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.

Storing items is a great way to keep them safe without taking up valuable space in your home. You’ve made the decision to rent a high quality storage unit in Palo Alto, but you need to know exactly what you can, and cannot, keep in your new storage unit.

For the most part, almost anything can go in a storage unit rental. This means that your possibilities are endless as long as it can fit in the unit. However, there are only a few kinds of products that can’t be stored no matter their size. If you’re storing something toxic or living, such as chemicals or an animal, then you need to look elsewhere for storage. The same goes for edible items and flammable products. These are all potential hazards, either to the people or items in the storage facility. Your storage facility might have further restrictions on their units, but these are the most common. Always follow the rules of your facility.

Moving items into your first self-storage unit in Palo Alto can be a stressful time. Usually you’re moving or downsizing your home, and you might already feel frazzled. Don’t let yourself get caught in common, yet less-known, mistakes when packing your storage unit for the first time.

Not Enough Room for the Moving Truck

Whether you’re using a professional moving company or your own group of friends, make sure the moving truck will fit through the aisles and roads of the self-storage facility. To make room for as many units as they can, storage facilities may have tight corners and narrow aisles, big enough for a standard truck, but not a professional moving truck. If the truck may not fit well through the facility, ask if there is another entrance closer to your storage unit rental. If the truck won’t fit, ask the moving company what their options are for transporting your furniture and possessions from the truck through the facility to the unit.

Not Providing Direction

You need to give your movers directions, not just to the facility, but for moving your personal objects. Planning ahead is one of the foundations of moving effectively. You need to tell your movers exactly where to put your kitchen supplies or bedroom furniture in the storage unit. This is going to save them a lot of frustration and you a lot of unneeded stress when you’re trying to find something later. Movers, professional or personal, can’t read your mind, so you need to provide clear, organized direction.

Not Having Enough Space in the Unit

There’s almost nothing worse than packing everything up to go in the storage unit and finding out the unit isn’t big enough for what you have. The best ways you can combat this annoyance is to heed the advice of the storage facility and measure your belongings. If everything is in boxes or large furniture, judging how big of a unit you’ll need will be easier, but when in doubt, rent a bigger unit.

You’re newly married and exquisitely happy with each other, but then you notice the extras that come from merging two households. Professional storage services near Mountain View may be just what you need to keep your sanity as you merge your lives and your belongings. Here are some helpful ideas of how you can use a self-storage unit to make your newly married lives easier.

Storing Instead of Selling

If you’re both bringing your own couch, bed, and dining room table to your new space, then you might start arguing over which piece of furniture you should keep and which to sell. When you start fighting over something as small as a couch, consider storing it instead. You can make a deal to switch out the furniture once a year, or just get the piece you’re fighting over out of the house for a few months to get some space. Whatever your reason, using a storage unit rental to help calm the waters may be just what you need.

Storing Seasonal Items

For the most part, when you move it’s probably during a particular season. You’ll have the clothes you’re planning on wearing regularly, but you also have those winter or summer clothes that won’t be touched for the next several months until the season changes. Instead of stressing over where to fit these unneeded clothes, store them. After you’ve been in your new home, with your new spouse, for a few months, you will have the time to find the space for your extra clothes. Or, in the case of seasonal clothes, you can switch out seasons every few months to continue saving space.

Storing as a Means of Organizing

Have you ever heard the organizing adage, “if you don’t use it after a year, get rid of it”? Using your self-storage unit can help you make those decisions. When merging two homes, you both can store items you don’t use often and see if you miss them. If you don’t miss them, toss them.

When you’re packing up boxes to put in your storage unit rental in Mountain View, you should know the correct way to make sturdy boxes. You’ve spent the time and money packing your self-storage unit, so you should spend the time taping your boxes correctly.

When you watch this video, you can see that more goes into taping up the box than just slapping a piece of tape on it. You’ll end up using five individual lines of tape to secure your box for the storage unit rental. Each piece of tape supports the bottom of the box, so your personal possessions are protected. Once you’ve created a strong box for your personal items, don’t forget to stack them correctly in your self-storage unit. This will help you keep it organized when you need to return.

How to Tape Moving Boxes

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

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.

There are many reasons to use a self-storage unit in Mountain View . Self-storage units are a great space to store items that you don’t have room for at home, when children are away at college, or in between moves. No matter what your reason for renting a self-storage unit is, you may have one lingering question—do you need self-storage insurance?

