• What Packing Materials Do You Need to Prepare Your Belongings for Storage?

    Preparing your valuables for storage is crucial to keep them in good shape while in your storage unit. Even though your storage rental company serving Palo Alto strives to keep their units secure, your possessions still need to be protected. Unforeseen damages from pests, improper handling, and excessive moisture can ruin the items you have taken great care to protect. Continue reading for the necessary packing materials everyone should have when renting a storage unit. bubble - wrap

    Plastic Containers

    By using plastic containers instead of cardboard boxes, your linens, dishes, and treasured heirlooms will be better protected against invading pests, potential water damage, and other unforeseen conditions that might occur in your storage unit. Cardboard boxes can degrade even in the best of conditions, but plastic containers will keep your items safe while in storage.

    Plastic Covers

    Laying large plastic covers over your furniture will protect all of your large items against dust and potential rodents. Make sure there is plenty of ventilation to prevent excess moisture under the plastic sheet or cover. This will prevent the growth of mold and mildew.

    Shrink Wrap

    Shrink wrap is mainly used while moving dressers, china cabinets, and other furniture with opening storage units. This packing material can keep your items protected while in temporary storage. If you are keeping dressers and cabinets in your storage unit for longer than a few days, be sure to remove the shrink wrap to allow air ventilation.

    Bubble Wrap

    Bubble wrap is a safe way to keep your treasured heirlooms and breakable possessions safe while they are set in your storage unit. This kind of protective packing material is good for dishes, glassware, and other breakable household items.

    Packing Paper

    Many people pack their valuables, kitchen supplies, and other household items with newspapers. This is a mistake that can result in ink transference and damage to your valuables. Instead of using newspaper, purchase plain packing paper to wrap your breakables. This purchase will go a long toward protecting your possessions during the move and time in storage, and you can often find packing paper made with recycled materials to reduce your environmental impact.

  • Myths about Using Storage Units

     

    People around the world use storage units for housing extra belongings, important documents, and bulky items. When you are in need of some extra storage space, it is a great idea to take a tour of a self storage facility in your local area. A company offering different storage options in Mountain View can help you pick out a storage unit that is tailored to your specific needs. In order to achieve the best benefits from your storage unit rental, you will want to make sure that you gather plenty of information about your facility. Read on to learn about a few myths about storage unit rentals. storage - units

    Myth: Storage Units Are Not Secure

    A common misconception about storage units is that these types of facilities are not safe and secure. However, a high-quality storage unit facility will be equipped with state-of-the-art security features, including 24-hour alarms, surveillance cameras, and more. All of these security features will provide you with total peace of mind after you put your stuff into storage.

    Myth: Self Storage Units Have Fewer Services

    As you are getting ready to rent a storage unit, you will have the option of choosing between full-service and self storage. A myth surrounding self storage is that this type of storage comes with fewer services and features than a full-service unit. Your self storage unit will provide you with the same amenities as a full-service facility, and will simply require you to complete the loading and unloading process on your own.

    Myth: Storage Units Require Extended Contracts

    If you have been waiting to rent a storage unit because you are afraid of signing a lengthy contract, you will be pleased to learn that storage unit rentals are available for both long- and short-term periods. Temporary storage is a great option for students or families who are gearing up to move. Your storage unit staff can answer any questions that you may have about the myths and facts surrounding storage.

     

  • Can Self-Storage Help You Sell Your Home?

    Staging is among the most important elements of the home selling process. When you are gearing up to start showing your home to potential buyers, you may want to consider a storage rental to assist you with the staging process. Storage units allow you to house your personal belongings and clutter so that your home becomes more appealing to buyers. By taking out your personal items and any other unnecessary objects, you will allow potential buyers to more easily imagine themselves living in your home. Moving your belongings into a temporary storage unit near Mountain View can also give you a jump start on the moving process.

