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How to Choose the Best Storage Facility in Mountain View, CA
Tips for Picking the Right Storage Facility from Independent Storage
Everyone has stuff, but sometimes you don’t always have a place to put it. Independence Storage is a top-rated storage facility in Mountain View, CA. Our self-storage units are all 10-foot-tall ground-level units. Some people think that all storage facilities are the same, but that’s not the case. At Independence Storage, we care about you and your belongings. We’ve prepared some tips for picking the right storage facility. Take a few moments to read through them, and then contact us today to learn about our manager’s specials.
What to Look for in a Storage Facility
We all care about the security of our belongings, and it’s important to find the best storage facility. So, what separates one storage facility from the next? The first is finding a self-storage place with on-site managers who make sure your items are safe after the gates close. You also want to look for a storage facility that offers electronic keypad access. Because your storage needs can change suddenly, find a facility that does not require a minimum stay or penalize you for moving your belongings out early. Independence Storage has everything you’re looking for in a storage facility. We have nearly two decades of experience. Our facility offers secure, ground-level units with no minimum stay as well as customized billing and payment options.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Storage Facility
If you’re reviewing your storage options, you will want to make sure you choose a storage rental company that’s prepared to fulfill all of your storage needs. Doing your research and touring the facility can help you rest easy, knowing you’re placing all your items into the best available storage unit. There are multiple factors you should consider when choosing your next storage facility. The first thing to consider is whether the facility requires a long-term contract. A quality storage facility will offer short-term and long-term rental agreements. You should also ensure the storage facility has a comprehensive security system to protect your belongings. You should choose a storage facility that offers spacious, ground-level units for ease of access.
Choosing the Best Self-Storage Facility
Not being able to access your belongings or learning that they’ve been destroyed in storage are not pleasant experiences. To choose the best storage services, you’ll need to assess your needs, find out if the facility has an on-site manager, and learn about the terms and price of storage services. Learn more about these three crucial factors to consider when choosing the ideal self-storage facility:
- Knowing What You Need – Size matters when it comes to self-storage units. If you only have a small number of items, you won’t want to pay for a larger unit. At the same time, you won’t want to cram a whole houseful of items into a small unit. At Independence Storage, you can always move into a larger or smaller unit.
- Presence of a Manager – Having an on-site manager provides for better customer service, so you don’t have to play phone tag to get the answers you need. Our managers can answer your questions and take care of your needs.
- Minimum Stay Requirements – Always be sure to understand the terms of your storage contract. Some facilities only offer services for a certain timeframe, while others like ours are more flexible. At Independence Storage, all unused rent is refunded after the first month.
What to Consider When Choosing a Storage Facility
It’s crucial to select the storage facility that best suits your needs. You don’t want to be spending more than you should be or making things more difficult for yourself. Consider the following factors when choosing a storage facility in Mountain View, CA:
- Decide What Kind of Unit You Need – Ground-level storage units are ideal for easy access and to load and unload conveniently. Our facility offers all ground-level self-storage units to make your life easy.
- Size Up Your Space – It’s easy to choose the right size of the storage unit. Our facility has recommendations for you, and you can always ask us if you have questions. Use our guidelines to choose the best unit for you and then consider ways to maximize your space, such as adding shelves to your unit.
- Consider Security – One of the most important aspects of a storage facility is security. You’ll provide your own padlock, but you also want other elements such as electronic keypad entry, security cameras, and an on-site manager.
How to Choose the Right Self-Storage Unit for You
Renting a self-storage unit is a convenient, inexpensive way to give yourself extra space for your belongings. When you choose Independence Storage in Mountain View, CA, you’ll rest easy knowing we provide excellent customer service and customer-friendly features. Each storage unit rental is a ground-level unit with ten-foot-high ceilings. We offer excellent security, expansive units, and customizable billing. We encourage you to visit to take a tour of our storage facility and ask us any questions you may have. Contact us today to learn more or reserve your storage unit.
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Don’t Believe These Myths About Storage Facility Security
It’s natural to be a little worried about leaving your belongings at a storage facility. Just remember that the security of your things are a top priority for the company—after all, the company doesn’t want a break-in to cause legal liability or ruin the facility’s reputation. High-security storage units in Mountain View take extra steps to safeguard your possessions.
Myth: Anyone could walk in and steal my stuff.
Reputable self-storage rental companies take the safety and security of their customers’ belongings very seriously. Good storage companies invest a great deal into their security measures. When you choose a facility, look for well-built security fences and gates. Most storage facilities secure the property with a high-tech alarm and electronic keypad access.
