Looking for Advice? Read our Storage Tips

When you own a boat, you need to figure out where to store it. Some people are content with keeping it in a large garage at home, some prefer to store it on the water at a marina, and others prefer to store it in a storage space on land. When deciding where you would like to store your boat, you need to weigh all of your options carefully.

Trailering

This is your cheapest option, as it is no cost to you. You simply store your boat on a trailer in your driveway or backyard. If you have a small boat, you can store your boat in your garage, or add an extra stall if you need more space. If you store your boat at home, it is easily accessible year-round; if you have a nice day in the middle of winter, it is very simple to take out your boat. Be sure to consult your owner’s manual for rules on safety, instructions on towing capacity, and tips. Also check with your city or homeowners association to make sure boats can be parked outside your home (whether in the street, driveway, or yard) if you plan to store your trailer somewhere other than in your garage.

Rack Storage

If you have a smaller boat (usually less than 30 feet), you can opt for rack storage. A rack storage facility keeps your boat in a covered shed containing large steel racks. The racks can be 4-5 boats high and 25 boats across.  When you want to take your boat out, you simply call the facility and a large fork truck lifts your boat from the rack to the water. When you are done boating, you tie up your boat and someone from the storage facility will return it to the shed. Monthly fees, based on the length of your boat, can range from $6 per foot to $18 per foot. The fee includes taking your boat in and out of the water. This type of storage reduces the amount of space needed to house your boat and offers a clean environment in which to store your boat. There are facilities that keep the racks indoors and outdoors; an indoor facility costs a bit more, but it is worth it for the extra protection.

Marina

If you own a large boat that is too big to store elsewhere, or if you own a small boat and want easy access to the water, then storage at a marina is a good option for you. Many marinas offer winter storage and service for your boat. Some even have showers, TVs, restaurants, and free Wi-Fi. The advantage to marina storage over rack storage is that you don’t need to call ahead and have the facility move your boat into the water. You just show up to the dock, walk to your vessel, and go. You are usually charged by the length of your boat; fees range from $8 to $35 per foot plus utilities if used.

Yacht Storage

Many yachts are stored at facilities that have better amenities than some resorts. Yacht owners want custom dock space that has such things as electricity and water hookups, a storage locker, mechanics, laundry, restaurants, and shops. Monthly fees, like other types of boat storage facilities, are based on the length of your vessel. They range from $15 per foot to $65 per foot.

Dockominum (Buying a Boat Slip)

A dockominium is a water version of a condominium. Instead of owning an apartment, though, you own a boat slip on the water. (The slip is a ramp on the shore by which boats move in and out of the water. So, buying a boat slip is like buying a plot of land.) Dockominiums usually are found in large, metropolitan, waterfront areas, such as New York and Miami, and cater to the very affluent, as they are quite pricey. When you buy the boat slip, you have exclusive rights to use it and rights to the common area of the marina, just as you would have rights to the common area of a condominium development. Once you own your boat slip, you can use it, rent it, or sell it just as you would a home. Cost can vary depending on location; it can run anywhere from $60 per foot to $140 per foot. This is a good solution for someone who wants a permanent home for their boat and allows you to build equity in the same way you would when buying a house.

Boat Storage Facilities

Many people store their boats at facilities on land, in much the same way as they would

store an RV

. Many are available at the marina where you dock your boat. There is no fixed rate for this because it depends on the area of the storage unit, the size of your boat, and how accessible you want the boat to be. This is only a viable option for long-term storage, as you cannot get a refund if you choose to end your storage term early. When choosing a storage space, be sure to consider all of your options. Some people will pay more for easier access to the water and others may choose to trailer their boat to the water every time they want to use it. Each boat owner has a unique situation; that is why there are several options when storing your boat.

Taking the proper precautions when winterizing your boat is very important if you want your boat to be ready to use when spring comes. Failure to winterize your boat can cause significant damage such as cracks, leaks, corrosion, and frozen pipes. Freezing, dormancy, moisture, and corrosion can lead to large repair bills. In order to avoid costly repairs in the spring, it is important to take the proper precautions in the fall. Here are some necessary steps to winterizing your boat:

1. Drain all water systems to prevent freezing and pipe damage
2. Add antifreeze to the engine, plumbing, and other critical systems
3. Change the engine oil and replace filters
4. Clean and dry the interior thoroughly to prevent mold and mildew
5. Remove or properly store the battery
6. Top off or stabilize fuel to prevent degradation
7. Inspect the boat for any existing damage and repair it before storage
8. Cover the boat securely to protect it from weather conditions

Most insurance policies don’t cover damage caused by lack of maintenance, so winterizing is very important. The best way to winterize your boat is to check your owner’s manual; every boat is different. Don’t be afraid to seek professional help and ask lots of questions if you have never winterized before. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

When you own a car, there may be a time when you need to store it. Perhaps you are going on a long trip, or going somewhere warm for several months in the winter. Perhaps it is the car of a relative who has an extended illness. You may even have a car that is just not practical for winter driving in snow, ice, and sleet. You may not have enough garage space.

When preparing to store your vehicle, there are several things you should to do to ensure it is done properly.

If you follow these tips when storing your car, you can ensure your car will be in good condition when you are ready to use it again.

To sustain your gardening tools and keep them in good condition for years to come, you should take the proper steps to make sure the metal tools maintain their durability and do not accumulate rust. Where and how you store your tools can make all the difference.  Whether you need a place to store your tools for the winter or want to clear out space in your garage, a self storage facility can be a helpful solution. The winter season can significantly age and, perhaps, damage your tools if they are not properly cared for.  Electric tools of all sorts, especially, should be attended to regularly.  Smart storage can save you the burden of purchasing a new machine since time or winter weather can quickly age tools that are not properly taken care of.  Moreover, a self storage unit can free up garage space during the winter so that your son does not have to park his car outside and risk being late to class because his car has frozen and will not start. Prior to storing tools, you should be aware of a few things when purchasing and caring for garden tools.  Below are some simple tips that can save you time and money in the long run:

Remember to wear safety goggles and gloves when working with sharp tools. Regardless of the location in which you store your tools, you may want to consider storing them in a sand/oil mixture, which can be used for years.  This can be done by using a five-gallon bucket filled with sand and a half gallon of mineral (or motor) oil.  Shovels, hoes, pitchforks, etc., can all be stored in this mixture.  These buckets may be used year after year as long as they are kept away from rain.  Simply add oil each year as needed. In addition to buckets containing a sand/oil mixture, other methods can be used to preserve your tools. Below are some more tips for storing your gardening equipment:

Overall, be sure to take care of your tools to ensure their longevity and efficiency.  Inspect your tools each season and take the proper steps, some of which are mentioned above, to keep them in good condition. Self storage can be an excellent solution when you want to free up space in your garage during the winter.  On the other hand if you need more room but want to keep your tools close at hand, you may want to consider putting your items into a portable storage unit.  Portable storage companies deliver a large box to your location, and then you pack your items in the storage unit at your convenience.  You can choose what size of a portable storage unit you want, and companies usually allow you to store the box at a location of your choice.  Either way, the portable storage company will haul the box away when you are ready. Visit StorageFront.com to find storage facilities in your area.

Most homeowners prioritize their home maintenance tasks based on costs, importance and urgency. Among the lowest on the list is often properly storing and maintaining garden and lawn equipment. Yet it’s often one of the least time-consuming for the dividends it can pay off. One exception can be a new storage shed. If a shed needs to be constructed and the homeowner is a do-it-yourselfer, it may be a time-consuming project, albeit a welcome one for those who like such home projects. Patio boxes and similar types of smaller storage containers may provide enough extra space to store your tools; smaller-sized fertilizer, mulch and soil bags; barbecue equipment; and other similar items outside the confines of your home. Yet, if this doesn’t offer enough extra room — or you don’t have enough room in a garage or don’t have a garage at all, you may want to build an outdoor storage shed yourself, or hire a contractor to do the job. Check your local building codes and, if applicable, any homeowners’ association by-laws that may affect the placement, size or style of your shed. Build a good foundation on a level area and ensure the door size of the model you choose can accommodate your largest pieces of equipment, such as riding mowers or snow blowers. Concrete and pressure-treated wood are the most common foundation materials for sheds. Storage structures are usually made from metal, wood or resin. A balance between the cost of the structure and the amount of space needed should be weighed carefully.  Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, as listed below.

Metal

Advantages: Usually the cheapest to buy Disadvantages: Prone to rust, especially in humid climates

Wood

Advantages: Often the most attractive Disadvantages: Needs the most treatment and maintenance to look its best; most prone to rotting and insect damage; among the most time-consuming and challenging to assemble

Resin

Advantages: Most resistant to rot and rust; among the easiest and fastest to assemble Disadvantages: Among the most expensive

Maintaining tools and equipment

Another important consideration related to storage is tool maintenance. Tools should always be cleaned immediately after use. Spray them with a hose to remove mud and allow them to air dry. For stubborn dried-on dirt or mud on tools, you may have to use a trowel or other metal tool. Just as rust is the primary enemy of metal storage units, it also attacks metal tools and parts. If rust is already on your tools, use sandpaper, steel wool or a stiff wire brush to remove it. To prevent rust on tools in the future, try this: Pour a quart of motor oil into a galvanized steel or plastic tub filled three-quarters with sand. Most tubs are at least 20 inches in diameter and 18 inches deep. If space is at a premium, then a smaller container will also work. However, decrease the amount of sand and oil used proportionally. However, try to keep the minimum depth of the sand at 16 inches to ensure the metal parts of shovels and other tools can be dipped completely in the material. After use and any necessary cleaning of metal tools, dip them into the oily sand. Wipe away excess sand and oil with a cloth or paper towel before storage. This will help prevent rust from forming. Another alternative is to spray a light film of oil on cleaned and dried tools after each use. Again, use a cloth or paper towel to remove any excess oil. Metal tools should be stored off the ground in a dry area to prevent rust. For smaller tools, a peg board with metal hooks works well. For larger tools, such as rakes and shovels, you can purchase wall-mounted multi-tool holders. This works well and means that no floor space is needed to store tools. Linseed oil can be rubbed into wooden tool handles to preserve them. An important final task before harsh winters is to remove, drain and store garden hoses in a garage or storage unit to increase the lifespan of the rubber and decrease the possibility of faucets bursting due to ice expansion.

Storing gas-powered equipment

Fuel can become stale in as little as 30 days. This is why gas should be drained from engines before long-term storage. Be sure to run the engine until all fuel is gone. During your last use of the equipment, such as a mower, before long-term storage, try to “time” your last gas fill-up and the amount you add to ensure you won’t have much fuel left in the tank as you’re about to complete your last use of that equipment. Another way to store a gas-powered equipment is to add fuel stabilizer to a full tank (or close to it) of gas before storage. This will help the fuel last for up to six months. However, it’s important to run the engine for a few minutes after the stabilizer is added so it’s distributed throughout the entire system. After long-term storage, if starting the engine is a problem, check the spark plug tip to see whether black deposits are there. If so, replace the plug. As always, it’s good to check the owner’s manuals for all your equipment to ensure your following the manufacturer’s specific advice for maintenance and storage. By properly storing garden and lawn equipment, you can lengthen its lifespan, keep it in good working order and decrease the need and cost of replacing equipment.

So, you’re finished traveling the countryside and you’re ready to stay home until the spring thaw. But there’s not enough space in your driveway for the RV? Self storage is a convenient solution. But if you just drive your RV to the nearest storage facility, put on the brake, lock the doors and call it good for the winter, you may be in for an unpleasant surprise next spring. Our checklist should help you prepare for both indoor and outdoor RV storage:

This checklist is a basic guide only. It is intended to help you remember all the tasks involved in winterizing an RV prior to storage. But because it’s impossible for us to cover the unique needs of every RV here, it is important that you read your owner’s manuals for unit-specific winterization guidelines.

