Arizona Storage Inns - Chandler

Is It 2012 Yet?

2012-01-12T10:14:00.018-07:00

Obviously yes!

Are we worried about it? No.

Are we fearful about it? No.

Are we going to continue doing the same thing in 2012 that we've been doing every year since (I think) 1999?

Obviously, YES!

Meaning, we'll just keep being the same FRIENDLY, HONEST, convenient and affordable self-storage company we've always been.

We'll keep offering (at least at THIS facility) ground-level, drive-up, outdoor-access, non-climate-controlled storage units that are EFFICIENT and ECONOMICAL, and open-air, uncovered, plain-Jane parking spaces for boats, RVs, trailers and vehicles.

Meaning,... we ain't gonna change for NOBODY (not even extinct, defunct ancient civilizations and their scary calendars!).

So, no worries, gentle reader and prospective self-storage client of ours.

We've got your back (or, at least, we've got your stuff) covered.

Speaking of that....

A MAJOR DEVELOPMENT

There's HUGE news coming on the horizon about a major change of policy coming in February within our company and within our family of ARIZONA STORAGE INNS valley-wide.

It concerns your stuff, and it has to do with "coverage" and it does involve a "policy."

Know what I'm talking about?

Probably. But I'll still give you a hint.

It's kind of like what you purchase when you want to insure your stuff against fire, damage, theft, etc., under a renter's or homeowner's policy.

It's called tenant insurance!

Now, we here at ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER, conspicuously situated at our sprawling, palatial complex on Warner Road just east of Arizona Avenue, have always offered tenant insurance as an option to our storage clients.

The difference is, coming February 1st,... well, you GOTTA HAVE IT!

Meaning, it's no longer going to be an option.

Now, I'll have more to say about that in our next post.

In the meantime, bear in mind that,... the fact that I mention storage insurance practically in the same breath as my alluding to the apocalyptic, end-of-the-world speculations and expectations some folks have about the year 2012--well, that's just PURELY COINCIDENTAL!

Honest.

We'll discuss this major change of policy in our next post.

Stay tuned!

In the meantime, keep on rentin'!

Happy 2012!

Your manager, Paul

ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER
297 East Warner Road
Chandler, Arizona 85225
(480) 899-1179
http://www.azstoragechandler.com

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Have a Happy, Blessed and Joyful Weekend!

2011-12-24T10:27:00.002-07:00

ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER
297 East Warner Road
Chandler, Arizona 85225
(480) 899-1179
http://www.azstoragechandler.com

No hard feelings if you're not making time this holiday weekend to go out and rent a storage unit!

We understand that, with maybe a FEW exceptions, there's almost no "compelling" reason to do that until next week.

HOWEVER....

... if you DO happen to have a need (or an intense, uncontrollable DESIRE) today for speedy acquisition of either a fully-enclosed, ground-level, drive-up, outdoor, non-climate-controlled storage unit or a convenient, open-air, uncovered parking space for your vehicle, work trailer or RV, well,... WE'RE HERE FOR YOU!

And we've still got our MID-DECEM-BRRRRRR Free Month Special going on (until New Year's Eve, Dec. 31st), so there's still time for you to take advantage of that.

Because, (A), WE ARE OPEN TODAY (Christmas Eve)!

And, (B), OUR HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS are:
Christmas Eve, OFFICE OPEN UNTIL 1:00 PM., GATES OPEN REGULAR SCHEDULE 6:00 AM TO 9:00 PM.
Christmas Day, OFFICE CLOSED, GATES OPEN REGULAR SCHEDULE, 6:00 AM TO 9:00 PM
Monday, Dec. 26th, OFFICE AND GATES OPEN REGULAR SCHEDULE

So, whatever your plans and activities are this weekend, if we don't see you -- or even if we DO -- please have a HAPPY, BLESSED, JOYFUL and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

And be sure to take time out and watch this AWESOME Christmas House lights display

From all of us, your managerial staff, at:

ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER
297 East Warner Road
Chandler, Arizona 85225
(480) 899-1179
http://www.azstoragechandler.com

Merry Christmas!

MID-DECEM-BRRRRRR SPECIAL! (R-R-R-R-Rent a Space at Arizona Storage Inns-Chandler and Get One Month F-F-F-F-FREE!)

2011-12-14T11:16:00.008-07:00

ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER
297 East Warner Road
Chandler, Arizona 85225
(480) 899-1179
http://www.azstoragechandler.com

Well, the holiday season is in high gear. Christmas and New Years' are just around the corner. And the official start of winter is just a few days away.

You know the old saying, 'time and storage wait for no man'... (or something like that).

Anyway, to help you get a jump on those JANUARY bills that will no doubt be flooding your mailbox, inbox and smartphone screen after the first of the year, I think I've found a way to make sure that storage rental expenses stay out of the mix... (at least until FEBRUARY!)

We call it our MID-DECEM-BRRRRRR SPECIAL!

I know, not too original. But, hey, they pay me to be an asset manager in charge of business operations for a multimillion-dollar, high-gross-revenue-generating real estate investment here, not a copywriter dreaming up catchy advertising slogans and cutesy marketing phrases. (But I try.)

As I was saying, our MID-DECEM-BRRRRRR SPECIAL runs like this.

When you come in to ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER, whose sprawling, palatial complex is located on Warner Road just east of Arizona Avenue, during the month of December, and rent a fully-enclosed, non-climate-controlled, ground-level, drive-up, economy, outdoor storage unit -- the only kind we have! -- or a convenient, uncovered, open-air RV parking space,... here's the deal... you pay just one month's rent plus a ONE-TIME administration fee of $14.28, and, in the spirit of holiday giving and generosity, we will flat-out GIVE you ONE FULL MONTH ABSOLUTELY FREE!

Sound like a winner?

I sure hope so because, frankly, that's all Santa's going to bring you this year!

However,... if you've been EXTRA GOOD -- and you ask for it nicely -- you can also get a FREE LOCK! (I reckon that should lop another $10 to $15 off your storage bill.)

So there you have it. ICE COLD SAVINGS of your cold, hard cash. (Okay, I'll stop.)

Come in today while Santa still has an ample supply of storage units (and before the OCCUPY NORTH POLE movement gets underway and ties up traffic).

Hurry in today! Managers are standing by, ready to help you get a STONE COLD deal on your way-cool unit!

Okay, I'm done.

Your Multi-Million-Dollar Real Estate Investment and Asset Manager, Paul

Happy Thanksgiving! Come In and GET ONE FREE MONTH (and MORE) This Weekend at Arizona Storage Inns - Chandler!

2011-11-23T11:25:00.038-07:00

ARIZONA STORAGE INNS-CHANDLER
297 E. Warner Rd.
Chandler, AZ 85225
(480) 899-1179
http://www.azstoragechandler.com

Well, when you're all done eating all that TURKEY, ham, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, yams, rolls, pumpkin pie, etc., etc. -- and whatever else is being FORCED upon you by well-meaning family and friends this Thursday -- we have a SPECIAL TREAT awaiting you on Friday and Saturday.

One that will not add FAT, salt, calories, cholesterol (or even gluten) to your holiday diet.

In fact, it's not food-related at all.

No, sir. The special "After Thanksgiving" treat that I'm talking about is, of course, a low-carb/no-carb, low-sodium, high-quality SELF-STORAGE UNIT at Arizona Storage Inns-Chandler!

Now, here's what makes renting one of our SUNNY, AIRY, outdoor-access, ground-level, drive-up, ALL-NATURAL, PURE ORGANIC, NO-ARTIFICIAL-climate-controlled storage units (or RV spaces) at ARIZONA STORAGE INNS-CHANDLER so special.

Besides the afore-mentioned "health benefits," you can also get, as our way of showing our gratitude, indebtedness and THANKFULNESS to you for choosing us to be your Preferred Self-Storage-and-Christmas-Gift-Stashing-Provider, ONE FREE MONTH!

And here's how you get it...

Just come in this Friday or Saturday, between the hours of 9 am and 6 pm, and rent a totally awesome self-storage space -- enclosed unit or open RV parking space -- and mention this blog (or Craigslist ad where you saw this same posting), and here's what happens next.

You simply pay for your first month plus a one-time administration fee, and we'll gladly, CHEERFULLY and expeditiously GIVE YOU ONE FULL MONTH FREE.

How does that sound?

Wait, it gets BETTER!

Not only will you get a free month, but,... just because it's THANKSGIVING WEEKEND (and we're feeling the love), we'll WAIVE THE ONE-TIME ADMINISTRATION FEE OF $14 for you and give you a FREE LOCK!

Now, tell me. Could this "After Thanksgiving/BLACK FRIDAY AND SATURDAY/SELF-STORAGE-BLOWOUT" special be any better?

Let me answer that for you.... NO!

So, you'd better GET IN HERE TODAY (and I do mean "today" because, if, after reading this, you have the presence of mind to drop whatever you're doing and race over on this fine and gorgeous day before Thanksgiving, I will honor the special TODAY!). So, come in and take full advantage of this while you still can.

Oh, there's one little caveat...

DON'T try camping out here the night before in order to get a "good place in line" for this deal. Security will be tight and we will NOT, under any circumstances, condone any OCCUPY WARNER protesters or self-storage prospects showing up and causing trouble!

Hope we're all CLEAR on that. ;-)

So, to recap, come in this Friday or Saturday and take advantage of our FREE MONTH, FREE LOCK, NO ADMIN. FEE Thanksgiving Weekend Storage Sale! (Hurry! This sale ends Saturday, Nov. 26th.)

Have a HAPPY, safe and blessed THANKSGIVING, everybody.

I'm here for you (just not tomorrow!).

Your THANKFUL (and Hungry for Some Good Holiday Cooking) Manager, Paul

OCTOBER SURPRISE! Get ONE FREE MONTH at ARIZONA STORAGE INNS-CHANDLER! Here's How...

2011-10-21T16:41:00.006-07:00

ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER
297 E. Warner Rd.
Chandler, Arizona 85225(480) 899-1179
http://www.azstoragechandler.com

As the month of October moves into its final innings (couldn't resist the baseball metaphor!), we here at Arizona Storage Inns - Chandler wanted to be sure that you had an even better reason for coming in and renting a CLEAN, SECURE, CONVENIENT and AFFORDABLE self-storage unit or RV space with us.

So we've decided to give you ONE FREE MONTH when you come in to rent a new storage unit or RV space!

Here's how it works.

Just come in any day you want, Monday through Saturday between the hours of 9 am and 6 pm, and rent one of our EASY-TO-ACCESS, GROUND-LEVEL, DRIVE-UP, NON-CLIMATE CONTROLLED (the only kind we have!) storage units -- or else one of our open-air, UNCOVERED, outdoor parking spaces for your boat, RV, utility or travel trailer, car, truck or van -- and pay your first month's rent plus a one-time administration (set up) fee of $14.00 plus tax. We'll give you an additional FULL MONTH FREE!

And you can either bring your own lock to place on your new unit, or else purchase one of our nifty, high-security disc locks ($13.50 plus sale tax).

How does that sound?

Well, if it sounds good to you, then I suggest you make a beeline and get you and your stuff to the following location:

ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER
297 E. Warner Rd.
Chandler, Arizona 85225
(480) 899-1179
http://www.azstoragechandler.com

As if THAT weren't enough, here's something else to help sweeten the deal. . .

***A FREE MOVING TRUCK!***

If your move is local (i.e, metro-Phoenix area/"Valley of the Sun"), you can use our convenient, easy-to-drive, 18 ft. moving truck FOR FREE to pick up your belongings and bring them over here to move into your new storage unit!

Here's how that works.

All you do is provide a $100.00 refundable security deposit for the truck (cash or debit/credit card) and, when you fill out the truck lease, either accept or decline the $15.00/day plus tax Physical Damage Waiver, which covers you for accidental collision damage while you have the truck. Since you're using our truck to move in with, we'll waive the normal $49.95/day (plus tax) rental charge and give you up to 24 hours of FREE use for your move in.

And you get 25 FREE MILES! No mileage charge until you drive it over 25 miles, after that it's 50 cents/mile plus tax.

Then, when you're done, head for the nearest gas station (for us, that's QuikTrip on the SE corner of Warner & Arizona) and REFUEL the truck to replace whatever gas you've used (for this part, I recommend overestimating rather than underestimating!). Be sure and get a RECEIPT and bring that with you when you return the truck.

Once the truck is back, we'll calculate the charges that you owe (based on what's described above) and deduct that from your deposit, and REFUND the difference back to you.

Simple as that!

So, if I've convinced you that ARIZONA STORAGE INNS -- CHANDLER is a great place to come and get an ECONOMICAL storage space and FRIENDLY, HELPFUL service from an experienced, knowledgeable staff, where lots of people choose to keep their household furniture, belongings, tools, equipment, business items, vehicles and RVs stored year in and year out, then, I believe, the next step is YOURS.

Which means...

I've done my part. Now, my dear self-storage renter-to-be, it is time for YOU to do YOURS....

Thanks!

Look forward to seeing you when you get here.

Your Manager, Paul

For Those of You Who Rent an 'Outdoor' Storage Unit (And Here at Arizona Storage Inns - Chandler, That Would Be EVERYBODY!),... A Few Helpful Tips

2011-09-03T15:38:00.021-07:00

You know, one of the most important things to understand about "outdoor" storage units is -- now, get ready, this is a very profound observation I'm about to share with you -- they're DIFFERENT from indoor storage units!

Yes, you heard me correctly. I know it defies all common sense and logic, but, so-called 'outdoor' storage units are NOT the same as indoor storage units.

And here's why.

Besides the fact that indoor units typically cost more than outdoor (for reasons I will elaborate on), they also tend to be, for the most part, cleaner, dryer, cooler and less dusty (although darker, even in the daytime) than outdoor units, and they tend to be, perhaps (though not necessarily), less prone to pests.

Come to think of it, I just DID elaborate on the reasons why indoor storage units cost more than outdoor! ("They tend to be cleaner, dryer, cooler and less dusty, with (perhaps) fewer pests.") So, allow me to elaborate some more.

Indoor storage units are climate-controlled. And, here in Arizona, that means COOLED (either by evaporative cooling or air-conditioning).

That definitely makes them more comfortable than outdoor units, especially for you, the paying renter, to be at. Also, the cooler environment, in the long run, makes them less likely to cause damage to your stored items through long-term exposure to heat or drastic changes in temperature and humidity.

So, bottom line, you get what you pay for. And, if you want all of the aforementioned benefits of indoor storage units, you have to PAY -- and pay a premium -- to get 'em.

But, enough about something that I have absolutely NONE of here at the sprawling, palatial complex of ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER, located on Warner Road just east of Arizona Avenue, i.e., indoor, climate-controlled storage units.

Instead, let's talk about the kind I DO have.... OUTDOOR!

Hurray for outdoor storage units! Cheaper. More convenient. More affordable. Lower maintenance and repair costs (good for you!). Less hassle for moving things into and out of. Less walking. Ground-level. Etc., etc.

Now, don't get me wrong. There is a small downside to all of this ECONOMY and windfall of savings.

The fact that they ARE outdoor and non-climate-controlled means they DO get hotter in the summer, colder in the winter. They DO get dirtier and dustier in the long run. They ARE a lot less comfortable for you to be at. And, yes, in the long run, given enough time (years, usually), the extremes of heat, cold and humidity probably will cause some of your items to age prematurely due to lack of care, conditioning and cleaning. (Just how did those Arizona pioneers keep their fine wood furniture and art pieces in this heat?!)

Well, I said I would give you a few tips -- so, here they are:

1. Bring work gloves (for protection).
2. Come in the daytime (easier to see).
3. Bring a friend (i.e., someone to catch you when you faint from dehydration and heat exhaustion. Just kidding.)
4. Be on the lookout for any of Arizona's infamous creepy-crawly critters. (Not to SCARE you, but with both indoor and outdoor units, you can expect to find the occasional spider or scorpion -- and, yes, you do have my permission to EXTERMINATE them on sight! Remember, we still live in a DESERT.)
5. Dress appropriately for getting DIRTY (just in case).
6. Be sure your boxes are SEALED and your furniture and uncontained items are COVERED with something (plastic sheeting, mattress cover, sheet, blanket, etc.)
7. Bring a rag, towel, broom or whatever, to DUST off your belongings. (Dirt happens!)
8. And if you come to the property after the sun goes down, bring a FLASHLIGHT. (We have lighted driveways, of course. Just not lighted units!)

And, so, armed with this short, simple list of common-sense, easy-to-implement steps that you can take in order to avoid being a totally unprepared greenhorn, unenlightened about the myriad "challenges" of outdoor storage,... you may now commence with your rental initiation activities.

Meaning, come on over here and get a storage unit!

Thanks.

Your Climate-Controlled Manager,

Paul

P.S. Be sure and check out our monthly SPECIAL at the top of the right sidebar!

CELEBRATE STORAGE INDEPENDENCE THIS 4TH OF JULY -- AND "FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY" FOR YOUR STUFF! :)

2011-07-01T17:02:00.027-07:00

ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER
297 East Warner Road
Chandler, Arizona 85225
(480) 899-1179
http://www.azstoragechandler.com

You know, not too many people equate self-storage with independence.

But, really, they are related.

After all, if it weren't for the LIBERTIES you and I enjoy as citizens, and residents, of these United States -- the freedom to acquire and accumulate stuff and to either keep it at home, or locked safely inside a self-contained, commercial storage unit -- then we wouldn't have this unique, marvelous (some might say God-given) opportunity to amass so much material wealth for ourselves that we must seek out a specialized business establishment, like ours, devoted exclusively to the renting out of personal storage space on a month-to-month basis, so that you, the recipient of such largesse of liberty, can then FILL UP that storage unit to your heart's content, wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling, with whatever you wish to put in there! Certain restrictions apply.

My dear friends, this is the hallmark of a truly FREE society -- i.e., the presence of so many privately-owned, profit-seeking self-storage enterprises across the land, in every hamlet, on every hill and in every dale throughout the continent, such that you now need a computer, smartphone, GPS, or just a big-fat PHONE BOOK to pick and choose the ONE from among the MANY!

E PLURIBUS UNUM....

"Out of many, one." Yes, that is the critical decision YOU, the prospective and presumptive consumer of self-storage services, must make. From among the many diverse and sundry self-storage companies out there, you have the audacious opportunity and privilege to exercise your RIGHT and constitutionally-protected freedom to select one of them to be the repository wherein and when you will, in the course of human events, ASSEMBLE your stuff and gather your goods forthwith!

In my humble estimation, dear friends, THAT is something to celebrate!

And so, let us, never again, take for granted that most precious, unalienable and hard-won of our liberties,... FREEDOM OF STORAGE!

Hoo-rah!

Happy Independence Day!

From Your Patriotic Manager,

Paul

P.S. Check out our JULY INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL in the sidebar. It'll save you some Washingtons, Jeffersons and maybe even some Jacksons! (Come in today. Resistance is futile!)

LEFT BEHIND? YOU CAN STILL STORE YOUR EARTHLY POSSESSIONS HERE AT ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER AND GET ONE MONTH FREE!

2011-05-21T16:20:00.008-07:00

ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER
297 East Warner Road
Chandler, Arizona 85225
(480) 899-1179
http://www.azstoragechandler.com

D-Day has arrived and, lo and behold, WE'RE STILL HERE!

The End Isn't Near. And that's okay because we here at Arizona Storage Inns - Chandler, Warner Road and Arizona Avenue, weren't quite ready to vacate the premises yet!

Now, the outcome of this weekend -- or the lack thereof -- does NOT mean, of course, that we shouldn't go ahead with our RAPTURE-AIN'T-HAPPENIN'-ANYTIME-SOON-SO-FUHGETUHBOUTIT Sale for the remainder of the month of MAY!

Because that's exactly what we're doing.

For those of us who woke up this morning and found ourselves left behind (that would be ALL of us), there's still time to get caught up in some of the out-of-this-world deals going on at our sprawling, palatial complex of Arizona Storage Inns - Chandler, Warner Road and Arizona Avenue.

Like the following:

Come in to our store (Chandler, Warner Road) between now and the end of May, i.e., May 31st, and when you ask for our storage rates and sizes, mention this blog post and we'll give you a POST-RAPTURE SPECIAL, just for being here!

Anyway, ask for the "POST-RAPTURE SPECIAL" (which is easier to say, and more professional-sounding, than the official, full-length title referenced above) and you'll get ONE FULL MONTH FREE when you rent any size unit or RV space.

Simply rent any size storage unit or RV space, pay for the first full month, along with a one-time administration/set-up fee of $14.00 plus tax, and we'll GIVE you ONE MONTH FREE.

Let me repeat, mention this blog post (or the Craigslist ad if that's how you got here) and ask for -- if you're not too embarrassed! -- the POST-RAPTURE SPECIAL and you'll get ONE FULL MONTH FREE.

But I'm warning you, just so you know, you'd better HURRY IN TODAY because there's a very real possibility that this special might not be around NEXT Saturday... ;-)

See you when you get here because, after all, I'm still here!

Your Devout, Devoted, Dedicated Manager,

Paul

APRIL IS HALF-OFF MONTH!

2011-04-12T16:23:00.003-07:00

If you're a new customer during the month of April at ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER, you can get HALF OFF your first month's rent!

Here's how. Just come in to our location at 297 East Warner Road, 85225, and when you rent a new storage unit or RV parking space before May 1st, tell the manager you want HALF OFF your first month.

You simply pay ONE HALF of the first month, plus a one-time administration fee of $14.28, and that's it! No strings attached, no minimum stay required, no long term leases. (Month-to-month rental)

Hurry in no later than Saturday, April 30th, to get in on this great April Special Offer!

Managers are standing by! :)

"MARCH MADNESS!" Here's How You Can Get a FREE MONTH at ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER!...

2011-03-02T11:04:00.020-07:00

***SORRY, OUR MARCH MADNESS SPECIAL HAS EXPIRED!***
(But, we do have an APRIL SPECIAL in its place!)

Just look at this insane weather we're having. Highs in the 70s, lows in the 40s. Sunny, with a few clouds.

When will this brutal winter be OVER?!!

Like Mark Twain said, "Everybody talks about the weather and self-storage, but nobody does anything about it." (Or something like that.)

Fortunately, the weather has been cooperating magnificently to make it nearly IRRESISTIBLE to not go out and rent yourself a nice, clean, outdoor-access, drive-up storage unit at ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER, conveniently located on Warner Road just east of Arizona Avenue (on the SUNNY side of the street!) in north Chandler.

So, to make sure nobody rains on your parade as you shop meticulously and scrupulously for that perfect storage unit or RV space, we're having a MARCH MADNESS sale on all new rentals.

Just come in during the month of March, rent an RV space or a storage unit of any size up through 10' x 20' and you'll GET ONE MONTH FREE!

How?

Simple. Pay your first month on your new unit -- let's say you rent a 5 x 10, that's $46.92/mo. with tax -- plus a one-time administration fee of $14.28 (also with tax), and we'll GIVE YOU A FULL MONTH FREE!

(See under SIZES AND RATES in the right column for ALL of our sizes and rates!)

That's it. No strings attached. No hidden fees or "gotcha" terms and conditions. No minimum stay required. Just a good deal for you, plain and simple. Buy a month, get one FREE!

Is that not sheer madness?

Yes, that's why we're calling it our "MARCH MADNESS" sale!

You'd have to be NUTS to not see the value in this. (But I don't like to prejudge people. :)

Just be sure and mention this BLOG post (or the CRAIGSLIST AD where I'm also advertising this) and ask for the FREE MONTH special.

Now, hurry in today.... before we regain our SANITY!

ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER
297 East Warner Road
Chandler, Arizona 85525
(480) 899-1179
http://www.azstoragechandler.com

See you when you get here!

Seven Things You Should Know Before Attending Our Self-Storage Auctions!

2011-02-18T10:45:00.008-07:00

If you're new to the wild and woolly world of self-storage auctions, here's a few helpful hints on what you need to know to PROFITABLY attend and participate in one (or more) of our public sales, i.e., the ones conducted at ARIZONA STORAGE INNS on a monthly basis.

There's SEVEN tips in all. Here they are:

1. Bring CASH (This is Most Important!). Auctions are all cash, all of the time. And since you never know whether a storage unit is going to sell for $5 or $500 -- or MORE -- it's better to come PREPARED--especially if you're the one the auctioneer looks at once the bidding stops, and after a brief, calculated pause he announces in a loud, clear voice (while pointing at you), ... SOLD!

2. Bring (If You Have One) Your ARIZONA TRANSACTION PRIVILEGE TAX LICENSE (TPT). If you're the winning bidder AND you plan on RESELLING the contents of the unit you've just bought, this handy little document will EXEMPT you from paying Arizona sales tax. Just wave it in front of the manager's face when you're back in the office paying for your unit after the sale is over. Otherwise, without a TPT in hand or on file with that facility, you can plan on paying the ubiquitous sales tax on your auction purchase. (Here in Chandler it's ~~7.8%~~ 8.8%.)

NOTE: if you have an AZ TPT and you're NOT planning to resell the contents of the unit, then you'll pay sales tax on it just as you would when you're buying something retail as the end user (since that's essentially what you're doing). See our dear friends at the Arizona Department of Revenue for further details.

3. Bring a LIGHT. You know, even on a bright and sunny day, it's a good idea to bring a flashlight along to see inside the units. Why? Because the one you're bidding on might be located down a LONG, DARK hallway. Or else it might be in a SHADY part of the building it's in. Or else maybe it's NOT so bright and sunny out today. Or else there's just so much stuff inside the unit, it's hard to get a good look at it all. And since you're only allowed to gaze longingly through the open door prior to bidding on the unit, you'll want to be sure and give yourself every advantage to see what's in there. So, bringing a nice, bright flashlight will help. (Makes sense, no?)

4. Bring a LOCK. Once you realize that, hey, you just gave the winning bid for this locker of loot not five seconds ago, and now, via a swift, effectual (and usually peaceable) transfer of ownership of the personal property contained therein, by the power vested in that august personage, the auctioneer, it all BELONGS TO YOU now; and that means you'll need to SECURE the premises immediately against all enemies foreign and domestic until you return later to take delivery of your booty. Of course, the best, most cost-effective way to do this is to PUT A LOCK ON THE DOOR. (Keeps honest people HONEST, you know.)

