How to Determine the Right Size of Storage For Your Needs

May 24, 2021May 24, 2021 admin

Whether it comes to decluttering your home or moving to another location, renting a reliable storage unit is a life-saver. Knowing that your possessions are tucked away in a secure place will help you sleep better and free up your space so you can enjoy the convenience and comfort of your living or working environment. However, if you don’t have the experience when it comes to packing and storing, this might not be an easy task. To determine the right size of storage for your needs, you will have to consider different factors that will influence your final decision. There are various choices for keeping your things, from portable to indoor and outdoor units. Still, choosing the right option can save you some money, especially if you’re renting a long-term storage space.

Take a look at your local storage units

If you’re planning to hire a local storage company, checking out the units in advance will help a lot. This will give you the idea of usable space and an opportunity to talk to someone who has packing and storing experience. They can tell you approximately how many things and rooms can fit in a specific unit. It’s necessary to learn as much as possible about the services they provide, to decide what works best for you. Interior storage spaces often have extra features like climate control, while external have drive-up access. Your needs will dictate the type of unit, not just the size.

Assess the right size of storage for your needs

For an inexperienced eye, it can be hard to visualize how much space your possessions will require. However, there are few ways to do determine the right size of storage for your needs. Some of them are:

gathering information about available units in your desired storage company,
talking to experts,
making a list of inventory,
measuring the items,
using an online storage unit estimator.

If you have enough time on your hands, draft a list of things to store before moving. That way, you can get a rough idea of how much space you need and rent storage earlier.

Measuring items will help

Sometimes we don’t have the time to pack things for storing in advance, so we decide what to take or store on the spot while packing for relocation. In those cases, make sure to organize the boxes and inventory lists. Start your storage item list in a descending order, where big stuff comes first. Bulky things like the couch, fridge, mattress, etc., need measuring to give you an estimate of the required space. As for the boxes, their amount and dimensions will give you a hint. Still, even after you determine the correct storage size, count in some extra room, just in case.

How to use the space most efficiently

Any move requires some organization and skill when it comes to dealing with things. From packing stuff into boxes to fitting them into a moving truck and storage unit, paying attention to how you sort things is essential. Especially if you want to utilize every inch of space at our disposal. The same goes for when we’re trying to maximize the space of the storage unit. Packing heavy and bulky things on the bottom and filling corners with them is the first step. Still, you’ll want to avoid stacking too many boxes. It would be best if you left fragile things on top to prevent any possible damage.

With this in mind, leave some space in the middle so you can easily reach your boxes when necessary. The crucial thing is not to have your storage unit stuffed. If you’re not sure you’ve picked the right size of the storage unit, go with a bigger option because there is no such thing as too much storage space.

Different sizes of storage units

A goal of every storage unit is to meet the customer’s needs when it comes to protection, size, and affordability. Still, some companies have different standardized storing options. Hence, when picking a company, make sure to check what units they have available. It’s also good to know that some storage units’ heights may vary. Standard examples tend to be 8 feet tall, while others can be 10.

Standard dimensions of storage units:

5×5

The smallest available unit if you need to store just a couple of things, like a mattress, clothing, or a couple of boxes. It is the cheapest option, recommendable only for temporary storing or extra items, for example, holiday decoration.

5×10

This size is known as a mini self-storage unit. It is approximately the size of a walk-in closet – store a small number of furniture pieces or your business records and supplies.

10×10

Going with this type of unit is great because it offers plenty of space. It is the size of an average room. With 100 square feet at your disposal, you can fit a whole studio apartment here or any large items if you pack correctly.

10×15

In this spacious storage, you can fit three bedrooms easily. It’s the perfect solution for bulky furniture like a wardrobe, king-size bed, oversized cabinets, and special items and instruments (for example, the piano).

10×20

If you’re going with the space of these dimensions, you can be sure your whole home can fit in. It can store five bedrooms’ worth of belongings.

10×30

As the biggest unit, 10×30 is perfect for storing all house items, plus patio, porch, garage inventory, and a car.

Why does the size of the unit matter?

When putting away our things, we want to know they are safe from theft and potential damage. Therefore, making sure to store them in the right way matters as much as picking the right storage size. You should consider additional options some companies provide, especially if you’re living in areas with a harsh climate. These climate-controlled units are essential if you plan to store sensitive items like wine.

People commonly think that renting a bigger unit means a higher price to pay. However, sometimes renting a bigger unit is only a couple more dollars a month. And that is nothing compared to the comfort and easy access you will have. Not to mention the possibility of storing more items if necessary. Therefore, if you want to determine the right size of storage for your needs, it’s always better to go with the bigger option.