It might not be the first place you think to store your snowmobile, but a self storage facility is a great option. Many facilities come equipped with security cameras, alarms, fences and other safety devices, which makes self storage a smarter option than simply parking a snowmobile in the garage or yard. Self storage units provide ample space for storing snowmobiles, but you should always make sure that the rented unit is large enough for accessories like protective gear. Furthermore, when placing a snowmobile inside a storage unit, vinyl covers, tire locks, and tie downs can be used for additional protection. Insurance can be purchased cheaply to protect your items from burglary, fire, smoke and various natural disasters. To further protect your snowmobile, climate control is also a common option offered by many self storage facilities. Severe temperatures, humidity and drastic temperature change can cause damage to snowmobiles. Severe temperatures and humidity can also cause drum skins to dry out and cause mildew and bacteria to grow. Climate controlled units are equipped with central air and heat and can be adjusted to keep temperatures constant at a level between 50 and 80 degrees and reduce humidity . Some facilities offer dehumidifiers as well. These can usually be found in units located on the ground floor or in subterranean locations. Before storing your snowmobile, be sure to remove as much gasoline as possible from the gas tank. This will decrease the chances of gas leaks and fire hazards. The snow mobile should also be checked over carefully for leaky gaskets and fuel lines. Snowmobiles should be parked on top of a rug or mat to protect the unit’s floor in case of possible leaks.

“Vehicle storage” is self storage specifically designed for storing cars or any other type of vehicle. It is a great way to protect your car from the environment and also gives you a place to put your car if you aren’t using it for a while. Car storage not only protects your car from the weather, but also from vandalism. It ensures that your car is safe all of the time. In some ways, it’s safer than storing it in your own garage, since there are padlocks on the storage units and often security cameras that record the premises around the clock. When deciding where to store your car, take the climate in which you live into account. If you live in a warmer climate, storing your vehicle outdoors with a car cover wouldn’t be as big of an issue as if you live in climate with harsh winters. If the area in which you live tends to have a lot of rain, tropical storms, or hurricanes, you probably don’t want to store your car outdoors, either.

There are several things you should do before storing your car for any period of time longer than a couple of months. Add gas and a stabilizer to prevent rusting inside and damage to the fuel system. Change the oil and disconnect or remove the battery to ensure your car will start when you are ready to remove it from storage. Put tire jacks under the tires to prevent flats and take the weight off of the tires. Make sure your car is clean inside and out. Finally, you’ll want to cover your car even if it is stored in an enclosed storage unit. Most storage facilities have a few rules. Some common rules are vehicles must be in drivable condition, tires must be inflated and in good condition, your vehicle must be registered and insured, and you may not use your storage unit as a workshop.

Types of vehicle storage facilities

Some self storage facilities let you store your vehicle in a regular storage unit, while others may require you to store it in a parking lot. There are also storage facilities that are only for vehicles. It is best to check with the self storage facility manager before storing your vehicle and let him or her know what type of vehicle you plan to store and the length of time that you plan to store it. The manager can guide you on the best storage option for you based on your storage plans.

Finding a place to store your car is easy. You can either search on the internet or look in your yellow pages. The sooner you find a place to store your car, the sooner you can protect your car from the elements that harm it when you store it outdoors unprotected.

Anyone who needs to store documents, whether a business or an individual, should take special care in where and how they save this data. Documents require special care when they are placed into storage. Fire safety is imperative, but special precautions should also be taken to avoid even small amounts of moisture as this also can destroy documents. A little humidity may be enough to cause documents to mildew when they are not stored properly. In addition, documents worthy of the expense involved in placing them into storage may be important enough to require strong security measures. Document storage may be arrange at different types of facilities. Archival companies will pick up documents, file them, store them and remove them upon request. Some will locate a document in storage and have it express mailed to you in a matter of hours. This type of document storage company may work great for large volumes of material, for highly sensitive material or for items that must be stored for extended periods of time. On the downside archival facilities can be expensive and can limit your ability to review your forms quickly. For many businesses, this type of facility is unnecessary. A self storage unit may be the answer for those who would like to remove document clutter from their workplace or home but who want greater personal control at a lower price. Self storage facilities allow you to remove documents from your business or home and store them at a secure location. Storage facilities come in many forms. Those planning to store documents should look for more than just a room that protects goods from wind and weather.

Another storage option that allows even greater flexibility is mobile storage. Mobile storage facilities will deliver a storage container, which often looks like a large metal box similar to a train car or semi truck trailer. They are available in different sizes and may be stored at your business or in your driveway at home. For an additional fee, the storage company will move the unit to their facility to store it and move it back as needed. Mobile storage units are available from companies that offer varying features, so check around. Some units have one door, some more. Some provide special locking systems while others offer climate control features. Find self storage options that meet your needs for document storage at StorageFront.

The daily operation of a business has the potential to generate a lot of paperwork and that takes up space. In particular, if you run a small business or a home business, the stacks and files full of inventory lists, receipts, copies of completed work, forms, tax papers and other items may build up and leave your office cluttered and cramped. Despite the trend toward saving paperwork in digital format, scanning takes manpower, which could be expensive and impractical. In addition, you may want to keep the hard copies and feel more comfortable holding onto the originals of material that the law requires you to keep. Rather than renting a larger office space or storing items in unsecured areas of the house where children or guests could get into them, you may find that a self storage unit provides a safe and flexible space to store those items that need to be kept but that are seldom reviewed. When deciding upon a self storage facility to store important documents, you should compare security features.

Compare Security Features

You will want to choose a self storage facility that has convenient access. Find out if you can enter at any time or only during business hours. Learn about the lease terms and find out what happens to items if you miss a payment or a few payments. Be sure to check with the management company from time to time to make sure payments are being received. You do not want your private documents going up for auction if the contents of the unit are sold for lack of payment. Look for climate-control features like air conditioning and humidity control. Documents can mildew when the humidity gets too high. You may want to look for a humidity-controlled unit that maintains a constant temperature between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Think ahead before placing your documents into self storage.

Plan and Organize

To find a self storage facility where you can securely store documents, use StorageFront’s “refine search” feature.