    If you have questions about your storage options, be sure to get in touch with a facility near you. From high-security storage units to temporary storage and more, your local storage unit facility can provide you with the right storage services for your upcoming home move.

    self - storage

  • How Having a Storage Unit Can Help You Move

    Whether you are moving to a new neighborhood, or are getting ready for a long-distance relocation, you may want to consider renting a storage unit in preparation for your move. Storage units provide families with additional space to house their belongings as they are getting organized for a move. A storage rental company near Mountain View can provide you with the temporary storage rental that you need to streamline your moving process. To highlight the advantages of storage unit rental, here is a look at three ways having a storage unit can assist you during the moving process. storage - unit

    Storage Units Allow for a Flexible Timeline

    If you are searching for a new residence, but have not yet figured out where you are going to live, your storage unit rental can allow you to begin the moving process on a flexible timeline. When you move your belongings into storage, you can rest assured that they will be safe and protected. After storing your stuff, you can easily stay at a friend or family member’s house while you are on the hunt for a new home.

    Storage Units Provide Additional Space

    Families that are downsizing during a move may want to explore the advantages of storage unit rentals. With your storage unit rental, you can house your important personal items in a safe location while you are getting organized. In the event that you find that your new home does not have enough storage for all of your belongings, a storage unit can provide you with the space you need to hang on to your treasured items.

    Storage Units Can Ease Your Stress

    Another great advantage of using a storage unit when you move is that your rental will help to ease your stress during the moving process. Rather than worrying about packing in a hurry and then moving all of your boxes and belongings in a single day, you can take your time and gradually move your items in and out of storage.

  • What Shouldn’t You Pack for Storage?

    When you are organizing your belongings so that they can be placed in a temporary storage unit in Mountain View, it is important to make sure that you sort out items that should not be stored. While the vast majority of items will do great in a storage unit, there are certain materials and objects that may not be appropriate for placement in your storage unit facility.

    Live animals should never be placed in storage under any circumstances. Additionally, hazardous chemicals or explosive items are also not appropriate for a storage shed rental. If you are planning on storing any food items, you may want to set aside any products that are perishable. When food is left in a storage unit, it will quickly go bad. Finally, toxic waste products, such as asbestos or lead paint, should be safely discarded instead of stored. A company offering storage rental options can answer your questions about the dos and don’ts of self storage.

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  • 3 Things to Consider When You Choose a Storage Unit

    Whether you have excess belongings on your hands or you are gearing up for a move, you may want to consider moving some of your stuff into a storage unit in Mountain View. With services from a highly-rated storage rental company in your local area, you can rest assured that your belongings are secure and protected. In order to get the best benefits from your storage unit rental, you will want to do your research before you start to move. Here is a closer look at 3 factors that you will want to keep in mind when you are choosing your next storage unit. storage - unit

    Climate Control

    When you are choosing a storage unit, one of the first factors that you will want to consider is whether your unit will be climate controlled or not. A high quality storage unit will offer climate control in all of its storage spaces. With carefully regulated climate control, you can rest assured that your personal belongings will not be affected by extremely hot or cold temperatures.

    Security

    As you are selecting a storage unit rental, you may also want to ask about the security features of the facility. Ideally, your storage unit will be protected by several different security measures. For example, you may want to choose a facility that offers secure fencing, CCTV systems, and 24/7 security guards. By taking the appropriate safety measures, you will have peace of mind when you place your items into storage.

    Size

    Finally, you will want to select a storage unit that is the proper size for your needs. If you will be storing an entire household’s worth of belongings, you will want to seek out a spacious storage unit that can fit furniture and other bulky items. For those customers who are only storing a few items, mini storage units can be of great value. By choosing your storage unit carefully, you are sure to be satisfied with your storage services.