6 Benefits of Using Self-Storage Units

March 11, 2021March 11, 2021 admin

Let us ask you a question – can you ever have too much storage space? Absolutely not! We all need that space for both business and domestic reasons. It makes our homes and offices less crowded, and thus, it makes our minds less crowded. Moreover, besides providing us with more space, self-storage units also provide us with security, protection, peace of mind, and of course, the ability to save a lot of money. However, if you need some more persuading, here are our top 6 benefits of using self-storage units.

Home Decluttering Will Be a Piece of Cake

Home decluttering always seems like a nightmare. Why? Because it is never-ending! You constantly clean and declutter, but your home always stays the same. This happens as a result of not being able to get rid of enough stuff from your home. Nobody blames you! We, humans, love our stuff! It makes us feel comfortable and secure.

One of the most significant benefits of having self-storage is that you do not have to get rid of anything. You can save all of your precious belongings somewhere safe while having your home look clean, neat, and of course, decluttered. The best part is – you can store pretty much anything in the self-storage you rent!

You Will Have Top-Notch Security From Theft

People who have many valuable items, or many things with sentimental value, may be reluctant to keep all those valuables in self-storage. But, what if we told you that self-storage facilities have a level of security that would be almost impossible to reach in your own home?

Almost all self-storage facilities are located in safe areas. They are surrounded by electronic gates and have cameras working 24/7. Moreover, you will get your padlock, and thus, you will be the only one having access to the self-storage unit you rented. And, if you are willing to pay a little bit extra, you can always look for storage facilities that offer 24/7 protection by trained and professional guards.

No Space for Business Stuff? Not a Problem Anymore

Whether your business has grown or you need to relocate it to some other area, you are probably worried about the space. You will need plenty of it for keeping all of your products, office furniture, electronics, documentation, and paperwork, etc. This is where self-storage comes in. As mentioned before, its use is versatile, so storing anything business-related will not be a problem. Quite the contrary – it will be an easy fix.

Speaking of an easy fix, self-storage units do not have to be used only for storing. In some of them, you can actually move your business too! Of course, this will be a temporary solution, but hey, sometimes that can save your business. If you need a self-storage unit for this purpose, do thorough research first! Not all facilities are the same, nor they have the same policies. Thus, make sure your research on how to find the best storage solution for you on time.

Moving Made Easy

We can all agree that moving is a process that requires a lot of our time, energy, and money. And, as such, it is also a complex and stressful process. However, when you add not knowing what to do with all of your stuff to your already extensive moving list, things get a lot more complicated and nerve-racking. If you have moved before, you know what we are talking about – you do not have a place to put all of your belongings because you have to move, but you still have not found your new home, or you have found it, but it is not ready yet. Or, your movers are running late. Perhaps, you have to move out of your current home in a hurry. The list goes on.

Whether you are in one of these situations or in one that is entirely different, moving can be made easier with a self-storage unit or two. You can use them for storing all of your items until you decide what your next step is. If you pack well and invest some time in organizing your unit, self-storage units can help you create enough space and save you from headaches.

Renovation Made Even Easier

The same story from above applies here too! If you have ever renovated before, you know what a struggle that is. You constantly have to move around your furniture. You need to pay constant attention to all the items so you do not break something or even break your neck. The struggle is real!

So, save yourself from that pain and half the time and energy you need for renovation with one simple solution – rent a self-storage. Most people avoid doing this because they think they need to pay for an entire month or sign a contract for longer. But, in most storage facilities, that is not the case! You can rent it for a week or even for a day. Take advantage of that the next time you decide to remodel.

A Peace of Mind for All the Students, Athletes, Retirees, and Collectors

Another huge benefit of self-storages is that they can, as previously mentioned, store pretty much anything! You can even keep your precious vehicle there. So whether you are a student living in a tiny dorm, an athlete with too much sports equipment, a retiree who decided to downsize, a collector who went overboard, or someone else, a self-storage unit will solve all of your problems.

If you think in advance and do some research, you can probably find self-storage units nearby. Or, find them somewhere on your way to work or your hobby. This will save you a lot of time, money, energy, and most importantly, it will spare you from crowded space and clutter back at home.

