• Learn the Dos and Don’ts of Helping Your Child Pack for College

    Student storage facility in Mountain View, CA In college dorms, storage options are few and far between. If your child is going to a college far away and won’t be able to come home frequently to visit (and do laundry), then he or she will need to bring more stuff than the local college kids. Ahead of the move-in date, research options for student storage units in Mountain View. Renting a small, temporary storage unit for your child will minimize future frustration, as your child won’t have to ask you to mail out packages of his or her stuff every few weeks.

    Do limit your involvement in the packing process.

    College is an exciting, giant step toward independence for your child. As tempting as it is to do everything for him or her, your child needs the opportunity to learn from mistakes. However, you can teach by example. Have your child call the appropriate office on campus to ask about rules regarding what can and can’t be taken to the residence halls. If your child has trouble with organization, sit down with him or her and develop a master list of things to pack . Sort the list into categories, such as clothing, bedding, personal care items, electronics, school supplies, and kitchen items.

    Don’t hesitate to toss basic first aid items in a suitcase.

    Even a well-organized teenager might not think to pack basic first aid items. Give your child the following items:

    • Over-the-counter pain relievers/fever reducers
    • Band-Aids
    • Antibiotic ointment
    • Hydrogen peroxide
    • Cold pack

    If your child takes prescription medications or uses an inhaler for asthma, he or she should have extras on hand. Make sure the closest pharmacy to the campus has your child’s prescriptions and health insurance information on file.

    Do have your child get in touch with the roommate.

    It isn’t necessary to furnish dorm rooms—they already have beds, dressers, and desks. However, there are a few larger items your child may want, such as a mini fridge, microwave, and TV. Have your child call the new roommate to find out if he or she was already planning on bringing these items. There won’t be enough space for duplicates. It’s common for campuses to connect students to rental services for mini fridges, many of which are combination units that also have an attached microwave. Your child and the roommate could rent a unit together.

  • The Military Family’s Guide to Storing Stuff During a Deployment

    A deployment can be a tough time for every member of your family. If you are getting ready for a long deployment, you will need to deal with practical matters, such as where to keep your belongings while you are overseas. A storage unit rental facility in Palo Alto will provide you with a secure storage unit to keep all of your household items while you are on deployment. If you are gearing up for a deployment, keep the following storage tips in mind: military - move

    Consider Downsizing Your Home

    If your deployment will last for 12 months or more, your family may want to choose to move into a smaller home while you are away. As you are choosing what to place in storage, and what will remain with your family during the deployment, consider downsizing some of your items. By donating or eliminating some of your family’s stuff, you will have an easier time during the moving and storage process.

    Ask About Auto Storage

    For many families, auto storage is necessary during a long deployment. Rather than having your car sit in the driveway while you are away overseas, you can protect the value and safety of your vehicle by placing it into storage. Many self storage facilities have auto storage options that are perfect for military members and their families. After you have placed your car into storage, you will not have to worry about keeping it protected while you are away.

    Evaluate Your Security Needs

    Since you will be far away from your family during your deployment, you will need to make sure that you choose a secure storage facility for your belongings. High security storage units are equipped with advanced safety features that will protect your stuff during your deployment. Before you leave for your trip, take the time to inspect the storage unit and ensure that it offers all of the security features are needed to provide you with peace of mind while you are away.

  • How Storage Units Can Reduce Your Housing Costs

    When you are getting ready to move into a new apartment, consider the advantages of renting a storage unit. By reserving a storage unit in Palo Alto , you will be able to downsize your belongings, while still keeping them for later use. Ultimately, a storage unit rental may be much more cost-effective than renting a larger apartment or home. If you are concerned about the high price of housing, downsizing into a smaller place and renting a storage unit may help you to cut back on your monthly rental payments.

    A facility that rents storage units in your local area can provide you with the space that you need to store your items after you move into a smaller apartment. Whether you are seeking temporary storage during your move, or you need a long-term solution, you can expect your storage unit facility to provide you with a range of rental options.