Many people who visit a self-storage unit for the first time may be unfamiliar with whether or not they should take out additional insurance for the storage unit. In many cases, your existing homeowners or renter’s insurance already includes any items in a storage unit rental. It is important to check your policy to ensure you are covered. If you aren’t or you don’t have insurance, ask your storage unit facility for more information. To guarantee the safety of your items in storage, find a facility that offers additional security.

You can make sure that you get the most out of your storage unit rental near Mountain View if you ask the right questions of the self-storage facility’s manager before signing a rental agreement. You should make sure that you know the storage facility’s rental contract and billing options, access hours and security features, and available storage unit sizes. Here are just a few of the questions that you should ask before committing to a storage unit rental.

What Are Your Rental Terms and Billing Options?

Before renting a self-storage unit, you should determine how long you think you’ll need to store your belongings there. If you aren’t really sure how long you’ll need your storage unit, you should choose a storage facility that offers flexible rental contracts and billing options. This allows you to rent a storage unit month-to-month, rather than on a long-term lease, making it easier to store your items without worrying about them. You can also choose to pre-pay for your unit when it’s convenient for you, rather than receiving a monthly bill.

How Secure is the Storage Facility And What are Your Access Hours?

Regardless of what you’ll be storing in your self-storage unit, you want to choose a secure storage facility. A secure storage facility will only allow access via an electronic keypad to ensure that your belongings are safe from theft or vandalism. You’ll also want to be clear on what the access hours are for your storage facility. Some storage facilities only allow renters access to their storage units during certain hours.

What Sizes Do You Offer for Self-Storage Units?

You should rent a storage unit that is slightly larger than you think you’ll need, so that you’ll have room to find and retrieve boxes when you need to access your items. Find out from the storage facility manager what storage unit sizes they offer to renters. Make sure that they offer a storage unit in a size that meets your particular needs.

Storage units in Palo Alto can provide many amazing benefits to large and small businesses. You can use a self-storage unit to free up valuable office space, securely store important business records, and create a more flexible office environment. Here are some of the ways that a high quality storage unit can help you do that.

Free Up Space in Your Office

Storing business records, unused office equipment, and party supplies can take up valuable space in your office. By moving these items to an off-site storage facility, you’ll create more floor space and workspace for your employees. This will create a more comfortable work environment that will help your employees stay happy, efficient, and productive. You’ll also eliminate safety hazards caused by stacks of boxes or office equipment that may be stored in inconvenient areas of the office.

Develop a Program for Secure Records Storage and Inventory

Most business need to retain business records for a certain period of time before they can be destroyed. A secure storage facility will ensure that confidential and important business records remain safe in your storage unit until you need to access them or destroy them. You won’t have to worry about crucial documents being destroyed in a fire or flood, or being accessed by those who shouldn’t see them. When you store secure records in a storage facility, you’ll also have the opportunity to create a comprehensive inventory of your records, which is incredibly useful when you need to find and use certain records.

Create a More Flexible Office Environment

As your office grows and changes, you may find that you need more office space to accommodate additional employees or evolving business services. When you utilize a self-storage facility for your office storage, you have the ability to adapt your office environment to meet the changing needs of your company. Professional storage services can also be customized to complement any new business developments.

Picking the right self-storage unit to rent is as important as picking the right home—you want to be sure that the bulk of your belongings and prized possessions are secured, properly housed, and kept in good condition. With all of the self-storage facilities in Palo Alto to choose from, it benefits you to know what to look out for when selecting a new storage unit. Do your research and compile a list of potential places to check out. And come prepared with questions in hand.

Choose an Accessible Unit

Good self-storage facilities are always easily accessible to their renters. Choose a facility that is located near where you plan to be, and that is staffed with helpful, courteous, and knowledgeable attendants. Remember to be mindful of its hours of operation. Not only should your unit be accessible distance-wise, but it also should be conveniently accessible based on your schedule, which may mean being open on weekends and holidays too.

Go with a Facility That Is Secure

Security is very important. After all, you expect that your things will be safely contained inside your unit at all times. Pick a place that has a security fence or wall with electronic gates that are controlled by a keypad or swipe pass. There should be active surveillance cameras scattered throughout the property too. For extra security and peace of mind, be sure to invest in the strongest and most appropriate lock that you can afford for your unit.