5. Bring a FRIEND. Two reasons... First, special events like these are better enjoyed in the company of a (good) friend. They're more memorable. They're more FUN. And, let's face it, after the thrill of winning the bidding wars has waned, and the adrenaline rush of conquering your competitors has worn off some (and you've forked over the appropriate amount of CASH -- see #1 above -- to consummate the deal that officially makes this stuff YOURS), you know that sooner or later,you'll have to haul away all those heavy boxes, bags, books, beds, bins, and other bulky stuff that probably took TWO people to put in there in the first place. You'll be glad you chose to bring someone along to share in the workload -- someone who, like you, had too much time on their hands. But I digress. (Only a joke, people, calm down!)

6. Bring a TRUCK and/or TRAILER. Speaking of HAULING (see #5 above), in addition to having another able-bodied person to help you clear the stuff out, you'll need an appropriate VEHICLE to do that with, naturally. So rent/borrow/bring a moving truck/pickup/van/trailer/etc. and get that stuff outta there in a TIMELY (and orderly) fashion.

7. Return the "PERSONAL" ITEMS. Just before the sale begins, you'll hear the auctioneer give some instructions to the crowd -- basically the "rules of engagement" -- and among these is an admonition to RETURN ALL PERSONAL ITEMS from the unit(s) that you buy, to the manager of that facility. This includes things like LETTERS, PHOTOS, FAMILY MOMENTOS/KEEPSAKES, DIPLOMAS, CERTIFICATES, DEGREES, KIDS' HOMEWORK/ARTWORK, as well as TAX RECORDS, BUSINESS RECORDS, MEDICAL RECORDS, FINANCIAL RECORDS, and basically any other DOCUMENTS that ordinarily don't have any intrinsic monetary or resale value. Sometimes you can take care of this while you're emptying out the unit; other times you'll have to sort through it later after you've hauled everything away, in order to find these kinds of things and return them to the manager, ASAP. Be sure and ask the manager, or else the auctioneer (before he heads off to his next lucrative public sale!) if you have any questions about this important little STIPULATION.

Incidentally, this last point about returning "personal" items to the original tenant in default is more of a courtesy extended to that person who just lost their stuff via this public "lien sale" than it is a legal requirement. It also injects some SYMPATHY and COMPASSION into an otherwise gritty, materialistic and matter-of-fact world of self-storage auctions! So, there is no obligation on bidders to do this, but auction participants with a heart will honor this request. (And you know who you are!:-)

************************

Well, that's it. Not exactly an exhaustive list, by any means, but surely a "quick-start" guide to Storage Auctions for Fun and Profit. And if you didn't find this article helpful, please come and see me, since I am also in charge of our Auctions Complaint Department (which, coincidentally, is located right next to the office shredder.... Don't know why that is. All I know is, we here at ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER strive for total efficiency! :)

See you at our next auction. That's FRIDAY, MARCH 11th, 2011, at 10:30 A.M.!

Your Manager and Auction Host, Paul

SURPRISE YOUR VALENTINE WITH…. A STORAGE UNIT from ARIZONA STORAGE INNS!!

2011-02-11T10:31:00.012-07:00

Yes, I know it’s DIFFERENT! I know it’s unusual. Perhaps, even a bit odd.

But let’s face it. If your valentine has been keeping and saving every bauble, every gift, every trinket, every stuffed animal, every semi-useful, semi-romantic, semi-desirable, space-consuming, dust-collecting, non-refundable, out-of-warranty, ready-for-the-next-yard-sale-but-I'm-too-sentimental-to-part-with-it item that you’ve given him or her over the years—you know what?…

...they NEED a storage unit!

But it doesn’t have to be a BIG storage unit.

It can be just a small one – 5 x 5 (small, walk-in-closet-sized) – with just enough room to store all the aforementioned items without busting your budget (and engendering disharmony, discord and ill-feelings in the relationship over such fiscal and monetary matters!).

Why?

Well, because a 5 ft. x 5 ft. unit only rents for $30.00/mo. plus tax.

THIRTY DOLLARS a month!!!

Do you know how many long-stemmed red roses, boxes of chocolates, stuffed teddy bears or HOODY-FOOTY pajamas you can buy for thirty bucks?

EXACTLY!

And that’s my point: a storage unit at ARIZONA STORAGE INNS – CHANDLER doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. (It’s only our LARGER units that cost an arm and a leg. But I digress.)

So, you can take care of two—no, actually, THREE—potentially problematic situations with just ONE solution.

A ground-level, drive-up-access, outdoor, non-climate-controlled storage unit at ARIZONA STORAGE INNS – CHANDLER, 297 East Warner Road, Chandler, 85225, (a), solves your storage problem (obviously), (b), solves your it-costs-too-much-we-can’t-afford-it problem, and, (c), solves your potentially-divisive relationship issue with your Valentine over what to do with all that STUFF you’ve been buying them all these years!

(Well, that third scenario may be STRETCHING our credibility a bit, but—work with me here—it is feasible!)

Now, I do need to stipulate and emphasize with this disclaimer: we are NOT in the relationship-repair business.

Nope. We’re only licensed by the state of Arizona and the city of Chandler to RENT STORAGE UNITS and RV SPACES. That’s it. Period. End of story.

So, this Valentine’s Day, get him or her that 5 x 5 -- or, c’mon now, dream big, 5 x 10! -- storage unit that they’ve always wanted (and have been secretly and cravenly expecting from you!) Then watch all your relationship issues and space-challenging troubles DISAPPEAR behind a closed and locked roll-up door at our secure, quiet and conveniently-located facility on Warner Road just east of Arizona Avenue!

By the way, we do have CANDY on the counter when you come in. (Just no chocolates and no roses!)… :)

Have a great weekend and a great Valentine’s Day (AND a great Arizona Statehood Day—Happy 99^th BIRTHDAY, ARIZONA, Feb. 14^th!)

All the Best,

Your Manager, Paul

Why Our FEBRUARY SPECIAL is Really a SWEETHEART DEAL for You!

2011-02-02T11:47:00.010-07:00

You know, we don't mind showing our new customers and clients who come in and store with us here at ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER, on Warner Road just east of Arizona Avenue, just how much we really LOVE them. ("Let us count the ways!")

So, in the spirit of everybody's favorite February holiday, VALENTINE'S DAY, we're offering this SWEETHEART DEAL to all of our new customers that come in and rent a storage unit or RV space during the month of February.

Here it is: 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH'S RENT!!

When you come in during the month of February and rent a storage unit of any size from 5 x 5 through 10 x 20, or an RV space, 20 ft. or 30 ft., you only pay HALF of your first month!

Just pay a one-time administration of $14.28 along with HALF of your first month's rent, and we'll pay the other half. It's that SIMPLE!

But February is a short month, so you have only 28 days to take advantage of this. That's just FOUR WEEKENDS to get in on some of this unbridled affection.

Hurry in and we'll show you just HOW MUCH WE LOVE YOU!

Well, wait a minute. Let me rethink this.

Maybe we shouldn't become so EMOTIONALLY INVOLVED with our new storage clients like this. (After all, we've only just met!) Maybe we should "dial it down" a bit, at least until we get to know each other better. Perhaps we shouldn't be so FORWARD--especially with strangers!....

Naahhhhhh!

Forget about it! We know how to set BOUNDARIES here! So, come in, rent a space, get HALF OFF and be done with it, and let's move on!

Looking forward to seeing YOU here.

Affectionately Yours,
Your Manager, Paul

Why We're (Probably) Chandler's MOST BORING, Predictable, Uneventful and MONOTONOUS Place to Store Your Stuff (and Why That's GOOD)!

2011-01-21T17:57:00.018-07:00

Frankly, we like it that way!

Because a storage facility that is boring, predictable, uneventful, quiet and monotonous is EXACTLY the kind our customers are looking for!

Think about it.

Would you rather store your stuff -- i.e., your personal belongings, business goods, tools, equipment, boat, trailer or other vehicle -- in a place that seems more like a cross between Grand Central Station and the O.K. Corral than a self-storage? With strangers traipsing in and out at all hours of the day or night, a lingering sense of uneasiness, foreboding and insecurity hanging over the place, with a palpable impression that maybe there's just a little too much "3G" -- gangstas, graffiti and garbage -- going on there (could be a symptom of something MORE)?

No, you probably WOULDN'T want to store your stuff there!

You know, most people aren't asking for much when they're shopping around for storage. All they really want is a CLEAN, SAFE, SECURE, AFFORDABLE and well-managed environment, at a location that fits in with their commuting and transportation needs, and a price that's FAIR and ECONOMICAL (one they can live with month after month if need be), and service from a staff that's HONEST, FRIENDLY, CARING, PROFESSIONAL and above all makes them feel WELCOME and APPRECIATED.

If you ask me, that's not asking for much.

And, if you ask me, that's EXACTLY what you get here at the sprawling, palatial self-storage complex located at:

ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER
297 East Warner Road
Chandler, Arizona 85225
(480) 899-1179
http://www.azstoragechandler.com

So, after you've finished reading this, pick up the phone-- or better yet, get in your car and drive over here, and (*YAWN*) see for yourself why we have so many satisfied clients, year after year, who choose to come and store with us instead of somewhere else.

(Hint: it's because we work very hard at being Chandler's most BORING, predictable, uneventful and MONOTONOUS self-storage!)

That's all for now. (*YAWN*) See you soon! :-)

JANUARY SPECIAL -- 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH!

2011-01-08T10:09:00.001-07:00

To help you get the new year 2011 off to a good start, during the month of January we're taking 50% off your first month's rent when you come in and rent a storage unit or RV space at:

ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER
297 East Warner Road
Chandler, Arizona 85225
(480) 899-1179
http://www.azstoragechandler.com

"YOUR FRIENDLY, NEIGHBORHOOD SELF-STORAGE COMMUNITY IN CHANDLER!"

Just a few things to remind you of in case you're not familiar with us, we're located on Warner Road just east of Arizona Avenue in north Chandler -- EASILY ACCESSIBLE from Warner Rd. and across the street from Chandler Mercado

All of our storage units are ground-level, drive-up, outdoor-access (non-climate-controlled).

Sizes are: 5 x 5, 5 x 10, 10 x 10, 10 x 15, 10 x 20, 20 x 20, 15 x 50 (larger when available). All units have 8 ft. ceilings, and 5 x 5 units have ceilings ranging from 8 ft. to 9 ft.

RV spaces are uncovered parking spaces on pavement. RV space sizes are: 20 ft. & 30 ft.

The property is secure and fully enclosed, with electronic gates, computer-controlled, activated by gate access code associated with your individual storage account.

***FREE RENTAL TRUCK*** with your move in -- no rental fee for 24 hours or less of use. Physical damage waiver (optional), $15.00/day plus tax. 25 FREE MILES! (60 cents/mi. above 25 mi., plus tax) Refuel truck to refill what you use (gasoline), and be sure to get a receipt!). You can also rent the truck any other time, too. Same terms apply plus a truck rental fee, $29.95 plus tax per day. For local, ARIZONA use only.

Boxes, tape, locks and mattress bags available for your convenience, for sale in our store and rental office.

Don't miss our MONTHLY SPECIALS (see sidebar under Sizes and Rates)

Office hours: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm, Monday - Saturday (office closed on Sundays and major holidays)

Gate hours: 6:00 am - 9:00 pm, every day year-round (24-hour access for moving in and moving out upon request)

We're locally owned and operated by an established, Phoenix-based company. Facility is resident-managed by a FRIENDLY, professional staff, ready to serve you.

So if you're looking for a CLEAN, SAFE and AFFORDABLE storage place that offers great VALUE for your business or personal property and non-perishable goods, furniture, tools or equipment, look right HERE.

Come in and see why SO MANY of our return customers COME BACK to us again and again whenever they need extra storage space. It would be our pleasure and privilege to do whatever we can to help you with YOUR self-storage needs, too.

**To take advantage of our JANUARY 50% OFF SPECIAL, mention this blog to get it!**

Thanks. Looking forward to seeing YOU!

MERRY CHRISTMAS! FROM YOUR FRIENDS @ ARIZONA STORAGE INNS – CHANDLER!

2010-12-24T09:25:00.005-07:00

ARIZONA STORAGE INNS – CHANDLER

297 East Warner Road

Chandler, Arizona 85225

(480) 899-1179

http://www.azstoragechandler.com

Just wanted to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very MERRY CHRISTMAS! We especially want to thank all of you who have chosen Arizona Storage Inns to be your PSSP (Preferred Self-Storage Provider!) this year -- as well as those of you who've been with us for a few years and have stayed with us month after month, Christmas after Christmas (with no coercion on our part :). Thanks for making us your “long-term storage partner!”

We hope everyone gets a chance to enjoy all the food, fun, friends, family, good feelings -- and of course, “glad tidings” -- that go along with this special day and special time of the year. Lots of reasons to be thankful and lots of reasons to be HOPEFUL!

Celebrating the season, and wishing you the timeless and priceless GIFT of Christmas,

Your manager, Paul

P.S. And if you need extra storage space for all those new “toys,” come see me!

***Be sure and check out our DECEMBER SPECIAL, 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH-----> (See under Sizes and Rates in the sidebar, also at the upper right ("Paperless Coupon").***

Looking for a Storage Unit or RV Space in Chandler/Gilbert?

2010-12-17T16:30:00.003-07:00

ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER
297 East Warner Road
Chandler, Arizona 85225
(480) 899-1179
http://www.azstoragechandler.com

YOUR FRIENDLY, NEIGHBORHOOD SELF-STORAGE COMMUNITY IN CHANDLER!

We're located on Warner Road just east of Arizona Avenue, easily accessible from Warner.

Storage units are ground-level, drive-up, outdoor-access (non-climate-controlled).
Sizes: 5 x 5, 5 x 10, 10 x 10, 10 x 15, 10 x 20, 20 x 20, 15 x 50 (larger when available). All units have 8 ft. ceilings.

RV spaces are uncovered parking on pavement.
Space sizes: 20 ft., 30 ft.

Electronic gates, computer-controlled, activated by gate access code associated with individual storage account.

FREE Rental truck -- when used to move in -- No rental fee (for 24 hours of use), optional physical damage waiver $15.00/day (plus tax), 25 FREE miles, 60 cents/mi. (plus tax) above 25 mi., refill gasoline used. For local (Arizona) use. Truck available at other times -- rental fee $29.95 (plus tax)/day, other terms the same.

Boxes, tape, locks, mattress bags for purchase in store/rental office.

Office hours: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm, Monday - Saturday (office closed on Sundays and major holidays)

Gate hours: 6:00 am - 9:00 pm, every day year-round (24-hour access for moving in and moving out upon request)

We're locally owned and operated, resident-managed.

If you're looking for a CLEAN, QUIET, SAFE, AFFORDABLE and FRIENDLY place to store your business or personal property and goods, look right here:

ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER
297 East Warner Road
Chandler, Arizona 85225
(480) 899-1179
http://www.azstoragechandler.com

***Come in and see why SO MANY of our return customers come back to us again and again whenever they need extra storage space for their household or business goods! It would be our pleasure to do what we can to help you with YOUR self-storage needs, too.***

Looking forward to seeing YOU!

Be sure and take advantage of our HALF-OFF Move-In Special! See sidebar (to the right), "DECEMBER SPECIAL," under Sizes and Rates for details! (Or just see the previous post, below.)

DECEMBER SPECIAL! 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH!

2010-12-01T10:47:00.011-07:00

ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER
297 East Warner Road
Chandler, Arizona 85225
(480) 899-1179
http://www.azstoragechandler.com

It's December! That means the holidays and that means $$$! (Sorry!)

But, fortunately, for you, we took that into consideration (i.e., your need to conserve precious capital this time of year!). So we're having a 50% OFF SALE to help you wrap up the year 2010 and not be snowed under all the end-of-the-year expenses and bills that you'll no doubt be dealing with before January. It is what it is.

So here's what we propose to do to help ease things just a bit. If you come in during the month of December to rent a storage unit of any size (up to 10 x 20) or an RV space, we'll give you 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH'S RENT!

No minimum stay required. No long-term commitment. Just a straight-up deal on a month-to-month rental agreement. You pay only HALF a month's rent plus a one-time administration fee of $14.00 plus tax to get started. Fill out the necessary paperwork (naturally), purchase one of our locks or bring one of your own, get a gate-access code and you're in business! (Actually, you're in a storage unit!)

And....

Use our FREE rental truck to move in with and SAVE EVEN MORE!

You get a FREE MOVE -IN with our truck -- NO TRUCK RENTAL FEE! -- plus 25 FREE MILES (60 cents a mile plus tax after 25 miles), for your local move. Just pay for your own gas -- and we strongly recommend paying the optional physical damage waiver (PDW) to cover accidental loss or damage of the truck while you're using it. (It'll make your life SO MUCH easier if something happens!)

Anyway, that's pretty much the DECEMBER deal!

If you think it's a good one, COME ON IN:

ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER
297 East Warner Road
Chandler, Arizona 85225
(480) 899-1179
http://www.azstoragechandler.com

IMPORTANT: Make sure you ASK for the DECEMBER HALF-OFF SPECIAL when you call or come in. (That's the only way you get it. Ask, and you shall receive!)

Thanks! Look forward to seeing YOU!

THANKSGIVING SAVINGS AT ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER!

2010-11-24T10:07:00.004-07:00

ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER
297 East Warner Road
Chandler, Arizona 85225
(480) 899-1179
http://www.azstoragechandler.com

~~THIS WEEK ONLY....~~ Sorry! This offer has expired. See the "paperless coupon" in the right sidebar to take advantage of our current specials.---->

In addition to our "NOVEMBER TO REMEMBER" SPECIAL (25% OFF YOUR FIRST TWO MONTHS), we'd like to add a little something this week to make your Thanksgiving even HAPPIER!...

Take advantage of our November to Remember Special this week, through Saturday, Nov. 27th, and you'll PAY NO ADMINISTRATION FEE, get a FREE LOCK and get THREE (3) FREE BOXES (your choice of small 1.5 cu. ft., medium 3.0 cu. ft., or large 4.5 cu. ft.)!

So, in addition to getting 25% OFF your first two months of rent on your new storage unit or RV space, we'll WAIVE YOUR ADMINISTRATION FEE, give you a FREE LOCK plus THREE (3) FREE BOXES, your choice of small 1.5 cu. ft., medium 3.0 cu. ft., or large 4.5 cu. ft.!

Come in TODAY, (closed Thursday for Thanksgiving), FRIDAY or SATURDAY to get in on these great THANKSGIVING SAVINGS -- THROUGH THIS SATURDAY, NOV. 27TH ONLY!!

ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER
297 East Warner Road
Chandler, Arizona 85225
(480) 899-1179
http://www.azstoragechandler.com

Thanks! Look forward to seeing YOU here

HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Store at a Place Where Nobody Else Can TOUCH YOUR JUNK! :-D

2010-11-19T11:18:00.000-07:00

ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER
297 East Warner Road
Chandler, Arizona 85225
(480) 899-1179
http://www.azstoragechandler.com

....Sorry, couldn't resist the play on words!

Yes, we believe in SECURITY for our self-storage clients. Yes, we believe in taking REASONABLE measures to ensure that everybody (and their stuff) is SAFE. But, I give you my word, we will never, EVER make you go through a full-body scanner or subject you to an enhanced patdown for you to be able to rent here!

No way, Jose.

We'll just give you a CLEAN, SECURE, DRIVE-UP-ACCESS, OUTDOOR, GROUND-LEVEL, non-climate-controlled storage unit (or RV space, uncovered) at a fair price (not including monthly SPECIALS) and GREAT, FRIENDLY customer service.

That's it. No gimmicks. No "gotchas." And most importantly, no elevators, stairs or LONG, indoor hallways to walk down (or up), back and forth with your stuff. Just drive up and UNLOAD!

So if you're in need of a storage unit or RV space in the Chandler-Gilbert area, give us a call or come in to:

ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER
297 East Warner Road
Chandler, Arizona 85225
(480) 899-1179
http://www.azstoragechandler.com

Thanks! Look forward to seeing YOU here! (And bring your JUNK!) :)

NOVEMBER TO REMEMBER!!

2010-11-02T16:00:00.012-07:00

Last two months of the year, then 2010 is HISTORY!

And we'd like to do something to help end the year on a high note.

So what we're going to do is offer 25% OFF THE FIRST TWO (2) MONTHS of rent on your new storage unit or RV space!!

That's 25% OFF YOUR FIRST TWO (2) MONTHS!

All you have to do is come in and rent a storage unit or RV space of any size (except for 20 x 20 and 15 x 50 units) during the month of NOVEMBER, and we'll give you a DISCOUNT of 25% OFF your first two (2) months! (Just pay a one-time administration fee of $14.28 along with your first payment.)

You see, this way, it'll help you accomplish two things:

Save some money in preparation for all of the holiday shopping you'll probably be doing these next two months.
Get a nice, CLEAN, SECURE, CONVENIENT, ready-to-use storage unit to put all of those holiday packages and presents in! (How's that for "thinking ahead?")

So, make this a "November to Remember!"

ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER
297 East Warner Road
Chandler, Arizona 85225
(480) 899-1179
http://www.azstoragechandler.com

But, HURRY in today.... before you forget! :)

And speaking of "forgetting," I almost forgot to to tell you to be sure and MENTION THIS BLOG POST/WEBSITE when you call or come in, to get the 25%-off-two-months discount!

That's all. Have a great month!

Don't Store Your Stuff Where It's SPOOKY & SCARY! Store Where It's SAFE! (Arizona Storage Inns - Chandler)

2010-10-29T11:57:00.000-07:00

ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER
297 East Warner Road
Chandler, Arizona 85225
(480) 899-1179
http://www.azstoragechandler.com

TRICK OR TREAT! And we've got a real treat waiting for you here....

Actually, it's only a "treat" if you compare it to the tricks other storage companies use to try to get your business!

Namely, a CLEAN, SAFE, QUIET, CONVENIENT, AFFORDABLE storage unit in a WELL-MANAGED, WELL-ESTABLISHED facility -- with a LOCALLY-OWNED and OPERATED company that's HONEST and ETHICAL -- one that offers FRIENDLY, COURTEOUS, PROFESSIONAL service (and treats you like you really do MATTER!), and doesn't try to trick you with "gotcha" deals and artificially (and temporarily!) low rental rates and discounts.

Nope. What you see is what you get with us. FAIR deals and GREAT service on our self-storage units and RV spaces -- and a COMMUNITY of clients that really appreciate, and LOVE, doing business with us!

All right, yes, we do have CANDY on the counter when you come into our office.... but, you don't have to be wearing a costume to have some!

Just come as your are to:

ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER
297 East Warner Road
Chandler, Arizona 85225
(480) 899-1179
http://www.azstoragechandler.com

Look forward to seeing YOU (dressed up or not)

Be sure to take advantage of our OCTOBER SPECIAL! 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH--You pay just ONE-HALF (plus a one-time administration fee of $14.28!)

OCTOBER SURPRISE!

2010-10-01T16:50:00.007-07:00

Surprise! It's OCTOBER! (Ready or not)

Actually, the October "surprise" isn't much of a surprise. It's more of an October extension, but "extension" doesn't have nearly as much advertising and marketing oomph to it as SURPRISE! Anyway, extension sounds too much like a filing deadline!

Perish the thought! No, what we're EXTENDING here is our 50% OFF SPECIAL that we started back in August. It rolled over into a "FALL INTO SEPTEMBER SALE," and now it seems to have morphed into an OCTOBER SURPRISE! And who knows, before it's all over with, maybe we'll just let it end up being our MID-WINTER SPECIAL! We'll have to wait and see....

In any event, I just wanted to bring it to your attention, so you don't go doing something crazy like rent somewhere else!

Just look over in our SIZE AND RATES section in the sidebar on the right, to find out everything you need to know about this super SPECIAL.

Well, that's the big news we have to help you KICK OFF this new month of October. Hope you're ready for some real fall weather now -- you know, the kind where you only have to run your air-conditioner 23 HOURS a day!

Keep on smiling (and, for now, sweating)!

Your Manager, Paul

Practical Storage Solutions for Your Garage--OR Your Storage Unit!

2010-09-15T14:40:00.012-07:00

That's the beauty of a lot of the storage advice floating around out there. It's transferable. It's cross-platform compatible. It's simple, sensible and fairly inexpensive. And, it can be applied either at home OR in a commercial self-storage facility like ours (good thing!).

Here's what I'm talking about.

The tips that this lady (dressed for cold weather in an obviously unheated garage!) offers in this short video are, for the most part, applicable in an offsite storage unit as well as in your garage at home--except for the part about hanging items from the wall (you really can't do that without inflicting some "damage" to the walls inside your unit. And that just ISN'T COOL!).

But, the advice about sorting through your stuff, throwing away what's not really useful or needed anymore, organizing, packing in storage tubs, labeling, etc. is actually PRETTY GOOD advice.

Enjoy the video:

Solutions for Storage -- powered by eHow.com

Can't really add to this--except to say that, naturally, if you have an UNUSUALLY large amount of stuff that you just can't bear to part with, or you think you might need it sometime in the next 10 to 20 years, and you don't want it cluttering up your newly-cleaned-and-smartly-reorganized garage, by all means, RENT A STORAGE UNIT!

After all, that's what they invented self-storage for! :)

****************************************************

P.S. Feel free to comment on this blog post, video clip, or anything else that you find on this site. I welcome your CIVIL, HONEST and THOUGHTFULLY COMPOSED feedback! :)

More Garage Storage Tips (Got a Minute?)

2010-09-09T17:11:00.010-07:00

Admit it, most of us could use a little brushing up on our organizational skills, right? (Heads nodding!)

Now, with ordinary, commercial self-storage rental units (like the kind we have here at ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER, on Warner Road between Arizona Avenue and McQueen), you're pretty much limited to free-standing shelf units, portable racks, pallets and such that you place inside.

And that's okay.

But, if you happen to live in a house that has a GARAGE (and/or a basement) and you want to maximize the use of that space, here's a handy, little 97-second video that you might find useful--especially if that garage or basement has UNFINISHED walls. Why? Well, this video shows you how to utilize all the "secret" storage spaces located along those walls.

It's a quick, easy, effective--and CHEAP solution! (My kind of solution!)

Here, take a look:

Garage storage tips

FALL INTO SEPTEMBER! WITH 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH'S RENT!

2010-09-01T16:10:00.006-07:00

September is a great month. It's the month Summer ends and Fall begins. The monsoons finally quit inundating us with wind and rain and hail (like last Saturday). And temperatures begin to drop back below the boiling point of water....

It's also the month that we're extending our "August Monsoon Special" (remember that one?). Sure you remember. All month long, we were giving 50% off the first month's rent for all our new self-storage clients.

It was such a HIT, that we here at ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER, conveniently located at 297 East Warner Road, on Warner Road between Arizona Avenue and McQueen Road, have decided to let the good times roll!

