• Tips for Packing Fragile Items from Independence Storage

    How to Pack Your Fragile Items for Storage in Mountain View, CA

    Fragile items require extra care when packing and moving. Independence Storage is happy to offer you some tips for packing your fragile items to move them into our storage units in Mountain View, CA. Fragile items are those that can break easily, including glass, valuable collectibles, musical instruments, and more. It’s important to spend a bit of extra time to ensure you’re packing and transporting these fragile items safely. No one wants anything to break while moving, so be sure to learn how to pack your fragile items for storage. Contact our team with any questions or to get a quote for a self-storage unit.

    How to Pack and Move Your Fragile Items

    If you’re moving fine china into a storage unit, you’ll need to take extra care to ensure your fragile belongings come out in one piece. Start by layering a compact box that weighs no more than 10 pounds with packing peanuts. Wrap each piece of china individually. Bubble wrap is a great way to wrap fragile items. Place your wrapped china inside the box vertically and fill the empty space between them with packing peanuts or crumpled newspaper. Seal the box and mark it as “fragile” with a marker. It’s also a good idea to label the box, so you know what’s in it later. Be sure to use arrows to indicate which side is up. You may also want to use sturdy cardboard dividers between individual cups and other large items, so they don’t bang around. If you use these precautions, your china should arrive in perfect condition.

    Tips for Keeping Fragile Items Safe in Storage

    Whether you’re removing clutter from your apartment or are in-between homes, renting a storage unit can be extremely helpful. You want to make sure your belongings remain in the same condition they were when they left your home. That means you’ll need to ensure you pack using the proper techniques and materials. Keep reading to learn some useful tips for keeping your fragile items safe while moving them into or out of storage:

    • Packing Smart – Your time is valuable, but investing time to pack smart will help ensure your fragile items end up in one piece. Poor packing is one of the most surefire ways to end up with broken belongings when you retrieve them from your storage unit. Fragile items deserve more attention and tend to be more valuable than those that aren’t easily broken. Start by using 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.
    • Choosing a Safe Storage Facility – How you pack your fragile items is important. But, a safe storage facility is also critical. 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 thieves breaking in and stealing, vandalizing, or damaging your fragile items. Insuring your belongings is another good option.
    • Arranging Your Storage Unit – Keeping your fragile items safe starts with packing but also has to do with the arrangement of your storage unit. You never want to stack heavy boxes on top of those that contain fragile items, even if they seem perfectly secure. You also don’t want to stack boxes with fragile items too high. 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 boxes with 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.

    Should You Put Your Fragile Items in Storage?

    All kinds of items and belongings can go into your storage unit as long as you plan ahead. Safely packing fragile belongings such as heirlooms and wedding china can ensure they’re protected from mold, burglary, and other dangers when stored correctly. Learn when these items should be kept in storage:

    • If They Are Rarely Used – Old items that you rarely use, such as paintings, heirloom furniture, or expensive china and crystal, can be protected in storage.
    • If You Are Transitioning – Whether you’re moving from one home to another or remodeling, there are plenty of reasons to store your fragile items.
    • If They Will Be Protected – Your attic, garage, or closet might not be the best place to keep fragile items because they could be damaged by moisture, mold, or other factors.

    Choosing the Best Storage Facility for You

    A self-storage unit is a great option if you want to keep your fragile items safe and secure. Independence Storage in Mountain View, CA is an excellent place to keep your fragile belongings. Our ground-level units with ten-foot-high ceilings make storing your fragile items easy. Our storage facility is secure and we have on-site managers to make sure you’re always taken care of. Contact us today to learn more, schedule a tour, or reserve your storage unit.

  • How Should I Protect My Files in Storage?

    Using a storage unit for files can be a great solution for keeping your personal documents or for storing dwocuments for your business. Protecting those files properly will ensure that they’re always ready when you need them. If you’re renting a storage unit in Mountain View for your files, use these strategies for protecting them from damage.

