Pittsburgh, PA: Top Things to Know About Storage
Weather Extremes
Pittsburgh is in the humid continental climate zone, which means it has four distinct seasons. ?Winter is cold with tons of snow, spring and fall are usually mild, and summer is very hot and humid. ?This can mean a lot when you are thinking of putting your things into storage. ?To cope with the
Weather Extremes
Pittsburgh is in the humid continental climate zone, which means it has four distinct seasons. ?Winter is cold with tons of snow, spring and fall are usually mild, and summer is very hot and humid. ?This can mean a lot when you are thinking of putting your things into storage. ?To cope with the winter, we recommend that you find a storage facility that has covered and heated loading and unloading zones. ?It’s actually pretty common for storage facilities on the east coast to have these to make things easier for their tenants. ?You can’t always plan trips to your storage unit around the weather, so it would be helpful to have some protection against Pittsburgh’s bitter cold temperatures when you’re making a trip down to your unit.
Another very important thing you need is a climate controlled unit. ?Pittsburgh is located in the midst of three rivers, and it can get extremely humid. ?Humidity can damage your belongings in various ways, including causing rust on your metals, growing mold on your wooden objects, and ruining any wine you may have stored. ?Almost all 44 storage facilities in Pittsburgh offer climate controlled units, and it’s a quick fix to potentially big problems, so be sure to take advantage of it.
Downtown Never Sleeps
Downtown Pittsburgh hosts a plethora of events throughout the course of the year, so it keeps storage facilities very busy. ?The Three Rivers Arts Festival is a ten day event that begins on the first Friday in June. ?The festival is one of the biggest art festivals in the area and hosts a series of performing and visual arts attractions that are free to attend and open to the public. ?People from all over the states fly in to attend the vibrant event in which artists can display their artwork in booths, food vendors come to sell their finest food, and everyone is just there to have a great time. ?The event takes place in Point State Park near Three Rivers, which is in downtown.
The hosts of this festival keep storage facilities in the area very busy in the weeks leading up to the festival. ?They need to store things like the booths, tents, and electrical equipment needed for those booths so that they have them ready for the event. ?They also need to store things in climate controlled units because of the strong chance that the humidity will damage the things that they are storing. ?If you were planning to put your stuff in storage for the summer, be aware that storage units will be filling up quickly in downtown, so don’t leave it to the last minute!
Regatta
The Three Rivers Regatta is a three day event that takes place at the beginning of July. ?This event is filled with bands playing throughout the day, food vendors, fireworks, jet ski stunts, a vintage power boats exhibit, a nomadic indie crafts marketplace, and face painting. ?There are multiple events going on at the same time, so it can get a little crazy, but that’s what makes it so much fun. ?Storage facilities actually get a feel for the madness of the event because of the storage needs of the vendors and hosts of the Regatta. ?People participating in the powerboat exhibit need a place to store their boats in the days leading up to and during the event. ?Vendors of the crafts marketplace need a safe place to keep all of their items so they can put them on display during the event. ?It looks like storage facilities are busy in July as well!
Traffic and its Causes
As you can see, these events keep the downtown area very busy over the summer. ?So what about the rest of the year? ?Pittsburgh is full of huge sports fans, so people are attending games throughout the year. ?The Steelers, Pittsburgh’s football team, keep fans busy from September through February; hockey season goes from October to April, so fans of the Penguins are out and about during that time; the Pirates begin their baseball season as hockey season ends, filling up the months from April to October. ?Downtown is busy during all times of the year with events, and when you add regular rush hour traffic, which is usually from 7:30am-9:00am and 6:00pm-7:30pm, construction, and crazy drivers to the mix, there’s not much time for you to get to your storage unit without having to sit in horrible traffic. ?Our solution to this is to opt for storage at a facility that allows for 24-hour access to your unit. ?Planning around events, traffic, and possible road closures will make you miserable. ?Instead of putting yourself through that, take the easy way out and have an easily accessible storage unit.
Storage FAQ's
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.
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 20' X 32' unit when you really need a 4' X 4' unit. Please reference our size guide for more information.
Do you accept deliveries for customers?
Most storage facilities in Pittsburgh 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.
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.
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 I receive a monthly invoice?
Most storage companies in Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh to find out what security measures they take to protect your belongings.
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.
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 access will I have to my belongings?
