Self Storage FAQ
Find simple answers to your storage questions below.
And if you'd like additional info on any of these topics,
we're just a phone call or email away!
GENERAL STORAGE QUESTIONS
What is self storage?
Self storage is an affordable, efficient way for you to store your life’s possessions. There are many reasons you might need a storage unit, whether you’re moving or downsizing, or have a growing family. You can even store RVs and other vehicles at our facility. Self storage makes it easy to store items of all shapes and sizes in one convenient location.
How do I know what size I need?
Read through our SIZE GUIDE to see the storage units we offer and determine which one is right for you. Choosing the right size unit will also ensure that you only pay for the storage you need. We offer a wide range of sizes to accommodate your storage needs, from 5×10, or 50 square feet, to 10×20, or 200 square feet. You can also contact one of our facility managers—they’re trained to help you out. Storage unit sizes are approximate and subject to availability.
Can I put food in the storage unit?
Unfortunately, we do not allow any food, beverages, or perishables to be stored inside of the storage units.
How long do I need storage?
The amount of time you’ll need storage depends on your situation. You can reserve temporary storage for a move, or long-term storage if that better fits your needs. Night Owl Storage understands that you may not know how long you’ll need storage, and we offer month-to-month leases so you have the flexibility to move out when the time is right.
How do I use self storage?
Self storage can be used for many purposes:
- As an extension of your home and a place to store seldom-used items
- To store seasonal items such as decorations or sports equipment
- As a business storage solution to de-clutter your office or store inventory or equipment
- As a temporary home for your things while you move…and many more!
First, make a list of what you want to store, and determine what size storage unit you need. Don’t forget to think about additional amenities like drive-up access, moving supplies and convenient gate hours. Book your Night Owl Storage unit online, then go to the facility to complete your reservation.
TYPES OF SELF STORAGE
What is a drive-up storage unit?
A drive-up storage unit is a ground floor or outdoor unit that has its own loading area. These units are ideal for storing large, heavy items or equipment as you have the ability to load your belongings directly from a vehicle or truck.
What is a roll-up door?
Roll-up doors are very similar to garage doors and are accessed by sliding a latch and lifting the door upward. Roll-up doors are the most common door in self storage and are bigger than most doors, allowing tenants to maximize the space of their unit.
Do you offer RV, boat, car and motorcycle storage?
Our facility is happy to offer parking for the storage of RVs, boats, cars, and motorcycles. The size and amenities of our vehicle storage units range from outdoor spaces for RVs and boats to indoor units for cars and motorcycles.
RESERVATION AND LEASING QUESTIONS
How far in advance can I book a reservation?
We give you the flexibility to book a reservation up to 30 days in advance to help you plan ahead. This timeframe may change depending on the storage unit being reserved.
Do I need to give you notice when I am ready to move out?
A (7) day notice is required and appreciated.
Do I have to sign a lease?
Yes. Storing with Night Owl requires a month to month rental agreement.
Is it a monthly rental agreement?
Yes. We offer month-to-month leases for your convenience.
Do I need a photo ID when renting storage?
Yes, you’ll need to provide identification: a state-issued ID card, driver’s license, passport, or military ID.
I just rented a unit online, now what?
If you've rented the unit during business hours (Mon through Fri, 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm) you can come straight to the office and after we confirm a few details we'll go out to your unit, remove the security lock from your unit and you'll be good to go!
If however, you've rented the unit AFTER HOURS, your gate code will work but the GREEN security lock will still be in your unit so you'll need to wait just a little bit longer to access your unit...usually just until the next morning at 10am when the office opens. Then you can stop in and we can get you all squared away!
How do I get my lock for my unit?
If you use our contact-free online rental process, a lock will be included with your rental (and located inside your unit.) We keep GREEN security locks in all vacant units, so please call us or stop in the office before heading directly to your unit.
Can I bring my own lock to put on my unit?
