Here’s a copy of our latest press release. We’ve been fortunate to be able to partner with a local radio statio and a children’s hopsital to help put smiles on the faces of quite a few kids:

Big Box Storage of San Diego to Store Over 100,000 Toys for Rady Children’s Hospital
Big Box Storage, Inc., a San Diego portable storage company, is pleased to announce that it has donated all of the storage space needed to store over 100,000 children toys as to be collected via the upcoming “AJ’s Kids Crane” event in San Diego.

For the tenth year in a row, AJ Machado, morning show host for San Diego radio station 94.1, will be lifted up on a scissor lift crane where he will “reside” until more than 105,000 new and unwrapped toys are collected for patients of Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego. The crane is lifted 40-feet above ground and holds an 8′ x 10′ platform, which then serves as AJ’s home until the annual toy collecting goal is achieved. The goal was reached in 8 days during the 2010 event.

“Despite our difficult economy, San Diegans have always shown their generosity and we’re confident that this year will be no exception,” said Machado, host of Star 94.1’s new “AJ in the Morning” show. “Something as simple as a toy can make the fear and pain of a child’s illness or injury easier to bare.”

Collected toys will be placed and stored within “Big Box” storage units during the event. At the conclusion, the storage units will then be transported back to the Big Box Storage facility in San Diego for secure, indoor storing. Throughout the coming year, Big Boxes containing the toys will be delivered to Rady Children’s Hospital as needed.

“While Big Box Storage in San Diego is always eager to assist with community events, AJ’s Kids Crane is even more special for us as it will obviously bring smiles to the faces of thousands of kids facing serious challenges at Rady Children’s Hospital,” said Rita Hurley, representative for Big Box Storage, Inc.

“AJ’s Kids Crane” will take place in the parking lot of IKEA located at 2149 Fenton Parkway, San Diego, CA 92108. It will begin on the morning of Friday, November 4th, 2011 and will continue until AJ reaches his goal. For more information on the event, please visit star941fm.com/pages/ajcrane.

Started in 2002, San Diego storage company Big Box Storage offers residents of cities throughout San Diego County with a storage service like no other. Their unique portable storage concept allows customers to fulfill their storage needs without ever having to leave their home or business. For further information regarding Big Box Storage, please contact the company directly at 1-800-391-4890 or online at https://www.bigbox.com.

Cheap storage? According to Webster’s, the definition of “cheap” is “costing very little; relatively low in price; inexpensive”. Somewhere along the line, the word’s meaning now seems to have taken on a greater focus on value (or lack thereof) than on price. Storage renters looking for cheap storage in San Diego, CA certainly don’t need to sacrifice value when selecting between low-cost San Diego storage facilities.

Since it opened its doors almost ten years ago, Big Box Storage has always offered cheap storage in San Diego. As of the date of this post, the company offers rates as low as $59 per month. What’s provided in exchange for the $59? You’ll receive an 8′ x 5′ storage unit (7′ tall) that will be delivered to your San Diego county address. It’ll then be picked up and securely stored within the company’s San Diego storage facility closest to you. Additionally, assuming you’re renting storage for at least three months, the company also provides free delivery and pickup. Should you need to access your cheap storage unit, you can do so any day of the week at the company’s local San Diego storage center.

So if you need cheap storage in San Diego, consider Big Box Storage. Overall, you will not receive a better value or a better rate. The company backs up the promise with a low price guarantee. Find a cheaper storage rate and they’ll beat it by 10% or more. Call Big Box Storage today to find a cheap storage deal in San Diego Ð 800-391-4890.

In considering a topic for thisstorage blog, I questioned whether the topic of “storage auctions” might be too negative. An overview of the process that ultimately leads with the sale of a storage renter’s stored goods via auction? I thought maybe it would be better to distance ourselves from the issue. However, the reality is that storage auctions are a standard part of the self-storage business. Additionally, they’re also becoming increasingly well known thanks to the various TV shows that have popped up over the last year trying to portray an entertaining side to them. While the shows themselves can indeed be quite entertaining, the reality is that most storage companies (Big Box Storage of San Diego certainly included) do everything they can to avoid selling a customer’s goods.

The standard storage delinquency process of most storage companies around the country (varies according to state) is one in which the renter is sent multiple notices, informing them of their delinquency and the potential consequences. In San Diego (and throughout California), most self-storage companies start the process with a late letter that is sent out 5 to 15days after the rent due date. Basically, this is just a courtesy letter reminding the customer of the payment obligation. It also is typically accompanied by a nominal late fee. In the event payment isn’t received within the couple of weeks that follow, the company will then mail out a preliminary lien letter (commonly referred to as a pre-lien letter in the industry). This letter takes a somewhat stronger approach and warns the renter that if payment isn’t received by a particular date, a lien will be placed on the stored goods in accordance with the particular state laws and rental agreement. Should payment still not be forthcoming, a lien letter is sent to the renter in the weeks that follows. The primary reason for the lien letter is to inform the renter that the stored goods will be sold at auction if payment isn’t received by a particular date. Of course, most storage companies will also ensure that the letters are interspersed with telephone call attempts to the storage renter.