Inspect the Unit Before Signing a Contract

A storage unit’s cleanliness reflects on the facility as a whole. Not many people would willingly pay good money to store they precious belongings in a filthy room, and neither should you. Before you sign any paperwork, be sure to tour the facility and have a look inside any unit you plan to rent. Do not hesitate to move on elsewhere if a certain facility’s standards are not in line with yours.

Consider a Climate-Controlled Unit

Take an inventory of your belongings before you choose a self-storage unit. If you own items that are sensitive to temperature, humidity, or pests, you may want to consider renting a climate-controlled room. Ask your local storage professional about the benefits of this option and if it is right for you.

Moving is an inevitability. When the time comes, you may find yourself in a situation that warrants renting a secure storage facility in Palo Alto to house some or all of your belongings. Knowing what your self-storage options are can help you make the right decision.

Self-storage units are usually available in two different pack-it-yourself options, depending on whether you require short-term or long-term storage. For instance, if you find yourself in between homes for a short period, opt for a self-storage unit at a local, easily accessible facility. If applicable, ask for a ground-level storage unit, which can make the moving process smoother. If you need long-term storage, consider having a container delivered to your home. With this option, the storage company drops off an empty industrial container and then picks it up after it has been filled. The container is transported and stored in a closed facility until you are ready. The downside to this type of storage is that your things tend not to be accessible to you as they would if you used a self-storage unit.

During your lifetime, you will no doubt gather many important and valuable documents. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to store these items without putting them at risk for water damage and other unforeseen problems. When storing meaningful papers, there are some steps you should take to ensure their integrity. If you are looking to store files or papers at a high-quality storage unit in Palo Alto, here are some useful tips to consider.

Choose the Right Storage Unit

Paper and similar materials last much longer in environments that are not susceptible to humidity or heat. With that in mind, you may want to find a storage unit rental that has a controlled environment with temperature and humidity regulation. Damp and humid areas are a problem because they attract pests and promote mold growth, which can both damage your papers.

Avoid Well Lit Areas

When looking for a self-storage facility, try to find storage units that do not have windows or a lot of light. Depending on what the material is, documents can easily become damaged by an excessive amount of light, and this damage is impossible to reverse. Inks will fade and the paper itself will degrade, which means it is imperative to store these materials in a place where light will not be a problem. Storing your documents in secure, solid boxes can also help to protect them from damage due to light.

Use Folders and Boxes

This might seem obvious, but one of the best ways to protect your valuable documents is to place them in folders and boxes. Portfolios, envelopes, and standard file folders will keep your files safe from potential damage. Add an extra layer of protection by placing these files into boxes that will keep them safe and protect your paper documentation from deterioration.

A self-storage unit in Mountain View can be used to store away all kinds of items. However, there are some things that you just shouldn’t put in storage. Whether for the sake of safety or for the benefit of your belongings, some items are better off stored in your home or special kinds of storage units. To help you prepare for renting a storage unit in Mountain View, here is a list of items and materials that typically are not allowed in storage. Call your self-storage facility ahead of time to find out specifically what you can and can’t put in storage.

Combustible and Flammable Materials

Gasoline, compressed gas, propane tanks, kerosene, and fertilizers are common examples of combustible and/or flammable materials that are considered inherently dangerous and not allowed in storage units. You also shouldn’t store fireworks, explosives, weapons, or live ammunition. Ask your storage facility for additional information on storing combustible and flammable materials, as your facility may have exceptions for certain materials.

Hazardous or Toxic Materials

In addition to combustible and flammable materials, hazardous and toxic materials are also considered inherently dangerous and usually prohibited from storage. Common examples of hazardous or toxic materials people usually mistake as safe for storage include cleaners, chemicals, paint, acid, motor oil, and grease. Your storage facility may be able to recommend hazardous or toxic material storage or disposal facilities in Mountain View.

Perishable Food

If you will be keeping canned food in storage, make sure the unit is climate-controlled to prevent the canned food from overheating and exploding or spoiling. Perishable food products such as cereals, produce, and meats should never be kept in storage, as these may spoil or attract pests. Ask your storage facility for specific information regarding climate-controlled storage for non-perishable food.

Are your quarters feeling a little cramped? Do you need someplace to store your dorm room belongings during the summer months? If so, a storage unit could be right for you. There are many benefits to renting a storage unit in Mountain View , and the price is more affordable than you think. If you’re thinking of renting a unit, consider these benefits.