Unfortunately, no. Our door latches use a unique, very secure cylinder lock that is provided for you, free of charge, at the time of move in.
How does the 12-Month Rate Guarantee work?
At Night Owl, customers can relax after renting a unit with our 12-Month Rate Guarantee. When you rent a unit from us, you will lock in your rental rate for the next 12 months. We believe in being transparent with our pricing for our customers.
The 12-month price guarantee is subject to change if the tenant rate exceeds a 25% discount from the asking market rate.
How often do prices change?
Our storage prices can change daily based on supply and demand. However, if you make reservation today, it will guarantee the prices on our website.
Do I need insurance for my stored goods?
Yes, you are responsible for the items you store at Night Owl Storage, and insurance for those items is required. We offer affordable third party insurance / protection plan options at the facility. In the event that you are already covered, a copy of the declarations page must be available at the time of rental.
Are there other fees with the first month?
We try to keep our fees super simple and easy to understand! We prorate your first month’s rent. Other than that, you will need to pay the admin fee and insurance fee if you do not have your own.
What is an administration fee?
The admin fee is collected to process the necessary paperwork into our system as well as create a secure access code for you within our gate system.
PAYMENT INFORMATION
What are the payment terms?
Your rent is due at time of move-in and on first day of the month each month you continue to rent the storage unit.
Do you accept credit cards?
We accept several major credit cards, including Visa®, MasterCard®, Discover®, and American Express®.
How do I make a payment?
To keep you and your information secure we have set up multiple ways you can pay including using our online Tenant Portal, calling us at 810 503-4047, stopping by the office, or mailing a check directly to our facility. We offer the convenience of AutoPay, which will automatically charge your Visa®, MasterCard®, Discover®, or American Express® each month without additional fees.
How do I pay my bill online?
Online bill pay is available when you log in to our online TENANT PORTAL. If your bill becomes past due to a certain point, you will need to speak directly to our office manager to go over your available payment options.
Why did my rent go up?
From time to time, we find it necessary to make adjustments in order to keep up with the rising costs associated with providing top-notch service and a well-maintained facility. We send notifications 30 days before any rates change. You would have received this in the mail or by e-mail.
Do you offer a military discount?
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FACILITY
When is the facility open?
Our standard office hours are 10:00 am to 4:00 pm during the week, and our standard gate access hours are 24/7, 365 days a year.
What’s the difference between office hours and gate hours?
The office hours are the hours of operation for the property when the facility manager will be available to assist you with your storage needs or moving and packing supplies. The gate hours are the hours your rental unit can be accessed using your assigned electronic gate code.
When can I access my unit?
You can access your unit 24/7 barring any unforeseen power outages, etc. Please note that payments made on delinquent accounts after storage facility business hours will not allow gate access or ensure overlock removal until the next business day.
Can I live or sleep in a storage unit?
No, and we strongly discourage it. Living in a storage unit is prohibited by various local and federal housing laws. Additionally, living in a storage unit is extremely unsafe. Storage unit doors lock from the outside and do not have running water to support a residence.
Can I buy boxes and other moving products from Night Owl Storage?
Yes! Our office offers a wide variety of U-Haul branded moving and packing supplies at great prices. From boxes to mattress and chair covers and more. We’re here to help.
Do you have truck rentals?
Definitely! We are proud to be an Authorized U-Haul Dealer. Give us a call today to see what truck rental options are available.
Do you have storage auctions?
Yes, our storage facility does hold storage auctions. Auctions of storage units occur after fulfilling the state lien law procedure of someone who has not made a payment on their unit. Storage auctions aren’t our favorite side of the business, but they are a necessary part of it. Storage auctions will be held online at bid13.com. Simply visit the site, and enter the zip code of one our Storage facilities to check-in on any of our current storage auctions.
Anything else I should know?
Every storage unit has concrete floors, and concrete draws moisture so we recommend the use of shelves to keep items up off the floor or be sure to keep stored items in totes or bins.