The Advantages Of Using A Storage Facility

Posted on April 26, 2013 by admin

Storage facilities help you eliminate clutter from your living space. Whether you live in a home or an apartment, you can always use more space and a convenient place to store your personal belongings. You can store just about anything in a storage unit ranging from documents to sports goods to household items. Such as garden furniture, snow bikes or surfboards, Christmas decorations, bicycles and summer or winter clothes. When you are renovating your home, you can also use a storage facility to store all the excess furniture and belongings until the work is done. Storage units are very helpful for different situations, but it is always a good idea to weigh the options and the cost before renting a unit.

Storage units are available in many different sizes so that you can choose the size that will meet your needs. You also have the option of renting the storage unit on a long-term or short-term basis, with the ability to access your stored items at any time of the day or night throughout the year. Many storage units also offer security through video surveillance, burglar alarms, electronic gates and night patrolling. You many also be able to use your own lock for extra security. Some storage facilitates also offer climate-controlled units for perishable and sensitive goods, and insurance can be purchased to cover any possible loss or damage to the items you have stored.

In order to choose the perfect storage space to meet your needs keep the following points in mind.

-Choose the right storage size so that all your goods can be accommodated.

-Decide on the lease term. Will it be monthly, quarterly, or annually.

-Are proper security arrangements in place.

-Is the storage space climate-controlled.

-Can it be accessed at any time of the day or night.

-Are insurance options available for extra protection of your belongings.

 

 

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Protecting Your Storage Unit Belongings

Posted on March 29, 2013 by admin

Over the years storage units have grown in popularity.  Statics report that one in ten households currently rents a storage unit. Along with the need of using a storage unit, you need to make sure your belongings are protected. This includes choosing the right facility and getting the proper insurance coverage.

Consider the following tips to protect your belonging while in a storage facility.

While doing your research look for a secure facility. The facility should be surrounded by a fence, have coded security pads, and video surveillance cameras throughout the facility.

Make sure that before you sign a rental agreement, that you are aware of the losses the storage facility will cover and whether you need supplemental insurance. Many storage facilities require you to have insurance for the full replacement cost of the contents in the unit. However, if you already have homeowners or renters insurance, check with your insurer to see if your policy provides off-premises protection for property. Various standard policies do. It provides protection in case of theft, fire, tornadoes and other disasters. Just remember that if you don’t have a homeowners or renter policy, make sure you select a storage company that offers insurance.

Although many standard policies may offer coverage, you may need to purchase additional coverage. Some insurers limit coverage for off-premises possessions to 10% of the overall amount of homeowners insurance a policyholder has. And others have dollar restrictions on insurance payouts for theft of items such as art, antiques, jewelry and furs. The purchase of a floater or endorsement to fully cover your items might be necessary. You may also want to have your items appraised so that you get the proper amount of coverage.

Another very important action to take before storing your belongings is to take inventory of all the items in your storage unit. Begin by making a list and taking pictures or a video of all the items in your unit to verify any losses and speed up the claims process.

 

 

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Moving? Consider The Following Storage Options

Posted on February 25, 2013 by admin

For many people moving, they will need to find a storage facility to place their belongings while they move out of their home, complete a renovation, or just want more space in their home. Whatever the reason, there are several storage options available to you.

Many moving companies offer storage for an additional price. Make sure to ask them about it when inquiring about fees. It will most likely cost more, but it is convenient since the moving company takes care of putting your things directly into storage, and then reloading them and delivering them when you are ready to receive them.

Mobile storage unit companies like PODS deliver mobile units directly to your home. All you have to do is pack your belongings, and when you are done, the company comes and takes them away to their storage warehouses. When you are ready to get your things back, the unit is delivered to your new home. Once you are done unloading everything, the company comes back to remove the unit. This option is less costly than storing with your mover.

