Skip Nav

STORAGE 101

Have storage questions? We have the answers! Click on the linked featured topics below to view the most frequently asked questions about self storage packing and many more topics, along with StorCal's solutions. Please feel free to request more information about our services or a specific location by clicking on the top right "Contact" link and submit your request. Our professional and experienced staff will get back to you in a timely manner.

  • SECURITY
  • STORAGE OPTIONS
  • PACKING TIPS
  • LEASE TERMS
  • BILLING & PAYMENTS
  • TENANT INSURANCE
  • ACCESS HOURS
  • CUSTOMER ACCOUNT

  • WILL MY BELONGINGS BE SAFE AT A STORAGE FACILITY?

    Peace of mind is our highest priority. To keep your belongings safe and secure, we offer the following self storage security features: excellent lighting, 24-hour video surveillance, motion detectors, individual door alarms and electronic key code access (Features vary by location).

  • IS A LOCK REQUIRED FOR MY STORAGE UNIT?

    Every storage unit is required to have only one lock. Pad locks and/or disc locks are preferred for added protection reducing the possibility of an intruder entering your storage unit. Locks are sold at all StorCal locations.

  • ARE THE STORAGE DOORS SECURE?

    Every roll-up and swing door closes completely with an individual latch to secure your lock.

  • WHO CAN ACCESS THE PROPERTY?

    StorCal staff and customers are allowed on the property. All properties are safely locked down and secured after regular business hours.

  • WHAT IF I FORGET MY ACCESS CODE?

    Present satisfactory identification that you are the person that signed the rental agreement and we will gladly give you your access code. We do not give access codes over the phone or to anyone else other than the tenant who signed the rental agreement.

  • WHAT SIZE STORAGE UNITS DO YOU OFFER?

    All StorCal facilities offer a wide range of storage unit sizes. The traditional sizes include 5x5, 5x10, 10x10, 10x15, 10x20, 10x25 and 10x30. Additional in-between sizes and small locker units are offered at various locations (all unit dimensions are approximate).

  • WHO CAN STORE AT A SELF STORAGE FACILITY?

    Our self storage facilities are used for both personal and business use. StorCal has the ability to meet the unique needs of the individual and business customers. GET ORGANIZED TODAY!!

  • ARE DRIVE-UP ACCESS UNITS AVAILABLE?

    Yes! Our Newbury Park / Thousand Oaks location offers 24-hour self storage access to all drive-up units. Allowing you to load and unload your belongings directly from your vehicle into your storage unit.

  • ARE STORAGE LOCKERS AVAILABLE

    Yes! Our StorCal Woodland Hills #3 and Chatsworth locations offer different small locker spaces. The typical locker size is 4' x 5' and 4' tall. Sizes many vary at different locations.

  • ARE MOVING TRUCKS AVAILABLE

    U-Haul trucks are available to rent at most of our facilities.

  • WHAT CAN I NOT STORE?

    For your added safety, we prohibit storing all of the following items in the self storage containers at our StorCal Self Storage facilities: No gasoline, propane, kerosene or other highly flammable products. No animals, plants, food, trash or perishables. Our knowledgeable staff can assist you in determining what items are acceptable or unacceptable for storing at our properties.

    Locks, Boxes and Packing Supplies are sold at all StorCal locations.

  1. Pack fragile items with Styrofoam or bubble wrap.
  2. Store clothes, household and personal items in sealed boxes.
  3. To reduce dust, cover furniture with sheets or blankets.
  4. Box mirrors, blanket them or store them between mattresses.
  5. Wrap and store small fragile items in dresser drawers to save space.
  6. Make sure ALL appliances are empty and clean.
  7. Store stereos, televisions and other valuable items at the back of the storage unit.
  8. Labeling boxes clearly will make finding items and unpacking easier.
  9. Use durable shelving units if you plan on storing business records.
  10. Store regularly needed items at the front of the storage unit.

  • HOW LONG IS A SELF STORAGE LEASE TERM?

    All StorCal facilities offer month-to-month leases, which means there are no long-term commitments on our self storage containers. However, we do offer discounts for long-term storing. If you know the amount of time you will be storing with us, you can save by prepaying your rent. Ask your property manager about long-term prepay discounts.

  • WHEN DO I NEED TO PAY MY RENT

    All billing is done on your move-in anniversary date.

  • HOW MANY UNITS CAN I RENT?

    As many as you need! An individual lease agreement will need to be filled out for each additional storage unit.

  • CAN I TRANSFER UNITS ANYTIME WITHOUT A FEE?

    Yes! We do not charge transfer fees. You have the ability to move up or down a unit size anytime.

  • DO YOU PROVIDE REFUNDS?

    Rent is never refunded.

  • WHEN DO I NEED TO GIVE MY VACATE NOTICE BEFORE MOVE OUT?

    We require a 7 days written notice before move out. Full details on the vacate policy will be provided to you at the time of move-in. Our vacate policies are also provided on your My Account page once you create a StorCal.com account.

