Self Storage Tips
We strive to make the rental process as convenient as possible for our customers. To help you get to know more about Curio Storage, we have gathered a list of the most common self storage FAQs.
General Information
Customer Support Line
Customer Support business hours are from 9 AM to 6 PM. Regular access hours are from 7 AM to 9 PM. Customer Support contact phone number is (409) 203-4147 and email is admin@curiostorage.com.
Access
Are there specific times that I can access my storage unit?
Regular access hours are from 7 AM to 9 PM. You can access your unit at your convenience with our 24-hour access for an extra cost. You can set up your 24/7 access by calling our Customer Support at (409) 203-4147 from 9 AM to 6 PM. You can also email/text us to request us to activate this service.
Do you offer 24/7 access?
Yes, you can set up your 24/7 access by calling our Customer Support at (409) 203-4147 from 9 AM to 6 PM or email/text us about this. This has a $20 per month cost.
What if I forget my access code?
Call during customer support hours for assistance regarding forgotten access codes. For your protection, we will request proof of identity. If you need your code outside of business hours, you will need to check for your move-in confirmation email or SMS where the code was originally sent to.
My code isn’t working and I’m trying to get out! What now?
For emergencies like this outside of business hours, please call our Customer Support line (409) 203-4147, option 1.
Peace-of-Mind
Will my belongings be safe?
Our facilities are equipped with security features that help deter crime. We offer the following security measures to protect your belongings.
- 24-hour video monitoring with police dispatch when needed
- Electronic keypad access to gated areas
- Clean, well-lit facilities
Can I designate specific people, other than myself, to have access to my storage unit?
You can restrict access to yourself, or you may designate specific people to have access to your unit.
Storage Unit Specifics
Can I throw away trash at the property?
No, we do not offer dumpster privileges. Some properties have dumpsters at the facility but they are for maintenance purposes only. If a tenant is caught in our video surveillance throwing trash at the property, there will be a $100 fee added to their bill.
Where can I find a list of storage facility sizes?
Check the Size Guide on our website Size Guide
What is drive-up access?
A drive-up unit is accessible through a roll-up, garage-style door, directly from a driveway. It is generally on the first floor and allows for easy storage of large and heavy items.
What is meant by climate-controlled storage?
Climate-controlled units are interior units that ensure less dust, pests, and humidity that might ordinarily harm your belongings. These units are kept no warmer than 77 degrees F in the summer and warm enough in the winter by keeping a stable temperature all year long. We recommend storing your most valuable items in a climate-controlled storage unit.
Are certain items prohibited in storage units?
Yes. Anything that could increase the risk of damage to your belongings or those of others is prohibited.
Firearms, munitions, guns, or explosives
- Food and pet food
- Flammables, explosives, radioactive materials
- Live plants
- Lead paint, asbestos, urea formaldehyde, petroleum products, or methane
- Medical waste
- Stolen goods
- Cash (not covered by insurance)
Are there any restrictions on the use of the unit?
Yes, any of our units are restricted to only storage purposes. The following activities are considered prohibited:
- Sleep inside the units
- Remain inside the unit with the doors closed
- Stay within the property for over 2 hours at a time (special cases might need previous authorization)
- Use the unit as a workshop
- Bring strangers into the property without previous authorization
- Disposing trash inside the property
- Access the property/unit when access has been restricted, this will be considered trespassing and the police will be dispatched
This list is illustrative and not exhaustive. We reserve the right to take action against any use that violates our terms of service, regardless of whether it is explicitly listed above.
Can I store a vehicle inside the unit?
For vehicles, we need more information about the type of vehicle before getting the green light to store it inside of a closed drive-up unit. Please contact our Customer Support team during business hours to get more information on this. We also offer open parking spaces in some of our properties, you can ask about them as well in case you need them.
Do you have storage unit specials?
Our storage facilities regularly run specials. For detailed information check the location website. Prices and promotions before rent are subject to change.
There’s a combination lock I don’t recognize in my unit, what do I do?
If your unit has been past due before, or if our Property Manager finds it without a lock, we will place one of our locks on it. These are usually red combination locks. If your balance is up to date, you should have received an email and an SMS with the lock combination. You can also call our Customer Support line during business hours and request the combination. Sometimes, we might need the serial number on the lock so if you can take a picture of it, it might come in handy.
