.
What’s a drive-up unit?: A drive-up unit has a roll-up door and its own loading area. Drive-up units are very handy because they have convenient access, just drive up to it and load your belongings in or out. At Harrisburg Self Storage, we do not have drive-up units.
What’s a roll-up door versus a swing door?: Roll-up doors are like garage doors – they roll up overhead for simple access. They’re usually wider than swing doors, so it’s easier to take things in and out. Swing doors opens just like a door to your home, outward and on a hinge. There are no roll-up doors at Harrisburg Self Storage.
What’s the difference between access hours and office hours?: Office hours are the hours when your Property Manager is in the office. They are there ready and available to provide customer service and answer any questions you may have, sell you the supplies you may need, take payment, etc. Access hours are the actual hours in which you may access your storage unit. These hours vary per facility. Some self storage facilities offer limited access while others have 24/7 availability.
What should I look for in a self storage facility that I am thinking about using?:
- Cleanliness! Be sure to take a tour of the facility you are interested in and make sure it is a clean and organized facility.
- Security. A fence around the perimeter of the property and an access gate are great benefits. Also make sure the property is well lit. A camera system is also a big plus. All of these are in place keep you safe when you are accessing your unit, and to keep out unwanted visitors.
- Friendly and knowledgeable manager on site. Make sure the facility has a manager on site that can answer your questions and help you when necessary. It is also important to have a professional manager that wants to become your friend, and who believes your belongings are just as valuable as you do.
- Easy access. You want to choose a facility that is relatively close to your home or office. You also want to look for added features such as free hand carts to help you move your items in and out of your unit.
- On-site retail store. Talk about being convenient! We have a retail store located in the office so you can quickly and easily purchase necessary items such as locks, boxes, tape, bubble wrap, dust covers and more – all for an affordable price.
What kind of documentation do I need to rent a unit?: A valid driver’s license or federal ID with photo is required to lease a unit.
How long will it take to complete my transaction on move-in day?: The entire move-in process takes about 15 minutes. Please keep in mind that this time is dependent on whether there are other customers waiting ahead of you. Calling ahead to schedule a time to come in is best, as the Property Manager can suggest the optimal times for you to come visit. Mornings are usually the slowest period of the day while afternoons are busier.
Do I need insurance?: You may carry your own insurance (check your homeowner’s or renter’s policy to see if you are already covered) or apply for insurance coverage from a company that specializes in self storage insurance. Some facilities require that you provide verification that you carry your own insurance or purchase insurance from an insurance company. Most facilities can provide new tenants with a brochure from one of these companies. Insurance is the tenant’s responsibility.
Why do I need insurance?: This is a standard practice in the self storage industry and is used to protect you and your belongings if an unfortunate event happens that causes damage or loss of your stored items. The facility only has coverage on the buildings and property, so you are required to have insurance to cover what is stored inside your unit or in your parking space. You can use your homeowner’s or renter’s policy, or you can purchase an affordable policy at our facilities that we offer through a third-party.
What is the minimum period of time that I can normally store my stuff?: The minimum rental period is 1 month.
What type of payment do you accept?: Cash, check or money order, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express are accepted at our facility. If you drop your payment in the night payment box, please DO NOT put cash in this box. We also offer convenient monthly automatic credit card withdrawal and online bill pay.
Can I pay for my unit over the phone?: You will need to visit the facility first to sign the self storage facility agreement and make the initial payment. After that, you may call to make payments via credit card at our facility.
Do you give me a key?: You are then given a key and are the only one to have access to your unit. The best option is to purchase a high quality lock at your local storage office.
Should I make a reservation?: Availability often changes on a daily basis. It is recommended that you make a reservation in order to secure the space you need.
What’s the difference between a unit, space, room, locker, etc.?:
- A unit is the covered and enclosed area rented at self storage facilities that require a tenant lock on the door.
- We define a space as an outdoor, uncovered area used for parking your vehicle, trailer or RV.
- A room is categorized as an area suitable for sleeping in, a living area or an office, all of which are not permitted at our facilities.
- A locker is a small compartment used for personal items at the gym, an airport or train station, however this term is sometimes used to describe the smallest rental units at self storage facilities.
