STORAGE FAQs

Self Storage Questions

• What is self storage?

  Self storage or “self-service storage” is also commonly known as “mini storage.” Self storage is rented space provided to individuals, usually storing household goods, or to businesses, usually storing excess inventory or records. The rented space is secured by the customer’s own lock and key. Unlike in a warehouse, self storage does not allow casual employee access to the contents of the space.

• Why would I need self storage?

  There are a number of reasons that people use self storage, with many simply needing more space for their goods than they have available. Self storage is very popular because it allows customers to access their goods whenever they want (limited by storage access hours) without needing to pay extra fees to add and remove items. Many popular uses include decluttering storage during a home sale, storing items while moving and excess business inventory storage.

• Why should I store with Hardy's Self Storage?

  We are family owned and operated, and have been in the self storage business since 1986. Focused solely on self storage our 2nd generation owner/operators are Certified Self Storage Managers (CSSM©) as accredited by the Self Storage Association who have vast expertise in the self storage field. This is a testament to our customers and the communities in which we reside that we put a high value on the customer service we provide. We are also able to control our overhead costs at the individual facility level, which enables us to keep our storage rates low while still providing all of the state-of-the-art industry features of today's top corporate and pricier facilities.

• How does self storage work?

  A self storage facility provides a customer with their own individual space. Self storage differs from traditional or container storage in that the owner of the goods is responsible for, and retains control over their goods after they have put them into storage. The customer provides their own lock, keeps the keys, and has access to their goods whenever they need to access them (limited by storage access hours). You can put extra items in, take items out, or move to a smaller or larger unit if needed. Self storage provides complete flexibility for the customer, and provides convenience and freedom for the customer, in addition to no additional delivery or access fees. Motor vehicle storage is also available at a number of our facilities.

• What size storage unit do I need?

  No two people have the same storage requirements. We have provided a helpful SPACE ESTIMATOR which can give you a good estimate of what size unit you will need or you can view our SIZE GUIDE interactive unit demonstration. The best way to determine the size you will need would be to call or visit one of our facilities and speak with a Storage Associate who can assist you in estimating your needed unit size.

• What is traditional storage?

  Traditional self storage is typically a non-climate controlled unit which has drive-up access to an outside unit door. These unit types give you the ability to load your belongings directly from a vehicle into the unit. These units feature a lightweight roll-up door providing quick and easy access to your unit.

• What is climate controlled storage?

  Climate controlled storage simply means storage that is provided with standard building heating and air conditioning. These unit types are located within our storage buildings and protect customers accessing their units from the elements. A common misconception is that climate controlled units provide moisture or humidity control, which is false and facilities that claim this are not being truthful. Our facilities do run dehumidifiers within our climate controlled buildings, which can help control the amount moisture in the air. These units also provide brighter lighting, and some units even have their own interior light.

• What is outdoor storage?

  Outdoor storage refers to our facility spaces designated for motor vehicle storage. These spaces are located within our secured facility perimeters but are located outside of an actual traditional storage unit. These outdoor storage spaces are ideal for storing automobiles, boats, recreational vehicles and other such items. We offer outdoor storage spaces at select facilities and spaces are limited. Certain documentation is required to store items in our outdoor spaces including proof of ownership/registration and insurance information. Please refer to your closest facility to check on outdoor storage space availability and other outdoor storage requirements.

• What do I need to rent a unit?

  You must first be at least 18 years old. When you are ready to rent a unit with us, please be sure to bring your photo I.D. with you. If you are renting a unit under a company name, please provide evidence of your title with the company (business card), and if you are not an executive you must provide us with written permission (on company letterhead) from the company stating you can rent a unit in the company name. You will also want to bring the form of payment you intend to pay for the storage rental with; acceptable forms of payment include cash, check, money order and credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express).

Other Services Questions

• Do you rent moving trucks?

  We do offer company-owned moving trucks for rental exclusively for our self storage customers. Please check with your closest facility for moving truck rental availability. Our moving trucks are designated for local rentals (round-trip) and we also offer dolly and moving blankets for rental.

• How do I rent a moving truck?

  Assuming you are a current self storage customer you should contact the facility at which you are storing to determine moving truck rental availability. A Storage Associate can go over all of the moving truck rental requirements and answer further questions regarding our moving truck rentals.

• Do you rent moving carts and dollies?

  We do offer dolly rentals as an add-on to our moving truck rentals. We do not rent moving carts and dollies otherwise and should you need to use either to assist with your move most of our facilities provide these for free use while on facility premises. If you do not see moving carts or dollies out for use please check with a Storage Associate to see if they can be provided to you.

• What are the moving truck rental requirements?

  Please contact your closest facility to determine if moving truck rentals are available for rent at that facility. Should moving truck rentals be available the basic requirements include being a current storage customer (will be renting a unit prior to moving truck rental, currently renting a unit or vacating a unit), 21 years of age or older and a policyholder of valid automobile insurance. All of our moving truck rental requirements are available for review at our facilities.

• Do you sell boxes and moving supplies?

  We have numerous sizes of boxes and moving supplies for sale at our facilities. We are able to keep our prices extremely low, as we do all of our purchasing directly from the manufacturer, cutting out the middle-man and ensuring that our customers receive the best prices in the area. You can view most of our current boxes and moving supplies inventory and ORDER NOW for pickup at your closest facility.