Myth: Employees are rarely on-site.
Once you rent a storage unit, you’ll have easy access to it whenever you want—without having to find an employee to help you. Unfortunately, this has led many people to mistakenly think that managers are rarely at the facility to supervise the grounds and protect the storage rentals. This isn’t the case at reputable storage facilities. Look for a company staffed by capable professionals who are readily available to keep an eye on the facility.
Myth: I have to buy extra insurance, even if the facility looks safe.
Most storage facilities do force their customers to purchase storage insurance coverage. This is usually unnecessary and only adds additional fees to the rental. Look for a facility that accepts your current renter’s or homeowner’s insurance policy.
Myth: If I’m a day late with the rent, my stuff can be auctioned off.
This is a frightening prospect, but you can rest assured that your belongings will be protected by state law and the terms of your rental agreement. In California, absolutely nothing can be done to your rental unit until it’s been at least 14 consecutive days since the payment was missed. Even at that time, an auction can’t take place. The storage facility must send a written preliminary lien notice to the renter, which provides notification of the date of termination of the rental agreement. This date must be at least 14 days from the date of the notice. At that point, the facility owner must send another notice of a lien sale, notifying the renter when the unit will be auctioned. This date can’t be any less than 14 days from this second notice. At any point, the renter can satisfy the arrears and halt the sale.
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Spotlight on Our Safety Features
If you need to rent storage space in Mountain View, you may be wondering how secure the facilities are. After all, if you are going to make that investment, you want to be able to enjoy total peace of mind that your personal belongings will not be disturbed. At Independence Storage, we work to provide the most secure environment for your property. We have a professional manager onsite during office hours 7 days a week, and the units are only reachable via electronic keypad access. If you’re looking for a self-storage facility where you can feel safe keeping even your most valuable possessions, you’ve come to the right place. We are a locally owned and operated facility that has been in business for nearly 2 decades, and our customers know they can trust us to keep their property safe. Our storage units are clean, convenient, and affordable for a wide range of budgets.
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Tips to Keep Pests Out of Your Storage Unit
Every self-storage facility can be susceptible to pests, but you should still look for a reputable, clean storage rental company in Mountain View to improve your chances of keeping your belongings bug-free. After you rent the unit, set out a few mousetraps along the walls before you move your stuff inside. You could also put down a perimeter barrier of bug spray. Or, a natural pest control option is to sprinkle some diatomaceous earth around the storage unit.As you listen to the featured video, you’ll learn that bugs are often repelled by the scent of peppermint. Soak some cotton balls in peppermint oil, and place them in and around the furniture you’re storing. This video lists a few other natural pest repellents you can use in your storage rental, such as vinegar, baking soda, and cayenne pepper.
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Learn the Dos and Don’ts of Decluttering Your Home
Decluttering your home can make it feel more organized and make it easier to relax when you’re there. The idea of tackling a big decluttering project can be overwhelming, however, which is why many people put it off. Fortunately, by knowing the dos and don’ts of getting the job done, the process can be easier than you think. To get started, you will need a storage unit in Mountain View and a plan. Here are the dos and don’ts you need to know to make your decluttering mission a success:
Do Start with One Room
To make the idea of decluttering more manageable, start with a single room. Get everything done in that room before moving on to your next space. One room is a realistic goal, and once you accomplish it, you’ll feel ready to repeat the process in the next room and the one after that. Before you know it, your whole house will be done. Be sure you finish a room before moving on. Leaving unfinished projects will only make things feel even more insurmountable.
Don’t Stock Up on Bins
You may eventually need boxes and storage bins to help you get organized, but don’t go out and buy those things before you actually start decluttering. Start sorting and cleaning, and then go buy storage containers once you know what you will really need. Stocking up on containers before you organize may seem like a fun way to get started, but you’ll only end up adding to your clutter rather than getting rid of it.
Do Use a Storage Unit
A storage unit is the perfect way to keep your home decluttered without having to make hard decisions about what you want to keep. Storing things like holiday decorations and seasonal sports equipment in your storage unit keeps extraneous stuff out of your house but puts it in easy reach when it is time to use it.
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Learn the Dos and Don’ts of Packing a Storage Unit
Self-storage in Mountain View can help you keep your home organized without having to give up possessions you love, from seasonal decorations to your book collection. However, getting the most from your storage unit means packing it the right way. Resist the urge to off-load boxes as quickly as possible when you’re moving into your unit, and instead, set it up so that you can easily access everything in the unit any time you need it. Protect your property and prevent headaches with these do’s and don’ts.
