Categories
Our Storage Facility Self Storage Self Storage Auctions

How Does the PA Lien Law and Auction Process Work?

PA Lien Law and Storage Auctions

There are a lot of questions and maybe some confusion that surround the self storage lien law and the auction process. We are here to help you understand the complete process so you never have to worry about either when it comes to your self storage unit. The last thing we want to have happen is to auction off your storage unit. Follow these simple guidelines and you can prevent an auction from happening to you.

PA Lien Law

First of all, we never want to auction off a unit, for any reason. A storage facility will only auction the contents of storage unit if the owner fails to pay their rent for an extended period of time. If we aren’t getting any rent, then we must contain our losses and free up a unit so we may rent it to a new tenant. We never profit from any auction. All proceeds go first to pay back rent and fees, then the balance goes to the tenant.

In the state of Pennsylvania, the lien law allows self storage operators to place a lien on the stored contents of a unit once the rent has become a full 30 days past due. Operators and property managers will make multiple attempts to contact a tenant who remains in past due status, prior to a lien being placed on the storage unit. At least four phone calls and emails are initiated from the contact information on file. If the property manager cannot reach the tenant through these attempts, he or she may contact the alternate person listed on the account as a next step. We send several paper notices – at five, fifteen and thirty days past due – in an attempt to bring the account current and prevent a lien on the unit. If the tenant provided an email address to the manager, these notices will be forwarded in an email as well.

Past DueIn Pennsylvania, when an account becomes a full 5 days past due the unit is over-locked, and at 30 days past due a lien is placed on the stored contents. Operators are required to send a notice of this lien to the tenant via USPS certified mail and regular mail at the last known address on file. The lien notice informs the tenant of the past due status, provides the total amount due to bring the account current and lists the scheduled auction date.

Late fees and the subsequent auction of storage contents are not contingent upon the tenant receiving the notices that have been sent. Tenants are responsible for keeping their account current as contact information changes. We send these notices to the last known address on file, so it is important to notify us when something has changed – such as phone, address and email – to ensure we can reach you.

Storage Auction

Storage facilities are required by the lien law to advertise the sale of each individual unit publicly. This advertisement will appear at least 10 days prior to the scheduled sale. We run these ads in a publication of general circulation, like the Central Penn Business Journal, for any auctions we have scheduled each month.

Tenants are able, and encouraged, to make their payments at any time up until the moment the auction begins. If full payment of the past due rent and fees has been made by the tenant prior to the auction, the sale of that unit is cancelled, all ownership of the contents is restored immediately to the tenant and the over-lock is removed.

Storage auctions are held once per month at Harrisburg Self Storage. All storage auctions are open to the public. However, employees of Harrisburg Self Storage and their immediate families are not permitted to participate in the auctions. The auctioneer will open the unit so attendees can examine the contents. Attendees are not permitted, at any point before or during the sale, to enter the unit or touch any items inside the unit.

The auctioneer will begin the sale with a minimum bid. Attendees are bidding on all the contents inside the unit, not individual items. Just like any other auction, the sale is closed by the auctioneer to the highest bidder. Payment is taken, in cash only, and applied to the auctioned account. If the auction brings in an amount greater than the balance due, the overage will be sent to the tenant. If we cannot locate the tenant to refund the proceeds, we send the proceeds to the unclaimed property division of the Pennsylvania state government. Harrisburg Self Storage only retains the original debt of the tenant.

Keep in mind that storage facilities never want to auction the contents of a unit. Storage operators and property managers are not the enemy in these unfortunate situations. You can avoid an auction for your self storage unit if you abide by the terms of your rental agreement and make your payments when they are due. If you end up in this situation where an auction is eminent, you can contact your property manager to discuss your account and arrange for payment to avoid an auction sale.

For more information on the Pennsylvania lien law, please contact us at any time.

Categories
Our Storage Facility Self Storage Storage Tips

What Should I Look For When Choosing A Self Storage Facility?

What Should I Look For When Choosing A Self Storage Facility?

When it comes time to look for a self storage facility, there are several things to take into consideration. If you are planning to store your items, they must be valuable to you, and you want them to be safe and secure at all times! Be sure to make your decision on the entire storage experience, not on price alone.

Price should never be the deciding factor.

Many people’s first thought is to pick the cheapest storage unit to save money. Trust me, that is not how you want to choose your storage unit. A higher price usually means a few things: there are more security features at the facility like cameras, fencing and keypad access; the facility is newer and in better repair than the competition; there is an on-site manager 6-7 days per week; or the facility has more options and features such as a variety of unit sizes and types and online payments. Basically, you get what you pay for – don’t sacrifice security and safety just to save a few dollars.

