Westminster, CA: Top Things to Know About Storage
This Year’s Forecast: ?Sunshine and No Clouds
The main reason that people move to California and deal with its high cost of living is because of its gorgeous weather. ?It’s true—California does have some of the best weather around, especially Westminster, which is in the heart of Orange County. ?It barely rains, doesn’t get too cold,
This Year’s Forecast: ?Sunshine and No Clouds
The main reason that people move to California and deal with its high cost of living is because of its gorgeous weather. ?It’s true—California does have some of the best weather around, especially Westminster, which is in the heart of Orange County. ?It barely rains, doesn’t get too cold, and it’s probably the only place in the U.S. that you’ll see people wearing shorts and flip flops in the middle of December. ?However, just like everything else in life, there is a downside to the weather. ?For one thing, it’s very unpredictable. ?It can be raining one minute, and the next thing you know it’s super hot and sunny. ?On the flip side, you should always keep a jacket in your car because you never know when it’ll get super cold. ?These instances are far and few, but when they happen, they happen.
In terms of storing your stuff in Westminster, you don’t have to worry too much about things that can be affected by humidity because the summers are dry. ?Temperatures do go over 100 degrees every now and then, so if you’re storing things that can be damaged by high heat, like wine, antiques or oil based paintings, be sure to store them in a climate controlled unit.
Wind, Fires, and Ashes
You should also know about the infamous Santa Ana winds. ?These are strong, dry winds that originate inland but affect coastal areas like Westminster. ?They mainly occur during autumn and winter, but are known for starting regional wildfires. ?Thankfully, Westminster has remained safe from the actual fires, but has had to deal with the wind blowing ash all over the city. ?There have actually been fires whose ashes have blackened the city’s skies and grounds. ?If you’re storing your stuff in a storage facility in Westminster, look into the facility’s cleaning schedule and how well the units’ doors protect against debris. ?Be sure to ask the facility manager about how their tenants were affected by the fires and what measures the facility took to clean up afterwards.
The Ocean and Rust
Westminster is a coastal city, so when looking for a storage unit, try to find one that is more inland. ?Ocean air has a high salt content, which can have a bad impact on things in your storage unit, especially if you’re storing things made out of metal. ?If you’re storing your bike, classic car, or RV, try to store in a facility that is farther from the coast.
Surf’s up, Dude
There are actually a lot more reasons for you to avoid storing things close to the beach, unless it's a kayak or something. ?First of all, there’s a lot of traffic around the beach on sunny days, which is pretty much always the case in Westminster. ?Even in the winter you’re bound to find that the beach is packed because it’s 80 degrees outside.
In late July and early August, Huntington Beach, which is the closest beach to Westminster, has the U.S. Open of Surfing. ?It’s America’s largest pro surfing competition and attracts the world’s best surfers every year. ?The tournament lasts a few weeks and is generally attended by about 200,000 spectators. ?It’s a huge event in which there are live bands, vendors, and a sports expo. ?The preparations for this tournament start much in advance, which means that local storage units are filled with things that will be used by the people hosting the event. ?This also means huge traffic jams in and around the area, which will make it harder to get to your storage unit. ?If you’re looking to store things over the summer that you’ll need to get to fairly often, store them in facilities that are far from Huntington Beach so you’re not stuck in traffic with the beach boys and beach girls who are trying to attend the tournament. ?If you have things that you won’t be using at all during the summer, storing near the beach is not a problem.
College Student Take Over
Westminster is surrounded by 28 colleges and universities, and that’s only counting the ones that are in Orange County. ?As soon as you hit Los Angeles, which is only about 30 miles away, there’s a whole new district of schools. ?In Orange County alone, the University of California, Irvine, California State University Fullerton, and California State Long Beach have a cumulative population of about 90,000 students. ?That’s the population of three out of 28 schools, meaning there are tons of more students in the area. ?What this means is that storage facilities in Westminster and its surrounding areas are jam packed during the summer because that’s when students are using them the most. ?If you’re in need of storage during the summer, make sure you plan well in advance and find a unit before the students take them.
