• How Should I Store My Books?

    If your book collection is taking over your home, but you can’t bring yourself to part with your tomes, then self-storage in Mountain View may be the answer. By packing your books in the right way, you can preserve them for years to come.

    Before you pack up your books, wipe them clean of any dust or dirt, and remove any bookmarks, which are acidic and can cause damage. Use small cardboard boxes for packing, so that they can easily be moved. Choose high-quality boxes, not store throwaways, so that the boxes don’t break down over time. Pack books tightly, to prevent shifting, and keep similarly sized books together. Stack books, rather than sitting them on their sides, which can lead to spine damage. Label each box carefully, so you know where to find a book when you want it. It can help to organize books in some way, such as by genre or author, before packing them. In the storage unit, keep boxed books on free-standing shelves instead of on the floor, where they could attract pests.

    How to Store Books by Independence Storage

  • 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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  • 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.

  • Helping a Senior Loved One Move to a Smaller Home

    Senior parents and grandparents will reach a time when their house is too big, and they need a smaller apartment or condo. Your senior loved one may have many belongings that need to be organized and stored. You can help by offering different storage options in Palo Alto, such as self-storage . Let’s look at the simple steps to help your senior loved one move to a smaller home. items - moving

    Organize Belongings

    It is crucial to organize the entire house before a move. Organizing each room can better help you and your loved one visualize the items that are not useful or emotionally significant from those that are. Organizing will also ease the packing and sorting all of your loved one’s furniture, clothing, dishes, and décor. Go through each room and begin separating items into different categories. At first, these piles may be as simple as “trash, keep, and undecided.” However, as you continue organizing, the piles will become more specific like “donate, sell, store, and keep.”

    Declutter

    Organizing your loved one’s belongings is a great first step, but true downsizing involves decluttering the house of nonessential items. Your senior loved one may be hesitant to part with many of his or her belongings, because they hold sentimental or monetary value. Ensure that your loved one is comfortable and feels involved in the downsizing process. There are many ways to help your loved one cope with the loss of personal items. Help him or her understand that most items will not fit in a smaller house and many personal belongings can be stored in a storage unit.

    Store Non-Essential Items

    Once you and your loved one have sorted through the belongings, then it is time to trash, sell, move, and store them. If your loved one is having a hard time parting with certain belongings, then offer professional storage options to keep the items secure. Storage rental companies offer great security measures to keep storage units protected, and they often offer customizable billing. These are helpful attributes that can keep your loved one secure and involved in the process of moving to a smaller home.

  • How to Pack Dishes for Storage

    It is important to pack your fragile belongings , such as dishes, correctly to keep them from breaking during a move to your storage unit in Palo Alto. To keep your dishes truly secure against breakage, use dish-specific moving boxes and moving paper. Read on for how to use these items to pack your dishes for self-storage.

    As you can see in the video, packing dishes for storage is not a difficult process. Ensure there is ample paper at the bottom of your box. Place a dish in the middle of a stack of moving papers, and fold one edge over the plate. Place another dish onto the covered dish, and cover that plate. Use this process for four plates at a time, and fold over the rest of the corners. Put the secure stack of dishes vertically into the box and continue until full. Move each box into your storage unit with care.

  • Practical Solutions for Cluttered Garages

    Your home’s garage may tend to accumulate tools, sporting equipment, and a variety of other items. If you have started to notice that your garage clutter has gotten out of control, it may be time to consider renting a storage unit. With a storage unit rental in Mountain View , you will be able to clear out any non-essential items from your garage, without having to donate or throw them away. To highlight the advantages of working with your local storage rental company to clear out your home, here is a look at some solutions that you can use to de-clutter your garage. cluttered - garage

    Create Functional Storage

    In order to keep the clutter in your garage in check, it is important to make sure that your space contains plenty of storage areas. If you do not already have closets or shelves built into your garage space, you may want to consider purchasing portable shelving and storage benches from your local hardware store. By creating a place for all of your stuff, you will be able to clear up additional space in your garage.

    Decide What You No Longer Need

    Garages often become storage spaces for non-essential items. In order to clear out the clutter from your garage, it is important to take inventory of the belongings that are no longer useful to you. Bikes and sporting equipment from your children’s earliest years may not have a function for your family. If you have not used an item in more than a year, it may be time to consider sending it to the donation center.

