When life happens and you need a self-storage to keep your belongings safe and secure, work with Independence Storage in Mountain View . Unlike other storage facilities in Palo Alto, Independence Storage offers customized storage solutions to fit your unique needs. For example, customizable billing options for short-term and long-term clients and pre-payment discounts can make storing your belongings at Independence Storage more convenient and affordable than anywhere else. Independence Storage also offers storage refunds so you’re never stuck paying for a unit you no longer need, even if you decide to move out in the middle of the month.

Stop by Independence Storage today to see why more people in Mountain View and Palo Alto trust this storage facility than any other. You can also contact Independence Storage online to get a quote on a self-storage unit.

Whether you’re moving off to college and shaking up in a dorm, moving in with a friend, or renting out a room in your home, sharing your living space with someone who you aren’t romantically involved with can be difficult. Fortunately, there are things you can and steps you can take to make your living arrangement more comfortable. From something as obvious as renting a storage unit in Mountain View for additional space to difficult conversations about privacy and boundaries, here are some things you can do to be a good roommate.

Be Conscientious about Shared Space

Unless you’re moving into a huge home, sharing a living space with another person can quickly feel cramped and crowded. To give your roommate a bit of extra breathing room, do not overwhelm the apartment or dorm room with your belongings. If you have a lot of stuff and don’t want to get rid of any of it, rent a self-storage unit and keep your extra belongings safely stored away until your living arrangement changes.

Set Personal Boundaries

Although roommate conflicts are not entirely unavoidable, you can lower the stress and diffuse conflict before it arises by setting personal boundaries with your roommate in regard to each other’s belongings and personal space. Make sure you and your roommate are both on the same page regarding each other’s personal boundaries and you will find yourself in a rather enjoyable living arrangement. If you have any belongings that you don’t want to share for personal or sentimental reasons, you can keep them safe and secure in a storage unit.

Address Conflict Early and Honestly

When conflict does arise—and it will—address the problem head-on before things get any worse. Communication is the key to any successful relationship, including the relationship between roommates. Talk about your feelings and about what can be done to remedy the situation to keep your problems from escalating. Of course there is the possibility that things might not work out, in which case it pays to have your things in a storage facility in Palo Alto that allows for prorated returns on early move-outs.

Whether you’re moving a few items into a self-storage unit or moving all of your belongings to a new home across the county, staying organized is the key to a successful move. As your home begins to fill up with moving boxes, keep a home inventory sheep to keep track of your belongings and color code the boxes so you know which items are in which box. Simple organization tips like these are easy to accomplish and can save you lots of time and frustration during your move. Watch this short video clip from MyMove.com to learn more about these and other smart moving tips.

Home Inventory and Color Coding for an Organized Move

Your storage facility near Palo Alto will have everything you need to stay organized during a move. From packing tape and permanent markers to moving boxes and inventory sheets, you can find all the materials you need to pack up and prepare items for storage at Independence Storage.

If you’re always on the lookout for the best finds at your local antique shops, you’ve probably long run out of room in your garage for your collection. Fortunately, you can keep your old treasures safe and secure at a self-storage facility near Palo Alto. Having a dedicated space to store your antiques will clear up a lot of room in your home, and it’s also much safer than home storage. To make sure your antiques come out of storage as good as they went in, here are some tips for keeping your antiques safe in your self-storage unit.

Use the Right Packing Equipment

There are different types of packing materials you can use to keep your antiques safe. There are also special packing kits designed to keep fragile items from breaking during transport to and from storage. Purchase a glass pack or dish-saver kit from your storage facility in Palo Alto to protect your most fragile antiques. For larger items, use bubble wrap or a furniture pad to prevent scratches, dents, dings, and breakage.

Pack for Long-Term Storage

Even if you are looking into short-term storage, pack your antiques as if you were keeping them in storage for a long time. This means taking care to individually wrap each antique with newspaper or bubble wrap stacking boxes and furnishing carefully in the storage unit to preserve space. Not only will this level of care and attention keep your antiques safe while in storage for the short term, but it will also ensure that your belongings are ready for the long haul should you need the storage unit longer than you originally thought.

Keep Your Storage Unit Secure

Antique collections can be very valuable. To prevent someone from making off with your cherished belongings, double-check to make sure that you lock your storage unit after bringing something in or out. If you have a lot of items to move in or out of storage, close your unit each time you go back to your vehicle instead of keeping it open the whole time.

If you’re looking for convenient self-storage services in Mountain View at an affordable price, look no further than Independence Storage. Students, homeowners, and business owners in Palo Alto choose Independence Storage for all of their self-storage needs. What separates Independence Storage from other facilities in the area?

For starters, Independence Storage offers many different-sized units and customizable billing options for your convenience. You will also appreciate the fact that Independence Storage will give you a prorated refund if you decide to move out before the end of the month. As far as the facility itself, 10-foot high ceilings make it easier for you to fit more items into your storage unit. Electronic keypad access maximizes security and gives you peace of mind that your belongings are safe. Independence Storage offers convenient access seven days a week from 7am to 7pm every day of the year.

