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Storage During the Winter

Storage During the winter Winter brings freezing temperatures, moisture, and weather-related challenges that can affect the safety of your stored items. Whether you're storing outdoor gear, summer clothes, or preparing for a winter move, proper precautions will help keep your belongings in top condition. Here’s your go-to guide for winter storage success. 1. Why Winter Storage Requires Extra Care Cold weather isn’t just uncomfortable—it can do real damage. Freezing temperatures, condensation, and fluctuating humidity levels can: Crack or warp wood and leather Damage electronics and batteries Lead to mold, mildew, or rust Cause plastic to become brittle That’s why how and where you store your items matters more in winter. 2. Consider Temperature-Controlled Storage If you’re storing temperature-sensitive items like: Electronics Wood or leather furniture Musical instruments Photographs or documents Antiques or collectibles …then temperature-controlled units are your best bet. They maintain stable temperature year-round—protecting your valuables from extreme cold and moisture buildup. 3. Pack for Protection Proper packing is your first line of defense against the cold: Use plastic bins instead of cardboard: Cardboard can absorb moisture and weaken over time. Wrap items in breathable materials: Avoid plastic wrap that traps condensation—use cotton sheets or blankets. Add moisture absorbers: Place silica gel packs or DampRid in your unit to reduce humidity and prevent mold and mildew. 4. Prep Outdoor and Summer Gear Winter is the off-season for many large items, and it's a great time to store them—just prep them first: Lawnmowers & gas-powered tools: Drain fuel and oil before storing. Bicycles: Clean and lubricate the chain to prevent rust. Grills & patio furniture: Clean and cover with weather-resistant materials. Sports gear (kayaks, surfboards, etc.): Store on racks or padded hooks to avoid warping in cold temperatures. 5. Elevate Your Items Even in well-maintained units, condensation or cold air can collect near the ground. Use pallets or shelves to keep items raised and airflow circulating underneath. Don’t overpack your unit, leave “breathing” room between items. 6. Seal & Insulate Cold ...

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September 11th, 2025

First Time Storage Renter Tips

First Time Storage Renter

First Time Storage Renter Tips Renting a storage unit for the first time can feel a little overwhelming—how big of a unit do you need? What can you store? Is it safe? Whether you're moving, decluttering, or just need some extra space, here’s a guide to help you rent your first storage unit with confidence. 1. What You’re Storing Before anything else, take inventory of what you plan to store. Are you storing: Furniture during a move? Holiday decorations or seasonal items? Business supplies or inventory? College dorm stuff for the summer? Knowing what you have helps you estimate space and determine whether you need a temperature-controlled unit or a standard unit. 2. Choose the Right Unit Size Storage units come in all shapes and sizes—from small lockers to garage-sized spaces. Here's a quick cheat sheet: 5x5 or 5x10: Small items, boxes, or seasonal gear 10x10: Contents of a 1-bedroom apartment 10x15 or 10x20: Multiple rooms or large furniture 10x30: Whole house or vehicle storage 🔍 Pro Tip: Use an online size guide or storage calculator for a visual estimate. 3. Decide on Temperature- Control If you're storing sensitive items—like electronics, wood furniture, artwork, or documents—consider a temperature-controlled unit. These maintain a stable temperature year-round and are ideal for hot or humid areas. 4. Ask About Security Features Your belongings are important, so be sure to ask: Is there 24/7 video surveillance? Are there gated entries with access codes? Can I use my own lock or do you provide one? Is there on-site staff? Security varies from facility to facility, so don’t hesitate to compare. 5. Understand Access Hours Our facilities offer 24/7 access. Some storage facilities have limited access hours so make sure you are looking into this before renting. 6. Pack Like a Pro Good packing makes for good storage. Here’s how to prep: Use totes instead of boxes and label everything Wrap fragile items carefully Keep heavy items on the bottom, lighter ones on top Disassemble large furniture (and keep the ...