  • Common Reasons for Short-Term Storage

     

    There are many reasons why people opt for short-term storage solutions. Whether a storage unit is meant for student storage or used during a busy house move, anyone can benefit from a storage unit near Mountain View . Many people may think that a storage unit is only meant to hold items for long-term storage, but short-term storage units can also be very helpful and economical. storage - unit

    Long-Term Visitors

    Your child may be coming home from college for the summer, you may have out-of-town family or an elderly parent living with you for a few months, or you might even be hosting an exchange student. There are many types of long-term visitors that would warrant the need for extra space. Whether you store your extra furniture and boxes or your visitors store theirs, a short-term storage unit will definitely come in handy.

    Relocation

    Many homeowners need a storage unit rental for the few weeks or months they are between houses during a relocation. Others may choose a storage unit so they do not have to feel rushed to move furniture and possessions from the old house to the new house. Using a storage unit can help relieve a lot of pressure to organize and decorate your new home right away.

    Downsizing

    When the kids go off to college, parents are usually left with a large house and no one to fill it anymore. Parents tend to downsize into a smaller house, but they may still be left with the furniture, decorations, and clothes that filled the bigger house. For many people, these items are filled with years of memories, so they opt for short-term storage while they decide how to proceed.

    Renovations

    If you have decided to update your kitchen, bedrooms, or your entire house, then you need somewhere to put all of your furniture and decorations. You do not want these items getting dirty, dusty, or damaged during the renovation. Whether the renovation will take several weeks or several months, consider heading to your local storage facility for short-term storage.

     

  • Safe Strategies for Packing Mirrors and Artwork

    Before loading up your storage unit , you need to be sure that your fragile possessions are packed correctly. If you leave your mirrors and artwork in a precarious packing situation, they may become damaged during the move into your self-storage unit in Mountain View. Watch this video and continue reading to learn a few strategies for safely packing your fragile mirrors and artwork.

    • Purchase the right type of boxes. There are specially-made boxes sized for mirrors and artwork.
    • Make sure the bottom, sides, and top of each box has cushioning.
    • Wrap your mirror or artwork in bubble wrap or packing paper. Be sure that the packing material is safe to use with artwork.
    • Label the box and mark it as fragile. Do not forget to add it to your storage unit inventory list.
    • Look for high-quality storage units that offer climate control. This can help protect stored artwork.

  • Making Your Storage Unit Work for You

    Renting a storage unit at a storage facility is an excellent option for those who have run out of storage at home. You can keep your personal possessions safe and secure inside of a self-storage unit in Mountain View and get access to them whenever you want. However, once you decide that you want to invest in a storage unit, you should do what you can to make sure your storage unit works for you. Check out some of the steps you should take when you start using a self-storage unit. self storage mountain view

    Label everything that you put into your storage unit.

    Regardless of how large your self-storage unit is, there’s a good chance that, over time, you will fill it up with various items. These items will be very difficult to find if you haven’t labeled boxes properly. You should write what is inside every single box and attempt to keep boxes that go together in the same part of the storage unit.

    Arrange boxes and furniture strategically so that you can access them later.

    When you begin moving items into your storage unit, consider which items you will need to access frequently and which you can afford to stick all the way in the back of the unit. The last thing you want to do is place important boxes in the back behind a stack of heavy furniture. It will make it hard for you to access the boxes later. By coming up with a plan about how you want to stack things in your self-storage unit, you will be able to put everything that you need within arm’s reach in the unit.

    Visit your storage unit regularly to check up on the contents of it.

    While self-storage facilities will do everything in their power to keep your possessions safe, water, pests, and thieves can present problems in storage facilities from time to time. For this reason, you should check on your self-storage unit every month or so to make sure everything is maintained properly inside of it.

  • Finding the Right Self-Storage Unit

    Whether you are in need of extra storage space at home or you have items you don’t need but aren’t ready to part with, renting a self-storage unit in Palo Alto is a convenient, inexpensive way to give yourself extra storage space . When looking for a storage unit, you will find that most self-storage facilities offer a range of sizes of storage units.