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  • Convenient Access for Independence Storage Customers

    At Independence Storage, we are highly committed to the satisfaction of our customers. When you rent one of our storage units near Palo Alto, you will benefit from our state of the art facility and convenient storage rental services. One terrific service that we are pleased to offer is our convenient online access system. Using our online tools, you can manage your account and make sure that your storage rental is meeting all of your needs.

    There are several terrific benefits to our convenient online access system. As a customer, you will be provided with a secure login that allows you to take a look at your account and billing. Whether you need to make a payment or review your current account activity, our online tools make it easy to accomplish these tasks from the comfort of your personal computer or mobile device. Visit our website to learn more about our online tools and state-of-the-art storage facilities.

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  • Save Space at Home by Moving These Items into Storage

    There are several items that you can move to a Palo Alto storage unit to free up space in your home . These items—such as seasonal decorations, heirloom furniture, and old tax files—take up much more space than you realize. By putting these items into a storage unit, you can devote this extra space to more important items. Read on to learn which items can be placed into storage to free up space. storage - unit

    Seasonal Items

    You probably have several items that you only use for a couple months out of the year, and they take up much-needed space for the majority of year. Your seasonal items can be placed into a storage unit to free up space and prevent unnecessary damages. Seasonal items will include gardening tools, such as a lawnmower and shovels. Other seasonal storage items may include pool toys, holiday decorations, and winter and summer clothing.

    Large Valuables

    If you have valuable pieces of artwork, home décor, or heirlooms, then self-storage is the perfect option to keep these items safe and free up space in your home. Professional storage units are often more secure and free of common household hazards, such as flooding and pests. You will also have various storage options to choose from through a storage facility. Self-storage rental companies typically offer different-sized units, drive-up units, and climate-controlled units to provide you with the best options available. Storage units will also be protected by an on-site manager and individual access through a personal keycode.

    Archived Files

    Tax records, medical files, and insurance information can take up a lot of room in your office space and filing cabinets. You can free up this space by decluttering all of your paperwork and placing the necessary files into filing boxes that will be held in a storage unit. These important files will be better protected against flooding and fire damage, and you will have much more space in your office to work on other important projects.

  • Maximizing Storage Space at Home

    It is important to maximize all of your storage options in Palo Alto. You can store large furniture, artwork, and moving boxes in your storage unit. However, you can also utilize certain storage options around your home. Continue reading to learn some easy storage options around your house.

    As seen in this “Clean My Space” video, you can use stacking shelves in your kitchen and bathroom cabinets to maximize all of your storage space in these areas. You can also hang up adhesive hooks in your utility spaces and around the house to store common household tools, such as a broom and step stool. Consider hanging shoe storage options to hold extra shoes, jewelry, and clothing accessories as well.

  • Features to Look for in a Self-Storage Location

    If you need a professional and secure self-storage unit, then there are certain features to look for in your Mountain View storage rental company . Tight security measures and customizability are incredibly important to the safety of your items and their housing. When you choose a storage location and storage units with excellent security features and expansive units, then you can feel more secure in your chose of storage rental company. Continue reading to learn the important features needed in a self-storage facility. storage - unit

    Excellent Security

    Security is one of the most important features to look for in your self-storage facility. You must feel confident that you can store your treasured heirlooms and belongings in a secure location. The most secure self-storage facilities will have on-site managers to monitor all of the units and the property. Facilities should also keep the property protected with gates and individual electronic key pads. These security measures will ensure that only you can access your items, and you can feel safe and confident in your self-storage facility.

    Expansive Units

    Stored items have a way of expanding, especially as you continue through your life and gather more mementos and personal items. You need a storage unit that can accommodate your growing amount of storage. Quality storage facilities and storage rental companies will rent out a variety of storage sizes to suit your needs. These units should have high ceilings to give you the maximum amount of space in whichever unit size you choose.

