Storage Units in San Francisco
Sooner or later you may find yourself needing to rent storage space, whether you are moving, leaving for a tour of duty with Uncle Sam, going off to college, or have simply run out of space for your stuff. Or maybe your business has run out of room or has overstock that needs to be stored temporarily.
San Francisco is full of storage facilities. But before you start looking, consider your particular needs. Are you storing photographs or paper documents which are sensitive to humidity? Do you need cold storage or a controlled environment? Size is another consideration. Do you just have a few boxes of old CD’s and clothing or do you need to store furniture, the contents of an entire room or an automobile? Storage facilities are available tailored to these and other specific needs.
Facilities usually offer monthly rates with no contract but individual businesses may vary. In addition, some charge a one-time administrative fee and there may be additional charges for taxes and insurance.
A sampling of local facilities shows a large variety of sizes and services are available.
Kennedy Van & Storage, 2015 McKinnon Ave., San Francisco, (415) 826-5606, offers one-size self storage for those needing minimal space. The locker size is 5 x 7 x 7.5 feet.
For larger space needs, Security Public Storage, 43 Page St. , San Francisco , (415) 830-6902, offers freight elevators as well as an online payment option.,
Cor-o-van Records Management, 901 16th St. , San Francisco , (877) 977-3267, offers specialized storage for business documents and records storage as well as general storage at the same address.
San Francisco Mini-Storage, 1000 7th St. , San Francisco , (415) 252-0300, has storage facilities in a variety of sizes ranging from lockers to mini-warehouses and including special business file and car storage.
Some storage companies are associated with moving companies or rental trucks. Others offer mobile storage units which they will drop at your address and pick up once you’ve filled them. Others offer security systems for fire and theft, or provide (for a price) wrapping and storage supplies and shelving.
It would be worth your while to check out several storage facilities before deciding on one. Many have websites and some offer online reservations for units.
In any case, you are ultimately responsible to make sure your “stuff” is stored correctly. Wrap paper or other items which may be damaged by humidity. Wipe furniture with oil or polish to protect from dust and moisture. Use pallets or other permeable devices to place items up off the floor of the unit if possible to allow air to flow and to reduce moisture. Place a tarp or other moisture barrier on the floor if possible. Of course, avoid storing illegal or flammable items in the units.
With a little care, your goods will be in excellent shape when you are ready to remove them from storage and take them to their new home (or back home)!
