• Packing Your Items for Storage

    Keeping your belongings in temporary storage in Mountain View is an excellent way to help facilitate a move. Watch this video to learn how to pack your belongings in a way that makes them easy to carry and less likely to break as they go to and from your storage rental.

    Start by collecting sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, tape, and a permanent marker. Before you begin packing, assemble your boxes and secure their bottoms and corners with tape. Next, line any boxes that will contain fragile items with bubble wrap. After adding the fragile items, fill in any extra space with more bubble wrap. While packing, be sure to make no box weigh more than 50 pounds so you can move them into the storage unit more easily. Finally, use the marker to provide each box with a descriptive label to help keep them organized within the storage rental.

  • Tips for Storing Your Furniture

    Putting extra furniture into storage is a great way to free up some space at home or to make moving easier. If you are getting ready to move some of your furniture into a storage rental in Palo Alto , then continue reading for some helpful tips on storing this type of item.

    First, if any of your furniture can be easily disassembled, doing this before putting them into the rental unit can help prevent them from being damaged and taking up a lot of space in the storage rental. Next, wrap any wood or upholstered furniture with plastic and secure it in place with tape. Also, clean anything made of fabric before moving the furniture into the storage unit to help reduce the likelihood of bacteria and mold growth. Finally, cover each piece of furniture with plastic or sheets to help keep them dust free while they are in your storage rental.

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  • What to Avoid Putting In Storage

    Are you planning to move some of your belongings into a storage rental near Palo Alto? If so, then you should know that there are a few things that you should avoid putting into storage. storage - tips

    Items That Are Perishable

    One mistake that you do not want to make when it comes to storing your belongings is placing any perishable items into the unit. Any type of food, even pet kibble, can make the unit attractive to rodents. If rats or mice were to smell the food and get into the unit, not only will they eat the food items, but they may also chew up and defecate on the rest of your belongings. Also, storing food in your storage rental can promote bacteria and mold growth that can contaminate the other items in the space.

    Items That Are Living

    A storage unit is not designed to hold anything that is alive. For this reason, pets and other animals should never be kept in your storage rental, even for short periods. Also, plants should not be stored in your unit.

    Items That Are Sensitive to Temperature

    Most storage units are not climate controlled, so if this applies to your rental, then it’s important to consider if any of your items are temperature-sensitive before putting them into storage. Some leather and wood furniture can be affected by extreme temperature changes and may not be ideal for storage. Also, musical instruments and some household appliances should remain in a temperature controlled location. Finally, wine, collections of coins and stamps, artwork, photographs, and electronics should be kept in a temperature controlled space.

    Items That Are Weapons

    Most storage facilities do not permit the storage of any weapons or ammunition. Because they are explosive and dangerous, this usually extends to fireworks, as well.

    Items That Are Hazardous or Toxic

    Finally, the last category of items that should not go into your storage unit is hazardous and toxic items. Some examples of these materials include cleaners, propane tanks, compressed gas, kerosene, grease, motor oil, gasoline, toxic waste, and biological waste.

  • What to Know About Staging Your Home

    Many people who choose to use self-storage are in the process of selling their home. If you’re planning to move some of your belongings into temporary storage in Mountain View for this reason, then there are a few things that you should know about staging your home. storage - items

    Clearing Out Clutter

    One of the best ways to start the process of staging your home is to remove as much clutter as possible. This step is essential because potential buyers appreciate a home that looks furnished but not lived in. Many homeowners choose to downsize before selling and to keep any non-essentials of what is left in a storage unit. If you don’t need an item to get by while your home is for sale, then it’s ideal to put it into a storage rental during this process.

    Cleaning Your Interiors

    After your home is cleared of excess clutter, you’ll find it easier to take on the next important step, which is cleaning. When you want to sell your house quickly, you should put a significant amount of effort into getting your interiors sparkling clean. A few areas to focus on are windows, grout, floors, and countertops. Thoroughly cleaning your home is one of the most cost-effective ways to make it more marketable.

    Choosing Your Décor

    Although an important part of staging your home is clearing away clutter, you also want it to feel home-like and inviting. To achieve this, leave some select pieces of art on the wall, but remove any family photos that you may have. Also, include some vases with cut flowers, set out dining ware on your table, and add a bowl or 2 of fresh fruit to your kitchen counter.

    Addressing Your Exteriors

    Your home’s curb appeal can play a crucial role in your ability to sell it quickly, and improving the look of your home’s exterior and landscaping can boost the property’s value. Have your siding and walkways power washed, clean your front windows, add greenery and flowers that are in bloom, and mow and reseed your lawn as needed as part of staging your home.