Car Self Storage For Your Precious Vehicle

January 8, 2020January 10, 2020 admin

There are a number of reasons why you might want to use car self storage – you might be lucky enough to have a vintage or prestige car that you only use in the summer. Or it may be a car bought purely for investment purposes that you rarely drive. Perhaps you are going to live overseas on a temporary assignment and it is just not worth the cost and hassle shipping the car to your new home. So ordinary people, car enthusiasts and even owners of a vintage or classic car business that has simply run out of space, might require secure storage at some point that will protect the car when not in use.

Moisture in the air can damage a car if it is not being used for an extended period so the best storage environment is one that is climate and humidity controlled. However, it is not enough to just put the car in a climate controlled storage space without preparing it properly first, not if you want it to come out of storage in the best possible condition anyway.

The Battery

The battery should usually be disconnected before placing the car in a self storage unit but check the handbook before disconnecting the battery because modern day car computers may be affected if the battery is disconnected over a long period. If the handbook advises not disconnecting the battery or letting it run out of charge you can buy chargers that will only charge the battery if needed so that you can leave it connected and avoid any problems with the on board computer. Remember if you need to go with this option that you will require a power socket in your storage unit.

Pre-Storage Checklist

Replace the engine oil
Add anti-freeze
Release the handbrake
Leave windows fractionally open for air circulation
Spray WD40 (or similar) on metal parts liable to rust
Lift windscreen wiper blades away from the windows
Oil the door locks to avoid them seizing up
Jack the car up off all four wheels to reduce the stress to the tyres

Post-Storage Safety Checks

Safety checks are essential after a car has been in storage – never just start it up without performing some basic checks first:

Reconnect the battery if it had been disconnected
Check the level of oil in the engine
Check the tyre pressures – if the car was jacked up lower off the jacks first.

Once you have completed these basic checks start the car and drive it slowly to ensure everything is working as it should, particularly the main brakes and the handbrake. Storing a car long term requires careful preparation before storage and checks afterwards but for prestige cars, classic cars or investment cars a climate controlled self storage unit can be the best solution if you don’t have your own garage or don’t have enough space in your garage. It is also a cost effective way to preserve a car for a long period when it is not being driven regularly.

The 3 Most Important Considerations When Choosing A Self Storage Unit

November 25, 2019January 10, 2020 admin

Choosing a self storage unit is difficult, but if you put these three things as your top priorities when choosing one, you will struggle to go wrong.

When you are looking for a self storage unit, you are likely to want to find a good priced unit, but that should never be your top priority. Three of the key things you want the owners to be on top of is security, maintenance and safety. Their units will hold a lot of high value items, so it is important security, maintenance and safety is top of the priority list and should be something you have no problem asking about when checking out the self storage unit you are interested in. Here’s why these three things matter the most when it comes to choosing a self storage unit:

Security From The Start

All self storage facilities should have a security system that starts at the gate. Security cameras, alarms, and indeed a gate, should all be part and parcel of the security system. Individual alarms should be included, so your individual unit is protected. Clearly, if there is more security then that is even better. The unit may also boast: Electric gates controlled digitally, extensive security video cameras, sensor alarms, intercoms and various technology related to security. They should boast about this aspect of their unit because every self storage company wants to stand out from competitors. Security is clearly a key priority when it comes to storing your items because there is no point in keeping the items in a unit if they aren’t going to be safe there. You may as well leave them in your garage. If a unit claims to be secure, don’t be afraid to find out why.

Safety Procedures

A great unit will have safety procedures for staff to follow. This could be as simple as using a wet floor sign if the floor has just been mopped. It may seem minor, but the more laws the company is following the better – because it means they will be doing what the law requires in terms of keeping your items safe. The last place you want something underhand to be going in is in a place you keep your treasured belongings. It also means you can feel safe when you are on the premises as well. A unit incorporating these safety measures may also train staff to look out for signs of untoward behaviour or signs of issues. This could be less obvious signs a unit has been broken into or signs of criminal behaviour of tenants as an example. This is great as it shows all eyes and ears are on the ground ensuring everyone is protected and looked out for.

Maintenance Means Pride

This is a key sign that a company really wants customers to get what they pay for. From maintaining cracks in the walls, to painting a peeling door, you want to see that the entire premises is kept in great condition. It shows that the company really do have pride in the operation they are running, and ensures you can trust that you are paying for high quality all round. It also shows that your items are going to be safe. Why? Because the unit will be well maintained. You shouldn’t have to worry about damp, cracks or pests because the standards are so high at your facility, the unit will have had maintenance completed before you were sold the space.

Remember, before you invest in your unit, you should be asking questions and checking it is safe, secure and well maintained, because that reassures you that your items will be completely protected.

