In some units, the doors have more complex locks, like PIN-controlled locks. If you’re not sure how to use the lock, call the storage company, or check the directions for the lock if you purchased it.
Most of the time, the door will have a small rope attached to the bottom so that it’s easier to close the door. To close the unit, pull on the rope until you can reach the handle, and then lower the door until the handle touches the ground. Remember to lock the unit after you close the door.
Storage units with swinging doors will always open toward you to prevent crushing or damaging the items inside the unit.
Large shipping containers might have 3 or more hasps. Be sure to move all of them into the upright position before attempting to open the door.
It might take quite a bit of power to unlatch the door. If you’re having trouble, ask someone for help opening one of the handles while you open the other.
If you have trouble opening the right side door once it is unlatched, double check that the handles are properly disengaged.
In some cases, you might be able to access the items in the container without opening both of the doors. In that case, only open the right door. The left door won’t open unless the right door is open because the right door overlaps the left door. If you open the left door first, it will get caught on the right door and won’t open.
If you’re not experienced with storage unit or roll-up doors, don’t attempt to fix it by yourself. You can get seriously injured or trapped in the unit.
If you’re unsure of the property owner’s number, visit the main office if there’s one on site or nearby. If not, look up the storage company online and search for a customer service number.
Try to be as specific as possible when describing the problem. For example, you might say “My roll-up door on my storage unit won’t open. It doesn’t appear that anything is blocking the door from opening since the unit is only partially filled. When I try to lift it, the door moves only a few inches before it becomes too heavy to lift. ” The more information that they have about the door, the better an estimate they can give you for the cost and time frame of repairs. If you need to remove something from the unit, consider having the repair company remove the door completely so that you can access your items before the door is repaired. Then, the company can replace and repair the door. It will be more expensive, but you will be able to remove your items from the unit.
If you’ve never repaired a roll-up door before, don’t attempt to do it yourself. The springs can be very difficult to work with, and the doors are extremely heavy.
If your key isn’t working in the lock, it’s possible that the storage company changed the lock, and they will be able to explain why the lock was changed. In most cases, the storage company hasn’t yet received payment for the unit, and wants to make sure that they do.
In most cases, the locksmith will be able to fix the lock, as long as they have the permission of the storage company. However, they may need to drill or cut the lock off of the door.
If you have paid and feel that the lock shouldn’t have been changed, consider contacting a lawyer to get additional advice. Explain the situation thoroughly and ask how you should go about regaining access to your unit.
