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Storage Units in Birmingham

Birmingham, AL: Top Things to Know About Storage

Exhausting Weather

Climate control is essential in Birmingham. While winters are relatively mild, averaging about 54 degrees during the day and 34 during the night at the coldest time of  year,

Summers are hot and humid. In fact, Birmingham is among the most humid cities in the U.S. That sort of weather isn’t just hard on people

Exhausting Weather

Climate control is essential in Birmingham. While winters are relatively mild, averaging about 54 degrees during the day and 34 during the night at the coldest time of  year,

Summers are hot and humid. In fact, Birmingham is among the most humid cities in the U.S. That sort of weather isn’t just hard on people and their pets, but on our possessions, too. Over time, leaving your things in a facility without climate control is like keeping them in a steamy bathroom. Moisture in the air can cause serious damage to fabrics, books, musical instruments, and more.

If you’ll be loading and unloading your belongings during the hot, humid months, ask different facilities if they have measures to help customers deal with the weather, such as indoor loading areas.

Get The Best Security Possible

It’s a sad fact that the crime rate in Birmingham is much higher than elsewhere in the country. In fact, The National Crime Index rates cities from 1 to 100, with 1 being the least safe, and 100 the most. Birmingham’s rank is an 1. To put it colloquially, crime in Birmingham is bad.

Naturally, then, you should look for facilities with top security. Our article on storage security systems contains our recommendations for self-storage facility security and is a good guide to help you recognize great security when you see it.

Population Drop

While most areas continue to grow, their populations increasing year by year, Birmingham’s is dropping. In 1990 the main city’s population, not counting the greater metro area, was 265,000, and in 2013, it was 212,000. However, the greater Birmingham-Hoover Metropolitan population has been growing. This could mean that self-storage prices will get lower as the core population continues to move away.

Major Events

Events like sports games or festivals affect traffic, which in turn can affect your drive to and from your self-storage unit. In Birmingham, these events include the Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival and the Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz Festival, which both take place in late August, the Sloss Fright Furnace haunted house around Halloween, and the Moseley Folk Festival in September, to name just a few.

These events draw crowds of thousands. Be aware of where they take place and when they take place. They will likely cause an increase in traffic in the immediate area and along any path taken to get to the event in question. If you need to get to your self-storage, try to go when these events are not taking place.

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Storage FAQ's

  • Can I rent climate-controlled spaces in Birmingham?

    Yes, climate-controlled spaces are available in Birmingham due to the varying weather. Temperatures range from 30.2 to 37.4, 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.

  • 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 Birmingham vary based on the size of the storage unit and the location of the unit in the facility. Prices range between 39.0 and 145.0, but representatives can better assist you once they have the details of your storage needs.

  • 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.

  • Do you have pest control?

    Most facilities in Birmingham schedule professional pest control services every month, and twice a month during summer months.

  • 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.

  • What storage space sizes are available?

    In Birmingham, there are 76 storage facilities, with a total of 10 storage units. Storage unit sizes generally range from 5' X 5' to 12' X 25'. Call one of your local facilities to have a representative find what size unit is best for you.

  • Is there anything unique to keep in mind when choosing a storage facility in Birmingham?

    Some factors to keep in mind when choosing a storage facility in Birmingham are: weather, peak rush hour times, items that you will be storing, and location within Birmingham.

  • How long is the lease and what are its terms?

    Storage companies in Birmingham 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.

  • 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 12' X 25' unit when you really need a 5' X 5' 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.

  • 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 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.

  • 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 Birmingham. See our resource guide for movers in Birmingham.

  • 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.

  • Do you accept deliveries for customers?

    Most storage facilities in Birmingham 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.

  • What access will I have to my belongings?

    You have 76 facilities to choose from in Birmingham. Access hours range from 8 to 24 hours a day. Please contact your local facility for more specific information about your unit.

  • 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.

  • 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 Birmingham 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 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.

  • Will I receive a monthly invoice?

    Most storage companies in Birmingham only provide invoices upon request.

  • 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 Birmingham to find out what security measures they take to protect your belongings.

Birmingham, AL RV StorageViewHide

Birmingham, AL RV Storage

Birmingham is a relatively small city of 212,000 people, but this historical city was at the center of the civil rights movement in the 50s and 60s, and is the site where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote his famous Letter from Birmingham Jail. Times have changed much since then not only socially, but in terms of storage and travel.

If you have an RV, you’re probably happy to get out of the city during vacation months to enjoy less humid climates or just see other parts of the United States. However, where to put your RV when you’re not using it might be a problem, as most streets do not allow RV parking. Even if you have a large driveway, you should definitely consider self-storage. Birmingham has 88 self-storage facilities, 9 of which have RV storage.