You have 46 facilities to choose from in Pittsburgh. Access hours range from 8 to 24 hours a day. Please contact your local facility for more specific information about your unit.
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 Pittsburgh. See our resource guide for movers in Pittsburgh.
Do you have pest control?
Most facilities in Pittsburgh schedule professional pest control services every month, and twice a month during summer months.
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.
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.
What storage space sizes are available?
In Pittsburgh, there are 46 storage facilities, with a total of 98 storage units. Storage unit sizes generally range from 4' X 4' to 20' X 32'. Call one of your local facilities to have a representative find what size unit is best for you.
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 Pittsburgh 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.
Is there anything unique to keep in mind when choosing a storage facility in Pittsburgh?
Some factors to keep in mind when choosing a storage facility in Pittsburgh are: weather, peak rush hour times, items that you will be storing, and location within Pittsburgh.
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 Pittsburgh vary based on the size of the storage unit and the location of the unit in the facility. Prices range between 34.95 and 309.95, but representatives can better assist you once they have the details of your storage needs.
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 Pittsburgh 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.
Can I rent climate-controlled spaces in Pittsburgh?
Yes, climate-controlled spaces are available in Pittsburgh due to the varying weather. Temperatures range from 30.2 to 35.96, 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.
Pittsburgh, PA Military StorageView
Pittsburgh, PA Military Storage
Being in the military means signing up for a lifetime of moving from one place to another. ?Troops and their families are relocated on a regular basis, making it difficult to carry around a house full of stuff with every move. ?Our recommendation is that you utilize self storage. ?Each one of your moves will become a lot simpler if you don’t have to pay for movers and moving trucks to carry your furniture across the nation. ?Leave your items in one of Pittsburgh’s 44 storage facilities, pack what you need, and hit the road.
Military Bases in Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania has six military bases, two of which are close to Pittsburgh. Letterkenny Army Depot Army Base is in nearby Chambersburg. ?The base spans over 17,500 acres and was first created to be an ammunition depot. ?Today it’s the Army’s Capabilities Depot. ?The base is home to more than 2,800 army civilians, military personnel, and contractors. ?Its mission is to provide health care and safety to the troops, its employees, and its contractors and visitors.
As you can see, there is plenty of need for storage for the people on this base. ?Not only do the people living there need storage space, but the base itself needs storage for the multiple services it provides. ?The people running the base need a place to store things used to provide healthcare to inhabitants, meaning they need climate controlled units to keep things like medicine safe. ?And of course, housing provided to troops is not big enough to accommodate all of the things that troops and their families bring along. ?If you live on this base, consider storing your things at Air Hill Storage or Rt. 11 Pro Storage, both of which have good amenities and are less than two miles away from the base.
NSA Mechanicsburg Navy Base is also a nearby base that supports local units and tenants, and is always at the disposal of the U.S. Navy and missions assigned by the Department of Defense. ?This base is home to 5,000 inhabitants, which means thousands of people that could use a nearby storage facility. ?One great facility is Uncle Bob’s Self Storage, which is 2.7 miles away from the base. ?They offer 24-hour access to your unit, video surveillance, and a fenced and lighted property. ?You can also look into Mechanicsburg Self Storage, which is 2.6 miles away and offers similar amenities.
Security Concerns
If you’re putting your things somewhere you can’t see them every day, you’re bound to be concerned about their safety. ?When looking to rent a unit at a storage facility, be sure to take into account the security measures they take to prevent theft. ?You should look for things like security guards, electronically gated facility grounds, 24-hour video surveillance, units with individual alarms on them, and good lighting. ?Don’t take these things lightly because they will definitely help in deterring burglars. ?Plus, with Pittsburgh having annual property crimes of 10,235, you don’t want to take any risks.
The Military Needs Flexibility Too
When you have a hard day of training ahead of you, you don’t want to have to be worried about finding a way to get to your storage unit before the facility closes. ?Chances are you won’t get off until later in the night, or will have to grab something from your unit early in the morning before starting work. ?It’s better to have a unit in a facility that allows for 24-hour access. ?This way you won’t be planning your day around a trip that should only take you about 20 minutes, especially given how close you can find a storage facility to your base.
