When you are moving, sometimes, it helps to keep some of the boxes off site. It allows you time to look through your things far more efficiently and to decorate at an easier pace. Why not use a storage unit to allow you that freedom?
Self-storage facilities are convenient and relatively common across the U.S. Care to guess which decade saw the birth of the modern self-storage business model? If you guessed the 1950s, you're right.
While any storage unit may do when you only need a place to keep your belongings for a few weeks during moderate weather, this won’t always be your situation. When you have longer storage needs, it’s often best to stick with a climate-controlled environment.
When you store computers and other technology, keep essentials together. Remove cables and power cords, wind them neatly, then bind them together or put them in a clear zip bag. Label the bag to indicate which device the cables belong to.
Unfortunately, not every family member will be able to travel when it’s time to sort through the estate of a lost loved one. In some cases, putting everything into self-storage can help to keep it safe until everyone can go through the contents of the estate together.
Before you move critical business archives into a storage unit, take a few practical steps. Number or letter each box on all four sides. Create a master spreadsheet, and record the number/letter and contents of each box to document what records are in storage.
Any time you will be storing items that get wet (kiddie pools, swimming, swimming or snorkeling gear, pool equipment, etc.), make sure it is completely dry to prevent mold and mildew from forming and creating that noticeable, musty odor.
When using self-storage for your extra things, always be sure to place items of priority where they can be easily reached and put items that will not be used as frequently closer to the back of the space. Group the rest of your items by weight and their fragility.
While traditional storage resembles that of a garage, other unit types and sizes are available. Outdoor units have ventilation but are not considered climate-controlled.
Before you put laptops or other battery operated devices into storage, remove the batteries. Even in climate controlled storage units, batteries can corrode. If that happens with the battery in place, both the battery and the device could be destroyed.
By choosing a climate-controlled unit for your storage needs, you will be storing your items in a unit with protection from extremes in temperature that could occur in a unit that is not climate-controlled.
Although you may find that much of your furniture doesn’t need any special treatment while storing it, you may wonder if the same goes for antique pieces. Typically, opting for a climate-controlled storage unit is the best way to preserve the beauty of antique furniture.
Self-storage businesses provide a popular and important service, and the industry is growing. Care to guess the number of self-storage facilities in the U.S. at last count? If you guessed 58,000, you're right.
To protect mattresses and box springs while they’re in storage, wrap them in plastic. Put them on a pallet or low platform to keep them off the floor. Store them near the back or against the wall resting on the long side.
We take security seriously, so you can feel comfortable storing your valuables with us. In addition to a heavy-duty padlock on your unit, we keep track of everyone who enters and leaves the business.
If you’re using a climate-controlled storage unit, you can thank David Crosthwait. An American inventor and engineer, he held 39 US patents and 80 foreign patents related to the development of comprehensive HVAC, heating, and ventilating systems.
Did you know the self-storage industry has been the fastest growing segment in commercial real estate since about 1975 and is even considered recession resistant because of its continued success through the recession of 2008?
If you’re using a climate-controlled storage unit, you can thank Willis Carrier. In the 1890s, he developed a new, reliable method for determining how much heat had to be generated to warm a given space, and in 1902, he invented air conditioning.
Planning on storing a refrigerator or freezer? Make sure they’re completely defrosted and clean before you move them. Instead of wasting the space, use the inside for storing kitchen items or boxes. Make sure to prop the door slightly open to avoid mold.
Do you live in an area where the outside temperature goes below 32 degrees Fahrenheit or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit? This big of a temperature fluctuation can be rough on temperature-sensitive items, so it’s a good idea to use a climate-controlled unit to avoid damage.
What size self storage unit do you need? A 10 x 20 foot unit is the size of a small, one-car garage. You should be able to store furnishings and appliances from a two-bedroom house along with patio furniture, yard care equipment and boxes.
In 2013 alone, self-storage in the US generated more than $24 billion which, at a local and state tax rate of $3.25 billion each year, is pretty good incentive to encourage people to buy more than they need.
Bulky items- especially those big pieces of furniture for which you don’t have a place at the moment- can be a big problem for storage. When you’re up against that, a storage unit might well be the perfect solution.
Did you know that, over time, documents that are exposed to extremes in temperature and humidity can yellow and even become unreadable? A climate-controlled unit ensures that the storage space is maintained at a constant, safe temperature.
We recognize that not everyone is ready to move straight into a new house the moment they relocate to a new town. Rest assured that our self-storage units will give your things a place to stay until you’re ready to move into a new house.
What size self storage unit do you need? The typical 10 x 10 foot unit is roughly the size of an average office. Your unit should be able to hold two office suites, including desks, filing cabinets and credenzas, plus file boxes and small items.
When placed in climate-controlled storage, you belongings will not face the continual ups and downs of temperature and atmospheric changes. Over time, these dramatic changes can wreak havoc on sensitive and delicate items such as antique wood furniture and musical instruments (particularly pianos).