At Harrisburg Self Storage, we partner directly with Sierra’s Glen Self Storage. While we have only interior access units, Sierra’s Glen offers only drive-up units. What can’t be found at one facility can be found at the other, providing customers several options when choosing the storage unit that fits them best.

Tour the facility first.

You should make sure the facility you are looking at will fit your needs. The best way to do that is to take a tour of the property. A facility that takes pride in its appearance and keeps everything in good repair and working order is the ideal choice. A facility like this will have better customer service and cares about each and every tenant.

Overall Property Condition

Is the facility well lit at night – inside and outside? If you plan to visit your storage unit early in the morning or late in the evening, make sure you can see everything easily so access to your unit is seamless – no matter what time of day you visit.

Is the facility clean and neat? Is there trash lying about? Trust me, you want a facility that is clean. The last thing you want to do is drive over something that is lying on the road and damage your car, or step on something in the interior hallways and ruin your shoes. A facility that is clean and well-kept shows that the property manager takes care of the property, has pride in the facility and the company, and in turn will take good care of you.

Buildings & Doors

Are the buildings in good shape or are they falling apart with noticeable rust or holes? After all, your stuff will be stored inside the buildings. Holes could mean rodents or leaks. Make sure you look for obvious problems and steer clear of a facility with damage or broken items.

Check the latches on the storage unit doors. Are they rusty or in good working order? You will be placing your lock on the latch to keep your belongings safe and secure – a latch in proper working order is essential.

Are the storage unit doors in good repair? Do they open and close easily? Make sure to have the property manager show you how to open and close a door so you can see for yourself. Is the seal tight when the door is closed? This will help keep water out of the unit when it rains.

Look inside the storage unit and check to make sure the walls are absent of cracks or holes. Also check to see if there is a small gap around the top of the walls to allow air circulation through the unit. Good circulation helps prevent mildew.

Check the floor for cracks or white marks. These could be an indication that moisture may enter through the floor which could damage items sitting on the floor. Is the floor level with the pavement or off the ground a couple of inches for the outside access units? Having a floor that is slightly raised will keep water out of the unit.

Variety of Units

Does the property offer a wide variety of unit sizes and types? You may just need that 10×10 drive-up unit right now, but what if you need a larger interior unit when Grandma gives you her priceless antique living room set? Having the option to change or add a different unit later on is great, just in case you need it! Make sure the facility you select has many sizes from 5×5 to 10×30 and a variety of unit types from which to choose.

Check out some of our previous blogs for more information on the different types of storage units and how to choose the best one: “Inside Storage Unit vs. Drive-Up Unit” and “Take the Guesswork Out Of Selecting The Right Storage Unit”

Security Features

This one is a big one for sure. You want to make sure your stuff is safe when you leave it in your storage unit. Is there a fence that surrounds the entire property? There should be and it should be in good repair, with no holes, cuts or broken poles.

Is there a locked gate or door with keypad entry to access the property? This keeps visitors to only those who have a storage unit at the facility since an access code is required to enter through the gate.

The fence, gate or door also keep unwanted guests outside while you are inside, which is especially important after business hours. You can feel secure knowing you are safe inside the property.

Look up, are there security cameras? This added feature will be sure to capture any unwanted activities on the property, such as an intruder or illegal activity, in the unlikely event that something of this nature takes place at the facility.

Rental Office & Property Manager

Is there a rental office on site with a property manager who is on-site daily? This is very important to any facility, and is essential to offering tenants the best customer service possible. If a problem crops up, you want a property manager who you can turn to for help, and one who is on the property regularly.

Make sure to visit the rental office – is it clean, does it smell fresh? You will probably visit the office several times once you are a tenant, does it have packing and moving supplies for sale? If you are visiting your storage unit and realize you need a box or some tape, it’s very convenient to be able and simply pop into the rental office to get what you need.

Does the manager stand up and greet you as you walk into the office? A friendly property manager is key to having a great storage experience. You want someone who listens to you, treats you as the most important person to them at that moment and has knowledge about the property and the industry. If you have a question, you want to be sure he or she can answer it, and answer it correctly.

There are many things to consider when choosing a self storage facility. Remember, you will be storing your valuables at the facility, and you want them to be safe and secure when you are not with them. Price is important, however it is best to make your decision on the entire experience – from the condition of the facility and the security features to the unit options and the presence of a property manager. If you are interested in learning more about choosing the best storage facility or would like to set up a tour of our facility, please contact us today and we will be glad to help.