Self storage units can be a convenient place for pharmaceutical sales representatives to store their inventory. Pharmaceutical reps industry-wide are now finding that self storage facilities make a convenient home-base from which to operate their businesses. Reps receive their shipments directly to the storage facilities, allowing them more space than storing their products at home or the office. Self storage that is located near the rep’s office will allow for extra space to store drug samples, literature and marketing tools and help increase daily productivity. When looking for the right self storage facility to store their inventory pharmaceutical companies and their reps will want to consider the following:

Location

A pharmaceutical rep will want to choose a facility that is close to home or the office, because much of his or her success depends on good time-management skills. Pharmaceutical reps must juggle busy schedules filled with appointments and travel time. The rep will likely need to make numerous trips to the storage unit to gather supplies.  Cutting down on travel time to the storage unit will increase time that reps can spend educating their clients.

Climate Control

Climate control

is essential to prevent damage to drug samples. Damage can be caused by extreme changes in temperature either hot or cold. A pharmaceutical rep will want to keep temperature within the units between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Security Features

Enhanced

safety and security features

are necessary to prevent theft and burglary of the drug inventory. Reps will want to look for a storage unit that offers added security features such as video surveillance cameras, security alarms, keyless entry, and an onsite manager.

Environment and Access

Reps will want to use storage facilities that are clean, well lit, and allow keypad access to their units during the rep’s business hours. Reps will also want access to a moving cart or dolly to ease the process of moving product boxes between the unit and their cars. (Fold-up-and-carry dollies are available for purchase at some home warehouse stores and luggage stores.)

Shipment Deliveries

Delivery acceptance is an essential part of the pharmaceutical rep’s business operation. Reps may make arrangements will the facility manager to receive packages on their behalf while they are out working in the field. Once a delivery is made, a facility manager will sign for it at notify the rep by phone or SMS text that the package has been received. The rep will have to pick up the package within a reasonable amount of time as agreed upon between the two parties.

When storing things such as newspapers, books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, and video tapes, it is very important to take proper precautions so your materials can stay in good condition for as long as possible. No matter what you are storing, storage locations should be clean and dark, with a

relatively even temperature

if possible. Garages, attics, basements, and closets on exterior walls are poor choices for storage. Garage and attic temperatures can be too warm; basements can be cold and are prone to moisture, flooding, and mildew; and closets on the exterior walls do not have even temperatures.

If you spend a little time properly packing them now, you will be able to enjoy your materials for many years to come.

Curtains, drapes, and linens need to be stored very carefully. There are different precautions to take depending on the size and type of material.

Linens

The best way to store your linens is in an acid-free box with acid-free tissue paper, as the acid in cardboard can cause the material to yellow. Be sure to use a large box to prevent wrinkles and folding. Line the box with tissue, polyester wadding, or white cotton sheets. If using tissue, be sure it is acid-free. White tissue is recommended, as other colors can bleed onto fabric. Completely wrap the entire linen in the tissue, sheet, or wadding so none of it is exposed. If you must fold the linen, be sure to put the acid-free tissue or sheet between each layer. Then add the lid and seal it completely. Be sure to put some slits in the box to allow air to circulate. Avoid plastic bags or cellophane “windows,” as they prevent air movement. They can also cause moisture to form inside and mildew to grow. Once packaged, linens should be stored on rust-free metal shelves or in drawers. If you wish to store them in wooden drawers or on wooden shelves, you must first seal the wood with a water-borne polyurethane varnish and place some acid-free tissue between the wood and your box. That ensures that acids won’t transfer from the wood to your linen. Do not use starch or iron before storing them, as it can cause staining or yellowing. It can also attract moths. It is better to iron and starch just before you plan to use the linen.

Drapes and Curtains

If you are storing your drapes for later use, they should be stored hanging up, to reduce wrinkles that sometimes occur when storing lighter-weight textiles in boxes.  Avoid metal and flimsy wooden hangers; instead opt for padded hangers in order to support the item. If you can, hang the drapes or curtains a few days before you need to store them to let any wrinkles air out. You can also mist the back of the drapes or curtains a few days before storage to help remove wrinkles, but don’t get the fabric too wet. You also don’t want to mist the front of the drapes or curtains. Place a muslin dust cover over the item after hanging it. Avoid storing in plastic or vinyl bags, as they can deteriorate over time. It is recommended to wash the muslin cover and other cotton storage supplies that might be on the hanger annually.

Storage Tips

If you take the proper precautions before storing linens, drapes, and curtains, they can be used for years to come. The advice on this website is provided as a courtesy for informational purposes only. “Storage Tips” are offered as-is and no warranty is expressed or implied. For more information, see StorageFront’s Terms and Conditions.

Maybe you just inherited your grandma’s china but your sister got the china cabinet. Or you found that perfect set of dishes in a vintage store that you don’t need but will… Someday. Or perhaps you purchased a beautiful new dinner service but can’t bear to part with the crockery your parents gave you when you got your first apartment. Whatever the reason, you decide to pack the extra dishes and store them. Storage units are a great place to keep fragile items that you don’t want left where young children might find them and use them for play time or that need to be kept away from that brother that firmly holds to the motto ‘mi casa es su casa’ and might just decide to take a look-see at what you have in your closet and carelessly rummage through your breakables.

When preparing to store dishes, you will need a few items:

Packing material.

Your dishes will need some padding to prevent breakage. To save money you can use crumpled or folded newspaper, or you can buy white packing paper to keep things a little cleaner. You can also

buy bubble wrap or some sort of polystyrene material liking packing peanuts

. A couple of other low budget options that might come in handy are plastic grocery bags, old nylons, towels or soft cloths from the rag bag.

Storage containers.

Preferably, dishes should be packed in something stronger and more resistant to pressure than a standard box. If you have nothing else, use extra padding. Dish barrels are designed for dishes. The modern version is generally made out of a double layer of cardboard, so are heavy-duty boxes, which are also a good option. For a little extra money, you can buy wooden packing crates. A great option for glasses, stemware and similar items are cell kits, boxes made with individual cells and layers. You can create your own layers in larger boxes by cutting a piece of cardboard and placing it between rows of dishes.

Storage tools.

Don’t forget strong packing tape, markers and, if you like, box labels. Storage companies often sell packing supplies. In fact, you can refine your search on StorageFront to

find a self storage facility near you

that sells supplies on-site. Check to see if they have any boxes specially made for storing dishes. Once you have your supplies, organize your dishes and group items by size and weight.