Should a San Diego self storage company opt to proceed with an auction sale as expeditiously as legally possible, the total duration of the delinquency process (from the initial delinquency date to the sale) is between 2 to 3 months. However, most storage companies are a bit more flexible with the time line.

Just as with every storage company across the country, Big Box Storage has a percentage of its customer base (albeit a small one) that is late in paying its monthly rent. However, the company truly views an auction sale as a last resort. Customers willing to communicate with the company and make even good faith payments can often avoid such a fate. The bottom line is that if you’re a customer of Big Box Storage in San Diego currently behind on your monthly rental rate, call us at 1-800-391-4890. You’ll find us to be quite flexible and accommodating when it comes to trying to avoid auction sales.

Although we’re constantly trying to ensure that our website provides San Diego storage renters with as much relevant information regarding our portable storage service as possible, there will always be some customers that still have questions unique to their situation. Questions that we’re happy to assist with. In an attempt to help provide a more insightful overview of exactly what customers should expect when renting a storage unit from Big Box Storage of San Diego, we’re pleased to offer the following summary.

Ordering a Big Box

Once the storage renter has decided on Big Box Storage as their storage company (a very good choice), they can either schedule a “Big Box” delivery over the phone by calling 1-800-391-4890 or schedule here.

Although scheduling over the phone will enable the customer to deal directly with a friendly, helpful representative, many customers prefer the convenience offered by scheduling via our website. Customers who schedule online also receive an additional $25 discount for doing so (UPDATE: as noted at the top of the page, blog readers actually receive $50 off – please mention promo code BL50 when scheduling).

The Big Box delivery

The delivery of the Big Box will take place on the day and time you request. Big Box Storage delivers seven days per week and delivery time windows are set for either 8am to 11am, 11am to 2pm, or 2pm to 5pm (whichever you prefer). Please note that you do need to be present at the time of the Big Box delivery, however the driver will call you 30 minutes prior to let you know that he is on the way.

Upon arrival at your San Diego area address, the driver will provide you with the customer documentation (rental agreement, invoice, etc.). Should you have any additional questions, he’ll be happy to address them. Beyond such, the driver will then unload the empty Big Box from the truck and place it wherever you wish. Ideally the Big Box can be placed as close as possible to the entryway to your address so as to minimize the time involved with loading items into it from your home. Although we need to abide by any local ordinances when placing a Big Box, generally speaking, the Big Box can easily fit wherever a car might otherwise be parked (curbside, in a driveway, etc.)

The Big Box Pickup

Unlike the delivery, you are not required to be present at the time of the Big Box pickup. The driver will merely come out to your San Diego address on the day you requested between the hours of 9am and 5pm. Upon arrival, he’ll then load the Big Box(es) onto the truck and transport it/them back to our main San Diego storage facility for secure indoor storing.

While in Storage

As mentioned, cnce the Big Box(es) has been picked up from your San Diego address, it is transported back to one of the Big Box Storage facilities where it is securely stored inside. Our main San Diego facility, which is over 50,000 square feet, is conveniently located at 7077 Consolidated Way, San Diego, CA 92121. Secure measures at the facility include perimeter alarms, motion sensors, exterior fencing, video surveillance, and on-site staffing.

Once the Big Box is in storage, you’ll find the overall rental experience to be somewhat similar to that of renting a storage unit from a conventional San Diego self-storage company in the sense that you can access your storage unit as much (or as little) as you wish. Our offices are open seven days per week (with the exception of major holidays) from 7:30am to 6:30pm. Big Box access hours are daily from 10am to 5pm. Please note that a two hour advance notice is required prior to any storage unit access. This time window provides our staff with time to move your Big Box from its secure storage space into the customer access area. Once in the access area, you’ll be able to literally drive right up to the Big Box unit if you wish (no long hallways, no elevators to worry about, etc.).

Monthly storage rental fees are due on the first of each month. Payments can be made by any of the following methods:

Online Ð please visit https://payment.bigbox.com/entrance/entrance.php
Phone Ð please call 800-391-4890
In-person Ð please visit 7077 Consolidated Way, San Diego, CA 92121
Mail Ð please mail to: Big Box Storage, P.O. Box 81792, San Diego, CA 92138

In addition to the above, should the customer prefer, they can also enroll in the company’s AutoPay program in which the monthly rent rate is automatically charged to the customer’s credit/debit card on the 1^st of each month. Should this be of interest to you, the form may be printed at https://www.bigbox.com/sites/default/files/attachments/autopay.pdf.

Should any questions or comments ever arise during your stay with Big Box Storage, you can always reach a customer support team member by emailing customersupport@bigbox.com or calling 800-391-4890.

