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.

Moving homes can be very stressful, which is why it is important to be organized and mindful during the process. First off, you need to determine whether or not you will require a storage unit rental in Palo Alto . If this is the case, be sure to do your research and compare multiple storage facilities before making a decision. The right choice should be reputable, have good customer reviews, and be able to provide a secure and high quality storage unit that fits your needs and budget.

Once a suitable storage unit has been secured, it is time to pack up. Watch this helpful video on how to pack clothing for a move. Remember to take this opportunity to downsize by donating any pieces of clothing or accessories that haven’t been worn or used in the past year.

How to Pack Clothing for a Move

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.

Oftentimes, people find themselves in need of a self-storage unit in Palo Alto. The reasons tend to vary. Someone may require an overflow storage space to relieve his packed garage whereas another one may be in-between living situations. Regardless of the reason, you may find yourself requiring a storage unit rental for your knickknacks and furnishings. When you do, it will be helpful for you to know how to prepare your large furniture pieces for storage—particularly your sofa. By following proper techniques, you can ensure that your cozy couch remains in good condition while it is safely stowed away.

Materials You Should Have

Before you pack your sofa into your self-storage unit, you need to prep it. Have these materials on hand: cleaning rags, appropriate cleaning solutions, bubble wrap or corrugated cardboard, large garbage bags or plastic wrap, large tarps or plastic sheeting, and pallets.

What to Do

Clean your sofa by wiping it down with a dirt-free rag and cleaner. If desired, polish any wood or metal with solutions that are specifically formulated for the job. Disassemble your sofa, if possible, and place parts in properly labeled bags or boxes. Use bubble wrap to cover fragile and easily scratched pieces. Bag up loose cushions and pillows. Be sure that all parts of your sofa are thoroughly dry before storing. In the storage unit, place sofa on tarp-shrouded pallets and wrap any exposed wood or metal with plastic sheeting or cardboard. Swathe sofa with a large tarp or a thick canvas sheet for extra protection.

Helpful Storage Tips

Most sofas are rather costly to buy. The last thing you want to happen while it is being stored is for it to get damaged. Remember not to stack heavy things on your sofa, as they can permanently cause unsightly indentations. If you spent a lot of money on your couch, you might want to choose a climate-controlled unit that can protect your furniture from moisture, pests, or extreme temperatures. It costs more to rent, but it will give you peace of mind. For more assurance, consider taking out an insurance policy on your storage unit. When in doubt, consult a knowledgeable storage professional.

Moving day can be very stressful, but there are steps you can take to make the process much easier. If you want to avoid losing anything during a move, it’s a good idea to organize your belongings efficiently and effectively. It can be especially important to keep tabs of your belongings if some of them will be moved to your new home, while others will be placed in a storage unit rental in Palo Alto .

It’s not always easy to keep track of everything you own during this hectic event, but thankfully, there’s an app for that. Moving Van is an app for Apple devices that can help you keep track of the location and contents of each box, whether it’s in your van or in a storage unit. With a few simple taps, you’ll know whether you’ve moved your coffee maker to your new house or to your storage unit rental. With the help of this simple program, the process of moving and storing items at a storage facility will become much easier.

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.

Whether you’re running out of space for your valuables at home or you just need to keep a few items in a safe place, storage units can be very useful for a variety of purposes. If you are considering the benefits of a high-quality storage unit in Palo Alto, here are a few reasons to take the next step.

If you have several prized possessions that are taking up too much room at home, a storage unit rental can be used to clear some space. In addition, there may be times when you need to move to a smaller residence, and in those cases, a storage unit can be a great way to hold onto valuable items. There are also some cases in which certain possessions are not used as much as others. Putting these possessions in storage will help to ensure that you always have access to them while reducing clutter in your home. If you want to get the most out of your possessions, consider using a self-storage facility near you.

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.

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.

One of the most common concerns with moving is the possibility of lost or damaged items. Keeping track of your belongings is especially important if you’re planning on using a storage unit rental in Palo Alto because nobody wants to be digging through boxes at a storage facility to make sure they didn’t lose anything.

It’s often difficult to keep track of everything you own, so you may not even notice that something is missing until it’s too late. Thankfully, this app will help you to organize everything you have packed to ensure that nothing gets left behind. With the Moving Day app, you can record information including specific details about every item in each box in order to avoid any problems and further protect your property in a storage unit.

Moving can be stressful enough as it is without having to worry about items being broken or damaged during shipment and storage. In addition to looking for a dependable self-storage unit in Palo Alto, there are other steps that you can take to safely package your goods to ensure their protection. It’s easy to make a mistake in packaging that can make moving even more difficult, so keep these tips in mind to avoid problems during the process of moving.