    Check out this video to get a better idea of what types of storage units are available to rent. Ranging from the size of a large closet all the way up to a multiple car garage, storage units come in a variety of sizes to suit anyone’s needs. This makes it easy to find the right storage unit for you!

    Rent the perfect self storage unit

  • The Benefits of Downsizing Your Home

    When it comes to housing, the phrase “less is more” certainly applies. If you live in a larger home and have a lot of personal belongings, the thought of downsizing to a smaller space can be daunting. However, there are many benefits to downsizing your home that it is something every homeowner should consider. With access to storage unit rentals in Palo Alto , downsizing can be easy. By renting self-storage units, homeowners are able to free up extra space. Once excess belongings are moved into a self-storage facility, homeowners will likely discover that they could easily downsize into a smaller space. Self-storage units are a convenient way to store items that are not frequently used, making it easier to live in a smaller space. To learn more about the benefits of downsizing your living space, continue reading.

    storage unit rental palo alto

    Save Money

    The bigger the house, the bigger the costs will be to maintain the house. Not only does the real estate value go up in conjunction with more square feet, but also there are many other costs that are associated with larger homes. It costs more to heat and cool, and more rooms equals more lighting fixtures—both of these lead to higher energy costs. Larger homes also have higher property taxes, insurance premiums, and maintenance costs.

    Reduce Chores and Maintenance

    In addition to saving money, you can save yourself time by downsizing to a smaller home. When there is less physical space to clean, it takes less time. Downsizing to a smaller home also means there is less upkeep than in a larger home. Maintenance costs of smaller homes are much less than those of larger homes.

    Increase Access to Entertainment

    Downsizing to a smaller space opens up more options to locations. In urban areas, smaller living accommodations are common due to real estate demand. You can take advantage of being able to live closer to the action by downsizing into a smaller home. You’ll be closer to restaurants, bars, and other sources of entertainment.

  • Helpful Tips for Choosing a Storage Facility

    Are you in need of a storage unit rental or student storage? If so, it’s important that you choose the right storage facility in Mountain View. Your storage facility should offer self-storage units that meet your needs and budget, and it should be conveniently located. Here are some helpful tips for choosing a storage facility in your area. storage unit rental

    Determine the Size Needed for Your Storage Unit Rental

    The first thing that you need to do is determine what size storage unit you’ll need. Most storage facilities have storage units in a variety of sizes, and you want to make sure that you don’t end up with more or less storage space than you need. You can estimate your self-storage unit size by mapping out which items you plan on storing. You should always choose a storage unit that is slightly larger than you think you’ll need, so that you’ll have room to retrieve items from the unit as needed.

    Visit a Few Storage Facilities in Your Area

    Don’t just choose the closest or cheapest storage facility in your area. Instead, visit a few different storage facilities in person. You want to confirm that the storage facilities are clean, well managed, secure, and easily accessible. You can even ask the manager or owner to show you a storage unit rental so that you can see what you’ll be working with. Once you’ve visited a few storage facilities, it will be easier to make your decision.

    Ask About Security Features and Billing Options

    It’s crucial that you rent a storage unit at a secure storage facility. The storage facility that you choose should have locked or keypad access to storage units so that only customers can enter the storage area. You might also consider looking for a storage facility that has security cameras or security guards on duty after hours. Also ask about the storage facility’s billing options. Some facilities offer flexible billing options and don’t require yearly leases.

  • 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

  • Top Reasons to Rent a Storage Unit

    Whether you’re running out of space for your valuables at home or you just need to keep a few items in a safe place, storage units can be very useful for a variety of purposes. If you are considering the benefits of a high-quality storage unit in Palo Alto, here are a few reasons to take the next step.

    If you have several prized possessions that are taking up too much room at home, a storage unit rental can be used to clear some space. In addition, there may be times when you need to move to a smaller residence, and in those cases, a storage unit can be a great way to hold onto valuable items. There are also some cases in which certain possessions are not used as much as others. Putting these possessions in storage will help to ensure that you always have access to them while reducing clutter in your home. If you want to get the most out of your possessions, consider using a self-storage facility near you.

