Storage FAQ

Answering the Most Common Storage Questions

If you have too much stuff, and have no idea where to begin, don't worry. You are not alone. There are confusing terms, oddities in picking units and amenities that you may not understand. This FAQ will hopefully help you get answers to the most pressing questions you might have about self storage. 

MOST COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT STORAGE:

What Size Storage Unit Do I Need?

The answer depends quite heavily on what it is that you need to have stored. We have a handy storage size guide to help you find the right storage unit for you.

What Type of Storage Unit Do I Need?

There are a bunch of things that can influence this decision. Do you plan on storing a lot of particularly heavy items like furniture? Then you may need the convenience of a drive-up storage unit. Are you mostly storing holiday decorations or other seldom visited things? Then maybe an upper level indoor storage unit will best suit your needs. For more information, learn about the storage amenities you can choose from at our facilities. 

How Long Do I Need to Sign For?

At iStorage, you will never have to sign a term length for your storage. We proudly offer month-to-month leasing. You do not need to commit to a three-month lease if you only need space for a month. If it turns out that you need storage for years, there is no need to adjust your lease agreement. When you no longer need storage, be sure to let the office know to begin the move-out process. 

Do I Need My Own Lock?

You can purchase a lock from iStorage that was specifically designed for use on storage units. If you would rather use your own lock, we recommend either a disk or cylinder lock as these provide the greatest level of security. 

What Security Measures Are in Place?

Each iStorage facility is fully fenced with gate code access. This allows us to know who comes and goes from the facility and when. Our facilities also feature video monitoring, so should anything happen on the premises, it will be captured. Our facilities are well-lit to ensure the safety of our late-night and early morning customers.

Please contact a facility manager or check our storage amenities page.

What Pest Control Measures Do You Take?

Every iStorage facility is regularly sprayed for pests. This happens on a regular schedule, we would also ask that our customers not store anything that might attract pests to their unit. This includes food and other perishable goods. This will also help to maintain the general cleanliness of the facility and of units.

Can I Buy Moving Boxes and Supplies From an iStorage Facility? 

Yes, there are boxes available for purchase at all iStorage locations. Whether you need a couple of moving boxes or an entire pallet load, iStorage has what you need to make your next move as smooth as possible. Should you ever need a moving box or other moving supplies, simply visit the property office and purchase whatever you might need.

Do I Need to Buy Insurance for My Storage Unit?

Insurance is a requirement for any storage unit. If you have homeowners or renter’s insurance, it may extend to your storage unit as well. We also offer a protection plan for your items. It is recommended that customers utilize our plan even if they are using their homeowners or renter’s policy, as it prevents your insurance premiums from going up in the event of a claim and pays out prior to insurance claims.

QUESTIONS ABOUT STORAGE AMENITIES:

What Does Climate Control Mean? 

Outdoor Storage Units:

Climate controlled storage units maintain a consistent temperature between 55-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Items that are sensitive to massive temperature swings, like most consumer electronics, would be best suited for a climate controlled unit.

Learn more about climate controlled units. 

What is a Drive-Up Storage Unit?

Drive-up storage units exist on the ground level and are exterior units. They allow the greatest level of convenience for storing bulky or heavy objects. They feature roll-up garage style doors and are highly recommended for businesses or people who need easy access to their belongings.

What is a Roll-Up Door?

Roll-up doors are garage style doors that, rather than open out, roll up into the storage unit. This allows a greater ease of access, especially with large or bulky items. Roll up doors might knock over boxes if stacked too high. It is incredibly important to plan for the door, and to not stack boxes too high.

What’s the Difference Between Indoor and Outdoor Units?

Running the risk of self-defining, indoor storage units are located inside. You cannot access your unit without first going inside another building. Outdoor storage units are often located on the ground floor and are easily accessible without needing to go into a building to do so. Each unit type offers its own pros, which may be valuable to people in different situations. 

Do iStorage Facilities Offer Parking for RV, Boats, Cars and Motorcycles?

While some facilities may offer more parking than others, iStorage does offer RV, boat, car and motorcycle parking. Contact a facility manager or use our search for storage near you to find the facility that best meets your needs. 

What Are Lifts?

