When it comes to housing, the phrase “less is more” certainly applies. If you live in a larger home and have a lot of personal belongings, the thought of downsizing to a smaller space can be daunting. However, there are many benefits to downsizing your home that it is something every homeowner should consider. With access to storage unit rentals in Palo Alto , downsizing can be easy. By renting self-storage units, homeowners are able to free up extra space. Once excess belongings are moved into a self-storage facility, homeowners will likely discover that they could easily downsize into a smaller space. Self-storage units are a convenient way to store items that are not frequently used, making it easier to live in a smaller space. To learn more about the benefits of downsizing your living space, continue reading.

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.

Renting a self-storage unit in Palo Alto is a great way to store items you want to hold on to, but just don’t have the room for at home. There are many reasons to consider renting a self-storage unit. Many people make use of storage facilities to store furniture, family possessions, and seasonal items that are only used a small portion of the year. Storage unit rental is an easy way to transition during a move, especially when downsizing homes. Having a storage unit in a secure storage facility means you can be assured that your belongings are safely stored. Even though many people take advantage of all the conveniences self-storage has to offer, not everyone knows the history behind self-storage. To learn more about how self-storage units have become commonplace for many people, continue reading.

Origins of Self-Storage

While it is difficult to provide concrete confirmation to support this theory, there is actually some evidence to suggest that self-storage dates all the way back to ancient China. Artifacts that date back thousands of years indicate that the Chinese used clay pots as storage vessels and that these storage pots were all kept in one location. Of course, it is hard to say how exactly these storage units were used.

Foundation of Modern Self-Storage

Beginning in the late 1800s, different businesses pioneered the concept of moving household items locally and long distances, which also led to the storage of personal items in warehouses and other facilities. However, self-storage units as they have come to be known today originated in Texas in the 1960s. These were the first self-storage units to feature garage-style doors and could be accessed individually by the owner. This is when the idea of self-storage facilities gained popularity.

Self-Storage Today

From the 1960s to today, the number of self-storage facilities steadily increased. Eventually, demand for more facilities led to an influx of self-storage facilities across the United States. Today, storage units offer state-of-the-art technology in security and 24-hour monitoring, as well as features such as temperature control and different sized units to meet any need.

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.

Are you in need of a storage unit rental or student storage? If so, it’s important that you choose the right storage facility in Mountain View. Your storage facility should offer self-storage units that meet your needs and budget, and it should be conveniently located. Here are some helpful tips for choosing a storage facility in your area.

Determine the Size Needed for Your Storage Unit Rental

The first thing that you need to do is determine what size storage unit you’ll need. Most storage facilities have storage units in a variety of sizes, and you want to make sure that you don’t end up with more or less storage space than you need. You can estimate your self-storage unit size by mapping out which items you plan on storing. You should always choose a storage unit that is slightly larger than you think you’ll need, so that you’ll have room to retrieve items from the unit as needed.

Visit a Few Storage Facilities in Your Area

Don’t just choose the closest or cheapest storage facility in your area. Instead, visit a few different storage facilities in person. You want to confirm that the storage facilities are clean, well managed, secure, and easily accessible. You can even ask the manager or owner to show you a storage unit rental so that you can see what you’ll be working with. Once you’ve visited a few storage facilities, it will be easier to make your decision.

Ask About Security Features and Billing Options

It’s crucial that you rent a storage unit at a secure storage facility. The storage facility that you choose should have locked or keypad access to storage units so that only customers can enter the storage area. You might also consider looking for a storage facility that has security cameras or security guards on duty after hours. Also ask about the storage facility’s billing options. Some facilities offer flexible billing options and don’t require yearly leases.

At Independence Storage , we pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service and an overall wonderful experience for our customers. Our customer-friendly features make us one of the most popular self-storage facilities in Palo Alto. Each storage unit rental is a ground level storage unit with ten-foot high ceilings. We offer a variety of self-storage unit sizes to ensure that each customer gets the storage unit rental that he needs.