  • HOW CAN I MAKE A PAYMENT?

    There are several convenient ways to make a payment. You can pay your monthly bill by mail (check only), over the phone with your property manager, in person during regular business hours or through our StorCal.com website.

  • CAN I PAY ONLINE OR SETUP AN AUTO-PAY PLAN?

    Yes!! Once you create a My Account you will have the ability to pay online using your debit or credit card 24-hours a day, and take full advantage of our Auto-Pay plan for on-time payments.

  • WILL I RECEIVE A MONTHLY INVOICE REMINDING ME OF MY BILLING DUE DATE?

    Yes!! Once you create a My Account on StorCal.com a monthly invoice will be sent to your saved email address on your anniversary (move-in) date. A link will be provided on the email for a quick and easy account login and payment process.

  • WHAT TYPES OF PAYMENTS DO YOU ACCEPT?

    Payments can be made in cash, by money order or check, or via your debit or credit card. We accept the following credit cards: VISA, MasterCard, Discover and AmericanExpress.

  • INSURANCE REQUIRED

    Insurance is required. Home/Renter's Insurance is accepted. StorSmart Insurance Protection can be purchased through any of our locations.

  • WHEN CAN I ACCESS MY STORAGE UNIT?

    All StorCal Self Storage facilities are open 7 days a week and provide the same office and access hours for your added safety. Our Thousand Oaks facility offers 24-hour drive-up self storage access.

  • INTERIOR UNIT ACCESS HOURS

    Monday - Saturday (9am - 6pm) and Sunday (11am - 4pm)

  • DRIVE UP UNIT ACCESS HOURS

    24/7

  • WANT TO ACCESS YOUR STORCAL ACCOUNT?

    Click here to edit your account information, update your billing information, pay a bill online, and more!

STORAGE TIPS

  • SMALLEST SPACE

    Rent the smallest amount of space you will need, and pack the unit full.

  • GATHER MATERIALS

    Start by gathering as many boxes as you think you will need as well as tape, markers, and packing material (e.g., foam shipping noodles, bubble wrap, packing paper or towels).

  • UNIFORM SIZES

    If possible, try to use uniformly sized boxes for easy stacking.

  • INVENTORY

    Make up an inventory list of your items and keep it in a safe place (at home or in a safe deposit box) away from the unit.

  • PREPARE

    Prepare your space by placing a protective cover on the floor under your goods.

  • KEEP DRY

    Place your storage items on 2x4 boards or on pallets to guard against dampness. Any concrete floor may become cold and damp.

  • ACCESS

    Plan your storage space. Place items that you may need to access often in the front of the unit.

  • CAUTION

    Do not store anything COMBUSTIBLE (e.g., paint thinner, gasoline, solvents, or paint).

  • EASIER ACCESS

    Try to leave an aisle down the center of the storage unit for easier access. Leave a small space between the walls and boxes to allow for air circulation.

  • STACK

    Stack heavier boxes on the bottom and lighter boxes on top.

  • STRONG BOXES

    Be sure your boxes are strong enough to hold 25-30 pounds (although we suggest not putting too much in each box).

  • LIST CONTENTS

    List contents of boxes on all four sides; number the boxes and seal with tape.

  • WRAP IT UP

    Dishes and glasses should be wrapped in paper and packed in sturdy boxes. Stack them on top.

  • FRAGILE

    Fragile pictures and mirrors should be wrapped in cardboard, marked “FRAGILE” and stacked on end.

  • EXTRA SPACE

    Furniture with drawers can be utilized as storage places for pictures, knick-knacks, china, silverware, small items, etc. Wrap them in tablecloths, towels, or blankets to prevent breakage.

  • APPLIANCES

    Larger appliances make excellent “packaging cases” for blankets, towels, tablecloths and clothes.

  • ELECTRONICS

    Put TVs and other electronics in the rear of your unit.

  • STORED TOGETHER

    Shovels, hoes, rakes, and hoses can be stored together in empty trash cans. Stack extra cans inside each other.

  • REMOVABLE LEGS

    Tables that have removable legs should be broken down to save space.

  • SOFAS AND LOVESEATS

    Sofas and loveseats can be stored on end to save floor space. Wrap cushions in plastic and place on top of sofas.

  • SHARP OR HEAVY OBJECTS

    Avoid placing sharp or heavy objects on top of upholstered furniture.

  • STUFFED FURNITURE

    Cover stuffed furniture with cardboard or blankets to protect against dust.

  • MATTRESSES

    If you stand mattresses on their sides, prop them up so they stand straight. Otherwise, they tend to bend out of shape and become lumpy.

  • METAL ITEMS

    Wipe any items made of metal - bikes, metal tables, tools, etc. - with machine oil to prevent rusting.

* Images are for representation purpose only. Locations and available units may differ from those shown. For specific location or unit information please contact us here.