How To Keep Track of Items In Storage

How to Keep Your Self-Storage Units Organized

Your self-storage units are meant to help keep your home or business organized. However, storing items without a plan can make it difficult or nearly impossible to find what you’re looking for. Strategic planning and thoughtful storage make managing your unit easier and more organized, so you won’t spend hours searching for items. Not sure where to start? Follow these practical and helpful tips before you start moving, and you’ll maximize the benefits of your self-storage unit.

Label Clearly and Consistently

Most items will be stored in boxes or bins. So, if you’re not labeling them clearly, you’ll have to open up each one to get the item you’re looking for. Many people label the top of the box or one of the sides. However, this requires additional time and consideration when storing your items. When you label each side of your bin, it ensures that you can see the label regardless of how it’s stored. Provide a name for the box that gives more details, such as “kitchen – Silverware,” so you know exactly what the contents of the box are. You can also number the boxes and refer to a master list to manage the exact content.

Map Out Your Self-Storage Unit Layout

Mapping out your self-storage unit requires an extra step, but it can save you a lot of time once your items are stored. Start by dividing the space into zones based on item categories or the frequency of use. For example, items that you won’t need or that are being stored long-term can be placed towards the back. While more frequently used items should be more easily accessible. A thoughtful approach ensures you can locate your belongings effortlessly.

Use Digital Tools Such as Apps and Spreadsheets

Maintaining your self-storage unit’s inventory using a digital tool enables you to track what is being stored more accurately and where, providing a clear and easily accessible catalog that you can take with you to your unit. There are numerous free and premium apps available, specifically designed to help you maintain your self-storage unit. A spreadsheet allows you to tailor your inventory management system to better meet your specific needs. You can save time and reduce frustration when managing your stored items by integrating digital tools.

Update Your Lists Regularly

Keeping your inventory up to date is essential for staying organized and ensuring you always know what’s in your unit. You can save yourself countless hours struggling to find something you have already removed. We recommend updating your inventory list anytime an item is added, removed, or its location inside the unit changes. Staying organized ensures that all items are accounted for and nothing is missing.

Reassess Your Inventory and Remove Outdated or Unneeded Items

You want every square foot of your unit to suit your needs. However, as the months or even years pass, some items in your self-storage unit may be forgotten about, taking up valuable space. Regularly reviewing your inventory allows you to identify items that are no longer needed. Donate, sell, or dispose of these items to reclaim space and ensure your unit remains functional and efficient.

Additional Self Storage Unit Tips

• Invest in Shelving – Shelving allows you to more easily organize your items and keep them off the ground, where dirt and moisture can cause damage to the box and eventually the contents inside.
• Stack Responsibly – Stacking as high as you can safely manage allows you to maximize the square footage of your self-storage unit. To ensure stability, place heavier and sturdier items at the bottom, while lighter boxes or objects can go on top. Consider storage bins instead of boxes because they offer better durability and are less prone to collapsing over time.
• Create an Aisle – A storage unit is no good if you’re unable to access your items. Creating an aisle allows for easier access to your items without the need to move boxes and bins to reach the area.

FAQs for Self-Storage Units

• Can I Store Any Item in Self Storage Units? – No. Hazardous and flammable items are not allowed to be stored in most self-storage units. Live animals, perishable foods, and illegal items are also not permitted.
• How Do I Package Fragile Items? – Fragile items, such as electronics, should be stored in a sturdy and secure box and packed using bubble wrap or other packaging material.
• Can I access my unit at any time? – Many facilities offer 24/7 access to their units, while others have specific operating hours. It’s essential to check the access policies of your storage provider beforehand.

Secure Self Storage Solutions

Mountain View, CA residents and business owners choose Independence Storage for all their self-storage needs. We offer no hidden fees or complex contracts, providing straightforward self-storage solutions for both home and business owners. Our ground-floor units offer easy access for your moving trucks, including semi-trucks. Contact our office today to learn more about our self-storage solutions and to reserve your unit.

Why Use Self-Storage for Your Commercial Storage Needs?