    Rent a Storage Unit

    If your garage remains cluttered, even after your best attempts at clearing out more space, you may be a good candidate for a storage unit rental. When you rent a storage unit, you can ensure that you have ample storage space to house all of your belongings. Tools, books, sporting equipment, and other essential items can be safely stored in your storage unit, rather than in your garage.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Steps for Getting Rid of Clutter

    Are you thinking about renting a storage unit , storage shed rental, or other storage option in Palo Alto? If so, then you may benefit from learning how to make quick and smart decisions to help you eliminate unnecessary belongings. Clutter is usually the result of a lack of decision-making, so being able to make better and faster decisions can be crucial for organizing your home.

    So you’ll have fewer items to put into self-storage, watch this video for steps to get rid of clutter. First, take ownership of the clutter so that a decision can be made. Next, set a deadline for yourself to help motivate the process. Third, narrow your options for how you will handle particular types of clutter. For example, if you have a pile of papers, you can either take action on it, file it away for later, or throw it in the trash.

  • 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.

  • Do You Need Insurance for Your Storage Facility?

    No matter what you store in your storage unit, it is recommended by all storage rental companies that you keep your items insured. Your items should be protected by being at a secure storage unit near Palo Alto , and you should have the added protection of insurance in the event something unfortunate occurs.

    Most homeowner’s and renter’s insurances will cover the items that you keep in your storage unit. It is best to double check with your insurance, though. If your insurance company does not cover your items in storage, then your storage rental company will most likely have policies to offer you.

    It is necessary to insure your storage items. In the unlikely event that your storage unit is invaded or vandalized, your insurance policy can cover the damages. Policies may also cover potential water damage or pest damage, if these were to occur. Speak with your storage rental company and insurance company on the best ways to protect your items from damage.

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  • 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.

     

  • How to Judge the Security Features of a Storage Facility

     

    A temporary storage unit can provide you with valuable space during your next transition. When you are choosing a storage rental company near Palo Alto , you will want to make sure that your storage options include high quality security features. With advanced security and safety systems, your storage rental company will be able to provide you with total assurance that your valuable belongings are protected from theft and harm. If you are gearing up to rent a storage unit, be sure to read on to learn more about how to judge the security features of a storage facility. storage - facility

    Alarm Systems

    One of the most important security features for any storage unit is a quality alarm system. A security alarm will deter burglars, and will also notify the proper authorities immediately when a break-in takes place. As you are considering renting a storage unit, you may want to ask your storage company about what type of alarm system they have installed in their facility.

    Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is another must for any quality storage unit facility. Since there are typically many people coming and going from a storage facility throughout the course of a given day, a video surveillance system will allow the security personnel at your facility to keep track of who enters and leaves. Additionally, in the unfortunate event that a crime occurs at a storage facility, video surveillance will provide valuable assistance towards identifying and apprehending the criminal.

    Advanced Locks

    Finally, you will also want to evaluate the quality and condition of the locks that are installed throughout the storage unit facility. For example, you may want to seek out a storage facility that offers password or passkey access to each individual storage unit. With a passkey access system, you can rest assured that you are the only person who has access to your stored belongings. Additionally, you may also want to determine whether your facility has secure padlocks or other physical locking mechanisms.

  • The Benefits of Ground-Level Storage

    If you have been thinking about using a self-storage facility, then consider looking for one with ground-level storage units near Mountain View . With ground-level storage, you can take greater advantage of the many benefits of having a storage unit. Here is a brief look at how a ground-level storage unit can help you.

    • By using a ground-level storage unit, you can enjoy easier access to all of your stored items. You will not have to climb up stairs to reach your storage unit, making it a more comfortable option when unloading and loading your furniture and boxes.
    • You can have access to bigger storage options with ground-level units. Your storage facility will be able to make its units tall and large without having to accommodate multiple floors of storage units.
    • It is easier to get around a ground-level storage facility. Instead of navigating stairs, elevators, and multiple floors, you can find your storage unit and park next to it without hassle.

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  • 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.