FAQ

Is there a long-term lease?

No, the rental agreement is month-to-month.

When is my rental fee due?

Your rent is due on the first (1st) day of the month. If payment is not received by the end of the day on the 8th, a late fee of $20 is assessed, and your unit will be over locked.

Will I receive a monthly "bill"?

We do not send a monthly bill. We offer a paperless automatic payment system from your credit or debit charge card. In the event that the bank rejects our payment request, an alert will be emailed.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept check, cash, and major credit cards. You may mail your payment, or give us your credit card number via telephone. For units that are delinquent, we require cash or money order payment.

What may I store?

Flammable, explosive, or illicit materials are not allowed. Occupying the unit as living quarters is prohibited by law and is cause for immediate eviction. Storage of live animals is not allowed. Food is prohibited.

How tall / wide are your doors?

Door sizes vary by unit size and range from 3’8” to 11’ wide. Our doors are roll-up doors are easy to operate and coil up once opened. If you have specific door requirements, talk to our manager and he or she will find the best solution for your need and be able to provide specific door measurements.

Do I need to provide my own lock?

We have locks available for sale, or you may use your own. We recommend a disk lock. Only one lock is allowed per door latch, and you must keep your unit locked at all times. We inspect all locks periodically. When you move out you must remove your lock.

Does the facility assume any liability for the goods I store?

No, we recommend contacting your home or renter’s insurance agent. Adding stored goods to an existing policy is usually inexpensive, or may already be covered. Information on the MiniCo Tenant One policy is available at our facility – brochures are near the rental kiosk.

Are surveillance cameras monitored?

The cameras are recording video any time motion is detected but they are not constantly monitored. Management is not responsible for immediately responding to help if required.

May I allow friends or relatives to access my unit?

You may allow anyone you choose to have access by accompanying them on the premises or giving them your key. You remain responsible for your obligations on the lease regardless. Leases may not be transferred.

Can I share access to the space with my family and coworkers?

Yes, you decide who may have access to your storage unit.

What if I or one of my guests damages my unit or another building or fixture on the property?

The tenant shall be liable for any damage to the unit or any building, fixture, or other structure on the premises caused by tenant or his agents or guests. Tenant shall indemnify and hold Management harmless from any claim or cause of action arising out of Tenant’s use of the premises or any part thereof.

How do I get my deposit back when I move out?

If you have given us prior notification that you are moving, your unit is broom-clean, emptied, and in good condition – subject only to normal wear and tear – and is ready to re-rent, you may request a refund from the manager. If you qualify, a check will be processed and mailed to your forwarding address.

Can I get a refund?

It is a policy that our self-storage facility does not prorate rental payments for any partial months. Much like a hotel rents in one night increments and does not refund your payment if you choose to leave at 5am, we rent in one month increments and do not offer refunds for partial months.

What are the office hours?

We do not have an on-site office, but the owner lives nearby and is available to meet clients at the site. Appointments are typically available after 3:30pm weekdays, after 6:30 pm weekdays or nearly any time on weekends.

What happens if I lose the key to my storage unit?

You hold the only key to your storage unit. However, if you should misplace it, we have procedures in place to help you access your storage unit. In addition, we have locks for sale so you can replace the lock and have a new set of keys.

Packing Tips

  • Plan ahead. Gather up plenty of sturdy, corrugated cartons, packing paper, bubble wrap, sealing tape and marker pens, along with any furniture covers.

  • Boxes that are tightly sealed with packing tape will prevent dust from entering.

  • Wrap furniture legs with protective bubble wrap, furniture covers or pads to prevent scratching. Leave slipcovers on upholstered chairs and cover them with plastic chair covers. Tape or tie bed rails together. Mark the pieces for easier assembly later. Place covers or plastic bags on mattresses to keep them clean during storage.

  • Label boxes on all sides for easy identification. Keep a list (as well as pictures and descriptions) at your home or office for reference. Mark clearly all boxes containing fragile items. Make sure fragile boxes are placed on top of heavier, less delicate boxes.