Getting Your Motorbike Ready For Storage

November 9, 2019January 10, 2020 admin

Plenty of people put their motorbike into cheap storage. If you are one of those people you will need to prepare your vehicle properly so it comes out of the unit as you left it – here’s how.

There are plenty of motorbike enthusiasts in the UK, and plenty of people who simply don’t have room to store their beloved two wheeled machine at home. Perhaps you’re staying in a smaller home temporarily, you’re suffering from an injury that renders you unable to ride for a while, or you simply want to put your motorbike away for winter. Whatever your reason for putting your bike into self storage, you’re going to want to spend a little time thinking about how you can store it without it deteriorating and getting your motorbike ready for storage. Environmental factors, dirt and general lack of usage are all potentially damaging factors that you need to try and prepare your vehicle for.

Here are some tips to help you get your motorbike ready for storage:

Make Sure The Tank Is Full

If you do not fill up the fuel tank, it may mean you’ll be getting some organic growths you didn’t ask for when you pull the machine out of storage. When a tank is partially full, condensation can occur which then reacts with the fuel in the tank and clogs up your bike. Odd organic growths can form, which is never a good thing! It’s an easy issue to avoid.

Focus On The Oil

The oil in your bike should be clean and the filters should be changed over before you place the machine into self-storage. When oil is left in a machine, contaminants can become trapped in it which will in turn damage parts of your motorbike.

Don’t Leave The Battery To Die

If you leave a motorbike battery in freezing conditions for a long period of time, it will die – it really is that simple. If you have a self-storage facility that provides air conditioning or heating options, it is possible to keep the motorbike in a neutral temperature long-term, which means you don’t have to take the battery out. Many good independent self storage companies provide this option, however, many cheap facilities do not so it is more than likely the battery will need to come out.

Don’t Let The Rust Eat Your Bike

You should never really leave rust to eat away at your vehicle, but this is more of an urgent issue to address if your bike is going into self-storage Bedford. Rust is like cancer to a vehicle, and it will spread and rot metalwork. It might cost you a little to get the rust sorted out now, but it will cost you a whole lot more if you leave the problem while your vehicle is in storage and come back to a much bigger problem when it comes out.

Take Pressure Off The Tyres

You should take pressure off the tyres by elevating the bike. There are stands and supports available for you to do this.

Invest In A Bike Cover

To protect your motorbike from dust particles and other environmental factors, invest in a good quality cover to keep it protected while it is in storage. The price of these covers vary greatly, so don’t go all out unless you were planning to treat yourself anyway. Just think of it like a fitted dust sheet in this instance.

Can you ever have too much storage space?

October 28, 2019January 10, 2020 admin

I’ve never actually lived in a new-build home but I have visited plenty – either when visiting friends and family or just when I have been curious and taken a peek at the show homes on one of the many new developments springing up in our already crowded part of the South East. I don’t need statistics to tell me that new homes are getting smaller and smaller (but there are stats that show this) because you can simply feel it in the new homes – even show homes that are cleverly dressed by skilled interior designers using furniture that isn’t full size. You just know that that small wardrobe and chest of drawers will never be enough storage space for anyone actually living full time in the house. And the few kitchen cupboards will simply not be able to store a family’s needs.

Whenever I see kitchens in new homes I wonder where the people living there put all their stuff – most of the base units are actually housing the fridge, washing machine and dishwasher and at least one of the wall units will be housing the boiler. Add to that the fact that the designers are cutting back on kitchen units so they can squeeze a table into an already small kitchen and the storage issue becomes even worse. Older, period houses may not have had overly large kitchens but they did tend to have spaces such as a traditional larder which, with it’s floor to ceiling shelves provides a huge amount of storage. They also had spacious under stairs cupboards for storing brooms, hoover, ironing boards and other household paraphernalia that need a home. That under stairs space in a new build is more likely to have been used for a cloakroom.

Actually I do new builds a disservice because some of the high-end developers are creating huge, amazing spaces so when I say new-build developer I am thing of the mass-produced new builds – you know those big names we have all heard of. Rather than the smaller, more niche luxury new home builders.

But back to my issue with storage – if a home does not have enough storage then it will be almost impossible to keep the home from becoming cluttered. I’m sure there are some minimalists out there who can live with just a few well-chosen items but most of us just aren’t like that. I think that at heart most of us are hoarders. Combine that intrinsic nature with a lack of storage and you end up with homes that are cluttered. And no matter how much good advice there is available online about how to declutter and the benefits of decluttering many of us find it impossible to create a clutter-free home – and this comes down to a lack of storage.