Self-Service Commercial Storage Solutions

Business owners face numerous challenges, including cramped offices and surplus inventory with limited space at their office to store it all. Whether you’re storing seasonal inventory, office supplies, or archiving documentation, a business storage unit offers unmatched flexibility for your company. We offer a wide range of storage sizes and ground-floor access. Learn more about how self-storage solutions can help enhance your business’s operation and position your company for growth.

Why Business Storage Matters for Your Company

Commercial storage is about more than clearing clutter. It’s a strategic tool that helps businesses operate more efficiently and cost-effectively. By leveraging commercial storage space, you can expand your business, manage your inventory effectively, and ensure the security of your documentation and products. Learn more about how our storage solutions can enhance your business’s operation:

• Save Money on Office Space – If moving to a larger office space is cost-prohibitive, but you find yourself cramped in your current location, self-storage may be the answer. Instead of paying premium rates for additional square footage for more on-site storage, move non-essential items to a commercial storage unit.
• Stay Organized – When your office is overflowing with boxes, equipment, and old files, it’s hard to stay productive. Commercial storage provides a designated space to store items you need but don’t use daily. You’ll experience a more organized and clutter-free workspace.
• Scale as You Grow – Growing businesses often face unpredictable space needs. Commercial storage units offer flexible lease terms and various sizes, so you can scale up or down without being locked into a long-term commitment.

Essential Features to Consider for Your Commercial Unit

Finding a storage solution that suits your needs is essential for maintaining smooth business operations and maximizing the benefits of your unit. When searching for the right unit for your business, consider the following features:

• Security – Security is the primary concern for any business, especially for those storing assets and inventory off-site. Independence Storage offers gated access, on-site staff from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and electronic key access for an added level of security.
• Accessibility – All of our storage units are located on the ground floor, making loading and unloading belongings easy. Your storage unit is accessible 365 days a year, allowing you to access it at any time.
• Size Options – All our units are 10 feet tall and vary in size from 4’x5 ′ to 10’x30′, to suit your business’s needs.

How Does Business Storage Improve Efficiency?

Choosing the right business storage company offers more benefits than just storing your stuff. When used strategically, it can transform how your business operates. At Independence Storage, we work with businesses across numerous industries, including retail, tech companies, real estate, and hospitality. Discover how our storage solutions can assist your business:

• Streamline Inventory Management for E-commerce and Retail Businesses
• Securely Store and Maintain Physical Documents for Compliance
• Store Equipment, Tools, and Supplies
• Flexible Leasing Options for Seasonal Changes and Needs

What to Consider When Choosing a Commercial Storage Facility

Each business owner faces unique challenges, depending on their industry, location, and future growth plans. So, selecting the right commercial storage facility requires careful consideration. If your business is seeking self-storage solutions, consider the following before making your decision:

• Location and Convenience
• Cost and Contract Term
• Security and Cleanliness
• Customer Service Professionals

Commercial Storage Facility FAQs

• What’s the Difference Between Commercial and Residential Storage? – Commercial storage units are designed for business use and often include extended access hours and enhanced security. They’re also more likely to be located in areas zoned for commercial use.
• Can I Use My Storage Unit as a Workspace? – No. It’s strictly prohibited to use your storage unit as a dedicated work area.
• Do I Need Insurance for My Stored Items? – Insurance for your stored items may not be explicitly required. Some business owners’ insurance will cover stored items. However, please check with your insurance company for specific details about your coverage.
• How Do I Determine the Correct Unit Size? – Our team can help you determine which size storage unit is right for your current needs and future growth.

Streamline Your Business With Commercial Storage

Independence Storage in Mountain View offers self-service business storage units for companies that need an affordable option for growing their company or streamlining their processes. If you’re struggling with overstock, in the midst of relocating your business, or require temporary storage or seasonal storage capabilities, we’re the team you can trust. Our secure and well-maintained storage units offer single-story accessibility for your convenience. Contact our team today to schedule a tour and to reserve a unit.

