• Customer-Friendly Features at Independence Storage

    At Independence Storage , we pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service and an overall wonderful experience for our customers. Our customer-friendly features make us one of the most popular self-storage facilities in Palo Alto. Each storage unit rental is a ground level storage unit with ten-foot high ceilings. We offer a variety of self-storage unit sizes to ensure that each customer gets the storage unit rental that he needs.

    Our secure storage facility protects customers’ storage units with electronic keypad access. Our office is open Monday through Saturday, and customers have access to their storage units seven days a week, 365 days a year. During office hours, there is always a manager on-site to answer customer questions and provide service.

    To make self-storage easy for our customers, we offer flexible billing and payment options. There is no minimum stay for our storage unit rentals, and any unused rent is refunded after your first month of use. You can rent an affordable storage unit without having to commit to a full year’s lease. We also offer discounts for pre-payment, and allow our customers to sign up for automatic payments.

    Map of Silicon Valley in Mountain View, CA

  • How to Organize Your Storage Unit

    If you’ve recently rented a storage unit near Palo Alto , you’ll want to organize it effectively so that you can make the most of your space. When your ground level storage unit is properly organized, you will have quick, safe, and convenient access to your belongings. Here are some tips on how to organize your self-storage unit. Empty storage unit at Independence Storage in Mountain View, CA

    Rent a Slightly Larger Storage Unit than You Need

    If you rent a self-storage unit that provides just enough space for your belongings, the storage unit will be cramped and difficult to access. Instead, you should rent a slightly larger storage unit so that you have room for your belongings and to create a usable walkway through the center of the unit. When you create a walkway, you’ll be able to quickly and easily retrieve boxes without having to unpack and repack the entire self-storage unit.

    Plan Out Your Space Before Moving Belongings

    Before you move any boxes into your ground level storage unit, you should map out how you plan on using your space. If you create a simple drawing of your storage unit and determine ahead of time where you will place boxes, furniture, and other belongings, you can figure out how to make the best use of your space. Keep in mind that it’s best to store taller items in the back so that they won’t block other items from view. You should also avoid stacking too many boxes on top of each other in order to prevent safety hazards and damage to your items.

    Pack Carefully and Effectively

    When you pack carefully and effectively, you’ll be able to fit more items into your storage unit and store items safely. Try to use boxes that are all relatively the same size, so that it will be easier to create short stacks of boxes within your self-storage unit. You might even consider using plastic storage tubs instead of cardboard boxes, as they are more durable and easier to stack. Don’t overload boxes, as heavier boxes are more difficult to move and stack.

  • Color Coding Your Storage Boxes

    If you’re packing up boxes to move them into a storage unit near Mountain View , you can color code your boxes to make it easier to find and retrieve your belongings from your self-storage unit in the future! Develop a color-coding system before you begin packing and be consistent when using it. Be sure to write down your color-coding system to make sure that you remember it later.

    Watch this video for more information about how color-coding your storage boxes will help you when moving belongings into a secure storage facility. You’ll see a demonstration of this useful system from beginning to end so you can keep it in mind when preparing items for your self-storage unit.

    Color Coding Your Moving Boxes

  • Questions to Ask When You’re Renting a Storage Unit

    You can make sure that you get the most out of your storage unit rental near Mountain View if you ask the right questions of the self-storage facility’s manager before signing a rental agreement. You should make sure that you know the storage facility’s rental contract and billing options, access hours and security features, and available storage unit sizes. Here are just a few of the questions that you should ask before committing to a storage unit rental. Money calendar concept in Mountain View, CA

    What Are Your Rental Terms and Billing Options?

    Before renting a self-storage unit, you should determine how long you think you’ll need to store your belongings there. If you aren’t really sure how long you’ll need your storage unit, you should choose a storage facility that offers flexible rental contracts and billing options. This allows you to rent a storage unit month-to-month, rather than on a long-term lease, making it easier to store your items without worrying about them. You can also choose to pre-pay for your unit when it’s convenient for you, rather than receiving a monthly bill.

    How Secure is the Storage Facility And What are Your Access Hours?

    Regardless of what you’ll be storing in your self-storage unit, you want to choose a secure storage facility. A secure storage facility will only allow access via an electronic keypad to ensure that your belongings are safe from theft or vandalism. You’ll also want to be clear on what the access hours are for your storage facility. Some storage facilities only allow renters access to their storage units during certain hours.

    What Sizes Do You Offer for Self-Storage Units?

    You should rent a storage unit that is slightly larger than you think you’ll need, so that you’ll have room to find and retrieve boxes when you need to access your items. Find out from the storage facility manager what storage unit sizes they offer to renters. Make sure that they offer a storage unit in a size that meets your particular needs.