Many homes are not technically cluttered because all the items in them are used and needed, but there is not enough space for everyday family living.

Finding more storage space where you thought there was none

So if you already live in a home without enough storage what can you do about it? The chances are that the room sizes are such that they can’t accommodate any more shelves or cupboards – if your rooms are large enough for more storage units then get yourself down to the shops and buy more – you don’t need much money for a few shelving units or cupboards – check out charity shops and secondhand shops if you are on a tight budget – (go – what are you waiting for?).

But what if there simply isn’t the floor space or wall space?

There is actually a lot of under-utilised space in even the smallest of homes if we just look up. Why not think about running shelves all around a room about 30cm below the ceiling. This is dead space that could easily be used to store any manner of things. If you are worried it won’t look great then invest in some pretty baskets or storage boxes to go on the shelves. Maybe even make the storage boxes your self or at least cover them. If the room is wallpapered – even better – cover the storage boxes in left over wallpaper and they will blend into the background. Paint the shelves to match the rest of the woodwork in the room.

Baskets or storage boxes on high shelves can be used to store anything that is not used on a daily basis. For instance, out of season clothes or seasonal sports equipment or Christmas decorations can all be hidden away in attractive storage boxes. Books, ornaments, DVDs etc. can be displayed openly. Even if you already have shelving units for these things in your home you can make the space seem less cluttered by using this one simple trick.

The same idea can be used for storage boxes or baskets on top of your kitchen wall units – there is also plenty of dead space up there too. The trick is to make the storage attractive and make it so that it blends in with the décor of the room so the eye is not automatically drawn to the high level shelves and spaces. The space on top of kitchen wall units in an average sized kitchen could be the equivalent of another couple of kitchen units or maybe more so make use of it.

Another way to find more space is to buy beds that either have storage drawers already built in (if it is a divan) or has the space for under-bed storage boxes if it is a wooden or metal framed bed. These are great places to store bed linen, spare pillows, spare duvets and towels

And if you have free-standing wardrobes then don’t forget to also make use of the space on top with storage boxes for your out of season clothes.

Even the smallest of homes can benefit from these storage tips which will add storage in all the dead space we have around our homes which so few of use utilize.

Select the Right Boxes for Storage or Moving

October 22, 2019October 22, 2019 admin

You pack, you unpack, and you organize. But what is the most vital part of moving? If you think organizing, making an inventory and packing a week ahead of the move is really important, you might be correct to some extent but not entirely. Because the most important part is the simple tool you use for packing. The beloved box! Regardless, of all the effort, without a packing box, you cannot survive a single move. So, how about selecting the boxes that matter and fit your budget. While it is always easy to pick one big box and throw everything right into it taking time to choose the right box will help you save a lot of time and avoid moving troubles.

Now, moving troubles mostly start with improper packing. Imagine packing your kitchen appliance in a box not suited for it. What will the result be? It’s simple, either you will break the item or it will end up getting damaged. All this happened because you chose the wrong type of box. So, how will you choose the right box for packing all your belongings? The answer is right here, but first, let’s introduce you to the different types of boxes.

Different types of boxes for a stress-free move

I recently moved with the help of Brooklyn Movers. Not only did they help me find the right box but also made me realize the role a box plays in an effective move. So, I would like to share the same information with you and help you select the right kind of box. Let’s begin and help you find the right fit.

Specialty Boxes

Specialty boxes are the right fit for valuables and belongings that need special attention. For example, your chinaware that is prone to easy damage or an oil painting that you bought in an auction. In fact, I am sure you have a lot of other valuables that need special attention. So, use a specialty box especially designed for fitting particular items. The biggest advantage of using a specialty box is that they come in both cardboard and plastic. In addition to this, these boxes have inserts that prevent the item from moving. Though expensive, they add a lot of value and convenience to your move by protecting precious items.

Cardboard Boxes

Traditional packing boxes have ruled the moving world since time immemorial. Whenever I think about packing, I clearly picture a cardboard box. A sturdy, brown-colored box that will help you pack almost anything you want to. So, thanks to cardboard boxes there is a solution that is inexpensive, light-weight, and matches all your packing expectations. But it is worth noting that everything has a negative side, cardboard boxes also have their own disadvantages. One of them being, low-resistance against severe temperature conditions.