How to Store Outdoor Furniture During the Winter Months

Outdoor Furniture Storage Ideas

If you have delicate, expensive, or quality outdoor furniture, storage is necessary to protect it from the weather when it’s not in use. Without proper storage, your furniture can suffer from wear and tear, weather damage, animal damage, and other problems. When spring comes and you’re ready to use it again, you may find that you have to replace it all. Here are some tips for winter outdoor furniture storage, as well as some great outdoor furniture storage ideas to use.

The Importance of Winter Storage for Outdoor Furniture

While outdoor furniture is typically made of robust, weather-proof material, it is still vulnerable to extreme temperatures. Over time, it will develop damage and wear and tear, requiring premature replacement. Proper winter storage offers:

• Reduced risk of damage
• Longer lifespan
• Maintained appearance and beauty
• Safer and more comfortable furniture
• Lower risk of needing repair or replacement
• Protection from wind, rain, snow, insects, and animals
• Cleaner furniture at the end of the season

What to Do Before Putting Outdoor Furniture in Winter Storage

Before you store your furniture away for the winter, there are a few things you can do to prepare it. This will make sure your furniture is in the best possible condition and won’t suffer any damage while in a storage unit:

• Clean all surfaces thoroughly by wiping them with a soft cloth to remove dust, cobwebs, and debris, and then using mild soap and warm water to get rid of stubborn grime.
• Remove all cushions and wash them according to manufacturer instructions, then dry them thoroughly before placing them in storage.
• Store cushions, pillows, and other soft items in insect-proof bags.
• Wrap furniture legs and arms in plastic wrap or bubble wrap for protection.
• Remove glass inserts and wrap them in bubble wrap, and place them in a cardboard box or wrap them in blankets.

The Best Options for Seasonal Outdoor Furniture Storage

It’s important to choose the right storage method for your furniture. Consider the weather and climate in your region and what the furniture is made of. For instance, wood furniture is more vulnerable to insects, rot, mold, mildew, breakage, and moisture intrusion. Vinyl and plastic furniture may not be as fragile. Here are some of the best methods for storing outdoor furniture over the winter:

• Outdoor Furniture Covers for Winter Storage – These are durable, weather-proof covers that are designed to fit over the entirety of your furniture. They are typically made from waterproof material like coated or waxed canvas, plastic, or vinyl. Choose one that is the right size for your furniture so there are no uncovered or unprotected parts. Coverings can also be used if your furniture is built in or is too large or heavy to move and store.
• Garages or Covered Storage – If you have a garage or other covered storage option on your property, like a carport or shed, you can clean and wrap your furniture and move it in. This will keep it safe from weather damage, but it may still be vulnerable to insects and wildlife, as well as flooding or fire.
• Self-storage Units – A self-storage unit can store furniture of any size. Plus, you can choose from indoor and outdoor units, so you can protect fragile and expensive furniture by storing it inside in a climate-controlled facility. Storage units also often have on-site management, controlled access, and fire, flood, and pest protection.

Protecting Furniture During Storage

No matter how you choose to store your furniture, make sure it is also protected while in storage. Check the storage area or storage unit frequently. Look for signs of dust, weather damage, insect or animal activity, water leaks, or other issues that could affect your furniture.

What to Do When You Take Furniture Out of Storage

When you take your furniture out of your home storage unit, there are a few things that you should do before using it. Following these steps will protect you and the furniture, ensuring it is clean, safe, and comfortable to use:

• Remove all coverings, plastic wrap, and other protective items.
• Wipe the furniture clean with a damp, soft cloth.
• Inspect each piece for signs of damage, mold or mildew, or insect or animal damage.
• For wood furniture, use a specialized wood cleaner and wood polish to restore its finish.
• Restore wood furniture with a stain, sealant, or paint.
• Take cushions and soft items out of their protective bags.
• Wash them if needed, or use a fabric-safe deodorizing spray to freshen them.
• Let them dry completely before replacing and using them.

Call Independence Storage for a Furniture Storage Quote

Independence Storage offers flexible furniture storage solutions in Mountain View, CA. Our storage units range in size and type, but all feature 10-foot ceilings for easy storage of furniture of all sizes. Our facility is gated, secure, and each unit has drive-up access for easy loading. Call us now or reach out to us online to get an estimate or learn more.