Categories
Organization Our Storage Facility Self Storage Storage Tips

Boxes vs. Totes – Which Is Better?

Are you planning to move? Clean out the basement? Organize the garage? Whatever your reason, you will be packing things up to place into your self storage unit. So you ask yourself, “Boxes or totes, which is better for me?”

To make this easier for you, we have listed out the pros and cons of each to help you decide. In some cases boxes make more sense, and in other cases using totes would be more beneficial.

Moving boxes come in many sizes, shapes and types. We sell a large variety in our retail shops inside our rental offices from which you can choose. Here are some things to consider when choosing moving boxes for your storage needs:

Moving Box

QUALITY

The boxes we sell in our retail shops are designed and produced specifically for the self storage industry. They are made of high-quality materials that will last over time and are crush resistant. This means you can stack them up and they will not bend, crush or sag when stored over months and even years inside a storage unit. Our boxes are also specially coated to resist mold and mildew, which will keep the contents from unwanted moisture damage during the changing seasons.

VARIETY OF SIZES

We offer many sizes of boxes to choose from and they are labeled with what items would work best when packed inside.

Small Boxes are perfect for heavy items like book, DVDs and video games – stuff that is small but can quickly become heavy when packed in large boxes. This will help make sure you don’t pack too many in one box and strain your back when lifting and moving.

Medium Boxes work great for towels, linens and photo albums. These are things you can pack more of in one box without the worry of making the box too heavy for safe lifting.

Large Boxes are a good fit for clothing, small kitchen appliances and gadgets and holiday decorations. These items can be awkward shapes and sizes and will easily fit into our large boxes so you can store them safely.

Extra Large Boxes are the best choice for quilts, pillows, shoes, Tupperware and other food storage containers.

Specialty Item Boxes are also available for those hard to pack items like mirrors, lamps, dish sets, microwaves and TVs. They are designed to fit the odd shape and sizes of these items and help prevent damage when moving and storing. We even have wardrobe boxes where you can store delicate clothing on hangers like your leather jacket, evening dresses and silk blouses – all items that are hard to fold and do better when hung up.

You can also read one of our previous blogs, “Are All Boxes Created Equal?” to help you decide which boxes to purchase and use for your storage needs.

Now let’s talk about storage totes. Don’t get me wrong, storage totes can be handy. There are even a few instances where choosing a tote over a box makes more sense. Here are a few things to consider when deciding on storage totes:

Storage TotesSHAPE

Since totes are not perfect squares, they do not stack very well. The bottom of the tote is smaller than the top, leaving the weight in the center of the lid beneath it. After a while, that lid may start to cave in – putting the weight of the top tote directly onto the items inside the bottom tote. This could cause damage to your items inside the tote. Over time, your stack of totes could eventually collapse and fall over as well – again causing damage to the items inside, and even the items inside your storage unit where they may fall.

When stacked up, large gaps exist between each of them due to their odd shape. This wastes precious storage space, compared to using boxes which leave no gaps when stacked together.

Because they are not perfect squares, things like movies, books or photo albums are harder to pack inside without the risk of bending or damaging them – unless you use packing paper and the sort to fill in the gaps. This also wastes packing space compared to boxes.

VARIETY OF SIZES

Storage totes do come in a variety of different sizes, from a small shoe box all the way up to 45 gallons and larger. So, finding the right size to fit your need shouldn’t be a problem.

Often times though, with something this large we get overzealous and pack as much as we can fit in there without thinking of the weight. Then we go to lift it and it’s practically impossible with one person, and difficult even with two people. It’s best to stick with small to medium sized totes for most items, and only use the very large ones for lighter items like pillows and decorations.

CONVENIENCE

Most of us have a few totes in our house already. Let’s face it, at some point over time we have all purchased one on sale for something! If this is the case, you can re-purpose them for storage. They are perfect for items like extra pillows, blankets and stuffed animals – all things that will conform to the shape of the tote.

Storage BinsHANDLES

Depending on the type of tote you have or are planning to purchase, the handles can sometimes be more difficult than you may realize. This is something you will want to check into before packing items into a storage tote. There are many out there where the handles are defined and make the tote very easy to carry. Then there are others that the handle seems to be an afterthought and it hurts your hands when you pick it up.

Now that we have gone over the pros and cons of boxes and storage totes, there are just a few more items to keep in mind when making your decision. If your self storage situation is only temporary, boxes may be the better option. They can be flattened and stored easily for later use, taking up little space. Storage totes are what they are; they cannot be flattened and will take up the same space whether empty or full. However, if you have several of the same brand and size, they can nest inside one another and take up less space that way. But, if you have many different brands and sizes, they may not stack together nicely. Just something to think about before you make your choice.

