Storage Unit Blogs

Vandrey Self Storage Best Practices

  • Insure all of your belongings while they are in storage.
  • Place any items that you may need to get to often in the front of your space and clearly mark the contents.
  • Number your boxes create a summary sheet to correlate the number to the contents inside.
  • When you pack your storage space, create a center aisle for access to all items.
  • To conserve space store sofas and loveseats on end.
  • Remove table legs if possible or use the table as a shelf to store boxes under and on top of it.
  • Cover your mattresses and furniture with specially designed protectors found at places such as Home Depot.
  • To better protect your belongings, properly pack them in boxes with packing paper, bubble wrap or peanuts.
  • Use trash cans to store shovels, hoes and rakes.
  • Always use high quality locks, such as disc locks on your unit. Locks are available for sale in our office.
  • Keep your belongings off the concrete floor, if possible. Placing them on wood pallets will help prevent damage from condensation and improve air circulation.
  • Per your Rental Agreement and/or state laws, never store flammables, stolen property, perishables, guns, explosives, ammunition, anything dead or alive, food of any type, collectibles, heirlooms, jewelry, works of art, or any property having special or sentimental value.

Finding & Renting A Storage Unit

Finding a storage facility to rent from can be a pain! There are a lot of factors that go into finding the storage facility that's right for you. Most people might think that the only factor would be the cost, The below will explain other factors that are just as important as the cost when searching for the correct self-storage facility.

  • First, is Cost: How much does the storage unit cost?
  • Hidden fees: Are there monthly reoccurring administrative fees?
  • Location: Is it close to roads? How is the neighborhood? Are the Neighboring businesses kept in good shape?
  • Lighting: is there good lighting available for those darker winter months?
  • Easy Access: Can you easily maneuver a truck around the facility?
  • Fence & Gate: Is there a fence or a gate?
  • Features: Do they have any convenience features such as the ability to rent online? receive Text/Email Notifications about your bill, or account? Can you access your bill online and make a payment online? Can you be set up on recurring billing?

Keep all of these questions in mind as you search for and rent your next storage facility, it could save you some headache down the road.



Customer Benefits Of AutoPay

Have you ever wanted to set up an automatic payment plan but have been hesitant because you have never done it before? If your answer is yes, you are not alone. Anyone who has set up an AutoPay plan can tell you that it can be scary the first time, but in reality, it’s extremely beneficial and secure. Here are 4 reasons why:


  1. Reduced risk of identity theft. Many people believe paper bills are safer than electronic payments. However, experts say a paper bill sitting in a mailbox with your name and account number is actually putting yourself at a higher risk for identity theft than electronic payment. 
  2. Lower cost. Checks, stamps, ATMS and your time - four things that are not free. However, AutoPay is. Paper billing is spending more money for less convenience. 
  3. Stay on time. Late payments occasionally decrease your credit score and late fees are no fun either. Autopay allows effortless and timely payments.
  4. Peace of mind. You never have to miss a payment and you can add ‘stress’ to the list of things you won’t miss when you set up automatic payments. The amount that you have to pay will automatically come out on the same day of your choice each month.

Setting up automatic payments at your storage facility, will allow you to worry less and keep you from jolting out of bed in the morning when you realize you forgot to pay for your storage unit.


Although AutoPay is convenient and secure, it may not be for everyone. If you don’t have a bank account or your income is very irregular, it may not be the ideal payment system for you. Consider these things before setting up an AutoPay plan.