Dos and Don'ts in Self Storage

Self storage is a convenient and cost-effective solution. To make the system work for you, try to go over and understand these guidelines. Do not forget the important dos and don'ts in self storage.

What to do?


Use all the available space in the storage facility. You need a plan for arranging all the items systematically. Leave the center walkway open at all times for unhampered movement inside the room. This technique will definitely save you time.
Label your cartons on every side. Maintain a list for reference and update this each time you stack an additional box. You should also have a list of all contents inside every carton. Light boxes must be on top of the heavy ones.
Label the boxes on all six sides and keep a list for easy reference. This will save you time if you have to look for something in particular. When packing boxes fill them without making them too heavy to lift. Always put the heavier boxes on the bottom and the lighter ones on top of the heavier ones. This will prevent boxes from being crushed. Keep boxes off the floor.
Be sure to store frequently used items at the front of the unit to avoid having to search for them.
To protect your items cover them with moving pads, sheets, or light blankets.
Disassemble items such as tables, bed frames, etc. This will save space. Wrap and label all pieces for an easier time when you have to reassemble them. Put all hardware in bags and mark the bags accordingly.
When you disassemble electronics, such as computers, stereos, things that have numerous cords, place small colored stickers on the cord and the same color sticker where the cord goes. This will save you the hassle of trying to figure out what goes where when it comes time to reassemble your electronics. If possible, use the original boxes to store your electronics and other items.
Make sure that all appliances are clean and dry before storing them. Leave appliances slightly ajar to prevent mildew.
If it is possible store couches on end. Stack chairs seat to seat. Use the inside of appliances and drawers to store smaller items. When stacking furniture use paper pads in between the items to avoid scratching.
Store mattresses and box springs on long edges. Wrap for protection.
Store mirrors and paintings on end, not flat. Pack books flat to protect their spines.
To prevent rusting rub a small amount of machine oil on metal tools, bicycles, and equipment. Drain and clean all debris from all equipment before you store them.
When wrapping collectibles or anything breakable, tape it after you wrap it. This should avoid mistaking them for excess paper to fill the box. Use bubble wrap or unprinted paper to wrap breakables. Group similar items together and mark the boxes accordingly.
Clothing and draperies should be stored in wardrobe boxes, on hangers, to retain their original shapes.
Rubbermaid containers are great to store your items. They have tight fitting lids and stack easily. Keep the more valuable items in the rear of the unit. This will prevent others from seeing them when you are in your unit.
Keep out of season clothes accessible, you may have your belongings in storage longer than anticipated.

Don'ts:


Do not use plastic to cover your belongings. It retains moisture.
Do not store any food items. This will prevent any unwanted guests.
Do not pack your boxes so that they are too heavy to carry them. Especially when you are packing books.
Do not give out your password or any information to any one that is not listed as having access.
Do not use printed newspaper for wrapping. The ink may smudge and get on your items.
Do not forget to clean appliances before you store them.
Do not store any toxins or flammables such as paint, oil, or gasoline.

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Simple Storage Ideas

No matter how big our house is we all seem to complain that there is never enough space for all our belongings. If this sounds like a familiar tale, carry on reading for some simple storage ideas that can help free up some much-needed space in your home.

Make better use of the loft

For most of us, our lofts are dead space so they may as well be used for something useful. Sure it can be a bit of a pain getting up there and fumbling around in near darkness but if you have items that in all honesty you're probably never going to look at unless you move house, the loft is a great place to keep them so they're out the way.

Alternatively, installing a loft ladder is fairly inexpensive and can be a great way of providing easy access to your loft if you do want to get things in and out more regularly.

Under the bed

If you are currently in the market for a new bed then why not consider one that has built-in storage? There are plenty of great designs that allow you to lift the mattress up and use the base for storage or have built-in drawers. This is a brilliant place to keep anything from clothes, bedding, towels, toys, paperwork and anything else you have lying around.

Self storage

If your house is literally filled to capacity or you prefer the minimalist look, there is always the option to store your belongings off-site. Self storage facilities are great for absolutely anything that you don't want to throw away but don't need every day. You can be rest assured that it's a very secure way of storing your possessions and you can access them whenever you need them as well.