Most of the time, conditions like temperature and humidity affect the quality of the box. As a result, it ends up damaging the products inside the box. So, if you’re planning on packing things in a cardboard box, make sure you keep two factors in mind. One is temperature and the other is rodents. Humidity will soften the material and leave the box fragile and rodents are experts at nibbling material made out of cardboard. Now, if you have cardboard boxes at home, make sure you store them in a temperature-controlled- and pest-free storage room. This will help you keep the quality of the boxes intact.

Plastic Boxes

Plastic containers or bins are a perfect fit for storing items like files and jewelry. As you can easily put things inside the container without having to worry about humidity or heat. Instead, you don’t even need a tape because plastic boxes come with self-attached seals. Plus we all know that plastic is indestructible. Eventually, you have the power to keep things safe at a reasonable price.

Additionally, the same plastic container that you may use for packing celebratory items, can come in handy for storing other items too. Not only this but a plastic box is good for belongings that need an extended period of storage. In turn, neither will humidity affect your belongings nor will the rodents looking for opportunities to damage your belongings. Thus, buy a plastic box to store and pack items that you think will best fit your requirements. Having talked about the type of boxes, let’s look at the next thing you have to keep in mind before you start packing. The size of the box. Yes, size is something you cannot ignore. Here are some box-sizing tips for a planned move.

Box sizes for an organized move

How important is the size of a box? First, it depends on your belongings and second on the requirement of a specific item. For example, clothes can be packed in small, medium and large-sized boxes. But a TV will definitely go into a large box with the same specifications as your TV’s former box. You are lucky if you have the original box but a new box has to be the size of the TV.

Large boxes for gigantic items

Usually, a standard-sized large box can carry up to 70 pounds or 32 kg. They are used for packing items like heavy kitchen appliances, bedding, etc. You can also use these boxes to pack winter clothes like coats and books you have collected over the years. But always keep in mind that a large cardboard box requires tight packaging. In other words, you have to fill the extra spaces with crumpled paper.

Wardrobe boxes for your clothes

Wardrobe boxes are specially designed for transporting clothes. They have a bar across the top of the box and the bar can be used to hang the clothes. Hence, saving you a lot of time and the trouble of folding clothes. Wardrobe boxes come in different shapes and sizes, so you can choose your box depending on the amount of clothes you have. Also, you can utilize the bottom of the box to keep shoes, purses, and other items. The only thing that you have to keep in mind is the taping technique. Ensure that your box is taped from all the four corners and you will be good to go.

Medium and small boxes for miscellaneous items

Small and medium boxes can be used for packing both heavy and light items. But adding extra weight to a small box can prove fatal. Instead, you can use it to pack simple items like a bunch of items from the garage, cups and plates, kitchen appliances, and decor items. Most small boxes can hold up to 60 pounds or 27 kg and a medium box can hold up to 65 pounds or 30 kg. But usually, it is advised to pack around 10 pounds/4.5 kg less than the maximum weight.

Now that you know all about the type and size of the boxes, select the right one for yourself and start packing. But keep all the above-mentioned points in mind and then anticipate the amount and kind of boxes you will need for your move. Happy Moving!

prepare your self storage unit for winter

As winter approaches make sure you prepare your self storage unit properly

October 9, 2019January 10, 2020 admin

Many people store precious belongings, household items or business stock in self-storage units year round because they provide an inexpensive option to other forms of storage. But if you do have possessions in storage over the cold winter period ahead then it will pay you to prepare your self storage unit for the cold weather to ensure your items survive the winter intact.

A storage unit may be protected from the external elements of rain, snow and wind but it is unlikely to be heated and one of the issues with long-term storage is that moisture is present naturally in the air inside the unit and rises and falls in temperature will cause this moisture to condense on internal surfaces, and that includes your possessions. So follow these simple guidelines to protect your stored possessions for the long, cold winter months ahead.

Firstly make sure everything is as clean as possible: shake out fabrics to remove dust and generally give everything a good airing.
If you have stored items made of fabric, metal, leather or wood (and, let’s face it there is a high chance that you will) make sure they are not covered with plastic sheeting or bubble wrap. This is a common mistake because plastic will trap moisture, which will penetrate these fabrics over time. Use natural materials to cover and protect your items instead, like cotton sheets, woollen blankets, acid-free paper or corrugated cardboard.
Anything made of leather should be treated with a specialist moisture-repellant leather protector as an added precaution.
Anything made of wood should be treated with wax for the same reason – to repel moisture.
Carpets, curtains and rugs should be rolled up with tissue paper or cotton sheets between each item.
You can minimise tarnishing of silver-plated or solid silver items and protect other metal items by wrapping them in a cotton cover.