    Start by ensuring that your files are completely dry, and then pack them in airtight containers with hard outer shells. If you must store your documents in boxes, make sure that the boxes are strong and that you put the papers themselves in sleeve protectors. Use wooden pallets to keep the boxes off of the ground. Label all of your storage containers clearly with waterproof markers, so you can easily find the items you need. Don’t over-pack the containers, which can weaken them and make them more difficult to transport. Many people find it helpful to store their documents near the front of their storage units so that they are easy to access.

    File storage facility in Mountain View, CA

  • 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

    packing a storage unit

    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.

  • Affordable Self-Storage: Our Payment Plans and Discounts

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

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

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  • 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.

  • 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.

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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.

  • How to Safely Pack Your Stemware

    After you’ve found the perfect storage unit rental near Mountain View, you need to start packing the belongings that you want to move to the storage facility . You must take special care when packing glassware to prevent it from breaking while you’re moving it or while it’s in the storage unit. The best type of box to use for storing stemware in a self-storage unit is a cell box.

    Watch this video to learn how to make your own cell box to use for your stemware before bringing it to a secure storage facility. A cell box will protect your stemware during your move, and prevent it from becoming damaged in your storage unit.

  • Tools to Make Moving Into Storage Easier

    Uprooting your belongings and moving them into your new self-storage unit in Mountain View can be taxing, which is why it helps to use a few handy tools throughout the process. Hand trucks, dollies, and moving straps can all help you move your things into your secure storage facility safely and comfortably. Watch this video to learn about the tools that make moving into storage easier.

    Hand trucks, dollies, and moving straps are convenient because you can rent them or purchase them. A hand truck will allow you to move a stack of boxes out to your moving truck or into your storage unit without the risk of dropping them. Dollies can support a substantial amount of weight, which makes them ideal for moving large appliances or heavy furniture into a storage unit. It is always helpful to secure your belongings to the moving apparatus with moving straps to keep them from falling over.

    How to use dollies, hand trucks and moving straps to make your next move easier!

  • Getting Your Artwork Ready for Storage

    If you have artwork that needs to be put in a storage unit, you will want to make sure that it is properly stored, as art is prone to damage from temperature changes and leaking water. A reliable self-storage facility in Palo Alto will help you prevent these issues, but you should be sure to add an extra layer of protection to your valuables by preparing them properly. Keep your treasures safe and secure with these helpful tips. Reason to rent a storage Art Frames in Mountain View, CA

    Properly Clean Your Artwork

    Although many people forget to take this step, it can actually help to keep your art in good shape. Use a microfiber cloth to remove dust and debris from your art before storing it, especially if it has any fabric whatsoever. If your piece features any metal framing or metallic objects, you may also want to consider treating the metal with oil to avoid any potential rusting. Wooden frames should also be protected with wood polish.

    Protect Your Framed Pieces

    You can further protect your framed works by adding cardboard corners to the edges of each frame. It can also be helpful to wrap something like bubble wrap or even a blanket around the entire piece. These measures can help to protect your valuables against unforeseen accidents during the moving process. Wrapping the art pieces in plastic before placing them in your storage unit rental can help to protect them from any moisture or water damage.

    Preserve Unframed Art

    If you’re working with unframed paintings, it is highly recommended that you do not roll them or wrap them with blankets or bubble wrap, as this could cause creases and cracking in the piece. Instead, use glassine to protect these valuables, as it will keep them dry and in good condition. When storing these pieces in a storage unit, it is generally a good idea to place them between two sturdy pieces of furniture or framed artwork that are unlikely to fall and cause damage to the unframed art.

  • Tips for Packing Fragile Items

    If you’re putting fine china in a storage unit , you need to take extra care to make sure these fragile belongings come out in one piece. For starters, layer a compact box with packing peanuts. Wrap each piece of china individually using bubble wrap and place inside the box. Fill extra space between china with packing peanuts or crumpled newspaper. Finally, seal the box, mark as “fragile,” and use arrows to indicate which side is up.

    Watch this short video for more tips on packing fine china and other fragile items. With these packing and moving tips, you’ll have no problem moving into your self-storage unit in Palo Alto. You can also find boxes, packing peanuts, packing tape, and everything else you need to pack up your belongings at a storage facility in Mountain View.

    How to pack and move fragile items