What are the most common mistakes when renting a unit?:
- Tenants often disregard the Property Manager’s warning against storing food items in the unit. Doing so attracts unwanted pests like mice and insects.
- Using free boxes from a grocery store or other places seems like a great idea. In reality, these boxes are not designed for long-term use. They eventually break down and can cause mold to grow.
- Packing your unit incorrectly is a common mistake. Begin on one side in the back corner and work your way up one side, then down another, making sure to leave a space large enough to walk through down the center. If you just fill up your unit with no plan or organization, accessing your items later can be difficult and frustrating, possible requiring you to move things out of your unit to reach items you need in the back.
- Packing a smaller unit to the top with no room just to save money. This can cause damage to your property if you stack too many things on top of one another. It can also be frustrating when trying to find a specific item that may be buried underneath heavy boxes, and even dangerous because the stack of boxes could topple over on you. Make sure to talk to the Property Manager for help on which unit size will work best for what you need to store inside. Be sure to rent a unit that fits your needs instead of picking the least expensive one.
What are my responsibilities as a tenant?: To follow the guidelines set forth in our lease, which the Property Manager will review with you when you sign the agreement, and to make your monthly rental payments on time. It is important to maintain cleanliness in and out of your unit. You also need to notify the Property Manager if you have any changes to your account information (address, phone, CC info, etc.) and give proper notice if you want to vacate the unit. Be respectful of other tenants and the Property Manager.
Does the manager have access to my unit?: Does the manager have access to my unit?
Once a tenant places a lock on the unit door correctly, the manager has no access to the unit. Only you have keys to the lock. However, you can sign a consent form to receive deliveries and for others to pick up your keys. That is normally only the case for commercial tenants.
How do you keep my stuff safe?: Our facility is located entirely indoors, with an access code door to enter the property. Our property is well-lit and has an on-site manager during normal business hours. Our manager conducts daily walk-thrus on the property to ensure all units are locked and secured. If a unit is found to be unlocked, the manager will lock it if able and contact the tenant immediately. We also have a closed circuit camera system that records to a hard drive, should an unwelcome event occur.
What should I do if there is an emergency at the facility or at my unit?: Call the facility phone number and report it to the Property Manager or answering service immediately. If necessary, call the police or fire department (911 if it is of an urgent nature) and fill out a report.
Can you receive packages and mail on my behalf?: We will gladly accept packages and mail for you and notify you when they arrive. Contact the Property Manager for more details.
Why should I buy my locks from Harrisburg Self Storage?: We sell disc locks, which are the most recommended and secure locks on the market and specifically made for the self storage industry. They are stainless steel and rust resistant so they can be used for interior and exterior access units. They are designed to prevent being easily cut off with bolt cutters and have a pick-resistant tumbler, which is added security for your unit.
Why should I buy my boxes from Harrisburg Self Storage?: The boxes we sell at our facility are moisture and mildew resistant with reinforced corners and have been crush/burst tested, which offers extra strength and stability. Our boxes are manufactured with extra thick cardboard that can handle up to 32 lbs. per square inch of pressure to last through extended periods of time in storage. They have dimensions printed on multiple sides to ensure which items will fit inside which boxes. They also have a handy room checklist printed on the exterior so all you have to do is check off the correct room rather than write it on the box.
What about mold?: We recommend storing your items in the boxes we sell at our facility, as they are designed and specially treated to resist moisture and mold. We also sell a product called Damp-Rid which helps remove moisture from the air. It is also important that you do not bring wet items to your unit for storage. If you are pro-active and check on your unit, there is little to worry about.
What do I do when I am done with the unit?: Give verbal or written notice to the Property Manager at least 7-10 days prior to the day you are vacating. We need 30 days written notice if your account is set up for auto-pay. Make sure to empty all of your contents, sweep out and clean the unit and remove your lock. Notify the Property Manager that the unit is ready for an inspection so your account can be closed. We also ask that your fill out a quick testimonial with the Property Manager. If you give notice and then decide that you are going to continue renting and not vacate, simply notify the Property Manager.
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