Only now we're calling it, FALL INTO SEPTEMBER!

So, during the entire month of September, we're still giving you 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH'S RENT for your storage unit or RV space.

For all the MONEY-SAVING details, just visit our "SPECIALS" page--or else just scroll down the sidebar to the right.

And as always, be sure and MENTION this blog (or Craigslist if that's where you saw the Special) in order to get in on this GREAT DEAL.

That's all for now. Well, I've given you your marching orders. Now it's time for you to HOP TO, DOUBLE TIME!! ("Rent....rent....rent, RIGHT, rent, RIGHT, rent.....rent.......")

Your Manager-for-All-Seasons, Paul

How to Organize Your Garage (Don't Try This With Your Storage Unit!)

2010-08-27T17:04:00.008-07:00

Since we're all about STORAGE SPACE here, and since I love how-to videos that show you how to add functionality and value to something (like empty space!), here's one about transforming your ho-hum garage into a "storage powerhouse."

Now, keep in mind this home improvement project is something you can obviously do as a homeowner to organize and store all those tools and toys you need, and want, ready access to there at your place of residence.

BUT! (disclaimer)... it is NOT in any way, shape, manner or form, intended to be a substitute for the EXTRAORDINARILY BENEFICIAL advantages and UNRIVALED CONVENIENCES of a commercially-operated self storage facility (such as ours)--where you would still need to store all those OTHER items that won't fit on the hooks and shelves and inside the nifty cabinets and drawers that this storage system affords (what a shame!).

I just want you to keep that in mind as you watch this, okay?

Anyway, it's only four minutes long, so take a look!

Organizing your garage

When I buy my next house (after the market in Arizona finishes TANKING), I will definitely consider installing one of these in my garage. (unpaid endorsement :-)

(Hint: if you want to get rid of the annoying ad space that pops up over the bottom of the screen, just click on the CLOSE button at the corner of it.)

But Can An "18-Wheeler" That's Bringing My Stuff Make It into Your Storage Facility? The Answer is, YES!!

2010-08-10T14:18:00.012-07:00

So let's say you're moving here from across the country, across the state, or just from across town, and all your worldly possessions are loaded up and being transported in a BIG RIG, aka, tractor trailer, aka, "18-wheeler."

Believe it or not, NOT every storage facility you call is going to be able to accommodate that.

But, you say, you need a storage unit in Chandler, north Chandler, northwest Gilbert, somewhere in that area. Who're you gonna call?

Ghostbusters! (sorry, couldn't resist:)

Actually, there are a few storages you could call.

And if you want my honest opinion, all things being equal (which they NEVER are in the world of self-storage!), as long as the property is laid out correctly, and the access from the adjoining street is tolerable, if not ample, I say, may the best storage WIN.

Of course, if you were to call ME with a similar big truck issue, I'd say, "Sure, we have 18-wheelers come in here all the time."

But that would be lying!

It would be lying because they DON'T come in here "all the time." They only come in here once in a while. (What? You think I'm being too technical here? Okay, I'll stop.:)

In any case, when a prospective client calls to ask if our facility can accommodate a "big rig," I can honestly tell them, "YES, WE CAN!"

But why take my word for it? The last time we had a big rig come in here (last month) with a new client's stuff to move in, I decided I was going to DOCUMENT the event--visually, to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that, indeed, an over-sized tractor trailer CAN (and did) get in and out of here without incident or injury--so I immediately grabbed my camera and TOOK PICTURES!

And here they are:

(Technical note: don't ask me why but the web-editing software Blogger uses wouldn't let me rearrange these photos correctly (I uploaded them in chronological order, but then could not move them around after that?), so here they are in REVERSE chronological order!)

Here the good driver of that BEHEMOTH is leaving, getting back onto Warner Road westbound after exiting the property.

Here, the folks are unloading their things off the truck.

See? And the driver actually drove around the BACK of the property to get to the client's unit. (You should've seen it!)

There you have it. Irrefutable photographic PROOF. So, if you happen to be needing a storage unit in this area, and you need to make arrangements for a BIG RIG/tractor-trailer/18-wheeler to deliver your stuff--if it's at ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER--no problem!

We have those kinds of trucks in here all the time! :)

Keep on truckin'!

Your Manager, Paul

AUGUST "MONSOON" SPECIAL 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH!

2010-08-04T11:46:00.012-07:00

Hmmm. "50% off your first month."

Sure sounds the same as last month's JULY SPECIAL, doesn't it?

That's because IT IS THE SAME as last month's July Special!

Customers seemed to like our July special so much that, at our annual three-day Self-Storage Promotional Strategies conference and global summit meeting--held in late July at an undisclosed location in the White Mountains (NOT!)--it was unanimously decided by secret ballot among the delegates to extend our July special, and make it a seasonal "MONSOON" special for the month of August (and possibly beyond, but we can neither confirm nor deny that at this time).

So we're rolling it out as our "August Monsoon Special."

Not very creative, eh?

Look, I don't get paid to be "creative." I get paid to be a cold-hearted, avarice-driven, revenue-obsessed facility manager for my local party bosses at ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER, renting empty storage units and uncovered, empty parking spaces to unwitting tenants, and then shaking them down every month for their contractually-obligated rent payments. (I LOVE my job!)

Besides, this is about getting RESULTS and saving my customers and clients money, not winning "creativity" awards and kudos for being original.

If it's creativity and originality you want, go to an art gallery! :) ....

But, (and here's my sales pitch) if you want CLEAN, QUIET, SECURE, EASY-TO-ACCESS storage space at an affordable price--with FRIENDLY, HONEST service to go with it--come on over!

I'm here, ready and prepared to take your cash--er, I mean, your call. :D

And I mean BUSINESS! So get over here before the next thunderstorm rolls in. See ya...

Your Manager, and Vice-President of Marketing and Public Relations,

Paul

Speaking of Storage Space--Do You Like MEDITERRANEAN Food?

2010-07-27T17:24:00.014-07:00

I know what you're thinking.

What in the WORLD does self-storage have to do with Mediterranean food?

Nothing, really.

Except that Lina Bazedoo, owner of the Magic Kabob restaurant on Arizona Avenue north of Ray Road--specializing in "Fast, Fresh, Delicious" Mediterranean cuisine--came in last week and became a V.I.P. client by renting a storage unit here at the sprawling, palatial complex of ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER, located on Warner Road just east of Arizona Avenue in north Chandler.

And thusly, I'm provided with a very handy and totally legitimate segue to promoting and recommending their unique eating establishment, the Magic Kabob, which is located at 1368 N. Arizona Ave., Suite 101 in Chandler.

Now, to show you that I didn't just MAKE THIS UP purely for marketing and crass commercial purposes (you know me better than that), here's an actual, un-retouched photograph of Lina and her crew of helpers, comprised of family--including her brother and master chef, George (standing to the right)--and a couple of (recently acquired) friends who were there to lend a hand, as they were unloading their truck and moving into their unit.

You see? I don't have to resort to fabricating fictitious and IMAGINARY self-storage clients to try to drum up business!

I merely tell you the honest truth (with minimal embellishment) about the real, live, HARD-WORKING folks who come and do business with us--not because they have to, but because they WANT TO--month in and month out.

So, why don't you do these real, live, hard-working folks a favor, and go grab a nice, home-cooked Mediterranean meal at their restaurant, the Magic Kabob. Call them at (480) 821-1893. (Their website is right here.)

Tell 'em PAUL sent you.

Paul who?

Paul, the client-focused manager at ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER, of course.

Thanks!

(By the way, did you notice that NOT ONCE did I appeal to you to come in and rent a storage space! :)

Do You Really NEED a "Climate Controlled" Storage Unit?

2010-07-20T13:58:00.012-07:00

Well, to be perfectly honest, MAYBE you do.

But not necessarily!

Like so many other self-storage-related questions--especially those pertaining to storage here in the BALMY southwestern deserts of Arizona (tell me AGAIN why we settled here?)--IT DEPENDS on what you're storing, and for how long.

Let's say, for example, you're storing a 3-bedroom house, with bedroom sets, living room furniture, dining table & chairs, desks, bookcases, entertainment center, clothes, dishes, toys, tools, etc., etc., and you only need to keep these things in storage while you look for some "new digs." You're probably looking at what we industry insiders call "short-term" storage--i.e., less than a year.

Well, in that case, in my unsolicited (and somewhat humble) opinion--BIASED though it may be towards non-climate controlled storage--you DON'T necessarily need it. At least, not for the items mentioned above.

But then again, you MIGHT need it. (Ha, see how this works!) It's more a matter of preference than it is an immutable requirement.

Now, I'm not here to talk you out of this one way or the other. (Well, actually, that's not true. I really am here to talk you INTO a non-climate controlled, "standard" unit, because,... frankly, that's my JOB! And it's the ONLY kind of storage we have here at the sprawling, palatial complex of ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER, located in beautiful north Chandler on Warner Road just east of Arizona Avenue. Full disclosure! :)

Of course, if you decide to do without, I would leave out the OBVIOUS, heat-sensitive stuff like ice sculptures (just kidding), candles, the life-size figures that you stole from Madame Tousseau's Wax Museum, that sort of thing.

My rule of thumb (Paul's second law of thermodynamics) is, if it'll do okay inside your car or van for an afternoon or two--with the sun mercilessly beating down on said vehicle--it'll do okay, it SHOULD do okay, it'll PROBABLY do okay, inside your storage unit.... At least for a while.... for a little while.... but not for a LONG while.... It'll do okay as long as you don't, you know,... leave it in there... indefinitely!

Although, you know what? Ordinary household furniture and STUFF really is more DURABLE and heat-resistant and resistant to other climatic extremes than we sometimes give it credit for.

I know I like to joke sometimes about renting "standard," non-climate-controlled, non-air-conditioned units in Arizona in the summertime as being like trying to sell ice to eskimoes.

Well, it's TRUE!

But, I'm not complaining. I love a challenge.

My take is, when you come here and rent a storage unit, you're getting 100% ALL NATURAL, PURE ORGANIC STORAGE SPACE, NOTHING ARTIFICIAL, NO CHEMICAL PRESERVATIVES, MSG OR ADDED CLIMATE CONTROL!

How's that for effective marketing?

So now that I have you utterly CONVINCED and PERSUADED that climate control is for "flatlanders," city folks and east-coast SISSIES, come and see me. ;)

Your Heat-Resistant Manager, Paul

P.S. When you call or come in, DON'T forget to mention our JULY SPECIAL--50% OFF your first month's rent! (See sidebar for details, details, details...)

WHO ELSE WANTS HALF OF THEIR FIRST MONTH FREE?!

2010-07-10T14:45:00.006-07:00

I thought so. :)

Look, I know we haven't been making a BIG deal out of our JULY SPECIAL, but I do feel it's my professional duty and therefore INCUMBENT upon me to inform you, emphatically, that, er, WE'RE HAVING A JULY SPECIAL!

In case you didn't know what the "July Special" is, exactly, here it is:

***** HALF OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH'S RENT, ALL UNITS 5 X 5 THROUGH 10 X 20, PLUS RV SPACES!*****

Meaning, when you call or come in to:

ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER
297 East Warner Road
Chandler, Arizona 85225
(480) 899-1179
http://www.azstoragechandler.com

.....and rent a space of any of the aforementioned sizes, YOU'LL ONLY PAY HALF OF YOUR FIRST MONTH'S RENT -- WE'LL PAY THE OTHER HALF! (And yes, besides that, you'll also pay a ONE-TIME administration fee of $14.28 along with that half-month's rent; but other than that, there are no other fees or deposits required. Full disclosure!)

So to recap, that's 50% OFF your first month.

Sound fair?

Well, of course it does.

And if I were you, I'd JUMP on it!

But then, I'm BIASED, because, you see--I'M THE MANAGER (aka, Your Trusted Self-Storage Advisor).

So consider the source!

And while you're considering, drive on over here and take ADVANTAGE of this great JULY special.

The rental office and retail store is open Monday through Saturday, 9 am to 6 pm (Gate access hours EVERY DAY, 6 am to 9 pm).

Hey, be sure and visit our CHANDLER/WARNER ROAD website & blog for all the details about this STUPENDOUS deal, and about storing with us: http://www.azstoragechandler.com

(Oh, wait, you're already there. Never mind!)

Anyway, thanks. Look forward to seeing you!

Your Manager and Host, Paul

CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH OUR 4TH OF JULY SPECIAL! (Let the Fireworks BEGIN)!

2010-07-02T17:53:00.010-07:00

Whatever you end up doing this Fourth of July weekend, we here at the ol' storage ranch of ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER, located conveniently on Warner Road just EAST of Arizona Avenue in beautiful north Chandler, wanted to do something special to help you make not only this weekend but the entire month of JULY a month to CELEBRATE!

So here's what we came up with...

Since, as of this date, July 4th, 2010, we still have (last time I checked and until further notice) a free market when it comes to self-storage, we took a vote and chose to take the LIBERTY of giving you a full 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH'S RENT when you come in and rent ANY SIZE storage unit -- from 5 x 5 up to 10 x 20 (or either of our two sizes of RV parking spaces, 20 ft. and 30 ft.). And we're extending this offer to you for the ENTIRE MONTH OF JULY!

How does that GRAB you?

Sound like a good way to CELEBRATE our nation's INDEPENDENCE?

Okay, look, I know it's a bit of a stretch to find a connection between MINI-STORAGE and this most august of holidays that is of such historic and geopolitical importance, but--well, you know me, I'll always find a way to inject crass commercialism into the cultural and political scene (or visa versa) any day!

Because I love AMERICA, and I love (well, maybe love is too strong a word here--let's just say I'm SO GLAD to be gainfully employed in) the SELF-STORAGE business!

Anyhow, when you come in to our CHANDLER/WARNER ROAD store (that would be us) during the month of JULY, and rent a new storage unit (well, not a new unit exactly--I mean, it's "new" to you, but,....never mind), we'll pay half of your first month, just like THAT!

Why are we doing this?

It's just our way of showing OUR APPRECIATION FOR YOU, and to symbolize how HAPPY and THANKFUL we are to be Americans. And how PROUD we are to be ARIZONANS, especially these days (but I digress).

So if you want to declare your "independence" from the TYRANNY OF CLUTTER and find a SAFE HAVEN for your stuff, come by land or by sea or by air (or just drive) to:

ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER
297 East Warner Road
Chandler, Arizona 85225
(480) 899-1179
http://www.azstoragechandler.com

...and join the huddled masses yearning to breathe free... Oops, sorry... Wrong patriotic ballad.

... and join the MULTITUDES of satisfied, thoroughly LIBERATED, emancipated self-storage clients who have thrown off the shackles of small closets, cramped bedrooms and overstuffed garages, and have journeyed to the NEW WORLD of ground-level, drive-up access to discover wide open spaces -- and have their very own private, mini-storage habitation for themselves and their POSTERITY.

Or at least, they rented themselves a non-climate-controlled storage unit for their junk, i. e., their constitutionally-protected PRIVATE PROPERTY)! It's your guaranteed, UNALIENABLE RIGHT, you know. Freedom of Storage!

U.S. dollars, only. :)

Happy Fourth of July!

From Your All-American Manager, Paul

7 More Things to Look For When Shopping for a Storage Unit or RV Space

2010-06-22T16:20:00.009-07:00

Rounding out our list of items to ask about/check into/look for when shopping for a storage unit or RV parking space:

6. Free Truck

This "amenity" is REALLY handy to have in terms of how it benefits you the prospective self-storage client needing to move locally.

Why?

Well, because it saves you BEAU COUP bucks--between the FREE rental ($32.29 savings) and the 25 FREE MILES you get ($15.30 savings), that whacks a little over $47.00 right off your bill! Plus it saves you the hassle of having to rent a storage unit in one place and a truck in another (assuming that you need a moving truck--and it's a LOCAL move).

Now keep in mind, the FREE TRUCK is a MOVE-IN SPECIAL ONLY. Meaning, while you don't pay rental fees on the truck when you use it to move into your storage unit, you will pay that little ol' fee any OTHER time you use it -- to move OUT with or just to move STUFF with anytime you want. At least, that's the way WE handle our "free truck" at the ARIZONA STORAGE INNS locations that do have a truck. It may be different at OTHER storage companies. (You'll have to ask THEM about that!).

7. Gate Access Hours

Okay, maybe it's not critically important to you, what the GATE ACCESS hours are at the storage facility you're contacting, i.e., the time of day or night you're allowed to be on the property accessing your storage unit.

But, in case you WERE wondering, different storage companies have DIFFERENT gate access hours (just like office hours). For example, gate access hours here at the sprawling, palatial complex of ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER on Warner Road just east of Arizona Avenue are from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm, DAILY (meaning every day of the year including SUNDAYS and HOLIDAYS).

Now, just between you and me, we do grant 24-hour access exceptions for things like MOVING IN and MOVING OUT, when your schedule and your availability of help require you to FORGET THE CLOCK and just git 'er done -- no matter how LATE (or EARLY) the hour. Be sure and ask your CLIENT-FOCUSED facility manager about this if you think you need it. (Remember, all he or she can do is say NO!)

8. Payment Options

This is an important one. "How do I PAY thee? Let me count the ways!"

Now, not every location has ALL of these options -- but of course it's more convenient for YOU if they DO have several ways for you to take care of that monthly storage rent bill. Either IN PERSON (always an option no matter WHO you rent from) with cash, check, debit card or credit card, MAILED IN payments (check or money order--we strongly discourage mailing CASH for obvious reasons), payment via our "night drop" (PAYMENT DROP) located right outside next to our front door. And then there's ONLINE payment.

The ONLINE option is a NICE one to have. It means you can log in DIRECTLY to your account here via the Web, day or night 24/7, and pay your rent INSTANTLY and CONVENIENTLY using your Visa, Mastercard or Discover card. (Instantly is good.)

9. Security

Here's one EVERYBODY is interested in. And rightly so. It's a biggie. After all, what's the point of putting your stuff in a "secure" storage facility that has a CRIME WAVE going 24/7?

Now, security has two sides to it. The facility side and the client side. The facility does its part (or should) to provide a REASONABLE amount of security via its video camera monitoring and/or alarms (either or both), computerized / electronically-controlled, automatic gates, etc., along with whatever architectural features that it has such as block walls, fixed, rigid fencing, lights, etc., so that you can enjoy a REASONABLE amount of peace of mind and satisfaction knowing your stuff is not going to get RIPPED OFF.

The clients, likewise, have a part to play in the security equation. Just like in an apartment complex, "good tenants make good neighbors"--clients who OBEY the rules, don't cause (too much) trouble, pay their rent on time, etc. You'd like to have as many of THOSE in any rental community as you can. And that's what we STRIVE for, too!

10. Resident Managers

Tied closely to the security of a storage facility is the presence of ON-SITE, RESIDENT managers -- i.e., managers who LIVE at the location where you're storing. (No, NOT inside one of the units -- I mean in an APARTMENT located on the property!)

You'd be amazed at how much it actually HELPS the overall security as well as the AMBIENCE, appearance and condition of the property and even CUSTOMER RELATIONS when the "manager's shadow" is there on an ongoing basis. It's among the many INTANGIBLE and tangible benefits.

These last two items are a bit more on the OPTIONAL side, because not everybody is looking for them, but since SOME OF YOU are, we include 'em here:

11. Boxes & Packing Supplies

If you like the convenience of being able to buy boxes, bubble wrap, tape, rope and other packing-related and moving-related stuff in addition to LOCKS (which pretty much EVERY storage facility sells), then go with a facility that has a RETAIL STORE in it where you can purchase these things.

But, if this isn't important to you then SKIP this one (and maybe even the NEXT one...).

12. RV Parking

RV parking is, shall we say, a moving target. Not readily defined. Comes in different flavors. It is WHATEVER the storage facility says it is. Generally speaking, it's an OUTDOOR space for your vehicle or trailer. But beyond that, the sky's the limit (well, not if it's covered)!

"RV parking" can be anything from a large, homogenous GRAVEL yard with a chain-link fence around it, to a covered row of attractive "stalls" that are paved, enclosed partially and maybe even have amenities like electrical hookup and dump station, etc.. Then there are those SUPER-SIZED GARAGES specially designed for large motor homes and boats. (But these, of course, cost a BOATLOAD of money.)

Ours are just your basic UNCOVERED parking spaces on PAVEMENT. The "amenities" consist of a four-digit unit ID number painted on the block wall at the rear of your space, and two white stripes painted on the asphalt -- 11 feet apart -- to distinguish YOUR parking space from everybody elses! (Well, hey, it's SOMETHING.)

***************************************

And that's it. Your non-bulleted list of TWELVE things you should be checking for as you perform your DUE DILIGENCE and do your homework when shopping for a self-storage unit or RV space.

So now that you've been duly BRIEFED -- and forewarned -- get out there and SHOP SMART!

Your Manager and (as I've mentioned before) Your Trusted Self-Storage Advisor, Paul

5 Things to Look for When Shopping for a Storage Unit or RV Space

2010-06-17T14:41:00.136-07:00

The sad truth is that most people when they get on the phone or on the Internet to shop for storage space, typically have only ONE METRIC (that's marketing lingo for one "thing") in mind as to what they should be comparing when they call around (or search).

That would be PRICE.

Not a bad metric to use. It's just not the ONLY one.

Besides the obvious considerations of geographic location and SIZE of the unit you're needing (a good manager will query you a little to determine what you need), there are a few....... actually there are several....... actually there a number of criteria -- call them FEATURES if you like -- that you'll want to use when comparing ("apples with apples," as they say).

I've compiled a list of things to look for/ask about/check into as you perform your due diligence.

Let's start with the first FIVE (there are more besides these, but I'll save them for my next post.)

Why FIVE?

Well, because I knew you wouldn't READ this if I told you I had compiled EIGHTY-THREE things, that's why! ;)

Next question!

Anyway, here are the first FIVE slam-dunk, no-brainer items that made the cut:

1. Sizes

Before you begin your search, try to get a good (i.e, a REASONABLY comprehensive) idea of what you're storing, so that when you call or search online, you'll have a better idea what SIZE or sizes you might need. Calling up a facility on impulse and asking them, "Do you have any units?" is a little like calling up a hotel and asking them, "Hey, do you have any ROOMS?" (The answer would be, OF COURSE WE DO!)

Instead, you want to call up and say, "Hi, I've got a three-bedroom house (or a one-bedroom apartment or a garage or basement full of man-toys) that I need to store. What sizes do you have that'll fit that?" Or, "Hello, I have four calling-birds, three french hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree to store. What size do you think I need?" NOW we can have a conversation! (And the first thing I'll tell you is, you CAN'T store any LIVE ANIMALS!)

(Just be on the lookout for a manager trying to sell you MORE space than you need. There's a NAME for people like that. They're called,... "Manager of the Year!")

2. Rates

Let's get this one out of the way since it is the undisputed Universal Metric used by self-storage shoppers worldwide. You can search on the Web or in the phone book (or your smart phone or whatever hand-held device you prefer) to look up and contact a few different facilities to get a price range of RENTAL RATES for the size or sizes you're looking for -- in the geographic area you're shopping for.

Rates vary from town-to-town, location-to-location and even block-to-block. And remember this: Storage rates are like GASOLINE PRICES; they can vary from day to day and almost MOMENT BY MOMENT with some companies! And just like with hotel rates, you had better find out what unseemliness might be LURKING behind that SCREAMIN' DEAL you're lusting for. (Ask yourself,, "WHY is it so CHEAP here? What do I NOT see?!")

3. Deals

Hey, I love DEALS as much as the next guy whenever I'm shopping for products and services for myself. But when I shop, I like to shop for VALUE. I evaluate my needs, look at what's out there to meet those needs, then I try to get the BEST COMBINATION of price and features -- with deals and discounts figured in -- achieving that delicate balance between QUALITY of product or service and getting the most BANG FOR THE BUCK.

More often than not, this doesn't necessarily end up being the CHEAPEST solution. (Because my goal is to find the BEST solution for my needs. Again, I'm all about VALUE. But that's just me.)

My philosophy is, deals should make REASONABLY good business sense. After all, you do want your storage company to be here and in business for you NEXT YEAR, don't you?

4. Appearance and First Impressions

Appearance can include everything from how CLEAN a facility looks, both inside and out -- NOT how NEW it is -- to even how the manager "looks" to you. By that I don't mean how physically attractive they are (Heaven help us if THAT'S what we managers are judged by -- 'cause then I'M OUT OF A JOB!)

What I mean is, how CAPABLE, COMPETENT and CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR NEEDS do they seem? Do they show an attitude of EARNESTNESS and CONSCIENTIOUSNESS and an OUTWARD FOCUS as they COURTEOUSLY spend a few minutes INTELLIGENTLY and SINCERELY talking to you to try to determine what the BEST self-storage solution is for you?

Or are they just trying to SELL you a storage space--that you might not even NEED?

(A REALLY bad manager won't even try to do THAT!)

APPEARANCE is obviously something you can only judge by VISITING, so that's why I tell people to go visit a property first before committing to one storage or another. Let your FIVE SENSES (or, for you female members of our demographic audience, that would be SIX senses!) help you make your decision. Remember, you might end up BEING HERE awhile.

5. Climate Control vs. No Climate Control

Here's the Economic Question of the Century. Do I NEED climate control (i.e., air-conditioned, or evaporative-cooled INDOOR storage) for my stuff? Or do I only WANT it? I have blogged about this somewhat misunderstood, controversial and at-times heated subject on previous occasions. (Use our "Handy Search Tool" in the right sidebar to search for "climate control.")

A good storage manager will try to determine -- based on a few choice questions he or she should be asking you as to WHAT you're storing and for HOW LONG it might be -- whether or not you actually NEED climate control, or whether it is just an OPTION for you to consider, based on your projected STORAGE BUDGET and PERSONAL PREFERENCES.

Since a lot of us Arizonans (and even non-Arizonans) tend to think there was no sustainable life and no personal property in existence that didn't melt or BAKE to a crisp in Arizona before the invention of AIR-CONDITIONING, we forget that many of our seemingly FRAGILE and DELICATE pieces of furniture and other PRECIOUS valuables and items would probably do okay in a non-climate-controlled storage unit for the time being. But that's for YOU to decide -- AFTER we talk about it some!

***************************

So there you have it. The first five of the most important things for you to consider when shopping for a storage space. We'll discuss the other important considerations in our next post.

Until then, this has been...

Your Manager, Paul

Moving a Business? Self-Storage Can Help You Fill in the Gap!