    Customizable Billing

    A great self-storage facility will give you many options in storage units and billing. There are many different ways to pay, such as weekly, monthly, and annually. In addition to versatile payment options, you can work with your storage manager to find the right price for you. A storage rental company should be dedicated to giving you as many billing and storage options available. Look for the facility that places a priority on your comfort and peace of mind.

  • Stress-Free Downsizing 101

     

    People decide to downsize for all kinds of reasons. Whether you are moving to a smaller living space or you’re simply taking a more minimalist approach to your home design, you should know how to downsize without stressing yourself out. In order to do this, you’ll need to come up with a game plan well before you decide to get started, and you should come equipped with the right packing materials. It’s always wise to use a storage unit in Mountain View , as this can instantly free up space around your house. Keep reading for a crash course in stress-free downsizing. downsizing - stress

    Leave Yourself Time

    No matter why you’re downsizing, it’s best to get started on the planning process early on. When you leave yourself time beforehand, you can get a game plan together and take steps to stick to it throughout the process. Planning your moves out in advance can work wonders when it comes to taking the stress out of downsizing. You won’t be rushing to meet a moving deadline or scramble to use your storage unit before you have to renew it. The longer you give yourself to prepare for your downsizing project, the less stress will be involved.

    Pack the Right Way

    Packing is an integral part of downsizing in many cases, and yet plenty of people still do it the wrong way. Instead of taking used boxes from your local grocery store, buy boxes that were actually designed for packing. These boxes will do a better job of keeping your belongings safe while downsizing. You should also label all of the boxes that you pack so you can easily tell what is inside each of them.

    Use a Storage Unit

    If you are downsizing because you want to clear up some space in your house, consider a storage unit. A storage unit can be a great thing to have when you want to make the most of your living space but you don’t want to get rid of all of your belongings. The right storage unit can make downsizing easy as well as stress-free.

     

  • Smart Tips for Stress-Free Moving

    When you are moving into a new house or storage unit, it is important to keep some essential moving tips in mind. In this video, you will take a look at some methods that can be used to reduce stress during a move. Before you start the moving process, you will want to take the time to create a detailed list for all of your moving tasks. A storage unit in Mountain View can provide you with additional moving tips .

    After you have carefully sorted and packed all of your stuff, you will be ready to begin the physical part of the move. A facility that offers storage shed rental may be able to provide you with a moving truck that will allow you to easily transport your belongings into your storage unit.

  • Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Storage Facility

    If you are reviewing storage options in Mountain View, you will want to make sure that you choose a storage rental company that is prepared to fulfill all of your storage needs. By doing your research and touring the facility, you can rest assured that you are placing your items into the best available storage unit. There are several factors that you will want to keep in mind when you are choosing your next storage facility.

    One essential factor to consider when you choose a storage facility is whether the facility requires you to enter into a long term contract. Ideally, your storage facility should offer both short-term and long-term rental agreements. You will also want to make sure that the facility has been equipped with a comprehensive security system that will protect your belongings. For ease of access, you should also choose a storage facility that provides spacious, ground level units. Once you have found a facility that meets these requirements, you will be ready to start moving your stuff into storage.

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  • What You Should Know About Personal Property Coverage

    When you rent a storage unit , you will enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your items are securely stored in a safe space. Still, it can be helpful to have insurance coverage for stored items in the event of a flood, fire, or other unavoidable catastrophe. As you are reviewing your storage options in Mountain View, you may want to ask your insurance company to provide you with information about your personal property coverage and how it relates to items that are stored outside of your dwelling. Typically, homeowners’ insurance offers partial or full coverage for belongings that are placed in self storage. Here is an overview of what you need to know about personal property coverage. Storage - unit - coverage

    Homeowners’ Insurance Includes Personal Property Coverage

    Personal property coverage is probably already included in your current homeowners’ insurance plan. If it has been a while since you read over your policy, now is a good time to review its details. A comprehensive homeowners’ insurance policy should cover your personal belongings, whether they are stored at your house or in a storage facility.

