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.

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.

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.

Some people don’t even realize that they have a clutter problem until they handle it, and a storage unit in Mountain View can be of help. There are a few other ways you can keep your home neat, clean, and organized, and the steps aren’t difficult or expensive. Check out this video for 5 easy ways to reduce household clutter.

Everything you own can contribute to clutter in one way or another, so think about what you need and what you don’t. Try to pay attention to what clothes you wear and what you don’t wear by turning the hangers backwards until you wear a given garment, and give the clothing you leave alone to someone else. Set aside a bin for important mail that you have to file, and recycle the rest. You should also consider what you use the most in your utensil drawer and organize its contents accordingly.

People decide to downsize for all kinds of reasons. Whether you are moving to a smaller living space or you’re simply taking a more minimalist approach to your home design, you should know how to downsize without stressing yourself out. In order to do this, you’ll need to come up with a game plan well before you decide to get started, and you should come equipped with the right packing materials. It’s always wise to use a storage unit in Mountain View , as this can instantly free up space around your house. Keep reading for a crash course in stress-free downsizing.

Leave Yourself Time

No matter why you’re downsizing, it’s best to get started on the planning process early on. When you leave yourself time beforehand, you can get a game plan together and take steps to stick to it throughout the process. Planning your moves out in advance can work wonders when it comes to taking the stress out of downsizing. You won’t be rushing to meet a moving deadline or scramble to use your storage unit before you have to renew it. The longer you give yourself to prepare for your downsizing project, the less stress will be involved.

Pack the Right Way

Packing is an integral part of downsizing in many cases, and yet plenty of people still do it the wrong way. Instead of taking used boxes from your local grocery store, buy boxes that were actually designed for packing. These boxes will do a better job of keeping your belongings safe while downsizing. You should also label all of the boxes that you pack so you can easily tell what is inside each of them.

Use a Storage Unit

If you are downsizing because you want to clear up some space in your house, consider a storage unit. A storage unit can be a great thing to have when you want to make the most of your living space but you don’t want to get rid of all of your belongings. The right storage unit can make downsizing easy as well as stress-free.

If you’re thinking about self-storage in Palo Alto for the first time, think about how you plan to organize your belongings. Although you can access your storage unit whenever you need to, keep in mind that it’ll be easier to reach some items than others. Consider the importance of each box that you pack and keep the most prudent items at the front, and cover up your furniture to preserve its condition. Don’t forget to label your boxes so you can easily find whatever you’re looking for when you come back to the storage unit. Read ahead for some helpful self-storage tips.

Make Your Belongings Accessible

Depending on the size of your storage unit and the number of belongings you have to store, it might be difficult to access all of your items. Since there are certain items that you would rather be more accessible, keep these items by the front of the storage space. You can keep seasonal things like holiday decorations towards the back of the unit, as you won’t need them throughout the bulk of the year. If your storage unit is big enough, you can also leave an aisle open so you can easily move about the space.

Cover Up Your Furniture

It’s a good idea to cover up any furniture that you leave in your self storage unit. This will keep dust from accumulating on top of your sofas, couches, and coffee tables. Additionally, covering up your furniture will protect it from bugs. Pests can do some serious damage to your furniture, and furniture doesn’t tend to be cheap. If you want to do everything you can to protect the belongings you leave in your storage unit, don’t forget to cover them up.

Label Everything

Many people end up spending much more time than they meant to in their storage unit because they can’t find what they’re looking for. This is why it helps to label all of your boxes and include an inventory with each one. This way you can just look at the outside of the box to tell what’s inside instead of rummaging through it.

Whether you are transitioning between homes, or simply need more storage space for your existing property, renting a storage unit is a great way to take charge of your household clutter. After you rent self storage in Mountain View , it will be your responsibility to make sure that your unit is properly arranged. By reviewing the dos and don’ts of storage unit arrangement, you can avoid an organizational problem at some point down the line. Read on to learn some important mistakes to avoid when you arrange your storage unit.

Forgetting to Label Boxes

As you are getting your belongings ready for a move into storage, you may need to organize them into various moving boxes. When you are in the process of placing items into boxes, do not forget to create a detailed label for each box that you pack. Without informational labels, it will be impossible to know which items are located in your various boxes. Taking the time to label each box will prevent organizational problems in the future.