2010-06-16T12:06:00.005-07:00

These days, I'm getting more calls from business owners who are looking for a temporary storage solution to solve their logistical problem of where to put their business stuff -- inventory, etc. -- while they relocate to a different place.

They've got a lease that's up at the location where they're at, but their new location won't be ready for another month or so.

So what to do?

Well, since their need is usually short term, these folks can get by with NON-CLIMATE-CONTROLLED storage.

Which is good because non-climate-controlled storage is always CHEAPER than climate-controlled (air-conditioned or evaporative-cooled).

That means they can save money right off the bat.

They rent, say, a 10 x 20 or 20 x 20 unit -- which they can drive their truck or trailer right up to since everything at our facility is GROUND-LEVEL, OUTSIDE ACCESS -- and move their stuff out of their old location and into the storage unit while they wait for their new place.

It ends up being a WIN-WIN situation.

And we like those!

So if you're looking for an ECONOMICAL, SIMPLE self-storage solution for your business relocation needs, come see me.

Your Manager, Paul

Monsoon Season Officially Begins TODAY (So Is It Raining Where You Are Yet?)

2010-06-15T13:54:00.001-07:00

Now don't let those BLUE SKIES fool you.

Lurking beyond that crystal clear horizon are unseen legions of ominous, gray, cumulo-nimbus PREDATORY puffs of moisture that threaten to, literally, RAIN DOWN on us. Any minute now.

What to do?

What else. Rent a storage unit!

I've found that renting a self-storage unit or RV space during the summer monsoon season resolves an amazing array of problems. (All of which, oddly enough, are STORAGE-related!).

So if you want a really SIMPLE solution to your space challenges at home or at your work, take my advice.

Get your stuff safely into a storage unit, and don't worry about the rain.

(Just make sure you don't pack your UMBRELLAS and RAIN TARPS inside!)

This has been another marginally helpful tip, generated free of charge from:

Your storage manager, come rain or shine, Paul

BEST VALUE, BEST SERVICE, BEST SELF-STORAGE CLIENTS IN CHANDLER-GILBERT

2010-06-12T14:47:00.004-07:00

Now, we don't like to brag, but -- remember, as they say in Texas, "IT AIN'T BRAGGIN' IF YOU CAN DO IT!" -- we think we have the BEST VALUE, BEST SERVICE and even the BEST CLIENTS in self-storage in the Chandler-Gilbert area (in our humble opinion).

And that's an UNBEATABLE combination.

Why is that important to you?

Because it means you get the best overall EXPERIENCE in your self-storage rental.

You get TOP-NOTCH customer service.

You get ECONOMICAL, CLEAN storage space at a fair price. NO GIMMICKS, NO GOTCHAS.

You get INTEGRITY and HONESTY from your on-site, FRIENDLY managers (aka, your MOST TRUSTED SELF-STORAGE ADVISORS)

You get to do business with an ESTABLISHED, REPUTABLE company that's been in Arizona for years (actually right from the start!) and is locally owned and operated, and has a high CODE of PROFESSIONAL ETHICS and STANDARDS of CONDUCT for all its employees and facilities.

And you get to join a COMMUNITY of self-storage clients that are your NEIGHBORS and TEAM MEMBERS who are all working together to keep ours a NICE, QUIET, SAFE and DESIRABLE place to store.

So if you want to share in these same BENEFITS yourself -- found only at:

ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER
297 East Warner Road
Chandler, Arizona 85225
(480) 899-1179
http://www.azstoragechandler.com

... then come right over and rent YOUR own personal (or business) storage unit or RV space today!

Be sure and browse around our blog and website here at: http://www.azstoragechandler.com for all the details about storing with us at our CHANDLER/WARNER ROAD location.

Thanks. Look forward to seeing (and SERVING) you, today!

Your Manager (and Most Trusted Self-Storage Advisor), Paul

SELF-STORAGE AUCTION, Tomorrow (Friday), June 11th, 10:30am...

2010-06-10T16:08:00.003-07:00

I almost forgot to mention that our MONTHLY self-storage auction is TOMORROW (Friday), here at ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER, 297 E. Warner Rd., 85225, at 10:30 am.

It'll be conducted, as always, by B.C. Cole Auctioneers, by the incomparable and inimitable Mr. Casey Jones.

At press time, we still had four (4) units scheduled -- though as most of you know, that number is SUBJECT TO CHANGE (as it no doubt will) between now and auction time as folks come in at the ELEVENTH HOUR to pay their storage bill and reclaim their stuff.

In any case, please see our posting below, "Seven Things You Should Know..." (also Posts of Interest listed in the right side bar) discussing auction tips and how to MAXIMIZE your personal auction experience.

See you here tomorrow! (Incidentally, if you just want to come in and rent a storage unit with us, you're MOST WELCOME to do so! :)

Your Manager and Auction Host, Paul

PROFILES IN STORAGE: Kevin Luty, Luty's Landscape Maintenance

2010-06-08T12:04:00.010-07:00

As promised, here is our first, brief installment in our brand new "Profiles in Storage" series.

Kevin Luty, owner of Luty's Landscape Maintenance.

Now, we don't want to get TOO personal or detailed here. Of course we want to acknowledge and give KUDOS to some of the good folks that rent with us, like Kevin and his crew, and the special place they hold in our hearts here at Arizona Storage Inns - Chandler!

Granted, we make it a point not to fraternize or become EMOTIONALLY INVOLVED, attached or in any way co-dependent with our clients. (It's just too GUT-WRENCHING when they *sob* move out!). And, we want to respect your time, and not burden you with a lot of information that's not relevant to our ongoing conversation about self-storage.

So we'll just stick with a quick vignette here.

Kevin Luty has had a thriving, successful landscape maintenance business, based in the southeast valley, for UMPTEEN years now. And for a goodly number of those years, he's rented a couple of storage units and RV spaces for his business, tools, equipment and supplies.

And, he's been a MODEL storage client all that time! Besides the usual hallmarks of a good tenant (i.e., making rent payment faithfully each month), Kevin is always ready and willing to help out any way he can -- by keeping an eye on the property, watching for SUSPICIOUS activity, tell-tale signs of somebody up to no good (extremely RARE here!) and letting us know when he sees something, repair or maintenance-wise, that needs our immediate attention.

So if any of you are looking for a dependable, experienced LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE company to do business with, based on Kevin's CHARACTER and INTEGRITY alone, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND him and his company to you. Remember the name, Luty's Landscape Maintenance.

So, Kevin, if you're reading this, please know that you are GREATLY APPRECIATED and highly esteemed in our eyes!

Stay tuned for another edition of "PROFILES IN STORAGE!"

Your manager, Paul

"PROFILES IN STORAGE"

2010-06-04T13:57:00.013-07:00

You know, I got to thinking....

We've got some pretty AMAZING customers and clients who rent storage space with us here at the ol' storage ranch on Warner Road just east of Arizona Avenue.

A lot of folks rent with us for, say, a few short months. Then they're gone.

Some stay a few years. They kind of like having an off-site storage unit to call their own, someplace where they can put their work-related or household-related stuff. And why not? It's convenient. It's close. And it's cool. I mean, it's cool. As in, 'hey, that's pretty COOL", not "cool" as in not-hot, that is -- never mind!

But, then, one day, sooner or later, something happens, something changes, there's a seismic shift (or a recession), and *poof* they're gone. They've moved on to bigger and better things, more roomier digs (grammar check). They've run the numbers and they've decided, hey, they don't NEED us anymore! (I hate when that happens.) Or else they figured out a way to get rid of their stuff -- sold it, dumped it, pawned it, yard-saled it, donated it or whatever -- and now they don't need to rent the storage unit (or RV space) anymore. (I hate when that happens, too.)

Then there are those rare few who stick with us year after year after year. Decade after decade.

Through thick and thin. Through presidential administrations and congressional terms of office. Through global climate changes (and changes in terminology) and social evolutions and revolutions.

No end in sight. No plans of vacating and moving on to the next phase of life. No visible signs of dissatisfaction or disillusionment with their interminable and incomparable self-storage experience here. (I see to that!) No indication of their feeling obligated or pressured to continue renting here -- and why should they? They're not obligated to stay indefinitely at our sprawling, palatial complex. Every unit and RV space is rented strictly on a MONTH-TO-MONTH basis. It's always VOLUNTARY and short-term (or for as LONG as YOU want).

Anyway, I got to thinking.

Why don't we give these folks -- whom we affectionately term "lifers" -- a little RECOGNITION. You know, a little 'attaboy.' An online acknowledgement right here, right now, for their stupendous achievement.

After all, it takes a tremendous amount of staying power and commitment to keep renting the same storage space month after month, year after year.

Manager after manager (I forgot, WE change, too!).

So without further ado, it gives me great pleasure and satisfaction to announce the first installment in our newest IRREGULAR series of blog posts:

P R O F I L E S I N S T O R A G E

A series dedicated to acknowledging here on the World Wide Web, some of our most worthy LTCs (long-term clients).

And here comes our first contestant/candidate -- Kevin Luty, LUTY'S LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE.

(We'll just wait right here while Kevin finishes parking his work trailer on his RV space....)

He's almost done now.... I'm sure of it.... I'm sure he'll be driving by here any minute.... Wait, I think I hear his truck coming. I think.....

Oh, SHOOT! I missed him. He's already gone out the exit gate!

Oh well. Guess now we'll have to wait until tomorrow to do this

In any event,

This has been your manager, Paul

This Mother's Day, Give Mom What She Really Wants: HER GARAGE BACK!

2010-05-08T15:48:00.002-07:00

I can almost hear the soft, fluttering sound emanating from all those HEADS NODDING in unison and in agreement with the title of this posting!

Let's not kid ourselves about this one undeniable fact of life: garages were invented to PARK CARS in.

It was the twisted mind of 20th-century man that perversely took the garage and converted it into an unauthorized storage space to put all of his JUNK in.

But be that as it may, it stands to reason, therefore, that sooner or later, all the accumulated STUFF that's been piling up in that empty, uninhabited space formerly known as The Garage, would have to be re-appropriated, re-evaluated, reallocated and MOVED.

Either into the trash (the dust bin of history), back into the house (heaven forbid), sold at the next garage sale (permissible), donated to your favorite charity, religious organization or neighborhood thrift store, or sold online (or offline),...

OR,...

perhaps the Best Solution of all,

...moved into a STORAGE UNIT. Yessssssss!

Of course, that's just my occupational bias showing. (Remember, I'm IN the storage business!)

Now, all of the above options are certainly viable ones (not including, of course, the obvious one of JUST LEAVING THE STUFF right where it is IN THE GARAGE).

But that brings us to the point of this article, which is, that it's MOTHER'S DAY tomorrow and Mom -- be it your own mother or the mother of your children or some other reasonable substitute) would probably like nothing more than for you to CLEAN OUT the garage so she can once again PARK HER CAR in it!

Think about it, friend. This kind of a Mother's Day gift COSTS YOU NOTHING but time and a little physical exertion. No expensive present to buy. No batteries or accessories to purchase.

Well, "nothing" that is until it comes time to RENT the aforementioned STORAGE UNIT to put the stuff in.

Then, yes, there is a nominal COST associated with this option.

But, hey, that's where I come in!

I'll help you find the most COST-EFFECTIVE solution to your storage "problem."

So this whole clean-out-the-garage-if-you-ever-wanna-see-a-home-cooked-meal-again scenario becomes a WIN-WIN situation.

You get a happy MOTHER (or wife) who gets to use her garage once more. And I get to keep my job as a fully-employed, self-storage facility manager.

Such a deal!

Happy Mother's Day!

Your Manager, Paul

P.S. Hi, Mom!

So What Does EARTH DAY 2010 Have to Do with SELF-STORAGE?

2010-04-22T10:49:00.015-07:00

Well, if you know what Earth Day is all about and you know what ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER has to offer that dovetails nicely with the environmental-preservation agenda of Earth Day, then the connection will become OBVIOUS to you!

Ah, yes. April 22nd, 1970. "A date which will live in infamy...."

It's hard to believe it's been FORTY YEARS. Even harder to believe we haven't STARVED to death, BOILED to death, or DIED on a massive, global scale from WAR, FAMINE & PESTILENCE by now due to the ravages of overpopulation, the malevolence of mankind, capitalist imperialism, etc..

But, we're still here. Still living, still working, playing, building, eating, sleeping, buying, selling. And most importantly--we're still STORING!

Which brings us to the aforesaid CONNECTION between Earth Day and Self-Storage.

When (not IF) you bring your stuff to our environmentally-friendly facility known as ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER (Warner Road, just east of Arizona Avenue), you can rest assured you'll be DOING YOUR PART to do as little harm and create as little adverse IMPACT on our fragile ECOSYSTEM as possible.

How so?

Because you'll be storing your stuff in a storage unit that is in a building (one of many here) which uses ABSOLUTELY NO ELECTRICITY, FUEL OR ENERGY WHATSOEVER.

Isn't that COOL?!!

That's the number one EARTH-FRIENDLY BENEFIT of storing in a commercial facility like ours that is 100% NON-CLIMATE-CONTROLLED, i.e., NON-ENERGY WASTING, NON-ELECTRICITY CONSUMING.

Am I playing this feature up too much?

Well, no. (Of course not!) Not if you consider all the ECONOMIC as well as environmental advantages of storing in such a place.

Because you're SAVING MONEY by NOT storing in a building that is air-conditioned or evaporative cooled in any way. That's because such a building costs very little (virtually NOTHING) to operate and maintain. So we can charge A LOT LESS rent for that space, and therefore, YOU PAY A LOT LESS for yours.

Makes PERFECT ECONOMIC SENSE, no?

My philosophy is, if you need air-conditioning for your stuff, then go ahead and PAY FOR IT. But if you don't need it, then don't pay for it. Take that MONEY you're saving and go spend it (or invest it) on something that has more of a PAY-OFF/BENEFIT to it! (It took me YEARS to formulate this profound and carefully thought out philosophy.)

So my advice to you is, if you want to store your stuff and save money while KEEPING WITH THE SPIRIT OF EARTH DAY 2010, then come right over here -- drive in your fossil-fuel guzzling, air-polluting, ozone-depleting, carbon-footprint-creating, air-conditioned, freon-wasting vehicle if you must -- to the following, Earth-Day compliant location:

ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER
297 East Warner Road
Chandler, Arizona 85225
(480) 899-1179

I'll be (actually WE'LL be) waiting here to assist you (in an air-conditioned office no less--VIOLATION!) with your environmentally-friendly self-storage solution.

Thanks for indulging me on this FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY of that first, august celebration!

Your Earth-Conscious (but Well-Grounded) Manager,
Paul

P.S. "Think Globally, STORE Locally." :)

APRIL SPECIALS, APRIL DISCOUNTS, APRIL DEALS!

2010-04-01T17:15:00.006-07:00

Now, don't worry, this is a legitimate, bona fide REAL DEAL we're offering.

In other words, it's NOT an April Fool's joke.

Because if it were an April Fool's joke--and in order for it to be perceived as such--it would have to be COMPLETELY UNBELIEVABLE, SPECTACULARLY and ABSURDLY GENEROUS, and above all, be utterly BEYOND THE BOUNDS OF CREDIBILITY.

In other words, it would have to sound like A LOT OF SELF-STORAGE OFFERS out there!

But you are a savvy self-storage shopper.

You'll recognize immediately that this April Special is completely BELIEVABLE, and certainly NOT spectacularly or absurdly generous. (I hope you're not put off by that.)

In any event, HERE'S THE DEAL:

***APRIL SPECIAL***
GET 25% OFF YOUR MONTHLY RENT ON SELECTED SIZES, FOR UP TO FOUR (4) MONTHS! (No minimum stay required) SIZES INCLUDED: 5x5, 5x10, 10x10, 10 x 15, 10x20, RV20, RV30.

So if you believe this is a GOOD DEAL for you, come right on in and take advantage of it (before it expires!).

And if you rent a space during the month of April, I will personally pay for your son or daughter's college education, right through their Ph.D. dissertation at Harvard, and I'll even buy them a car at the Lexus dealer of their choice.

Okay, THAT was an April Fool's joke.

But the deal is REAL!

Waiting for Your Response (in Person),

Your manager, Paul

Storage Insurance: Do you Need It?

2010-03-23T13:01:00.012-07:00

You know, we haven't talked much about storage insurance in these pages. But with all the off-and-on rainy weather we've had, seems like that would be a TIMELY and prudent thing to do.

Well, unless you rent at a facility that REQUIRES you to carry tenant insurance on the contents of your unit, if you're like most people who are given the OPTION to do so, you'll choose NOT to purchase it.

And in every case when this happens (that I've dealt with), i.e., where the tenant chooses NOT to insure their stuff, it's for one of TWO reasons (usually both): (a), to save money (which undoubtedly it does), and, (b), because they deem the stuff that's being stored in the unit "not worth it" (i.e., paying the premiums).

So ultimately the choice of insuring vs. not insuring is entirely up to YOU. We let you the tenant make that call--that's the way we handle it at all of our ARIZONA STORAGE INNS locations around the Valley. Some self-storage companies DO require you to carry insurance. We're not one of them.

Just remember, regardless of whether you choose to insure your stuff or not, the IRON-CLAD RULE of self-storage is this: STORAGE IS AT YOUR OWN RISK.

That may sound a little harsh, but it's STANDARD policy in this business; and it's essentially the same as if you were to rent an APARTMENT to live in. When you the renter choose NOT to insure your furniture, computer, electronics and other PERSONAL PROPERTY against loss or damage, you're choosing to TAKE A CHANCE that nothing bad will happen to your stuff. And, you're also acknowledging that if something DOES happen (barring a few RARE and unique exceptions)--YOU'RE ON YOUR OWN!

Now, if you store your stuff and by the time you take it all out of storage (after MANY, MANY months or years!), nothing "bad" has happened to it, great. But if something DOES happen during that time that causes you to incur a loss or damage to your stuff, and it's a "covered" event that you've purchased insurance against, at least you have the RECOURSE of filing a claim on your TENANT INSURANCE policy and requesting reimbursement for your loss, based on the provisions of your policy (SO PLEASE READ IT!). But without an insurance policy in place, you don't even have that.

(Incidentally, the storage insurance policy we make available to our customers also covers BUSINESS PROPERTY--TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, FURNITURE, ETC.--even MOTOR VEHICLES. Basically, whatever you put inside your storage unit can be insured (with a few exceptions, spelled out in the policy) so long as it is being stored inside a fully-enclosed unit with a lockable door.)

Now, I'll be posting again real soon on this VERY IMPORTANT topic of tenant insurance/storage insurance.

In the meantime, let this be a WORD TO THE WISE: if you don't want the regret and aggravation of having your stuff lost, stolen or damaged while it's in storage--and NO WAY to be COMPENSATED for your loss because you thought you DIDN'T NEED insurance and you decided to TAKE A CHANCE on storing your stuff UNINSURED because you wanted to SAVE SOME MONEY--do yourself a favor, BUY THE INSURANCE!

This has been a public service message from:

Your manager, Paul

St. Patrick's Day Sale? C'mon Now, We're Not THAT Crass & Hyper-Commercialized Here (But That's Not a Bad Idea)!

2010-03-17T10:52:00.015-07:00

You know, some businesses just seem to MILK every holiday they can for whatever commercial value it might possess that they can SQUEEZE out of it.

Even the so-called "minor" holidays. Like St. Patrick's Day.

"Come in to our store today and you'll really save some GREEN!"

Yeah, that's original.

Well, here at ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER, we don't resort to such overt and superficial advertising tactics to get you to come in to our store.

No, we prefer to ENTICE you with something a bit more substantial, significant and MEANINGFUL.

Like our WARM, FRIENDLY service! Like our GREAT DEALS on the storage sizes you need. Like our CLEAN, CONVENIENT and SECURE locations all over the Valley. Like our TRUSTED NAME and REPUTATION for integrity and PROFESSIONALISM from our managers, whose only job it is to look out for YOUR best interest (and make money for the company--or else they're gone!).

After all, that's what you REALLY care about, right?

You're not so easily swayed by such obviously SALES-OBSESSED offers like:

"COME IN AND RENT A STORAGE SPACE WITH US TODAY, ST. PATRICK'S DAY--AND IF YOU'RE WEARING ANYTHING GREEN, WE'LL GIVE YOU AN INSTANT REBATE OF $17.00 (for March 17th!)--IN ADDITION TO WHATEVER SPECIAL IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE TO YOU!"

No, we know that you're BETTER than that, too SMART to fall for such a ploy.

HOWEVER, if you are reading this blog post, and you've just read the above hypothetical offer, I'm a man of my word (even when I'm only kidding!)--if you're wearing something GREEN today, March 17th, and you come in and rent a storage space of any size and MENTION THIS BLOG POST, I'll give you that instant rebate of $17.00!

But only until the close of business today. After that, it goes back to being a HYPOTHETICAL offer that was thrown in strictly for HUMOR and illustration purposes.

There, now that we've satisfied that little calendar-driven MARKETING urge (which has been nagging us all week), I can get back to work and we can move on.

Feel better? I know I do.

"SO COME IN TODAY AND YOU'LL REALLY SAVE SOME GREEN!"

Your Manager (Who Does Not Have On ANYTHING Green Today),

Paul

A Few Helpful Tips About Storage Auctions...

2010-03-11T10:33:00.025-07:00

If you're new to the wild and woolly world of self-storage auctions, here's a few helpful hints on what you need to know to PROFITABLY attend and participate in one (or more) of our public sales, i.e., the ones conducted at Arizona Storage Inns on a MONTHLY basis.

There's SEVEN tips in all. Here they are:

1. Bring CASH (This is Most Important!). Auctions are all cash, all of the time. And since you never know whether a storage unit is going to sell for $5 or $500 -- or MORE -- it's better to come PREPARED--especially if you're the one the auctioneer looks at once the bidding stops, and after a brief, calculated pause he announces in a loud, clear voice (while pointing at you), ... SOLD!

2. Bring (If You Have One) Your ARIZONA TRANSACTION PRIVILEGE TAX LICENSE (TPT). If you're the winning bidder AND you plan on RESELLING the contents of the unit you've just bought, this handy little document will EXEMPT you from paying Arizona sales tax. Just wave it in front of the manager's face when you're back in the office paying for your unit after the sale is over. Otherwise, without a TPT in hand or on file with that facility, you can plan on paying the ubiquitous sales tax on your auction purchase. (Here in Chandler it's ~~7.8%~~ 8.8%.)

NOTE: if you have an AZ TPT and you're NOT planning to resell the contents of the unit, then you'll pay sales tax on it just as you would when you're buying something retail as the end user (since that's essentially what you're doing). See our dear friends at the Arizona Department of Revenue for further details.

3. Bring a LIGHT. You know, even on a bright and sunny day, it's a good idea to bring a flashlight along to see inside the units. Why? Because the one you're bidding on might be located down a LONG, DARK hallway. Or else it might be in a SHADY part of the building it's in. Or else maybe it's NOT so bright and sunny out today. Or else there's just so much stuff inside the unit, it's hard to get a good look at it all. And since you're only allowed to gaze longingly through the open door prior to bidding on the unit, you'll want to be sure and give yourself every advantage to see what's in there. So, bringing a nice, bright flashlight will help. (Makes sense, no?)

4. Bring a LOCK. Once you realize that, hey, you just gave the winning bid for this locker of loot not five seconds ago, and now, via a swift, effectual (and usually peaceable) transfer of ownership of the personal property contained therein, by the power vested in that august personage, the auctioneer, it all BELONGS TO YOU now; and that means you'll need to SECURE the premises immediately against all enemies foreign and domestic until you return later to take delivery of your booty. Of course, the best, most cost-effective way to do this is to PUT A LOCK ON THE DOOR. (Keeps honest people HONEST, you know.)

5. Bring a FRIEND. Two reasons... First, special events like these are better enjoyed in the company of a (good) friend. They're more memorable. They're more FUN. And, let's face it, after the thrill of winning the bidding wars has waned, and the adrenaline rush of conquering your competitors has worn off some (and you've forked over the appropriate amount of CASH -- see #1 above -- to consummate the deal that officially makes this stuff YOURS), you know that sooner or later,you'll have to haul away all those heavy boxes, bags, books, beds, bins, and other bulky stuff that probably took TWO people to put in there in the first place. You'll be glad you chose to bring someone along to share in the workload -- someone who, like you, had too much time on their hands. But I digress. (Only a joke, people, calm down!)

6. Bring a TRUCK and/or TRAILER. Speaking of HAULING (see #5 above), in addition to having another able-bodied person to help you clear the stuff out, you'll need an appropriate VEHICLE to do that with, naturally. So rent/borrow/bring a moving truck/pickup/van/trailer/etc. and get that stuff outta there in a TIMELY (and orderly) fashion.

7. Return the "PERSONAL" ITEMS. Just before the actual sale begins, you'll hear the auctioneer give some instructions to the crowd--basically the "rules of engagement." Among these is an admonition to RETURN ALL PERSONAL ITEMS from any unit(s) that you buy to the manager of the facility. This includes things like LETTERS, PHOTOS, FAMILY MOMENTOS/KEEPSAKES, DIPLOMAS, CERTIFICATES, DEGREES, KIDS' HOMEWORK/ARTWORK, as well as TAX RECORDS, BUSINESS RECORDS, MEDICAL RECORDS, FINANCIAL RECORDS, and basically any other DOCUMENTS that ordinarily don't have any intrinsic monetary or resale value. Sometimes you can take care of this while you're emptying out the unit; other times you'll have to sort through it later after you've hauled everything away, in order to find these kinds of things and return them to the manager, ASAP. Be sure and ask the manager, or else the auctioneer (before he heads off to his next lucrative public sale!) if you have any questions about this important little STIPULATION.

Incidentally, this last last point about returning "personal" items to the original tenant in default is more of a courtesy extended to that person who just lost their possessions via this public "lien sale" -- and to inject some SYMPATHY and COMPASSION into the otherwise materialistic, heartless and matter-of-fact world of storage auctions! In other words, there's no legal requirement or obligation on bidders to do this. But, ya know, auction participants with a heart will honor this request! (And you know who you are....)

************************

Well, that's it. Not exactly an exhaustive list by any means, but surely a "quick-start" guide to Storage Auctions for Fun and Profit. And if you didn't find this article helpful, please come and see me, since I am also in charge of our Auctions Complaint Department (which, coincidentally, is located right next to the office shredder.... Don't know why that is. All I know is, we here at ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER strive for total efficiency! :)

See you at our next auction. That's TOMORROW--FRIDAY, MARCH 12th, 2010 at 10:30 A.M.!