Our secure storage facility protects customers’ storage units with electronic keypad access. Our office is open Monday through Saturday, and customers have access to their storage units seven days a week, 365 days a year. During office hours, there is always a manager on-site to answer customer questions and provide service.

To make self-storage easy for our customers, we offer flexible billing and payment options. There is no minimum stay for our storage unit rentals, and any unused rent is refunded after your first month of use. You can rent an affordable storage unit without having to commit to a full year’s lease. We also offer discounts for pre-payment, and allow our customers to sign up for automatic payments.

If you’ve recently rented a storage unit near Palo Alto , you’ll want to organize it effectively so that you can make the most of your space. When your ground level storage unit is properly organized, you will have quick, safe, and convenient access to your belongings. Here are some tips on how to organize your self-storage unit.

Rent a Slightly Larger Storage Unit than You Need

If you rent a self-storage unit that provides just enough space for your belongings, the storage unit will be cramped and difficult to access. Instead, you should rent a slightly larger storage unit so that you have room for your belongings and to create a usable walkway through the center of the unit. When you create a walkway, you’ll be able to quickly and easily retrieve boxes without having to unpack and repack the entire self-storage unit.

Plan Out Your Space Before Moving Belongings

Before you move any boxes into your ground level storage unit, you should map out how you plan on using your space. If you create a simple drawing of your storage unit and determine ahead of time where you will place boxes, furniture, and other belongings, you can figure out how to make the best use of your space. Keep in mind that it’s best to store taller items in the back so that they won’t block other items from view. You should also avoid stacking too many boxes on top of each other in order to prevent safety hazards and damage to your items.

Pack Carefully and Effectively

When you pack carefully and effectively, you’ll be able to fit more items into your storage unit and store items safely. Try to use boxes that are all relatively the same size, so that it will be easier to create short stacks of boxes within your self-storage unit. You might even consider using plastic storage tubs instead of cardboard boxes, as they are more durable and easier to stack. Don’t overload boxes, as heavier boxes are more difficult to move and stack.

If you’re packing up boxes to move them into a storage unit near Mountain View , you can color code your boxes to make it easier to find and retrieve your belongings from your self-storage unit in the future! Develop a color-coding system before you begin packing and be consistent when using it. Be sure to write down your color-coding system to make sure that you remember it later.

Watch this video for more information about how color-coding your storage boxes will help you when moving belongings into a secure storage facility. You’ll see a demonstration of this useful system from beginning to end so you can keep it in mind when preparing items for your self-storage unit.

Color Coding Your Moving Boxes

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.

If you’ve ever packed or unpacked a box, chances are you’ve come across plastic sheeting better known as bubble wrap. Bubble wrap is an excellent packing material that protects fragile items during shipment and storage—and it’s also satisfying to pop! You might be surprised to learn that bubble wrap was originally invented not as a packing material, but as a way to create textured wallpaper. When that idea didn’t take off, it was used as greenhouse insulation. Eventually, bubble wrap was used to protect IBM computers during shipment in the late 1950s, and has been the packing and storage material of choice ever since. Take a look at this infographic from Independence Storage, a self-storage facility in Palo Alto , to learn more about the history of bubble wrap, and what makes popping it so entertaining. Please feel free to share these fun facts with your friends and family.

At Independence Storage, our secure storage facility in Palo Alto offers customizable self-storage options that will meet your individual needs. Our managers are on-site six days a week, and you can access your self-storage unit 365 days per year. The storage facility is only accessible via an electronic keypad to ensure that your belongings are safe and secure at all times.

All of our units are ground-level storage units, making it easy to load and unload belongings directly from your self-storage unit. Each storage unit has 10-foot ceilings, so they can accommodate unique storage needs. Our customizable storage unit rental agreements and billing options make it easy for you to rent a storage unit on your terms, for as long or short a period as you need one.