The Big Boxredelivery

Whenever you decide that you no longer need to rent the storage space, you can just contact Big Box Storage at 800-391-4890 and schedule to have your Big Box(es) redelivered to your San Diego area home. Keeping in line with the overall convenience provided by portable storage, you won’t have to worry about renting, loading, and then unloading a truck. Just give us a call, tell us what day and time is good for you for the re-delivery, and we’ll show up at your address with your Big Box(es).

Should your situation call for it, your Big Box(es) can also be shipped long distance to any metro area across the United States. While the fee for the re-delivery of the Big Box(es) in San Diego County is $99 (the initial delivery is free with a min. 3 month storage term), note that the fee for long distance shipping obviously varies depending upon the destination city.

Finally, if you need assistance loading or unloading your Big Box(es), we also work closely with San Diego Moving Ð http://www.sandiegomoving.com. They are a licensed, insured moving company that services all of San Diego County (and beyond) and can provide whatever assistance you might need (from moving a particular piece of furniture to moving an entire house).

Additional questions regarding the Big Box Storage experience? Helpful representatives are readily available by calling 800-391-4890.

Mobile storage Ð it’s easy stuff!

As employees of a portable storage company, we’re admittedly a bit biased on the subject, but we’re also confident in saying that portable storage should be the clear choice over conventional storage when deciding on a San Diego storage solution.

First, some clarity. For those of you that may be unaware, “portable storage” (aka “mobile storage”) is a service in which the storage unit (or storage container) is delivered to your address. You then load it at your pace and it is picked up for transport back to the storage provider’s facility once you are ready. “Conventional storage” (or “traditional storage”) describes the self-storage buildings you might see along the roadside that provide for a storage solution in which the storage renter brings their items into the building and then loads them into one of the storage units for rent on the premises.

That aside, back to our opening statement Ð portable storage over conventional storage. Why? Let’s consider the primary reasons:

Convenience

With conventional storage in San Diego, renters typically need to rent a truck, load the truck, drive to the storage facility, unload the truck into the storage unit (which may include long hallways and possibly stairs), then return the truck rental. Whenever you decide you no longer need the storage unit rental, the above process needs to be completed again (although in reverse). For renters that come across conventional San Diego storage companies that offer a free truck for use, remember that you still need to load and unload that truck before ever even reaching the storage unit. And forget using that truck when it comes time to move out of the storage unit Ð the storage facilities that do offer it do so only for move-ins not move-outs. With portable storage in San Diego, the storage unit is delivered right to your address (home or business). You can then take your time packing the unit (or “Big Box”). In the case of Big Box Storage customers, some complete the packing in a few hours, others need a few weeks (or longer). Whatever the case, whenever you’re done packing the portable storage unit, it is then picked up for secure, indoor storing at the company’s storage facility. Just as with conventional storage, Big Box Storage customers are able to access their stored goods any day of the week. Once you reach the point when you no longer need the space, the portable storage unit can be re-delivered right back to your address. No truck to rent or even consider, just pickup the phone and inform the representative that you wish to have your unit delivered back to you.

Price

Now price is obviously going to be unique to the particular storage company, however, at Big Box Storage of San Diego County, we back all of our rates with a low price guarantee. Very simple Ð find a better rate and we’ll beat it by 10%. Whether you’re looking for a storage unit in Chula Vista or Oceanside, El Cajon or Pacific Beach, or anywhere in between Ð you will not find a better rate or a better value. The rates themselves (for San Diego County) start at only $59 with free delivery and pickup. One last point on the pricing topic, go ahead and try to find a conventional storage company that doesn’t have an administrative (or processing) fee due at the time of your move-in. Go ahead, we dare you. They all have it and it’s typically either $15 or $20! Although we’re not entirely sure what the fee covers, the most common answer from conventional storage operators is that it covers the cost associated with the documentation at the start of the relationship. $20 to fill out the rental agreement? Whatever the case, Big Box Storage of San Diego County doesn’t have any such fee. No security deposits either.

Security

As with the issue of price, security is also going to be unique to the particular storage facility. Generally speaking most companies (Big Box Storage of San Diego included) offer numerous security measures. Examples include perimeter alarms, on-site staffing, motion sensors, exterior fencing and/or gates, and video surveillance. However, a significant number of storage unit break-ins are committed by other storage renters at the same facility. For example, a storage renter is walking down a hallway at his/her particular storage building. The only thing separating your stored goods from him/her is the padlock you have on your unit. This is where portable storage offers an added layer of security Ð an important one. In storage facilities such as those operated by Big Box Storage of San Diego, all storage units are stored within a controlled environment area inside the building that is accessible to only company employees. Whenever a customer wishes to access their storage unit(s), it is placed within an access area. Assuming the weather allows for it on the particular day of access (which is the case 90%+ of the time here in beautiful San Diego), the company also has an outdoor access area which enables storage renters to actually drive right up to their storage units. Once the access has been completed, the customer’s storage unit(s) is moved back into the facility for continued, safe, secure storage.

Obviously the choice is yours, however, in the event the above didn’t sway you into the portable storage camp, call Big Box Storage with any questions you might still have. Save time and money: portable storage Ð it’s easy stuff!