Your Manager, Paul

***UPDATE: MARCH 12TH AUCTION CANCELLED! NO UNITS FOR SALE***

OUR NEXT SCHEDULED PUBLIC SALE IS: FRIDAY, APRIL 16TH, 10:30 A.M.

See you then!

New Arizona Self-Storage Auction Website!

2010-02-11T10:29:00.011-07:00

If you're interested in self-storage auctions (including our monthly auctions here at ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER), be sure and visit the new website that our state association (Arizona Self-Storage Association) has put together:

Here is the link. (Or, if you prefer to copy and paste the URL, http://www.selfstorageauctionsaz.com)

The site gives you a complete listing of sale locations including dates and times as well as brief descriptions of the contents of the units being sold.

You can search by city, zip code, name of the facility, date and time of the sale, name of the AUCTIONEER conducting the sale, even ITEMS being sold!

Check it out and let us know what you think.

(Incidentally, our public sale is TOMORROW at 10:30 am--CASH ONLY)

See you here!

Your manager, Paul

P.S. Here's an interesting little vignette on self-storage auctions, courtesy of ABC-15 News, done last March (2009). Take a look:

***UPDATE MARCH 16, 2010: THE EMBEDDED VIDEO THAT WAS HERE WAS CHANGED BY KNXV TO A DIFFERENT STORY & THE STORAGE AUCTIONS VIDEO IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE.***

NEW YEAR'S DEALS! 5 x 10s-$39.00/mo., 10 x 10s-$69.00/mo., 10 x 20s-$129.00/mo.! Hurry In TODAY! (Before I Regain My Senses :)

2010-01-05T14:17:00.029-07:00

It's 2010, folks. And that means only one thing.

One-tenth of the 21st century is now HISTORY!

Which means only one thing. By my calculations, that leaves us another nine-tenths of the century left to go.

And that means only one thing. Honest.

You'd BETTER GET MOVING!

I mean that literally. Get moving. (Remember, I'm in the STORAGE business!)

Time for your New Year's RESOLUTION--you know, the one you made about clearing out the junk/clutter/stuff/(fill-in-the-blank) out of your garage/basement/bedroom/(fill-in-the-blank) and renting a storage space to put it in--to be taken SERIOUSLY.

Well, good news.

I'm from ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER at Warner Road and Arizona Avenue, and I'm here to help you.

Just check out these great "New Year's Deal" storage specials on our three (3) MOST POPULAR sizes:

5 x 10s - $39.00/mo. plus tax (reg. $46.00/mo.)
10 x 10s - $69.00/mo. plus tax (reg. $84.00/mo.)
10 x 20s - $129.00/mo. plus tax (reg. $140.00/mo.)

You like?

Of course you do! "Mama didn't raise no FOOL!" (Now why did I just say that?)

All you do is pay a $14.00 (plus tax) administration fee--one-time, non-refundable charge--along with your first month's rent, purchase a lock or bring one of your own, and you can MOVE IN to your new unit right away!

By the way, WE'VE GOT A TRUCK!

You can use our nifty, 18 ft. rental truck to move your stuff into your new storage unit and PAY NO TRUCK RENTAL FEES!

Just ask for the "Move-In Special" with our truck when you call or come in. (See customer-focused manager for details.)

Speaking of MANAGER, I'll see you when you get here. (Need directions?)

Your aforementioned manager,

Paul

**P.S.! Be sure and check the side bar under "Sizes and Rates" for ALL the latest specials and prices for the size you're looking for. K?

The Twelve Days of Storage--Day Twelve! (A Christmas Carol :)

2009-12-29T12:02:00.009-07:00

FINALLY! THE LAST STANZA!

On the twelfth day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me,
Twelve kinds of boxes,
Eleven hours a-packing,
Ten renters renting,
Nine ways of paying,
Eight feet of ceiling,
Seven days of access,
Six weeks a-staying,
FIVE OLD BOX SPRINGS! (Thanks, true love)
Four falling lamps,
Three plastic bins,
Two pairs of gloves,
And a storage unit with a lock and key.

"Twelve Kinds of Boxes"

You know, I've already resigned myself to the fact that this song will NOT be winning any originality awards.

That's okay. At this point I just want to git 'er done!

So without further ado, I give you, The Last and Final Stanza (see above).

Yeah, but... "Twelve kinds of boxes?" What's up with that?

Look, how many times do I have to tell you? THIS IS A STORAGE BUSINESS!

What could be more logical and appropriate than a line about BOXES?

Besides, we really do have TWELVE kinds of boxes. Everything from one cubic foot (12" x 12" x 12") on up to the big wardrobe boxes (21" x 24" 48"). So I'm NOT exaggerating!

Wherefore I attest that this entire song has been composed and compiled with the utmost clarity, transparency and consistency. Moreover, the thread and substance of our entire business enterprise has been woven ingeniously throughout these carefully crafted verses.

Need I say more? No.

So I won't.

Well, that's all 'til next Christmas. Now it's time to think of a good New Years Eve song to sing.

(How about, "Should old file boxes be forgot, and never moved again...!")

Maybe not.

Have a safe and Happy New Year!

Your Manager, Paul

The Twelve Days of Storage--Day Eleven (A Christmas Carol :)

2009-12-26T14:16:00.019-07:00

WAIT! We're NOT finished with Christmas yet....

On the eleventh day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me,
Eleven hours a-packing,
Ten renters renting,
Nine ways of paying,
Eight feet of ceiling,
Seven days of access,
Six weeks a-staying,
FIVE OLD BOX SPRINGS! (Thanks, true love)
Four falling lamps,
Three plastic bins,
Two pairs of gloves,
And a storage unit with a lock and key.

"Eleven Hours a-Packing"

I know what some of you are saying.

"ELEVEN HOURS of packing!--IS THAT ALL?"

"That's how long it took me just to clean out my refrigerator!"

Still others of you are saying, "Eleven hours of packing!--WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG? All I have is a sofa with no cushions, a chair with no seat and a table with no legs."

(You see? That's what happens when you hire the wrong moving company! But I digress.)

And a few of you are saying, "Eleven hours of packing? What a coincidence! Why, that's EXACTLY how long it took me to pack for my last move! What an insightful song this is!" (Music to my ears)

The rest of you naysayers (all three of you) are saying, "Eleven hours a-packing?--what a RIDICULOUSLY LAME, UNIMAGINATIVE verse to put in a Christmas song!"

Ah, but that's where you're wrong, my friend...

This song is all about STORAGE, remember? (Check the title again!)

Anyway, we'll be back for Day Twelve and get this thing over with.

Your Manager, Paul

WHY CHRISTMAS MATTERS!............................

2009-12-25T12:12:00.009-07:00

(This was originally posted yesterday on Craigslist)

With all the hoopla and madness of SHOPPING and GIFT-GIVING and cooking and baking and everything else that we do in a HURRY this time of year (all GOOD things by the way), it’s easy to forget what the whole Christmas holiday is all about.

In a word, (not to insult your intelligence as though you’ve never HEARD this before!) it’s about the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, and his coming into the world, as the angel told Mary and Joseph, to “save his people from their sins.” (Gospel of Matthew ch. 1, verse 21)

That means just one thing.

The message of Christmas is, was and always will be, a UNIVERSAL MESSAGE OF HOPE, JOY, DELIVERANCE and PEACE with God--an INVITATION to a new life of HAPPINESS and fulfillment, regardless of circumstances--FOR ALL TIME & ETERNITY, offered to EVERYONE that’s willing to hear it, in every age, every culture, every country—naturally, including YOU!

“For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (Gospel of John ch. 3, verse 16)

Self-storage is a great and convenient and useful thing to have and provide and make available to folks (like you perhaps!) that need it and want it. And I do love and appreciate my work here as a self-storage manager at ARIZONA STORAGE INNS – CHANDLER.

But what’s most important to me, personally, is that ordinary people like you and me, i.e., those whom I serve (and those I work with) in this business, come to their own understanding and decision to EMBRACE this most WONDERFUL and glorious bit of “good news” anybody could ever hear--the INCOMPARABLE, POWERFUL and INCREDIBLY TRANSFORMING grace of God in His making available such a simple and FREE (no charge to you!) way for every one of us--however “messed up” we might be at the moment!--to get a “fresh start” and a new life from Him by believing in His Son Jesus, committing our lives personally to Him, asking Him to forgive our sins, and begin living a RICH, SATISFYING, FULFILLING & REWARDING life—even if we remain POOR and ANONYMOUS all our lives and never become one of the “RICH and FAMOUS”!

Well, you can still be “RICH” (and "POWERFUL") and "FAMOUS" in God's eyes (i.e., your name written in the LAMB'S BOOK OF LIFE (Revelation ch. 21, verse 27), and have “TREASURE” beyond measure because of Christ Jesus and what He’s done and who He is. (He owns EVERYTHING after all since He is KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS!)

I’m nobody special. But I do know that years ago I was a “lost soul” before God opened my eyes to the LIBERATING, PENETRATING TRUTH of His Gospel. And now I have my sins forgiven (on a daily basis!), and PEACE with Him through His Son. And I have ETERNAL LIFE (though I never deserved it and still don’t) with Him and his saints, that MASSIVE number of other believers whom He has called and chosen to salvation “before the foundation of the world”, just like me, who are and will be in heaven forever, only because He promised that to us who will simply BELIEVE (faith) in what He says.

Anyway, I just hope if you read this, you, too, will have your heart and eyes opened to this SIMPLE yet POWERFUL truth of God’s Word found in the Bible, like I did. Believe me, there’s nothing better than having a NEW HEART and a NEW MIND and a NEW LIFE given to you for FREE by your Creator!

God bless you and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Your Manager, Paul

The Twelve Days of Storage--Day Ten (A Christmas Carol :)

2009-12-23T15:06:00.008-07:00

On the tenth day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me,
Ten renters renting,
Nine ways of paying,
Eight feet of ceiling,
Seven days of access,
Six weeks a-staying,
FIVE OLD BOX SPRINGS! (Thanks, true love)
Four falling lamps,
Three plastic bins,
Two pairs of gloves,
And a storage unit with a lock and key.

"Ten Renters Renting"

This line needs no explanation, elaboration or commentary by me. (But you're going to get it anyway!)

Renters renting is a very good thing for our business. We don't thrive and it certainly doesn't do YOU any good to have a place where all you find are a bunch of hyperactive lords a-leaping, raising a ruckus (and not renting storage space).

Neither is it good for a business like ours that purports to be a clean, "quiet" place to store your things, for you to show up and find Party Central with the driveways blocked by ladies dancing, pipers piping, drummers drumming, the whole bit. (But you know, that might not be a bad marketing event to have in the front parking lot! Hmmmm.)

Nope. Our bread and butter is, was and always be, renters renting.

So to share a little Christmas cheer, we will now be mailing to your true love, ten (count 'em, TEN) $20.00 referral checks as a way of saying 'thank you' for those "ten renters renting" that he (or is it she?) sent to us.

("Ten checks a-cashing!")

Be back with days Eleven and Twelve.

Your Manager, Paul

The Twelve Days of Storage, Days Eight and Nine (A Christmas Carol :)

2009-12-22T10:46:00.025-07:00

On the ninth day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me,
Nine ways of paying,
Eight feet of ceiling,
Seven days of access,
Six weeks a-staying,
FIVE OLD BOX SPRINGS! (Thanks, true love)
Four falling lamps,
Three plastic bins,
Two pairs of gloves,
And a storage unit with a lock and key.

"Nine Ways of Paying"

Yes, indeed. If your true love isn't sure how or what is the best way to pay that monthly storage bill that he or she has just committed himself to for your brand new storage unit, let me help you out here:

1. We take credit cards and debit cards--so long as they have the ubiquitous Visa or Mastercard logo (otherwise, no can do!)
2. We take personal checks, business checks, bank drafts, cashier's checks and money orders--we're flexible!
3. We take CASH--so long as the appropriately denominated bills pass our rigorous, anti-counterfeiting examination procedures!

And as far as getting your critically important rental funds into our coffers, so that we may correctly give credit where credit is due...

4. You can pay your bill in person.
5. You can PAY ONLINE using our secure server via access on our website, https://chandler.azstorage.com/webxpress/
6. You can come in the wee hours of the morning or late in the gloom of night, or on a Sunday or major holiday or even during regular business hours when you're in a HUGE hurry and you just want to throw your money at us, you can leave your payment in our convenient night drop.
7. You can mail your payment to us using the U.S. Postal Service.
8. You can even have your payment automatically deducted from a credit or debit card on file--that you have previously authorized in writing (see customer-focused manager for details).
9. Or you can call us and have us charge that debit or credit card on file--that you have previously authorized in writing (see customer-focused manager for details).

There you have it. Nine ways of paying. Did I leave anything out? (I hope not, otherwise I'll have to rewrite this part of the song!)

"Eight Feet of Ceiling"

Now I was hoping you wouldn't ask me about this line.

Well, that one is what we non-songwriters like to call a throw-away line!

Can you guess what it refers to?

Right. Eight-foot ceilings in the storage units. Creative, huh? Yes, that's why we call them "throw-away lines" (and why I am NOT gainfully employed as a songwriter)!

I'll be back to bring this a little closer to a merciful ending.

Your Manager, Paul

The Twelve Days of Storage, Day Seven (A Christmas Carol :)

2009-12-19T14:14:00.008-07:00

What? Is it Day Seven already? (We'd better write something QUICK, eh!)

On the seventh day of Christmas,
My true love gave to me,
Seven days of access,
Six weeks a-staying,
FIVE OLD BOX SPRINGS! (Thanks, true love)
Four falling lamps,
three plastic bins,
two pairs of gloves,
and a storage unit with a lock and key.

"Seven Days of Access?" (Request for Clarification!)

Okay, assuming the check that your true love wrote to pay for this storage unit doesn't bounce and your account remains in good standing, you, my dear seasonal tenant, have seven-days-a-week access to your unit through Santa's main gates.

But of course, (see Day Six admonition)...

...once that "six weeks a-staying" runs out--and your true love hasn't ponied up any more rent money--your gate access becomes HISTORY! (Sorry, I don't make the rules. I only ENFORCE them.)

So in the meantime, enjoy your "seven days of access" while you can! And when we say seven days a week, i.e., every day including Sundays and holidays, we mean it.

Which means,...

"Yes, Virginia, there is gate access on Christmas!"

Day Eight coming next week!

Your Manager, Paul

The Twelve Days of Storage, Day Six (A Christmas Carol :)

2009-12-19T13:56:00.005-07:00

Moving forward to the half-way point:

On the sixth day of Christmas,
my true love gave to me,
Six weeks a-staying,
FIVE OLD BOX SPRINGS! (Thanks, true love)
Four falling lamps,
three plastic bins,
two pairs of gloves,
and a storage unit with a lock and key.

"Six Weeks a-Staying?" Please explain!

Look, it isn't hard to figure out.
Your true love only paid for a month and a half of rent on your storage unit, sooooooo....

Unless he or she coughs up the rest of the second month, you're only staying SIX WEEKS! Get it?

Hey, I kind of like this songwriting thing. It's FUN!

See you on Day Seven.

Your Manager, Paul

The Twelve Days of Storage, Days Four & Five (A Christmas Carol :)

2009-12-18T09:33:00.004-07:00

Let's see, where were we...

On the fifth day of Christmas,
my true love gave to me,
FIVE OLD BOX SPRINGS! (Thanks, true love)
Four falling lamps,
three plastic bins,
two pairs of gloves,
and a storage unit with a lock and key.

Sorry about the falling lamps, but you know, I told you not to stand them up on top of the box springs!

Not to worry, though. You still have seven more days to see what other COOL STUFF you might be getting. (Please, try not to break anything.)

Stay tuned for day SIX!

Your Manager, Paul

The Twelve Days of Storage (A Christmas Carol :)

2009-12-16T10:17:00.006-07:00

On the third day of Christmas,
my true love gave to me,
three plastic bins,
two pairs of gloves,
and a storage unit with a lock and key.

"Three Plastic Bins?"

Hey, cut me some slack. I'm a storage manager not a songwriter!

Anyway, I'm just trying to preserve the melodic cadence of the original so that this one at least turns out to be somewhat SINGABLE when it's all done (by Christmas)!

Besides, what could be more appropriate for a storage-related song than a line about plastic bins?

I rest my case. Fourth stanza forthcoming...

Your Musically-Challenged Manager, Paul

The Twelve Days of Storage (A Christmas Carol :)

2009-12-15T14:54:00.006-07:00

On the second day of Christmas,
my true love gave to me,
two pairs of gloves,
and a storage unit with a lock and key.

"Two Pairs of Gloves"

You're probably wondering what those are for.

They're work gloves. Like the kind you buy at Ace Hardware.

So what are they for?

What else--for moving all the furniture and boxes into said True Love's true love's newly acquired storage unit, at ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER! (I don't know their names, personally, so we have to stick with poetic aliases!)

I'll be back with the third stanza.

Your Manager, Paul

The Twelve Days of Storage (a Christmas Carol)...

2009-12-12T14:02:00.008-07:00

Okay, everybody remember the words to this one?--

"On the first day of Christmas,
my true love gave to me,
a storage unit with a lock and key."

(Clever, no?)

What? You haven't heard this version before?

Well, that's because I'm still writing it!

Anyway, stay tuned for the other eleven stanzas!

Your Manager, Paul

"This Just In"--NORTH CHANDLER SELF-STORAGE RATES ARE CHEAPER!

2009-11-21T11:24:00.007-07:00

Many of you are already aware of this (but for those who aren't), did you know that self-storage rental rates for the same size and type can vary by as much as 15% from one part of town to another?

It's true.

In much the same way that it pays to shop around for an apartment to live in, it pays to shop around for a storage unit to put your stuff in.

And if you live in the Chandler-Gilbert area, you've got QUITE A SELECTION to choose from!

That's why, if you can spare the time (i.e., you're not "under the gun" to get a storage space in the next five minutes), you should do a little price comparison as well as a comparison of appearance, cleanliness, management, security, amenities, location, etc. -- just as you would if you were shopping for an apartment to move to.

Then, visit a couple of self-storage facilities in the price range you've established, in the general area where you need it.

So here's your money-saving tip...

If you live in, say, South Chandler, and you're not averse to getting a storage unit a few miles to the north, you can save as much as 15%--possibly more depending on the size of the space you're looking for and the move-in specials that are available.

For example, at a certain facility on Arizona Avenue north of Germann Road (south of the 202 San Tan freeway), a 10 x 20 non-air-conditioned unit rents for $163.00 per month plus tax.

That same 10 x 20 non-air-conditioned unit at our facility, ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER--on Warner Road just east of Arizona Avenue--rents for $140.00 per month plus tax.

If you do the math, that's a price difference of 14.1 %! ($23.00)

Pretty substantial.

So remember, when you're looking for self-storage in the Chandler (or even Gilbert) area, be sure and cast a wide net. It could save you some money.

But don't just shop for price alone. Compare convenience, location, appearance, security and cleanliness--a TELLTALE SIGN that reflects on BOTH the management and the tenants!--basically your overall impression of the facility and its management.

Then make your best choice, RENT YOUR SPACE and MOVE IN!

That's all for now. I'll be back with more helpful self-storage tips for you in the Chandler-Gilbert area.

Take care!

Your Manager,
Paul

NEW Self-Storage Public Auction Page!

2009-11-10T16:38:00.009-07:00

As a service to those of you who like to follow our monthly public auction schedule, ARIZONA STORAGE INNS has added a Self-Storage Public Auction page to its main web site, listing the dates and times for each sale in the current month at all of our locations.

You can see what this new "Auctions" page looks like by clicking HERE.

Previously, we published legal notices every month in a "newspaper of general circulation" (in our case, the Record Reporter), letting the world know that we were going to auction off to the highest bidder certain household, business or personal property to satisfy unpaid rental charges owed by the occupant of the unit where the property was being stored, in accordance with the default and notification procedures spelled out in the Arizona Revised Statutes.

Well, as of Sept. 30th, Arizona's self-storage lien law was changed and we no longer publish these legal notices. As an alternative, though, for the benefit of everyone interested in finding out when and where the auctions are happening on an ongoing basis, the Arizona Self-Storage Association will be adding a special section to its website soon, devoted exclusively to these regularly scheduled public auctions.

And as I mentioned above, we've included an "Auctions" page now on our company website to let you know about our own public auctions each month. Be sure and check back there (and here) regularly so you can stay apprised of the new schedules as they come out.

If you'd like to attend our next auction here at ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER, 297 East Warner Road, it's scheduled for Friday, November 13th, 2009 at 10:30 am.

See you here!

Your Manager, Paul

SIZES & RATES at Arizona Storage Inns - Chandler

2009-11-03T12:56:00.028-07:00

Sometimes it helps to have a "visual", so here's a graphic breakdown of our sizes and rates here at the ol' mini-storage ranch on Warner Road and Arizona Avenue, with accompanying photographs to help you see what we have.

Remember, all storage units are GROUND-LEVEL, DRIVE-UP, OUTSIDE ACCESS, NON-AIR-CONDITIONED (i.e., "NON-CLIMATE-CONTROLLED"). And here they are:

5 x 5 - $30.00/mo. plus tax

Here's a look inside one of our 5 x 5 units. (The doors on these units are swing-type, "locker-style")

Ceilings inside are eight (8) to nine (9) ft. high--varying according to the pitch of the roof (this view is looking up slightly, through the doorway).

Here's the building where our 5 x 5 units are located, easily accessible by walking a very short distance from your car or truck into one of these three (3) open hallways.

Speaking of hallways, this is what one of them looks like. From dusk to dawn they are lighted inside. At the end of each hallway there's a window (with security bars on the outside).

Examples of what can be stored in a 5 x 5 unit: small furniture such as a chest of drawers, small table & chairs, boxes, a twin mattress & box spring, small tools.

--------------------------------------------------------------

5 x 10 - $46.00/mo. plus tax

Here are two (2) of our 5 x 10 units, side by side along a row of them. All have roll-up doors, and all have DRIVE-UP ACCESS. Ceilings inside are eight (8) ft. in height.

Examples of what can be stored in a 5 x 10 unit: a sofa, love seat, recliner, mattress & box spring, table & chairs, chest of drawers, dresser, refrigerator, washer/dryer, file cabinets, boxes, tools, bicycles, toys, outdoor furniture, lawn mower, garden tools,...

-------------------------------------------------------

10 x 10 - $84.00/mo. plus tax

Here's a 10 x 10 unit, also with drive-up access, eight (8) ft. ceiling, roll-up door.

Examples of what can be stored in a 10 x 10 unit: Furniture from a one-bedroom apartment, appliances, boxes, tools, bicycles, garden equipment, patio furniture.

----------------------------------------------

10 x 15 - $126.00/mo. plus tax

Here's a 10 x 15 unit. (Yes, it does resemble a 10 x 10, but it's a full five (5) ft. deeper!)

Examples of what can be stored in a 10 x 15 unit: Furniture from a two-bedroom apartment or small house, a VERY SMALL trailer, boxes, tools, garden equipment, patio furniture, bicycles, etc....

------------------------------------------------

10 x 20 - $140.00/mo. plus tax

Here's a 10 x 20 unit. Large enough to park a car in! Roll-up door, eight (8) ft. ceiling, drive-up access

BONUS VIEW! Here's what a 10 x 20 looks like from the inside.

Examples of what can be stored in a 10 x 20: Furniture from a two-bedroom house, appliances, tools, boxes, patio furniture, garden equipment, motorcycles, bicycles, automobile, pick-up truck, small trailer, ATVs, etc....

--------------------------------------------------------

20 x 20 - $259.00/mo. plus tax

This is a 20 x 20 storage unit, a "double-wide" unit with four (4) doors--one of which is slightly open here to show depth.

Examples of what can be stored in a 20 x 20 unit: Furniture from a three- or four-bedroom house, boxes, tools, appliances, patio furniture, garden equipment, motorcycle, misc. items, etc....

------------------------------------------------

RV SPACES (Uncovered parking, on pavement)

RV20 ft. - $60.00/m0. plus tax

These are some examples of the kinds of vehicles stored on our RV20 ft. parking spaces. As you can see, these are oriented like parallel parking spaces. There's a ten (10)-foot gap in between them.

Basically, what can be parked on these RV 20 ft. spaces are things like: a utility trailer, flatbed trailer, car, pickup truck, van, camper, a VERY small fishing boat & trailer. As long as what you're parking is NOT MORE THAN EIGHTEEN (18) FT. in length, it can be stored on this size space.

-------------------------------------------

RV30 ft. - $85.00/mo. plus tax

Here are a few of the RV30 ft. spaces. They're lined up side-by-side, backed by a solid block wall that runs along the rear (south end) of our property. As you can see these are uncovered, and they are on PAVEMENT.

Examples of what can be parked on an RV 30 ft. space: motorhome, travel trailer, boat & trailer, camper, utility trailer, flatbed trailer, essentially any vehicle that is NOT MORE THAN THIRTY (30) FT. IN LENGTH.

-------------------------------------------------

Well, there you have it. A quick "fly-over" of our various sizes and rates. We do also have a small selection of VERY LARGE SIZE units, but their availability is extremely limited. (Whenever we do have vacancies in one of those, we'll be sure and "advertise" their availability.)

Needless to say, if you have any questions, comments (or COMPLAINTS) about our sizes and rates, as well as what can be stored in, on and around these spaces, etc., don't hesitate to call your HIGHLY TRAINED, PROFESSIONAL mini-storage manager, whom you can reach by phone @ (480) 899-1179.

Your Manager-at-the-Ready,

Paul

****NOTE: BE SURE AND CHECK THE SIDEBAR UNDER "SIZES AND RATES" FOR THE LATEST SPECIALS!****

FEATURES & BENEFITS of Storing with Us at ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER (Condensed & Edited for Brevity!)

2009-10-30T11:58:00.012-07:00

There are SO MANY good reasons why you should store your personal and business-related property and/or vehicles here with us, it's hard to distill it down to a "short list." Nonetheless, here goes:

FEATURES & BENEFITS OF

STORING AT ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER

(The Short Version)

CONVENIENT NORTH CHANDLER LOCATION–closer to everything in the east valley than locations in south Chandler, south Gilbert or Queen Creek. Minutes from the 101, 202 (San Tan) and the 60!

FREE MOVING TRUCK–when you rent a storage space with us, you have the added benefit of using our moving truck without paying any truck rental fees when you use it to move in! And you get 25 free miles! (Please see the right sidebar under "Need a Truck" for more details.)

