FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions for Self Storage in Des Moines

At Capitol City Mini Storage, we know that you probably have a few questions about our facility, security and space. To find answers to common questions, or to help guide you in the questions you need to ask, read the information below!

  • Does Capitol City Mini Storage offer outdoor storage for boats, RVs and other vehicles?

    Yes, the  Grimes location on the west side of the metro just off of Interstate 80/30 at Highway 141 and offers space for RVs and boats.

  • What is Self-Storage?

    Self-service storage (commonly known as self-storage) is a service provided to consumers and businesses that allows them to store their items at a facility in a room as small as a closest to as large as a single car garage with some units larger than that! Self-storage is a great way to store your property without having to take up space in your home or office.

  • What size storage units can I rent?

    Capitol City Mini Storage has a variety of storage unit sizes to meet your personal or business needs. Please see our storage unit sizes tab for a listing of our units.

  • What is a drive-up storage unit?

    A drive-up storage unit is a storage unit that you can drive your vehicle right up to. Drive-up storage units are located with outside doors right into your storage unit.

  • What is an on-site manager?

    An on-site manager refers to an employee of the storage facility who lives on the premise where you’re storing your belongings. This helps increase the security of the storage facility since there is someone on the property during non-office hours. Capitol City Mini Storage has on-site managers.

  • What is a roll-up door?

    This is the most common type of door used in storage facilities. A roll-up door is opened, closed and locked via a sliding latch. When the roll-up door is unlocked and opened, it simply rolls upwards, helping maximize your storage space since you don’t need to worry about door-swing clearance.

  • What is a computerized entry system?

    This is a modernized security system used to limit access to the facility. Each customer gets his or her own unique access code which allows him or her to enter and exit the property as well as to dis-alarm and re-alarm every unit’s individual alarm. All Capitol City Mini Storage facilities have a computerized entry system that controls entry, exit, and unit alarms. Without an access code you cannot enter a Capitol City Mini Storage property or your storage unit.

  • Who is able to access my storage unit?

    You can give anyone you wish access to your storage unit. It's your responsibility to provide them with a key and access code. Capitol City Mini Storage employees will not grant someone access who is not on the rental agreement, nor do employees have access to your storage unit. We do this to increase the security and safety of our storage facilities.

  • How do I calculate how much storage space I need to rent?

    We recommend that you use our storage unit size guide to get a better idea what size you might need. You can also stop in or call our locations to view and consult with one of our storage professionals.

  • When can I access my storage unit?

    Capitol City Mini Storage has storage access hours of 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. 7 days a week, (Closed only on Thanksgiving and Christmas.)

  • Do you offer moving services?

    No, Capitol City Mini Storage is a self-storage provider and cannot provide help moving your belongings. However, your store manager can recommend some local moving companies that previous customers have used.

  • What forms of payment does Capitol City Mini Storage accept?

    Capitol City Mini Storage accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards (Visa and MasterCard).

  • How can I make a payment?

    There are 4 ways you can pay your monthly storage rent. Visit your Capitol City Mini Storage facility during Office hours to make a payment. Call in a payment on a credit card during office hours, Mail payment in. Set up automatic payments when you sign your lease.

  • Does Capitol City Mini Storage offer or rent moving trucks?

    Capitol City Mini Storage does not rent moving trucks. There are number of self-moving rental truck companies in the area that we can direct you towards.

  • Does Capitol City Mini Storage conduct auctions at its storage facilities?

    Capitol City Mini Storage conducts auctions as governed by the Self-Storage Laws directed by the State of Iowa. There has been a lot of attention focused on storage auctions due to many different reality TV shows. The truth is that we do everything we can to avoid having to auction off the contents of any storage unit, and we only go to auction as the very last resort. We attempt to contact the tenant multiple times through every method possible to collect the rent that is owed. We phone, email, and send multiple communications through U.S. registered mail. The only purpose of the auction is to make the unpaid space available to a paying customer. We never profit from the auction process--it is an unfortunate cost of doing business. If any more is collected at auction than is owed in back rent, those funds are passed on to the customer.

  • How long do I have to rent my storage unit?

    Capitol City Mini Storage rents storage units on a month-to-month basis, with no long-term contracts and no commitments. With Capitol City Mini Storage, you only have to rent your storage space as long as you need it.

  • How much notice must be given when I move out?

    The standard notice for Capitol City Mini Storage is a 10-day written notice. We have a short form in our office to fill out to complete this notice. It only takes a couple of minutes to complete. It will also give you a friendly reminder that the unit needs sweep out, tenant keeps the lock, close door and to advise the office when you are completely out.

  • How does the billing cycle work when renting a storage unit?

    Capitol City Mini Storage uses an anniversary billing cycle. This means your due date will fall on the anniversary of the date you moved into your storage unit. For example, if you moved in on May 22nd, your next due date will be June 22nd

  • What information is required when renting a storage unit?

    To a rent a storage unit at Capitol City Mini Storage, you’ll need to be 18 years of age or older and be able to provide a valid state or government issued I.D., and a valid physical address.

  • Do I need to have insurance when I rent at Capitol City Mini Storage?

    Insurance is not required, but, it is recommended to protect you and your belongings. Capitol City does not insure any of the contents of the storage units. If you do not have a home owners or renters insurance that covers your stored items, Capitol City Mini Storage can give you information on companies that insure tenants that use self-storage facilities.

Questions to Ask

We hope you will be able visit us so you can personally see how safe, clean and secure our facility is and meet the people who keep it that way! But if you check out other companies, please ask them these questions—we don’t think any of them can match us in being able to say ‘YES!’ to every single one.

Customer Service

  1. When you call, can you talk with the on-site manager instead of being routed to a call center?
  2. Are the site managers professional, knowledgeable and easy to reach by phone?
  3. Are the managers available on site 7 days a week (except Thanksgiving & Christmas)?
  4. Does the website feature a full photo gallery and unit sizes?
  5. Do customers give consistently positive reviews of the company? Check out our online reviews on Google, Yelp, and may other review boards.

Security

  1. Do you need a security code to enter and exit, so the managers know who is on site when?
  2. Is the facility well lit and equipped with multiple security cameras and color video monitors?
  3. Is each unit individually alarmed?
  4. Do the managers seem trustworthy—people with whom you’d feel confident leaving your valuables?
  5. Most importantly, do the managers actively use this technology to provide real security?
  6. Does the facility have an excellent safety record according to local police reports?

Access & Maintenance

  1. Can the manager explain to you why just having pest control service is not enough? Spraying and baiting every unit between every tenant eliminates any problems from former tenant to new tenant,
  2. Have the units been checked for and proofed against leaks? Water stains on the walls or ceilings can mean risk of moisture damage to your possessions.
  3. Is the landscape clean, neat, and attractive with grass areas neatly cut and/or snow removed in a timely manner? A clean and neat lot show prides and efficiency within the storage facility staff.
  4. Do the managers encourage you to visit the facility? They should!

Pricing & Payments

  1. Is the rate reasonable? Beware the $1 move-in 'special'!
  2. Is the rate you are quoted free of any admin or move-in fees, and is taxes included?
  3. Is the storage facility up front (in the leases and posting in the offices) with any possible additional fees (setting off alarms (tailgating), NSF fees, late fees)?
  4. Are there month invoices sent to customers? Bills are sent to customers via E-mail and regular mail 15 days prior to monthly rent being due.
  5. Are there multiple ways to pay? (Cash, Check, Money Order, Credit Card, in person, by mail, over phone)

Contact us at (515) 262-7688 to get storage and packing support. We look forward to working with you soon.

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