Depending on your needs and preference, you may choose one or the other. There is no wrong or right answer here. If you would like more help in deciding which to use for your self storage needs, you can reach out to our property manager and he will be glad to assist you. You can also leave a comment below or contact us at any time.

Categories
Community Events Our Storage Facility

Ted Lick Memorial Sporting Clays Classic – A Success!

It was kind of a gloomy looking morning as I set out to attend the Ted Lick Memorial Sporting Clays Classic. This year the event was held on August 22nd at the Blue Ridge Sportsman Club in Linglestown. When I arrived around 8:30am, the rain was just enough to be a little annoying. I noticed that many people scheduled to compete had a look of concern on their faces just hoping that the rain would let up. Nonetheless, everyone was in good spirits as they entered the club house for registration and excited to begin the shoot!

I had the opportunity to speak with many of the attendees and sponsors. As I spoke with participants, I learned that many of them were from out of town. One gentleman and his daughter were from the Pittsburgh area. Some sponsors for the event included Applebee’s, Bass Pro Shops, Ned Smith Center and the NRA. I had the opportunity to speak with a rep from Applebee’s who was nice enough to let me know they had about 57 volunteers present to help with the event, and they have been a sponsor and providing volunteers for the past eight years. This event is held every year to support the Ned Smith Center and their unique educational programming.

A meeting was held in the big tent to go over the event schedule for the day and also to go over the rules for the shoot. I was surprised to see how many of the shooters were using an over-under type of shotgun compared to those using a semi-automatic gun. I also learned that since I was not registered to participate, I was restricted from the shoot areas. This was of course for my safety.

Practice began for the shooters around 10am. Many of the participants took advantage of this time to warm up. Most of the teams warmed up together for the event. Many shooters didn’t know who their teammates would be until the day of the event! So, practice was definitely a good idea for them.

There was also a live auction and a silent auction that was set to take place after the shoot wrapped up. A large variety of rifles and shotguns were on display as well as beautiful prints. There would also be an awards ceremony for several categories after the shoot.

During lunch, I mingled with some of the participants. We enjoyed lunch provided by Applebee’s and talked about self storage! It’s nice to provide information about self storage to people and let them know the advantages to using it. Even though they were from out of town and wouldn’t be able to use my facilities, they seemed interested in what self storage was and how it could possibly help them. I told them all about Harrisburg Self Storage and Sierra’s Glen Self Storage, and what services each facility offers.

After lunch was over, the event was back on and it was time for me to head back to the office. I really had a great time attending this community event and learning about clay shoots in general. If you are interested in clay shooting to participate or even just to be a spectator, I highly recommend you attend the Ted Lick Memorial Sporting Clays Classic next year!

Categories
Our Storage Facility Self Storage

Oh No! I’m Locked Inside the Building and the Office Is Closed!

It’s your worst nightmare. You forgot your access code, it’s 7pm and the property manager has left for the day. Now you’re having flashbacks to high school when your locker combination just slips your mind and you’re late for class. You just used it yesterday, but poof it’s gone, just like that. You ask yourself, “What am I going to do now?”

First of all, this is a very rare occurrence from our experience. So, you can breathe easy and realize that this will most likely never happen to you. However, if you take some simple precautions now, you can be prepared just in case you are unlucky enough to be in this scenario one day.

Door Access Hours
It’s a good thing to note that our door access hours are from 6am-10pm every day, even when the office is not open for business. These hours are listed on the business card you were given with your door access code. They are also posted right on the door as a reminder.

At 10pm, the door locks and your code will no longer work. If you are outside the building, you cannot gain access; but if you are inside you will be able to leave the property – so you cannot get stuck inside the building. It’s a good thing to set a reminder for yourself on your cell phone or watch if you are someone who will be accessing your unit later in the evening to make sure you arrive before the door locks for the night. A little planning when you visit your self storage unit will go a long way.

After Hours CounselorsCalling Our Answering Service After Hours
You can also call our office number and it will redirect you to our call center. Our after hours counselors are available to help you Monday-Friday 8am-12am EDT (7am-11pm EST), Saturday 8am-10pm EDT (7am-9pm EST) and Sunday 10am-8pm EDT (9am-7pm EST). They will contact the property manager, who will then call you back to help you out.

24-Hour Door Access
We are here to accommodate you. If you work outside the standard first shift hours, you can request adjusted access hours for the door. The property manager will determine 24-hour door access on a case by case basis. There may be an additional charge for this feature or you could be denied the additional access because it’s only given for special circumstances.