Do Prepare the Unit Before You Move In
Your storage unit is likely to be an empty shell, so prepare it for your belongings before you unpack. Pallets will keep your boxes off the floor, which helps to protect them from moisture. Adding freestanding shelves will make it easier to keep your items organized. Keep in mind that while plastic is a good protectant for the floor or for your shelves, it should never be used to wrap boxes, furniture, or other items. Doing so will prevent your items from breathing and trap moisture inside, where it can lead to mold and mildew.
Don’t Pack Things That Could Cause Damage
Food and plants should never be stored in a storage unit, even for a short amount of time. They can attract bugs and rodents, which put all your belongings and the belongings of everyone else who uses the storage facility at risk. Packing and storing anything that is flammable, such as oils, propane, fuel, and ammunition is not permitted. If you have gas-powered items to store, drain them of their fuel before putting them in storage.
Do Label and Organize Your Boxes
Every box that goes into storage should be clearly labeled with the exact contents. Place boxes at least one inch from the wall to allow for ventilation. Put boxes with items you will use on a regular basis, such as seasonal decorations, near the front of the unit, so you can access them easily.
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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.
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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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What Happens to a Storage Unit After the Renter Dies?
When a loved one passes away, you may be faced with the difficult task of sorting through their belongings. If your friend or family member has a storage unit near Mountain View, you will need to contact the storage rental company as soon as possible. Your storage unit company will be able to provide you with a prorated rental discount while you take the time to sort through the items that were left in the unit. Let’s take a look at what happens to a storage unit after the renter dies.
The storage center is contacted.
After a renter passes away, their next of kin will oversee contacting the storage rental company. Ideally, the initial contact will occur within weeks or months of the person’s passing. When the storage rental company is contacted, they will be able to start making the necessary arrangements to either clear out the storage unit or renew the contract in the next of kin’s name.
Unit access is granted.
You or your family members will need to be provided with access to the deceased’s storage unit rental. If your loved one provided you with access before he or she passed away, you will be able to find the storage rental location and unit number easily. If your loved one did not pass on this information, you may have to obtain special access from the rental company.
Rent is prorated or refunded.
A storage rental company will typically work with you to provide you with a prorated refund of the rental cost. Rather than having to continue to make payments on the price of the storage unit rental, you can typically receive a refund for the time remaining on the rental. If you have questions about clearing out a storage unit rental after a loved one passes away, do not hesitate to call your local storage facility.
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A Look at Our Facility’s Security and Safety Features
Independence Storage is devoted to giving our clients the most secure and safe storage unit options available. We want our clients to feel comfortable storing their most precious items with us, so they can enjoy a clutter-free home and peace of mind about the safety of their valuables. Let’s take a look at the security and safety features found with our storage rental company near Mountain View .
Each storage unit on our lot has a security alarm and fire sprinklers in case of an emergency. Clients also have individual keycodes to gain access into the self-storage facility through a security gate. In addition to these individual security measures, Independence Storage also provides on-site managers to watch over our entire storage facility. These security and safety measures help us to monitor each client’s valuables to ensure there are no thefts or damages. Learn more about our many security features by calling Independence Storage right away.
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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.
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.
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Make Moving Easier by Taking Advantage of Self-Storage
Moving to a new home can be a stressful process, but there are many ways to help ease the stress and make moving easier for you and your family. Using temporary storage near Mountain View is one way to take off some pressure to move items right away or store belongings you are not ready to part with. Let’s take a closer look at how self-storage can ease your moving process.
The moving process involves a lot of organization. In addition to organizing your daily life to move from one place to another, you must organize the furniture, decorations, dishes, and personal belongings in your home. You can make this process much easier by renting a storage unit throughout the moving process. For example, if you must wait to move into your new home, then you can store many of your belongings into temporary storage until you can move into your new home. If you need to move right away, then you use temporary storage to keep items safe until you have the time to sort through them. Self-storage gives you more control and eases the moving process for you and your family.
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Store Your Belongings to Help Keep Them Safe
A storage unit in Palo Alto can be a great way to store your belongings , but you need to know how to organize your belongings so that everything stays safe while you’re away. People often deal with broken or destroyed belongings because they didn’t do enough planning in advance when deciding how to store the materials. The good news is that it’s not difficult to store your belongings in a safe way—you just need to know how it works. If you’re thinking about renting out a storage unit, continue reading and find out how to store your belongings to help keep them safe.