Neglecting to Put Large Items in the Back

Size is an important consideration when you are arranging your storage unit. Rather than simply moving your items into storage at random, you will want to take the time to organize them by size. Large items, such as pieces of furniture, should nearly always be placed in the back of your storage unit rental. Putting bulky items in first will allow you to organize smaller stuff more easily.

Placing Essential Items Out of Reach

While some items that are in your storage unit may not be useful to you very often, others may need to be easily accessible. If you can anticipate needing to take out an item from storage within a few months of your initial rental, you will want to place it as close to the front as possible. Taking the time to sort your stuff by importance will allow you to achieve the best results from your storage unit arrangement.

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.

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.

When you are moving into a new house or storage unit, it is important to keep some essential moving tips in mind. In this video, you will take a look at some methods that can be used to reduce stress during a move. Before you start the moving process, you will want to take the time to create a detailed list for all of your moving tasks. A storage unit in Mountain View can provide you with additional moving tips .

After you have carefully sorted and packed all of your stuff, you will be ready to begin the physical part of the move. A facility that offers storage shed rental may be able to provide you with a moving truck that will allow you to easily transport your belongings into your storage unit.

If maintaining a clean and tidy workspace is among your New Year’s resolutions, you may want to take the time to declutter your office environment. Removing excess office supplies, paper, and other items will make your office much easier to clean. With a storage unit rental in Mountain View , you can safely store any essential items that may be cluttering up your workstation. Storage units are great for housing paper, office supplies, and any other materials that are crowding up your office. To highlight the terrific benefits of a storage unit rental, here is a look at three quick ideas that will help you declutter your office.

Clear Off Your Desk

One of the most effective strategies for decluttering your office is to make sure that the surface of your desk remains as clean and tidy as possible. Rather than stacking mail, documents, and other nonessential items on the surface of your desk, you can file them safely away. By taking a minimalist approach to your desk, you can provide your office space with a tidier look and feel.

Organize Your Electronics

A modern office typically contains several different electronic devices, including computers, printers, fax machines, and phones. When you are decluttering your office, you will want to make sure that your electronics are as organized as possible. For example, it is a terrific idea to take the time to tame your power cords using twist ties or other forms of housing. Getting electronic cords off of your desk will free up additional empty space.

Rent a Storage Unit

Rather than facing the hard choice of having to throw certain items away, you may want to instead rent a storage unit for those excess materials that seem to be cluttering up your office. When you place your extra office items in storage, you can rest assured that they are secure and protected from water and sunlight. Your storage rental facility can provide you with additional information about the benefits of renting a storage unit for your office.

If you are reviewing storage options in Mountain View, you will want to make sure that you choose a storage rental company that is prepared to fulfill all of your storage needs. By doing your research and touring the facility, you can rest assured that you are placing your items into the best available storage unit. There are several factors that you will want to keep in mind when you are choosing your next storage facility.

One essential factor to consider when you choose a storage facility is whether the facility requires you to enter into a long term contract. Ideally, your storage facility should offer both short-term and long-term rental agreements. You will also want to make sure that the facility has been equipped with a comprehensive security system that will protect your belongings. For ease of access, you should also choose a storage facility that provides spacious, ground level units. Once you have found a facility that meets these requirements, you will be ready to start moving your stuff into storage.

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.

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.

A mattress is a bulky item that can take up a lot of space in your storage unit. In this video, you will learn some essential tips to keep in mind when you are placing a mattress into self storage. When you bring your mattress to a storage unit in Mountain View , you will want to make sure that you place it in an area where it can lie perfectly flat. If the mattress is not stored in a flat area, it may become misshapen over time.

Once you have found the perfect spot for your mattress, you can start placing other items on top of its surface. Ideally, you will want to stack lightweight boxes on top of your mattress. It is also important to ensure that the weight on the surface of your mattress is evenly distributed.

During the winter months, many boat owners choose to protect their vessels by placing them in a secure dry storage facility . A spacious storage unit in Mountain View will provide you with the capacity that you need to store your boat until you are ready to take your next outing in the spring. Before you bring your boat to the storage rental company, there are several steps that you will need to take to make sure that it is prepared. To help you get ready for putting your boat in a storage rental, here is a look at the steps of preparing your boat for storage.

