Public Storage. I know, boring right? But that's exactly what you want in a storage facility. The last thing you want is excitement, and you don't get that at the Public Storage on Waialae under the freeway. What you do get is a clean secure warehouse with plenty of storage units in all sizes.
It seems like there is a storage place on every corner, so why did I choose this one? The location is close to my house and the rates were reasonable. By signing up on the internet, I was able to secure a cheap rate for the first month. I recommend everyone follow this procedure. There is no risk. You will be given a "move in date" which is simply the date on which you can come to examine the unit. If you don't find the unit satisfactory, you can cancel without penality.
When I came to the facility on my move-date, I was helped by a friendly young woman name Gina. (Actually her name is really not Gina. Gina was my high school sweetheart who dumped me a week before my Senior Prom. But I can't remember the name of the woman at Public Storage so I will just call her Gina. Let me tell you, she was a lot nicer than the real Gina, but that is another story.)
Gina took care to go over the finer points of the storage contract. The important points to remember is that the rent is due on the first of the month and that if you fall behind by more than a month, they have the right to seize the contents of your unit and sell your stuff at auction. This seldom happens if you are only a month behind, but it is important to remember that it can. To avoid this disaster, you can opt for automatic withdrawal from your credit card. The other point to remember is that you are required to carry insurance on your stuff. They will provide the insurance for a small fee.
When you come on move-in day, it's good to bring a lock even if you are not moving your stuff in at that time. Public Storage can sell you a lock if you wish. Gina took me to my locker. I looked it over and it seemed fine to me. Gina removed the Public Storage lock and I replaced it with one of my own.
Gina was also nice to give me a map of the facility. If you are a person like me who constantly loses his car in parking lots, you will need this map. The warehouse is a warren of hallways flanked on either side by identical looking red storage units. It's easy to get lost, so get the map!
You can rent a locker on the main level or the upper or lower levels. The main level is somewhat more expensive, but I see no real advantage to it. To get to the other levels you punch in a code and ride the elevator. Not a problem.
The only problem I have had at Public Storage was not really their fault. One Saturday afternoon I arrived to put more junk in my locker. I pushed the elevator button and waited and waited and waited. After 5 minutes I asked an employee, not Gina, if the elevators were working. She followed me back to the lobby and pushed the buttons but got the same result. She said she thought it was the elevator man. And sure enough after a few minutes the elevators began to work. The doors opened and out saunters the Otis elevator repair guy, quite oblivious he had kept me waiting for ten minutes. Grrrrr!
It's true you must service the elevators, but how hard would it be to place a sign informing everyone the elevators will be out of service for 10 minutes? Not real cool, so I can't quite give Public Storage 5 stars. Other than that one incident, I'm very happy with the service.
One word of warning. The only entrance to this Public Storage warehouse is from the town bound lane of Waialae Avenue. On the map it appears you can enter the parking lot by approaching from 21st Ave., but DON'T TRY THIS. On my second visit I made this mistake. As I approached Waialae from 21st , I stepped on the gas to make the light, fully expecting to drive straight across into the parking lot. Boy, was I in for a big surprise!
As I zoomed through the intersection, I saw to my horror that the entrance to Public Storage was blocked by a tiny concrete triangle. Tiny it may be, but it was designed to derail a tank. So I had to act fast. Fortunately my old cab driving instincts took hold and I hit the brakes and steered sharply to the left. Or maybe I was supposed to steer first and then brake. I dunno. Whatever. What I do know is that my 20 year old Corolla screeched around the corner and stayed upright, like a good car should. Thanks Corolla.
So let this be a warning. If you're going to this Public Storage you must approach from the town bound lane of Waialae. There is no other way. No even if you own a tank.
So there you have it. If you are looking for a nice, clean place to store your junks in the Waialae-Kaimuki area, go see Gina at Waialae Public Storage. Only don't call her Gina, because as nice as she is, she might not answer your questions. read more