  • Pop Culture: The Surprising History of Bubble Wrap [INFOGRAPHIC]

    If you’ve ever packed or unpacked a box, chances are you’ve come across plastic sheeting better known as bubble wrap. Bubble wrap is an excellent packing material that protects fragile items during shipment and storage—and it’s also satisfying to pop! You might be surprised to learn that bubble wrap was originally invented not as a packing material, but as a way to create textured wallpaper. When that idea didn’t take off, it was used as greenhouse insulation. Eventually, bubble wrap was used to protect IBM computers during shipment in the late 1950s, and has been the packing and storage material of choice ever since. Take a look at this infographic from Independence Storage, a self-storage facility in Palo Alto , to learn more about the history of bubble wrap, and what makes popping it so entertaining. Please feel free to share these fun facts with your friends and family.

    History of bubble wrap

  • Independence Storage: Different from the Rest

    At Independence Storage, our secure storage facility in Palo Alto offers customizable self-storage options that will meet your individual needs. Our managers are on-site six days a week, and you can access your self-storage unit 365 days per year. The storage facility is only accessible via an electronic keypad to ensure that your belongings are safe and secure at all times.

    All of our units are ground-level storage units, making it easy to load and unload belongings directly from your self-storage unit. Each storage unit has 10-foot ceilings, so they can accommodate unique storage needs. Our customizable storage unit rental agreements and billing options make it easy for you to rent a storage unit on your terms, for as long or short a period as you need one.

    We have no minimum rental period, so you can rent a unit for less than a month if you need to. You can pay monthly, pre-pay, or sign up for automatic payments. We also offer storage unit rental discounts to customers who pre-pay, and pro-rated refunds for unused storage units after a customer’s first month of renting with us.

    Street view of Independence Storage in Mountain View, CA

  • Why Your Business Needs a Storage Unit

    Storage units in Palo Alto can provide many amazing benefits to large and small businesses. You can use a self-storage unit to free up valuable office space, securely store important business records, and create a more flexible office environment. Here are some of the ways that a high quality storage unit can help you do that. storage facility in palo alto

    Free Up Space in Your Office

    Storing business records, unused office equipment, and party supplies can take up valuable space in your office. By moving these items to an off-site storage facility, you’ll create more floor space and workspace for your employees. This will create a more comfortable work environment that will help your employees stay happy, efficient, and productive. You’ll also eliminate safety hazards caused by stacks of boxes or office equipment that may be stored in inconvenient areas of the office.

    Develop a Program for Secure Records Storage and Inventory

    Most business need to retain business records for a certain period of time before they can be destroyed. A secure storage facility will ensure that confidential and important business records remain safe in your storage unit until you need to access them or destroy them. You won’t have to worry about crucial documents being destroyed in a fire or flood, or being accessed by those who shouldn’t see them. When you store secure records in a storage facility, you’ll also have the opportunity to create a comprehensive inventory of your records, which is incredibly useful when you need to find and use certain records.

    Create a More Flexible Office Environment

    As your office grows and changes, you may find that you need more office space to accommodate additional employees or evolving business services. When you utilize a self-storage facility for your office storage, you have the ability to adapt your office environment to meet the changing needs of your company. Professional storage services can also be customized to complement any new business developments.

  • Creative Ways to Get Rid of Clutter

    It is easy to allow clutter to build up in your home, but it can also be easy to remove it! Between donations, recycling, and storage units near Mountain View, you have plenty of options when it comes to clearing out your living space. Be sure to stay organized and methodical in your storage unit planning approach, put your needs to the test, and give your extra things to someone who could use them. Read on for a closer look at some of these creative ways to get rid of clutter. Storage Units Mountain View

    Break It Down

    rounding up a few large boxes and sorting your clutter among them. One box might be for items that you plan to donate, another might be for recycling, and a third might be for belongings that will go to your storage unit rental. Keep these boxes handy as you gradually sort more and more items into each of them. After a week of sorting into these boxes, take them to their designated locations.

    Challenge Yourself

    Many people hold onto items that they do not need because they are convinced that they will still make use of them someday. You can look at your belongings objectively by challenging yourself to only use the ones you need. You might decide to wear only a certain amount of outfits per month so that you can eliminate the ones that you evidently do not favor; then you can give these eliminated garments to friends, family members, or those who are in need.

    Spread the Wealth

    Some have overcome extensive clutter by making it a point to give their things away on a daily basis. If you give even one item away to someone else each day, you can eliminate your clutter while making a different person happy. This can even serve as an opportunity to strengthen your relationships with friends and family members by giving them thoughtful gifts.