The moisture that is naturally present in air is harmful to a variety of materials but those most at risk are wood, fabric, metal and leather. If you have very valuable or precious items made of these materials then you may want to consider investing in a de-humidifier or rent a climate-controlled self-storage unit to reduce the amount of moisture in the air and give your belongings some added protection by taking professional packing advice for storage.

Included in the list of metal goods might be larger items such as a car, motorbike or motor home and these types of stored items will need some additional levels of protection to survive the winter months:

Drain the engine oil and replace it with fresh oil
Make sure the windscreen wash has the right amount of anti-freeze for the temperatures you are expecting over the winter.
Leave the handbrake off to prevent it seizing up – as an added precaution you may want to place bricks strategically to avoid any movement of the vehicle.
Leave windows open a small amount to improve air circulation and avoid condensation.
Use WD40 (or similar) on moving metal parts to prevent corrosion
Oil the locks if you are expecting very low temperatures for a prolonged period.

Climate Controlled Storage

September 12, 2019August 25, 2020 admin

Climate Controlled Storage: this kind of Self Storage Unit has special temperature and humidity controls to protect those kinds of items that require storing at certain controlled temperature…like Wines.

Self storage units that are climate controlled are based on the HVAC system. HVAC is an acronym that stands for the functions of “Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning”, the technology that controls indoor environmental comfort automatically.

HVAC system design is a major sub-discipline of mechanical engineering, based on the principles of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer. [Read more about HVAC Technology and the differences between commercial and residential air conditioning.]

One great advantage of climate controlled storage is definitely the protection against the elements that it provides. Rain and/or snow won’t get into units, and these units are usually built above flood level. Many climate control storage units are located inside a finished building, unlike regular storage units accessible to the general public. These are known as Indoor Units. External dirt, debris or insects are less likely to be transferred indoors, a good thing for fragile or sensitives items.

Another benefit of using climate controlled units is, of course, the climate regulation. Items stored in these units should not face extremes in air temperatures or humidity. Many wood-based pieces, or antiques for example, could crack or split from a constant cycle of freezing and thawing. Also with this kind of unit which is regularly controlled with temperatures going from 55°-80°F (~12°- 26°C) you avoid any kind of mold or bacteria growing, rust or corrosion, and wasps or other kinds of pest infection […]

“Many storing facilities use indirect heating and cooling systems to maintain air temperature, rather than individual heaters or air conditioners in each unit.” Some Companies offering Climate Controlled Storage Units

Name	Location	Price Start	Phone	Other Services/Promotions
US
AA Self Storage	NC	$40	1 (866) 814 77 50	Insurance help
Climate Controlled Self Storage	NY	Call	1 (866) 392-CCSS	Insurance avail. UPS/Uhaul Dealer
CC Indoor Storage	MI	Call	1 (734) 662 52 62	Custom Sizes avail. Goods may be insured
Extra Space	Nationwide	$52	1 (888) 609 84 83	First Month Free 15% Online Disc.
EZ Storage	MD/VA/DC	Call	1 (443) 539 30 00	Alarm & Comp. Equip.
Private Mini Storage	NC/TX	Call	Click to choose facility	Wine Storage Units (Texas Only)
Public Stortage	Nationwide	$31	1 (800) 688 80 57	First Month $1 Goods may be insured
SpaceMart Self Storage	NJ/PA/VA	$43	1 (800) 796 80 89	Online Reserv. Disc. on first 3 months
Storage Deluxe	Tri-State area	Call	1 (877) 989 78 67	First month free online
Uhaul	Nationwide	$32	1 (800) GO-UHAUL	First month free online
Uncle Bob’s	Nationwide	$29	1 (866) 320 63 09
UK
Big Yellow Self Storage	UK	Call	0 (800) 783 49 49	Wine Storage Only
Australia & New Zeland
Kennards Self Storage	AU/NZ	Call	1 (800) 65 88 55	Wine cellars Insurance avail.

Prices and information are subject to change, check each storage company service provider for the latest updates or changes on those prices.