    Choosing the right Storage Unit in Mountain View, CA

  • How to Make the Most of Your Storage Unit

    If you’re constantly looking for ways to make your life easier and more convenient, do yourself a favor and rent a self-storage unit near Palo Alto. A storage unit is a great alternative to parting with extra belongings or using valuable home space for storage. When organized and packed appropriately, a self-storage unit is also an easily accessible space that you can use as often as you need to—and not just once or twice a year to dig something out of a stack of boxes. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your storage unit.

    How to Make the Most of Your Storage Unit Palo Alto

    Choose the Right Size Unit

    Although you shouldn’t have to pay for the storage you don’t need, a little extra space can make it much easier to move around within the unit. Should your storage needs change in the future, having extra storage space will allow you to store a few extra items without having to move everything into a new unit or purchase a second storage unit. A storage facility manager near Palo Alto can help you determine how much space you need.

    Use Good Quality Packing Materials

    Even if you organize your belongings and pack your unit as efficiently as possible, your efforts won’t matter much if you use poor packing materials. Moving boxes should be sturdy enough to hold up for years in storage under the weight of the stack. Speaking of the stack, you will be able to arrange and organize your boxes much easier if you have standard-sized boxes as opposed to mismatched shapes and sizes (which is usually the case when you get boxes for free from supermarkets and department stores).

    Keep a Storage Map and Inventory

    If you want to get serious about self-storage, keep an inventory of everything inside your unit and a map of where each box or item is located. Not only will this help you quickly locate a belonging after months or years in storage, but a map and inventory will also help friends and family members find something should they be asked to retrieve an item from storage.

  • Taking the Stress Out of Downsizing

    Moving to a smaller home might seem like a stressful process, but with the right tools and resources, you can do it with minimal hassle. Keep reading to see how a little bit of planning and a self-storage unit rental in Mountain View can help you downsize with ease. Taking the Stress Out of Downsizing Mountain View

    Think About What You Really Need

    One of the hardest parts about downsizing is saying goodbye to items that you think you need. Take a mental inventory of your belongings to think about the items that you actually need and those that you merely want. Consider if you were to lose all of your belongings and think about which items you would replace immediately. This helps you determine the possessions that have real meaning and importance in your life.

    Sell the Items You Do Not Need

    If you want to give yourself the incentive to get rid of some of your belongings, you should plan a yard sale that allows you to make money for these items that you cannot take. When you can put a positive spin on purging some of your belongings, it makes it much easier to decide which items you really need. The extra money you earn from the sale can help you find space-appropriate items for your new home.

    Consider the Size of Your Furniture

    Before you hire a moving company to transport your belongings to your new home and your new self-storage unit in Mountain View, think about how well your furniture will fit into the new space. If you have a lot of big pieces, you might want to trade them out for smaller, multifunctional furniture that will work better with your new home.

    Get a Storage Unit

    Storage facilities provide a hugely valuable resource when you are trying to downsize. With a high-quality storage unit, you have a safe place to store the belongings that you want to keep without taking up valuable space in your new home. If you know that you will not have room for some of your most treasured belongings, you might want to look into storage units that make it much easier to downsize.

  • How to Pack Your Storage Unit

    maximizing storage space If you want to save money and make it easier on yourself to move in and out of a self-storage unit, you need to learn how to pack it before you bring truckloads of furniture and boxes to the storage facility. For starters, make sure to use uniformly sized boxes. This will make it easier to stack items vertically, thus conserving space. You should also pack tall items like couches and mattresses along the walls around the unit. Finally, make sure to keep an inventory of everything inside your unit and a diagram of where your belongings are located.

