Glossary of Self-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.
Administrative fee- A one-time charge to cover the setup cost of move-in paperwork and processing.
Auto bill pay- The most popular payment method - this method automatically deducts your rent so that your account is always current.
Boat storage- Covers the storage or parking of any water vessel. It may include indoor boat storage, outdoor boat parking, wet or dry storage and more.
Car storage- This is 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. A good rule of thumb is that if you kept the goods that you are storing in your home, you will want Climate Controlled Storage. If they were items you kept in your garage, non-climate controlled storage would be sufficient.
Disc lock / Cylinder lock- This lock is the most popular choice for storage tenants and offers the most security against theft, breaking or rust.
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.
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- The coverage you need to protect your items against theft, damage or loss. Your homeowner's or renter's insurance may include off-site storage. If not, Tellus Self Storage facilities provide you the ability to acquire insurance coverage.
Loading bay- This usually describes a large drive-in area that allows you to drive your moving van inside to load or unload comfortably.
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 allow you to rent storage by the month whenever you need it.
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.
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.
Satellite store- A nearby storage location that is managed from another storage office, typically not more than a few blocks away.
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.
Truck rental- Moving trucks often go hand-in-hand with renting self storage and can make your move more efficient. Tellus Self Storage offers a free moving truck at select locations when you rent a 10x10 storage unit or larger.
Video surveillance- Security cameras that may be visible or hidden around the property to increase security and deter theft or vandalism.
