Glossary of Storage Terms
1st of the month billing
Storage rent due by the 1st of each month. We use this system so that your move-in is pro-rated and the billing is simple for the rest of your stay.
access controlled gate
An electronic security gate that allows tenants to enter their personal PIN code and access the storage facility. These gates ensure that only tenants have access to the storage property and bring you peace of mind in knowing we monitor the comings and goings on the property.
access hours
These are the hours tenants can access their storage space.
admin fee
A one-time charge to cover the setup cost of move-in paperwork and processing.
anniversary billing
At StorageMart, we operate on '1st of the month billing'. If you have shopped around, you may have heard that some storage facilities bill you on the same date of each month that you moved in, thus 'anniversary billing'. However, we use the '1st of the month billing' system in order to keep things simple.
auto bill pay
The most popular payment method - this method automatically deducts your rent so that your account is always current, plus you will always get the Preferred Customer Rate using this method.
boat storage
A general term that covers the storage or parking of any water vessel. It may include indoor boat storage, outdoor boat parking, wet or dry storage and more.
breezeway
A breezeway is a railed walkway leading to access of upper level storage units.
car storage
A general term for indoor or outdoor car parking. At select locations, we offer storage units and parking spaces for cars, trucks, motorcycles and other vehicles. Contact your local storage facility manager for details.
climate controlled storage units
These storage units are heated in the winter and cooled in the summer so that the storage unit is kept at an even temperature. Climate controlled storage is ideal for furniture, electronics and all goods that shouldn't be kept in extreme hot or cold environments.
courtesy hold
We can sometimes place a tentative hold on the space when availability allows. However, most new customers make a credit card reservation so we can guarantee that space so there are no hiccups on moving day.
deliveries accepted
Some storage facilities may be able to accept shipments for you.
disc lock / Cylinder lock
This lock is the most popular choice for storage tenants and offers the most security against theft, breaking or rust. (see our Moving Supplies tab)
dolly / handcart
Dollies and handcarts make it easier to move several boxes at once or manage large items with ease. You can borrow ours during office hours, while you're on the property.
door alarms
Alarmed self storage units that sound an alert if a storage unit door has been opened without the appropriate authorization.
drive up storage
A drive up storage unit means that you can back your truck or trailer right up to the unit door for quick loading and unloading.
freight elevator
Elevators used to move goods, not people, for interior storage units located on an upper floor, and skip the hassle of carrying stuff upstairs.
furniture storage
A general term people often use to specify storing household furniture or antique items they have inherited.
hallway access
An interior storage unit accessible from a hallway. All our hallways are brightly lit with motion sensor lighting.
heated storage
Storage units that are heated to prevent freezing temperatures during cold winter months.
humidity controlled storage
A storage unit with humidity regulation to minimize moisture in the air.
indoor parking
Car, motorcycle or ATV parking located in a drive-up unit, much like a garage.
indoor storage
Interior self storage units, often climate controlled, that are located inside a building or warehouse and accessed from a hallway.
insurance
Coverage to protect your items against theft, damage or loss. Your homeowner's or renter's insurance may include off-site storage.
loading bay
This usually describes a large drive-in area that allows you to drive your moving van inside to load or unload comfortably.
lock
A keyed security device placed on your storage unit door. Only you have the key to open your storage unit.
long term storage
Storing for more than 12 months is typically considered to be long term storage.
mezzanine lift
Similar to a freight lift, a mezzanine lift assists you in moving your items in between floors so you don't have to carry them up or down stairs.
mini storage
Mini storage is an interchangeable term for self storage. In the earlier years of the self storage industry, the term 'mini self storage' was widely used and has since been shortened.
month to month lease
Our no-obligation lease that allows you to rent storage by the month whenever you need it.
motion sensor lighting
Automatic lighting that turns on when movement is detected. Motion sensor lighting makes it convenient to move because you don't have to worry about flipping a switch and provides added security at night.
office hours
The hours which the store manager is available in the office.
on-site conference room
Conference rooms available for your use for business, charity or group meetings.
on-site manager
A self storage property manager who lives on the premises, monitors the property and is available during emergencies.
online reservation
Guaranteeing your storage unit online with a credit card hold. Your online storage reservation is transferrable to any sized unit, should you choose to pick a different size.
outdoor parking
Outdoor parking means the space is not enclosed or indoors. Some storage facilities may offer covered parking similar to a carport. Most commonly, the parking spaces are uncovered. These spaces are suitable for cars, boats and RVs.
outdoor storage
A term sometimes used to describe a drive-up storage unit.
parking space
A term indicating the storage space may be used for car storage, boat storage or RV storage.
PIN number
A Personal Identification Number you choose to give you entrance to the access controlled gate. Each storage customer has a unique PIN number.
premium lease
The most popular StorageMart least option; includes coverage to protect items against theft, fire and damage resulting from neglect on our part.
pro-rated move in
We can adjust your 1st month of rent to reflect only the number of days left in the month that you're moving in.
roll-up door
A wide door that opens from the ground to the ceiling and provides more access to the storage unit.
RV storage
A general term used to describe indoor RV storage or outdoor RV parking.
satellite store
A nearby storage location that is managed from another storage office, typically not more than a few blocks away.
security cameras
Video surveillance used to monitor the property, promote security and deter vandalism.
security deposit
You may hear other storage facilities mention a security deposit due on top of the first month's rent; however, StorageMart never charges a security deposit.
self storage locker
An interchangeable term for self storage or mini storage. Self storage locker may sometimes refer to a personal storage unit or smaller sized storage space.
short term storage
Storing for less than 12 months is typically considered to be short term storage.
storage tax
Some states or provinces may require a sales tax on storage rentals.
truck rental
Moving trucks often go hand-in-hand with renting self storage and can make your move more efficient.
upper unit (2nd floor, 3rd, floor, etc.)
Multi-level storage facilities offer storage on 1st, 2nd, 3rd floors, and so on. Your storage manager may use the term 'upper unit' to indicate the space is not on the first floor.
video surveillance
Security cameras that may be visible or hidden around the property to increase security and deter theft or vandalism.
well-lit facility
A safety feature that makes it easy to move in the dark and also increases your personal safety while on the property at night.
wine storage
Wine storage units are specifically designed to maintain the appropriate temperature, amount of light and stable environment necessary for keeping wine.