You can also sign up for a month-to-month lease. ?When you are moved to a new location or are deployed, you usually don’t know how long you will be there so you don’t want to be bound by a year-long lease. ?If you’re deployed, it’s even more uncertain how long you will be gone and whether or not you will be able to make your payments on time. ?For times like these, use your online bill pay to ensure that you don’t miss a payment. ?If you’re too busy defending the country to pay your storage bill, managers will understand and will not auction off the contents of your unit. ?In fact, the government prohibits them to do so, so they’ve got your back.
Pittsburgh, PA RV and Boat StorageView
Pittsburgh, PA RV and Boat Storage
Taking an RV vacation is probably one of the most relaxing getaways anyone could hope for. ?However, sometimes packing for an RV adventure can be tough. ?It can be very exhausting trying to gather everything you need, packing, and getting on the road in time to actually enjoy the trip. ?You also have to take into account driving your RV to the park, which can be horrendous if you’re driving through downtown Pittsburgh’s streets. ?To make your trip a more enjoyable experience, we suggest that you store your RV in a storage facility near your favorite RV park. ?If you’re concerned about parting with your love, we’ll calm your fears and show you how safe and convenient it is.
Keeping Your Vehicles Out of Danger
RVs and boats are hard to hide when they’re sitting out in the open in front of your house. ?Everyone in the neighborhood and anyone who passes by can see that you have something extremely valuable sitting outside, vulnerable to thieves. ?There’s no reason to be alarmed, but you should definitely be more cautious. ?If you put your RV or boat in storage, you will not only prevent it from theft, but you will also protect it from outdoor damage. ?Kids who are playing in the neighborhood might accidently break a window or ram a bike into it. ?There’s also a chance of it being hit or scratched by a car. ?The humid summers and snowy winters can also cause more wear and tear than is necessary. ?Putting your RV indoors would prevent it from any damage of this sort, making your investment a safe one.
Theft is also a major concern because of Pittsburgh having an annual property crime of 10,235 crimes. ?Look for a storage facility that offers 24-hour video surveillance, security guards, on-site managers, an electronic gate system around the grounds, units with individual alarms on them, and good lighting. ?Most facilities offer some combination of these things, so you’re likely to find something that will meet your standard of security.
RV Parks in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh has some great RV parks with breathtaking views of the countryside. Mountain Top Campground is a park that is only a 30 minute drive from downtown, so it’s far enough from the city for you to feel like you got a chance to get away, but close enough for you to enjoy nearby sporting events, dining, shopping, shows, museums, and more. ?If this is a park that you’re interested in, consider storing at Deer Creek Self Storage, which is 8.4 miles away. ?This facility has video surveillance and allows you to access your unit seven days a week. ?You can also store your vehicles at 28 Storage, which is 5.1 miles away from the park. ?They offer a referral program in which you get one month of rent-free storage if you refer a friend that ends up storing with them. ?That’s a pretty good deal if you ask us!
Fox Den Acres Campground is also a great RV park in the area. ?This campground has a sports field for you to have some friendly competition with your RV neighbors, a game room, a lake for water activities, and fire rings for you to have a nice s’mores night with a round of kumbaya. ?If you’re considering making some trips to this park over the summer, store your vehicles and other recreational equipment at 5 Star Storage, which is 10.2 miles away from the park. ?This facility is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Storage Central LLC is another great facility, and is only two miles away. ?No matter which RV park you go to, you’re bound to find a few storage facilities in the area, so do some research and take your pick.
Getting to Your RV
One of the first things that comes to mind when considering storage is the lease agreement. ?We are all reluctant to sign leases, especially ones that are long term. ??However, the best part about storage facilities is that they offer month-to-month leases, which is great because you have no long term commitment.
Flexible leases are important, but you should also look for flexible access hours. ?A lot of facilities allow you to access your unit 24 hours a day, which is exactly what you should look for because you don’t want to have to plan around the facility’s hours while you’re on vacation. ?It would be a shame to have to miss a beautiful sunset on the river because you have to get your RV back to storage before 5pm.
Pittsburgh, PA University StorageView
Pittsburgh, PA University Storage
Although students are generally settled once they move into their dorm rooms, they actually end up moving around quite a bit during their college years. ?Most students go home for the summer if they aren’t working near campus, or go to study abroad and are gone for months at a time, or they are just moving back and forth between semesters. ?Whatever you may be doing, you’re not always in one place. ?The best way to avoid having to move your stuff very often is to put it into self storage. ?Pittsburgh has 44 storage facilities, so you’ll definitely be able to find one that suits your needs.