  • Tools to Make Moving Into Storage Easier

    Uprooting your belongings and moving them into your new self-storage unit in Mountain View can be taxing, which is why it helps to use a few handy tools throughout the process. Hand trucks, dollies, and moving straps can all help you move your things into your secure storage facility safely and comfortably. Watch this video to learn about the tools that make moving into storage easier.

    Hand trucks, dollies, and moving straps are convenient because you can rent them or purchase them. A hand truck will allow you to move a stack of boxes out to your moving truck or into your storage unit without the risk of dropping them. Dollies can support a substantial amount of weight, which makes them ideal for moving large appliances or heavy furniture into a storage unit. It is always helpful to secure your belongings to the moving apparatus with moving straps to keep them from falling over.

    How to use dollies, hand trucks and moving straps to make your next move easier!

  • The Benefits of an On-Site Storage Manager

    Life is full of complications, so it is nice when your self-storage facility in Palo Alto can simplify things. When your storage unit rental has an on-site storage manager, you can store your belongings with ease. The on-site manager will be available to answer your questions as well as offer peace of mind that your storage will be safe. If you are looking for a storage facility for your belongings, continue on for a look at the benefits of an on-site storage manager.

    Although a storage facility seems like a straightforward place of business, there is much behind the scenes work to take care of. An on-site storage manager is beneficial because he or she can be available to answer any questions that potential customers might have. If you are wondering how to access your belongings, how long you can keep your self-storage unit, or what types of security measures are in place to keep your things safe, the on-site storage manager can offer you all of the appropriate information. An on-site storage manager will also be qualified to deal with any problems or concerns that you might have. The on-site manager adds a more personal element to self-storage units.

    storage facility in palo alto

  • Evaluating Your Storage Needs

    The right self-storage facility in Palo Alto can be a nice convenience, but an improper fit can be a waste of money! This is why you should always put some careful thought into your professional storage services before diving in. It helps to think about the belongings you have that you would like to put into storage as well as the locations of the facilities you have in mind. Be sure to learn as much as possible about each of your options before making a decision. Keep reading for more tips on evaluating your storage needs. Good storage facility units in Mountview, CA

    Assess Your Belongings

    Before you decide on a specific storage unit—or even a certain storage facility—you should first take a look at the belongings you plan on storing. Your storage facility will offer a range of different sized units, and you must have some idea of how much space you will need. You might end up with crushed or broken belongings if you try to cram too many things into a small space; at the same time, you do not want to pay for a bunch of extra space that you do not need. Start evaluating your storage needs by walking around your home and deciding exactly what you will be placing in storage.

    Do Your Research

    In addition to the actual units themselves, there are many other elements to research when it comes to storage facilities. You will want to find out what kind of security measures are in place that will keep your belongings protected while you are not there to watch over them, and you will also want to understand how you will be able to access your things. Different storage facilities offer different amenities, so carefully consider your options before you make your decision.

    Consider Your Location

    One aspect of self-storage that is often overlooked is the whereabouts of the facility compared to the location of your home. You might find a great deal a town or two over, but consider whether or not the local storage facility would be a better option because of its convenient location.

  • Steps in Staging Your Home

    You have to sell your current home before you can move to a new one, and a big part of this process is staging. Properly staging your home can make it as appealing as possible, which encourages potential buyers to make an offer! Find out how renting a storage unit from a self-storage facility in Mountain View can help by watching this video clip.

    A properly staged home should be clean, impersonal, and clutter free. A clean and well-kept home should have a nice paint job, aesthetic doors, and quality floor treatments. It helps to remove pictures of yourself or your family so that people can imagine themselves living in your home during the open house. If you have a bit of clutter around the house that you do not want to throw away, consider using a storage unit rental to keep your belongings out of sight and in a storage unit while you show your house to potential buyers.

    5 Home Staging Essentials

  • Reasons to Get a Self-Storage Unit

    If you are tired of tripping over your belongings, it may be time to look into a self-storage facility in Palo Alto. This same secure storage facility might also be helpful if your job has you traveling across the country on a regular basis, or if you like to go all out when it comes to decorating for the holidays. A storage unit can be a convenient solution in all sorts of situations. Read on for a closer look at these reasons to get a self-storage unit. Secure Storage Facility in Palo Alto

    Running Out of Room

    You do not need to live in a mansion to enjoy your personal space; all you have to do is understand how to cut down on clutter. Fortunately, self-storage facilities make it easy to keep your home clean, organized, and clutter-free, so even the smallest apartments can feel roomy enough for your needs. A storage unit can help you take back your closet, attic, garage, or other area of your house that has become overrun with clutter. This is the perfect solution for those items that are too sentimental to let go of but not functional enough to make use of.

