Local storage

Is Your Storage Unit Covered? Understanding Homeowners Insurance for Stored Belongings

Posted on by John McCoy

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover the Contents of a Storage Unit?

You’ve got a little extra stuff in your house or garage and you’d really like to clear up some space for other things. Great! That’s what My Storage Box is here for: we offer some of the most secure personal property storage on the market. Our storage facility was designed from the ground up to be safe, secure, and easy to access. 

But sometimes, stuff happens. And that is exactly why storage unit property insurance exists. Self storage facilities are not liable for insuring your goods, so you need to conduct due diligence and select the best insurance for your needs. You’d hate to be wrong that one time and not have coverage when you need it. 

Insurance Coverage for Storage Unit Contents

Alright, so there is some confusion about who is responsible for the belongings in self-storage, so let’s break it down. 

In storing storage units the insurance cover of possessions can typically be provided through an “on-site personal property protection plan”. Typical covered risk includes fire, blazes, thefts or vandalism, said the Insurance Information Institute (III). Check out your policy and see the risk categories that are covered. 

Insured property coverage limits how much money a policyholder may pay to repair the damage caused by their property. The maximum personal property insurance limits are up to 50%, says NAIC.

Do storage locations require insurance?

Most storage facilities require that your items be insured. The choice between companies is different, but it generally boils back to these choices: storage unit insurance or your current insurance. 

You’ll have to conduct due diligence to figure out which one is the best option for you. If you are a homeowner, you need to ask your agent specifically what is covered in terms of off-site protection. Many policies offer up to ten percent coverage of the total policy for off-site materials. 

Also, you’ll have to check whether or not your storage location requires insurance. There is legal liability on both sides of this relationship because physical damage does occasionally happen to personal property in self-storage facilities. 

Things to Consider Before Getting Insurance for a Storage Facility

The first thing you need to check on is the amount of coverage you already have. That ten percent of the total value that might be included in your current coverage might not be nearly enough for what you have stored. It’s probably just fine for mattresses and dressers with boxes of clothes thrown in, but what if you have a collection of valuable and rare items? 

Say you store collectible firearms, where a single firearm can easily be in the high hundreds but more likely thousands to even tens of thousands per gun. Motorcycles are another item, and you need to check into them and see if your motorcycle coverage covers a motorcycle in storage somewhere besides your house. 

Guitars and other musical instruments are another good example of items that can quickly outpace the coverage in most insurance policies. This isn’t saying that they aren’t; if you have added them specifically, you might be good. But again, check with your agent. 

My Storage Box Ponca City Ok

Insurance Specific to Items in Storage

Since people keep all kinds of things in storage, you need to check into what coverages you already have in place for them. 

For instance, if you are keeping household goods in there, but also have a motorcycle to keep in storage, see if your self storage insurance covers both or if the motorcycle coverage extends to bikes in storage, and your homeowner or renter insurance covers the rest. 

In other words, check to see if your combined insurance coverages will cover all of the items in storage. Again, talk to your insurance provider to get the whole rundown. 

Insurance coverage for storage unit contents

We want to make this very clear: the storage facility and storage facilities do not hold the legal liability for the contents of a tenant’s storage unit. Storage facilities carry their own insurance as a liability from tenants. 

It is always up to you to read the self storage facility rules and coverages so you are fully aware of who is responsible for what. This is one instance where claiming ignorance is not a good strategy; legal liability will be placed somewhere and it will be on you for the personal property in your self storage.  

Final Thoughts

Your personal property is important to you, so choosing self storage facilities is an important decision. Stored goods are generally very safe in self storage but there is always liability in storing anything. There is the chance of water damage, theft, or other catastrophic event that can occur. It isn’t likely, but it does happen. 

It is the responsibility of the tenant to secure insurance for their belongings, while it is the responsibility of the business to insure the building and premises. So make sure your coverage is where it needs to be before putting your possessions in self storage, just in case. 

