Storage Resources
First Time Storing?
What is a self storage facility?
A self-storage facility will provide a storage unit for your use with additional amenities to move your items into your unit from another location.
How do I determine my unit size?
We offer a guide for your review on our Self Storage Unit Sizes & Prices page. If you are still unsure of what size and/or dimensions would be best for you, please feel free to call (203) 655-2018, and one of our managers would be more than happy to assist you.
How long do I need a storage unit?
Duration of storage depends on the individual needs of the tenant – we can accommodate any length of time.At HTSS&WV, we bill on a month- to- month basis and we are also able to prorate depending on move-in and move-out – Call us for further information.
Do I need Insurance?
Most storage facilities mandate to buy coverage and/or show proof of individual insurance. At this time, HTSS&WV does not require proof nor offer additional insurance for items being stored, however we strongly recommend for every tenant to review their Homeowner’s or Renter’s insurance policy to ensure that the items in storage are covered.
What types of supplies do I need?
You will need to prepare your packing supplies in advance – we recommend that you keep box sizes as uniform as possible for easier storage, and use wardrobe boxes. Bring, plenty of packing tape, pad all breakable items, utilize old towels and sheets for padding, and have bubble wrap available. HTSS&WV has packing items for sale as a convenience to our customers.
You will also need a strong lock to secure your unit.
Do I need Climate Control?
Climate Control is advised if storing home items for longer than a month, as it will deter from building mold. At HTSS&WV, our facility is 67-74 degrees year-round, just like your home.
“HTSS&WV also has Garage-style drive-up units available. Though not climate controlled, these units are very well insulated. You will be able to store vehicles, tools and any additional items that you know will not be affected by temperature.
First Time Storing Wine?
Five Keys to Storing Your Wine:
1. Temperature – Store wine at a consistent temperature of 55° F and be sure the temperature does not fluctuate. If it does, the cork may expand and contract, allowing wine to leak out or air to come in – both can spoil the wine. Though optimal storage temperature varies slightly based on grape variety and vintage, 55° F is sufficient for any type of wine, from full-bodied reds to dry whites.
2. Humidity – Proper wine storage requires a humidity level between 60 and 80 percent. If the air is too dry, the cork may dry out, allowing air into the bottle and ruining your wine.
3. UV Light – Store wine away from sunlight. The UV rays can damage it and cause the wine to age prematurely. Light from household lighting won’t harm your wine. Still, it is best to keep bottles in a dark place.
4. On The Side – Store corked wine bottles horizontally. This will keep the cork from drying out. It is unnecessary to store screw-top bottles horizontally.
5. Keep It Still – Storing wine near vibrating appliances, such as a washer and dryer or speakers, can disturb sediment in the bottle, upset the aging process and destroy the wine. This is typically not an issue for short-term storage.
Storing Tips
1. Plan Ahead – storage facility, unit size and movers if necessary
2. Have a strategy when packing items
3. Choose the right size for your unit
4. Prepare packing items ahead of time
5. Label boxes/take inventory
- Do not use boxes of more than 2 sizes
- Pack boxes to capacity, but do not make them excessively heavy
- Pad breakables carefully
- Use wardrobe boxes as needed
- Use old towels and sheets for padding
- Ensure to seal boxes with the correct packing tape
6. Do not pack any perishables – they will spoil and create bad odors which will attract bugs and rodents
7. Have organized unit for easy access to items
- Maintain accessibility in unit – keep items that may be needed in the front and center
- Have an aisle for better access to items
- Have glass and mirrors standing upright, not flat
- Use shelving for better organization and access to items
- Create inventory of items to keep track of what you store in your unit
8. Purchase a good, strong lock
9. Don’t share your access code
10. Be aware of insurance mandated information with the facility
11. Be aware of facility’s prohibited items and amenities
FAQ’s
Do I need insurance for storage?
At HTSS&WV, we do not require additional insurance, but strongly recommend that you check with your Home Owner’s or Renter’s insurance for coverage.
What is the duration of my lease?
All units are leased on a month-to-month basis, so you will not committed to a specific amount of time. We require a 10-day notice of vacating prior to the 1st of the month.
What is your billing cycle and late fee policy?