If you’re constantly looking for ways to make your life easier and more convenient, do yourself a favor and rent a self-storage unit near Palo Alto. A storage unit is a great alternative to parting with extra belongings or using valuable home space for storage. When organized and packed appropriately, a self-storage unit is also an easily accessible space that you can use as often as you need to—and not just once or twice a year to dig something out of a stack of boxes. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your storage unit.

Choose the Right Size Unit

Although you shouldn’t have to pay for the storage you don’t need, a little extra space can make it much easier to move around within the unit. Should your storage needs change in the future, having extra storage space will allow you to store a few extra items without having to move everything into a new unit or purchase a second storage unit. A storage facility manager near Palo Alto can help you determine how much space you need.

Use Good Quality Packing Materials

Even if you organize your belongings and pack your unit as efficiently as possible, your efforts won’t matter much if you use poor packing materials. Moving boxes should be sturdy enough to hold up for years in storage under the weight of the stack. Speaking of the stack, you will be able to arrange and organize your boxes much easier if you have standard-sized boxes as opposed to mismatched shapes and sizes (which is usually the case when you get boxes for free from supermarkets and department stores).

Keep a Storage Map and Inventory

If you want to get serious about self-storage, keep an inventory of everything inside your unit and a map of where each box or item is located. Not only will this help you quickly locate a belonging after months or years in storage, but a map and inventory will also help friends and family members find something should they be asked to retrieve an item from storage.

If you care about the security of your belongings, it’s important that you find the best storage facility in Palo Alto. What separates the great storage facilities from the rest? One thing you should look for is on-site managers who make sure your belongings are safe well after the gates close. Speaking of security, look for a storage facility that offers electronic keypad access. And because your storage needs can change suddenly, look for a facility that doesn’t require a minimum stay or penalize you for early move-outs. Watch this short video clip for more things to look for in a storage facility.

4 Signs of a Quality Storage Facility

You can find everything you’re looking for in a great storage facility at Independence Storage of Mountain View. Independence Storage has nearly two decades of experience offering secure, ground-level units for individuals in Palo Alto and the surrounding areas. There is no minimum stay at Independence Storage, and customized billing and payment options are available to meet your needs.

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

Combustible and Flammable Materials

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

Hazardous or Toxic Materials

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

Perishable Food

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

Moving into a storage unit in Mountain View isn’t the same as cramming your things in a closet. For starters, you want to avoid wasting space as much as possible. Use uniformly sized boxes to protect your goods and help you pack your unit in the most organized and efficient manner. Store lightweight items near the back of the unit and heavier items near the front, and plan around the amount of access you need to your unit and the belongings in storage. Keep a list and descriptions of all belongings in storage. Ask your insurance company and storage facility about insurance coverage for your stored belongings.

Your storage facility can share more tips for an easy and stress-free move into your new self-storage unit. You may be able to pick up all the supplies you need for an easy move at the facility, so call ahead before you drive all over town looking for moving boxes, packing tape, and bubble paper.

A cluttered home typically leads to a cluttered mind, which in turn can cause a cluttered life. Fortunately, there are storage facilities in Palo Alto that can help restore order by providing extra space to store your belongings. So, how do you know if you could benefit from a self-storage unit? If you recognize any of the following signs, contact a storage facility in Mountain View.

You Can’t Use Your Garage

If you have a two- or three-car garage, it was probably one of the biggest selling points when you first bought your home. And while it’s perfectly acceptable to use your garage as storage, you’re missing out on the great benefits of using your garage for your vehicles. Not only will storing vehicles in a garage preserve their condition, but it will also prevent theft and vandalism. If your garage is full of boxes and items you don’t need on a regular basis, place them in a storage unit and start getting the most out of your garage.

You Can’t Easily Find What You Need

Are you always searching for something you need only to find something you don’t? Having a lot of stuff in your home can cause your life to become disorganized and cluttered, which can make it hard to find good spots for the things you use on a daily basis. Streamline your space by placing rarely used items in a self-storage unit. You’ll be amazed by how much time and frustration you’ll save once you can actually find what you need!

You Aren’t Ready to Part with Your Things

What other people see as junk maybe some of your most valuable possessions. If your closets are overflowing with things, you really only have three options if you want to organize your space: donate your belongings, hold a yard sale, or put everything in storage. If you aren’t ready to part with your things just yet, you can keep them and clear up your space with a self-storage unit.

Are you moving some belongings into a secure storage facility? No matter the size of your self-storage unit, there are a few strategies you can use to make sure you’re getting the most out of your space. When you move into your self-storage unit in Mountain View , use these tips to pack your space the right way.

Create a Walkway

You might be surprised to learn that the best way to use your storage unit rental isn’t to fill every bit of space. The parts of the unit you don’t fill with boxes are as important as those you do. When you’re unloading your boxes, be sure to leave room for a walkway around your belongings. Remember that you’re going to need to be able to access those belongings at some point, and when the item you want to take out is in the very back of the unit, you’ll be relieved if you can walk to it instead of having to unload the entire storage space to reach the right box.