Dish packing checklist:

Although it’s tempting to pack dishes quickly, a little planning and care can go a long way toward keeping your family treasures safe.

The presents are unwrapped, the boxes are emptied of their contents, and tissue paper is strewn about the room. Time to clean up from all the holiday merriment; but don’t be too hasty to throw out the tissue paper and

empty boxes — recycle them

. This article will give you some “ah ha” ideas for storing holiday decorations.

Ornaments

Garland

Lights

Quilts and blankets are a beautiful way to stay warm during the cold winter months, but as the weather gets warmer, it is important to know the proper way to store your quilts and blankets until you need them again in the fall.

Washing

Before you store you quilt, make sure it’s as clean as possible. If it’s resistant to fading or colors running, you can hand wash it with a mild detergent in your bathtub. If you have a simple, store-bought blanket, you usually can wash it in your washing machine, but be sure to check the label to ensure it’s safe for

machine washing

Drying

It’s important to fully dry your blanket or quilt before storing. If the label on your blanket says it is safe for machine drying, then use your clothes dryer. For more delicate quilts and blankets, allow the excess water to drain after washing them by lifting them gently out of the tub. A drying rack or clothesline is the preferred method of drying delicate blankets and quilts. Be sure to cover the quilt with a light sheet to prevent sun damage if drying outside. If you don’t have a drying rack or clothesline, place the quilt in a clean bed of towels, cover it with a clean sheet, and allow it to dry.

Storage

Roll and pad between cotton sheets or cotton muslin, with the decorative side facing outward. Do not roll so tightly that you cause wrinkling. Be sure to wrap it around the blanket or quilt about 1½ times, and that the muslin is wide enough that you can tuck it into the ends of the tube. Securely tie the cover, but make sure not to cause folds in the roll by tying it too tightly. You can also store blankets and quilts in an acid-free box. Be sure to use a large box to prevent wrinkles and folding. Line the box with tissue, polyester wadding, or white cotton sheets. If using tissue, be sure it is acid-free. White tissue is recommended, as other colors can bleed onto fabric. Completely wrap the entire quilt or blanket in the tissue, sheet, or wadding so none of it is exposed. If you must fold the blanket or quilt, be sure to put the acid-free tissue or sheet between each layer. Then add the lid and seal it completely. Be sure to put some slits in the box to allow air to circulate. Avoid plastic bags or cellophane “windows,” as they prevent air movement. They can also cause moisture to form inside and mildew to grow. Once packaged, quilts and blankets should be stored on rust-free metal shelves or in drawers. If you wish to store them in wooden drawers or on wooden shelves, you must first seal the wood with a water-borne polyurethane varnish and place some acid-free tissue between the wood and your box. That ensures that acids won’t transfer from the wood to your quilt or blanket. Storage locations should be clean and dark, with a relatively even temperature if possible. Attics, basements, and closets on exterior walls are poor choices for storage. Attic temperatures can be too warm; basements can be cold and are prone to moisture, flooding, and mildew; and closets on the exterior walls do not have even temperatures. For delicate and antique quilts, consider a climate controlled self storage unit. Label and date what you are storing, especially if you are storing many items in identical containers. Be sure to periodically check your blankets’ and quilts’ conditions. Look for mildew, and take that opportunity to refold or replace tissue if necessary. With the proper steps, you can maintain the quality of your quilts and blankets for years to come.

The popularity of storage units is increasing, as people don’t always have the room to store things in their homes.

However, if you choose to store something in a location other than your home, you may need to get insurance specifically for your storage unit. Once you remove things from your house and store them somewhere else, they usually are no longer protected under your homeowner’s or renter’s policy. Although not legally required, some places will not let you rent a storage unit without it. For only a few dollars a month, you can know your belongings are protected. When choosing a policy, you want to make sure it covers loss due to fire, flood, weather, theft, and things beyond your control. You have three options when insuring your self-storage items — insurance at the self-storage facility, insurance though an independent self storage insurance agency, or insurance through a private insurance agency.

Insurance through the storage facility

Some self storage facilities have made it easier for renters by offering their own insurance policies. This type of policy typically covers only $2,500-$5,000. There may not be a deductible, but rates are higher and coverage is lower. It is usually very basic coverage, as well. Certain items and types of damage may not be covered. The cost is usually higher than if you were to insure your storage unit through an insurance agency.

Independent self-storage insurance

This type of insurance will have a much higher coverage amount than what the self-storage facility will offer. It will insure a higher dollar amount of valuables and also protect against damage that the other insurance might not. Most independent companies offer up to $15,000 of coverage for about $20-$25 per month. Smaller amounts of coverage also are available.

Private insurance company

If you already have renter’s or homeowner’s insurance, you may be able to add storage insurance to your current policy. Your rates will be much lower than if you were to insure with a specialty storage insurance company and you may even qualify for a multiple-line discount.

Cost of self storage insurance

The cost of self storage insurance depends on the company you use and the amount for which you want to insure the items. Most insurance policies for self-storage units are relatively cheap. They usually cost about 50 cents to $2 for every $100 value amount of storage. Deductibles can range from $100-$500. On average, coverage usually starts at $1,000 for $6 per month and ends at $15,000 for $24 per month. Just because a facility has security cameras and personnel on the premises does not mean that theft and damage cannot occur to your belongings. It’s important to insure your items because you never know what can happen.

It is often assumed that self storage facilities will automatically provide insurance for the items being placed into storage. This is not generally the case. Few self storage facilities will offer full or comprehensive item insurance within their standard storage rental fees. Some may offer basic coverage as part of the package based on the size of storage unit rented, but this may not be enough for your needs. Although some self storage facilities won’t insist that you have insurance coverage, others will and it makes sense to put adequate coverage in place. Don’t be lulled into a false sense of well-being just because the facility you’ve chosen has implemented good security measures or has a smoking ban on site for example. Your items are technically out of your hands in self storage and, although the facility may be doing everything it can to avoid theft, they can do little against accidents and damage caused by fires, floods, storms and other natural disasters. It is recommended that you check your insurance options carefully before signing your storage rental agreement and placing your items into self storage. In fact, your first step should be to contact your homeowner/renter insurance agent to see if the items placed in the self storage facility will be covered by your current policy. It may be that you are fully covered for items stored away from home or you may be able to pay an additional premium to get such coverage. This option could be cheaper than taking out a separate insurance policy. If you do provide your own insurance coverage, be aware that the self storage facility you choose may ask to see proof of your policy before renting you space.