Storage FAQ's
What if I need more or less space after I move in?
Once you move in and feel that you need to move into a smaller or bigger space, storage facilities are happy to accommodate your move. Before renting a space, it is recommended that you speak to a storage facility representative to help you find the best sized unit for your needs. If things change through the course of your lease, they will help make the transition to your next unit as efficient and simple as possible. We also have a size guide that may answer some preliminary questions you may have.
Do you accept deliveries for customers?
Most storage facilities in Westminster accept deliveries for their customers so that they don't have to go through the process of moving every time they need something to be placed in their storage units. They will keep your items in the office and will inform you when they arrive so that you can place them in your storage unit at your convenience.
What options do I have for payments? What forms of payment do you accept?
Most storage facilities accept cash, credit cards, or checks. Always ask about autopay, it's faster and much more convenient.
How do I know what size storage I need?
Storage managers would be happy to help you determine which size unit is best for you so that you're not paying for a 17' X 20' unit when you really need a 5' X 5' unit. Please reference our size guide for more information.
What access will I have to my belongings?
You have 32 facilities to choose from in Westminster. Access hours range from 8 to 24 hours a day. Please contact your local facility for more specific information about your unit.
What security measures are taken to protect the storage units?
Security is every storage operator's priority. Speak with the storage manager of a facility of your liking in Westminster to find out what security measures they take to protect your belongings.
What are the prices of the storage spaces? Are prices based on the square footage of the storage space?
Generally the prices of storage units in Westminster vary based on the size of the storage unit and the location of the unit in the facility. Prices range between 57.5 and 390.5, but representatives can better assist you once they have the details of your storage needs.
Do you have pest control?
Most facilities in Westminster schedule professional pest control services every month, and twice a month during summer months.
Do you sell boxes and moving supplies?
Yes, most storage facilities sell boxes of various sizes, tape, bubble wrap, labels, and other items for your packing and moving needs.
Will I receive a monthly invoice?
Most storage companies in Westminster only provide invoices upon request.
Do I need insurance for my storage unit?
We recommend that you get insurance for your belongings because the contents of the units are not insured through storage facilities.
Should I rent a drive-up or interior storage unit?
Drive-up storage units are typically more expensive and not as clean as interior units. Drive-up units are more exposed to the elements (water, dust, etc.) and are therefore not as clean as interior units. Interior units, on the other hand, have a much better climate. Essentially, the desire to rent a drive-up unit comes from clients thinking that they will be visiting their unit very frequently, which is surprisingly not the case. Most people don't come to their units as often as they think they will, so given the cost and cleanliness issues, it's better to rent an interior storage unit.
Do you have advice on how to pack my storage space?
Yes, storage managers can provide you with tips and techniques on how to most efficiently utilize your storage space. Their hope is that you can have easy access to your items and that your storage space is worth every penny of your money.
Will the company have access to my space?
No, no one in the storage facilities has access to your space unless you specifically ask them or give them the right to do so. For example, you may want them to have access to your unit for things you may want delivered directly to your unit.
Do you provide your customers with movers?
No, storage facilities do not provide movers. However, managers and team members would be happy to provide you with a list of reliable and reasonably priced movers in Westminster. See our resource guide for movers in Westminster.
Do you have different policies and prices for students or active military members?
Students and active military members are clients that have unique needs because of the nature of their schedules. Most storage facilities in Westminster offer discounts to students, and discounts and different policies for active military members. Please call your local facility or see our students and active military members pages to get detailed and updated information.
How long is the lease and what are its terms?
Storage companies in Westminster offer a month-to-month lease. If for some reason you would like to cancel your lease during a particular month, please contact one of the facility managers to assist you.
What storage space sizes are available?
In Westminster, there are 32 storage facilities, with a total of 78 storage units. Storage unit sizes generally range from 5' X 5' to 17' X 20'. Call one of your local facilities to have a representative find what size unit is best for you.
If I lose my key, can you provide another one?
No, storage facility employees do not have copies of the keys used for the units. If you lose your key, check with the facility for lock cutting fees. They may also be able to sell another lock and key to you.