Please keep in mind, these door access hours are in place for your safety. The access door is designed to keep unwanted visitors from accessing the property at any time, and to help us know who is on the property at all times through the individual access codes. These are security measures we take to ensure that you and your property are protected, whether you are on site or off site.

Even though it’s very unlikely that you will ever be in this situation, now you at least know the steps to take if it happens to you. Make some simple preparations and set reminders on your phone and you’ll be all set. If you have any questions about our door access hours, you can contact us for more information or reach out to your property manager. Thank you for storing with Harrisburg Self Storage!

Categories
Our Storage Facility Self Storage Storage Tips

Vacating Your Self Storage Unit

First of all, we don’t like to see you go! However, we understand that many people use self storage on a temporary basis to get them through certain situations: buying and selling a home, downsizing, marriage/divorce, home remodeling, estate storage and so on. Whatever the reason for vacating your storage unit, there are some things you need to know and need to do to help make the moving out process smooth and easy.

Written Notice
Before vacating, you will need to notify your property manager in writing. As per your rental agreement, we require written notice a minimum of seven (7) days prior to the date you plan to vacate. You can mail your letter, drop it off at the office or email it to the property manager – whichever is easiest for you. Be sure to include the date you plan to vacate, your full name, the unit number and the reason for vacating.

If your situation changes unexpectedly and the date you planned to vacate needs to move, simply let the property manager know as soon as you are able. You can call the office, send a new letter via mail, email the property manager or stop in the office. We can then reschedule you for the new vacate date and update your file.

Cleaning Your Storage Unit
After you have given written notice of your intent to vacate, you need to make sure your storage unit is in the same condition as when you moved in. All items need to be removed, the unit should be swept out and any stains or spills need to be cleaned to the best of your ability to avoid any fees. If you need to borrow a broom and dust pan to clean up, you can simply stop in the office and we will be happy to provide one for you to use.

Be sure to remove your lock as well. Please remember, we do not have access to your unit at any time. If you leave a lock on the unit, we will need to remove it and you will be charged a lock cutting fee.

After you have emptied out all your belongings, swept and cleaned the unit and removed the lock, simply stop in the office and see the property manager. He or she will walk out with you to inspect the unit and confirm it has been returned to us in the satisfactory condition.

Tell Us How We Did!
We Want Your FeedbackWe strive to make your self storage experience a great one, even when you are vacating. The only way to guarantee that is to ask for your feedback. It will only take a few minutes of your time, and the feedback we receive from you is vital to providing the best customer service to our tenants during all stages of the storage process.

We have several options for you to give feedback:

  • Write a Google Review on our Google+ page.
    The property manager can provide you a quick instruction sheet with the link to our page, and even email you the document if you prefer. The whole process only takes a few minutes of your time.
  • Provide a written testimonial.
    The property manager can give you a form to fill out by hand quickly before you leave the office.
  • Provide a video testimonial.
    The property manager will simply record you using a camera or a smart phone before you leave the office. We ask for a quick, 15-30 second testimonial about your storage experience, which we may use on our website. You will need to sign a model release for this option.

Lastly, we would like to thank you for choosing Harrisburg Self Storage for your storage needs! We hope that you enjoyed your stay with us and will come back when you have future storage needs.

Referral BonusDon’t forget, even after you vacate you can still earn referral bonuses! For every person you refer to us who signs a rental agreement, you will receive $25. There is no limit to how many referral bonuses you can earn. Simply have them provide us your full name, address, phone number and email; or you can give them a referral card to hand in to us. Be sure to ask the property manager for a stack of referral cards before you leave.

If you have any questions about the vacating process or just want to learn more about self storage, you can contact us for more information.

Categories
Organization Our Storage Facility Self Storage Storage Tips

Part 2: Seasons – Preparing for Fall Storage

Is Your Self Storage Unit Ready for Fall?

Before you know it, summer will be over and the cool, crisp feeling of fall will be upon us. If you already store with us, now is the perfect time of year to get into your self storage unit and give it a check-up to make sure it is ready for fall. If you are planning to start using self storage this fall, it’s a great time of year to move things into storage with the cooler temps and lower humidity.

Here a few steps we recommend you take to ensure that your valuables are in good shape after surviving the hot summer months, and while in storage during the fall and winter months.

Give Your Storage Unit a Check-Up!