Storage for Moving: 7 Benefits of Using Self Storage While You Move

How Self-Storage Can Help You During a Move: 7 Benefits

Moving can be incredibly stressful. Last-minute moves, in particular, can present a lot of financial and logistical challenges. For instance, what if you have to be out of your apartment in a week, but you can’t move into a new place until the first of the next month? What if you plan on traveling when your lease ends or after moving out of your college dorm? What will you do with your belongings? Move-in self-storage is a safe, cost-effective solution. Learn more about how self-storage can help you during a move, and the seven benefits of self-storage.

1. Decluttering Prior to a Move

A move is the perfect time to take stock of what you have, what you need, and what you can let go of. If you are moving into a smaller space, you might need to consider downsizing your belongings. Even if your new place will be the same size, you may want to declutter and choose items to sell, give away, or donate to charities. However, the decluttering process can be time-consuming, and if you don’t want to pack and unpack items twice, a self-storage unit is the solution. Use it to store items you won’t be bringing with you when you move so that you can decide what to do with them once the stress of the move has passed. That way, you won’t have to deal with the hassle of packing them up and bringing them with you to your new home, only to unpack them and donate them or give them away.

2. Freeing Up Time and Space

One of the biggest challenges when moving is not having time to deal with everything you own. You might not know what furniture will fit in your new place, or if you’ll have room for all of your belongings. If you have roommates or are moving in with your partner, you might face even more time constraints. Renting a self-storage unit gives you the freedom to focus on the big-picture items on your task list and deal with the smaller things later once you’re settled into your new home. If you aren’t sure what you want to keep or what will fit, move non-essentials into a storage unit and decide what to do with them after you’ve unpacked at the new place.

3. Storage When You’re Between Living Situations

If your lease is up before you can move into your new place, you might panic trying to figure out what to do with your belongings. A self-storage unit can bridge the gap, providing a safe and secure place to keep your belongings until you can move into your new home. Whether you’re crashing on a friend’s couch, traveling, or staying at a hotel, you can rest easy knowing that your furniture, clothes, and other belongings are safe. This can help you avoid late move-out fees, early move-in fees, and other stressful situations that could occur if you don’t have anywhere to store your belongings.

4. Protecting Fragile Items

Some items are too fragile to handle being bounced around a moving truck. However, on moving day, you might not have the time or energy to deal with the logistics of making sure that they get safely transported in your vehicle – or you may not have a personal vehicle to use. If that is the case, you can safely store these fragile items in your personal storage unit and arrange for them to be moved via car or another more protected vehicle at a later time.

5. Keeping Belongings Safe During a Renovation

A renovation or remodel is a huge, time-consuming project. You might not want to have all of your belongings moved into your new home if you’re planning on renovating. Renovating causes a lot of dust, vibrations, and other issues that could damage furniture and other belongings. Keeping them in a home storage facility will protect them so that they can be safely moved back into your home once the remodel is complete.

6. Freedom to Travel Before a Move

If you just graduated from college, have to move out of your dorm room before summer starts, or plan on traveling after your lease is up, you need a safe place to store your belongings. While you can downsize and donate some items, you’ll want to hold on to clothing, photos, and other valuable or personal belongings. Using a student or college storage facility gives you a safe, secure place to store your belongings while you travel. When you return, just move them into your new place, safe and sound.

7. Cost Savings and Flexibility

If you have hired movers to assist you with moving into a new place, they will probably charge you by the hour. There may be some things you can move yourself in order to save money on professional moving services. If that is the case, you can move those smaller items into a storage facility. That way, you are only paying the movers for help with large, heavy items that you wouldn’t be able to move yourself. When they’re done, you can easily get your items out of storage and complete your move.

Call Independence Storage for a Quote for Move-In Self Storage

Independence Storage offers self-storage benefits in Mountain View, CA, that are perfect for people who are moving. Our units are available in three convenient sizes, all of which feature 10-foot ceilings and drive-up access for easy unloading and loading. Plus, they are clean, secure, and access-controlled for added peace of mind. Call us now to get an estimate for move-in self-storage.