Packing & Storing Tips
Self Storage Tips
1. Leave a walkway to the rear of your unit so you can easily access all your items.
2. Disassemble bed frames and remove lampshades from lamps. This will help protect them from breaking, make them easier to move and help maximize storage space.
3. Store framed mirrors, photographs and artwork vertically rather than flat.
4. Crisscross masking tape across the face of mirrors or glass covered art.
5. Label boxes clearly and on more than one side. So no matter where you put it in storage you can easily identify what's in each box.
6. Polish wood items before packing to provide a little extra protection from the elements.
7. Treat leather items with a specially made conditioner before placing them in storage.
8. Wipe metal objects with machine oil or another type of rust preventative.
9. Place heavy items on the bottom of your moving van or self storage unit.
10. Place boxes of fragile items on top of other boxes.
11. Place least used items in front of the moving van. These items will be first off the van and into the back of your garage or self storage unit.
12. Place valuable items like your television behind other items so that they will be more difficult to see and to steal.
13. Add bay leaves to your boxes, they ward off most insects and household pests.
14. Stand sofas and mattresses on end to maximize space and prevent overloading.
15. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors slightly open and clean before storing. Use the inside space to store other kitchen items.
Packing Tips
1. Take a little time to plan and organize as you pack. This should make it easier to finds things in the future and less likely that anything will get damaged during a move or while in storage.
2. Use same size boxes when possible to aid with stacking.
3. Avoid packing items in plastic bags as they are less sturdy and could trap moisture.
4. Fill each box completely to prevent the top or sides from caving in.
5. Fill open box space with crumpled paper, bubble wrap or other packing materials to protect odd shaped or loose items like glassware or toys.
6. Don't fill boxes too full. This may cause them to burst.
7. Don't make boxes too heavy to move. Use larger boxes for things that don't weigh much and smaller ones for the heavy stuff.
8. Mark 'fragile' on boxes full of breakables.
9. Use the right type of box or packing crate. For instance, use a heavy duty box for your books as this is less likely to break than a standard box.
10. Use cell kits for glasses, stemware or knickknacks.
11. Use wardrobe boxes and keep your clothes on hangers in storage and when moving.
12. Cover furniture with sheets or tarps to protect them from stains, tears and scratches.
13. Stack books; don't stand them on end as this could damage the spines.
14. Stack plates on end. Wrap dishes individually and place like sized items together. Nest individually wrapped cups together.
15. Wrap framed art in bubble wrap. Look for protective cardboard or plastic corners at your packing supply store.
FAQs
Finding the Right Self Storage Unit
- Step 1: Find your local Great Value Storage location – near home, work or somewhere in between.
- Step 2: Use our Storage Calculator to choose a self storage unit size that's right for you.
- Step 3: Reserve the storage unit online or call the facility to reserve with the property manager.
If you're not sure what space is right, our property managers are happy to help you select a storage unit that fits your needs.
Our standard storage unit sizes range from 5'x5' to 10'x30' (all dimensions are approximate), but some properties also offer smaller and larger spaces, from lockers to warehouses and offices. For storing one room of furniture to storing your whole house, use our Size Guide to find the right amount of space.
Estimating how much storage space you need for your items can be easy as long as you know what you'll be storing. Check out our Size Guide and Space Calculator for a better idea. Or our knowledgeable property managers are trained to aid in the process.
There are many factors that go into determining the best solution for your needs. From the type of items you're storing to the convenience you need while on property. We have online resources to help you explore options to find your ideal storage solution. Check out our Storage Options chart to see what type of storage space is right for you.
"Resident" manager means that an employee, usually the Store Manager, lives in an apartment on-site as part of the facility. With a resident manager there is always someone on-site during non-business hours.
Also known as "temperature controlled" units, climate controlled storage units are just like storing something in your living room. Most climate controlled spaces are also interior space. Meaning they are accessed through a hallway inside the storage facility. Temperature is controlled using air conditioning and heat to keep items in a constant environment (temperatures between 55° and 85°F).
Drive-up storage is the most convenient self storage option. You can drive directly to your unit, load or unload and be on your way. There are no interior hallways, making it much easier to carry and store your heavy items. If you're storing something you would store in your garage, drive-up is your best option.
Roll-up doors are the most common doors used in self storage. They are accessed by sliding a latch and lifting the door upward, similar to the motion of a garage door. Roll-up doors allow you to maximize the interior space of your unit.
Outdoor storage is not generally climate controlled and won't protect you from bad weather. Also, don't be surprised if you find insects like spiders and pill bugs in your unit. These spaces aren't as protected as an interior unit. Indoor units can be either climate controlled or non-climate controlled and are accessed from a hallway by entering the main door of a building.
Lift access is also referred to as a non-passenger elevator. You'll have access to use an elevator lift to move your belongings, but customers are not allowed to ride inside. Customers still need to use the stairs.
A locker unit is smaller than a typical storage unit. Generally, locker units are 5'x5' and only 4' high.
We give you the flexibility you need to plan ahead. You can reserve a storage unit at Great Value Storage unto 30 days in advance.
You can cancel your reservation by contacting or visiting the facility where the unit is reserved. Make sure to check office hours and our store manager can take care of your cancellation.
Yes. If you need to increase or decrease your storage space you can transfer to another unit based on availability. Your local store manager will be able to assist you with the transition.
Yes, at most Great Value Storage locations we offer drive-up storage units that are great for storing cars and motorcycles. The ideal unit size for a car is 10x20. For boats and RVs we offer covered and uncovered parking options at select locations. Please check with your neighborhood location for availability.
It’s not typical that our storage units have electrical power.
Our property managers are happy to reserve a storage unit over the phone. However, to complete a rental, we do require you provide identification to our on-site manager and sign the lease agreement.
