FAQ

Q. Does Alexander Storage provide padlocks?
A. Alexander Storage will provide you with a padlock at the time the rental agreement is signed. No one else has a key to that lock – just you. If you prefer to provide your own lock, you're welcome to do so but we strongly urge you to use the padlock you are provided with. 

Q. Do you have climate controlled units?
A. Yes. Climate-controlled units are available at our facility. They are heated through the winter months and cooled through the summer months. Climate controlled units are recommended to protect your valuable possessions from temperature and humidity fluctuations.

Q. What's the difference between indoor and outdoor units?
A. Indoor units are protected from the elements and have broad, shared hallways. Outdoors units are accessed through a drive-up garage door.

Q. How do I rent a storage unit?
A. A rental agreement will need to be signed in our office at 235 Alexander Avenue. A deposit equal to one month will also need to be paid in full at the time of rental. 

Q. How far in advance can I reserve a storage unit?
A. Unfortunately, storage units can not be rented in advance. 

Q. What if I only need a storage unit over the summer?
A. With Iowa State University being in close proximity, our storage units typically begin to fill up in March and April and completely sell out by May. Many customers choose to rent their units year round or begin renting in March/ April to guarantee they have a unit secured for the summer months. Please note we do not reserve units ahead of time. Once an agreement is signed, the unit will need to be paid for immediately. If you decide to take possession of the unit but will not begin storing items right away, we strongly urge you to lock the unit up. 

Q. Do you rent month-to-month or do I have to sign a lease?
A. Our rental agreements are month-to-month after the first 3 months. No long term lease is required. 

Q. Do you offer any discounts?
A. We offer all Iowa State Alumni Association members a 10% discount and all non-profit organizations a 25% discount. We also offer your twelfth month free if paying for one year in advance.  

Q. Do I need to give you notice when I move out?
A. Yes, per contract there is a 5 day notice requirement. It works best if you notify us by phone or email of your intent to move-out date. There is an Alexander Storage move out form that will need to be filled out and signed before your deposit can be returned and your account can be closed.

Q. Is my deposit refundable?
A. 
Yes. As long as the unit is returned in the same condition as when it was rented. Pallets, boxes and garbage are removed from the unit and the unit is swept out. The provided padlock is removed from the unit when vacated and the account does not go delinquent, you will receive a full deposit refund 4-6 weeks upon move out. Please note, if an interior unit is rented, the deposit refund will be issued as soon as the exterior door key is returned. If the door key is not returned, a $5 key replacement fee will be deducted from the deposit.

Q. When can I access my storage unit?
A. Storage customers will have access to their units 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Q. What are your office hours?
A. The Alexander Storage office is open Monday-Friday between 8am and 5pm. Closed for the lunch hour from 12-1pm.

Q. If I rent a storage unit from you, can my spouse, kids or friend have access, too?
A. Only the secondary contact person on your lease agreement may have access to personal and financial information regarding the account. However, who you give padlock keys to is entirely up to you. Interior storage units come with 1 hallway key. 1 extra hallway key may be rented for an additional $5. 

Q. Do you have moving trucks I can use?
A. Unfortunately, Alexander Storage does not have moving trucks for your use.

Q. If I lose my key, what do I do?
A. If you lose your exterior door key, a new one may be purchased for $5. A $5 fee will also be assessed for the lost key. If you lose your padlock key, Alexander Storage will cut your padlock for a fee of $20 or you may call a locksmith to have the padlock removed. Alexander Storage does not keep copies of individual padlock keys nor do they have a master key.

Q. Do I need insurance for my stored goods?
A. You are responsible for the items you store at Alexander Storage and insurance for those items is recommended. Sometimes, insurance may be available through your home owner's or rental policies.

Q. What kind of documentation do I need to provide to rent a storage unit?
A. You will need to provide a valid, government-issued form of identification (e.g., driver's license, state ID or passport).

Q. Can I rent in person, or on the telephone?
A. We prefer you to rent the storage unit in person. However, if you are outside of the Ames area we will accept a rental agreement via phone or email with proper payment information.

Q. How do I pay my bill?
A. Alexander Storage requires all customers to sign up for auto-pay enrollment using a bank account or credit card on a monthly basis. 

Q. Does Alexander Storage accept shipments?
A. Alexander Storage can not accept any customer shipments or mail at any time.

Q. Does Alexander Storage have access to the contents of my storage unit?
A. Alexander Storage does not have access to any storage unit that is locked and occupied. We do not have a master key or any type of key that would allow us access to the units.

Q. Is there security on the property?
A. Alexander Storage holds safety in the highest regards. Our property is equipped with surveillance cameras throughout the premises. 

© 2016 Alexander Storage