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August 12th, 2025

Creating a Self Storage Inventory

Storage Tips

When you rent a storage unit, it’s easy to just pack and stack—but without a proper inventory, finding your items later can become a guessing game. Whether you’re storing for a move, business, or seasonal rotation, having a clear storage inventory can save you time, stress, and even money. Here's how to create one the smart way. 1. Why You Need a Storage Inventory ✅ Easier to find items ✅ Useful for insurance purposes ✅ Easy to track seasonal or business stock ✅ Reduces duplicate purchases (you’ll know what you already have!) 2. Start with a List Decide how you’ll track your inventory. Below are a few options: Spreadsheets: Great for custom fields like category, box number, value, and condition. Apps: Inventory apps like Sortly, Memento Database, or even Google Keep let you include photos and tags. Notebook: Old-school but effective if you’re consistent. Pro Tip: Include a column or section for “Box Number” or “Container Label” to match physical items with your list. 3. Label Everything Clearly Label each box with: A unique number or code (e.g., B1, Kitchen-01) A short contents summary ("Kitchen dishes and utensils, ") Color-coding boxes by category also makes them easier to locate visually. 4. Take Photos of Contents Before sealing each box, snap a quick photo of the contents. This is helpful for: Visual references when you’re trying to remember what you have and where you put it Proof of contents for insurance claims Tracking condition of valuable items Store photos in your inventory app, cloud storage folder, or attach them to your spreadsheet. 5. Map Your Unit Layout Sketch a simple layout of your unit (or take a photo once everything is inside). Note: Where each box or category is placed Which areas are for long-term vs. short-term access Any items stored vertically or behind furniture This makes it easy to locate items without unpacking the entire unit. 6. Update ...

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July 8th, 2025

Storage During the Summer

Storage Organization

Storage During the Summer As temperatures rise, so do the challenges of keeping your belongings safe in storage. Whether you’re decluttering, moving, or just stashing away your winter gear, summer presents unique conditions that can affect what you store—and how you store it. Here are essential tips to protect your items and make the most of your storage unit during the hottest months of the year. 1. Summer Means Heat: Go Climate-Controlled If You Can Summer heat can be brutal, especially in areas where temperatures can be above 90°F. If you’re storing sensitive items like electronics, photos, documents, wood furniture, or leather goods, a temperature-controlled storage unit is worth the investment. In our temperature-controlled units we keep the temperature between 50-80 degrees preventing warping, mold, and other heat-related damage. 2. Avoid Plastic Wrap (Unless It's Breathable) Plastic wrap traps moisture, which can turn your storage unit into a breeding ground for mold and mildew when it’s hot and humid. A suggestion is to use breathable materials like cotton sheets or blankets to cover furniture and boxes. If you must use plastic, make sure it’s perforated or designed to allow airflow. 3. Store Smart: Pack for Protection Use totes instead of boxes: Summer heat can weaken cheap cardboard, especially in humid conditions. Keep items off the floor: Use pallets to avoid direct contact with the floor, reducing the chance of heat buildup and moisture damage. Label everything clearly: When it’s hot, the last thing you want to do is search through unmarked boxes for that one item. 4. Rotate Seasonal Items Summer is the perfect time to swap out winter items for warm-weather gear. Store your snow boots, holiday decorations, and heavy coats, and pull out your camping gear, beach supplies, or sports equipment for easy access. 5. Schedule Your Visits Wisely If you need to visit your storage unit, try to go early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Bring water, wear light clothing, and plan ahead so you’re not spending extra ...

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June 10th, 2025

Storing at College Dorm or Apartment

Storage Organization

Storing at College Dorm or Apartment If you are living on campus or in an apartment during the schoolyear, a small storage unit can optimize your living space, keep your belongings safe and secure, and even expand your closet size. When you’re away on breaks, you can transform the extra space into a home for your belongings during the summer. By doing so, you can eliminate lugging all your things back home and watching them sit in a pile until you’re ready to lug them back up to school. Here’s some ideas of what you can store: 1. Extra clothes, textbooks, supplies, sporting equipment 2. Valuables you don’t want to get stolen or “borrowed” 3. Mini fridge, futon, microwave, desk, chair, mirror, Keurig, etc. 4. Bed & mattress, couch, table & chairs, blender, dresser, nightstand, etc. ...

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May 13th, 2025

Uses for a Small Self-Storage Unit

Storage Organization

50 square foot of space does not seem like much room, but when considering strategically stacking & organizing your items, one can do a lot with a small 5x10 or 10x10 storage unit. For example, are you re-painting your house but have no place for your furniture & décor to go while in the process of completing your project? Are you tired of tripping over the seasonal toys & equipment in your garage? The kids ride-on toys & push lawn mower along with the over abundance of basketballs, kick balls & other sports equipment can have a new home for winter in a standard 5x10 storage unit. Did you buy a new bike or motorcycle that just does not fit right in the corner of your garage? A 5x10 unit is the perfect size to store those new toys. The best reasons to use a 5x10 storage unit include: · Temporarily remodeling a room in your home · Making room for a nursery or new baby · Eliminating the extra cost of having a garage for storage · A child leaving or returning home from college · Repurposing a room once your child has moved out · Lawn Care tools & equipment to free up space in your garage · Bikes & seasonal toys · Motorcycles · Luggage & season décor ...