Storage units give you the ultimate flexibility in keeping your belongings organized regardless of the space you have at home. Instead of getting rid of things you’d really rather keep, you can put them in storage until you have space for them. A storage unit can also come in handy for students who need to move furniture out of dorms for the summer or who need to clear out an apartment for a semester as they study abroad. Storage units can also be used for holiday decorations, sporting equipment, and seasonal use items. Avoid home clutter and parting with treasured belongings by relying on self-storage facilities.

When you are choosing a storage facility, it’s important to select the best one for your needs. If you rent a unit that is too small, you may not be able to fit all your belongings inside or will at least struggle to keep them organized. If you get a storage unit that it too large, you could be spending more than you have to. As you review your options for a storage unit rental in Mountain View , consider these factors.

Decide What Kind of Unit You Need

There are many different types of storage units available, so first decide what your priorities are. A ground level storage unit is the top choice for many people because it is easy to access and makes loading and unloading as convenient as possible. Some storage units are housed in large buildings with several floors that require you to use a dolly and elevator to move your belongings in and out. These units are usually best only if you need climate control for your belongings.

Size Up Your Space

Choosing the right size of storage unit is easier than you think. Start by checking out the recommendations provided by the storage unit facility. Most offer guidelines to help you figure out how much specific units will hold and how to measure your belongings. Next, consider ways you can maximize the space in a unit. Often, adding shelves to a unit can boost the storage capacity and help you keep things organized.

Consider Security

Security is one of the most important aspects of a storage facility. You will usually need to provide your own padlock for the storage unit door, but what additional security does the facility provide? Look for things like electronic keypad entry and security cameras. It also helps to choose a secure storage facility with onsite managers who can react quickly to any problems.

When you are trying to clean out your home or office, it’s hard to decide what items to keep and which ones you can live without. Before you start loading up your storage unit rental near Mountain View , use the following tips to help you decide what to store and what to purge.

Use the One-Year Rule

As you start to go through your belongings, think about the last time you used each item. If you have not found the need for a particular item in more than a year, you can probably purge it. You can use this rule to help you decide whether to keep or toss anything from clothing and jewelry to sports equipment and electronics.

Think About Sentimental Value

Certain belongings hold a sentimental value that makes them more important than other items. If you can associate a sentimental value to certain items, you probably want to put them into the storage unit. If you like something but it does not hold a special place in your heart, you might want to purge it.

Look for Duplicates

If you find any duplicates of certain belongings as you start to browse through your closet, you might want to consider purging the extra one. If you can get rid of duplicates, it helps you clear out your belongings without having to sacrifice the items that you really want to keep.

Determine the Best Value

There might be some items that you do not use regularly but you find it difficult to consider parting with them. If you find yourself in this situation, try to determine if it is more valuable to you to keep them or to sell them and earn some extra money.

Get a Bigger Storage Unit

If you have gone through your belongings and purged everything that you can but still cannot fit everything into your storage unit, you might want to consider getting a bigger one. The Mountain View storage facility has plenty of unit sizes to make it easy to find the space to store all of your belongings.

People downsize their homes for a variety of different reasons. Some decide that they would rather live in a cheaper house, while others require less space after their children move out. There are several ways that you can downsize, such as using a high quality storage unit in Mountain View . Keep reading for a few tips for downsizing your home.

Decide What Stays and What Goes

Before you move, make sure that you have a game plan. Make a list of all the items that you will be taking with you, and then make a separate list of all the items that you can get rid of. Doing this in advance will help you establish which items will be coming with you to your new home. Unless you have an abundance of extra space in your current living arrangement, you will likely need to part with some of your belongings.

Start Early

Moving is stressful enough as it is, so you don’t want to be scrambling to get rid of unwanted items and pack up your important items the day before your move. Make sure you get a head start by preparing well before you move out of your current house or apartment. Give yourself a few months to donate, sell, or otherwise discard of the belongings that will not be coming with you to your new home.

Utilize Self-Storage Units

If you have a great deal of belongings on your list of things you will be keeping, consider how much space you will have in your new home. In the event that you cannot comfortably fit everything at your new place, consider a self-storage unit in Mountain View. A self-storage unit can be a great help when it comes to storing belongings that you do not use on a daily basis.