Self storage suggestions (So Cal) (U-Haul, cheaper, moved, garage)

[mark85]

I'll be looking for a self storage place for a year or so and was wondering if I should stick with the big companies (Public Storage, U-Haul, etc.), or would I be better off going with a local independent co. Do the big guys offer more useful services, or are they pretty much the same as the smaller ones?

Are rates negotiable? I'm thinking that if I can find a place with a relatively high vacancy rate, they might be quite flexible, as it seems this industry iq quite competitive. I'll probably be moving to Pasadena, but don't mind getting a storage facility further out in the suburbs, as the rent is much cheaper.

Also, I was thinking of building a simple "loft" inside the storage unit using 2 by 4's and plywood, so that I can stack things up to the ceiling and maximize the use of space. More trouble than it's worth?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[DawnW]

Well, since I have experience in Pasadena......I can tell you that we had our stuff in storage in an outdoor facility type place (you have your own unit with a garage door from the outside) and we ended up with some weather and possible rat damage. We also had spiderwebs and such all over our stuff.

We moved everything to the Public Storage on Colorado Blvd. All indoor/temp controlled, and we were much happier with the place overall.

My vote is for an indoor/temp controlled place.

Dawn

[marita]

PODS - Reinventing Moving and Storage > Home