GROUND-LEVEL, DRIVE-UP ACCESS TO YOUR STORAGE UNIT–gives you easier access to your space. No long corridors, no long-distance parking and walking, shorter distances to move large, heavy objects, furniture, tools, etc.

COMPUTER-CONTROLLED AUTOMATIC GATES–lets you enter and exit at will using your own unique, private gate access code that is associated with your account.

EXTENDED GATE HOURS DAILY (6AM-9PM)–enables you to come in to your storage space early in the morning or late in the evening EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR regardless of whether it’s a weekday, Sunday or holiday!

VIDEO CAMERAS ON PROPERTY–assures you that we keep an eye on what’s going on! (Our video camera system also records and stores all images on a dedicated CPU and hard drive.)

RESIDENT MANAGERS–lets you know the facility is in the care of people who are personally interested in keeping your storage facility CLEAN, SAFE, efficiently-run and well-maintained!

“WORRY-FREE” AUTOMATIC PAYMENTS, CALL-IN PAYMENTS & PAY ONLINE–You can pre-authorize a credit or debit card to be charged automatically on the FIRST of each month when rent is due or only when you call us, or, you can pay your bill directly online using our secure WEBXPRESS option. (None of these services cost you anything, they’re FREE!) This means you can choose from a variety of ways to pay your monthly storage bill. You can even pay quarterly or annually if you wish!

EXTRA WIDE DRIVEWAYS–If you need to bring an 18-wheel tractor-trailer to deliver your stored property, NO PROBLEM! We have a 360 degree, 30-foot wide driveway that wraps completely around the property, as well as a 30-foot wide main driveway up the center!

DUAL-GATED, FULLY-ENCLOSED FACILITY–This enhances security. Having two gates means each visitor must enter one way and exit one way. The property is enclosed with a combination of block wall, storage buildings backed by a block wall and fixed fencing (only at the front, facing the street). No need to worry about your stored goods being “open to the public!”

RETAIL PRODUCT STORE–you can choose from a variety of moving boxes in an assortment of sizes, mattress bags, bubble wrap, tape, rope, even stretch wrap–right here in the same CONVENIENT place where you rent your storage unit!

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Did I miss any? Probably a BOATLOAD (but we need to keep this under 10,000 words)!

How about a list of REASONS NOT TO STORE AT ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER on Warner Road just east of Arizona Avenue?

There's only one...

If you prefer NOT to be treated with courtesy, respect, professionalism and a friendly attitude, and you don't want an AFFORDABLE, ECONOMICAL, CONVENIENT and CLEAN self-storage space with an INDUSTRY LEADER that is EXPERIENCED and well-regarded among the multitude of mini-storage companies in the Valley, then you wouldn't want to rent with us!

Fine. We'll get over the pain of rejection and loss somehow.... But if you ever have a change of heart, WE'RE HERE FOR YOU!

Respectfully Yours,

Your Manager, Paul

Move In Using Our Truck & Pay No Rental Truck Fees!

2009-10-17T16:13:00.016-07:00

Here's an idea. Why not rent your storage unit and moving truck all at the same time at the same place?

By George, we already thought of that because at ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER on Warner Road and Arizona Avenue, "Yes, you can!"

Watch this little two minute vignette about the use of our truck. (And you'll know why I don't quit my day job as a self-storage manager to become a professional videographer!)

Have a great day!

Your Manager,
Paul

BUSINESSES YOU SHOULD PATRONIZE: POSTNET, 222 E. Warner Rd., Chandler...

2009-10-14T15:30:00.007-07:00

From time to time we'll post a free plug here for a nearby business that is doing its part to contribute to the local economy in the Chandler-Gilbert area.

POSTNET across the street at 222 East Warner Road, Suite #4, is one of those businesses.

It's owned by Mr. & Mrs. Nader & Margarette Tawfik, who purchased their POSTNET franchise in August (from its previous owner). WELCOME to the neighborhood, folks! I met Margarette (pronounced "mar-guh-REET") this morning. She's a REAL NICE lady, and she gave me the INSTANT impression that if you walk into her store and you need assistance with anything pertaining to packing, shipping, mailing or printing, she is your Go To Gal!

So if you need any of these services and you are in this area, swing by their POSTNET store.

This has been a PUBLIC SERVICE message from your storage manager. We now return to our regularly scheduled program.

Signing off!

Paul

WELCOME to Our First (Brief) Video Clip!

2009-10-10T17:02:00.016-07:00

Here's a brief clip showing our FRONT OFFICE where you come in off of Warner Road.

Now, keep in mind this is our FIRST attempt at creating, uploading and embedding our own ORIGINAL video clip to the blog so BE CHARITABLE in your evaluation and assessment of how we did!

We'll get better at it as we get more PRACTICE, I promise!

Have a great day.

Your Manager, Paul

SPECIALS ON OUR TWO MOST POPULAR SIZES--10 X 10 AND 10 X 20

2009-10-09T17:52:00.005-07:00

As a reward for you performing your DUE DILIGENCE in storage shopping to the point that you found your way to this the outback online outpost for ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER, I'm going to give you a SPECIAL DEAL.

If you rent either a 10 x 10 or a 10 x 20 unit (our two most POPULAR sizes), you can have your space at a special REDUCED RATE for your MOVE-IN! Read on...

Let's say you want to rent a 10 x 10. That's normally $84.00 per month plus tax. Well, because you found this here blog post, you only have to pay $42.00 for your first month. That's a HALF MONTH'S RENT FREE! And not only that, you'll get your STORAGE ACCOUNT SET UP FOR FREE (meaning you won't have to pay the usual $14.00 administration fee).

See? Your internet spelunking has PAID OFF!

And if that wasn't enough of a deal, you can also have a FREE DISC LOCK for your unit, too!
(meaning it's a lock you can KEEP, not just a "loaner")

Likewise, let's say you need something a little bigger. Like a 10 x 20. Same deal: HALF MONTH'S RENT FREE. So your normal first month's rent payment of $140.00 plus tax will actually be $70.00 plus tax!

And just like with the 10 x 10, there's NO ADMINISTRATION FEE (i.e., FREE ACCOUNT SET UP) and you get a FREE DISC LOCK, too!

But you'd better hurry in soon because this is for a LIMITED TIME ONLY, while supplies last (naturally)!

Hurry in for BEST selection, etc., etc. etc.

See ya!

Your manager, Paul

Need MATTRESS BAGS?

2009-10-02T16:51:00.014-07:00

If you're storing mattresses and/or box springs in your unit for more than a month, you might want to invest in a MATTRESS BAG or two to protect them from dust, soil, moisture and moving damage (like from dragging across floors and picking up with DIRTY HANDS!).

You've got your choice of:

QUEEN SIZE

Bag Dimensions: 103" x 60" x 14"
Your Price: $4.50!

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KING SIZE

Bag Dimensions: 103" x 76" x 14"
Your Price: $5.00!

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FULL SIZE

Bag Dimensions: 98" x 54" x 14"
Your Price: $4.00!

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TWIN SIZE

Bag Dimensions: 98" x 40" x 14"
Your Price: $3.50!

These are in order of POPULARITY among our customers. (Queen and King size bags sell the most!)

Whatever size you need, come in and BUY the one that FITS!

By the way (here comes the obvious question), do you need a storage unit to put those bed(s) in?

Just thought I'd ask...

Your Manager and Director of Strategic Internet Marketing,
Paul

Need Moving Boxes? Well, COME AND GET 'EM 'Cause WE'VE GOT 'EM!!

2009-09-30T15:33:00.014-07:00

Another boatload of boxes has just arrived!

That means we've got PLENTY in stock, again, especially the three MOST POPULAR SIZES that our customers can't seem to get enough of. They are:

SMALL - 1.5 cubic foot (13" x 13" x 16 1/2")

Your Price: $1.75 each!
(stapler not included)

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MEDIUM - 3.0 cubic foot (18" x 17" x 18")

Your Price: $2.50 each!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LARGE - 4.5 cubic foot (18" x 18" x 24")

Your Price: $3.00 each!

Hurry in for your boxes today! (And by the way, if you end up with a LOT of boxes packed and you need a storage unit to put them in--I CAN HELP YOU THERE, TOO!)

Your Manager, Who Never Feels "Boxes In" (sorry, couldn't resist),
Paul

A Storage Tip for Existing Customers (But It's Good for All You "Pre-existing" Customers to Know About This, Too!)

2009-09-29T12:29:00.031-07:00

Today's tip--#6 if my count is correct (though counting storage tips is not a normal part of my job description)--is more applicable AFTER you've rented your storage unit--in fact, it's more applicable after you've rented your storage unit for a while (like several months or years).

It's Fall season now and the weather is starting to change (FINALLY). Cooler days, cooler evenings, cooler mornings (they're coming, I promise). If you're like a lot of people with "outside," non-climate-controlled storage units--the kind we have--you've been waiting all summer for the heat to subside so you can come out to your unit and "visit your stuff" when there is statistically less chance of you baking your brains in the sun!

In other words, you haven't been out to the property since last Spring, or longer, and so you haven't touched your stored stuff in MONTHS (maybe even YEARS)!

So here's the tip--

When you finally do make the trek over here, bring a small broom, a dustpan, a hand towel or a rag, and--if you plan on moving a lot of boxes around--some work gloves with you.

"WAIT A MINUTE!"--you may be saying to yourself (in a loud voice)--"Is this guy trying to tell me I have to come over to his storage facility armed and ready to help him CLEAN UP THE PROPERTY?!"

Well, no. (But thanks for offering.)

What I am saying is that, while you were away all that time and your stuff was sitting safely inside your unit behind a locked door--on a property which, by the way, is heavily guarded by large, African crocodiles and full-grown boa constrictors from the Amazon rain forest, kept very HUNGRY and slithering around loose amongst the mesquite trees (for SECURITY purposes)--a natural phenomenon occurred, an element of the desert known in layman's terms as DIRT, settled lightly upon your stuff.

Now, people who've never stored their belongings before in a "standard" outdoor-access type storage environment like ours are sometimes shocked and dismayed that their units have gotten DUST inside them.

But you can always tell the seasoned veterans from (no offense here) the NEWBIES who have no prior experience with this somewhat hostile climatic environment (remember now, "hostile" is a relative term, easily misconstrued)--because they already know the drill and don't need little ol' me imparting this invaluable INSIDER TIP to them. They show up PREPARED with some or all of the above. But they also know, as I do, that you DON'T need to bring these things with you EVERY SINGLE TIME you come to your unit--unless of course it really is ONLY ONCE OR TWICE A YEAR!

In that case, you'll want to leave your formal attire at home and come dressed for CASUAL CONTACT with the said elements of this our great southwestern livestyle!

By the way, if you do want to help me clean up a little outside while you're here, that is strictly on a VOLUNTEER BASIS.

Because, frankly, sweeping and picking up trash and debris on the property IS a normal part of my job description!

Which is why it's a good thing I enjoy cleaning. (But not that much, so DON'T GET ANY IDEAS! :)

Your Manager, Who Believes 'Cleanliness is Next to Godliness' (or something like that),
Paul

"Don't Get No Respect?" Managers Treat You Like You've Got SWINE FLU? (That's Because You're Not Renting with US!)

2009-09-26T10:20:00.019-07:00

There's no reason to rent at a storage facility where the managers act more like security guards on the night shift than what they should be, which is your personal, trusted self-storage advisor and provider!

Gone are the days when "mini-storage" was a rough-edged industry--born in a barn somewhere in the heartland of America (if certain anecdotal accounts are to be believed!)--where, if you darkened the doorway of their establishment, they were doing you a favor by renting you a "shed" for your stuff.

Nowadays, the onus is on us self-storage managers to make sure you as a customer and our esteemed guest get treated KINDLY, FAIRLY, PROFESSIONALLY, RESPECTFULLY and COURTEOUSLY whether you are on the phone or in the store "live and in person"!

So if you're NOT getting treated in the aforementioned manner where you currently rent your space--assuming, of course, you haven't been THE TENANT FROM HADES (and you know who you are!)--then I recommend you VACATE your space, move your stuff out and promptly BRING IT OVER HERE! I'll make sure you get "The Treatment" and come away with a supremely positive self-storage experience!

If you're currently shopping for storage space somewhere in the CHANDLER-GILBERT area, then you don't need to look any further because--I have good news for you--

YOUR SEARCH IS OVER!

You have arrived! You've been to the self-storage mountaintop! You've seen the promised land! It is located at a sprawling, palatial complex known commonly as ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER, on the south side of Warner Road just east of Arizona Avenue!

Free at last, FREE AT LAST!...

Okay, now I know I'm stretching things a bit when I start sounding like MARTIN LUTHER KING! Sorry! (I just get so "inspired" when I talk about self-storage!)

Anyway, do the right thing and come in today and rent a space with us!

(By the way, does storage qualify as a "civil right"?)

Your Inquiring Manager,
Paul

P.S. Don't forget, if you need space somewhere else in the Valley, we have OVER TWO DOZEN locations! Click here for more info.

Self-Storage Shopping Tip #5: Plan Ahead (& Print Out This List to Help EXPEDITE the Process)!

2009-09-23T11:29:00.011-07:00

Here are some great storage and packing tips from our friends at Public Storage. (I want to be sure and give them the credit for this as the list is quite helpful!)

Storage Tips

Plan ahead. Keep your frequently used items at the front of your unit where you can get at them easily.
Map It. As you move into your storage space, make a simple drawing that shows where items are placed.
Cover up. Protect your furniture, including mattresses and box springs, with covers designed for the item.
Think vertical. Make best use of your storage area by stacking to the ceiling, working from heaviest items on the bottom to lightest items on top.
Don’t over-reach. Use a stool to stack and reach items stored above your head.
Optimize your space. Break down any furniture that has removable legs, leaves or other parts. Stack chairs seat-to-seat with towels or blankets between them.
Multi-task. Use your refrigerator or other appliances to store things like linens – even books or CDs. Wedge the door of any appliances open so air can circulate inside them.
Take a breath. Leave a little space between the walls of your unit and your stored items to allow for ventilation.
Tool up. Shovels, hoes, rakes and hoses can be stored together in empty trash cans. Stack extra cans inside one another.
Clear the air. If you’re storing a gas-powered lawnmower or leaf blower, prevent unpleasant odors by draining the tank before you put it in your unit.
Be prepared. Keep an extra emergency preparedness kit in your storage unit. If your home is inaccessible, you’ll have a second supply resource.

Packing Tips

Be prepared. Gather all the materials and supplies you need before you start: boxes, tape, packing materials, markers, furniture covers and so on. Remember, Public Storage sells everything you need.
Label, label, label. Mark every box with its contents, and keep a written inventory as you pack.
Use the right box. Use large boxes for light items (linens, pillows, lamps) and smaller boxes for heavier items (books, CDs).
Take care. Pack small things carefully into boxes with appropriate packing materials. Resist the temptation to toss things into a garbage bag; they risk damage from knocks or bumps and mildew from lack of ventilation.
This side up. If you combine different weights of items in one box, always put the heavier things on the bottom and mark the box “this side up.”
Don’t overload. Packed boxes should only weigh as much as you can lift without straining – for most people, less than 40 pounds.
Tape it up. Make sure all your packed boxes are securely sealed with packing tape, with the tops flat (to make it easier to stack them).
Hang it up. Use a wardrobe box to hang clothing, draperies and other fabrics that need to breathe and be kept crease-free.
Break it down. Disassemble bed frames and lash them together with tape or twine. Use small plastic bags to store screws and bolts and tape them to the frame that they belong to.
Respect breakables. Wrap dishes and glassware individually, and pad the box with packing paper or bubble wrap.

There you have it. A handy checklist to help you GET YOUR MIND around this rather tedious but CHALLENGING and IMPORTANT task of packing and storing your things properly.

Helping You to "Think Outside the Box",

Your Manager,
Paul

Self-Storage Shopping Tip #4: Don't Just Shop for PRICE! (Be SMART--Shop for THE MANAGER! :)

2009-09-16T16:55:00.019-07:00

I'll spare you the long-winded dissertation you're used to seeing here. (I know, you so look forward to those, but, hey, I can't be expected to write a novel EVERY time I post!)

Let's get down to brass tacks.

Whenever you shop for a mechanic for your car, truck, minivan or SUV, do you ONLY look for a shop with the lowest/cheapest labor rate?

When you shop for a hotel, do you ONLY look for a location or chain with the lowest room rates? (If so, I'm NOT having you handle the arrangements for my next vacation!)

When you shop for an apartment (or a house) to rent, do you ONLY look at units leasing for the LOWEST amount of rent each month?

I didn't think so.

So why in the world would you shop for a STORAGE SPACE that way?

You know, this is starting to sound like a radio or TV commercial so let me abandon ship and switch to something a bit more ORIGINAL!

Okay, as a full-time self-storage/mini-storage manager, I completely understand the tendency to shop for storage space based strictly on PRICE. It goes without saying (so why am I saying it?) that you've already started shopping based on LOCATION because you instinctively narrowed your search to a specific geographic area by using a certain area phone book or else--since you're reading this online--you've typed certain search terms into an online query based on where you'd like your storage space to be (preferably near your work or home or somewhere in between or else near where you're moving to or from or else just SOMEWHERE THAT YOU CAN FIND IT!).

You see, I'm already inside your mind so you better WATCH OUT!

What I'm telling you here is REVOLUTIONARY, counter-intuitive, goes against the grain, violates all known tenets of conventional wisdom, and is in direct contradiction to the existing body of RECEIVED, GENERALLY ACCEPTED STANDARDS AND SELF-STORAGE SHOPPING PRACTICES that have been handed down through the ages.

Which is why it MAKES SO MUCH SENSE!

I'm certainly not against you getting the BEST DEAL. No, of course not! As your most trusted self-storage advisor--strictly on a volunteer, pro bono basis!--I'm simply telling you to think outside the box. (You've NEVER heard that before!)

Getting the lowest price on a storage space--even in this hamstrung economy--is oftentimes a ticket to a storage space in a poorly located, somewhat "higher-risk" perhaps area of town. Or even if the location isn't too bad, the facility itself might be, what we refer to in storage parlance as a "dump".

And that's not taking into account the fabulous-sounding, multiple-strings-attached deals that some storage companies are offering (in quiet desperation) as they seek to snag as many unwitting first-time customers as they can. (But enough about them!)

I did say this was going to be a short post, didn't I!

Okay, bottom line: call your prospective facilities one by one on the phone, or else, if it's not too far out of the way, visit them in person.

Your job is to "interview" the manager. Ask him or her a few questions. Listen to what kind of answers you get. More importantly, pay attention to the kinds of questions he or she asks YOU. A good manager will be a "consultant" and "storage counselor" to you first before becoming your storage salesman and rental agent (all in due time). Worst case scenario, he or she is a disinterested, over-the-phone price-quoter! You don't need that!

If the manager seems reasonably INFORMED and INTERESTED in helping you with your self-storage situation, and the facility meets your most important criteria (location, size, competitive rates, security, etc.), congratulations, we have a WINNER!

All things being equal, you want to rent where the manager actually CARES about you and the welfare of your stored property, and will always act in YOUR BEST INTEREST while you store there. From the first conversation to the last "thanks for storing with us", your five senses should all join together in unison and tell you, along with your conscience and sense of better judgment, 'Hey, this is a great place to store!' That, my friend, is the "secret of self-storage happiness".

And speaking of TV commercials--"monthly rent on a standard 10 x 10 storage unit at ARIZONA STORAGE INNS on Warner Road east of Arizona Avenue in Chandler, $84.00 (plus tax); a storage manager who will give you HONEST, COURTEOUS, PROFESSIONAL, PERSONALIZED service, PRICELESS!!" (Naturally, we take both Visa AND Mastercard!--and for you "third-party" cardholders we take Discover, too!)

That's all for now. This concludes our "short post" for today.

Your Manager, Who Hopes You Think His Advice is At Least Worth What You Paid for It!

Paul

Self-Storage Shopping Tip#3: A Question Nobody Asks But Everybody SHOULD!

2009-09-03T13:18:00.022-07:00

This tip is being thrown in here almost as an aside.

It's a little off the beaten path since NOBODY thinks of this when they're in the middle of shopping for storage. In the heat of the moment it's all about PRICES, SIZES, LOCATION, (CLIMATE CONTROL!) etc.

Totally understandable.

But it occurs to me that this little matter has the potential to become a BIG DEAL for you later on after the bloom is off the rose, when you discover that that nice, accommodating self-storage company that gave you such a generous move-in special for your space has now become "Mr. Potter" (the heartless, money-grubbing financier in It's a Wonderful Life) playing hardball with you because you've fallen a little behind on your rent and you're no longer The Perfect Tenant prepaying early or on time.

Now, though you never anticipated it way back when you first rented your space, your financial scenario has changed and suddenly you're faced with late charges, penalty fees, default-related charges, etc., on top of the rent you owe.

Who'd a thought?!

So the question you need to ask that Friendly, Neighborhood Self-Storage facility that you're shopping--along with the usual 'how much is a 10 x 10?' questions--is this:

"What happens if I become late or delinquent on my storage rent payments?"

WHAT?! (you exclaim incredulously)--why in the world would I want to ask a question that basically positions me as a future problem tenant right out of the starting gate by inquiring about being late or delinquent on my storage when I haven't even rented a storage unit yet?

Exactly!

So go ahead and ask the question.

Then wait for the long pause as the facility manager you've just dropped this off-the-wall, bombshell of a question on collects his or her thoughts before finally responding, in a professional and dignified manner...

"Huh?"

Yes, my friend, you've just shown yourself to be more prescient and have more foresight and insight into the inner workings of the netherworld of self-storage than 99.99% of all the prospective customers out there.

Go to the head of the class!

(See, and you thought this blog was nothing more than mindless blather, useless information and feeble attempts at humor made on an irregular basis--well, YOU WERE WRONG!)

Now here's why this is important.

The same way that different storage companies have different rates for their unit sizes and features, etc., they also have different late charges, letter fees and other related assessments and penalties that kick in when accounts have fallen behind or even become delinquent.

Most of these charges and fees are "reasonable", but some can become quite exorbitant.

And after all, with "all things being equal", wouldn't you rather have your storage space at a facility where those late charges and fees were reasonable rather than exorbitant?

So how can you tell which ones are "exorbitant" and which ones are "reasonable"?

Simple. BY ASKING!

You be the judge. You're the consumer. Comparison shop just like you do for the rental rates. Use this little questionnaire (I kid you not!) when you call around to deal briefly and smartly with this touchy subject:

How many days do I have before I have to pay a late fee? _____ days
How much is the late fee? $ ______ (is it a flat amount or based on a percentage of the rent?)
What other fees are there later on if my rent continues unpaid? ____________
And, for the bonus round, what's the "worst case scenario" as far as fees, assessments and other "punitive/remedial" measures go if I'm unable to pay my storage, and how long do I have before you finally (*gasp*) sell my stuff?!
(Please explain in the space provided. Use additional pages if necessary.)

You see, folks, renting a storage space with eyes wide open is not for the faint of heart!

Better to do your homework and be informed right up front than to do nothing, ask nothing and be ignorant and pay the price later!

So consider Tip #3 as a sobriety test and "reality check" for you. Use the mentality that you would when shopping for a credit card. Don't just focus on the "LOW, introductory rate". Take a look at what PENALTIES and FEES you would be facing if you were to become (heaven forbid!) something less than the "model" customer.

You'll thank me for it later!

This has been another golden nugget of wisdom from

Your Manager, Who Only Wants What's Best for You,

Paul

"To COOL or Not to COOL?" That is the Question. (It's Also Self-Storage Shopping Tip #2)

2009-08-28T19:49:00.012-07:00

Okay, class, it’s time for our next self-storage shopping tip.

This one has to do with the HOT topic of CLIMATE CONTROL.

So the tip is, decide whether or not you need climate control for what you’re storing.

That’s it!

Now did you catch the all-important word in there?—“NEED”!

As in, decide whether you really NEED—not just “want”—climate control. Or do you only THINK you need it?

You see, lots of people WANT climate control. Lots of people THINK they need climate control. But (can YOU handle the truth?) not everyone who WANTS or THINKS they need it actually does.

It’s all a matter of preconceived notions about non-climate-controlled storage units and the perceived "necessity" for air conditioning or cooling of some kind IN ALL CASES when the weather is warm. (“Warm”? Did he just use the word warm on a day when the temperature outside was 188 degrees Fahrenheit, in the shade?!)

Well, since I am in the business of dispatching and dispensing with preconceived notions, here goes…

WHO actually NEEDS climate control?

How about a nice, helpful answer to that question: it depends on what you’re storing and for how long. (Yes, that’s why they pay me the big bucks as a storage consultant--NOT!)

I’ve posted previously on this subject. (Feel free to use the handy “Search” tool in the sidebar to retrieve the relevant rantings.) It’s an area that seems to polarize people who are looking for storage into one of two camps:

Camp A: the Gotta-Have-Climate-Control-No-Matter-Whatters
Camp B: the Don’t-Really-Need-Climate-Control-So-Don’t-Wanna-Pay-for-Itters

So which one are YOU?

Here’s how you should answer that: (with another question, of course!) Am I going to be storing for a long, LONG time (like years)? Or am I just going to store for a few months?

If it’s just a few months, you know what? You don’t really need it.

Unless you’re storing perishable items like food, or extremely valuable artwork or very expensive furniture, you can manage just fine with traditional, “standard” storage.

But I don’t want to mislead you or twist your arm into getting something you don’t want or feel comfortable with. You know me, I’m Mr. Easy to Get Along With (as long as we do things MY way!).

If you honestly, truly believe in your heart of hearts that you NEED climate control for what you’re storing, well, I’m not here to browbeat you or cajole you into changing your mind. Because, after all…

IT’S YOUR MONEY!!

And if you want to spend it on foolish extravagances like climate control—that’s up to you!

I’ll not stand in your way. (Anyway it’s too hot to do that.)

Only kidding! I’ll gladly refer you to a nearby storage facility that has some of that new-fangled, fancy-schmancy air-conditioning you so desperately crave and think you need. (I just won’t tell you they have RATS and ROACHES in their ductwork. Ha!)

So let's review what we've got so far. Tip One, figure out, as best you can, HOW MUCH SPACE you'll need based on your largest items that you need to store. Tip Two, do a little math and price comparison and figure out whether you're willing (and able) to pay the additional rent costs for CLIMATE CONTROL for your stuff.

Tip Three will have to wait until I have both the time and the INSPIRATION (and the motivation) to publish another post on this burning subject of shopping for a storage space. (It is of utmost importance and crucial to our economic recovery, I know.)