Security is Critical in Birmingham

This is exactly why, even if you can legally park your RV at home, you should probably get it into storage. The National Crime Index rates cities from 1 to 100, with 1 being the least safe, and 100 the most. Most safe cities rank from about 25 to 40. Birmingham’s rank is an abysmal 1. The average crime rate in Alabama is higher than the national average, and the average for Birmingham is more than three times greater than for the state. In short, even if you personally feel comfortable with your RV parked on your property, statistically speaking, it would be much safer in a storage unit. Since RV self-storage can range from an outdoor gated parking lot to a fully enclosed and locked unit, do your research. Our article on storage security systems can help you get a solid grasp on what good security means so you can find the ideal facility.

Get 24 Hour Access

People often travel at strange hours. We’ll catch a red-eye flight at 2:00 am to get to a conference across the country. Our flights will come in at midnight, so we’ll either have to get into a hotel room for a good night’s sleep or power through a drive home. It’s similar with RV travel. You may want to get up before dawn, pick up your RV, and be on the road before morning commuter traffic hits. When you return a month or more later, delays may mean you arrive back in Birmingham after midnight. To make your travel life easier, find a place with 24 hour access.

Ask About Amenities

Though it’s uncommon, some facilities, especially those specializing in RVs, offer amenities. Possibilities include a sewage dump station, a water refill station, or even propane and firewood for the trip.

Flexible Leases Can Save You Money

Going on vacation means spending money. In an RV, at the very least, you’ll have to pay for your camping space, gasoline, and food to cook at the campground. However, chances are, you’ll want to visit the nearby museums, theme parks, and whatever else your destination has to offer. The combined price of eating out, going on rides, and other events can add up. That’s why some facilities offer flexible leases. You may be able to spend less on your RV storage while traveling. The idea is to keep it reserved for you while saving you money. Ask any facility you’re considering about flexible lease options.

Birmingham, AL University StorageViewHide

Birmingham, AL University Storage

Moving to a university is a major life event! Once you’ve been accepted at University of Alabama at Birmingham, Samford University, or Virginia College, you have a lot to figure you. You’ll need to register for your classes, find accommodations--either a dorm room or a roommate situation off-campus--and you’ll need to figure out what to bring with you.

There’s also a good possibility you’ll need a little extra space, and that’s where self-storage comes in.

Self-Storage in Birmingham

The main university in Birmingham is University of Alabama at Birmingham with 18,600 students, then Samford University with 5,200 students, and the Virginia College Birmingham Campus with 5,000 students. That comes to 28,800 students, more than 10% of Birmingham’s 212,000 population. Birmingham has 88 self-storage facilities with a total of 48,400 units, which means that a unit should not be difficult to find. However, when the influx of new and returning university students begins in the fall, it may get challenging. Look for 5’x5’ units for between $30 and $35 and 5’x’10’ units for from about $40 to $50. Birmingham also gets hot and incredibly humid. Humidity can seriously damage almost anything you own, from books to old VHS tapes to musical instruments. It can even damage sensitive electrical equipment if the moisture gets inside. Chances are very high that you’ll need a unit with climate control.

What to Store

All right, we can’t really tell you what to put in your storage unit. However, we can suggest how to come to your own conclusions. As soon as you know you’ll be moving to Birmingham for your university studies, make a list of everything you plan to bring. Then separate the items out into two lists: one for what you’ll keep in your new home, and one for what you will put in storage. Along with this size guide, your list will make it easy to figure out what size unit you will need.

Choosing a Facility

It’s easy to overestimate how often you’ll go to self-storage. However, most people end up going once a month or once every two months. Now, ideally, you’ll be able to find a low-cost facility with climate control near where you live. However, if you find one a little farther away that costs less, you may save money over time by renting there and driving over when you need something.

Studying Abroad and Self-Storage

Do you feel it’s time to get away for awhile? Getting into your school’s study abroad program may be for you! Language, culture, and art students often spend a semester or so in another country as a powerful educational experience. Of course, you will have to figure out what to do about your apartment and your self-storage space. One option is to keep your stuff in your room in Birmingham, but as you probably have at least one roommate, that means others, possibly strangers, could access your belongings. A safer alternative is to put it in self-storage for the duration. If you need a larger unit, most facilities make it easy to move from one to another. You could upgrade say from a 5’x5’ to a 10’x10’ for your trip, then back to a 5’x5’ when you return and have moved your home items back to your apartment. Today, most facilities also allow you to pay in advance or manage your payments over the internet from anywhere in the world. You may also save money on rent by subletting your room. If you want to look into this, make sure that this is acceptable to your landlord, and that the person you rent to will move out in time for your return. This can provide you with the exra money you need for a larger storage unit.

You Will Need More Space

Through your college years, you will buy more and more, including your own kitchenware, furniture, college mementos, books, and other items. During your college years, you may run out of room in your home and need to get a storage unit, or if you have one, a larger one. Most facilities make it easy to move to a larger or smaller unit as needed. Eventually, of course, the goal is to graduate, get a great job, and have your own place where you can decorate it with all the things that now belong to you. The point is, self-storage will be a necessity. Therefore, even if you don’t need self-storage now, please keep in mind what you’ve learned here for the future.

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