What to Expect from a 8×20 Self Storage Unit: Space and Cost Explained

Posted on by John McCoy

How Much Can an 8×20 Storage Unit Hold? Space, Costs & More

One of the most popular sizes of storage units are our 8’x20’ shipping containers. These offer approximately 160 square feet of storage space for all kinds of household goods. Our 8×20 storage units are the perfect size to house the belongings for up to a two to three bedroom house. 

It’s the perfect size for a fridge, washer and dryer, three mattress sets, a dining room set, bookcases, couches, and boxes. We’re going to virtually walk through an 8×20 storage unit and talk about the pros and cons, and what size you would want if you need more space. 

Understanding 8×20 Storage Units

A good way to think of an 8×20 storage unit is as a rough equivalent to a one-car garage. If you’ve ever had a one-car garage, you’ll be familiar with the  It’s ideal for storing furniture, appliances, and other large items, with 8ft. of vertical space for maximum storage capacity.

A row of our clean, secure, and safe storage units in beautiful Ponca City, Oklahoma!

Now, it is important to understand a few things about our storage units. We decided to do things a little bit differently. Instead of hiring out construction and getting typical thin-walled steel storage buildings, we wanted something…stronger. 

So, we went with shipping containers instead. There is nothing thin-walled about shipping containers. They are built to withstand the worst conditions on the planet and come back for a lot more. The standard sizes for shipping containers are:

  • 8×10
  • 8×20
  • 8×40

The 8×20 is a great middle ground size that will accommodate most households’ needs.  

Choosing the Right Storage Unit

Before you sign any paperwork, you need to know what exactly you need. There’s nothing wrong with getting the wrong size, but it is frustrating to either overbuy or underbuy anything. 

Space and Capacity

Here’s a handy guide on what sizes are best suited for the quantity of materials being stored in it. 

8×10 Storage Unit

Seasonal and Household Storage
Our introductory storage unit is our 8’x10’ which has approximately 80 square feet of secure storage.  This unit is the size of a large walk in closet.  It’s perfect for a mattress and box spring and small furniture items such as nightstands, chairs, and drawers.  For small businesses it’s perfect to store records, extra supplies and small office furniture.

8×20 Storage Unit

Household and Small Business Storage
Our 8’x20′ storage unit is approximately 160 square feet of secure storage space. This space can roughly hold a two-to-three-bedroom house. For example: a fridge, washer and dryer, three mattress sets, a dining room set, bookcases, couches, and boxes.

8×40 Storage Unit

Ideal Large Family or Small Businesses
Moving and need a quick storage space, look no further than our 8’x40′ storage unit. With 320 square feet of storage this is the perfect solution for homeowners looking to store their belongings or for small business owners. This unit can fit the contents of a three-to-four-bedroom house. For example: a couple of couches, an oversized armchair, dining room set, fridge, washer and dryer, entertainment nook, bookcases, and multiple mattress sets.

Cost and Pricing

The cost of a 8×20 storage unit varies depending on the location, amenities, and features. You need to look around your area and see what the prices are in the area, because they can vary. 

A row of shipping containers used for self-storage.

Finding a Storage Unit Near You

These are the tips you should follow to find the right storage unit near you. 

  • Use online directories or search engines to find self storage facilities in your area.
  • Check the facility’s website for information on available units, pricing, and amenities.
  • Contact the facility directly to ask about their process for renting a unit and to inquire about any forbidden code or ID requirements.
  • Visit the facility in person to see the units and meet with the staff.

These tips are pretty universal (and generic). Now, here is the deal: My Storage Box is a completely unique way of doing storage. Instead of constructing out of thin steel sheet metal, we went with the beefiest option we could think of: steel shipping containers. We buy brand new units that have never been used in the three standard sizes (8×10, 8×20, & 8×40) and place them on a paved lot so you have easy access to them at all hours of the day. 