We have no minimum rental period, so you can rent a unit for less than a month if you need to. You can pay monthly, pre-pay, or sign up for automatic payments. We also offer storage unit rental discounts to customers who pre-pay, and pro-rated refunds for unused storage units after a customer’s first month of renting with us.

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.

It is easy to allow clutter to build up in your home, but it can also be easy to remove it! Between donations, recycling, and storage units near Mountain View, you have plenty of options when it comes to clearing out your living space. Be sure to stay organized and methodical in your storage unit planning approach, put your needs to the test, and give your extra things to someone who could use them. Read on for a closer look at some of these creative ways to get rid of clutter.

Break It Down

rounding up a few large boxes and sorting your clutter among them. One box might be for items that you plan to donate, another might be for recycling, and a third might be for belongings that will go to your storage unit rental. Keep these boxes handy as you gradually sort more and more items into each of them. After a week of sorting into these boxes, take them to their designated locations.

Challenge Yourself

Many people hold onto items that they do not need because they are convinced that they will still make use of them someday. You can look at your belongings objectively by challenging yourself to only use the ones you need. You might decide to wear only a certain amount of outfits per month so that you can eliminate the ones that you evidently do not favor; then you can give these eliminated garments to friends, family members, or those who are in need.

Spread the Wealth

Some have overcome extensive clutter by making it a point to give their things away on a daily basis. If you give even one item away to someone else each day, you can eliminate your clutter while making a different person happy. This can even serve as an opportunity to strengthen your relationships with friends and family members by giving them thoughtful gifts.

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!

Life is full of complications, so it is nice when your self-storage facility in Palo Alto can simplify things. When your storage unit rental has an on-site storage manager, you can store your belongings with ease. The on-site manager will be available to answer your questions as well as offer peace of mind that your storage will be safe. If you are looking for a storage facility for your belongings, continue on for a look at the benefits of an on-site storage manager.

Although a storage facility seems like a straightforward place of business, there is much behind the scenes work to take care of. An on-site storage manager is beneficial because he or she can be available to answer any questions that potential customers might have. If you are wondering how to access your belongings, how long you can keep your self-storage unit, or what types of security measures are in place to keep your things safe, the on-site storage manager can offer you all of the appropriate information. An on-site storage manager will also be qualified to deal with any problems or concerns that you might have. The on-site manager adds a more personal element to self-storage units.

The right self-storage facility in Palo Alto can be a nice convenience, but an improper fit can be a waste of money! This is why you should always put some careful thought into your professional storage services before diving in. It helps to think about the belongings you have that you would like to put into storage as well as the locations of the facilities you have in mind. Be sure to learn as much as possible about each of your options before making a decision. Keep reading for more tips on evaluating your storage needs.

Assess Your Belongings

Before you decide on a specific storage unit—or even a certain storage facility—you should first take a look at the belongings you plan on storing. Your storage facility will offer a range of different sized units, and you must have some idea of how much space you will need. You might end up with crushed or broken belongings if you try to cram too many things into a small space; at the same time, you do not want to pay for a bunch of extra space that you do not need. Start evaluating your storage needs by walking around your home and deciding exactly what you will be placing in storage.

Do Your Research

In addition to the actual units themselves, there are many other elements to research when it comes to storage facilities. You will want to find out what kind of security measures are in place that will keep your belongings protected while you are not there to watch over them, and you will also want to understand how you will be able to access your things. Different storage facilities offer different amenities, so carefully consider your options before you make your decision.

Consider Your Location

One aspect of self-storage that is often overlooked is the whereabouts of the facility compared to the location of your home. You might find a great deal a town or two over, but consider whether or not the local storage facility would be a better option because of its convenient location.

You have to sell your current home before you can move to a new one, and a big part of this process is staging. Properly staging your home can make it as appealing as possible, which encourages potential buyers to make an offer! Find out how renting a storage unit from a self-storage facility in Mountain View can help by watching this video clip.