Safely pack boxes

A well packed box will be easy to move from one location to another. For this reason, it is important to remember to keep boxes as light as possible. To avoid any struggles with heavy boxes, make sure to pack heavy items into smaller boxes while lighter items are packed into bigger boxes. If you do have to pack hefty valuables with delicate items, make sure to put your weighty items in the box first to avoid damage and use boxes efficiently.

Properly seal boxes

When you’re finished packing a box, it can be tempting to just put a few pieces of tape on the top and bottom and call it a day. However, depending on how heavy the box is, you will probably want to wrap both the bottom and top edges of the box in tape to ensure that the package is secure. This strategy can come in especially handy if you plan on storing any of your valuables at a storage facility, as it will protect them from potential water damage.

Label each box

While packing, it is a good idea to keep items intended for one specific room in the same box. Taking this approach allows you to label the boxes with not only the items inside, but also the room in which they will most likely be placed. Should you need to use a ground level storage unit, informative labelling will help you to keep track of everything you need to do in the moving process.

Although many people would like to have space for everything they own, sometimes it just isn’t feasible. In these cases, it could be time to consider a high-quality storage unit . However, before you go looking for self-storage facilities near Palo Alto, you might want to consider whether self-storage meets your needs.

A storage unit isn’t the perfect answer for everybody, but it can be extremely useful in the right circumstances. If you have a lot of valuables that you intend to make use of in the future, but which are currently just taking up space in your home, using a storage facility to keep them safe is probably a good idea. On the other hand, if you have a lot of items that you’ll probably never use again, storing them probably won’t be convenient. Depending on the facility you choose, a storage unit may be convenient for storing items that you access on a weekly or monthly basis, or that you access even less often. If you need to access your belongings daily or many times per week, visiting a storage unit may add too much time to your usual routine.

Wooden furniture is treasured for its rustic style and reliability, but it is also susceptible to damage from water and other environmental factors. In addition to looking for a reliable storage facility in Palo Alto, there are other steps that you can take to ensure the longevity of your wooden items. When it comes to the storage of these pieces, it is a good idea to make sure that your furniture is prepared for any possible concerns. With that in mind, here are three methods for protecting your wooden furniture.

Avoid potential water damage

If water should somehow make its way into your storage unit, it may come through the door. Because of this, it is recommended to keep your wooden items away from the door and disassemble them whenever possible. You might not think it’s important to disassemble something like a wooden bed frame, but the furniture is large enough that it might otherwise be difficult to fit in a self-storage unit. Taking the item apart will allow you to save space and protect it from water damage.

Keep wood from drying out

Whether you’re in a dry climate or you foresee long stretches of hot and dry weather, prepare for the possibility that your wood could dry out and lose its luster. Avoid this problem by cleaning your furniture before storing it and using wax to keep the moisture in. A lot of storage facilities are not climate controlled, so you should always take steps to protect your belongings from the effects of temperature fluctuations.

Wrap wooden items in plastic

For an extra layer of protection against environmental damage, you can use plastic to wrap up your wooden furniture. Plastic wrap will keep water from damaging wood and it will keep heat from depleting moisture. If your storage unit is not climate controlled, you may want to use twice as much plastic to cover your valuables. Whatever the storage situation may be, wrapping your wooden items in plastic is an excellent way to protect them from the weather.

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

It’s safe to say homeowners typically don’t daydream about moving into a smaller home, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t serious benefits of downsizing. Even if you can still afford to live in your large home, downsizing could be your ticket to a simpler and more comfortable life. And downsizing doesn’t mean getting rid of all your things, either—you can put your extra belongings in a storage unit in Palo Alto and access them whenever you’d like. Here are some of the top reasons to consider renting a self-storage unit and downsizing your home.

Less Home Maintenance

A smaller home is more conducive to a low-maintenance lifestyle. Smaller homes have smaller yards to mow, fewer rooms to clean, and overall fewer things that can go wrong and need to be repaired. You will also enjoy less home maintenance after putting most of your belongings in a self-storage unit. After all, furniture, electronics, and other belongings require maintenance too.

Be Closer to It All

Large homes on large pieces of land are often secluded and far from the center of the city. Although you may appreciate the seclusion and extra room while raising a family, you may find yourself craving a different pace of life after your children grow up and move out of the family home. If you want to be closer to restaurants, nightlife, and culture, consider downsizing your home and moving into a condo, loft, or small home downtown.

Save Money

Some life events, such as a divorce or unemployment, are unexpected and may force you to find a smaller home for financial reasons. In these cases, you can significantly reduce your monthly expenses by downsizing to a smaller home with cheaper rent. If you aren’t sure how permanent the situation will be, look for a self-storage facility in Palo Alto that offers prorated storage refunds for any unused portion of your monthly storage unit fee.