Self Storage FAQs

Here at Handy Storage we are committed to our customers and their needs. Our goal is to give you a convenient, secure, affordable storage experience. To help you learn more about  Handy Storage and our services, here is a list of the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) by our customers.

Remember, if you don’t find the answers here, ask us. We’re always happy to help you.

 

STORAGE SPECIFICS

 

Where are your facilities located?

We have facilities in Dania Beach, FL; Miami, FL; Pembroke Pines, FL; and Plantation, FL.

Do you offer units with drive-up access?

Yes. These units are accessible directly from a driveway. Drive-up access allows easy loading and unloading of large, heavy items.

What is climate-controlled storage?

Climate-controlled units are enclosed within a building structure, ensuring less dust and humidity and fewer pests. The environment in these units is kept between 50°F and 80°F. We recommend storing your temperature-sensitive items in a climate-controlled unit.

What is the difference between an interior and an exterior unit?

Interior units are inside the building and protected from the elements. They are usually climate-controlled. 

How do I determine what size storage unit I need?

The amount of space that you need depends on what you’ll be storing. Handy Storage offers a wide variety of sizes and types of units so that you can find a space that is the best fit for your needs. If you are unsure of the space required for your belongings, Handy Storage can show you various options. Make an appointment or stop at one of our local offices so that you can view the available sizes. If you find that you need a larger unit during your move in, we’ll upgrade you and waive the transfer fee. Speak to a Handy Storage representative for more details.

Can I Store a Vehicle?

Yes. We offer both outside and interior parking spaces that can accommodate most vehicles, trailers, boats, and wave runners. You must be the registered owner of the vehicle, it must be running, and registration and insurance information are required at the time of rental.

Is there pest control at the storage facility?

All of our units are thoroughly cleaned and treated before and after each tenant uses the space. This treatment includes quality pest control.

RESERVATIONS & MOVING

 

Do I need a reservation?

Reservations are not required but reserving in advance ensures that your unit will be ready when you arrive with your belongings.

How do I reserve a unit?

You can reserve by phone, email, online, or in person.

Can I cancel a reservation?

You may cancel or change a reservation at any time by phone, email, on our website or in person.

What is the deposit charge?

Handy Storage does not charge a deposit for reserving storage units or parking at our facilities. At the time of processing your lease paperwork, we do charge a small, one time, administrative fee of $20.00.

Do I have to sign a long-term lease?

All of our locations provide customers with a month-to-month agreement and lease. When you are no longer in need of storage, simply notify our office and we will process the closing of your account. Our facilities do not require any long term contracts or agreements to store items.

How do I reserve a moving truck?

Handy Storage does not provide or rent trucks at our locations. Our staff is happy to assist you in locating rental trucks in the area. Feel free to contact us so we that can provide you with contact information for companies in the area that rent trucks.

Do you have complimentary hand carts and dollies?

Our locations do have complimentary hand carts and dollies. Call ahead to be sure your facility offers this service.  

What are your hours of operation?

Handy Storage locations are open seven days a week, excluding posted holidays. Our office operation times are 9:00AM – 6:00PM (ET) Monday – Sunday. 

Are access hours different from office hours?

Gate operation hours are different from our office operation hours. Gate access hours are 365 days a year between 6:00AM – 9:00PM (ET).

Do I have after hours access?

All locations provide gate access hours between 6:00AM (ET) – 9:00PM (ET), 365 days a year. If you require 24-hour access, this must be approved by a Handy Storage manager, and a monthly fee is assessed for this service. We do authorize after hours or 24-hour access on a case by case basis, so please inform us if you require 24-hour access, and we will process your application.

 

SECURITY

 

What do you do to guarantee the safety of my belongings?

There is no self-storage facility that can guarantee the absolute safety of your belongings. However, our facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art security features that deter crime. Our  properties are fully fenced and equipped with 24-hour digital video monitoring, electronic gates, and keypad access. Our experienced staff is vigilant during office hours, and our South Florida self storage locations have resident managers. Each customer is given a unit number and passcode for entering and exiting our properties through the access control system. This prevents unauthorized people from entering the property. We limit evening gate operations hours to keep our properties secured. Gate access hours at all Handy Storage locations are from 6:00AM – 9:00PM ET, 365 days a year.

What if I forget my access code?

Call during regular business hours for assistance regarding forgotten access codes or fobs. For your protection, we will request proof of identity.

Are certain items prohibited in storage units?

Yes.  Anything that could increase the risk of damage to your goods or the goods of others is prohibited.

  • Plants
  • Firearms, munitions, guns, or explosives
  • Food and pet food
  • Flammables, explosives, radioactive materials
  • Lead paint, asbestos, urea formaldehyde, petroleum products, or methane
  • Medical waste
  • Stolen goods
  • Cash (not covered by insurance)

Can I designate specific people, other than myself, to have access to my storage unit?

You can restrict access to yourself, or you may designate specific people to have access to your unit. Anyone to whom you grant access will have their own access code or key fob.

 

ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT & PAYMENTS

 

Do you have automatic payment options?

We do. Methods of payment include cash, check, money order, cashier check or credit card. We accept all major credit cards including American Express, Visa, MasterCard and Discover. We offer our customers multiple methods of processing payments including automatic payment, online payment, over the phone with a credit card, in-person payments at our offices and drop boxes at our office locations for after hour payments.

What happens if I’m late with my payment?

If your payment is late, we grant every customer a 5-day grace period. Late fees will be charged on the 5th day past your due date.  After the 5th day past your due date, any account that is past due will be denied access to their unit until such time as the balance is brought current.   Late fee amounts are specified in your rental agreement. To avoid the possibility of late fees and being locked out at the gate, we recommend signing up for autopay.

What if I fail to pay my rent/late fees?

If rent and associated fees are not paid, you are at risk of the contents of your unit being sold at auction to pay unpaid rent, fees, and any costs of sale incurred by the facility owner. If, after this procedure, any net proceeds of the auction remain, they are paid to you. We never want this to happen. We do have options.

Do you have a referral program?

Yes we do. Download, print, and bring us this coupon (filled out by one of our existing customers) and receive up to One Month Free! We will also reward the friend that referred you with up to $50 credit on their next month’s rent!

ADDED SERVICES

 

Do you provide a lock?

If you don’t have a lock during move in, our office locations do sell locks. You are permitted to provide your own lock if you have one. We allow for both key and combination locks at our facilities. You are free to bring your personal lock during move in.

Do you offer move-in specials?

Absolutely! Handy Storage provides promotions on most of our storage units and vehicle parking spaces. Promotions differ based on availability of the size requested and market rates. Future customers can reference our reservation system online for posted online promotions. Additionally, you call us at 727-442-3117  and to speak to a Handy Storage self-storage representative for the latest promotions on available storage units.

Do I need Insurance?

We do not require insurance to store your items at Handy Storage. However, while your belongings are at our facilities, they are not covered by Handy Storage for loss or damage. It is recommended that you obtain coverage through our specialty self storage insurance provider or that you add coverage through your homeowners or renters policy.

Do you accept deliveries to the storage unit?

We will gladly sign for your package deliveries from any carrier that will deliver them to your storage unit.