We bill all tenants on the first of every month and send invoices to those not registered for automatic payments two weeks in advance of billing. If payment is not received by the fifth of the month, a late fee of $25 will be charged to the account. If payment is still not received by the twentieth of the month, an additional late fee of $35 is charged.
How do I access the facility?
Each tenant is given a unique code upon completion of the moving agreement to gain access the facility seven days a week from 6am – 9pm. In case of emergency, there is also a manager on call after office hours.
What security amenities do you offer?
- Every unit is individually alarmed,
- Cameras are placed throughout the facility,
- Gate access is unique to each tenant,
- Resident management is on-site and available in case of emergencies.
- Tenants may also be alerted to alarms in their units via our Mobile App. See management for more information.
What amenities does your facility provide to assist with moving our items in and out of our unit?
Our facility includes seven points of entry, two drive-in bays and a loading dock to bring your items into/out of the facility. The facility also has large freight elevators, with several flatbed hand trucks and rolling bins provided for easy transport within the facility.
Can I use your moving truck?
Yes! Our ten-foot box truck is available free of charge for new tenants moving in, within thirty days of lease date and a limit of twenty miles (additional charge after twenty miles). Tenants are also able to utilize the truck for other purposes at cost. Ask management for further information.
How high do your units measure?
Most units on the second and third floors measure nine feet high. Heights of units on the first floor measure between nine and twelve feet.
Which units are climate controlled? At what temperature do you keep them throughout the year?
All of our interior units are climate controlled. Constant air flow is maintained throughout the building in order keep stored items in a neutral environment and prevent damage to your property due to mold or outside weather. Climate-controlled units are kept between 67 – 74°F year-round. We also have garage-style drive-up units that are well insulated but not climate controlled.
How environmentally friendly is your facility?
Our facility is powered entirely from sustainable energy. We have over 200 solar panels constantly collecting energy to power the building throughout the year, minimizing carbon foot print and helping the environment.
Are you affiliated with any professional movers?
We are not affiliated with any movers, meaning we do not profit from referring you to any moving companies. However, we do recommend local professional movers who have been positively reviewed by our current and previous tenants. For more information, please contact our managers.
Can I change my unit after I move in?
Yes! We are able to easily make transfers when the tenant needs to upgrade or downgrade in size. It takes approximately 5-10 minutes to be processed for approval.
What are my payment options?
Our tenants have the ability to choose from automatic payment, online payment, cash or check.
Do you have moving supplies available?
Yes, we have different moving supplies available for purchase in our office, including boxes, tape, bubble wrap, moving blankets, locks, and more!
Can I deliver to your facility?
Yes, our tenants are able to send deliveries to the facility and our team will sign for them and store them during office hours. The office must be notified of the details in advance to ensure that each shipment is received accordingly. We will then notify the tenant of arrival and hold for 24 hours or as agreed between the office and tenant.
How can I store my car, motorcycle, boat, trailer or RV at your facility?
Our units are able to accommodate motorcycles, with or without climate control, as preferred by the tenant. Our garage-style drive-up units can accommodate cars, with outlets available for trickle chargers.
Limited large outside parking spaces (10×20 or 10×25) are available for boats, RVs and trailers.
What materials are prohibited from storage?
Customers are not allowed to use our units to store firearms, explosives, flammable liquids, contraband, toxic or hazardous substances, anything inherently dangerous or for any unlawful purpose. The storage of any food or perishable goods is also strictly prohibited. If our managers determine that any items to be stored may create nuisance or present a potential danger to public health or safety, HTSS&WV will prohibit the storage of these items.
Are you able to process move-ins remotely?
Yes! We are able to process move-ins remotely via email or phone, depending on tenant preference.
What protocols have you adopted to ensure cleanliness & safety?
Our protocols help us to maintain the highest cleaning standards of any facility in the area. We sanitize all keypads, flatbeds, bins and elevators on a daily basis.
Our management team walks through the entire facility twice per day, ensuring all locks are secure and the areas in front of each unit are free of dust and debris. A manager is present in the office during open hours to regularly monitor unit alarms and surveillance camera footage. Our on-site management is able to respond to emergencies and potential break-ins at any time, day or night, and will contact tenants immediately in these situations.