• 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.

  • Is There an Ideal Moving Season?

    While you may not always be able to plan ahead for a move, you may want to think carefully about what time of year will be best for your transition. Whether you are moving into self storage or a new home, there are certain times of year that may be better to make a move. A storage rental company in Mountain View will be able to provide you with a quality storage unit, no matter what time of year you choose for your move.

    As you are choosing a season for your upcoming move, consider factors such as school, typical weather conditions, and the housing market. If you are a parent, moving during the school year may place additional strain on your children. Additionally, moving during the coldest months of winter or the hottest days of summer may make your move more stressful. To ensure an easier move, consider moving during the early fall, when the weather is mild and your children have not yet returned to school.

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  • 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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  • Etsy Sellers: How Self Storage Can Grow Your Home-Based Business

    In today’s digital world, more and more entrepreneurs are choosing to start businesses that are based out of the home. Online commerce sties, such as Etsy, make it easy to promote and sell your homemade goods. By renting a storage unit in Palo Alto , you will be able to expand your inventory and preserve the items that you have listed for sale. If you are looking for a great way to increase your sales, consider a booking storage rental at a conventionally located self storage facility in your area. Here is an overview of how self-storage can help Etsy sellers grow their businesses. craft - storage

    Keep a Larger Inventory

    As your Etsy business grows more and more popular, you may find that you start to have keeping up with demand. Rather than crowding your home or garage with your excess inventory, you can keep all of your products in a storage unit rental. Depending on the size of your rental, you will have no problem storing enough stock to keep your Etsy shop supplied for many months.

    Maintain Better Organization

    The increased storage space that is offered at a storage rental facility will also help you to keep your business more organized. When you are attempting to store inventory, invoices, and other business items at home, it may be difficult to remain organized in a smaller space. When you first move into your storage unit, create an organization system that works for you.

    Prevent a Crowded House

    When you run a business from home, you will be juggling work and family life in the same space. Rather than crowding your home with boxes or piles of merchandise, you can clear out your living areas by renting a storage unit. Keeping your items in a storage renal unit will help you to prevent overcrowding your house with your extra inventory. Your family members are sure to be thankful once your extra items have been moved into storage.

  • What Should I Do with a Deceased Family Member’s Belongings?

    The death of a loved one can be a very painful time for any family member. After your family member passes away, you may also be faced with the difficult task of sorting through his or her belongings. By renting a storage unit in Mountain View , you can safely contain your deceased family member’s belongings until you are emotionally ready to start the sorting process. A self storage company can offer you temporary storage during your time of grief. Read on for an overview of some strategies for going through a deceased family member’s belongings.

    Storage Facilities of Deceased Family Members in Mountain View, CA

    Hold On to Important Items

    When you are going through your loved one’s personal belongings, you are sure to find many items that you want to keep. Some of these items may be valuable objects, while others may be small keepsakes that remind you of cherished memories. Allowing yourself to hang on to important items may provide you with a sense of comfort and condolence as you are processing difficult emotions.

    Do Not Be Afraid to Let Go

    While some of your loved one’s belongings may be emotionally or financially valuable, others may not be important enough to save. It is important to allow yourself to let go of certain items that are no longer useful or valuable. Before you decide to toss out an item, you can give your other family members a chance to decide whether or not they would like to keep it.

    Consider a Storage Unit Rental

    From making funeral preparations to mourning your loved one’s passing, the time after a family member’s death can be both emotionally and physically draining. A storage unit rental will provide you with the space that you need to hold on to all of your loved one’s stuff until you are ready to start the sorting process. You can rest assured that all of the belongings will be safe and protected once they have entered the storage unit.

  • Quick Packing Tips

    If you are moving your belongings into a storage unit near Mountain View, you should take the time to pack your items correctly. This video from Chasing the Look will provide you with some quick packing tips to keep in mind during your move into a storage unit. As you are packing your boxes, you can label your boxes with painter’s tape for easy identification. Old towels and clothing can be used to protect delicate items when they are placed in boxes.

    For more essential packing tips , contact a company that offers self storage in your local area. The professionals who work at a storage facility will be happy to provide you with more information about the best ways to pack up your stuff in preparation for a move.

  • 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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  • 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.

     

  • Affordable Self-Storage: Our Payment Plans and Discounts

    At Independence Storage, we are proud to provide our clients with affordable self storage in Mountain View . If you have decided that you are in need of a storage rental, but you are worried about the cost, be sure to review the many payment plans and discounts that we have to offer. By financing the cost of your storage unit, you will be able to create an affordable payment plan for your rental term.

    One of our best payment plan options is for those clients who are looking for temporary storage rental. For clients that will be renting one of our units for a year or less, we offer terrific savings on pay ahead plans. By paying for your rental in advance, you will receive a fantastic discount. If you would prefer to make monthly payments, we can also set you up with an affordable monthly plan. With our financing program, you will be able to easily afford your storage unit rental.

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  • Quick Tips for Easy Downsizing

    Downsizing can be a major transition for any member of your family. In this video, you will receive some tips that will help your loved one throughout the process of downsizing. To keep from getting overwhelmed, you will want to take the time to make a detailed inventory of all of the items that are currently in the home. Large or sentimental items that cannot be brought to the new space can be safely housed at a storage unit in Mountain View.

    With services from a storage rental company , you will have many different storage options available for your home. By relying on the services of a secure storage facility, you will be able to obtain the additional space that you will need throughout the downsizing process.