Pack the Right Way

Big pieces of furniture don’t need boxes of course, but most of your other belongings do. Don’t stack books, dishes, and other belongings outside of a box or container. Instead, pack everything into boxes that are clearly labeled. Be very specific with your labels and make sure that the labels face outwards or towards your walkway. It can also be helpful to number your boxes and keep a corresponding inventory sheet so it is even easier to find your things.

Load from Tallest to Shortest

The tallest items you have—such as mattresses and furniture—should be packed against the wall. Then, stack your boxes so that the tallest boxes are in the back and the shortest are in the front. This will give you the best view of your items when you go to your storage unit.

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

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

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

Decide What Kind of Unit You Need

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

Size Up Your Space

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

Consider Security

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

Before you bring your belongings to the storage facility in Mountain View , you have to properly pack your items so they remain safe while they are in the storage unit. Be sure that you have sturdy boxes so they properly protect your items while they are in storage.

Place the box on its top and fold in all of the flaps of the bottom. Make sure they connect before you use a tape dispenser to close the box securely. Do this a few times along the seam of the box, and then add a few lines in the opposite direction to ensure that it is very strong. Once you pack the box with the items that you want to take to the storage unit in Mountain View, repeat the process on the top. Check out this video to learn more about the right way to tape a box.

How to Tape Moving Boxes

Moving to a smaller home might seem like a stressful process, but with the right tools and resources, you can do it with minimal hassle. Keep reading to see how a little bit of planning and a self-storage unit rental in Mountain View can help you downsize with ease.

Think About What You Really Need

One of the hardest parts about downsizing is saying goodbye to items that you think you need. Take a mental inventory of your belongings to think about the items that you actually need and those that you merely want. Consider if you were to lose all of your belongings and think about which items you would replace immediately. This helps you determine the possessions that have real meaning and importance in your life.

Sell the Items You Do Not Need

If you want to give yourself the incentive to get rid of some of your belongings, you should plan a yard sale that allows you to make money for these items that you cannot take. When you can put a positive spin on purging some of your belongings, it makes it much easier to decide which items you really need. The extra money you earn from the sale can help you find space-appropriate items for your new home.

Consider the Size of Your Furniture

Before you hire a moving company to transport your belongings to your new home and your new self-storage unit in Mountain View, think about how well your furniture will fit into the new space. If you have a lot of big pieces, you might want to trade them out for smaller, multifunctional furniture that will work better with your new home.

Get a Storage Unit

Storage facilities provide a hugely valuable resource when you are trying to downsize. With a high-quality storage unit, you have a safe place to store the belongings that you want to keep without taking up valuable space in your new home. If you know that you will not have room for some of your most treasured belongings, you might want to look into storage units that make it much easier to downsize.

Independence Storage is proud to serve as the premium self-storage facility serving Mountain View . With our dedicated staff and high-quality storage units, we give you all of the tools you need to safely store any of your belongings.

With 18 years of experience in the industry, we understand how to offer reliable and convenient storage units. We always have professional managers on-site to ensure that everything runs smoothly. With electronic keypads, we can ensure the best security. Our staff is ready to help you find a unit that meets your needs. Since our facility only handles storage units, we are able to dedicate all of our attention to giving you the optimal storage experience.

Whether you need short or long-term storage, we provide the units and the facility management that you need to feel comfortable about the condition of your belongings. We do everything we can to give you the best storage experience in the Mountain View area.

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

Use the One-Year Rule

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

Think About Sentimental Value

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

Look for Duplicates

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

Determine the Best Value

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

Get a Bigger Storage Unit

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

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

Decide What Stays and What Goes

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

Start Early

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

Utilize Self-Storage Units

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

Before you rent a storage unit in Mountain View , you will need to determine what size unit will be appropriate for your needs. Most professional storage services will help you decide on the perfect size based on the amount of belongings you need to store.

A 5×5 storage unit can be ideal for storing smaller furniture and boxes. If you need to store a studio bedroom worth of belongings, a 5×10 unit will be more useful. A 5×15 unit can handle a full one bedroom apartment’s belongings; a two bedroom apartment will require about a 10×10. If you are moving out of a three or four bedroom house, you will need a 10×15 space or larger.

Ask your Mountain View storage facility to help you decide on what size storage unit you will need in order to comfortably and safely store all of your belongings. You can get an idea of how much space you will need by considering your current living space.

As the days become shorter and the nights become colder, your choice of clothing tends to gradually change. The right storage rental unit in Mountain View will help you store your summer clothes until the weather warms up again in the spring. Watch this video for tips on how to pack your seasonal clothing for storage in a secure storage facility.

When it comes to packing your clothes for student or self-storage, there are a number of ways that you can do so efficiently. Use strong shopping bags to store your belts, shoes, pocketbooks, and bags. Invest in a few wardrobe boxes; the clothing rods that come inside them can help you store your clothes without wrinkling. Group together several hangers of hanging clothes and link them twist ties, and then cover them with garbage bags. Ask your Mountain View storage facility for more tips on preparing seasonal clothing for storage.

How to Pack Clothing for a Move