Public Storage - Birmingham - 428 Commons Drive

Self Storage Frequently Asked Questions

What size storage unit do I need?

5' x 5' Storage Unit
It is approximately 25 square feet of space. This size typically holds the contents of one room or large home closet. They are an excellent size to store seasonal items, garden tools, clothes, office supplies, suitcases and miscellaneous boxes.

5' x 10' Storage Unit

It is approximately 50 square feet of space. This size typically holds the contents of one room or office. You can store small amounts of furniture, chairs, mattress, kitchen appliances, and boxes.

5' x 15' Storage Unit

It is approximately 75 square feet of space. This type of unit is good for the contents of a one-bedroom apartment with major appliances.

10' x 10' Storage Unit
It is approximately 100 square feet of space and about the size of a standard one-car garage. Holds furnishings of a one or small two-bedroom apartment with major appliances.

10' x 15' Storage Unit

It is approximately 150 square feet of space. Holds furnishings of a large two-bedroom apartment or smaller home. Great for storing large furniture and appliances.

10' x 20' Storage Unit
It is approximately 200 square feet of space. Holds the entire contents of a three or four-bedroom home up to 2000 square feet. Can also hold compact full-size vehicles and boats.

10' x 25' Storage Unit

Holds the contents of a large home, roughly 4 or 5 bedrooms, with large furniture, garage items, and major appliances.

What is the height of the storage units?

Storage units are approximately 8 feet high.

Do I need to rent a climate controlled unit?

If you have delicate items such as musical instruments, computers, pictures, antique wood furniture, it is recommended to select a climate controlled unit. Climate controlled storage units protect against rust, corrosion, mold, cracking, and warping.

What’s the difference between an indoor and an outdoor unit?An outdoor storage unit is one that has a direct access and usually drive-up accessible. An indoor unit is located within the building.

What items can't be put in a storage unit?

Most storage facilities will not let you store firearms, perishable items, liquids, illegal drugs, flammable and hazardous materials, live animals or plants.

Are my items insured while being in a storage unit?

You are responsible for the items that you store. Storage facility's insurance provides protection for the location that houses the storage units and not the contents of individual storage units. If your homeowner insurance doesn't cover your items, usually the facility manager will help you sign up with an insurance provider.

Can I use my renters insurance for a storage unit?

Anything your renter's insurance policy covers under usual conditions would be covered in your storage unit. Usually, renters insurance will cover items in a unit up to 10% of your policy limits, but the coverage does not include natural disasters. However, there may be exceptions to this, check with your insurance company to see if you're covered.

What do I need to bring with me when to rent a unit?

You will need a government-issued photo ID(driver’s license, state ID or passport) to complete your storage unit rental agreement.

Can I access my unit anytime I want?

Most storage locations are open 365 days a year, but access hours may vary. During access hours, usually between 6am – 10pm seven days a week, you can access your unit by using your individual gate code. During office hours, the company employees are available to answer questions and provide on-site support.

How long can I rent a unit?

Most rental contracts are month-to-month agreements and billed in one-month increments. No long-term lease is required unless the customer requests otherwise.