Self-storage warehouses are available in many cities. The rental fee is normally on a monthly basis. There are also climate-controlled units for storing items that are sensitive to extreme temperatures like papers, books and furs. You are responsible for retrieving your belongings and loading and unloading your belongings on and off a truck.

Here are some tips to consider when choosing a storage company for your moving needs:

Research the storage company with the Better Business Bureau. Ask about the type of security and pest control in place. Are there any smoke detectors and a sprinkler system on the premise? Is there climate control to prevent damage to your belongings from extreme temperatures? In addition, purchase insurance so that your belongings are protected.

 

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How To Protect Your Furniture While In A Storage Unit

Posted on January 22, 2013 by admin

If you are looking to store furniture in a storage unit for any amount of time it is recommended that you choose a storage facility that offers climate control. This helps to protect your belongings from excess humidity, extremes of cold or heat and pests since all of these have the potential to damage your belongings. However, if a climate controlled unit is not available, you can still store your furniture without having them damaged. All you need to do is take extra precautions and follow routine maintenance to protect your belongings.

Make sure you take the time to check the storage unit regularly for insects and rodents. Pests can be one of the biggest issues in storage units. In addition, if the storage facility is made of wood, termites are already a potential issue, so regularly spray the area surrounding the location with pesticides. Also check for spider webs or eggs in the corners of the unit and remove them as needed.

Furthermore, wrap mattresses, sofas and upholstered furniture with plastic. You may be able to purchase the plastic coverings and other packing supplies designed to fit securely around furniture directly from the storage unit. The plastic not only helps to protect the furniture from dirt and excess humidity, but also insects.

If possible, store your furniture in an interior unit facing a hallway. Interior units are less likely to experience the extreme heat or humidity of exterior units, which are subject to direct climate exposure when you go in and out of them.

Also hang plastic coverings on the walls, ceiling and flooring of the unit to help absorb any moisture, especially if the facility is made of wood framing. Remember to visit the unit regularly to assess the condition of your belongings since you always run the risk of warped and damaged furniture.

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Tips To Keep In Mind Before Renting A Storage Unit

Posted on December 29, 2012 by admin

If you are moving or are just looking to free up space in your home or office, here are a few important tips to consider that will help ensure that your storage experience is a satisfying one. Keep in mind that not all storage facilities are alike, even within the same company. There are major differences between each facilities security measures, cleanliness, temperature control, customer service, and availability of moving trucks and packing materials.

-Not all security gates and padlocks stop burglaries from occurring. Studies show that most self-storage burglaries are the result of an “inside job” by criminals masquerading as customers. To avoid this from happening to you ask each storage facility if they allow their customers to use padlocks or if they are using the newer generation cylinder locks which have no exposed hasp to be cut by bolt cutters. In addition, ask if the facility has installed alarms on each and every door. This monitors the exact time of day that every storage unit is accessed. Also make sure that the facility you choose has more than one video camera recording 24 hours a day.

-Before making your final decision ask the manager how often they raise their rates, and for how long they guarantee your rent not to change.

-To protect your items from weather changes and humidity make sure to choose a storage facility with climate control to prevent damages to your wooden furniture, fabrics, and other items.

- Since storage units come in a variety of sizes, you should do all you possibly can to pay for only the space you need, especially if you do not need frequent access to the space.

-To prevent items from broking or being damaged. Wrap glasses and dishes individually. Use bubble wrap, foam sheets, packing peanuts and paper when packing any other glass items such as mirrors, lamps, figurines, etc. Pack heavy items such as books in smaller boxes. Make sure heavier boxes are at the bottom of any stacking you do, and store greasy items such as tools, lawnmowers, etc. away from furniture to avoid oil staining.

 

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Tips to Storing Holiday Decorations

Posted on November 29, 2012 by admin

An essential part of the holiday season is using festive decorations around your home and maybe workplace. Once the holiday season is over than it comes time to store all the Christmas decorations, but the irregular shapes present many storage problems.

Here are a few tips to consider as you preserve your favorite decorations year after year.