Lifts or Freight Elevators are elevators for just your belongings. Facilities with lifts allow customers to easily get their things up or down multiple levels. It is not permitted for customers to ride in the lift. 

QUESTIONS ABOUT LEASES AND PAYMENT: 

What Are Your Storage Unit Prices?

Our storage prices can vary between facilities and other available amenities. If you want to know our most updated prices, please check our storage finder tool to find the facility that is best suited to your needs. 

How Much is the Property Protection Plan Offered Through iStorage?

The protection plan offered by iStorage, called iShield, ranges in price from $12 to $32 per month depending on the unit rented and the objects to be stored. This plan does not cover stored vehicles, which must be currently insured and registered in order to be stored at an iStorage facility. 

How Far in Advance Can a Unit Be Reserved?

For your convenience, we accept reservations placed up to 14 days (two weeks) in advance to help you plan. 

Is There a Lease Length Requirement?

All leases we offer are month-to-month. Whether you need only need it for a month or much longer, there is no need to sign an additional lease to accommodate a greater need. Stay for as long as you will need storage without fear of lengthy commitments.

What Documents Do I Need to Get a Storage Unit?

You will need a state-issued ID, like a driver's license or passport, and a method to pay your first month’s rent and any other fees you may owe. The easiest method to ensure payment is to enroll in our auto-pay service using a credit card. 

How Can I Pay My Rent Each Month?

There are a wide-variety of payment options that exist at iStorage to pay your monthly bill. The easiest option is to subscribe to our autopay system, then you will never need to worry about paying your bill again. You can also pay your bill online or over the phone using a credit or debit card. You may also pay in person using cash, check, or a credit card. Whatever your preference, iStorage has a method for you.

What Should I Bring on Move-In Day?

If you have opted to cover your belongings under your homeowner’s or renter's policy, you will need a copy of your insurance policy or other proof of coverage. You are also required to bring a lock to secure your storage unit. Should the day arrive, and you have forgotten your lock, there are plenty available for purchase at each facility. 

Can I Move to a Different Unit After Move-In?

Until the move-in is finalized, there is still time to move to a different unit -- provided it is available. If there is a unit that would better meet your needs available, our facility managers will be able to easily assist with a unit transfer. 

How Do I Get a Refund from iStorage?

If you feel you are due a refund for unused rental services, please contact your local iStorage facility. You can also call our customer service line at 866-478-6724 or email us at customerservice@nsabrands.com.

What Happens if I Make a Late Payment?

Your monthly rent is due on the same day each month, while most facilities have their rent due on the first of the month, many also charge on anniversary. Should you make a late payment, an additional late-fee is placed on the payment. Late fees cannot be waived, and the full balance must be paid to avoid foreclosure. No partial payments are accepted.

Until your account is paid in full, access to your unit may be denied, gate code access may be suspended, and your unit may have an over-lock placed upon it. The late fees vary by local and state regulations. The easiest way to avoid paying a late fee is to enroll in our auto-pay system.

How Long Until My Belongings Go to Auction?

The amount of time your account must be delinquent varies by state and local law. It is in your best interest to contact your property manager as soon as a you know your payment will be late. iStorage will provide you with a written notice to either your email address or physical address. Our managers attempt to get in contact with delinquent customers as soon as possible to prevent escalation to auction proceedings. 

Should your unit go to auction, the proceeds from the auction first go to the balance remaining on the account. If the total amount received from the auction is greater than the remaining balance, a check will be sent to the address on file. If the amount received is less than the balance on the account, then the account is sent to collections to cover the remaining cost.

QUESTIONS ABOUT STORAGE HOURS:

What Are Facility Access Hours?

Facility access hours or gate hours are the times when our customers may easily access their unit. These hours are different from our office hours and are not impacted by holiday scheduling. The access hours for most of our facilities are 6:00 AM-10:00 PM.  

What is the Difference Between Access Hours and Office Hours?

Access hours, as described above, are the times when our customers can easily access their unit and either load or unload their unit. Office hours are the hours our office is open for business. Things that you may need during office hours include rent payment – should you opt to pay in person – purchase of additional moving supplies and transferring or vacating a unit. 

 

Self Storage Locations

iStorage has a wide selection of self storage facilities across 23 states. Search for a secure and affordable storage unit near you.

Mississippi
Rhode Island