midtown omaha storage – Dino's Storage

HELP DINO’S STORAGE RESTOCK THE FOOD BANK

As you may know from previous blogs, it’s important to our owner of Dino’s Storage to serve and contribute to and within the community. So one of the things he encourages the individual facility managers to do is run specials at our storage facilities that help non-profit and charity organizations.

So this month at the Center St (Midtown) facility I am running the following special:

HELP US RESTOCK THE FOOD BANK!!

Donation of 5 items gets you $5.00 off the monthly rate for a 10×5 unit.

Donation of 10 items gets you $10.00 off the monthly rate for a 10×10 unit.

Don’t have time to go to the store? Monetary donations of $5.00 and $10.00 can also be made directly to the Food Bank at http://www.foodbankheartland.org

Offer valid only once, applies to new move-ins only, and items or receipt must be presented at time of lease signing.

MOST NEEDED ITEMS ARE:
peanut butter, crackers, canned fruit, canned vegetables, macaroni & cheese, pancake mix, cereal, pasta sauce, pasta, canned soup, canned meat, pork & beans,
hamburger helper & other boxed meals

ALL DONATION GO DIRECTLY TO THE FOOD BANK FOR THE HEARTLAND.

The Midtown location is an indoor, multilevel, climate & humidity controlled facility with 5×5 – 10×20 size units available. Facility amenities include 24/7 access, digital camera surveillance, and individual coded access to the building.

Kerry Lambert – Property Manager

5328 Center St – Omaha, NE 68106

(402) 504-4600

DISC LOCK OR PAD LOCK?

“What is the difference between a pad lock and a disc lock…”. While I don’t require a specific type of lock be used at my facility, I generally recommend the disc lock (and so do most other self storage facilities). Even at the best storage facilities with the best security, there are no guarantees and theft is still a concern; same as it is at your home or with your automobile. A disc lock is stainless steel vs. most pad locks are laminated steel; and because the disc lock has a shorter shank it can not be cut with a bolt cutter like most pad locks can; thus it is more secure.

“But I don’t have anything of value in my storage unit…”. I still recommend the disc lock. Thieves only know what’s in a unit after they break into it and riffle through all your stuff. Usually leaving it a damaged, mangled, mess. To cut off a disc lock you need a metal grinder and it takes a while; unlike being able to snip off a pad lock which takes only seconds. As a storage facility manager, I’m experienced at cutting locks and it can still take me a good 15 minutes to cut through a disc lock; most thieves don’t have that kind of time to stand in front of a storage unit without raising suspicion. Most thieves breaking into a storage facility are hitting multiple units; so they want to break in to units they can access quickly and easily. If you have a disc lock it can act as a deterrent in that type of situation and they usually pass your unit by; which means no mangled mess for you to reorganize.

“If someone really wants to break in to a unit, they are going to break in regardless of what type of lock is on it….”. Yes that is true. But in the event you run into a really determined thief that does take the time to grind through a disc lock; having a disc lock vs. pad lock can still be beneficial in the claim process. Some insurance carriers (including Bader, the company we work with) will waive the deductible on an insurance claim if the tenant was using a disc lock on the unit. If you secure the unit with a pad lock, you pay the deductible on the claim.

The cost of a pad lock at my facility is $12 dollars and the cost of a disc lock is only $15. So even though the disc lock is a little more expensive when you are already talking about the loss of having your unit broken into; $5 dollars can at least save you the further loss of having to pay a deductible to replace those items.

IS MY STUFF INSURED?

This is a question I get occasionally while helping people with their storage needs. Or some people don’t even think to ask about insurance coverage; they’ve never used storage before and it doesn’t occur to them to ask.

And most are surprised when I say the answer is No, ANY storage facility will tell you they do not insure the items you put in the building. In no way, shape, or form can we be responsible for the items in the facility. In the event of a tornado, fire, flood, storm damage, theft, etc, etc.; the proper insurance coverage is the responsiblity of the tenant. It’s similar to renting a home, apartment, or business space. Your landlord doesn’t insure your belonging in your apartment and a storage facility can’t insure your belongings in your storage space.

I always tell my new tenants if you have homeowner’s insurance don’t just assume your things are covered while in storage; every policy is different and some only cover contents that are in the actual home. So when you move those contents out the home and into a storage unit; you may have 10% of your policy coverage for those items; or worse yet, no coverage at all!! I advise calling your agent and asking about something called “off premise policies”. Tell them “these items are going into a storage facility, do I have my FULL policy coverage?”. Depending on your individual policy, you may need to add some sort of renter’s rider or additional coverage.

A general renter’s policy will most times be sufficient to cover your belongs in storage, but again, every policy is different. So if you haven’t, it is still a good idea to call your agent and make sure you have proper coverage.

While Dino’s Storage itself doesn’t insure your belongings; we do work with a company that does. Bader Company is a storage insurance company that offers month to month policies, same as your storage lease. If you don’t have existing coverage for your storage unit, don’t want to shop a policy on your own, or simply want additional coverage; ask your manager; it’s simple and the premium can be added to your monthly storage rent. If it’s worth storing, it’s worth insuring!!

