Watertown Self-Storage has answers to 10 of the most frequently asked questions about self storage.
What is self-storage?
Self-storage (sometimes called mini-storage or self-service storage) is the rental of individual storage units (or rooms), typically on a monthly basis, ranging in size from small lockers to large garage-sized units, where the customer (or tenant) maintains care, custody, and control by moving/packing the contents on a self-service basis, controlling access to the unit (e.g. key and any access code/s), and insuring the contents (see Will I need insurance?). About 1- in-10 households rent self-storage in the U.S., along with approximately 11% of all businesses, and there are an estimated 50,000 self-storage facilities across the country.
What does climate-control mean?
“Climate-control” means the environment within the self-storage facility is monitored and controlled by heating, cooling, and/or dehumidifying the air to maintain a certain temperature range (typically 55 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit) and reasonable humidity level (typically under 60%). In the Northeast, for example, heat and air conditioning are necessary to maintain a suitable climate-controlled environment year-round, while air conditioning and humidity control are necessary in the South. In a climate-controlled environment, your belongings are less susceptible to damage and other problems that sometimes can occur in facilities that are not climate-controlled. For more details, please contact us.
What can I store in my unit?
Whatever you want…it’s your space! Of course, you can’t store anything illegal, hazardous, combustible, etc., but, unlike a bonded warehouse, you can store and remove things whenever you feel like it (during access hours), without having to inventory anything, and without paying extra fees. Household renters store everything from seasonal items to prized collections, while businesses store everything from business records to extra inventory. Because Watertown Self-Storage is an indoor facility, VEHICLES CAN NOT BE STORED, but you can store small household and yard equipment if the fluids are drained.
What size storage unit will I need?
It all depends…not only on how much you will be storing, but also how well you pack the unit, whether you’ll need access to your belongings, whether you plan to add more things later, etc. Contact us to help you figure out what size unit you will need, but check out our unit details and try using our handy online size guide to get started. Keep in mind we offer sizes from 4'x5' to 10x20'+, and our units have a minimum 8' clearance, so you can stack pretty high to save space! If you already have a storage unit, but need a different size, you can always transfer into another unit.
Will I need a padlock?
YES – you lock it, you keep the key! Because the customer maintains care, custody, and control in a self-storage facility, the customer provides the lock and the facility operator does NOT keep any keys on file. If you don’t have a lock already or want a more secure one, we sell a variety of padlocks, along with a complete line of moving & packing supplies.
Will I need insurance?
YES – it’s a requirement of our rental agreement because we want all of our customers to have the right protection “just in case”, but if you have your own homeowner’s, renter’s, or business insurance coverage, it may carry over to our facility (please check with your insurance agent). Unlike a moving company or bonded warehouse, self-storage facilities do NOT insure the contents of a storage unit (since there is no care, custody, and control – see What is self-storage?). However, Watertown Self-Storage offers a third-party, pay-with-rent tenant insurance program that gives you the option of purchasing a protection plan that’s right for you; or, you can provide proof of coverage when you move in. For more details about our tenant insurance program, please contact us.
What do I need to rent a unit?
You will need photo ID, proof of insurance (unless you plan to select our tenant insurance program), and your initial payment (cash/check/credit card). If you’re in the U.S. Military, please present your ID so we can document it. All of our customers are required to sign a monthly rental agreement at the time of move-in. For more info about our rental agreement, please contact us.
How will I move my stuff and is there anyone to help?
The very definition of SELF-storage means that it’s SELF-service, so you’re responsible for packing your belongings and moving them into storage, but we carry a full line of moving & packing supplies, including specialty items like gloves, furniture pads, tie-downs, and even flashlights to make moving more manageable. And, if you need assistance, we’ve lined up professional movers and truck rental companies that can help – contact us for details. Once you or your movers arrive at Watertown Self-Storage, you’ll find a convenient, ground-level loading area, with complimentary carts/dollies, wide hallways, and bright lighting to make your move-in easy.
What’s the difference between access hours and office hours? Access hours are the hours you can enter the self-storage facility and use your storage unit (6:00 am to 10:00 pm, 365 days a year!), while office hours are the hours management staff is on-site in the rental office (7 days a week – see office hours; closed on major holidays). Please note that you can also rent online, 365 days a year.
What if I forget my access code or lose my key?
Watertown Self-Storage is so high-tech that you don’t even need to remember your code because your smartphone opens the loading doors for you! However, if you forget your access code, you can look it up online or contact us during office hours. If you lose your key, your lock will need to be cut/removed and replaced, which can only be done through the rental office with advance notice (fees apply).