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My family is moving to Europe for one year. We are moving out of our rental house and need a good safe place to store our entire household (including a nice baby grand piano). Can anyone recommend a good storage facility in the area and good local movers? Stacey
We have way too much stuff, especially books and kid stuff, and not nearly enough room. Time to find a storage unit, probably 8' x 8'? We'd like recommendations for both how to evaluate a storage service and any experiences you'd care to share with the ones in and near Berkeley. Please help us with advice and experiences with local storage spaces -- there's really nothing on the web site about this topic. Anything tricky (including horror stories), feel free to send directly to us. Thanks!
Because we live in Berkeley, we thought we'd start with the local places, but were shocked to hear we'd have to pay $140/month for a 5x10 space. We talked to Public Storage and they offered us a place for $79 a month in Richmond or $99 in Alameda. We talked to some movers who recommended Payless Storage on Canal Street in Richmond (just before the bridge) which has climate controlled 5x10 spaces for $99, half off for the first 3 months. We went to check out both and were appalled by Public Storage and delighted by Payless. There was no comparison in terms of cleanliness, safety, accessibility, management. Payless Storage offers disc locks (which can't be cut easily), only one entrance, climate controlled option ($10 a month more), and a free moving truck. We ended up renting a 6x10 space.
A couple of things I learned about storage spaces in general - beware of ones with easy street access - there are many break-ins. Don't assume spaces are moisture proof. You must be careful never to fall behind in your monthly payments and you should visit your locker regularly to make sure everything's OK.
Here's a list of local spaces: http://www.ehousing.com/cgi/r/rr/storage.htm
Natasha
We are looking for somewhere to store 40 boxes of books, probably for at least a year. The garage of the house we are renting seems damp and we don't want the books ruined. Does anyone know of a reliable storage service/business? Thank you in advance. Maryanne
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