Contact Kerri at Center St for current specials this month, 402-504-4600 or Centerst@dinosstorage.com

STORAGE IS MOVING UP IN THE WORLD

I’ve noticed when some people inquire about public storage and I say “I’m a……multi level facility…” they say “Multi level? Do you have anything available on the 1st floor?”. But there are several great advantages to being high in the sky and Dino’s Storage will change how you may feel about a multi level building.

When Dino’s laid out the plans for our buildings we thought about our customers and did it better than some in the past, we installed elevators!! I had someone ask me once “Do you have elevators?”. Apparently they had used a multi level facility in Arizona and had to lug their belongings up stairs. I said “Yes we have elevators, not only do we have elevators; we have large freight elevators that will easily accommodate any big furniture pieces. You can even fit items loaded and wrapped on pallets. We also have flat carts available to our tenants for loading and unloading (yes, furniture fits on them too). Save your back and stop lugging heavy boxes. Just put them on a cart, step into the elevator, and roll your way down the aisles.

If you’ve ever used regular ground level storage you’ve probably had a manager or owner tell you “..to ensure you don’t come back to damaged belongings, it’s a good idea to put your stuff on pallets or up on boards and not directly on the concrete floor”. This is for several reason; but one is concrete is a porous material. When the ground is cold and the temperature in the unit is hotter, concrete can sweat. Which means condensation will collect on the floor (kind of like the tank on your toilet when you take a hot shower, or the windows in your car). So if your nice wooden furniture or cardboard boxes are directly on the concrete floor eventually it will wick up this condensation and can warp. This will not happen when you are off the ground.

Another concern with regular ground level storage is rodents. No matter what precautions you and/or the facility take; rodents can, and sometimes do find their way in. Especially in the winter. It’s cold outside and they scurry around the ground seeking shelter; as sometimesthat shelter is in your unit. Hey if you’re not on the ground you don’t have to worry!!

So when your thinking about what you want in a storage facility, set your sights a little higher. Once you store on the penthouse levels, you will want to stay there. And the best part is Dino’s doesn’t charge any extra for it, it’s just as affordale as the ground floor!!

Contact Kerry the Property Manager at Dino’s Storage in midtown Omaha for multi level climate control storage specials #402-504-4600, Centerst@dinosstorage.com

Quick Dino’s Storage Storing Tips

Storage tips:

Many people ask “how should I store my mattress as far as side or flat?” Storing your mattress in a breathable plastic bag will protect it from the elements. Here at Dino’s Storage we sell a wide range of breathable mattress bags and totes. Avoid storing your mattress in a thick plastic cover, as this will encourage condensation. Breathable plastic is enough to protect it from mold, dust and allergens while keeping it moisture-free. Mattresses are not meant to sit in storage for years, even with proper protection. In addition throw in a few laundry softener sheets for a nice scent. The retail stores have them on the sides so I don’t see a problem storing the same way as long as the mattress is a well constructed one. You can always come to you storage area and rotate the mattress also.

Welcome to the Dino’s Storage Blog

Background:

In 1999 Dave Paladino founded Dino’s Storage. Dave has built Dino’s Storage into a multi-state and country company operating in Winnipeg Canada, Des Moines Iowa and headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska. Our mission is to engage with the life events of our customers while providing physical present that speaks to the needs of the consumer. Dino’s Storage number one core value is to glorify God in all that we do. Most locations have a reader board that has inspirational quotes, stating the important messages from God.

Not just another storage facility, we are the top of the industry:

Dino’s Storage stands above all the rest in so many ways. With being spread across both Omaha and Des Moines, we are conveniently located. Activity involved with community programs such as Omaha Chambers of Commerce and several charities. Forgot to mention, we offer a wide range of competitively priced moving supplies and rental moving trucks/ trailers. Another above the rest is blogging. Stay tuned to hear from all of the dedicated employees that make up the Dino’s Storage team. Visit us at Dinosstorage.com or on facebook Dino’s Storage

Locations and Contacts:

Dave Paladino, President, Dave@dinosstorage.com

Jena Erickson, Operations Manager, Jena@dinosstorage.com or 402-916-4010

Nebraska:

2 Downtown Omaha Facilities, Harney & Dodge Street 402-345-3466

Midtown Facility, 402-504-4600

Bellevue Facility, 402-293-4667

Papillion Facility, 402-331-1555

LaVista/ Millard Facility, 402-896-6500

Elkhorn/West Omaha Facility, 402-289-0923

West Maple/ Northwest Omaha Facility, Opening late summer of 2013

Matt Kaluza, Traveling Leasing Manager, customerservices@dinosstorage.com or 402-968-5526

Iowa:

Bondurant Facility, 515-967-9346

2^nd Ave/North Des Moines Facility, 515-280-5060

Se 14^th/South Des Moines Facility, 515-953-3466

Canada:

Winnipeg Facility 204-772-0526