Is there anything unique to keep in mind when choosing a storage facility in Westminster?
Some factors to keep in mind when choosing a storage facility in Westminster are: weather, peak rush hour times, items that you will be storing, and location within Westminster.
Can I rent climate-controlled spaces in Westminster?
Yes, climate-controlled spaces are available in Westminster due to the varying weather. Temperatures range from 39.74 to 48.2, which can dramatically affect things in your storage unit. For storing items such as wine, wooden items, electronics, metals, artwork, etc. storage facilities recommend that you rent a climate-controlled unit. For questions and more details, please contact a local facility.
Westminster, CA RV and Boat StorageView
Westminster, CA RV and Boat Storage
Although Westminster is full of spacious neighborhoods with friendly neighbors, it’s not the best place to keep your RV or boat out on the street in front of your home. ?Homeowner associations and restrictive city codes are making it harder for RV owners to keep their vehicles outside their homes, and it’s making something as exciting as having an RV a very painful experience. ?In order to avoid this mess, and for a number of other reasons, we recommend keeping your RV at a storage facility. ?You may not want to part with your precious vehicle, but it’s better to keep it in storage where it’s safe than to have to pay a hefty ticket for keeping it nearby.
RV Parks and Storage
Westminster has some great RV parks in the city and in its immediate vicinity. ?If you’re looking for a quiet getaway in the middle of the city (sounds like an oxymoron, but it’s possible), check out Orangeland RV Park. ?It’s in the heart of Orange County, so you won’t have to go too far, and you can have the peace of an RV park without having to be far from nearby attractions. ?The park is walking distance to the Honda Center, Angel Stadium, movie theaters, amazing places to eat, and has a shuttle to Disneyland. ?In the park itself, there are some great activities available like orange picking, a pool, and a spa. ?Because this park is in the middle of the city, it’ll be much more convenient for you to store your RV in a storage facility near the park rather than driving it through the city every time you want to take a break from life. ?Westminster is a congested area as it is, so you and everyone around you will be much happier if you don’t add to the traffic by driving your RV around every month to get it to a park. RV Storage Depot is a great place to store your RV—it specializes in RV storage and is just a mile away from Orangeland RV Park.
How the Beach can Affect your RV
Another gorgeous RV park that you can go to is the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina. ?This park is a beachfront property with a water park, a playground on the beach, and sail boat, pedal boat, or electric boat rentals. ?It’s a great place for people interested in watersports, or just having fun at the beach. ?If this is your new favorite place to go, start storing your RV and boat at Beach Cities RV Storage. ?The facility is 5.2 miles away from the park, which seems like a trek, but it’s actually for a good reason. ?Storing your RV close to the beach can get a little risky because the high salt content in the ocean air makes metal more susceptible to getting rusty. ?You bought a fancy RV and are paying to store it—the last thing you want is for your RV to be damaged because you weren’t careful about your location.
Storage for Seasonal Items
RVs and boats are seasonal items. ?They might not be very seasonal in Westminster because of the amazing weather, but it still gets pretty cold so you might not want to be out at sea in the middle of January. ?The great part about using your RV during the summer is that you won’t be competing with the tons of college students in the area for storage units. ?Also, you can opt for month-to-month leases so that you’re only paying for storage during the winter when you’re actually using it. ?Whether you’re planning to store your RV for one month or the whole year, storage facilities in the area have got you covered.
Access and Security
In Orange County, it’s very common for people to go out for a boat ride late at night. ?It’s a great way to relax after a long day of work and sitting in traffic, so we don’t blame them. ?If this sounds like something you’d like to do without having to worry about getting to your storage unit before it closes, look into renting a unit that allows for 24-hour access. ?You’ll never have to worry about a time limit and can easily plan around high traffic times to your unit.
Security is also a big concern when you’re storing something of so much value. ?Look for facilities that offer surveillance cameras, gated grounds, on site managers, units with individual alarms, and security officers that regularly patrol the facility. ?You may not be able to find all of these measures in one facility, but it’s definitely possible.