Can I keep this red combination lock?
If you need to use it for your unit, feel free to. However, be aware that failing to return our lock or continuing to use it as your regular lock, will incur extra charges on your bill such as a $20 monthly charge to keep using the lock or a $40 one time charge in case the lock is lost while in your possession. Your best bet is to return it to our white lock return box once you take it off.
I lost the key to my lock or I need my lock removed, what can I do?
You will have two options in this case, you can request that we cut your lock for $40 and our property manager will cut it on their next visit, or you can cut the lock yourself as long as you don’t damage the door and latch. You must get prior approval from our Customer Support to avoid getting the police called on you.
Lease and Payments
How much is a self storage unit?
You can check the sizes and prices of units on our website.
Do you rent space month-to-month or do I have to sign a long-term lease?
Our rental contracts are all month-to-month. No long-term lease is required. We only need to be notified if you ever plan on moving out to stop the billing process.
Can I check the unit before renting?
Yes, you can schedule a visit to the property to check the units before renting. You must schedule this via phone call to our Customer Support line during business hours and you will be asked to provide pictures of a valid government issued photo ID so we can let you in.
What is the Tenant Protection Plan? Is it mandatory?
Curio Storage offers a protection plan for our tenants in case that something happens to the belongings inside the unit. You can read more information about it on our website. We do require that all our tenants have either one of these plans or their own insurance.
Are there any other charges to rent?
We charge a one-time administration fee of $20 to every new tenant that rents for the first time.
What are my bill payment options?
You can pay your bill conveniently through our online bill pay feature by clicking on the Pay Rent button on our homepage, you can also pay over the phone at (409) 203-4147 or you can also request a payment link to our Customer Support team. We only accept payments with a Credit or Debit card.
Can I change my bill due date?
At this moment, all new tenants will have the 1st of the month as their due date by default. This cannot be changed but in the future, we hope to offer the option to change due dates again.
Can I transfer to a smaller/bigger unit?
Yes! You can request a transfer to a smaller or bigger unit anytime by calling our Customer Support line during business hours or via email at admin@curiostorage.com. We only ask that you send us a picture of your empty previous unit once you are done with it so we can finalize your transfer to your new unit. Please be mindful that these movements will cause changes on your bill based on prorated charges for the old and new units.
What happens if I’m late with my payment?
We bill on the 1st of each month. If your payment is late, we grant every customer a 4-day grace period. Late fees will be charged beginning on the 5th of each month or on the 5th day after your due date. On the beginning of the 4th day of lateness, any account that is past due will get their gate access code blocked and an overlock will be placed on the unit.
What if I fail to pay my rent/late fees?
If rent and associated fees are not paid, you are at risk, under Texas law, of the contents of your unit being sold at auction to pay unpaid rent, fees, and any costs of the sale incurred by the facility owner. We never want this to happen. To prevent this from happening, we offer the following options.
- Call our Customer Support line and arrange for our “One Time Grace Period Program.” This program will allow you a one-time catch-up program.
- If, during the first month of your lease, you find that you will be unable to pay, let our Customer Support team know and immediately move out. This will stop all collection efforts.
Additionally, your unit will be overlocked with one of our locks. This lock must be returned upon payment of the unit to not incur in extra charges for using/losing it.
Are there any other fees that apply if I’m late?
We would like to avoid this as much as possible, but in the case that your unit ends up entering the auction process, you will see a lien fee of $20 around the 15th day of being past due and an auction fee of $30 when your unit has been scheduled to enter our next auction. If you want to recover your unit at this point, all these fees must be paid in full.
When I’m done using the unit, how do I cancel the service?
As we offer month-to-month leases, we don’t require you to stay for a specific amount of time. Once you are done using the unit, you must let us know so we can schedule your move out at the end of the current month that you paid for, to avoid further billing from happening. Once you are done, please take a picture of the empty and clean unit with the unit number clearly visible and send it to us at (409) 203-4147 or via email at admin@curiostorage.com. Once the move out is completed, you will receive an email to let you know.
As always, if you have further self storage questions or need guidance with your storage experience, we’re always happy to help. Give us a call anytime.