August is when the summer heat and humidity are at their peak in our area. If you used a drive-up storage unit all summer long, you really need to get in there and check that everything is in good shape – especially if you rarely visited. No matter what type of storage unit you have, be it drive-up, inside access or temperature controlled, this is an important step to take when the seasons change.

Everyone knows the saying, “Out of sight, out of mind.” That can be the case quite often when using storage. Come visit your unit and re-familiarize yourself with is contents. If you haven’t visited in a while, it’s easy to forget what you have tucked away in there. Now is the time to replace the container of Damp-Rid you placed in there during the spring. This will help keep the moisture levels inside your storage unit as low as possible and help prevent mold or mildew. If you simply gathered free boxes from the grocery store to pack away your stuff and they are falling apart now, you may need to purchase some new ones. Our retail store is fully stocked packing and moving supplies, including a variety of boxes that resist crushing, will stack nicely and are specially treated to help prevent mold and mildew.

Double check that you are using the recommended disc lock on your unit. Disc Locks have been created specifically for the storage industry and will provide your valuables the most protection and keep your mind at ease. Remember that your tenant insurance deductible is waived when you use a disc lock.

Is your door bulging, drooping or squeaking when you open and close it? This is very unlikely, but if you do notice anything of this nature, please stop in the office and notify the property manager. We can then have our maintenance team take a look and keep everything in tip-top shape.

Pack Away the Summer Gear

Patio FurnitureIf you store with us all year long, the fall months are the ideal time to pack away your patio furniture, pool accessories and summer gear in preparation for winter. You can also move your lawnmower and other yard equipment and tools into storage since you won’t be mowing the grass in November (well, let’s hope not!). Just remember that you need to drain the tanks of gas, oil and other flammable liquids before placing them into storage.

While you are packing away the summer gear, be sure to unpack the winter gear and take it with you. Make sure your sweatshirts and comfy jeans are pulled from storage and placed into rotation in your closet; and you move the tank tops, sandals and swimwear into storage. Don’t forget the snow-blower, shovels, ice melt, sleds and skis…everything you plan to use frequently during the cold and snowy months should either go with you or be moved close to the door so it is ready when you need it.

Get Your Student Ready for College

For parents of college students, self storage is a great option! You can pack away all of your student’s extra belongings so you can turn that bedroom into an office or an in-home gym like you always wanted while they are away. And, when they come home between semesters or for the summer, their belongings are just a quick storage trip away when they need something.

College Students on BikesYou can also find a self storage facility close to campus for your student. That way, they can keep the bulkier things they can’t live without (but just won’t fit in their dorm room) close at all times: a bicycle, kayak, extra school supplies, an extra hot plate or toaster and so on. Dorms, in general, are typically small bedrooms that are often shared amongst two or three students and have little to no space to store anything outside the essentials. You can rest assured knowing they have everything they need at their fingertips while far from home when using self storage.

Get Ready for the Holidays!

Feel free kick off the holiday season by pulling out your fall decorations! Make your residence a bit cozier by having those fall wreaths hanging from your front door and the cornucopia resting over your mantle.

Make sure the holiday lights, wrapping paper, Christmas tree and other decorations are moved closer to the door of your unit. That way you can easily swap out the fall décor for the winter stuff after Thanksgiving.

Put Away the ’57 Chevy

Antique AutoWe all know the invention of the automobile was legendary. For those of you who own a piece of history and treat it better than your children (well let’s hope not, but we all know that guy who won’t take the car out in the rain), fall is a great time to give your “baby” a tune-up and prep it for storage.

Our partner facility, Sierra’s Glen Self Storage, has drive up units that are the perfect solution to keep your car out of the elements, while at the same time granting you easy access to provide the necessary battery and tire pressure checks (or just a monthly visit to make sure she is hanging in there in the middle of January…you know who you are). You can learn more about storing titled property at our facility by reading one of our recent blogs.

Fall brings cooler weather, the return to school and the end of vacation season. Make sure both you and our self storage unit are ready for the season.

If you would like to get more information about fall storage, you can contact us at any time. Enjoy the rest of summer…it will be over before you know it!

Categories
Community Events Our Storage Facility

Partnering with Harrisburg Self Storage for Fundraisers and Events

Have you thought about partnering with Harrisburg Self Storage for your next fundraiser or event?

If you have never considered it before, maybe now is the time to explore the possibility.

As a locally owned business, we strive to make a difference in the communities we serve. Our employees live in these same communities and we care about supporting our local businesses and non-profits in every way we can. Becoming involved with local fundraisers, charities and businesses is one way we can show our support and connect with members of our communities to make a difference.