  • Use valuable space inside dresser drawers and larger appliances, such as stoves and refrigerators, to store small items such as towels, linens and small, fragile items. Secure items in drawer by filling empty spaces with towels or packing paper.

  • Pack as much as you can in the same size boxes. Fill boxes tightly, but take care to neither over pack nor under pack. (Bulging cartons tip when stacked, while half full boxes tend to collapse). Use wadded up newsprint, bubble wrap, rags, towels, or blankets to fill in empty spaces. For maximum protection seal cartons with tape.

  • Pack heavy items such as books and tools in small boxes. For easier handling limit the weight of all cartons, regardless of size, to 30lbs. or less.

  • Clean and dry appliances before storing. Secure all movable parts with paper, or wedge and wrap a paper pad around each item for protection. During transport tape all doors shut, but remember to wedge them open for storage.

  • Pack books flat to protect their spines. Line cartons with plastic and fill empty spaces with packing paper.

  • Use lots of paper to pack dishes and glassware. Place a layer of packing paper inside the bottom and top of cartons. Wrap each dish and glass separately and cushion them with crumpled paper. Plates are best stacked on edge.

  • Hang clothes and draperies in wardrobe boxes.

  • Pack lamps and lampshades in individual boxes. Use plenty of clean paper or clothing for padding.

  • Pad mirrors and paintings with paper. Place them in special mirror packs or large boxes; mark boxes.

  • Protect sensitive items from moisture. Cardboard boxes, upholstered furniture, and other items which may be sensitive to moisture should be raised off the ground by pallets or wood blocking.

Storage Tips

  • Store items you'll need most often at the front of the unit.
  • When you pack your storage unit, create a center aisle for access to all items.
  • Do not place boxes directly on concrete floors, but use pallets or skids to allow air flow around and under items.
  • If you're storing tables and other furniture, remove legs and store tabletops and sofas on end, to save space.
  • Old photographs tend to curl over time. To keep them flat, place them between two pieces of cardboard and tape them together.
  • Drain gasoline and oil from lawn mowers and other items with small engines.
  • Common sense and state law determines what may be stored. You alone control access to your storage space therefore never store firearms, illicit drugs or drug paraphernalia, live animals, perishables, liquids, explosives, flammable liquids and fuels, toxic materials, or other items that need a controlled environment.
  • Use trash cans to store shovels, hoes and rakes.
  • Mattresses should be covered and stored flat on level surfaces.
  • Use protective covers and treat wood surfaces before storing.
  • When storing metal items, to retard rust, wipe all metal surfaces with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil.
  • Pack blankets, draperies, and dress clothes on the hanger in a wardrobe box.
  • Always use high quality locks on your unit. Locks are available for sale-just ask your site manager for a recommendation.
  • Whenever possible, place dressers and tables top-to-top to save space.
  • Do not store items that are sensitive or may be damaged by fluctuations in humidity.

What is “climate-controlled” and do I need it?

Our climate controlled units ensure that your treasured belongings are not exposed to damaging heat or cold. Our units are in an indoor finished building where temperatures range from 50 – 80 degrees, and humidity is limited to 55%. The indoor setting also reduces dirt and dust. The HVAC system blowers run 24/7 to filter and circulate the air in the building. This type of environment is ideal for storing furniture, documents photographs, discs/records, electronics and other items.

  • The corridors are equipped with video cameras
  • A brightly lit hallway makes it easy to move in and out
  • Exterior driveway access units sizes range from 10’x10′ to 10’x30′
  • Interior hallway access units sizes range from 5’x5′ to 10’x20′
  • Carts are available for complimentary on-site tenant use
  • Electricity available on some exterior access units for vehicle trickle chargers

boat-rv

Columbus Self Storage offers larger size units (9’ wide by 8’ tall door) up to 12’x40′ which will accommodate boats, trailers, snowmobiles, ATVs, campers and RVs. Each enclosed unit has its own door access. Some unit sizes offer additional driveway space for ease of access. This space varies so contact the manager to verify that your vehicle will be able to access the unit.