This has been your manager, once again, giving you spot-on advice to help you navigate the uncertain, unpredictable waters on the sea of self-storage as your make your way through the currents of life.

Happy Storing! (Is it just me or is it WARM in here?)

Paul

How to Shop for Storage Space: Tip #1

2009-08-20T16:26:00.011-07:00

Okay, time to put on my Storage Consultant's hat!

If you find yourself looking around for storage these days, you're not alone in your quest for extra space.

Lots of people moving, consolidating, relocating, downsizing, upsizing, right-sizing, no-sizing, family moving in, family moving out, business moving on, clearing out the clutter, storing boats, RVs, trailers, jet skis, cars, trucks, tools, etc., etc.

It makes you wonder how people lived 50 years ago before there was such a thing as "self-storage" (aka, mini-storage)!

I know the answer to that--it's because THEY HAD TO!

Well, I'm happy to say, YOU DON'T HAVE TO!

In a large metropolitan area like Phoenix. you've got boat loads of self-storages practically on EVERY CORNER. That's a good and a bad thing.

Good that there are so many to choose from. Bad that there are so many to choose from!

So to help make your storage searching experience a LITTLE bit easier, let's start off with the basics--something easy to ask yourself, like:

WHAT DO I NEED TO STORE?

Not a trick question! Before you begin, make a QUICK LIST (mentally if not physically) of the things you actually need to store. Beds and bedroom furniture? Living room sofa, recliner, loveseat? Dining room table and chairs? Entertainment center? Appliances? Kids toys? Car? Trailer? You get the idea.

Then, if you need to store a lot, especially big pieces, the next thing you need is a tape measure.

Because in this brave, new world of rentable storage space, where you're paying for every square foot and you as the consumer are taking an educated guess as to how much space you really need, A TAPE MEASURE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND!

So use this wonderful little gadget to take some quick measurements to get a good idea of how much space you'll need to rent.

Believe me, this will make your life SO MUCH EASIER when it comes time to actually place your precious belongings into your newly-acquired unit.

So to sum up this first tip:

Make a list of what you need to store.
Measure the biggest items for an overall idea.
Estimate/calculate how much space you'll need.

Then when you've done that, pick up the phone confidently and call your FRIENDLY, NEIGHBORHOOD SELF-STORAGE FACILITY where the manager will then assist you in finding exactly (okay, approximately!) the size space for what you're storing.

And in the north Chandler, west Gilbert area, that would be ME!

Since we're on the subject of SIZES AND RATES, take a look at the sidebar where it says "SIZES AND RATES". That's where you'll find our, uh, sizes and rates. (Any questions?)

Well, gotta go. I have a property to manage. Stay tuned for the next tip.

Your FRIENDLY, NEIGHBORHOOD SELF-STORAGE Manager,

Paul

NEED BOXES? We Just Got a BUNCH More In. (In Fact I've Got So Many Boxes, I Need, Well, a STORAGE UNIT to Keep 'em Here!)

2009-08-19T12:18:00.034-07:00

Great news! Our MONSTER order of boxes just came in (well, maybe "monster" is overstating it just a bit since the entire order arrived on ONE PALLET.)

That means I only have one thing to say:

"COME AND GET 'EM!"

Now we've got a WHOLE ASSORTMENT of boxes for you to choose from.

Nay, a plethora, a wide variety, a HUGE selection, a veritable smorgasbord of boxes. (Or basically, whatever I could fit into our little office and retail store!)

It's a BOX BUFFET BONANZA here at the sprawling, palatial ARIZONA STORAGE INNS facility on Warner Road and Arizona Avenue!

And YOU'RE INVITED, so come and FEAST!

Here, let me give you a sneak preview of our luscious menu of favorites featuring our fine, geometrically-shaped, tastefully-designed cardboard creations, presented here for your consideration and approval and to whet your appetite as you make your way to our all-you-can-eat, boxing and storing establishment:

(Note: prices shown do not include sales tax and manager gratuity :)

12 x 12 x 12 box (1.0 cu. ft.) - $1.50 ea.
12 x 12 x 16 box (1.5 cu. ft.) - $1.75 ea.
14 x 14 x 14 box (1.5 cu. ft.) - $1.75 ea.
12 x 12 x 24 box (2.0 cu. ft.) - $2.00 ea.
18 x 18 x 16 b0x (3.0 cu. ft.) - $2.50 ea.
18 x 18 x 24 b0x (4.5 cu. ft.) - $3.00 ea.
24 x 24 x 18 box (6.0 cu. ft.) - $4.00 ea.

That's our Value Menu. Here's our House Select Menu of Premium Favorites for extra large and demanding appetites that call for something beyond the "ordinary":

18 x 18 x 14 (2.5 cu. ft.) heavy-duty DISH-PACK - $5.00 ea.
18 x 18 x 28 (5.0 cu. ft.) heavy-duty DISH-PACK - $6.00 ea.
24 x 24 x 48 (9.0 cu. ft.), heavy-duty, for 27" TVs & monitors - $10.75 ea.

And of course, the perennial palate pleaser--whoops, I mean PALLET pleaser--in this category:

24 x 21 x 48 (a whopping 14.0 cu. ft.!), Wardrobe for ONLY - $10.00 ea.

To make this wardrobe a complete, super-sized combination we'll throw in a nice, glistening

Metal 24" Wardrobe Bar - $1.75

But don't think our joint only serves BOXES.

Heavens no! Open up our beautiful, four-color glossy menu (use your imagination here!) to view the inside facing pages.

Here you'll find that we also have MATTRESS COVERS (or BAGS to extend the metaphor)

Ah, mattress bags,... translucent, clear-as-crystal, layers and layers of plastic perfection unfolding before your eyes (once you take it out of the package):

Twin Mattress Bag - $3.50 ea.
Full Mattress Bag - $4.00 ea.
Queen Mattress Bag - $4.50 ea.
King Mattress Bag - $5.00 ea.

Of course, not everybody goes for these, so if mattress covers are not your bag (sorry!), we also have some of these:

Chair Cover, 46" x 76", **(2) per pkg!** - $5.00 ea.
Sofa Cover, 45" x 150" - $5.00 ea.
Dust Cover, 10 ft. x 20 ft. - $6.00 ea.

Keep in mind, all of these delectable bags ("covers") are made from genuine, 2.0 mil heavy-duty polyethylene (YUM!). Nothing is too good for our patrons!

Wait! We're not finished yet. You haven't seen our Dessert Menu! (I'm wrapping this up real quickly here, don't worry!)

BUBBLE WRAP--in "perfect portions" sized for just for YOU, light and airy with just the right "snap":

small cell, 12" x 20 ft. roll - $6.50 ea.
medium cell, 12" x 15 ft. roll - $7.00 ea.

Are you sure you don't want something for "take out"? (Mommy, make him stop!)

ROPE, made from our specially-selected, 100% nylon/polyester fiber braided in pure, satin-sheen white (sorry, no substitutions!), 1/4" x 50 ft. - $2.75

How about some

TAPE-- clear, 2" x 55 yds - $2.00 ea.

Better yet, how about a

TAPE GUN to take home and share--comes complete with (2) full rolls of our clear tape - $12.00 for the whole shebang

You know, I almost forgot! If you buy either of our two DISH-PACK boxes mentioned earlier, you'll immediately notice something missing if you don't include one of these with it:

Dish-Pack Cell Kit: cardboard divider set (fits both sizes of our dish-pack boxes) - $10.00

AND to cradle your fine dishes and glasses in cushioned comfort:

Dish Saver Kit: foam pouches for dinner plates, salad plates, saucers and bowls--(6) of each for a total of (24)--plus an adjustable divider cell set, and it all fits inside one of our 1.5 cu. ft. boxes - $9.00

Glass Saver Kit: (12) foam pouches and (1) adjustable divider cell set, fits inside one of our 1.5 cu. ft. boxes - $7.00

Whew! That's enough. I'm feeling STUFFED just writing about all this (I think I need a take-out box).

Well, you'd better hurry and get here soon because prices are subject to change without notice and SEATING IS LIMITED. And at these prices you'd better come HUNGRY! (And you'd better bring your Visa or Mastercard-- 'cause we don't take American Express!)

All right, I'm done, and I'm outta here!

Your Manager and Maitre D',
Paul

Why a Non-Climate Controlled Storage Unit is not the FIERY FURNACE That is Your CAR in the Summer!

2009-08-01T11:38:00.006-07:00

I had someone tell me this past week that the reason he didn't want to put his belongings into a non-climate-controlled storage unit was because he left one of his CDs on the dashboard of his car one day when it was REALLY hot (let's see, which day was that?) and he came back to find it a warped, distorted mess.

Therefore, using scientific extrapolation and inductive reasoning, he surmised that all non-climate controlled storage units must get as hot as that dashboard, since, logically, the same sun is beating down on both the car and the storage unit.

WRONG!

The fact is, your non-climate-controlled storage unit does NOT get as hot as your car. They do get pretty warm -- some would even say hot -- but they don't get nearly as hot as some people think.

Don't believe me? No problem! I invite you to stop by one day -- right now while it's the dog days of summer, August in the "Valley of the Sun" -- and actually walk inside one of our 5 x 10 or 10 x 10 units.

If you're like most people, you'll say, 'Wow, it's not as hot in here as I thought!"

Which means I won't have to "sell" you on renting a non-cooled, standard, ground-level, drive-up, outdoor-access storage unit. Because you will immediately and instinctively deduce that, SHAZAAM! I don't really NEED an A/C storage unit!

Or words to that effect.

So stop in today, tell me it's HOT enough to fry eggs on the sidewalk, and I'll give you a FREE BOTTLE OF WATER.... not to drink -- to wash the eggs off my clean sidewalk!

Anyway, stay cool!

Here to commiserate with you in the heat,
Your Manager,
Paul

RENT ONLINE, PAY ONLINE! (Now If Only MOVING THE STUFF IN Were This Easy!)

2009-07-31T11:24:00.000-07:00

In case you didn't know--like our other web-based feature that a lot of people REALLY LIKE (once they know about it!), i.e., paying your storage bill online--you can RENT A SPACE online, too!

What that means is, if you're a BRAND NEW self-storage customer renting with us for the first time, and you're ready, willing and able, you can dive right in and rent a space directly from our secure website without having to come in first. And you can pay for it online, too!

It also means that if you're an EXISTING CUSTOMER currently renting a space with us, you can use this handy online tool to RENT AN ADDITIONAL SPACE and PAY FOR IT!

How's that for CONVENIENCE!

So why didn't I tell you about this great little time-saving technological breakthrough before? Well, frankly, because you didn't ask! (I know I'm being a wise guy. Anyway, I'm telling you NOW, so keep reading!)

If you want to see what this nifty web option looks like, click RIGHT HERE.

Pretty cool, huh? "But wait, there's MORE!"

No doubt you're familiar with the old saying, 'No job is finished until the paperwork is done.' Well, that's true here, too! (Sorry, this isn't quite like renting a movie online!)

So after you've rented and prepaid for your space online, all you do in order to "seal the deal" is come in to the store location where you just rented, i.e., ARIZONA STORAGE INNS on Warner Road east of Arizona Avenue in CHANDLER!, confirm the space size and unit ID number with the manager on duty--that most fortunate soul in charge of the sprawling, palatial facility where you now occupy a space!--and do a little paperwork. (It's for your own good!)

Once that's all done, and you've purchased your lock--here or elsewhere--as well as bought or brought whatever boxes, tape, mattress bags, sofa and chair covers and bubble wrap that you might need (did I mention we sell these) for your packing and storing, then you're good to go!

Meaning, at this point, I've now done my part in helping you to address and accommodate, in a reasonable and prudent manner, your particular, individual self-storage/mini-storage needs. The rest, I'm afraid--including the HEAVY LIFTING--is up to YOU!

Which is why we have a FREE MOVE-IN SPECIAL with our MOVING TRUCK!

Ask the aforementioned manager for details (or just take a look at the side bar to the right, scroll down to "NEED A TRUCK?")

Oh, and by the way, WELCOME TO OUR EXCLUSIVE, GATED SELF-STORAGE RENTAL COMMUNITY! We hope you enjoy your stay here!

Have a great weekend!

Your Manager,
Paul

You Know, I Don't Usually Mix Politics with Storage (Except Here!), But, After All,... Aren't You Glad SELF-STORAGE isn't HEALTH CARE?!

2009-07-28T14:18:00.001-07:00

Okay, calm down, I'm not going to launch into some political tirade and rant and rave about a government conspiracy to take over people's garages, basements, cupboards and closets so they can impose an evil system of univeral, socialized storage!

But since you brought it up! Hmmm...

That IS a provocative idea. Imagine what a "socialized" system of self-storage would look like.

Let's see. Anytime you needed a storage unit or an RV space, you'd simply call up your local self-storage precinct manager, who would then call his local self-storage district supervisor, who would then call his regional self-storage coordinator, who would then call the National Commissioner of Self-Storage in Washington, D.C., who would then call the Secretary of Self-Storage Services and RV Parking (the "storage czar"), to see what size or sizes of storage unit (or RV space) were available in your storage zone, as well as which ones you qualified for based on a standardized set of criteria and protocols established by the President's Commission on Mini-Storage and the Bureau of Mini-Storage/Self-Storage Standards.

Not that you would have to pay for any of this convenience. Oh, no, no, no, of course not! That's the whole idea behind UNIVERSAL SELF-STORAGE. It's FREE! Because, brother (or sister), you have a RIGHT to whatever storage space you really need (subject, of course, to approval from the PCMS and BMSSSS). You're entitled to self-storage! It's guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution (or it would be if my proposed Eleventh Amendment to the Bill of Rights were adopted--see my July 3rd posting below!).

What? You say you CAN'T AFFORD a storage space? THAT'S THE POINT! You'll never be denied storage if you truly need it (again, based on a determination by the President's Commission using their national standards and protocols for determining "need"). You'll never be rejected for the purely economic reason that you don't have the money to pay for it. That would be cruel! That would be unthinkable! That would be--the way we do it now!

No, no, this is a system of universal access where EVERYONE would enjoy the benefits of affordable, single-payor, one-size-fits-all (sorry, poor choice of words there) self-storage, regardless of their ability to pay! It would eliminate all the inequities of the current system. It's a win-win for everybody!

Now, the ONLY flaw I see in this is that EVERYONE would be trying to get a storage space since, after all, it's FREE! This would create a serious and massive backlog due to burgeoning demand. That in turn would lead to a rationing of storage space due to limited availability (and also due to strict federal controls imposed on the facilities to ensure fairness and equitable distribution of space and of qualified storage providers). So some would get the space they wanted. And some (perhaps most) would not. And EVERYONE would have to wait a LONG, LONG TIME to get their storage space! Shortages. Waiting periods. Reduced quality. Abuse, fraud, waste, mismanagement. (Hey, no system is perfect!)

Anyway.... Seemed like a good idea at the time!

Well, we REALLY DON'T do storage that way! We REALLY DO have ALL DIFFERENT SIZES available, and you REALLY CAN GET ONE RIGHT NOW at an AFFORDABLE rental rate, and you REALLY CAN MOVE INTO IT RIGHT AWAY! (just as soon as I chase all the roaches, rats, spiders and snakes out--just kidding again, calm down)!

Take a look at the side bar to the right, and see all our storage rates and sizes (and CURRENT SPECIALS!) ------->>

And then perform your civic duty as a patriotic citizen of these United States and COME IN to Arizona Storage Inns on Warner Road and Arizona Avenue in Chandler today and exercise your Unalienable Right to Self-Storage with us! (Or else exercise that right at ANOTHER storage facility. But DO SO AT YOUR OWN RISK! The choice is YOURS!)

That's why they call it (that's why I call it!), "Freedom of Storage!"

Hey, is this a great country or what?

Your Manager, Laboring in the Noble Cause of Self-Storage for the Masses,
Paul

So You Want 'Green' Self-Storage? How About an 'Environmentally-Friendly' Mini-Storage That Doesn't Pollute or Consume Much Energy? (That's Us!)

2009-07-14T13:43:00.001-07:00

These days, everybody's talking about "green" this and "green" that, "eco-friendly" products, "environmentally-sensitive" practices, etc., etc.. And that's okay. I think we should all do our part to be good caretakers and protectors of the environment. (It's the only one we have!)

Well, when it comes to a storage facility that's doing it's part to be part of the solution not the problem, here's another feather in our cap that ought to appeal to your natural, organic, non-polluting, small-carbon-footprint, inner self!

We here at ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER (Warner Road and Arizona Avenue) are wholly dedicated--and always have been-- to making sure that we don't tamper with the primal forces of nature any more than we absolutely have to!

And that means, right from the start, we've offered only ONE KIND of storage space here at our sprawling, palatial facility in beautiful north Chandler. The kind that the Pilgrims would have used. The kind that our founding fathers would have used. (See previous post!) The kind that the early settlers of Arizona would have used, had it been available. And it is this--

Are you ready?

100% all-natural, NO ARTIFICIAL CLIMATE-CONTROL, outdoor-type, sun-kissed, open-to-the-air, walk-up/pedal-up/drive-up, non-energy-consuming, "standard" self-storage units!--units that are not in any way, shape, manner or form environmentally altered, enhanced or modified from their original, pristine state.

You know, not every storage facility can say that....

But WE CAN!

And, I'm proud to say that the only place where we violate this hallowed principle of environmental asceticism (out of necessity, mind you)--in the interest of human habitability as well as generally accepted business practices--is in the rental office/retail store (where you come in) and in the manager's apartment (where the domesticated man-creature-employees dwell after the sun goes down).

That's it.

So if you want to store at a facility where you can rest assured that your personal, purely self-serving, physical comfort during the hot, humid, scorching, sweltering days of July, August and September is NOT NEARLY AS IMPORTANT as our commitment and dedication to the Earth, to Nature and to the prudent, rigorous conservation of our precious, natural, renewable and non-renewable resources--evidenced by our using AS LITTLE ENERGY AND ELECTRICITY AS POSSIBLE for those high-consumption, jumbo-carbon-footprint-creating niceties and luxuries like AIR CONDITIONING--then get in your car (sometimes you HAVE TO), drive over here (or walk or bicycle or take the light rail) and DO YOUR PART to keep this planet-preserving tradition going!

Go ahead. Rent a non-climate-controlled, standard storage unit with us today. Save money. Protect the environment. Save energy. Keep your carbon footprint as small as possible! Multitudes of others who have gone before you have already done so. Why not join them!

That's all for now. I have to go change the filter on our office A/C. It's getting kinda warm in here.

Your Manager Who's Here to Melt Away All Your Objections with Pure Scientific Logic and Reason,

Paul

JULY SPECIALS (SORRY, EXPIRED!) Deals on Our Three Most Popular Sizes! (But First, this Thought on "Freedom of Storage"!)

2009-07-03T13:29:00.000-07:00

With Fourth of July weekend here and 233 years of Independence under our belts and on my mind, it got me thinking about the Bill of Rights. (Yeah, I know, that's the U. S. Constitution not the Declaration of Independence, but as I like to say in these pages, work with me here!)

There really should be an Eleventh Amendment added to those venerable first Ten.

I've been working on a rough draft to send to Congress for them to review. Here it is:

The Right of the People to peaceably Assemble and Gather together their Furniture, articles of Clothing, Household, Business and Personal effects and other Diverse and Sundry Items, and Place them into a Clean, Safe, Secure Self-Storage Facility, shall not be Infringed.

Let me know what you think. (Bear in mind, though, only compliments and positive affirmations will be accepted and published by the blog czar--he's somewhat of a tyrant!)

Okay, let's leave political science and history alone for now and get down to BUSINESS!

During the month of JULY, you can get a great price on a storage unit in any one of our three (3) most popular sizes.

***SORRY! JULY SPECIALS HAVE EXPIRED!** CHECK SIDEBAR FOR CURRENT RATES & SIZES***

They are (in ascending order):

5 x 10 - $39.00/mo.
10 x 10 - $79.00/mo.
10 x 20 - $129.00/mo.

Now if you do your homework and compare prices in north Chandler, West Gilbert, South Mesa, South Tempe and Extreme Southwest Mesa, you'll find that these rental rates are REALLY, REALLY GOOD!! In fact, these rates are OUTSTANDING! (But I don't want to resort to exaggeration or hyperbole to make my point!)

So, come in now and get the finest, choicest, grade-A-certified, all-natural, NO ARTIFICIAL-CLIMATE-CONTROL, ground-level, drive-up storage unit available anywhere at any price!

Anyway, come in...

And BY ALL MEANS, mention this website/blog post when you call or come in! BECAUSE if you do--just like with the craigslist ad "web special"--you can KEEP that fabulous, DISCOUNTED rental rate until the END OF THE YEAR! (Month-to-month lease)

So if you know what's good for you, COME IN!!

Here to Defend Your Unalienable Right to Self-Storage,
Your Manager,
Paul

PAY YOUR BILL ONLINE!!

2009-07-01T14:49:00.000-07:00

Many of you already know this, but for those who don't, you can actually pay your monthly ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER storage bill ONLINE using our secure server.

It's simple. All you have to do is, FIRST, contact the manager--by e-mail, phone, fax or in person--and provide your e-mail address and password. (The password for using our PTI Taskmaster WebXpress online payment system must be 7 - 10 characters long with at least two (2) letters and (2) numbers. These are not "case sensitive" so they can be either lower case or capital letters--although if you have a LONG E-MAIL address, you can cram a longer address into the e-mail field if you enter it with all lower case.)

SECOND, when you're ready to make your payment, go to ARIZONA STORAGE INNS home page (www.azstorage.com), "navigate" (i.e., CLICK!) your way to the Chandler page, then click on the "Existing Customer Payment" button. That will take you to our log-in screen. There, you enter the aforementioned e-mail address and password and voila! You're off and running.

Online you can use Visa, Mastercard and Discover to pay your bill. Sorry, no American Express (maybe someday!). You pay what's currently owed (and what's past due), and you can even PREPAY up to fifteen (15) months in advance!

Your payment posts to your account here in our Central Strategic Command Center within a matter of seconds. No waiting days to find out if your rent got paid. It's that easy!

So, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? IT'S JULY FIRST!! (Is your storage rent bill paid yet?)...............

***HELPFUL HINT: The first time you visit the log-in screen, bookmark that page in your Favorites list. It'll save you time the next time you go to make your payment.***

Here to Help You Out through the Hot Days of Summer, Your Manager,

Paul

'The Rules of the Road' for RV Parking (Rule #1: It Doesn't HAVE to be an "RV"!!)

2009-06-25T10:17:00.000-07:00

A visitor to our blog called yesterday and asked me about the "rules" at our facility regarding the storage/parking of vehicles.

Well, that seems like something we ought to post about, so here goes:

THE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
For RV Parking at
Arizona Storage Inns - Chandler

RV RULE #1: It must fit on the space! (Stay with me. I'm not being facetious here!) Before you start shopping for a storage space for your vehicle--parking spot or an enclosed storage unit--it is an EXTREMELY GOOD IDEA to get out a TAPE MEASURE and MEASURE the ACTUAL OVERALL LENGTH of the vehicle. This means a "bumper-to-bumper" measurement. A rough idea is not enough. Reason: if you underestimate, you'll just create headaches for yourself (and for your hapless self-storage manager!). Like trying to fit an Escalade into a doghouse. And if you overestimate, you may end up paying more than you need to. (Unless you REALLY like wide, open spaces!) So the best thing to do is to have this vital little piece of information at hand BEFORE you start your shopping. That way you'll know EXACTLY how much space you really need.

Like I always say, 'measure twice, PARK once!'

Vertical height isn't as much of a concern unless you plan to park inside a storage unit. In that case, your maximum clearance to fit under the roll up door in one of our units is six feet six inches (6 ft., 6 in.) and the ceiling height once you're inside is eight ft. (8 ft.). The usable length inside our full-size units (e.g., 10 x 20) is about 19 ft. So that pretty much rules out everything but a small trailer, regular car, van or truck!

For the rental rates on our TWO (2) RV space sizes, see the side bar to the right. >>>>

RV RULE #2: It must be on WHEELS.....that actually ROLL! (This has never been an issue, but I'm putting it in here just in case!) Leave your weekend project cars that are a "work in progress" at home. To be granted a full-fledged parking space at our exclusive, members only, people-are-just-dying-to-rent-here storage facility, your vehicle must have tires and they must be able to roll. Period! If you're hoping to bring something that requires a helicopter or a crane to bring it in, sorry, NO DEAL!

RV RULE # 3: Either YOU own it, or you have the owner's permission/authorization/consent to store it here. In either case, we'll need the title and registration(s) to make copies for the file. If it's a boat you're storing, we'll need one for the boat and one for the trailer. Undocumented storage is agin' the rules, not something we practice, countenance or condone here. 'No papers, no parking!'

RV RULE #4: It doesn't have to be drivable, but it does have to be presentable! Thank you but we've already met our quota of EYESORES and WRECKS for this fiscal quarter! Now, I'm open and honest enough to admit that, yes, we do have a few vehicles parked here that, shall we say, need a little TLC (or an Extreme Makeover!). Bottom line: I don't want any more! Be prepared to admit--to me and to all men--whatever flaws and cosmetic defects (of a material nature) that your vehicle has, the likes of which might cause me to say to you when you show up with your rolling hunk of metal, "GET THAT THING OUT OF HERE!" Otherwise, just remember our RV Golden Rule (see below).

**Actually, this RV storage topic will be continued in the next posting (just as soon as the industrious, multi-tasking, customer-focused manager has time!).**

Your Manager, on Sunny Days as well as Cloudy,
Paul

Discounts, Deals and the Best Self-Storage Customer Service in North Chandler, Northwest Gilbert, Southwest Mesa!... Why?.... Because YOU'RE SPECIAL!!

2009-06-23T11:18:00.000-07:00

I exist for one purpose. To serve YOU! (How's that for an opening schmooze line!)

To put it another way, the reason for which I'm presently and gainfully employed here at the sprawling, palatial complex known as ARIZONA STORAGE INNS in CHANDLER on Warner Road and Arizona Avenue, is to help you out with your current (or future!) self-storage-related space issue/dilemma/problem/need/challenge.

Doesn't matter if your 'space dilemma' is of a business nature, personal, or some other convoluted, improbable mixture of both (or even some other nature entirely--heaven knows there are MORE reasons to store and keep stuff around than there are--it seems--to throw it away, give it away or sell it!) Of course, that's GOOD FOR ME (especially since my present, gainful employment depends COMPLETELY on that!!).

And who am I to tell you that you should throw away, give away or sell your stuff? Like I said, I'm here to sell igloos to Eskimos! (Or at least, rent them.)