We have state-of-the-art gate access and security so you know you are secure when you put your belongings in there. And of course, you should add your own padlock for that final layer of security.  

Final Thoughts

My Storage Box doesn’t want to be like the rest; our goal is to provide you with the very best storage option in the business. We use brand new shipping containers for storage because they are strong, water tight, and about the most durable storage option you can think of. 

If you are ready to get your household goods stored in an 8×20 storage unit in Ponca City, you can do it all here. 

The Rules for Storing Firearms: Can You Store Guns in a Storage Unit?

Posted on by John McCoy

Guns & Storage Units: What Are the Rules?

People collect all kinds of things, either as collections or as investment strategies, and one category of collectibles that is consistently popular remains firearms. Guns are a great investment tool if you know how to, and have proven to increase in value year after year. Of course, once your safe fills up, or you are living in a housing situation that is either unfriendly to firearm storage, or just isn’t a good place to store them, what can you do with them? 

Let’s take a look at this situation and see what you need to know about gun storage and self storage units. 

Understanding Local Laws and Regulations

Every single municipality, county, and state operates under different laws, ordinances, and rules. What goes in your town and county may not work a county over, and rules can change a lot when you cross state lines. 

Fortunately, here in Oklahoma, the rules for firearm storage are very free. So, if you have a collection or even just one or two that you don’t want sitting around the house, go ahead and keep them in our storage facility in Ponca City!

Storage Facility Policies and Restrictions

You should definitely check with your storage facility to make sure they don’t have any rules against storing firearms there. Even if the local laws are fine with it, if the storage facility doesn’t approve guns being in your storage unit, you will get in trouble. At the least, they will probably kick you out. 

We won’t, so if you are in the local area (Ponca City), make sure to check out our storage facility. Also, check back often for updates on new locations!

Preparing Firearms for Storage

Okay, so you know that checking the rules about gun storage is on you. If you are in the Oklahoma and Kansas area where we operate, it’s not likely you’ll run into any local or state ordinances against it, but check anyway. Rules change often, so it is up to you to keep up to speed with them. 

But enough of that. Let’s talk about gun storage itself.

What do you need to do to prepare your guns for storage?

The first thing you need to know when you store firearms is that moisture is their #1 worst enemy. You absolutely must keep them dry, and by dry we don’t mean keep them out of puddles (although that is always good advice). 

Guns will be destroyed if you don’t control moisture, but thankfully you can control it a few ways. The very first thing you must do, no matter what methods you choose for moisture control, is to thoroughly clean your gun(s). Once they are clean, you need to apply a thin coat of oil over all metal components and wipe it down. 

This will save you a lot of headaches and heartache. 

Safe and Secure Storage Options

Alright, now that your firearms are clean and oiled (but not oily; you don’t want to do that), how do you store firearms? 

One way to store them is in a safe. This is one of the easiest ways to store guns safely and securely, and you can easily control the moisture in a safe by adding silica packs (or other comparable moisture removers) to the safe. 

Storing Firearms and Ammunition

There are certain ways that you should go about storing your guns and ammunition for optimal outcomes, especially long-term storage where the guns will be out of the loop for a while and not being used and cleaned. 

First and foremost, always treat every firearm as a loaded gun so go ahead and put a trigger lock on it. Safety first when you store firearms. Always lock the action of the gun in self storage. 

Next, when your guns are in a self storage unit, make sure you can control the moisture level where they are. If they are in a gun safe, make sure that you have moisture removing packets available to control moisture. We have said this a lot now, but it is the #1 threat to your firearms in storage facilities. Safe gun storage starts with secure guns and dry guns. Also, and we mean this, check with state and local laws to make sure there aren’t any special provisions for gun storage in self storage units. 

Firearms safety is the #1 priority of all gun owners and it does not stop at the storage space gate. 

Okay, on to how to store ammunition. Ammunition should always be kept separately from your firearm, ideally in a lockable hard case. Pelican Cases are a great option, or any of the less expensive cases that are built like Pelicans are excellent. These are tough and lockable cases that store a lot of ammunition. 