We are eager to strengthen our presence in the community, and coming together for events is one way we can work together to make a difference. We will gladly attend fundraising events, explore sponsorship opportunities (we currently sponsor Miss Glynis School of Dance), help charitable organizations with food and clothing drives at our facility (Volunteers of America), and can even host or co-host events at our facility as well.

Just like you, we want to see our local community succeed! From a school fundraiser to a food drive to a community celebration or a business event; partner with us today to achieve more success. We provide free advertising on our website and social media pages, and even write a blog about the event that you can post as well.

If you are looking for a great partnership at your next event or fundraiser, or just want to get more information on how we can work together, please contact our Director of Marketing, Jess Dubbs, at jdubbs@irellc.com or fill out the brief inquiry form on our contact us page. We wish you good luck and great success!

Categories
Organization Our Storage Facility Self Storage Storage Tips

Part 2 – Life Events when Self Storage is Beneficial – the Unexpected

In part one, we talked about the events you can plan for in life. However, there are a lot of things that happen in which we cannot prepare for ahead of time, at least not completely. Many of these events happen at a moment’s notice and suddenly you are faced with many important decisions that need to be made quickly. Self storage is a great resource to lean on during these tough times.

Here’s how storage can be beneficial when these (mostly) unexpected times rear their head:

Job RelocationJob Relocation.

You found out today that your position is moving to the corporate office in another state out west and you need to relocate in a couple months if you want to keep your job. You know you’ll be living in an apartment until you can find a new home to purchase. Rather than moving everything with you initially, you can move your unnecessary belongings into storage for safe-keeping. Once you are all settled in the new home, you can pack up your storage unit and make the trek with everything in tow. We also provide you with tips on how to move to keep you organized and ensure you don’t forget anything.

Divorce or Break-up.

No one plans to break-up or get a divorce when they start a relationship. But it’s a fact that many relationships end this way. When this happens, you are suddenly faced with a change in living arrangements. One or both of you will be moving out of your apartment or home, and possibly even selling your home. After the decision is made to end a relationship, having a self storage unit is a quick and easy way to move your things from your home into a safe place until you figure out the next steps. We can help you with tips on how to pack, how to move and even how to store your belongings – giving you one less thing to worry about during this difficult time in your life.

FuneralDeath of a loved one.

The untimely passing of a loved one is something that happens to all of us. Let’s face it, most of the time we haven’t planned for it because it is unexpected. All of the sudden you have all the items from their estate and nowhere to store them until the estate can be settled. This is especially true if your loved one rented or was in a retirement or nursing home. Using self storage is an affordable option that is available quickly. Moving their belongings to a storage unit will keep everything safe until all the other immediate needs are taken care of first. Then you won’t have to worry about it until you are ready.

Military Service.

You are called to active duty and you have no idea how long you will be deployed. Suddenly you have an apartment or house full of stuff and you need to get it out quickly before you leave. You probably have at least one vehicle that will be sitting around while you are away as well. Using storage for your belongings while you’re away is smart. You can choose a parking space for your vehicle or even a large drive up unit to use like a garage. There is no long-term commitment so you can store only as long as you need – which is perfect if you aren’t sure how long you will be deployed or if your deployment changes suddenly. We have the convenience of online payments and we also offer automatic payments so you can set them up and forget about them. Both perfect for a military member who is overseas.

Tragic Event – Flood or Fire.

There aren’t many things more devastating than a flood or fire at your home. You could have just a small flooding issue when your sump pump breaks suddenly and only your basement is affected or you caught the kitchen on fire in a cooking accident (it was the stove’s fault, I swear). But there are also those times when you could have a whole-home tragedy from a major flood or massive fire. One moment everything is just fine, and the next moment your life is in pieces. We see these stories on the news all the time and think that it can’t happen to me.

In either case, storage can be a real asset as you begin the process of cleaning up the mess and salvaging what you can. You can bring everything to your storage unit and sort through it to see what you can save in a clean, safe and protected environment, out of the weather and in privacy. You can also use your storage unit to keep all the donated items your community has pulled together to help you and any new items you purchase until you get set up in a new home or your home is repaired or rebuilt.

Mold in Your Home.

Mold issues in your home or basement can be a health issue for you. They need to be handled quickly to prevent long-term negative effects. While the restoration company is removing the mold and repairing your home, you can house your items in a self storage unit.

Accidental Damage to Your Home.

A severe thunderstorm comes raging through and knocks a tree down, and it fell onto your home instead of in the yard. The damage is extensive, but at least no one was home when it happened. Your roof has major damage, some windows are broken and your bedroom is not safe to sleep in until everything is repaired.