Students Need Flexibility
As a student, your schedule is usually pretty set up for you. ?The four years that you spend at a university require you to stay put and take classes. ?The only thing you actually do have control over is your class schedule, but even then you may or may not be able to get the times you’re looking for. ?Generally students take classes during the day and study late into the night, making it difficult to make a trip to their storage unit at a decent time. ?As a student, we recommend that you try to find a facility that allows for 24-hour access to your storage unit. ?This way you can get to your things whenever you need them and don’t have to plan your whole day around the facility’s hours.
You should also look for a place that offers month-to-month leases, which is generally the case for most storage facilities. ?You may only need to store your things while you’re away for the summer or sign up for a study abroad program, so don’t sign up for a long lease thinking that you can’t customize it to your needs.
Security in Pittsburgh
Something you might not think of when considering putting your things in self storage is security. ?Pittsburgh has an annual property crime of 10,235 crimes and is safer than only 11% of the cities in the U.S. ?Because of these high statistics, and for safety in general, you should look for facilities that take strong measures to prevent theft. ?Some things that you should look for are: ?if the facility has an on-site manager, 24-hour surveillance cameras, gated grounds, good lighting, security guards, and units with individual alarms on them. ?Any combination of these things will help to keep your stuff safe. ?Also, before choosing a facility, talk to managers about any other steps they take to prevent crime.
Students of the University of Pittsburgh
There are 14 colleges and universities in Pittsburgh, one of the largest of which is the University of Pittsburgh. ?This university has an undergraduate enrollment of 18,757 and a graduate enrollment of 9,860. ?43% of these students live on campus, making the 145 acres that it covers look pretty small. ?The school offers more than 100 majors and minors and has 528 registered student clubs and organizations. ?It is also situated very close to two of the three rivers that Pittsburgh is bordered by, making it common for students to engage in activities such as kayaking, sailing, fishing, and other water sports.
Given how much there is to do for students attending this school, it’s pretty obvious that they will need a place to store the things they use for extracurricular activities. ?There are actually two great storage facilities in the area. Guardian Storage is 1.1 miles away from campus and has a great referral program. ?If you refer someone, you either get $50 rent credit for your next month’s rent or a $50 American Express gift card. ?This is a great way for you to save some money on your rent! ?There is also STORExpress Self Storage, which is also very close by. ?This facility offers student lockers, which are great if you need some storage space but don’t have enough stuff to fill up an entire room, and a band rehearsal room. ?If you’re starting up your own band or are in the school’s marching band, you should definitely look into using the space they provide. ?It’s not very common to be able to find places that allow for band practice, especially a storage facility!
Weather can be Tricky
Pittsburgh gets very humid during the summer, and snowy during the winter. ?In the summer, be sure to store your things in a climate controlled unit so that the humidity doesn’t damage your great-grandmother’s antique painting or your awesome mountain bike. ?For the winter, you might want to try to find a facility that has covered and heated loading and unloading zones. ?With temperatures dropping so low, you won’t want to go to your facility unless there’s shelter from the snow and some heat that will make the process easier.
Helpful Storage Resources
Charity
Charity Storage
Charity Storage utilizes existing storage facility operations, namely storage units and auctions, to raise money to benefit the community. Charity Storage is a promotional outreach program that depends on the support of the self storage industry, the Self Storage Association, and millions of North American self storage tenants and neighboring communities.
Brother’s Brother Foundation
This foundation accepts medical, book, and humanitarian donations.
Off the Floor Pittsburgh
Off the Floor Pittsburgh takes donations of furniture.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
This organization takes donations of used furniture.
Moving Company
Artebee Moving
Artebee Moving provides moving and packing services.
James Moving
James Moving provides services for local and long distance moves, and packing.
Grogan Brothers Moving Storage
Grogan Brothers provide services for residential, commercial, and office moving, as well as storage options.
Recycling
Summit Recycling of Penn Hills
Summit Recycling buys and recycles metal.
Construction Junction
Construction Junction recycles building materials.
Northside Scrap Metals Inc.
This center buys and recycles scrap metal (aluminum, steel, copper, silver, etc.).
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