  • 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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  • Should You Put Fragile Items In Storage?

    All kinds of items and belongings can go into your storage unit in Mountain View, including your fragile heirlooms or wedding china. Safely packing your fragile belongings into a secure storage unit can keep your items protected from burglary, mold, and several other potential dangers that could befall your fragile items. packing - fragile - items

    If They Are Rarely Used

    You may have old paintings, heirloom furniture, or expensive china and crystal that you rarely use, but you still want these items protected and kept for safekeeping. This is the perfect opportunity to look at your various storage options. Many fragile items are often placed in a closet or attic as in-home storage options. However, your closet or attic could be damaging to your fragile items, especially if they are stored incorrectly or in a moist environment. To avoid potential damage, store your rarely used items in an established storage unit.

    If You Are Transitioning

    Transitions can come in several different forms, such as moving, family moving in or out, or remodeling projects on your current house. Either of these transitions could end up damaging various fragile items. Temporary storage options are the perfect response during these moments of transition. Many storage facilities are more than happy to work with you to find the right storage solutions to suit your needs.

    If They Will Be Protected

    When deciding how to store your fragile items, you must also consider how well they will be protected, whether in a storage unit or in your home. Professional storage rental companies have several measures in place to protect your items from burglary and environmental dangers. Your attic, garage, or closet may not have the necessary protections, especially if your home were to suffer a burst pipe, burglary, or mold. When placing your items into a professional storage unit, ensure they are packed and stored correctly to avoid any damage while in storage.

  • Making Your Move Stress Free

    The key to making a stress-free move is to plan ahead and stay organized. Packing and moving unused items out of your house and into a temporary storage unit will help you focus on other important moving details, such as packing your most-used items. In addition to renting temporary storage near Palo Alto , use some of the simple tips found in the attached video.

    Whether you are storing your items in temporary storage or moving them straight to your new house, keep them well protected. Your breakables can be wrapped in newspaper, packing paper, and even towels. You can also easily move clothes to your new house by keeping them in their drawers or on their hangers. If you are placing these clothes in a storage unit, however, you may consider using a secure box or plastic container to deter any sort of critter infestation while in storage.

    How to Organize a Stress-Free Move

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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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  • Tips for Keeping Fragile Items Safe in Storage

    Storage units in Mountain View can make your move easier or help you remove clutter from your apartment, but the way you use them is crucial. If you want your belongings to remain in the same condition they were in when you left them in the storage unit, it helps to think ahead. Make sure you pack using the proper materials and techniques, work with a storage rental company you can trust, and consider the arrangement of your belongings within your unit. Read on to pick up some tips and make sure your fragile items stay safe in storage. Storage facility for Fragile Items in Mountain View, CA

    Pack smart.

    Poor packing is one of the most surefire ways to end up dealing with broken belongings when you return to your storage unit. Fragile items deserve even more attention, especially because they tend to be more valuable than the belongings that you can toss around without fear of damage. Use sturdy boxes that are appropriately sized for your items; the less free room you leave in the box, the less your items can move around.

    Choose a safe storage facility.

    A quality storage rental company will be attentive and accommodating so you can rest assured that your important belongings are in good hands. Make sure your storage unit is adequately protected so you don’t have to worry about criminals breaking in and vandalizing, breaking, or stealing your fragile items. You can also look into insuring your belongings.

    Arrange your storage unit.

    When it comes to keeping your fragile items as safe as possible, much of the responsibility falls on the arrangement of your storage unit. You never want to stack heavy boxes on top of ones that contain fragile items, even if you think those boxes are perfectly secure. You also don’t want to stack boxes with fragile items high up; if any of the boxes crumble over time, you could return to your storage unit to find your prized vase shattered on the floor. Keep fragile items out of aisles where you might accidentally kick them, and be sure to label your boxes so you know which ones contain vulnerable materials.

  • How Self-Storage Can Help You Get Organized at Home

    You may think your home has plenty of room for all of your possessions, but you may find that self-storage near Mountain View can help significantly while organizing your home. By renting a storage unit , you have a safe and protected space for all of your extra furniture, seasonal clothes, and important documents. self - storage

    Store College Students’ Belongings

    When your children head off to college, you may be left with a couple rooms full of unused furniture, clothes, knickknacks, and decorations. Instead of letting this collect dust in your home, pack all of these items safely to be stored in your storage rental. Self-storage is easily accessible, so when your children return from college, either permanently or for an extended break, they can retrieve their items whenever they want. Using college storage is another way to keep your children’s possessions safe until they have a house or family of their own to furnish with their childhood memories.

    Store Seasonal Clothes and Decorations

    Instead of letting clothes clutter your dressers and closets, keep them stored by their season. As each season turns, you can easily return to your storage unit and switch out a container of winter clothes for spring clothes, or vice versa. The same goes for seasonal decorations. Many people love decorating for the winter holidays, but they have no convenient place to keep their decorations the rest of the year. The longer these items are not put into storage, the longer they will clutter up your house.

    Store Important Documents

    You are supposed to keep tax documents for a certain number of years. Mortgage information, bills, and any other important documents must also be kept for a certain number of years. Even though you rarely need these items, they need to be accessible at times, and that is where self-storage comes in handy. You can organize your office by packing your documents in a secured document container and placing them in your storage rental. This will go a long way toward decluttering and organizing your home.