And, like you gun safe or however you are planning on storing your firearms, make sure to keep the ammunition dry. A handful of silica packets in the storage case makes a huge difference. 

Insurance and Liability Considerations

Your guns are expensive commodities, especially if you’re a collector. You need to check with your insurance carrier to see what they cover in storage, specifically firearms. If they don’t, you’ll definitely want to get a policy that explicitly covers firearms in storage. In fact, not just that covers firearms explicitly, but that covers them for the value that you have in storage. Will it cost more? Probably, but not a lot. But you will sure be happy if anything were to happen to them. 

Best Practices for Storing Firearms

To wrap this up, let’s hit the best practices for firearms storage in your storage unit.

  1. Store firearms with a trigger lock. There is no downside to this, so make sure you do it. 
  2. Put your firearms away clean and lubricated, and make sure you control moisture. If they are in a safe or storage locker that is sealed, put some anti-moisture materials in there. Silicone gun socks are also a great tool to use for extended storage. 
  3. Always store ammunition separately from firearms. This goes for everywhere, not just in the self storage unit. 
  4. Always keep your magazines unloaded in storage, if you are storing magazines. This is a safety concern, but it is also a practical concern. Magazines are best kept empty for long-term storage to rest the springs. 
  5. Finally, double-check the state and local laws, and the rules of the storage unit. 

Final Thoughts

Storing guns requires you to do some legwork first to ensure a good outcome. First, make sure you can legally do it in your area. Second, you need to make sure they are securely locked and secure in general. Third, you need to make absolutely sure they go in clean and stay dry. And fourth, store your ammunition separately and keep it dry and locked up. 

My Storage Box is a secure self storage unit that has no problem with firearms storage. We suggest you lock them up in a safe or similar storage locker and check on them regularly to catch any corrosion or rust while it is minor. 

Finally, make sure you padlock your storage unit, although we suggest that for everyone. My Storage Box is very secure, but don’t leave anything to chance. 

Self-Storage Solutions in Ponca City, Oklahoma

Posted on by John McCoy

What Are Your Best Options for Storage In Ponca City?

Northern Oklahoma remains unmatched as a destination to grow and raise your family, and the whole nation is starting to take notes. From the low cost of living to the beautiful lakes to the Ozark Mountain Ranges in far Northeastern Oklahoma, it has a ton to offer. If you want to live in a quiet, small town, there are plenty to choose from, but if you want the amenities and cultural scene of a bigger city, Tulsa fits the bill perfectly. 

Nestled in between Tulsa and I-35 is the small city of Ponca City, Oklahoma. Ponca City is home to roughly twenty-five thousand Oklahomans, some old hands to the area, and some new arrivals. Let’s talk about this fine slice of Americana, why you should think about living here, and mostly, how you can store your stuff once you’re here!

Types of Self-Storage Available

Ponca City is poised to grow with very affordable housing and a cost of living that is over 25% less than the U.S. average. Yes, you read that right. In fact, Ponca City is over nine percent lower than the Oklahoma average, which is wild when U.S. News places Oklahoma as the sixth-cheapest state to live in. This makes Ponca City easily one of the most affordable places to live in the nation, a fact that is not lost on us. The housing here is some of the most affordable in the nation, and considering it is a highly agricultural area, it is a fine place for aspiring homesteaders to call home. 

Of course, the moving process is not always all that enjoyable. One of the best assets you can put your money into is a self-storage unit for a couple of reasons:

  1. It frees up space for you to either set up your new house or show your house if you are selling.
  2. Self-storage is a great way to store your seasonal items safely while freeing up space in your house. Why pay for additional square footage when you can just rent self-storage and keep it there instead?

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Self-Storage Facility

Ok, so what should you consider when you are looking for self-storage in Ponca City? Here are a few of the main factors we suggest you consider.