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April 11th, 2025

How to Store Tools

Storage Organization

In order to keep your hand tools & power tools in good working order be sure to clean them routinely & store them properly. There are many different ways to store your tools, depending on your budget, space & preference. Read below on tips for storing your power tools & hand tools. 1. Clean tools regularly – after each use be sure to wipe down the tool to remove any dust, moisture and dirt. Using a paintbrush to dust off all dirt/dust on the tools. Routinely be sure to wipe down with a cloth & oil to ensure the tool will last long term. 2. Throw away any broken tools – when cleaning/maintaining tools, be sure to keep an eye out for rust & broken tools. This will make it easier to find the tools you want & also keep you safe while using your tools so you don’t use any broken tools, increasing your chances of having an accident. 3. Storage Ideas for tools a. Peg Board – if you are limited on space, mounting a peg board to a wall is a good solution. b. Drawers – use drawer system to keep tools free of dust & dirt. c. Plastic Bins – if putting tools in self storage, place in plastic bins, adding a layer of protection against the tools & for easy handling and moving. Be sure to label the box so you can easily find tools you need while moving/remodeling your home. d. Use shelving to hold small hand tools & power tools. 4. Never store tools near or on the ground – this will increase the likelihood of the tool getting damaged from other items being put on top of them ...

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March 19th, 2025

How To Choose The Right Size Storage Unit

Moving

How to choose the right size storage unit Trying to figure out what size unit you are needing can be a struggle. We suggest using this guide to estimate how large of a unit you will need. We also do offer you to gain temporary access with a facility manager to view a unit in person if you think seeing the size in person would help you. 25-99 sq ft - Large Closet 1 small room of furniture and/or items such as boxes, desks, chairs, bookcases, beds, mattresses, dressers. Choose our 5x5, 5x10, 15x5 or 7x12 storage unit. 100-199 sq ft - Small Bedroom 2-4 rooms of furniture and/or items such as sofas, TVs, dining sets, tables, pianos. Choose our 10x10, 12x10, or 10x15 storage unit. 200-299 sq ft - Single Car Garage 5-7 rooms of furniture and/or items such as appliances and outdoor furniture. Choose our 10x20 or 10x25 storage unit. 300+ sq ft - 2 Car Garage Multiple rooms of furniture and/or contents of an average to large-sized home and/or garage items. Boat and RV storage. Choose our 12×25 or 10×30 sized storage unit. Did you buy a new bike or motorcycle that just does not fit right in the corner of your garage? A 5x10 unit is the perfect size to store those new toys. The best reasons to use a 5x10 storage unit include: Temporarily remodeling a room in your home Making room for a nursery or new baby Eliminating the extra cost of having a garage for storage A child leaving or returning home from college Repurposing a room once your child has moved out Lawn Care tools & equipment to free up space in your garage Bikes & seasonal toys Motorcycles Luggage & Seasonal decor ...

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February 6th, 2025

How to safely store mattress & furniture in Storage

Moving

Whether storing a tradition spring mattress or memory foam, follow these tips. 1. Remove all bedding from mattress – do not store with sheets & mattress covers still on. 2. Clean the mattress with upholstery cleaner, let it dry & vacuum both sides. 3. Wrap the mattress in a secure & breathable plastic cover. Secure with tape/rope – you can also purchase a mattress cover based on the size of mattress you are storing 4. We suggest using a temperature-controlled unit to store upholstered/fabric items. 5. Make sure to store the mattress flat – storing on its side can deform & make it fall out of its shape. 6. DO NOT lay mattress directly on floor – use boxes inside unit or even the bed frame itself to set the mattress on if possible. 7. Don’t place heavy items on top of the mattress as that could cause it to deform. ...

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January 9th, 2025

Storing Christmas Decorations

Storage Organization

Storing Christmas Decorations Now that Christmas & the new year has begun, its time to take down all those beautiful & bright Christmas decorations. Boxes, totes, & bags of holiday décor can take up a lot of space in your closets, basement, and attic space, limiting the amount of room you have for regularly used items. We highly consider using self-storage for your solution this year! Self-Storage will also limit the number of stairs you will have to climb for those using basement or attic storage spaces. Tips 1. Wrap lights around a coffee can, piece of cardboard or clothes hanger. 2. Store wreaths in a large trash bag or it original box. If in a bag, be sure not to place something heavy on top so you don’t smash and damage the wreath. Another creative way to store wreath is using garment bags and hanging on a rack 3. Organize ornaments creatively using the following items a. Egg carton for the smaller ball ornaments b. Drink tray from fast food restaurant c. Plastic apple container for larger ball ornaments d. Solo cups in plastic totes e. Use coffee filters for packing 4. An artificial tree, depending on size, takes up a lot of space. If the original box is not available, use totes to store the tree tips. Be sure to bend the branches back to minimize the amount of space it takes up. If you choose a larger tote, purchase one with wheels to make moving it much easier on you. ...

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January 7th, 2025