If you knew how to PhotoRead I'd suggest PhotoReading the translation dictionary and any Grammar books you can get a hold of daily for a month.
Memory Optimizer would be the Paraliminal I'd be using perhaps after reading a magazine in the language that you're trying to master. Make it one that interests you.
As for the telephone. Forget everything you learned about the art of conversations and asking open ended questions. When you call have written out what you want from the call.. e.g to come and look at storage size, Find out if they know a buyer for the piano.
Ask closed questions. Can I come and look at the Storage unit? If yes move to day and time if no. The question then to ask...Do you want my business? If no hang up. If yes... When can I look at a storage unit?
Being language challenged that becomes a necessary approach over the phone.. Get yes or no answers rather than do you think it would be possible to look at the storage unit so I can measure it ?
Best
Alex