To Insure or Not to Insure? Ask Yourself These Questions:

Before signing a contract at a self storage facility, you want to be aware of the details and the type of information that might be presented to you. It is important to read any storage contract in its entirety before signing it, especially the small print. Here are some things to be aware of before you are presented with the contract:

When renting a self storage unit, it is important to read the contract in its entirety. Some facilities may let you take home a sample contract before renting, so don’t be afraid to ask for one. If you prepare and take your time reading the contract, the process of signing the contract will be much easier and you will have much less anxiety.

When you are preparing to store your things in a self storage facility, it is important to know the terms and conditions up front. That way there are no surprises in the future.

Examples of things you might find in your contract:

Remember, self storage units are ultimately your responsibility. Just like renting an apartment, it is your job to watch your things and maintain your space. Just like you would never rent an apartment and expect the landlord to be responsible if someone damages your space, the same holds true with self storage units.

When you store your items in a self storage unit, you want to follow all of the facility’s rules and be sure to get insurance. But not everything is covered by self storage insurance, so it is important to know what insurance protects before renting your unit. Here are some things that usually are not coveredby self storage insurance:

So, what is covered? Most household goods, personal items, and business and commercial items that you store are covered. Most insurance policies protect from fire, smoke damage, water damage (but not flooding), windstorms, explosions, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, lightning, building collapse, vandalism or theft, falling objects that damage the building and its contents, and hail. Most policies also protect from damage due to moths, insects, rodents, and vermin, but the amount of protection may vary. Normal wear and tear of things is not covered. Most policies also do not protect from mold, mildew, or overdrying of items. Damage from changes in temperature and broken glass or fragile items also is not covered. Most policies cover damages when transporting things to or from the self storage unit. Things can vary depending on the company that insures you, so you’ll want to talk to them about what items are on their specific lists for insuring and not insuring at self storage facilities. Bring a list of what you intend to store to the insurance company before you rent your self storage unit and that way you will know for sure if your items will be covered by insurance.

Whether you’re retiring or involved in a Permanent Change of Station (PCS), Temporary Additional Duty (TAD) or Temporary Duty (TDY), moving is a necessary evil you’ll have to face. When you’re required to relocate in the military, moving can be an extremely stressful process for you and your family. Fortunately, unlike most moves you’ve probably made in the past, it’s possible the government will either pay for a contractor to pack or move your belongings, or you can embark on the reimbursable Do It Yourself (DITY)/Personally Procured Move (PPM) programs. Benefits of moving your belongings yourself, rather than using the assigned government contracted movers, include making money and the ability to take control over your moving process. If you make the decision to move yourself, you have to make sure you do so in a way that you’re comfortable with. Before you make any big decisions, determine what’s more important to you– to save yourself money or time; the PPM program can be attractive to both penny-pinchers and efficiency appreciators.

Saving money:

However much it would cost the government to move your belongings, they’ll give you 95% of that price to move yourself. So if you are naturally a thrifty person and don’t mind doing some of your own heavy lifting, you can potentially walk away with a lot of money at the end of the move. Using your own vehicle(s) and packing your own belongings are two cumbersome but cost effective ways to save money.

Preventing headaches:

One of the main perks of moving yourself is just that – you yourself make decisions about the process. You don’t have to worry about government contractors moving your belongings at the time that’s convenient for them, you can hire whomever you would like and you are even allotted extra time off for the actual process. You have a few options as far as how to transport your belongings. You can either rent a truck, pay someone else to drive a moving truck (but you load and unload your belongings) or use your own vehicle.  Paying someone to drive a rental truck can save you the hassle of driving across the country if your move is taking you far away. If you have small children or you also need to transport two (or more) cars, this can also be a particular migraine-reliever.

More Resources:

When should you arrange the date with your movers? How early should you

reserve your storage unit \ if you’re moving to a smaller space? No matter what decisions you make about moving yourself, you should certainly read

the DITY checklists, which include comprehensive guides of what to do in the months leading up to your move. For example, you should decide about three months out whether or not you’re up for the challenge of a DITY move. Military personnel are known for having to make several moves during their service. Chances are, some who’s stationed with you now has recently moved. Ask for advice and what problems they ran into. You can also look online to see examples, like how Aaron and Pam survived their latest DITY move

Moving with pets? Read more about how to ease the transition for your furry companions

Self storage can be the perfect solution for storing home or office items that you simply don’t have room for in your existing space. Yet even though most storage units are safe, dark and remote, you may want to take extra precautions to protect your things inside. Properly wrapping and packing your items will decrease their chances of shifting or breaking during a move, and help protect them from dust, heat and humidity during long stints in storage. Before you get started, make an inventory of the items you plan to stow away.  Use your list to outline the type and amount of packing supplies you think you’ll need. You should also

know the size of the storage unit you’ll be renting

. That way, you can visualize which items will be placed where and how they’ll stack together.  If you find it difficult to determine how many boxes and tape-rolls to buy, purchase too many. It will save you from an annoying shopping trip when you’re knee-deep into packing.  Most merchants will let you return unused or unopened supplies as long as you save your receipt. Be sure to ask about the return policy.

Remember that items may be kept in self storage longer than you expect. It’s important to use quality packing products to ensure long-term protection. Even though common household items may save you money, they can also be problematic. For example, many people use newspapers to wrap fragile items, yet newspapers can can scratch dainty things, smudge inks onto items, and even attract insects and rodents.  Another common household item people use for storage is plastic trash bags. Unfortunately, plastic retains moisture and can ruin the items inside. Below is an inventory list of common and not-so-common packing supplies you can buy at local home improvement stores, moving companies, or storage facilities. (Use StorageFront’s “refine search” feature to find storage facilities near you that sell moving and packing supplies.)