Location and Accessibility

Location, location, location. 

Location is everything. What good is self-storage if you can’t get to it easily? 

My Storage Box is conveniently located just outside of the Ponca City Regional Airport, right on North Waverly on the west side of town. No matter where you are coming from in Ponca City, we are easy to get to, and with 24/7 access, you can always get in and out whenever you need to. 

Security Measures

You are putting your stuff in our storage, and you want to be totally sure that it is secure. We understand this, which is why we have spared no expense in installing the sturdiest fence around, along with gate access. 

We provide controlled electronic access for all customers, which allows you to get into your storage unit whenever you want, however often you want. Our storage system uses shipping containers, which are some of the most secure storage devices available. Made of thick, sturdy steel, these are not your typical light sheet-metal designs. No, our storage units are made to traverse the high seas, then get put on a train or a trailer and hauled across the country. There isn’t much you can throw at these that they can’t handle. 

All shipping containers have brackets for padlocks, which we suggest you use as an added security measure. 

Unit Sizes and Pricing

My Storage Box has three sizes of storage units for you to choose from in Ponca City:

8×10, 8×20, and 8×40. 

  1. The 8×10 storage unit is our introductory size, providing about 80 square feet of storage space. This unit is the size of a large walk-in closet. It’s perfect for a mattress and box spring and small furniture items such as nightstands, chairs, and drawers. For small businesses, it’s perfect for storing records, extra supplies, and small office furniture.
  1. Our medium-sized storage units are 8×20 and about 160 square feet. This is good for storage, equaling about a two—or three-bedroom house. Consider this size if you need storage for a small to medium office or any other business where you would want some extra storage for tools, supplies, or furniture. 
  1. The largest storage unit in our inventory is the full-size 8×40 shipping container. At 320 square feet, this container is what you need for a larger house (three to four bedrooms), a large office, or anything else where storage maxing is required. 

Tips for Maximizing Your Self-Storage Experience

While we certainly have no problem renting out any size of shipping container you want, we really want you to be a completely satisfied customer. A big part of that (the biggest part of that) is making sure you get the size of storage unit that you need. We aren’t interested in upselling you when you don’t really need it. We want you to be completely satisfied with the storage unit that you get, and we’ve got a few tips on how to do just that. 

Packing and Organizing

First and foremost, how you pack and organize your belongings matters. Whether you have personal or business belongings, you want to make sure you can find your stuff after you put it in storage. In fact, this is a common issue: people overbuy storage because their stuff is largely disorganized. 

If you can put the items in boxes or tubs, you should definitely do that. These storage solutions allow you to get a lot more bang for your buck. Also, they give you a nice flat side to mark what’s in the box (or tub), so you can actually find your stuff quickly. 

For soft items like linens and clothing, consider vacuum bags. With these, you can get a whole lot more packed in tubs or boxes. 

Labeling and Inventory

LABEL. EVERYTHING. 

Also, make sure to face all of the labels outward so you can easily see what is in the boxes and tubs at a glance without having to open them (or guess). 

You should also inventory exactly what you have in the storage unit. There are tons of great systems you can use for this, like Excel or Sheets although a notebook and pen still works great. Whatever the medium, take an inventory on all the goods, and label accordingly. If you really want to go hog wild, you can even draw a map of the storage container and show where you put the boxes. We don’t necessarily think this is totally necessary, but who are we to judge?

Insurance Coverage

One last thing to consider is insurance for your household goods. We assume you will have things of considerable value in there, so we absolutely suggest you get insurance to cover them. 

This is usually called storage unit insurance, so take a look, call around, and get yourself covered. 

The Bottom Line

My Storage Box is proud to call Ponca City home. If you are looking for a good deal for a very secure storage facility with 24/7 access, online payment options, and multiple sizes to choose from, look no further. 

Also, if you are in the surrounding areas, be on the lookout for new My Storage Box locations in the near future!

Reserve A Storage Unit Now!