So if your igloo is getting a little too crowded, come and see me. I've got the perfect non-climate controlled storage solution to help thaw you out of those frozen assets!

Okay, enough with the Eskimo analogy, already.

Just remember, the real "take-away" is this: come in (TODAY!) to Arizona Storage Inns located in beautiful north Chandler on Warner Road and Arizona Avenue; not only will I give you a GREAT DEAL on your storage unit or RV space, I promise to treat you REALLY, REALLY, REALLY WELL!

Because, after all, YOU'RE SPECIAL!

This has been another Hallmark moment from:
Your Manager,
Paul

P.S. Speaking of that, I hope all you DADS out there had a terrific FATHER'S DAY!

This Father's Day, Give Dad the Gift of Space--A STORAGE SPACE--to Put All of His Tools and Toys in!

2009-06-18T09:07:00.000-07:00

I know, it's a little unusual. But just imagine how much SPACE all those new Father's Day gifts are going to take up once Dad unwraps them all!

Of course, being in the self-storage business, I've got just the SOLUTION!

Look, you and I both know that millions of Dads will get millions of gifts. Some will be clothes. Some will be gift certificates and coupons, that sort of thing. And some will be tangible items like hand tools, power tools, tool sets, tool kits, tool belts, tool cases, tool sheds, tool caddies, tool buddies, tool boxes, tool totes, tool catalogs (well, maybe not)--anyway, a whole lot of things that are in some way related to either doing work (the ubiquitous home improvement/do-it-yourself projects!) or else related to automobiles, recreational vehicles, camping, hunting, fishing, boating, landscaping, hiking, biking, computers, wind-surfing, etc., etc., etc.!

And what do all of these gifts have in common?

Answer: They take up space!

That's good for me! But it's also good for you. (Work with me here.)

I will refrain from lapsing into "corporate marketing speak" to achieve my ends. Instead, I will resort to a simple, brief, concise, cogent, sincere message that is void of pretense, presumption or artificiality (a first!).

PLEASE, PLEASE, WON'T YOU COME IN TODAY AND RENT A STORAGE UNIT (OR RV SPACE) FROM ME?? TODAY?? RIGHT NOW?! (I'm a Father, too, you know!)

How was that?

Too desperate? Right. Let me rephrase that.

Hey, friend, if you need a storage unit (or a parking space) for that newly acquired (or to make room for that newly acquired) "stuff" (or RV or whatever) that now needs a place of its own, come and see me. I specialize in coordinating the reasonable and prudent transfer and placement of material goods of all shapes and sizes into a convenient, fixed, sheltered location where said items can be kept safely and securely for you for whenever you need them!

Better?

Okay, that's all for now. I've done my part. Now it's time for you to STEP UP and do your part!

Have a Great and Very Happy Father's Day!

Great News! I've Got More BOXES & Moving Supplies in Stock (Finally!)

2009-06-13T09:59:00.000-07:00

After years of only selling a few sizes of boxes, mattress bags, packing tape, and of course, LOCKS, I have finally expanded the merchandise line and added a few more things--things which, I have found through listening to my customers ("When the market speaks, good managers listen!"), are in frequent demand--like Wardrobe Boxes w/ Metal Bars, Dishpack boxes (and the cell dividers that go with them), Glass Saver kits (foam pouches and dividers), BUBBLE WRAP (oh, yeah!), plus other ancillary items like Sofa Covers, Chair Covers and Dust Covers. (I also ordered some Rope--white nylon, 1/4" x 50 ft.--which is on backorder at the moment. I will let you know as soon as I get that in!)

It just makes sense to carry a decent selection of merchandise items that most people would associate with storage. (You don't need a BA in Marketing to figure that out!) And I know that you, as a "consumer" of self-storage products and services, would appreciate that you can actually buy some, most or all of what you need for storing (and/or moving) your personal or business belongings, furniture, etc., right here in the storage office.

Well, I'm pretty happy about that. (smiling, jumping up and down)

Right now I'm working on converting an empty wall into our Grand Central Master Merchandise Display. And when I'm finished with it, as you walk through the door you will be overwhelmed, stunned and amazed at the sheer beauty, elegance and utter utilitarian brilliance of what you behold!

I'll keep you posted on the progress.

Your Manager.
Paul

JUNE SPECIAL!!

2009-06-06T12:07:00.000-07:00

<<<THIS OFFER EXPIRED JUNE 30, 2009>>>
Check the sidebar on the right for our current specials!

Okay, here's the deal: when--not IF, but WHEN--you come in and rent a storage unit of ANY size during the month of JUNE, you'll get a free disc lock w/ three (3) keys. That's a FREE DISC LOCK w/ three (3) keys! (not a "loaner" lock for you to use temporarily and return when you're done. This is YOURS TO KEEP!--although some people do return it when they're done because they honestly don't want or need it anymore.)

I'll also waive the administration fee. Let me repeat myself (which I often do), I'll WAIVE THE ADMINISTRATION FEE (wave it bye-bye!). That saves you $14.28.

Let's do the math. The free disc lock is worth about $10.00 plus tax. Together with the zero administration fee, your total INSTANT SAVINGS is $25.00.

That's twenty-five dollars right off your move-in costs. TWENTY FIVE DOLLARS!
(I told you I repeat myself alot.)

You know, with that extra twenty five bucks you could buy some boxes. Or mattress bags. Or bubble wrap. Or else get something to eat after you finish putting all of your junk--er, I mean your stuff--in your new unit!

And all you need to do to qualify for this little deal is to say that you SAW THIS POSTING ON OUR BLOG (i.e., "I saw it on your blog". Again, to be clear, in order to get the June Special, you have to mention the "JUNE SPECIAL ON THE BLOG!" Then I, the official Blog Czar at ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER, will grant you the aforementioned SPECIAL.

<<<>>>
SEE THE SIDEBAR TO THE RIGHT FOR CURRENT SPECIALS!!

Now, HURRY IN HERE BEFORE I CHANGE MY MIND!!

Your Manager Who is Working Hard Not Only to Earn Your Business, But Also to Save You Money,
Paul

Looking for Storage and You Live in Gilbert? Memo to the Astute Self-Storage Shopper: Our North Chandler Location Might Be Just What You Need!

2009-06-03T13:03:00.001-07:00

Just a quick reminder and a "tip" to those of you who might be looking for self storage in the northwest Gilbert area.

If you're looking online for self-storage and you limit your search to "Gilbert", you're filtering out a goodly number of Chandler facilities that might serve your needs as well as a Gilbert location. You might want to consider broadening your search to "Gilbert Chandler" so that your search results will include facilities in Chandler as well as Gilbert, since some of these may be just across the border from you in Chandler.

In case you don't drive this stretch of Warner Road a lot--or else you haven't consulted a map since the 20th century (remember maps? those paper-based, cartographic creations that serve nicely as a tactile backup to your electro-gismo GPS in case of technical or software malfunctions)!-- the border between Gilbert and Chandler falls at McQueen Road, which is less than a mile to the east of us.

So let's say you live in the Islands communities, Western Skies, or any of the myriad and sundry subdivisions quilted together within Gilbert's city limits (and let's not forget our jurisdictionally-challenged friends living in those geographic air bubbles known as "county islands"!), do a Google Map search and see if a location at Warner Road and Arizona Avenue isn't too far away, especially if you compare apples with apples (though I don't recommend storing apples in your unit--even if it is climate-controlled!).

I say it's better to store a few more miles from home at a facility that is SAFE, SECURE, QUIET, CLEAN, WELL-MANAGED, CONVENIENTLY SITUATED ON THE MAIN ROAD, and of course, VALUE-PRICED/INEXPENSIVE, than it is to store at a facility that is unsafe, insecure, noisy, dirty, poorly-managed and inconvenient--even if it is CHEAPER or MORE EXPENSIVE BUT CLOSER TO HOME (OR WORK)!!

Call me crazy, but that's what I would do if I were you!

This has been another public service message brought to you by and from:
Your Manager,
Paul

Need a BIG Unit? How About a Couple of BIG Units? We've Got 'Em!!

2009-05-19T11:30:00.000-07:00

If you need to put a LOT of stuff in storage, whether it's household furniture or business-related, we've got 10 x 20s, 20 x 20s--and at the moment a cavernous 15 x 50!--to rent.

10 x 20 is $129.00 plus tax
20 x 20 is $249.00 plus tax

The 15 x 50 is $445.00 plus tax. (This big unit has electricity, which is included in your rent! You can plug in your own portable evaporative cooler while you're here during the summer months!)

Of course, we have smaller unit sizes, too. Plus RV spaces (uncovered parking on pavement). If you need any of those, check out our rates, on the right side of the page in the side bar, in the "WHAT WE'VE GOT" section.

The standard administration fee ("admin fee" in storage-insider lingo!)--if you indeed qualify to join that elite, august body of esteemed persons known as ARIZONA STORAGE INNS customers-- is $14.00 plus tax. HOWEVER, if you mention this blog in the same breath as your urgent request for information about storage, I will happily waive (wave bye-bye) that fee for you. Consider it DONE!

Come in right now. As I've said before in our craigslist ads, it's a RENTER'S MARKET! That puts you in the driver's seat! Great deals on non-climate controlled storage--that's what brings new customers to our front door every day!

Call me if you need directions. I'm here to be of service to you and your stuff! (That's why they pay me the big bucks!)

Your Manager in Good Times and in Bad,
Paul

Do You Need CLIMATE CONTROL, or Not?-- Part II...

2009-05-12T14:58:00.000-07:00

In the interest of "full disclosure"--and to deflect any possible impression I may have given in my previous post (see below) on this "hot" topic of climate control that I am somehow, shall we say, BIASED (me, biased?!) in favor of non-climate-controlled storage units owing to the fact that I do not have any climate control at my facility (why, what an absurd, ridiculous, ludicrous, calumnious, and completely reasonable notion to have!)--I would like to clear the air right here and right now!

My stand on the issue (which also serves as my general operating principle in self-storage management) is this: I want my customers (and "prospective" customers) to be fully informed in every way practical about the self-storage relationship they are embarking on (or thinking of embarking on). I want folks to come in here with eyes wide open, primed, informed on the essentials, ready to rent, ready to take control of their lives--or at least their "junk" (their word not mine)!

And what do I give them in return? A storage unit? Yea, and much more! A storage unit that is all-natural! No artificial, climate-controlling exploitation or manipulation of the environment so as to alter or redirect our fragile ecosystem! No repressive techniques or human-devised methods of intervention to interfere with or impede in any way the free exercise of Nature in her expressions of diversity as she varies with meteorological impunity the surrounding temperature and humidity of the unseen elements of our world--all without answering to the self-serving demands placed on her by a populace of comfort-driven humans!

But I digress. (Boy, do I digress!)

So, in the interest of "fairness" and balance in self-storage, here are some useful and informative links to a couple of articles that address this burning question of Climate Control vs. No Climate Control:

"Do You Need Climate-Controlled Self-Storage?"

"Who Needs Climate Control?"

"The Facts and Benefits of Climate-Controlled Storage"

There, my conscience is clear. I've said my peace. Now go, READ, and be enlightened!

Your Manager,
Paul

Do You Really, Really, Really, Honestly, Truly, Genuinely Need CLIMATE CONTROL for Your Storage Unit? The Answer is.... WELL, THAT DEPENDS!!

2009-05-11T16:48:00.000-07:00

We're getting into that time of year--SUMMER!--when climate-controlled storage becomes as easy to sell as ice cream cones and vacation trips to San Diego. Both of which cost money!

Nobody in Arizona needs to be convinced that COOLED storage FEELS BETTER!

Especially when it's 110 degrees outside!

After all, how can a storage unit without A/C or swamp cooling feel like anything but an oven?

Good question. (I will address that shortly)

When you get right down to the nitty-gritty of what it is you need to store for a while, be it for a few months or longer, ask yourself this simple question:

Do I really, really need (just like the title of this posting rhetorically asks!) climate controlled, i.e., air-conditioned/swamp cooled storage for the things I'm storing? Or do I only THINK I need it?

WHAT! Why, what nerve! What gall! What audacity! Asking a prospective self-storage customer such a condescending, presumptuous question!

Okay, so I'm audacious and presumptuous. (But once you get to know me, I'm really quite easy to get along with. Work with me here.)

Well, maybe you do need it. But then again,....

MAYBE YOU DON'T!!

For those of you storing wine, super valuable antiques, furniture, bedding, clothing that is destined for greatness and for posterity, wax figures, candles, delicate artwork, sensitive media and the like, the answer is yes! Modern-day technology--the fruits of man's innovation, ingenuity and scientific achievement!--has afforded us the ability to place our precious, worldly, earthly, earthy possessions into a controlled environment in which we, as mere mortals, have the power to regulate, moderate and mitigate, to a large extent, the ambient, naturally-occurring extremes of temperature and humidity in our immediate habitable environment wherein we have voluntarily placed ourselves and/or our aforesaid possessions.

How's that for real POWER?!

But, that power comes at a price. The price of "climate-controlled" storage.

Allow me to disabuse you--right here, right now--of the most common myth/misconception concerning NON-CLIMATE-CONTROLLED storage.

Myth: Storage units that don't have A/C or swamp cooling get hotter than the outside temperature.

Truth: LIES! LIES! LIES! ALL LIES!

(Sorry) The fact is, your non-climate-controlled storage unit, in all cases (at least with us!), is located in a building that has other storage units also located in it.

Why is that important to you?

Because it means your storage unit is surrounded, more often than not, on all three sides by these other storage units. Which means your unit is "insulated" on three sides by these other units, i.e., shielded from direct exposure to the sun! And that means your storage unit actually stays COOLER than the outside temperature! (Now remember, "cooler" is a relative term here!)

So, contrary to popular opinion and belief--which I hereby debunk and dispatch via the voice of real-world experience!--non-climate-controlled storage units do not get as hot as the outside air. In fact, they are actually COOLER than a stand-alone storage shed (which usually is exposed on all sides), and even many garages!

So there!

Now, let me wrap up this dissertation by saying, I have nothing against climate-controlled self-storage. (Why, some of my best friends are climate-controlled-self-storage managers!)

Bottom line, when you really need it, get it. But if you don't really need it, for heaven's sake, don't pay for it! (How profound and unassailably logical is that!) Nevertheless, let each one of you be persuaded in his (or her) own mind about this highly controversial and inherently emotional topic! (Not really.)

Let cooler heads prevail!

Stay cool and keep on storing!

Your manager,
Paul

Before You Rent a Storage Unit!--Watch This Short, Simple Video: It Has Some Helpful Advice (Which Could Save You Some Headaches Later!)

2009-05-07T13:02:00.000-07:00

Here's a great little video that packs several good storage tips into less than four minutes:

This was produced for a self-storage company in Philadelphia. It applies just as well here in Arizona. As you'll see when you watch it, it offers a lot of practical advice, including:

- the best way to store a sofa
- protecting your furniture while in storage
- moving and packing supplies you'll want to get
- the best way to place and arrange things inside your unit
- tips on packing individual boxes
- labeling, listing items in storage
- where to place valuables in your unit
- insurance (your responsibility!)
- locks
- boxes
- why you shouldn't place boxes directly on the floor for long-term storage (hint: use pallets and 2x4s!)
- the best way to pack heavy items
- etc.!

Manager recommended for your viewing and edification, so WATCH IT!

A New Look for the (Not So) Old Blog!!

2009-05-06T10:52:00.001-07:00

After several months of being a site with an "earthy" brown color scheme, we've modified just a little to a COOL BLUE color scheme. You like?

The brown tones were nice because they echoed the warm brown tones of our storage buildings and property. But our corporate logo and web site are more of a bluish affair (save the Arizona-shaped, orange roll-up door), so I figured it was high time we changed our site accordingly to match, so that we have some consistency across our web presence (which is important, as those of you in marketing know).

Cleaned up our header, too (actually, replaced it with our corporate logo, as you can see) so as not to burden you with a lot of verbiage about ourselves. Better to cut to the chase and get right to the point, to wit, that we have GREAT DEALS ON STORAGE for you!

Speaking of which:
5 x 5 - $25.00/mo. plus tax
5 x 10 - $39.00/mo. plus tax
10 x 10 - $79.00/mo. plus tax
10 x 15 - $109.00/mo. plus tax
10 x 20 - $129.00/mo. plus tax
RV20ft - $60.00/mo. plus tax
RV30ft - $85.00/mo. plus tax

What more could you ask for? (If you think of something, call me!) These are great deals and they won't last forever. If you come in and rent on of these sizes during the month of May, I'll make sure you keep that discounted rate through the end of December! (And don't forget, all our rental agreements are month-to-month.)

CALL ME IF YOU NEED A REALLY BIG UNIT, LIKE 20 X 20 OR 15 X 50. I'LL GIVE YOU A GREAT RATE ON THOSE, TOO!

I'll be posting again in just a bit. Right now I have some real work to do!

Your manager always,

Paul

BEST DEALS IN CHANDLER, GILBERT STORAGE, PERIOD!!

2009-04-04T15:03:00.001-07:00

IT'S APRIL!! For those of you in business, hope you had a good FIRST QUARTER 2009 (don't forget to file and pay everything on time!)

For the rest of us, April means only one thing. No, not that it's Spring. Not that "March Madness" is over. It means, IT'S TAX SEASON!!!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! (Regain composure) Our thoughts and prayers are with all--all of US!--who are afflicted with this annual fiscal malady. We'll make it through this together!

Okay, I'll save the eloquence and verbosity for my next posting! Today, I just want to get right to the point and remind you, in few words, that.... WE STILL HAVE THE BEST DEALS on all our storage sizes!

And here they are:

5 x 5 - $25.00/mo. plus tax
5 x 10 - $39.00/mo. plus tax
10 x 10 - $79.00/mo. plus tax
10 x 15 - $109.00/mo. plus tax
10 x 20 - $129.00/mo. plus tax
RV20ft - $60.00/mo. plus tax
RV30ft - $85.00/mo. plus tax

***SORRY, THESE HAVE EXPIRED***(Please check our current rates and sizes in the sidebar to the right. Thanks!)

If you saw our latest craigslist ad, you notice that I mention we sell moving & storage supplies like boxes, tape, mattress bags, and our outstanding disc locks w/ the new-style "dimple" keys for SUPER SECURE STORAGE! That is not something new. No, it's just that I FORGOT TO MENTION this important aspect of our storage business to you before! (What was I thinking? Sorry!) So if you need any of these aforementioned items (i.e., boxes, tape, mattress bags, locks), come in here and get 'em!

Enjoy your weekend!

Your Manager, Paul

Arizona Storage Inns - Chandler

Is It 2012 Yet?

***MERRY CHRISTMAS!*** Have a Happy, Blessed and Joyful Weekend!

MID-DECEM-BRRRRRR SPECIAL! (R-R-R-R-Rent a Space at Arizona Storage Inns-Chandler and Get One Month F-F-F-F-FREE!)

Happy Thanksgiving! Come In and GET ONE FREE MONTH (and MORE) This Weekend at Arizona Storage Inns - Chandler!

OCTOBER SURPRISE! Get ONE FREE MONTH at ARIZONA STORAGE INNS-CHANDLER! Here's How...

For Those of You Who Rent an 'Outdoor' Storage Unit (And Here at Arizona Storage Inns - Chandler, That Would Be EVERYBODY!),... A Few Helpful Tips

CELEBRATE STORAGE INDEPENDENCE THIS 4TH OF JULY -- AND "FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY" FOR YOUR STUFF! :)

LEFT BEHIND? YOU CAN STILL STORE YOUR EARTHLY POSSESSIONS HERE AT ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER AND ***GET ONE MONTH FREE!***

APRIL IS HALF-OFF MONTH!

"MARCH MADNESS!" Here's How You Can Get a FREE MONTH at ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER!...

Seven Things You Should Know Before Attending Our Self-Storage Auctions!

SURPRISE YOUR VALENTINE WITH…. A STORAGE UNIT from ARIZONA STORAGE INNS!!

Why Our ***FEBRUARY SPECIAL*** is Really a SWEETHEART DEAL for You!

Why We're (Probably) Chandler's MOST BORING, Predictable, Uneventful and MONOTONOUS Place to Store Your Stuff (and Why That's GOOD)!

***JANUARY SPECIAL -- 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH!***

***MERRY CHRISTMAS!*** FROM YOUR FRIENDS @ ARIZONA STORAGE INNS – CHANDLER!

Looking for a Storage Unit or RV Space in Chandler/Gilbert?

DECEMBER SPECIAL! 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH!

THANKSGIVING SAVINGS AT ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER!

Store at a Place Where Nobody Else Can TOUCH YOUR JUNK! :-D

NOVEMBER TO REMEMBER!!

Don't Store Your Stuff Where It's SPOOKY & SCARY! Store Where It's SAFE! (Arizona Storage Inns - Chandler)

OCTOBER SURPRISE!

Practical Storage Solutions for Your Garage--OR Your Storage Unit!

More Garage Storage Tips (Got a Minute?)

FALL INTO SEPTEMBER! WITH 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH'S RENT!

How to Organize Your Garage (Don't Try This With Your Storage Unit!)

But Can An "18-Wheeler" That's Bringing My Stuff Make It into Your Storage Facility? The Answer is, YES!!

***AUGUST "MONSOON" SPECIAL*** 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH!

Speaking of Storage Space--Do You Like MEDITERRANEAN Food?

Do You Really NEED a "Climate Controlled" Storage Unit?

WHO ELSE WANTS HALF OF THEIR FIRST MONTH FREE?!

CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH OUR 4TH OF JULY SPECIAL! (Let the Fireworks BEGIN)!

7 More Things to Look For When Shopping for a Storage Unit or RV Space

5 Things to Look for When Shopping for a Storage Unit or RV Space

Moving a Business? Self-Storage Can Help You Fill in the Gap!

Monsoon Season Officially Begins TODAY (So Is It Raining Where You Are Yet?)

BEST VALUE, BEST SERVICE, BEST SELF-STORAGE CLIENTS IN CHANDLER-GILBERT

SELF-STORAGE AUCTION, Tomorrow (Friday), June 11th, 10:30am...

PROFILES IN STORAGE: Kevin Luty, Luty's Landscape Maintenance

"PROFILES IN STORAGE"

This Mother's Day, Give Mom What She Really Wants: HER GARAGE BACK!

So What Does EARTH DAY 2010 Have to Do with SELF-STORAGE?

**APRIL SPECIALS, APRIL DISCOUNTS, APRIL DEALS!**

Storage Insurance: Do you Need It?

St. Patrick's Day Sale? C'mon Now, We're Not THAT Crass & Hyper-Commercialized Here (But That's Not a Bad Idea)!

A Few Helpful Tips About Storage Auctions...

*New* Arizona Self-Storage Auction Website!

NEW YEAR'S DEALS! 5 x 10s-$39.00/mo., 10 x 10s-$69.00/mo., 10 x 20s-$129.00/mo.! Hurry In TODAY! (Before I Regain My Senses :)

The Twelve Days of Storage--Day Twelve! (A Christmas Carol :)

The Twelve Days of Storage--Day Eleven (A Christmas Carol :)

WHY CHRISTMAS MATTERS!............................

The Twelve Days of Storage--Day Ten (A Christmas Carol :)

The Twelve Days of Storage, Days Eight and Nine (A Christmas Carol :)

The Twelve Days of Storage, Day Seven (A Christmas Carol :)

The Twelve Days of Storage, Day Six (A Christmas Carol :)

The Twelve Days of Storage, Days Four & Five (A Christmas Carol :)

The Twelve Days of Storage (A Christmas Carol :)

The Twelve Days of Storage (A Christmas Carol :)

The Twelve Days of Storage (a Christmas Carol)...

"This Just In"--NORTH CHANDLER SELF-STORAGE RATES ARE CHEAPER!

**NEW** Self-Storage Public Auction Page!

SIZES & RATES at Arizona Storage Inns - Chandler

FEATURES & BENEFITS of Storing with Us at ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER (Condensed & Edited for Brevity!)

Move In Using Our Truck & Pay No Rental Truck Fees!

BUSINESSES YOU SHOULD PATRONIZE: POSTNET, 222 E. Warner Rd., Chandler...

WELCOME to Our First (Brief) Video Clip!

**SPECIALS ON OUR TWO MOST POPULAR SIZES--10 X 10 AND 10 X 20**

Need MATTRESS BAGS?

Need Moving Boxes? Well, COME AND GET 'EM 'Cause WE'VE GOT 'EM!!

A Storage Tip for Existing Customers (But It's Good for All You "Pre-existing" Customers to Know About This, Too!)

"Don't Get No Respect?" Managers Treat You Like You've Got SWINE FLU? (That's Because You're Not Renting with US!)

Self-Storage Shopping Tip #5: Plan Ahead (& Print Out This List to Help EXPEDITE the Process)!

Here are some great storage and packing tips from our friends at Public Storage. (I want to be sure and give them the credit for this as the list is quite helpful!)

Storage Tips

Packing Tips

Self-Storage Shopping Tip #4: Don't Just Shop for PRICE! (Be SMART--Shop for THE MANAGER! :)

Self-Storage Shopping Tip#3: A Question Nobody Asks But Everybody SHOULD!

"To COOL or Not to COOL?" That is the Question. (It's Also Self-Storage Shopping Tip #2)

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Have a Happy, Blessed and Joyful Weekend!

LEFT BEHIND? YOU CAN STILL STORE YOUR EARTHLY POSSESSIONS HERE AT ARIZONA STORAGE INNS - CHANDLER AND GET ONE MONTH FREE!

Why Our FEBRUARY SPECIAL is Really a SWEETHEART DEAL for You!

JANUARY SPECIAL -- 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH!

MERRY CHRISTMAS! FROM YOUR FRIENDS @ ARIZONA STORAGE INNS – CHANDLER!

AUGUST "MONSOON" SPECIAL 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH!

APRIL SPECIALS, APRIL DISCOUNTS, APRIL DEALS!

New Arizona Self-Storage Auction Website!

NEW Self-Storage Public Auction Page!

SPECIALS ON OUR TWO MOST POPULAR SIZES--10 X 10 AND 10 X 20

RENT ONLINE, PAY ONLINE! (Now If Only MOVING THE STUFF IN Were This Easy!)

JULY SPECIALS (SORRY, EXPIRED!) Deals on Our Three Most Popular Sizes! (But First, this Thought on "Freedom of Storage"!)

PAY YOUR BILL ONLINE!!

JUNE SPECIAL!!

BEST DEALS IN CHANDLER, GILBERT STORAGE, PERIOD!!