Take One Last Outing

Before you place your boat into a storage unit, you may want to head out on the water one last time. During your final trip of the boating season, you can take note of any mechanical repairs or other issues that need to be addressed around your vessel. By taking the time to inspect your boat while it is launched, you will have a better idea of how to get it expedition ready for the spring.

Perform a Thorough Cleaning

When you place your boat into storage, it should not be dirty or covered in seawater and other contaminants. After your boat hull has been lifted out of the water, you will be ready to clean it very thoroughly. Along with scrubbing the hull, you will also want to inspect and clear out the interior and head areas.

Protect Your Boat’s Engine

As a boat engine sits throughout the winter season, it may slowly start to deteriorate and develop mechanical issues. To ensure that your boat will be in peak performing shape after the winter storage season is over, there are a few preventative maintenance steps that you can perform. By topping off your gas tank, adding a stabilizer, and inspecting your belts and strainers, you can rest assured that your boat’s engine can withstand several months in storage.

If your son or daughter is enrolled in college, you may be wondering about what will happen to his or her belongings when the school year wraps up. Rather than carting college stuff between the dorm room and your home, you may want to consider renting college storage in Palo Alto. College students choose self storage because it provides them with a secure place to store their belongings when they are away from school. A storage unit can also make it easier to transition into new housing situations at the start of the school year.

A storage rental company near your son or daughter’s school may offer storage services that are specifically tailored to college students. When you rent out a college storage unit, you can expect to receive a great rate and flexible rental terms. By renting storage for your college age student, you can help to ensure that his or her college years are successful and stress free.

Downsizing can be a major transition for any member of your family. In this video, you will receive some tips that will help your loved one throughout the process of downsizing. To keep from getting overwhelmed, you will want to take the time to make a detailed inventory of all of the items that are currently in the home. Large or sentimental items that cannot be brought to the new space can be safely housed at a storage unit in Mountain View.

With services from a storage rental company , you will have many different storage options available for your home. By relying on the services of a secure storage facility, you will be able to obtain the additional space that you will need throughout the downsizing process.

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.

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.

With the holidays already in motion, it is time to break out the dozens of holiday decorations that have collected cobwebs and bugs sitting in your garage year-round. These types of seasonal items can be placed in your storage unit instead, so you can save room and avoid possible critters skittering around. Here is a quick look at some of the seasonal items you may wish to put in your storage unit in Mountain View:

The easiest seasonal items to place in storage are the decorations you only use once a year. These might include Fourth of July decorations, Christmas lights, and Thanksgiving cornucopias. No matter which holidays you celebrate, place them in a secure storage unit for the parts of the year when they aren’t in use. In addition to holiday items, you may also place certain sports gear, camping equipment, and gardening tools in your storage unit. Pool, camping, and gardening equipment are not typically used year-round; instead of clogging up your garage or attic with these items, place them in a long-term storage unit so you can access them whenever you wish.

All kinds of items and belongings can go into your storage unit in Mountain View, including your fragile heirlooms or wedding china. Safely packing your fragile belongings into a secure storage unit can keep your items protected from burglary, mold, and several other potential dangers that could befall your fragile items.

If They Are Rarely Used

You may have old paintings, heirloom furniture, or expensive china and crystal that you rarely use, but you still want these items protected and kept for safekeeping. This is the perfect opportunity to look at your various storage options. Many fragile items are often placed in a closet or attic as in-home storage options. However, your closet or attic could be damaging to your fragile items, especially if they are stored incorrectly or in a moist environment. To avoid potential damage, store your rarely used items in an established storage unit.

If You Are Transitioning

Transitions can come in several different forms, such as moving, family moving in or out, or remodeling projects on your current house. Either of these transitions could end up damaging various fragile items. Temporary storage options are the perfect response during these moments of transition. Many storage facilities are more than happy to work with you to find the right storage solutions to suit your needs.

If They Will Be Protected

When deciding how to store your fragile items, you must also consider how well they will be protected, whether in a storage unit or in your home. Professional storage rental companies have several measures in place to protect your items from burglary and environmental dangers. Your attic, garage, or closet may not have the necessary protections, especially if your home were to suffer a burst pipe, burglary, or mold. When placing your items into a professional storage unit, ensure they are packed and stored correctly to avoid any damage while in storage.