Whether you need to pack a few items to put in the attic, send some boxes to a self storage unit to clear the house of clutter or pack everything you own in order to move, you want to do it right. This means packing carefully and thinking ahead. Take a few precautions to help prevent damage and make it easier to find things later. When summer rolls around, you want to be able to find the other half of your wardrobe without having to open and move stacks of boxes that weren’t clearly labeled.

Guidelines to keep in mind as you pack:

Take a little time to plan and organize as you pack. This should make it easier to finds things in the future and less likely that anything will get damaged during a move or while in storage. If you would like to find a self storage unit near you, StorageFront can help.

Search by zip code

to find the facilities near you. You can also refine your search to include facilities that sell packing supplies and offer moving trucks.

When you are ready to sell your house, you want the process to go as smoothly as possible. A quick sale at the best price would help you set forth on your journey to a new home with a positive mindset and hopeful outlook. To make this happen you need to prepare your home to attract a buyer. As you do, you must avoid a few decorating pitfalls that could put a wrench in your plans. Overall lovely homes have been known to scare off buyers when the owner doesn’t understand what the customer wants and neglects to replace their all-too-lived-in look with something a bit fresher and more inviting. Simply put, homebuyers won’t pay top dollar for a house that does not appear to be in ready to move in condition.  As you set out to determine what needs to be done to make your home turnkey, consider these decorating don’ts:

Let’s face it: moving to a new home can be a frustrating and demanding process. But sometimes it’s a necessary evil. For many people, like military personnel who receive permanent change of station (PCS) orders every few years, moving is a part of life. The good news is: proper research and planning can make your move much less distressing so you can focus on the fun things, like arranging your new place.

Families essentially have two choices for relocating belongings:

do it yourself or hire a moving company

If you choose to do it yourself, you will have total control over the fate of your things, which is certainly a nice benefit. What’s more, you will probably save a lot of money. But you will also have more work, fewer helping hands, sore backs, and no one to blame but yourself if your things get damaged. Professional movers, on the other hand, are typically well trained in the laborious arts of packing, lifting and moving. Their process can go much faster than do-it-yourself, and good movers know how to protect your stuff. If they don’t, replacements costs may come out of their pockets! That said, finding and choosing a “good” moving company isn’t always easy. A Google search on keywords as simple as “bad movers” can attest to that. And we’ve all heard horror stories from friends or family about disreputable companies. That’s why it’s vital to sort the good from the bad as early as you can. To ensure you get a quality moving company, you’ll want to put in some legwork. Think about what you want from a move. Then, before you reach out to any companies, make a checklist of what you need and expect from your relocation experience. This list will help you keep your questions on track, your expectations clear, and your estimates accurate.

How to Prepare Your RFQ Checklist

Now you’re ready to start calling around for estimates. But whom do you call?

The best way to find a reliable moving company is by word-of-mouth. If you know someone who has recently moved, find out which moving company they chose and what they thought of the service. Your real estate agent might also be able to give a good recommendation (as well as tell you which movers to avoid!).

Use the web to search and compare local and national companies. Several terrific independent websites offer unbiased information and comparisons of movers, like 123Movers.com. But be alert: some mover-directory websites gather your contact information and sell it to multiple movers; your phone may start ringing a lot. A consumer ratings site, like Yelp.com, aggregates customer feedback for an expansive customer review.

Shopping and Comparing: What to Ask a Mover

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of your movers, you should do a final check with the Better Business Bureau and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to make sure none of them have serious problems with unresolved complaints.

After talking to a handful of companies, arrange for at least three or four in-home estimates to get a better idea of your moving costs. It’s the only way to get a close-to-accurate moving quote, and it’s usually a good way to screen out scammer moving companies (who often don’t like to take the time to give you an in-home estimate).

Show the moving company everything you plan to move. The more thorough you are in detailing what has to be relocated, the more accurate the estimate will be. Also, let the estimator know about any issues at your home — or the home you’re moving to — that could complicate the process. Lots of stairs, narrow angles and poor driveway access are just a few examples that might add to your overall costs.

Comparing quotes will help you decide which company to choose, but try not to make your choice by cost alone. It may be smarter to spend a little more money and get the company with the best reputation. If you just have a bad feeling you can’t explain but the price is right, trust your gut over your wallet.

Once you make a decision, you’ll be asked to sign a contract outlining the details of your move. Read. The. Contract. If anything seems strange or confusing, ask for clarification. Make notes right on your contract. If the mover dismisses any phrase in the contract by suggesting, “Don’t worry about that,” cross out the sentence. Ask the mover to initial and date any contract changes in pen.

Don’t forget to give your movers a call a few days beforehand to confirm your arrangements. Be sure you (or a trusted friend) attend all inventory counts and truck weigh-ins in person. Make your own notes. Keep all documents and records in a safe place where they can’t be misplaced during the move.

These basic guidelines should help you position yourself for a successful move. But in the end if you feel like you’ve been taken advantage of, cheated in some way, or robbed by a mover, report it immediately and report it often.

When the travel bug bites, the first thing to do is pick a destination. With so many different places you could go, it’s often hard to decide on an itinerary. One great solution is to pick a top global city. These world-class cities are traveler favorites for a reason. Whether you’re seeking historic sightseeing, endless shopping or stunning natural scenery, all of these exciting destinations fit the bill.

London, United Kingdom

This city, steeped in history, should be at the top of any traveler’s list. London offers everything from modern marvels like the London Eye and the Tate Modern, to historical sites like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London. London has always been on the cutting edge of music, art, and fashion. You can visit Abbey Road of Beatles fame, Portobello Market for antiques, or Camden to see the newest trends before they hit the runway.

Rome, Italy

History truly comes alive when you’re in Rome. Visitors can experience the sights of ancient Rome, while simultaneously exploring the modern city. You can have a glass of wine next to the Pantheon, lunch by the Coliseum, or simply sit and enjoy the view for the Spanish Steps after a long day of shopping. Other great historic sites include St. Peter’s Basilica and Vatican City.

Paris, France

This beautiful city is a must-see. The city of lights is a walkable city with fantastic shopping, delicious restaurants, and amazing historic sights and artwork. From the luxury shops and restaurants along the Champs-Elysees to the artwork at the Louvre and the Musee d’Orsay, Paris is full of fantastic sights. It also has phenomenal historical architecture like the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel tower, and the Palace of Versailles.