• What is your return policy for boxes and moving supplies?

  We encourage you to consult with a Storage Associate prior to purchasing any boxes and moving supplies to help estimate the correct amount of merchandise needed. Should you need to return any merchandise you may do so within ten (10) days from the date of receipt for exchange or refund of amount by original purchase type. The original Payment Receipt is required for all returned merchandise. Any merchandise returned must be unused and in resalable condition. No exchange or refund will be considered valid unless all above conditions are met.

• Do you offer moving services?

  We provide “self-service storage” meaning we are not involved in moving your items and do not provide moving services. If you need moving assistance please check with a Storage Associate at your facility for a reference list of local movers in our area that may assist you. By providing “self-service storage” you will often times find that the overall cost of moving is much less when you handle it yourself. We do understand that you may need assistance with your move and therefore can help provide some moving references if needed.

• Do you have storage auctions?

  We do have live auctions that take place at our facilities on a monthly basis. Our auctions are typically held on the last Saturday of each month with location and times based upon unit inventory to auction. If you are interested in being added to our Auction Contact List to be kept informed of upcoming auctions please email your contact information to: [email protected]. Our Auction Terms & Conditions are available for review at each facility prior to the start of each scheduled auction.

• Who and what is that cute animal I see on your website?

  Our family extends to the four-legged dog variety and you will find our resident Shih Tzu “Muffie” often working alongside our Storage Associates. Muffie has been raised since she was a puppy in the self storage industry and is known for her welcoming demeanor and love for our customers. Muffie is always on the move and can be found in any of our facilities at any time. Who doesn’t love a cute dog?

Tenant Questions

• Do you provide moving carts and dollies for moving assistance?

  Most of our facilities do offer free moving cart and dolly use on facility premises to assist you in moving your belongings into storage. If you do not see moving carts or dollies out for use please check with a Storage Associate to see if they can be provided to you.

• How do I secure my unit?

  All of our storage units feature a latching mechanism that requires a padlock to secure the unit closed. You are responsible to provide your own padlock to your unit. We do not keep keys to any unit unless written authorization has been provided by you. Should you need us to remove your padlock for you due to lost keys, etc. there will be an additional lock cut fee assessed. We do offer a wide variety of padlock options for sale at our facilities.

• How can I pay for my storage?

  We offer a wide range of payment options for your convenience. Acceptable forms of payment include cash, check, money order and credit card payment (Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express). We offer automatic and online payment options as well, please visit MY ACCOUNT to sign up for online account access to use these features.

• When can I access my storage unit?

  Please check with your facility regarding specific storage access hours. Our standard storage access hours are 6am-10pm daily, with 24-hour access available at an additional cost. We have found our standard storage access hours are suitable for the majority of our storage customers and help keep our facilities more secure by limiting 24-hour access.

• Who can access my unit?

  You can give anyone you wish access to your storage unit. It is your responsibility to provide them with a key and access code to the facility. As you are the primary tenant of the storage unit, only you can make changes to your account information. Please understand that we will not give out any personal account information or unit access information to anyone who is not listed on the Rental Agreement or which you have given written authorization to do so. We value your privacy and do our part to keep your goods safe and secure at our facilities.

• Is there anything I can’t store?

  Please refer to your Rental Agreement for restrictions on items being stored. Some basic items not to store are food, perishables, liquids, explosives, flammable liquids, toxic materials or any irreplaceable items. If you have any questions regarding items you are thinking of storing please contact a Storage Associate at the facility at which you are storing.

• Can I store my motorcycle or other motor vehicle in my storage unit?

  You are able to store your motorcycle or other motor vehicle within your traditional storage unit, however you must notify us of such by providing current paperwork proving proof of ownership/registration and insurance information. Please check with your local facility prior to storing any motorcycles or other motor vehicles to make sure you comply with the terms of our Rental Agreement.

• What are the terms of my rental contract?

  All of our self storage rentals are on a “month-to-month” basis. We do not offer long-term rental contracts although we do offer prepayment rental discounts. All storage units are rented by the month and there is no rental payment refund for early vacancy and we do not prorate out should you vacate prior to the end of the month of which you are paid thru. Please refer to your Rental Agreement should you need further rental contract details.

• What is the difference between rental center hours and storage access hours?

  The rental center hours are the actual hours the rental office at the facility is open. During rental center hours there is a Storage Associate available to assist you with your storage and other services needs. The storage access hours are the actual hours you have access to your unit. Our standard storage access hours are everyday from 6am-10pm; however you should check with your local facility to verify these hours. Should you require storage unit access outside of our standard storage access hours we do offer 24-hour access for an additional monthly fee.

• What happens if I rent the wrong size storage unit?

  Our Storage Associates do their best to assist you in estimating the size storage unit you will need; however sometimes you may end up having more or less goods than you originally had anticipated. We understand and can provide you with a unit transfer. Should you require a unit transfer within 48 hours of your rental or prior to you moving any goods into your unit we can process your transfer with no fee. Should you need to transfer at anytime during your tenancy with us to a smaller or larger unit you can do so and we work to accommodate your transfer by providing a designated time frame to occupy both units based on the unit size from which you are transferring. Please note that a transfer fee may apply and you should refer to your Rental Agreement for further details.