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Storage Units in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach, VA: Top Things to Know About Storage

Intense Competition

When it comes to self-storage, Virginia Beach is truly a renter’s market. Including new facilities going in, the city has more than 430 facilities! That means a total of about 236,500 individual units of varying sizes from 5’x5’s to units for RVs and boats in a city of about 450,000.

As such, if a facility

Intense Competition

As such, if a facility doesn’t close a rental agreement the first time a customer comes in, there’s a good chance that the customer will find another facility. Most people don’t rent any farther away from their homes than about a mile. Expect low prices and good deals.

A Coastal City

Since Virginia Beach is on the coast and gets hot in the summer, that causes evaporation over the ocean and humidity. There are often storm watches in place, and in the winter expect occasional snow and freezing rain.

The rarer conditions can cause people to simply stay indoors all day and make it impossible to get to a storage unit. Virginia Beach has very few snow plows, so if the streets get very icy or snow-covered, people stay put.

Basically, you will probably want to get climate control for your unit. Of course, this will depend on how long you plan to keep the unit itself. It’s common for military personnel and moving families to use storage for about three months, then move out. If they do so during the mild winter in an average year, they probably won’t need climate control. However, if you’ll be renting all year or during the humid months, spend the extra to keep your possessions protected.

Insurance

Due to the sometimes-unpredictable weather conditions, you may want to be insured beyond what the facility provides. Third party insurance is a good idea. Also, check your homeowner's or renter’s policy to see if it extends to your storage.

On Storage Unit Sizes

In the last ten years or so, people in Virginia Beach have been storing more and more possessions. While 5’x5’ and 5’x10’ units used to be the most rented, now, 10’x10’ units are the most popular. If you need a smaller size, you should have no trouble finding a unit at all and will probably find good deals as many are vacant. In fact, new facilities may not have anything lower than a 10’x10’ at all because the lower sizes are so difficult to rent.

These days, people rent for a shorter amount of time, mostly for the purpose of moving. Only about half of those who rent for a move end up keeping the unit after three months.

Discounts

If you’re in the military, ask about discounts. With the large military population in the area, including mainly Navy and Coast Guard, Virginia Beach facilities want to make sure that our military members have discounts.

Whether you’re military or a civilian, know that about half of the facilities in Virginia Beach will provide a box truck free to use during the move-in process.

Marketing to Students

John Warton, Marketing Director for American Classic Self-Storage, has used some innovative strategies to target potential renters. Many facilities rely on Yelp and other sites to get the word out, and that works well. Warton has made contacts in various Virginia Beach colleges, and those schools have put links to American Classic Self-Storage on their university website pages to help students find storage.

Sometimes, the company sets up a booth in a university lobby to give away freebies and market the company. In time, this social media advertising leads to word of mouth.

Unique Renters

In Fredericksburg, a short drive from Virginia Beach, American Classic Self-Storage has a renter with several very large units including a 20’x80’ and a 40’x80’ to house antique fire trucks for parades. In Williamsburg, a company that has a conference center and indoor water park rents 21 units to store inventory and more.

Charities

If you run a charity, ask about what benefits a self-storage facility offers. For example, to help a burgeoning new charity, a facility may give up to three months free rent. Be prepared to write up a one or two paragraph letter explaining your charity and what sort of assistance you would like. Many facilities are happy to work with charities, as this creates good will in the community.

