Q: Do you have any advice for packing our stall to get the most out of our space?

A: Yes we do here are a few Space Saver Tips

• Consider creating a path down one side, or through the center of your unit so that you can see and access all your items.
• Use adjustable shelving for easy and efficient access to boxes.
• Leave a step stool in the unit so that you can always reach items on the top shelf.
• Hang bikes or garment bags from the ceiling.
• Store chesterfields and mattresses on end - boxes piled on top of them would damage their springs.
• Clothes and fabrics should be cleaned before being stored and can be stored in drawers and wardrobes. But don’t cram them in - a little air circulation is a good thing.
• If storing quality wood items for a long time, consider waxing or using a wood treatment before storing, then cover with a thick blanket so you can store other items on top without risk of scratching.
• Label all boxes on the sides and top so that you can see the list of contents no matter how you place your boxes in the unit
• Keep a thick marker on a string in your unit, when you change the contents of a box, change the label.
• Remove oil and gasoline from all small engine equipment before it is stored (including lawn mowers, chainsaws, etc.) and consider hanging items on the wall or from the ceiling.
• Use the space under tables and inside appliances and cabinets.
• Need more tips, ask our expert staff.

Q: Why do people use self storage ... ?

A: The reasons people use self storage are many. For most people self storage is the simple solution to the problem of not having enough space in their home or apartment to store extra items. People also use self storage when they are in the process of relocating to a new area or moving to a new home.

Q: How does self storage work ... ?

A: Affordable Storage Inc. provides customers with their own individual space. Self storage differs from traditional storage in that the owner of the goods is responsible for, and retains control over their goods once is storage. You secure your storage unit with your own lock, keep the key, and have access to your goods 24/7. You can put extra items in, take items out, or move to a smaller or larger unit if you need to. You have complete flexibility. Indoor vehicle storage is also available upon request. 

Q: What can be stored in my unit ... ?

A: Furniture, books, files, camping equipment; anything from a few boxes to a full household. Common sense and state laws determine what may be stored. Never store live animals, perishables, liquids, explosives, flammable liquids and fuels, ammunition, toxic materials, or other items that need a controlled environment. Remember to drain the fuel from gasoline engines before storage.

Q: How much space do I need ... ?

A: No two people have the same storage requirements. We have sizes to fit almost every storage need and can accommodate most requests. We can help you decide on which size is best for your situation. 

Q: What are your storage rates ... ?

A: We have the best prices in NW Austin. See the Stalls page right here on our website.

Q: What is the minimum time that I can store for ... ?

A: The minimum rental period is one month, but stay as long as you wish.

Q: How long will it take to move-in ... ?

A: The entire move-in process should take less than 10 minutes. Please keep in mind that the time may vary, depending on whether there are other customers ahead of you when you arrive. Mornings are usually the slowest period of the day, while afternoons tend to be busier.

Q: What kind of documentation do I need to rent a unit... ?

A: A valid driver's license with photo, passport or photo ID is required to lease a unit.

Q: What type of payment do you accept ... ?

A: We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, PayPal, Checks, Money Orders and Cash. We offer and recommend utilizing our Second Hand Store for monthly credit or debit card billing. You can pay monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or yearly (discount given on annual payments). We will bill you prior to you your unit rent due date. Rent is always due on the first of each month.

Q: Do I need insurance ... ?

A: Items you place in our spaces are the sole responsibility of you, their owner. Items are not insured by Affordable Storage Inc.  We don't know what you are storing and do not know what they are worth. A good quality lock is the best way to ensure the safety and security of your belongings, regardless of any security system our storage facility may have. Check with your insurance carrier for coverage. Remember, if it's worth storing, it's worth insuring.

Q: What are your hours of operation ... ?

A: We are available 24/7 to our customers by phone and email.  Since you will have access to the facility with your gate key you can come and go 24/7. We are closed on most major holidays.

Q: Should I make a reservation ... ?

A; Availability changes on a daily basis. In order to make sure that the space that you want is available when you need it, we recommend that you make an advance reservation online. Visit our Second Hand Store and find Reservation Fees to reserve a unit.

Q: Do you offer other services ... ?

A: We have limited quantities of locks, boxes and packing materials available for purchase. We can sell your unwanted items on consignment online on eBay, Amazon and Craigslist.  So contact us about selling your items for more details.

Additional Storage Information

Plan ahead. Have enough packing supplies ready before you start. Use uniform boxes for easy stacking. Think about how you want your storage unit arranged; remember items first into the storage unit will be the last ones to come out. If at all possible, make a walkway through the unit. Allow a small space between your items and the walls. Store valued items towards the back.

Have a system in place; taking the time to be organized will make a stressful event a little more durable. Mark your boxes with numbers on all four sides. Keep a list of contents from each box with you. Label all 'fragile' boxes to make sure nothing gets stacked on top of them.

Appliances
Refrigerators and/or freezers should be thoroughly dry and stored with doors slightly ajar. Some goods can be stored inside large appliances and boxes can be stacked on top of stoves, refrigerators and freezers. Make sure that stoves and cooking equipment are cleaned before they are stored.

Books and Documents
Pack books flat to protect their spines. Do not place boxes directly on concrete floors, but use pallets or skids to prevent moisture absorption. Use packing to fill out empty pockets in the boxes. Do not pack fragile items in the same box with books and do not overload.

Boxes
Label boxes for easy retrieval. Place the heaviest boxes on the bottom.  Fill your boxes completely so that they will not collapse when stacked.

Clothing
Clean all clothing before hanging them in a wardrobe box for storage.  Blankets and draperies should also be cleaned and then hung in wardrobe boxes.

Dishes and Glassware
Place a layer of packing inside the bottom and at the top of boxes containing glassware. Ideally these items should be stored in a specifically designed dish pack box (available in the office). All glass items should be individually wrapped: nest cups and bowls and stand plates, saucers and platters on edge. Wrapped glasses should be placed near the top of cartons. Again, fill all pockets with packing materials. Label all boxes containing glassware and do not place heavy items on boxes containing glassware.  Keep dish pack boxes under 30 pounds for easy lifting.

Electronics
Pack audio-video equipment in their original boxes. Label cables and tighten transit screws. If removing screws, tape them to the objects they are removed from.

Furniture and Upholstery
Place a pallet on the floor to protect furniture. Allow space between the fabric and dust cover. Never use plastic, it can collect moisture and cause mildew.  Mattresses should be covered and stored flat.  Break down beds and tables.  Use protective covers for your wood surfaces before storing.  Store tabletops and sofas on end to save space.  Use dresser tops for stacking cartons and consider your furniture drawers for storing delicate items.  Wrap these items with bubble wrap or packing paper.  Most lightweight chairs can be stacked "seat to seat" or placed upside down on tables which cannot be disassembled.

Holiday Decorations
Save the original cartons that contained delicate ornaments and pad the ornaments with packing paper or newsprint. Wrap strings of lights around a piece of cardboard before placing in a carton lined with packing paper.

Lamps
Wrap large lamps and place them in boxes and pack delicate lamp shades separately. Do not use newsprint to wrap lamp shades or any other goods that may be damaged by ink stains. Do not store heavy items on cartons containing lamp shades.

Paintings and Pictures
Large paintings or framed pictures should be stored in specially designed art/mirror boxes.

Tools
Metal tools should be cleaned and wiped with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil to retard rust. Long-handled tools such as rakes, shovels and hoes should be clean, lightly oiled and tied in bundles or use trash cans to store shovels, hoes and rakes.

 

Affordable Storage Inc. 12116 Roxie Drive, Austin, TX 78729   (512) 627-8074
manager@affordablestorageinc.com