Westminster, CA University StorageView
Westminster, CA University Storage
California is widely recognized for its beautiful beaches, terrible job market, and prestigious universities. ?Students from all over the place attend schools in Orange County and move to areas within it, like the city of Westminster. ?Westminster is conveniently located and is very close to a number of great colleges, so along with all of the families living there, there are also a lot of students. ?With so many schools in the area, there’s a wide range of things that students do, meaning that there’s also a wide range of things that they have and need storage space for.
Students and their Storage Needs
One of the largest universities in the area that is part of the famous University of California system is the University of California, Irvine (UCI). ?UCI has an undergraduate enrollment of 24,489 students and covers an area of 1,474 acres. ?It also has more than 500 student organizations. ?Although UCI is known as a commuter school, there are actually a lot of students living on and around campus, and the university is working towards offering more on-campus housing options. ?The dorm rooms at UCI are pretty small, just like at any other college and university, so there is a serious need for storage space for students living on campus.
A lot of the students that come to UCI live out of state, so they bring at least a year’s worth of things with them, and usually plan to permanently move to the area. ?Who wouldn’t want to live in a place where you get sunshine for two thirds of the year? ?Because of the beautiful weather and the school’s proximity to the beach, it’s very common for students to go surfing or sunbathing between classes. ?The campus is also very large, so people use bikes to get around so they can make it to class on time without having to try to run with a pile of books and their skinny jeans. ?The school actually has designated bike lanes on its walking paths because of the high usage of bikes. ?For keeping things like surfboards and bikes on hand, it’s a lot easier to find a storage facility nearby so you can easily keep your things without having to overcrowd your dorm room. Mini U Storage is a very convenient place for UCI students to rent a storage unit. ?It is only 0.6 miles away from campus, meaning they get a lot of students and are familiar with student needs. ?The great thing about this facility is that it’s close to campus, but not close enough to the beach for the sea salt to ruin your bike.
Flexibility
A lot of the schools in the Westminster area run on a quarter based system, meaning that each period of classes lasts only ten weeks. ?Therefore, the school year actually seems much shorter than it is. ?It’s very common for students to go study abroad for one of those quarters, which means they would need a storage unit for the duration of time that they are away. ?Students who are originally from out of state also go home for the summer, which again brings up the need for temporary storage. ?Storage facilities are aware of their client’s need for temporary storage, and therefore offer month-to-month leases. ?Also, be sure to ask about student discounts and back to school specials—a lot of storage facilities offer these but you might get a better deal at a facility that’s closer to your campus.
Speaking of flexibility, it might be a good idea to find a facility that allows for 24-hour access to your unit. ?UCI isn’t exactly a party school, but that doesn’t mean everyone goes to sleep at 8PM. ?You’ll probably be up studying late into the night, so if you have a sudden urge to grab something from your storage unit or just to take a midnight stroll, opt for a place that has 24-hour access and you’ll be a happy camper.
Security
Westminster is actually a pretty safe place, but crimes still happen pretty often. ?Westminster is safer than 26 percent of the cities in the U.S. and has an annual property crime of 2,213. ?It’s a lot better than other cities that are in the area, but we would still advise that you find a storage facility that takes strict security measures to protect your stuff. ?Some things you should definitely look for are individual door alarms, electronic gate access, 24-hour video surveillance, and on site managers. ?The more security measures there are in place, the more likely it is you’ll have peace of mind when you’re home for the holidays.
Westminster, CA Military StorageView
Westminster, CA Military Storage
Finding room to store your things in military barracks can be very difficult because you’re not the only one looking for some extra space. ?Chances are that your fellow officer is also in a bind. ?In the military, you usually don’t get home from training until later in the night or you’re often away from the base for months at a time not knowing when you’ll come back. ?You have a very unpredictable schedule, limited space, and limited time to take care of the things in your life, especially your belongings. ?Well, you’re in luck because we have the perfect solution for you. ?You can store your things in a nearby storage facility, and Westminster has 17 facilities to choose from so you can find one that best accommodates your needs.