Storage FAQ's

Do you have pest control?
Most facilities in Virginia Beach schedule professional pest control services every month, and twice a month during summer months.
Do I need insurance for my storage unit?
We recommend that you get insurance for your belongings because the contents of the units are not insured through storage facilities.
How long is the lease and what are its terms?
Storage companies in Virginia Beach offer a month-to-month lease. If for some reason you would like to cancel your lease during a particular month, please contact one of the facility managers to assist you.
Is there anything unique to keep in mind when choosing a storage facility in Virginia Beach?
Some factors to keep in mind when choosing a storage facility in Virginia Beach are: weather, peak rush hour times, items that you will be storing, and location within Virginia Beach.
If I lose my key, can you provide another one?
No, storage facility employees do not have copies of the keys used for the units. If you lose your key, check with the facility for lock cutting fees. They may also be able to sell another lock and key to you.
What are the prices of the storage spaces? Are prices based on the square footage of the storage space?
Generally the prices of storage units in Virginia Beach vary based on the size of the storage unit and the location of the unit in the facility. Prices range between 26.0 and 595.0, but representatives can better assist you once they have the details of your storage needs.
How do I know what size storage I need?
Storage managers would be happy to help you determine which size unit is best for you so that you're not paying for a 25' X 40' unit when you really need a 1' X 1' unit. Please reference our size guide for more information.
What if I need more or less space after I move in?
Once you move in and feel that you need to move into a smaller or bigger space, storage facilities are happy to accommodate your move. Before renting a space, it is recommended that you speak to a storage facility representative to help you find the best sized unit for your needs. If things change through the course of your lease, they will help make the transition to your next unit as efficient and simple as possible. We also have a size guide that may answer some preliminary questions you may have.
Should I rent a drive-up or interior storage unit?
Drive-up storage units are typically more expensive and not as clean as interior units. Drive-up units are more exposed to the elements (water, dust, etc.) and are therefore not as clean as interior units. Interior units, on the other hand, have a much better climate. Essentially, the desire to rent a drive-up unit comes from clients thinking that they will be visiting their unit very frequently, which is surprisingly not the case. Most people don't come to their units as often as they think they will, so given the cost and cleanliness issues, it's better to rent an interior storage unit.
Will the company have access to my space?
No, no one in the storage facilities has access to your space unless you specifically ask them or give them the right to do so. For example, you may want them to have access to your unit for things you may want delivered directly to your unit.
Do you sell boxes and moving supplies?
Yes, most storage facilities sell boxes of various sizes, tape, bubble wrap, labels, and other items for your packing and moving needs.
Will I receive a monthly invoice?
Most storage companies in Virginia Beach only provide invoices upon request.
What options do I have for payments? What forms of payment do you accept?
Most storage facilities accept cash, credit cards, or checks. Always ask about autopay, it's faster and much more convenient.
Do you have different policies and prices for students or active military members?
Students and active military members are clients that have unique needs because of the nature of their schedules. Most storage facilities in Virginia Beach offer discounts to students, and discounts and different policies for active military members. Please call your local facility or see our students and active military members pages to get detailed and updated information.
What access will I have to my belongings?
You have 71 facilities to choose from in Virginia Beach. Access hours range from 8 to 24 hours a day. Please contact your local facility for more specific information about your unit.
What security measures are taken to protect the storage units?
Security is every storage operator's priority. Speak with the storage manager of a facility of your liking in Virginia Beach to find out what security measures they take to protect your belongings.
Do you accept deliveries for customers?
Most storage facilities in Virginia Beach accept deliveries for their customers so that they don't have to go through the process of moving every time they need something to be placed in their storage units. They will keep your items in the office and will inform you when they arrive so that you can place them in your storage unit at your convenience.
Can I rent climate-controlled spaces in Virginia Beach?
Yes, climate-controlled spaces are available in Virginia Beach due to the varying weather. Temperatures range from 33.8 to 44.6, which can dramatically affect things in your storage unit. For storing items such as wine, wooden items, electronics, metals, artwork, etc. storage facilities recommend that you rent a climate-controlled unit. For questions and more details, please contact a local facility.
Do you have advice on how to pack my storage space?
Yes, storage managers can provide you with tips and techniques on how to most efficiently utilize your storage space. Their hope is that you can have easy access to your items and that your storage space is worth every penny of your money.
What storage space sizes are available?
In Virginia Beach, there are 71 storage facilities, with a total of 156 storage units. Storage unit sizes generally range from 1' X 1' to 25' X 40'. Call one of your local facilities to have a representative find what size unit is best for you.
Do you provide your customers with movers?
No, storage facilities do not provide movers. However, managers and team members would be happy to provide you with a list of reliable and reasonably priced movers in Virginia Beach. See our resource guide for movers in Virginia Beach.

Virginia Beach, VA RV and Boat StorageView Hide

Virginia Beach, VA RV and Boat Storage

Virginia Beach is a temperate, East Coast beach town where the summers are hot and humid, but the winters are mild. There’s plenty to do around town, including checking out the three-mile-long boardwalk with its entertainment and many restaurants.