A properly staged home should be clean, impersonal, and clutter free. A clean and well-kept home should have a nice paint job, aesthetic doors, and quality floor treatments. It helps to remove pictures of yourself or your family so that people can imagine themselves living in your home during the open house. If you have a bit of clutter around the house that you do not want to throw away, consider using a storage unit rental to keep your belongings out of sight and in a storage unit while you show your house to potential buyers.

5 Home Staging Essentials

If you are tired of tripping over your belongings, it may be time to look into a self-storage facility in Palo Alto. This same secure storage facility might also be helpful if your job has you traveling across the country on a regular basis, or if you like to go all out when it comes to decorating for the holidays. A storage unit can be a convenient solution in all sorts of situations. Read on for a closer look at these reasons to get a self-storage unit.

Running Out of Room

You do not need to live in a mansion to enjoy your personal space; all you have to do is understand how to cut down on clutter. Fortunately, self-storage facilities make it easy to keep your home clean, organized, and clutter-free, so even the smallest apartments can feel roomy enough for your needs. A storage unit can help you take back your closet, attic, garage, or other area of your house that has become overrun with clutter. This is the perfect solution for those items that are too sentimental to let go of but not functional enough to make use of.

Constantly On the Go

If you live in New York but frequently attend to business on the West Coast, it may behoove you to rent a storage unit in Palo Alto. This will give you a sort of “home base” where you can keep a few of your important things that you would like to have with you whenever you work away from home. If these belongings are already in town when you arrive, you do not need to worry about bringing them on the plane. Storage facilities are perfect for a busy, “on the go” lifestyle.

Seasonal Decorations

You might see more seasonal decorations during the winter than any other time of year, but some homes are committed to celebrating every holiday. If this describes your level of holiday cheer, you might need a place to store your lights, inflatables, and other decorations. If you do not have a basement or an attic, a storage unit is perfect.

Self-storage facilities in Palo Alto can help make life manageable in a wide array of different situations. Whether you are moving to a new location and need to store some of your belongings in the meantime or you are often out on business trips that take you all over the world, a ground level storage unit might be just what you need. If you think a self-storage unit might help you unclutter your life, keep reading to learn a little bit more about the basics of self-storage.

A self-storage unit may be the ideal option for an independent individual who needs a place to store some of his or her belongings. These units allow you to access your storage on any day of the week so that you do not find yourself alienated from your own property. Some storage facilities feature on-site managers, which is convenient when it comes to setting up appointments or having questions answered promptly and to your satisfaction. Always consider the amount of belongings you plan to store so that you can choose a unit that suits your needs. It is also wise to look into the security measures that your facility puts into place.

You never want to be kept apart from your belongings or learn that they have been destroyed while in storage, which is why it is crucial that you choose the best self-storage unit in Mountain View for your needs. Choosing the right professional storage services can be easy; simply assess your needs, find out if they have an on-site store manager, and learn about the way they charge for their services. Please continue on if you would like some assistance in choosing the best self-storage facility.

Knowing What You Need

One of the most important aspects of a self-storage facility is the range of units that it has to offer. If you are only looking for some extra space to store the clutter from your studio apartment, you will not need a storage space the size of your living space itself. Think about the items that you will be moving to storage and the amount of space you will need to keep them safe. If you are torn between two options, it may be wise to go for the bigger one so that you do not have to stack all of your things on top of each other. However, it can also be wasteful to pay for a unit if you don’t use the entire space.

Presence of a Manager

A self-storage facility with an on-site manager may be able to offer you a greater level of customer service. Rather than playing phone tag or searching around to try and find the information you need, you can head to the storage facility and talk to the manager. This can expedite the process of answering your questions and alleviating your concerns, and it may contribute to the safety of your belongings.

Minimum Stay Requirements

You should always understand the terms of a contract before you sign it. Certain self-storage facilities will only offer their services if you commit to a certain timeframe of storage, while others tend to be more flexible. Some even offer special perks, like refunds of unused rent. Know how long your facility expects you to use their services.