Keeping Your Stuff Safe
As a member of the military, security is probably always on your mind. ?It’s actually always on storage facility managers’ minds too, so you won’t have a problem putting your stuff in storage. ?Westminster is safer than 26% of the cities in the U.S. and has annual property crimes of 2,213. ?In order to prevent theft, storage facilities take security measures such as having 24-hour surveillances cameras, making sure that the facility is well lit, having gated access to the grounds, putting individual alarms on units, and hiring security to patrol the premises from time to time. ?Not every facility takes every one of these measures, so look for one that has the level of security you’re looking for.
Everyone Needs Some Extra Space
California is home to dozens of military bases, and there’s one in particular that’s close to Westminster: ?the March Air Reserve Base Air Force. ?This base houses the Air Force Reserve Command, Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, and California Army National Guard. ?As you can see, there are a wide variety of people staying at this base, meaning that they all have various storage needs. ?The population of the base is 1,159, and the area of the base only covers 12 square miles. ?It doesn’t matter how light these people pack, there’s not enough space for everyone, especially families.
If you call this base home, temporarily or permanently, then consider storing your things in Atlas Storage Centers. ?The facility is 2.7 miles away and has custom access hours, individually alarmed spaces, 24-hour video surveillance, and great lighting. ?It’s a great option for storage that’s close by and also has great security. ?You should also take a look at All Size Self Storage, which is also very close to the base and provides equally tight security. ?One very useful amenity that they offer is delivery acceptance, so if you’re expecting a package, you don’t have to wait around all day for it and take it to your storage unit when it arrives. ?They will accept your package for you and keep it in the office so you can come pick it up at your convenience.
Finding Flexibility Among Restrictions
Military personnel have the least flexible lifestyles out there because of the nature of their work. ?When everything else in life can’t change, you have to find something that will. ?Storage facilities are great with flexibility in terms of leasing options. ?They offer month-to-month leases so you’re not bound to them for long periods of time. ?You probably don’t get to live in one place for too long, so signing a long-term lease is only an added stressor for you.
If you suddenly find yourself deployed and don’t have time to pay the rent on your storage unit, you don’t have to worry about the items in your unit being auctioned off. ?The government protects you against this and you’re free to make all of your payments as soon as you get back from your mission.
Lastly, you definitely want to find a facility that allows you to access your unit 24 hours a day. ?Your work schedule is unpredictable and unyielding, so find ways to make your life easier in other ways, especially if you have the option available to you.
Storage and Guns
It can get pretty hot in Westminster, so you might want to store things like guns in a climate controlled unit. ?Westminster is also very close to the ocean, so when you’re looking for a storage facility, find a place that’s more inland so there’s no chance that the high salt content in the ocean air will affect your guns. ?There are a number of rules you have to follow when putting your guns in storage, so talk to a manager before doing so.
Helpful Storage Resources
Charity
Charity Storage
Charity Storage utilizes existing storage facility operations, namely storage units and auctions, to raise money to benefit the community. Charity Storage is a promotional outreach program that depends on the support of the self storage industry, the Self Storage Association, and millions of North American self storage tenants and neighboring communities.
Hope Pick Up
Hope Pick Up uses your donations to fund Teen Challenge of Southern California.
Purple Heart Foundation
This organization helps military veterans transition back into society and accepts a wide range of items as donations.
Habitat for Humanity
This charity has a project in which they take donations of things like furniture, appliances, cabinets, doors, etc. to build affordable homes for families in need.
Moving Company
Craig Mover OC
These movers help you in switching locations and also help to pick up items purchased from Craigslist.
Orange County Movers and Haulers
This company provides moving, packing, and unpacking services.
No Trouble Moving
This company is licensed and fully insured and has staff available 24/7.
Recycling
Westminster Recycling
This center recycles and pays for all aluminum cans, glass and plastic bottles.
Rainbow Environmental Services
This center specializes in landfill diversion, recycling, and zero waste environment solutions.
Replanet Recycling
Replanet Recycling can take care of all of your small recycling needs and will accept your containers in exchange for cash.
RV Storage Depot - Santa Ana
1316 East Warner Avenue, Santa Ana,CA 92705, USA
Santa Ana, CA 92705