    Off-Premise Personal Property Coverage May Be Limited

    Off-premise personal property coverage is defined as any coverage that extends to items that are stored in a storage unit, rather than in the home. Depending on the terms of your insurance policy, your plan may offer up to half of the coverage limit for your private home. Before you place your valuables in a storage unit, you will want to review any limits that may pertain to your off-premise storage.

    Valuable Belongings May Be Eligible for Additional Coverage

    A storage unit is a safe and secure place to store your most valuable belongings. If you are planning on placing your valuables into storage, you may want to ask your insurance company about the possibility of extending your personal property coverage limit. Typically, your insurance company will be happy to work with you to create a coverage plan that provides adequate protection for your valuables. With your additional coverage in place, you will be ready to move your valuables into storage with total peace of mind.

  • Proper Storage for Mattresses

    A mattress is a bulky item that can take up a lot of space in your storage unit. In this video, you will learn some essential tips to keep in mind when you are placing a mattress into self storage. When you bring your mattress to a storage unit in Mountain View , you will want to make sure that you place it in an area where it can lie perfectly flat. If the mattress is not stored in a flat area, it may become misshapen over time.

    Once you have found the perfect spot for your mattress, you can start placing other items on top of its surface. Ideally, you will want to stack lightweight boxes on top of your mattress. It is also important to ensure that the weight on the surface of your mattress is evenly distributed.

  • Common Reasons Why College Students Choose Self-Storage

    If your son or daughter is enrolled in college, you may be wondering about what will happen to his or her belongings when the school year wraps up. Rather than carting college stuff between the dorm room and your home, you may want to consider renting college storage in Palo Alto. College students choose self storage because it provides them with a secure place to store their belongings when they are away from school. A storage unit can also make it easier to transition into new housing situations at the start of the school year.

    A storage rental company near your son or daughter’s school may offer storage services that are specifically tailored to college students. When you rent out a college storage unit, you can expect to receive a great rate and flexible rental terms. By renting storage for your college age student, you can help to ensure that his or her college years are successful and stress free.

    Self storage units in Mountview, CA

  • Get Organized with a Moving Timeline

    Whether you are moving into a new home or getting ready to relocate your office, it is important to ensure that you are fully organized and prepared for your big move. To help free up space and secure your items during the moving process, you may want to consider renting temporary storage in Palo Alto. A storage unit rental can provide you with additional peace of mind as you are packing and sorting through your belongings . If you are wondering when you should rent your storage unit, take a look at these handy moving timeline tips. moving - tips

    Evaluate Your Schedule

    In order to create your moving timeline, you will need to first determine how much time is available for your big move. Moving your home in a month’s time will take considerably more effort than stretching the move over several months or more. After you have evaluated your schedule, you will be able to set up key services that will be needed during the course of your moving preparation.

    Set Deadlines for Your Household

    Rather than completing your moving tasks at random, it is a great idea to set moving deadlines for your entire household. If you will be moving some of your furniture or belongings into temporary storage, you will need to schedule a deadline for setting up this service in advance. Some other deadlines to consider include when you will start packing boxes, when you will begin mail forwarding, and how soon you will transfer your utilities.

    Start Packing Early

    To reduce stress during your big move, it is very important to start packing up your belongings as early as possible. Giving yourself plenty of time to pack will allow you to carefully consider which items you will bring to your new residence right away, and which items you will place in temporary storage. After you have created your moving timeline, you can proceed with confidence towards your big moving day.

  • Seasonal Items to Put In Storage

    With the holidays already in motion, it is time to break out the dozens of holiday decorations that have collected cobwebs and bugs sitting in your garage year-round. These types of seasonal items can be placed in your storage unit instead, so you can save room and avoid possible critters skittering around. Here is a quick look at some of the seasonal items you may wish to put in your storage unit in Mountain View:

    The easiest seasonal items to place in storage are the decorations you only use once a year. These might include Fourth of July decorations, Christmas lights, and Thanksgiving cornucopias. No matter which holidays you celebrate, place them in a secure storage unit for the parts of the year when they aren’t in use. In addition to holiday items, you may also place certain sports gear, camping equipment, and gardening tools in your storage unit. Pool, camping, and gardening equipment are not typically used year-round; instead of clogging up your garage or attic with these items, place them in a long-term storage unit so you can access them whenever you wish.