Just because your belongings were all fine when you dropped them off at the storage unit doesn’t necessarily mean that they will be in the same condition when you come back to them. Boxes can fall over and onto each other, and they can give out under the weight of their contents. If you are going to be stacking boxes, make sure larger boxes are placed near the bottom. You should also leave an aisle so that you don’t accidentally step on or kick any of your boxes when you return to the storage unit.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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 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.
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Tips for Making Your Storage Unit Organized Easier
When you have an empty storage unit in front of you, it is common to think you have a lot of space. However, once you start filling it up, that extra space can quickly disappear. The best way to make use of all of your space is to carefully organize your storage unit near Mountain View. With the right organization tips, you can take better advantage of that extra space with a little room to spare.
Plan Ahead
The biggest tip anyone can utilize when packing a storage unit is to plan ahead. Think about every item you are planning on storing and where it would fit best. Consider how many boxes you will have, along with the amount of furniture. Plan out a narrow path that will keep all of your important stored items accessible and easy to reach. Do not stack boxes and furniture so high that you will not be able to reach them when needed.
Place Frequent-Use Items in Front
Along with making a pathway, be aware of where you place your furniture and boxes in the storage unit. Plan out your unit so the lesser-used items are stored towards the back and out of the way. Make sure any containers you know will be in frequent use are stored towards the front of the unit.
Disassemble Furniture
You can save a lot of room in your storage rental by disassembling as much furniture as possible. Take the legs off of tables and chairs, and dismantle bed frames. This action will make it easier to bundle furniture together and lean it to one side or corner of the unit. Just remember to keep all hardware in labeled containers near the furniture it accompanies.
Take Advantage of Large Furniture
Some furniture may not be easily disassembled, so make use of it instead. For example, with large and hollow furniture, such as wardrobes or entertainment centers, you can store boxes or decorations in the open spaces. Linens or winter coats may be stored in dressers or chests.
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Packing Glasses for Storage
Are you worried about packing up the glassware from your kitchen and placing it into a self-storage unit ? It’s not as difficult as you might think, and as long as you use plenty of packing paper, your glasses will survive their trip to your storage unit rental in Palo Alto. Watch this video to see the best ways to pack glasses up for storage.
Before you start packing glasses, you should obtain dish pack boxes that are designed to handle glassware. You should also purchase packing paper to wrap your glassware up. You can then begin the process of preparing each of your glass items for your self-storage unit. By taking these simple steps, you can keep your glasses safe once they are placed into your self-storage unit to be stored.
How to Pack Glasses for Moving
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Are Short-Term Storage Rentals Available?
If you are preparing for a move or heading home from college for the summer, you could benefit from renting a storage unit . It doesn’t matter if you only need a high-quality storage unit in Mountain View for a month or two.
Independence Storage would love to work with you, and we don’t place any restrictions on how long our customers have to rent a self-storage unit from us.
There are many advantages to renting a short-term self-storage unit. It can help you clear out your home when you’re trying to sell it. It can also make it easier for you to move back to your parents’ house after a semester at school. Regardless of the reason, we can help you obtain a storage unit from us, even if you only need it for a short amount of time. Whether you want it for a month, a year, or a decade, Independence Storage can provide you with the storage unit rental that you need today.
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What to Store and What to Take Home During Your College Summer Break
Before you pick up everything that’s in your dorm room and attempt to take it home during your summer break from college, you should think about using student storage. It will prevent you from having to transport everything that you have at college back home and make it easier for you to move back to school in the fall. Check out some of the things you should store as well as some of the things you should take home when you decide to rent a self-storage unit in Palo Alto this summer.
Store: Furniture
Chances are, you won’t need that big, bulky dresser that you have in your dorm room once you move back home. Why take it all the way back to your parents’ house when you could put it into student storage for a few months and make your move that much easier? You can store a dresser, a bed, a desk, or any other kind of furniture in a self-storage unit for the summer and move it back to campus when the fall rolls around again.
Take Home: Food
When you rent a student storage unit, you want to do whatever you can to keep pests out of it. That means that you shouldn’t store food in your unit. Keep the potato chip bags and other snacks out of your self-storage unit, and you will reduce the chances of pests getting into your unit and making a mess.
Store: School Supplies
Unless you plan on taking classes over the summer, you won’t need any of your school supplies at home. You should probably take your laptop and electronics home, but you can leave books, pens, notebooks, and other supplies in your storage unit so that they’re ready to go once school starts.
Take Home: Summer Clothing
You can use your storage unit to store anything that you won’t be wearing during the summer. However, you shouldn’t leave your summer clothes behind. Now is the time to wear them, so make sure you bring them home with you.
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