Cold Storage – Cold Storage Warehouse facilities for those who need to store goods in a temperature controlled environment, or in a refrigerated environment. Several businesses has these units.
Wine Self Storage – Wine Self Storage has emerged as a cost-effective way to store your wine products for both commercial or personal use. These units can be used as Wine Cellars, and many storage companies are offering Wine Storage services…

More Information:

SelfStorage – Find Self Storage Facilities around US. www.selfstorage.com

Wikipedia – More information related to the HVAC technology. en.wikipedia.org

U-Haul Self Sorage – Your moving and self storage resource. Good option for their many levels of security and their special climate control storing facilities. www.uhaul.com

WiseGeek – Article with more information about the benefits and usage of temperature & humidity controlled units. www.wisegeek.com

Extra Space Storage – “Why Climate Controlled Storage?” this is another storing company in US who offers good tips about these units, including a lists of the type of items which you should store on a temp. controlled unit. www.extraspace.com

If you are located in the United Stated and need this kind of storage unit, one recommended option is U-Haul. They not only offer self moving services where you rent a truck and move your stuff by yourself, they also offer storage facilities, with several options to choose, including storing insurance and climate controlled units.

“Many locations also offer climate-controlled storage rooms to provide protection for heat-sensitive goods such as videotapes, albums, photographs and wood furniture.” The best thing you can do is research different storing companies in your area and get a quote from them. Most of those companies have their own website where you can, with no commitments, get a free quote.

Self Storage Auctions

August 15, 2019January 10, 2020 admin

Self Storage Auctions are auctions offered by the self storage companies over the items of a tenant who fails to pay their monthly rent over a certain period of time. It is an alternative way to find valuable items, rather than at Garage Sales or Flea Markets…

Everything Must Go!It is very common in the United States that self storage facilities hold storage auctions (also known as lien sales) to vacate non-paying tenants according to their enforcement rights that are outlined within the lien law of each state. These lien auctions are open to the general public, with most bidders buying for the purpose of reselling for a profit.

If the customer fails to pay the rent, a lien is placed on the customer’s goods and they are sold at auction. The storage facility lien rights are codified in most states. The customer is still responsible for any rent and fees due if the auction does not clear their balance.

Self Storage Auctions

A self storage auction is a great opportunity to get some valuable items at dirt cheap prices. Most warehouse owners auction the units of the tenants who have been defaulting on payments for a long time. In order to recover their monthly rents, the storeroom companies put such units up for auction. A storing unit auction usually involves auctioning all the items within the unit. The store unit doors are opened before the bidding process to allow the buyers to peep inside. However, no one is allowed to touch the stored items. The buyers are sometimes not able to see anything, as everything is stored inside boxes. If you are lucky, you may be able to get something valuable at very low prices. [Keep reading…]

Self storage warehouse facilities

Be sure to arrive 10-15 minutes prior to a scheduled auction. Before the auction starts, the self storage facility or auctioneer will have a sign in sheet and a set of their company’s rules going over the terms and conditions of the auction. Terms and conditions will vary with each site. Most auctions are “live” or “verbal”, very few are silent (sealed bids). Cash is the acceptable form of payment and sales tax will be charged if the buyer cannot show a valid resale license and proper identification.

More relevant information:

Wikipedia – General information about self storage business. en.wikipedia.org

StorageMart Self Storage Blog – Article about the process of self storage auctions. www.selfstorageblog.com

AuctionZip – Find listing of current and upcoming auctions on several Self Storage Facilities across US. www.auctionzip.com

Storage Auctions – About Self Storage Auctions, information about the auction process and some tips. www.storageauctions.com

StorageAuction.net – Storage Auction Listings. Search by city and/or zipcode. www.storageauction.net

Storage Protection Auction Services – Listings of upcoming storage auctions in Florida. www.auctionstorage.com

Storage Auctions Listings by Region

If you are interested on Self Storage Auctions, you should go to AuctionZip. they offer listings of current auctions several Self Storage Companies have scheduled, with all detailed information you need such as, Auctioneer, time of the self storage auction, exact address, and phone number, among other stuff.

Storage Protection Auction Services is great source for self storage auction listings in Florida. Click on the current or upcoming month to see the latest auctions scheduled and listed by this site.

StorageAuction.Net is your source for upcoming self storage auctions. Type your location, city, zip code, to find upcoming auctions on self storage facilities around your area.

Self Storage Auctions Listings by Company

AAA Storage —–> click here to check upcoming auctions
(Florida, Illinois, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas)American Self Storage —–> click here to check upcoming auctions
(New York City Metro area)

EZ Storage —–> click here to check upcoming auctions
(US Nationwide)

North West Self Storage —–> click here to check upcoming auctions
(Washington, Oregon)

Security Self Storage —–> click here to check upcoming auctions
(North Carolina)

SecurLock —–> click here to check upcoming auctions
(Texas)

Uncle Bob’s —–> click here to check upcoming auctions
(US Nationwide)