Put up shelves

If your walls are looking a bit bare or you've been looking for the perfect excuse to get rid of that painting, why not put up some shelves? Shelving takes up zero floor space and acts as a great home to many of the things that may be laying around your home.

Clean out the garage

If you have a garage but don't actually use it to keep your car in, chances are that it's filled with junk and you never even go in there. By throwing away anything that is of zero use to you, you can free up a whole load of space that can be used to store other possessions that you do genuinely want or need.

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When Do You Need a Self Storage Unit?

All of us need more space than what we currently have. With all the things that gets piled up at home or in our office, we need to find enough space to keep them away from the house without losing them forever. This is one of the reasons why self storage facilities are now becoming very in demand.

Self storage units are very convenient to have, especially when you have plenty of things you need to safely tuck away. Thankfully, storage facilities are located in convenient places; thus, they can be accessed easily. The services offered by these facilities are not only limited to homeowners who need more space at home. They also cater to the needs of business establishments by serving as a warehouse or inventory storage facility. Other reasons for getting a storage unit may include any of the following.

A Storage Space For Hoarders

There are individuals who have a hard time letting go of things, even when those things have become useless and broken over time. This condition is known as hoarding. Hoarding is basically the fear of throwing something away because the individual feels that they might need it someday. Failing to address this condition will only cause problems in the family home because the things hoarded can take up too much space in the house.

Getting a self storage unit can help hoarders in clearing some space in the home but still be able to keep the things they need and want. Self storage units can be rented for as short or as long as the client wants.

Selling A House

Storage units are also beneficial when you are selling your home. The fact is that a house becomes more attractive, especially to potential homebuyers, when there is less clutter. Homebuyers are also looking into houses that have enough space; thus, clearing out the clutter and unnecessary things at home will make the house more spacious. With that said, it is recommended to first de-clutter your house before putting it on the market.

This means that you have to pack away some unnecessary items, such as old lounges, ornamental pieces, and other pieces of furniture that are not essential at home. Since storage units come in various sizes, you can choose the right storage space you need for your items. Additionally, storage facilities can also provide you with a quote to assess the space you will need, and even help you move the items.

Space For Your Hobbies

Storage units can also provide the space you need if you have an elaborate hobby that needs space. For instance, storage units can come in handy if you collect and read books, magazines, or comics, or you need to store the things you've built, such as trains and tracks. You can even access the items whenever you want. The right unit will be able to provide you with the extra space you've always wanted.


The author of this article writes about the importance and purpose of self storage units. She also writes for Layton self storage facilities that offers secure storage units and high quality services.



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How to Select the Best Storage Units

A storage unit refers to the rented space provided to tenants by self storage companies. Companies that offer self storage facilities belong to real estate and personal property cargo transits. The storage facilities are divided in self storage spaces, which are then leased to tenants mostly on a monthly basis. Self storage services are usually used by individuals or businesses to store inventories, equipments, collection of records and household goods.

Storage units come in assorted sizes for residential and business tenants. The most common size is the 10 feet by 5 feet with 1.5 meters depth. Some units are larger and the largest is measured at 20 feet by 20 feet similar with the dimension of two car garages. Storage units are built with corrugated metal and are without any window. They can only be accessed through the roll up metal door.

These storage units feature secured locks for protection. Only the tenant or lessee has the sole authority in accessing the contents. The facility operator does not have the right over the contents of the storage unit. Also, the operator does not take care, control, or have custody over the contents unless in cases where the lessee fails to pay the rentals imposed. Most of these facilities provide computer controlled access to the storage units, as well. Surveillance cameras are even installed for additional security. Some self storage companies present biometric scanners to ensure that only the tenant can have access on the units.

Tenants are not allowed to store hazardous, toxic, or perishable stuffs in the storage units. Also, they are not permitted to either sleep or reside in the units. In some modern facilities, a climate-controlled system is set up in order to prevent mold and build up of moisture. The common temperature of these climate-controlled facilities is from 50 to 80 degrees Celsius.