Still, if you’re an RV owner, you know that in most areas, parking your rig in front of your home is not allowed. Chances are, you need to keep it in self-storage. Virginia Beach has 430 self-storage facilities, many of which have RV and boat storage. Whether you just bought your RV and are looking for storage, or you’re considering changing facilities, this article can help.

Ask About Benefits

An RV storage can be anything from a high-security parking lot to a well-kept building with individual, lockable garages for each rig. Some are simply a place to store your RV, while others want to make sure you can come and go whenever you like and provide certain support measures. For example, a great RV facility might have septic removal for RVs and a water hookup. It might even sell propane and firewood, so you’ll be completely set before a big trip. When vacationing in your RV, you may want to head out early to beat traffic. Due to long distances involved and unexpected delays, you may drive back into Virginia Beach at 3:00 am. Therefore, search for facilities with 24 hour access.

Opting for a Flexible Lease

Any vacation involves expenses, and one great thing about vacationing in an RV is that in general RV spaces cost less than hotel rooms. However, you’ll still need to pay for the restaurants and attractions you visit, plus gas, and any mementos you’d like to take home. So, if you can save money on self-storage while away, why not take advantage of the fact? Find out which facilities offer flexible leases, and ask about the specific policies. You may be able to pay less while on vacation!

The Importance of Security in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is remarkable for many reasons, but when it comes to security, perhaps the most comforting thing to know is that crime is incredibly low in the area, and even lower than the rest of Virginia. Still, you probably don’t want to leave your RV somewhere without security! A great self-storage security system includes gated access, a functioning camera system, good lighting, and more. Our article on storage security systems can fill you in on the best sort of self-storage security. Make sure the place you rent from has solid security.

Virginia Beach, VA University StorageView Hide

Virginia Beach, VA University Storage

Virginia Beach is a beautiful seaside city with plenty to do as well as great universities. The focus of the biggest Virginia Beach schools of higher education is getting students into great careers. Perhaps because of the local Navy base, Naval Air Station Oceana, all these schools are especially helpful to students in and leaving the military.

When you move off to college, your dorm room or apartment room may not be large enough for all you want to bring. That’s where self-storage comes in, and this article will help you get the most out of it.

What To Bring

The two main universities in Virginia Beach are ECPI University with 10,000 students and Regent University with 6,500, for about 16,500 students. Whether you live on campus or not, figure out if you will need self-storage or not. To do this, write down a list of everything you plan to take with you. Figure out what you will need and want at home, and put that on one list. Put the rest on another list. Go over the lists a few times and think about if you really need to bring certain items. Once the lists are complete, the second list is what you should put in self-storage. Use it to figure out the size your unit will need to be. Most students will probably be fine with the smallest size, a 5’x5’, but you may need a 5’x10’ or larger.

Finding a Facility

In addition to about 16,500 college students, Naval Air Station Oceana, the city’s military base, has 10,000 military members, 11,000 family members, and 1,700 civilian employees, many of whom also need self-storage, especially when they first move to the base. The total population of the city is about 450,000, and it has a whopping 430 self-storage facilities with 236,500 individual units of varying sizes from 5’x5’s to units for RVs and boats. In short, this is a renter’s market. While it’s a good idea to start comparing prices before you move to Virginia Beach, chances are, you won’t have much trouble finding a unit.

Where to Rent

Deciding where to rent a unit can be tricky. Many people assume they will go to their storage unit on a daily basis but end up going maybe once every two or three months. Be honest with yourself. A low-priced unit close to home is idea, but if you have a car and know you won’t go to your unit very often, then one across town that costs less will probably save you money.

Get a Unit with Climate Control

Chances are, you’ll want a unit with climate control. Virginia Beach has mild winters, but it also has humid summers, and humidity does serious damage to almost everything you might choose to store, from books to musical instruments to old VHS tapes. Your items will probably be fine if you only store them in the winter, but fall and spring have enough humidity that you’re going to want a climate controlled unit. This costs a little more, but protects your belongings.