Moving Into Storage
The short answer is yes. And at all Great Value Storage locations you can purchase a new, sealed disc lock. No one other than you should have a key to your lock. If you prefer to provide your own lock, you may do so.
Most Great Value Storage locations have moving carts and dollies to help with your move. With most of our storage units being drive-up, carts and dollies are not often needed
Yes! All of our locations offer a full line of retail moving and packing supplies. From boxes to tape and more, we have all the supplies you need to make your move easy.
Great Value Storage offers moving trucks at select facilities. If your selected location doesn’t have a truck, we will reimburse you the cost of a truck rental (up to $50) when you provide the receipt to the site manager in a timely manner. Contact your local Great Value Storage location for details.
You will need to provide a valid, government issued ID in the form of a driver’s license, state ID, or passport.
We ask that you provide us with at least a 14 day written notice.
The move-out process is easy. Please provide us with written notice at least 10 days prior to move-out. On your scheduled move-out day, make sure your storage unit is empty and free of trash. Also, be sure to remove your lock so the property manager knows to cancel your account. As a courtesy it would be great if you could stop by the office to fill out an intent to vacate form.
Security & Access
We feature electronic gates with coded keypad access, video cameras, fully-fenced properties, well-lit facilities and personal disc locks for purchase.. These features vary by location, so contact the store manager for location details.
Every Great Value Storage property is treated for pests and rodents on a monthly basis.
The office hours are the hours of operation for the property. During these hours the store managers will be onsite, available to assist you with your storage needs. Typically these hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday – Saturday. The access hours are the hours the property and your storage unit can be accessed. These hours are typically 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. 365 days a year, but may vary by location.
Stop by the office or call your site manager for assistance. The site manager can provide your access code over the phone once they verify your identification.
Call your Great Value Storage property manager for assistance during regular office hours. We can remove your lock for a nominal fee.
When you rent from Great Value Storage, you can allow access for other people you specify, or restrict access only to yourself.
Many Great Value Storage facilities use video cameras as a security measure. Cameras are generally located at the point of entry, exit and other areas around the facility. The number of cameras and type of system installed at each facility will differ based on property design.
Most of our facilities have electronic gate systems, which can only be opened by an individual secure code that is assigned to each tenant. The code allows us to monitor who is entering and exiting the facility as well as prevent delinquent tenants from entering the property.
Storage Lease Terms
All of our storage leases are month-to-month. You are never locked into a long-term contract.
Yes, you are responsible for the things you are storing at Great Value Storage. Protection for those belongings is required. Affordable storage protection options are available through SecureLease Protection Services at all Great Value Storage facilities.
Our storage units are rented on a month-to-month basis which allows customers flexibility to rent for whatever time period they need. There is an option to prepay for storage up to 1 year (12 months).
Please keep in mind that your original monthly rate is not guaranteed for the lifetime of your rental at Great Value Storage. In order to keep up with rising costs associated with providing the best service and clean facilities, from time to time we might find it necessary to adjust rental rates.
Please keep in mind that there are some items that cannot and should not be stored. These items include:
- Hazardous materials – anything that can catch fire like gasoline, propane, oil, grease, cleaners and fireworks
- Paint
- Illegal substances
- Anything toxic - biological waste, fertilizer, asbestos
- Anything with a noxious smell – moth balls, etc.
- Perishables – produce, meat, dairy, cereals, rice, animal products
- Weapons – firearms, ammunitions, explosives
- Living Things – people, animals, plants
Payments & Billings
We do our best to make your storage experience as easy as possible. Including the process of paying your bill. We accept cash, check, ACH debit and most major credit cards including MasterCard, VISA, Discover and American Express.
Here are five easy ways to pay:
- Pay Online: Register online and make payments from your American Express, Discover, MasterCard or VISA.
- Choose Autopay: You can enroll online or enroll in person at any Great value Storage property. We’ll automatically debit your bank account or charge your credit card for your monthly rent.
- Pay by Mail: Mail your payment to your Great Value Storage location. You can mail a personal check or set up recurring payments through your bank’s website. Note: make sure to include your storage unit number on your check or money order.
- Pay in Person: Stop by during regular business hours and pay your bill at your Great Value Storage facility with cash, check or credit card.
- Pay Online: Register online and make payments from your American Express, Discover, MasterCard or VISA.
- Pay by Phone: Call your Great Value Storage facility to make a payment by phone.
We bill monthly and all payments are due on the 1st of the month. However, we provide a 6 day grace period before charging a late fee of $20 or 20% of your total rental payment on the 7th of the month. To avoid late fees, we recommend signing up for autopay.
The length of time before a past-due account is sent to auction varies by state law. We recommend that you contact the site manager to discuss your account as soon as possible if your payment will be or is late. Great Value Storage will provide written notice to your email address and physical address listed on your account. Additionally, site managers will often contact customers in default by phone prior to an auction process. As a customer, it is your responsibility to make sure we have accurate, up-to-date contact information, and to pay your bill on time.
Once the storage unit is sold the proceeds are applied to your outstanding balance. If the proceeds are higher than the amount due, a check for the difference will be sent to the original person leasing the storage unit. If the proceeds are lower than the outstanding balance, the account will be sent to collections.
We do offer a payment reminder service. Just make sure there is an email associated with your account and you will receive a payment reminder email 10 days prior to your due date.
Others
Yes. We offer a 10% discount to all active duty military with proof of identification. Military discounts are good for the lifetime of your rental while active duty. Discounts cannot be combined with other offers.
No. All of our storage unit auctions are held online at https://www.storagetreasures.com/. Register with Storage Treasures to bid on auction units at Great Value storage and other local storage facilities.
During office hours, please report issues to the onsite manager immediately.
Our storage units are only for storing your belongings. We do not allow bands to practice in our storage units at our facilities.