    Once you know how to pack your storage unit, you need to find a self-storage facility in Mountain View that you can trust with your belongings. Look for a storage facility that promises high-tech security to keep your belongings safe. An online account system will also be beneficial in scheduling and making payments while on the road.

  • Tips for Taping Up Your Storage Boxes

    If you are packing up your things and getting ready to move them into a storage unit, you will undoubtedly find yourself taping dozens if not hundreds of moving boxes. To keep your belongings secure, be sure to follow proper taping techniques.

    How to Tape Moving Boxes

    For starters, use packaging tape instead of scotch tape or masking tape. Once you tape the bottom of your box, fill the box to the very top for added support and stability. Then, fold in the smaller flaps followed by the larger flaps and tape the box closed using the “H” pattern. To see what this taping pattern looks like, and to learn other taping tips, watch this short video clip.

    Once you get all of your boxes taped up, be sure to find a quality storage facility near Mountain View to store your belongings. Don’t settle for the first storage facility you find, but look for a facility that is clean, safe, and secure.


  • Storage Solutions for College Students

    Living in a cramped dorm or studio apartment is all part of the college experience, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of your living situation. With some clever and creative storage solutions, you can keep your room organized and fit most of your belongings. Of course, you won’t be able to take everything with you to college, which is where a storage unit comes in. Here are some easy storage tips and solutions for college students living near Palo Alto.

    Storage Solutions for College Students in Mountain View, CA

    Use Multi-Purpose Items

    Whether you live in a dorm room or an apartment, you’ll probably need to get creative if you want to save space and stay organized. Fortunately, there are tons of multi-purpose items out there that can help you do just that. A multi-purpose hanger, for example, lets you hang up your favorite necklaces and belts underneath a blouse or jacket.

    Clear Up the Floor

    To conserve space and keep your room looking clean, look for over-the-door storage bins and keep books, CDs, and DVDs up off the floor. Stacking vertically can also help clear up floor space and give your room the appearance of being larger.

    Raise Your Bed

    Unless you share a bunk bed, purchase raisers or simply place your bed on cement blocks. The added space will provide ample storage space beneath your bed, where you can store boxes, plastic totes, sports equipment, extra clothing, or whatever else you need to store away.

    Rent a Storage Unit

    For everything that won’t fit inside your room, store it at a secure storage facility near your dorm or apartment. Big furniture, expensive items, and seasonal clothing are ideal for a storage unit, since they are easily accessible without taking up valuable space in your small dorm or apartment. Just make sure the storage facility you choose is safe, clean, and secure.

  • How to Get the Most Out of Your Storage Unit

    Whether you’re moving into a smaller home, consolidating households, or even going on a long-term vacation, a storage unit can help you keep your most precious belongings safe and secure until you need them. Here are some tips from a storage facility in Mountain View, CA to help you get the most out of your storage unit so you can fit everything you have without needing to get a second unit or upgrade to a larger unit.

    Storage box at Independence Storage in Mountain View, CA

    Biggest Items in the Back

    Before you start throwing everything in your new storage unit haphazardly, start with the biggest items in the back of the unit. Turn couches on their side and stand them upright, place bookshelves against the wall, and slide in any other large pieces of furniture you might have. Once these big items are in, you can get creative when placing everything else around them.

    Stack What You Can

    As you load your storage unit , take every opportunity you can to stack vertically. When stacking, place the largest and heaviest objects on the bottom for the most stability. Be careful not to go too high, however, or you may risk injury when you attempt to take down the stack when you move out of your storage unit.

    Consolidate Creatively

    When it comes to packing a storage unit, the most successful renters are those who get creative when consolidating and stacking items. Place boxes on top of shelves, stack chairs, throw bags of clothes on top of couches and large furniture items, and look for other opportunities to store smaller items inside of larger pieces of furniture.

    As you look for a storage facility near Capitola, make sure the facility is clean, safe, easily accessible, and well-kept. For added convenience, look for a storage facility that offers online bill pay and 24/7 accessibility.