-Store your Christmas linens in a suitcase to prevent the risk of moisture damage. You can also place your Christmas towels, rugs, and blankets on an unused shelf in your linen or personal closet. Also place one or two scented dryer sheets of your choice between the linens to keep away moths and keep them smelling pleasant.

-Make sure that the container you use to store your wreaths preserves its shape throughout the year.

-You may want to use the same box your Christmas tree came in to store it, but this is not the best way to preserve the tree. The cardboard box can begin to deteriorate making it prone to insect infestation. The safest option is to purchase a commercially available Christmas tree bag or Christmas tree box.

-Your special ornaments can be stored in the boxes that they came in. You can also store your smaller ornaments in an egg carton.

-Before putting away the candles place them in old socks or knee-high stockings to prevent scratching. Also make sure to store the candles away from the heat of the attic or other areas which can melt the candles.

-Before packing away your Christmas lights make sure to dispose of any lights that were damaged or are not working properly. This will save you some storage space.

-To save you some time next year label your Christmas decoration containers. You can number the boxes so that you know how many you have along with a label to let you know what is in each box.

 

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What Not To Store in a Self-Storage Unit

Posted on October 17, 2012 by admin

Self-storage is a great option for storing everything from seasonal items to books to appliances and furniture. However, due to misinformation, people often try to store items that are strictly prohibited. The items listed below range from hazardous materials to living things. Before renting a unit check with your individual storage facility for a list of their “not allowed” storage items.

-Flammable or Combustible material – Items such as gasoline, compressed gas, propane tanks, kerosene, lamp and motor oil, acid, grease, corrosives, fertilizer, paint, cleaners, chemicals, narcotics, or hazardous, toxic or biological waste. Also asbestos or products containing asbestos are not allowed. Furthermore, fireworks, explosives, weapons or ammunition cannot be stored.

-Perishable food items – Food will spoil quicker in a storage unit, which can lead to bugs and mice infestation. Some canned items are acceptable under certain conditions.

-Plants and living items – There have been recent stories of animals being stored in storage units, which is cruel and inhumane. The animals do not receive any sunlight or appropriate oxygen if placed in a storage unit. In addition, plants do not get light in a storage unit and attract bugs and other vermin.

Medical equipment and supplies – While most supplies are acceptable, radioactive equipment or anything that contains radioactive materials cannot legally be stored.

-Tires and Non-working vehicles – Storing vehicles is generally acceptable, as long as they are registered, insured and in operational condition. Most facilities will not allow you store more than four tires in your self-storage unit because of the cost to dispose of them if you abandon your self-storage unit.

-Construction equipment – Check with the self-storage facility about storing construction equipment. Some equipment may be acceptable while others are not. For example, equipment used to locate underground water is prohibited.

 

 

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How To Protect Your Books While In Self-Storage

Posted on September 21, 2012 by admin

Whether you are moving to a smaller home or have noticed that your collection is growing, self-storage is a great option that will keep your books safe until you need them again.

It may seem easy to just toss your books into a box, but you must take special precautions to protect your paper and hardbacks from damage. Books are prone to mildew, corrosion, and staining while in storage. Book spines are also fragile and require special care.

For maximum protection, pack the books together in small cardboard boxes, since large boxes can become too heavy and allow for shifting and movement that can damage the spines and covers of the books. Remember to not pack books with other items.

It is very important to choose the right cardboard box since using poor quality cardboard leads to deterioration and break down of the boxes, which in turn leads to books being left exposed and susceptible to damage. Make sure to choose cardboard boxes that are lignin free and chemically purified.

When organizing your books place them into categories for easy labeling. Also, take an inventory of your books and record which volumes are in which box so you are able to keep track of where each book is. If there is ever a fire, flood, or theft at the storage unit, you will have an itemized record to give to your insurance company.