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  • Your Guide to Essential Packing Materials

    Packing materials are the key to keeping your belongings safe during a move or in temporary storage near Palo Alto. Packing paper, item specific boxes, and labels will keep your items protected while sitting in a storage unit, and they can make it easier to move items throughout your new house. Let’s take a closer look at the essential packing materials you will need the next time you move. packing - materials

    Correct Boxes

    Using the correct boxes to pack and store specific items is the key to keeping these items safe and secure while moving or sitting in storage. For example, your mirrors and artwork should be moved or stored in mirror-specific boxes. If you no longer have the original packages these items came in, then ask your storage rental company or professional movers for narrow boxes that will fit and safely contain your fragile mirrors and artwork. You can also purchase wardrobe boxes that have a hangar rod in them; these boxes will help you move and store your hanging clothes and other items that can safely fit in the box. Speak with your storage rental company about available boxes that can be used to move or store certain items correctly.

    Labeling Materials

    One of the simplest, yet often overlooked, packing aids are labeling materials. Purchase large, colored markers, colored tape, and any other colored labels that can safely affix to your items and the walls of your house. By labeling your boxes with a marker, you can clearly locate what is in every box and where it should be packed. You can use different colors to denote different areas of your house. Label each room with the corresponding colored tape so that movers can easily place boxes and furniture where they should be.

    Safety Materials

    In addition to the correct boxes, you need to use the correct materials to keep your items safe while traveling or in your storage unit. Bubble wrap and packing paper will be the items of choice to keep your mirrors, dishes, and other fragile items safe.

  • Why Storage Is Smart for Students

    Storage rental locations offer individuals a convenient way to store their belongings outside their home, which can be particularly beneficial for students. Continue reading to learn about a few of the reasons why renting a storage unit in Mountain View can be a smart choice for students. student - storage

    More Space

    If you’re like most students, then you probably find yourself with more belongings in your place than you can comfortably store. You may also have plenty of items back home that you wish you could have on hand for certain occasions, such as holiday décor or sports equipment. If this sounds like you, then you are one of the many students who could benefit from moving some of their items into a storage rental.

    Better Convenience

    For many students, frequent changes in living arrangements are standard. If you are planning to move into a new place or are traveling home for the holidays, then you may realize how challenging it is to repeatedly move from place to place. Student storage units can make moving and traveling easier by providing you with a place to store your items while going from one location to another.

    Less Stress

    Student life can be busy and overwhelming at times. If you have too much clutter, then moving some of your items into storage until you need them again can make it easier to keep your place neat and give you less to worry about. Also, trying to move out of a place in the span of a day or so can be incredibly stressful, but self-storage options provide you with a way to move out at your own pace.

    Easier Travel

    At the end of each semester, do you find yourself trying to pack everything that you have into your car and then spending a good portion of your time off unpacking and organizing? If so, then consider taking advantage of a storage unit. This option allows you to neatly pack and store your belongings and to leave them conveniently near school until you head back again to begin classes.

  • 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 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.

  • Making Your Storage Unit Easy to Navigate

    The way you use your storage unit in Palo Alto will have a substantial influence on your storage rental experience. You will want to keep your belongings in great condition no matter how long you store them for, and it should be easy to find what you are looking for when you do come back to your temporary storage unit. As long as you do some research ahead of time and consider how to arrange your unit, you should not run into any problems. Continue reading and make sure you are prepared to make your storage unit as easy as possible to navigate.

    A number of factors contribute to a neat and organized storage unit, but it all starts with the way you pack your belongings. Make sure you use sturdy materials that won’t break, rip, or deteriorate, as these will help to keep your belongings in place rather than spilled all over the floor. You should also keep a walkway open so it is easy for you to find and access what you need. Labeling your boxes and attaching a list of contents can make your storage unit experience much easier and cut out any potential frustrations.

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