    Constantly On the Go

    If you live in New York but frequently attend to business on the West Coast, it may behoove you to rent a storage unit in Palo Alto. This will give you a sort of “home base” where you can keep a few of your important things that you would like to have with you whenever you work away from home. If these belongings are already in town when you arrive, you do not need to worry about bringing them on the plane. Storage facilities are perfect for a busy, “on the go” lifestyle.

    Seasonal Decorations

    You might see more seasonal decorations during the winter than any other time of year, but some homes are committed to celebrating every holiday. If this describes your level of holiday cheer, you might need a place to store your lights, inflatables, and other decorations. If you do not have a basement or an attic, a storage unit is perfect.

  • The Basics of Self-Storage

    Self-storage facilities in Palo Alto can help make life manageable in a wide array of different situations. Whether you are moving to a new location and need to store some of your belongings in the meantime or you are often out on business trips that take you all over the world, a ground level storage unit might be just what you need. If you think a self-storage unit might help you unclutter your life, keep reading to learn a little bit more about the basics of self-storage.

    A self-storage unit may be the ideal option for an independent individual who needs a place to store some of his or her belongings. These units allow you to access your storage on any day of the week so that you do not find yourself alienated from your own property. Some storage facilities feature on-site managers, which is convenient when it comes to setting up appointments or having questions answered promptly and to your satisfaction. Always consider the amount of belongings you plan to store so that you can choose a unit that suits your needs. It is also wise to look into the security measures that your facility puts into place.

    Moving truck at Independence Storage in Mountain View, CA

  • Choosing the Best Self-Storage Facility

    You never want to be kept apart from your belongings or learn that they have been destroyed while in storage, which is why it is crucial that you choose the best self-storage unit in Mountain View for your needs. Choosing the right professional storage services can be easy; simply assess your needs, find out if they have an on-site store manager, and learn about the way they charge for their services. Please continue on if you would like some assistance in choosing the best self-storage facility. Checklist with red ink at Independence Storage in Mountain View, CA

    Knowing What You Need

    One of the most important aspects of a self-storage facility is the range of units that it has to offer. If you are only looking for some extra space to store the clutter from your studio apartment, you will not need a storage space the size of your living space itself. Think about the items that you will be moving to storage and the amount of space you will need to keep them safe. If you are torn between two options, it may be wise to go for the bigger one so that you do not have to stack all of your things on top of each other. However, it can also be wasteful to pay for a unit if you don’t use the entire space.

    Presence of a Manager

    A self-storage facility with an on-site manager may be able to offer you a greater level of customer service. Rather than playing phone tag or searching around to try and find the information you need, you can head to the storage facility and talk to the manager. This can expedite the process of answering your questions and alleviating your concerns, and it may contribute to the safety of your belongings.

    Minimum Stay Requirements

    You should always understand the terms of a contract before you sign it. Certain self-storage facilities will only offer their services if you commit to a certain timeframe of storage, while others tend to be more flexible. Some even offer special perks, like refunds of unused rent. Know how long your facility expects you to use their services.

  • Packing Your Wardrobe for Storage

    Moving homes can be very stressful, which is why it is important to be organized and mindful during the process. First off, you need to determine whether or not you will require a storage unit rental in Palo Alto . If this is the case, be sure to do your research and compare multiple storage facilities before making a decision. The right choice should be reputable, have good customer reviews, and be able to provide a secure and high quality storage unit that fits your needs and budget.

    Once a suitable storage unit has been secured, it is time to pack up. Watch this helpful video on how to pack clothing for a move. Remember to take this opportunity to downsize by donating any pieces of clothing or accessories that haven’t been worn or used in the past year.

    How to Pack Clothing for a Move

  • Tips for Selecting a New Storage Unit

    Picking the right self-storage unit to rent is as important as picking the right home—you want to be sure that the bulk of your belongings and prized possessions are secured, properly housed, and kept in good condition. With all of the self-storage facilities in Palo Alto to choose from, it benefits you to know what to look out for when selecting a new storage unit. Do your research and compile a list of potential places to check out. And come prepared with questions in hand. Easily accessible new storage unit Palo Alto

    Choose an Accessible Unit

    Good self-storage facilities are always easily accessible to their renters. Choose a facility that is located near where you plan to be, and that is staffed with helpful, courteous, and knowledgeable attendants. Remember to be mindful of its hours of operation. Not only should your unit be accessible distance-wise, but it also should be conveniently accessible based on your schedule, which may mean being open on weekends and holidays too.