Always wrap hard cover books in a jacket before storing. There are two types of polyester film jackets that you may choose from suitable for book storage; a wrap-around jacket, or one with end flaps. While end flap jackets are ideal for shelving books, they are unnecessary for boxed storage. The wrap-around style is easy to construct yourself. Because it is not affixed to the book as an end-flap jacket would be. Choose a roll of polyester film that is chemically stable and free of plasticizers, dyes, ultraviolet inhibitors and surface coatings.

Pack similar size books within each box. Lay each book flat in the box, one on top of the other, and fill any empty spaces in the box with lignin-free, acid-free paper or packing material. Do not stand books on their ends as this causes damage to the spine.

If choosing plastic bins to store your books make sure to choose a bin constructed of polyethylene or polypropylene for maximum durability. Polypropylene is unusually resistant to chemicals. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and cellulose acetate are considered unstable and are not suitable for storage.

Once you are ready to store your books in storage make sure to place wooden pallets on the floor to avoid moisture absorption from the concrete. Wrap each box of books in plastic for added protection against dust and water damage. Boxes of hardbacks should be stored at the bottom of the pile when you are stacking boxes on top of one another, and do not stack boxes higher than shoulder height.

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Choosing The Right Mover

Posted on July 20, 2012 by admin

There are many things to think about when planning a move, big or small, and finding a moving company is one of them. There are hundreds of moving companies to choose from, which is why you want to make sure you choose the best. Beyond the referrals, choosing the right mover will entail interviewing companies that have a good reputation and are known for delivering excellent customer service. There is a lot of information you will want to obtain about the company before you make your final decision.

Here are some tips to help you choose the right movers.

-Determine Your Moving Expectations: Examine what you are looking for in a mover. Are you moving short distance or long distance? What extra services are looking for in a mover: packing, storing, etc? Keep in mind that the more you need your movers to do, the more money you should expect to spend.

-Do Some Research Online: Once you have a list of movers you are considering, research them on the Internet. For example, find reviews on Yelp, BBB, and search their name in Google.

Ask For Referrals From Someone You Know: Choosing the right mover can start with a referral from a trusted friend, family member or co-worker.

-Request Quotes From More Than One Mover: Shopping the market will help you decide which mover fits your needs and budget depending on your moving needs.

-Ask To See Their License: All movers who are moving interstate have to have a license from The United States Department of Transportation.

-Review Company Policies: Request from your movers a printed company policy to review how they handle damages and unexpected events that might cause you to postpone or change the date you move.

These are all things to consider when finding a moving company that meets your expectations and that you trust.

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Protecting Your Self-Storage Unit

Posted on June 28, 2012 by admin

Protecting the safety of your stored belongings is very important if you are a self-storage user. Whether you are storing just a few items or quite a few things, you want to make sure that your belongings are secure at the self-storage facility you choose. Before choosing a self-storage unit, pay attention to the following tips on how to protect your items:

-Use A High Quality Lock – This can be done by doing an internet search for recommendations on the best padlocks to choose for your storage needs. Keep in mind that spending the extra $10 or $15 might make all the difference instead of having to replace your belongings in the future if your unit gets broken into.

-Never Share Your Entrance Code Or Access Card Information– Make sure to keep your storage units entrance code or access card private. Only share it with those that you want to have authorized access to your storage unit. Sometimes times, a dishonest person will say that they have forgotten or misplaced their access card and ask to be let into the storage unit. Such individuals are to be directed to the management office of the storage facility.

-Utilize The Extra Lights At Night – A storage facility will usually provide extra lighting to you for the night hours. Keep in mind when visiting your storage unit that sometimes the lights are switched off to conserve electricity, but you can make use of these lights to better see your surroundings and take extra control of your security.

Remember that your security, in addition, to the security of your personal items in your storage unit is primarily your responsibility, so make sure you do all you can to protect them. Visit Mr. Storages today to discuss how our storage facility can provide you with the necessary services to safely and securely store your belongings.

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