Storage When Studying Abroad

Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience and if you have the chance to do it, you should really consider it. When you go to another country for a semester or more, you will have to get your self-storage situation sorted out. Most self-storage companies will allow you to pay your bill online from anywhere in the world, set up recurring payments, or pay in advance. You must keep your payments current, or you risk your possessions going on auction. You may want to keep your items in your dorm or apartment when you leave. However, most college students have roommates, and they may have guests over or throw parties. You can never be sure that someone won’t go into your room, so self-storage is generally safer. If you don’t have enough room in your current unit, it’s generally easy to switch to a larger one at the same facility, then to switch back when you return. Check out your self-storage company’s website or talk to someone in the office. Another idea to consider is subletting your room for the duration of your experience abroad. Make sure though that this is allowed in your contract, and that the person you sublet to will move out when you move back, or you may find yourself couchsurfing and desperately looking for a new place to live.

Graduation Approaches

As you go through your university years, you’re bound to acquire more things. Many will be items you didn’t need when living with your parents, like dishes and kitchenware. Others will be school books (unless all your books are digital, in which case, congratulations!), new clothes, sports equipment, finished art pieces, and various mementos. So, chances are, you will need more storage space. Even if you don’t need self-storage when you move to college, keep what you’ve read here in mind for when you do.

Virginia Beach, VA Military StorageView Hide

Virginia Beach, VA Military Storage

Congratulations if you’ve been assigned to Naval Air Station Oceana! Virginia Beach is a lovely city with a temperate climate, beautiful beach, and plenty of culture. Getting to the boardwalk or a nice restaurant is easy. Finding the right self-storage unit is a little trickier. Here’s what you need to know about self-storage in the area.

How a Buckley Air Force Base Assignment Affects Your Storage Needs

Virginia Beach is truly a military city. Naval Air Station Oceana has 10,000 military members, 11,000 family members, and 1,700 civilian employees! The total population of the city is about 450,000. The city has 430 self-storage facilities and 47,850 individual units of varying sizes from 5’x5’s to units for RVs and boats. In short, it’s not difficult to find a unit. The most commonly rented units are 10’x10’ in Virginia Beach, so if you need a 5’x5’ or 5’x10’ you should have no trouble at all finding one.

Housing

At Naval Air Station Oceana, you’ll most likely live in barracks if you’re single. If you’ve come with your family, you’ll most likely live in a military community. Naturally, this will affect your self-storage needs. Before you relocate to Virginia Beach, make a list of what you plan to bring with you. Determine what you’ll keep in your living space, and what you’ll put in storage. This will help you determine what size storage space you’ll need.

Weather

The climate in Virginia Beach is to be envied. Winters are mild, with temperatures averaging in the low 50s. Summers are hotter and humid, with temperatures reaching the high 80s. If you are going to have your belongings in storage for just the winter and spring, you probably won’t need climate control. However when the weather gets humid, climate control is important to prevent mold and mildew.

Cost of Units in Denver

While it can take time to find a self-storage unit in Virginia Beach, the prices are reasonable. You should be able to find a 5’x5’ for between $35 and $45 per month. Other considerations beyond price include the distance you live from the storage facility, how often you will go there, and what you plan to store in it. A low-cost facility near home is best, but sometimes the cheaper facilities are a few miles away. If you know you won’t visit your unit often and can drive there when you need something, having a locker five or six miles from home with a lower price might save you money. Virginia Beach loves its military members, so remember to ask about military discounts when looking for self-storage. Just remember, when you go to rent a locker, bring your military ID.

Storing Guns

If you have your own personal firearms, you know that they aren’t allowed in barracks and might not be allowed in military housing. Many self-storage facilities will not allow you to store firearms, either, but some will. None will allow ammunition. So, if you have recreational firearms and need a place to keep them, make sure you’re allowed to keep them in your storage locker before putting them there. The article Storing Your Firearms: Safe Options for Gun Storage on the StorageFront website will provide you with plenty of helpful tips. Also, if you live on base, you may be able to register and check in your firearms in an on-base locker.

What To Do When Deployed

As a member of the military, you could get deployed at any time. Fortunately, where self-storage is concerned, the legal system has you covered. Look into Virginia’s self-storage lien law for more information on how it protects people from having their self-storage spaces auctioned off. Also the military recognizes that it may be difficult to pay your self-storage bills on time while overseas. Therefore, the armed forces has the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, which ensures that military personnel renting storage get fair treatment. It makes it much more difficult for a facility to put your locker up for auction. Note that a Fort Bragg soldier fought and won a case when his unit was illegally auctioned off.

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