    Go with a Facility That Is Secure

    Security is very important. After all, you expect that your things will be safely contained inside your unit at all times. Pick a place that has a security fence or wall with electronic gates that are controlled by a keypad or swipe pass. There should be active surveillance cameras scattered throughout the property too. For extra security and peace of mind, be sure to invest in the strongest and most appropriate lock that you can afford for your unit.

    Inspect the Unit Before Signing a Contract

    A storage unit’s cleanliness reflects on the facility as a whole. Not many people would willingly pay good money to store they precious belongings in a filthy room, and neither should you. Before you sign any paperwork, be sure to tour the facility and have a look inside any unit you plan to rent. Do not hesitate to move on elsewhere if a certain facility’s standards are not in line with yours.

    Consider a Climate-Controlled Unit

    Take an inventory of your belongings before you choose a self-storage unit. If you own items that are sensitive to temperature, humidity, or pests, you may want to consider renting a climate-controlled room. Ask your local storage professional about the benefits of this option and if it is right for you.

  • A Look at Different Self-Storage Solutions

    Moving is an inevitability. When the time comes, you may find yourself in a situation that warrants renting a secure storage facility in Palo Alto to house some or all of your belongings. Knowing what your self-storage options are can help you make the right decision.

    Self-storage units are usually available in two different pack-it-yourself options, depending on whether you require short-term or long-term storage. For instance, if you find yourself in between homes for a short period, opt for a self-storage unit at a local, easily accessible facility. If applicable, ask for a ground-level storage unit, which can make the moving process smoother. If you need long-term storage, consider having a container delivered to your home. With this option, the storage company drops off an empty industrial container and then picks it up after it has been filled. The container is transported and stored in a closed facility until you are ready. The downside to this type of storage is that your things tend not to be accessible to you as they would if you used a self-storage unit.

    Storage unit in home lawn at Independence Storage in Mountain View, CA

  • Preparing Your Sofa for Storage

    Oftentimes, people find themselves in need of a self-storage unit in Palo Alto. The reasons tend to vary. Someone may require an overflow storage space to relieve his packed garage whereas another one may be in-between living situations. Regardless of the reason, you may find yourself requiring a storage unit rental for your knickknacks and furnishings. When you do, it will be helpful for you to know how to prepare your large furniture pieces for storage—particularly your sofa. By following proper techniques, you can ensure that your cozy couch remains in good condition while it is safely stowed away. Sofa against brick wall at Independence Storage in Mountain View, CA

    Materials You Should Have

    Before you pack your sofa into your self-storage unit, you need to prep it. Have these materials on hand: cleaning rags, appropriate cleaning solutions, bubble wrap or corrugated cardboard, large garbage bags or plastic wrap, large tarps or plastic sheeting, and pallets.

    What to Do

    Clean your sofa by wiping it down with a dirt-free rag and cleaner. If desired, polish any wood or metal with solutions that are specifically formulated for the job. Disassemble your sofa, if possible, and place parts in properly labeled bags or boxes. Use bubble wrap to cover fragile and easily scratched pieces. Bag up loose cushions and pillows. Be sure that all parts of your sofa are thoroughly dry before storing. In the storage unit, place sofa on tarp-shrouded pallets and wrap any exposed wood or metal with plastic sheeting or cardboard. Swathe sofa with a large tarp or a thick canvas sheet for extra protection.

    Helpful Storage Tips

    Most sofas are rather costly to buy. The last thing you want to happen while it is being stored is for it to get damaged. Remember not to stack heavy things on your sofa, as they can permanently cause unsightly indentations. If you spent a lot of money on your couch, you might want to choose a climate-controlled unit that can protect your furniture from moisture, pests, or extreme temperatures. It costs more to rent, but it will give you peace of mind. For more assurance, consider taking out an insurance policy on your storage unit. When in doubt, consult a knowledgeable storage professional.

  • ORGANIZE YOUR STORAGE WITH MOVING BOX APP

    Moving day can be very stressful, but there are steps you can take to make the process much easier. If you want to avoid losing anything during a move, it’s a good idea to organize your belongings efficiently and effectively. It can be especially important to keep tabs of your belongings if some of them will be moved to your new home, while others will be placed in a storage unit rental in Palo Alto .

    It’s not always easy to keep track of everything you own during this hectic event, but thankfully, there’s an app for that. Moving Van is an app for Apple devices that can help you keep track of the location and contents of each box, whether it’s in your van or in a storage unit. With a few simple taps, you’ll know whether you’ve moved your coffee maker to your new house or to your storage unit rental. With the help of this simple program, the process of moving and storing items at a storage facility will become much easier.

    Organize storage unit rental palo alto with app in Mountain View, CA