Based on records, there are around 58,000 of self storage facilities around the world. 52,000 of these self storage facilities are from the United States. Roughly, there's 1.6 billion square feet rentable in this country, as well. The United States is generating around $20 billion revenue every year from self storage businesses alone. In Australia, there is 22 million for storage services while in the United Kingdom there is 20 million. For the past years, customers availing of self storage services have increased and they continue to grow at an average of 10 to 15 percent. This is due to some social factors such as high rate of divorce, workforce mobility, and home improvements.

Storage facilities grant clients a secure and less expensive way of keeping their other belongings. These also free up their homes with some valuable space. This service is also especially beneficial when you are having home or office renovations or restorations. The most reputable storage companies offer their customers with added assistance such as free packaging, boxes and bubble wraps. Trucks or vans are also supplied as free service when you need to transport your things from your house to the storage facilities.

When selecting a self storage company for your requirement, it is essential to know some details before deciding to avail of their service. You must know of the unit sizes available, rental cost, safety features, distance from your house and other vital details important for your composure. When you have already chosen a particular self storage company, it is now time to pack your things and ready it for transport.

Here are some basic tips in packing your things:
i. Create some labels for each of the boxes so you can easily identify which boxes to open when looking for a particular item.
ii. Never stack boxes too high for it would be very difficult to get an item, which is beneath the stack of boxes.
iii. Ensure that you have properly locked your storage unit.
iv. Read and understand the terms and conditions set in your contract.
v. Understand whether they charge for the access of the storage unit or not so you can schedule your visit.
vi. Get the contact numbers of the storage manager. You will need it in case any problems arise.
vii. Avoid sharing your keys, access cards, or passwords with anyone.



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Storage Facilities available for your Valuables

Big or small, heavy or light storage facilities promise to take proper care of varied storage needs. One should go for a storage house that suits his needs and budget. One can simply browse through the great line-up at a storage facility and check out the products that suit his style. Customers can also get moving storage and mobile supplies and packing materials, such as bubbles wraps, and tapes, at the same place. There is a storage space for yachts, RVs, vehicles, furniture, golfing equipments, and books.

Online Accounts

Storage facilities are an easy and secure way to keep the belongings safe and secure. In fact, almost every self storage building also offers the facility of extended hours for customers to access their storage units on all days of the week. To open an account, one simply has to request a quote, and an executive will get in touch with him. Customers can even manage their account, make bill payments, and reserve a storage facility online. In fact, if the customers do not want to vacate their account or do not notify the warehouse people that they want to vacate, they also will have an option of automatic payment, where rent will be deducted automatically from their account. Payments can be made in cash, by check, or through a credit card.

How To Get Started?

An individual can find storage facilities online by entering his zip code, city, or state address. One can book units at self storage warehouses and pay bills anytime and anywhere from his cell phone also. If an individual is not too tech-savvy, he can just pick up the phone and call up any toll-free number of moving storage services and book his storage or get assistance from a customer care representative.

The next step is to choose storage facilities near one's home, workplace, or anywhere else. Visit any moving and storage warehouse and choose the one that fits the size of your belongings. Standard sizes range from 5'x5' to 20'x30' and are about 8' high. However, there may be smaller or larger sizes than these. But the important thing is to find the size that fits your belongings.

Most of the warehouses are open on all days and can be accessed by members anytime of the day. However, people often get confused between office hours and gate hours. Office hours are the hours of operation when a facility manager is available to assist the customers with their storage needs. On the other hand, gate hours are the hours in which a rental unit can be accessed anytime (at most of the facilities) using the assigned electronic gate code.

What Can Be Stored?

Customers are generally allowed to store any harmless, non-toxic material and preservatives in the facility. Personal belongings, furniture, bikes, overstocked retail wares can also be stored at storage facilities. People are not allowed to sleep in these units. People can store their vehicles and RVs. These warehouses serve as a great parking space as well. Parking for RVs is always difficult. However, one can always park his RV in these warehouses.



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