Or, you live near a busy intersection where accidents are common. Unfortunately this time a car managed to run right through your fence and into your living room. Luckily no one was hurt, but your house needs some major repair work completed.

In both instances, you can move everything into a storage unit while the repairs are being made. There are a lot of things that can happen accidentally to your home, and most of us are lucky enough to avoid them throughout our lives. However, if you are one of the unlucky ones, having a storage unit can be a real benefit.

The unexpected things in life can really throw you a curve ball. Let us help you by providing a safe and secure storage unit to house your personal belongings during your time of need. Our property manager is very friendly and knowledgeable, and is here to help. You can contact us at any time with questions or concerns about using self storage.

Categories
Organization Self Storage Storage Tips

Part 1 – Life Events when Self Storage is Beneficial

Everyone experiences big events in life that can be stressful, exciting, unavoidable…some of which are planned and also some that are completely unexpected. To keep your stress level down and your sanity at normal levels, you need to plan for them. You would be surprised to learn how self storage can play a role during these times.

In part one of our two part series, we will focus on the events you can plan for and how self storage can be beneficial:

Selling Your Home.
Most people have moved at least once, and it isn’t the most fun thing to do. If you are like most of us, you need to list your house for sale while still living in it. We are a great place to store all the items you don’t need on a daily basis and that take up a lot of space. When staging your home, you want it to look clean, organized and big – so move all that extra stuff into a storage unit.

You always have the possibility of selling your house faster than expected as well. Everyone should be so lucky to sell in a couple of weeks, but most people don’t plan for that. Now you need to get out quickly but haven’t found your next home just yet. That means you need to move into an apartment or stay with relatives until you find that dream house. All of your belongings need somewhere to go and self storage is the perfect solution! Our leases our monthly, so you can store only as long as you need to without a long-term commitment.

Getting MarriedGetting Engaged or Married.
He finally popped the question…and you said yes! You have decided to move in together in your apartment, but realize you have two of just about everything and it’s not all going to fit! You don’t want to get rid of it, because you know you will be buying a home down the road and can use it then. Choosing a self storage unit to house all the extra furniture and kitchen appliances is a great idea!

Or, maybe you don’t have too much stuff right now but are planning to start collecting all those items you will need for your first home while you save money living in an apartment. Think about it, buying your first house together is usually one of the next steps after you tie the knot. You also have the registry gifts to think about from the big day…where are those going to fit in your one bedroom apartment?

You can store all the great gifts from your wedding with ease by renting a self storage unit. Plus, you can purchase those brand new big ticket items you want for the new place as they go on sale and have no worries of where to keep them all.

Starting a Family.
You have just told your family and close friends the exciting news of a new baby to come in a few months. Congratulations! Now, where are you going to put the nursery? Time to clean out that extra bedroom or office to make room for your new bundle of joy! You know you want to keep all your stuff but don’t have any room for it. Self storage is a great solution! You can hang on to the extra bedroom set, either for your next house or for when the baby grows up and needs one of her own.

Downsizing.
Your kids just left for college; your kids have recently rented or purchased their own place; you just decided you no longer need all that extra space at this time in your life; or maybe you (or your parents) are moving into a retirement community that has much less closet space and only a one car garage. Downsizing is a fact of life for many people at some time or another. Use a self storage unit as your “extra closet space” or “extra garage” so you don’t have to rush around selling all your family heirlooms. We have many sizes to choose from so you can be sure everything will fit nicely.

College Graduate Moving Back InKids Moving Back Home.
These days, the kids who are moving back home aren’t always college students or recent graduates. Many families are making decisions to save money by moving back home. The reasons are many; loss of employment, ailing parents who want to stay in their home, life-altering injury that requires around the clock care, and so on.

Your college student or graduate who comes home probably has more stuff to bring back than when he or she left for school, but you have no room to store it. If you lose your job, you probably want to keep all of your furniture and appliances for when you get back on your feet, and you know your parents don’t have enough room to store an entire extra house of stuff at their place. Or if you are one of the many adults moving back “home” to take care of your parents, you have a lifetime of belongings that you don’t want to get rid of right now. You know at some point you will be out on your own again and it makes more sense to hang on to your stuff than get rid of it now just to purchase it again later down the road. Selecting a self storage unit to keep your stuff safe and secure makes a lot of sense.

Life is full of changes, many that are very exciting and some that are just downright stressful. Let us help you by providing storage space during these times. Our property manager is very knowledgeable and can help you decide what size and type of self storage unit is right for you. Contact us at any time for more information or to answer any questions you may have.