6 REASONS ELEVATORS ARE IMPORTANT

Posted June 2022
Elevators
You’ve figured out that renting a storage unit is definitely the way to go. How do you decide which one? Believe it or not, elevators matter. It’s more than just that the facility has one. Here are six things you should know about the elevators before you make your decision:


  1. Is it free? Yes, you read that right. You would expect the use of an elevator to be part of your rental fee. But some storage facilities require you to rent the use of it. In addition, you have to schedule a specific date and time that you will be using it. Last minute kayaking trip? Hopefully you aren’t on the top floor and you are able to book a slot on your return date!
  2. Can you use it whenever you need it? Charges for elevator rental aside, can you use it when you need it? It isn’t unusual for elevators to be available to tenants only on their move-in and move-out days. Offsite self- storage has become integral to commercial companies and nonprofits, as well as individuals. This policy isn’t very functional for a business, or for you if you need to retrieve that bedroom set you just sold on Marketplace.
  3. How large is the elevator – depth, width, and height? Look for a facility with a cargo elevator with at least an 8’ depth. It’s important to know if it will fit your couch, your king size mattress, your extra-long dresser, your 10 foot canoe, etc.
  4. What is the weight capacity? For example, standard is 3200 pounds. If possible opt for 4500 lb. capacity or more, especially if you will be storing appliances, solid wood furniture, and other heavier items. Also, a higher weight capacity allows you to put more in the elevator at once, resulting in less trips.

  1. If you are a business, is the elevator large enough to fit dollies, carts, pallets, and pallet jacks? You definitely do not want to have to break apart a pallet to get it to your unit. But then, what good is it if a pallet fits, but the jack does not?
  2. How long do the doors remain open? Most elevators have a standard setting for closing. If the elevator is a residential elevator as opposed to a cargo elevator the minimum need only be 3 seconds to meet ADA standards. Ask you facility if their timing is extended, to at least 30 seconds or more. Otherwise you will either have your items semi-crushed if you aren’t quick enough, or you have to keep hitting the open button or sticking your foot in the door. That is just annoying and distracting.

At Sixty5 Self Storage we have taken great care to think through every convenience for our tenants. We want to make your experience with us as flawless as possible. Right down to the elevators. Stop by and let us give you a tour and answer any questions you have, and if you need measurements check out our size guide here. At Sixty5 Self Storage, we are self-storage for people who want more.