New York City, New York

This city has truly everything: historic sights, Broadway shows, incredible restaurants and shopping, innumerable museums, and some of the world’s best nightlife. For iconic New York sightseeing, visit the Statute of Liberty, the Empire State building, or walk along the Brooklyn Bridge. If you prefer exploring the city like a local, have a coffee in one of its many great cafes, explore shops in great neighborhoods like the West Village, and take a long ramble through Central Park.

San Francisco, California

With its rolling hills and gorgeous location by the bay, San Francisco is a fantastic vacation destination. This diverse city is a foodie’s dream: you can try everything from authentic, ethnic foods to Michelin rated restaurants. You can also visit its many famous sightseeing locations like Golden Gate Park, the “Painted Lady” Victorian Houses, and Ghirardelli Square via the iconic cable car. Those interested in San Francisco’s counter-culture history will want to explore Haight-Asbury and the Castro.

Barcelona, Spain

This city is full an architectural wonders. Visitors will be stunned by the beauty of buildings designed by Gaudi. Many of Gaudi’s designs are world heritage sites, including the Sagrada Familia, Casa Vincens, and Casa Batllo. Art lovers will also enjoy the Museu Picasso, while those seeking local flavor will love a stroll down La Rambla, with its colorful shops and cafes.

Sydney, Australia

Experience Australia’s largest city with its endless coastline and scenic harbors. Begin your visit with a visit to Sydney Harbor, home to the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge. From the harbor, you can take a sightseeing ferry trip to explore other popular Sydney attractions. Finally, wind down after sightseeing by relaxing on one of Sydney’s famous beaches. From Bondi Beach to Manly Beach, you can enjoy surfing, boating, or simply laying in the sun.

Beijing, China

Visiting Beijing gives visitors the unique experience of seeing a world class city in the making. Its rapid change and endless construction attest to this city’s rapid growth and growing prominence. Perhaps the greatest testament to its development is the Bird’s Nest Stadium, built for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. The stadium’s gorgeous architecture provides a wonderful, modern contrast to the amazing historical sights of the Forbidden City and the Great Wall.

Las Vegas, Nevada

There’s a reason that this city’s slogan is “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” This city has everything from the hottest clubs and casinos, to luxurious spas and hotels, and truly decadent shopping and dining. For those looking for more than the bright lights of the strip, downtown Las Vegas offers a wonderfully nostalgic experience and nearby Red Rock Canyon provides majestic views of the Nevada desert.

Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu offers unspoiled nature, combined with world-class shopping and hotels. Whether you’re looking to hit the waves or hit the shops, Honolulu won’t disappoint. Waikiki Beach offers the classic Hawaii experience, with its gorgeous stretch of sandy beach lined with some of the world’s finest stores. For the more adventurous, a slight drive will take you the big waves of the North Shore or on leisurely hike up Diamond Head.

Moving to a new home can be such a joyous time, bringing the promise of new beginnings for every member of the family. It can also be one of the most frustrating things a person will ever do. It often happens that fretting over the logistics can take all the fun out of the anticipation of a fresh start, especially when the chores and details of making the move begin to stack up. The new home – wherever and whatever it is to be – is costly, certainly, but so are all the steps involved with getting from here to there. Moving expenses add up quickly and oversights can be expensive to correct. Make your next move go as smoothly as possible with moving calculators that take the guesswork out of the adventure.

Preparing your moving budget

It’s not cheap or easy to move across town but moving across the country compounds the fear, the cost, and the number of details to conquer. You’ll want to weigh the pros and cons of doing it all yourself, hiring muscle for the heavy lifting, or leaving it all in the hands of a professional but expensive moving company. If the move is an international relocation, the cost of shipping household goods as freight on a sea voyage may mean leaving some things behind. Some moving expenses are tax deductible so keeping receipts organized will eliminate some headaches at tax time. One expense that may be tax deductible is gasoline. Fuel will be a big part of any moving budget, the longer the distance, the more expensive; moving calculators that estimate gasoline needs can help. Budgets get stretched in the move but they can get stretched to the breaking point if the cost of living in the new city exceeds the cost of living in the current one. You’ll want to adjust the household budget for changes in income that might be necessary after relocation. Getting set up in a new city or state can come with unanticipated expenses. The cost of registering vehicles in the new home town may be different from what you’re used to budgeting. Business licenses may be expensive to transfer or they may be not needed at all. Sales taxes in the new town may make an unexpected difference in everyday purchases. Commuting costs may be different in the new location due to differences in the cost of gasoline, auto expenses, toll roads, and the distance traveled.

How will the move affect your children or pets?

Establishing a nurturing environment for the kids may incur some unanticipated expenses or variations to the current budget. Things to consider are the cost of schools and daycare centers in the new area. Fun things like dance lessons, sports participation, the zoo, the movies, and other favorite activities may take a different bite out of an established budget. Pet registration fees and veterinary expenses will affect the household budget, too, so don’t leave them out. People concerned about the environment may want to consider the ecological difference between the old house and the new one. If the new carbon footprint is alarming, consider the cost of upgrades. The cost of recycling may affect budget allowances, too.

Moving your aging parents into your home

Not every move involves a new home for everyone. Many families today are taking in aging parents as permanent additions to the household. The move out of the parents’ home and into yours may affect your own budget in ways you’d never expect. You’ll want to think about how this change to the family structure will affect your budget, especially if someone needs to quit a job to become a stay-at-home caretaker of if outside medical care is necessary. Routine medical costs vary by location, too, and could affect the established budget of your household as well as your parents’ income. Their retirement income may be affected so any deficits here will need to be addressed. The decision to move is a big one. Once the decision is made, questions will seem to lurk around every corner and behind every unpacked box. The logistics can seem monumental and surprises are sure to happen. They’ll be more manageable when you’re armed with as much knowledge as possible and you’re working a well-conceived plan that anticipates as much as possible. Do take the time to do as much homework as possible, make good use of the many moving calculators available on the internet, and keep all notes, receipts, and reference materials organized and stored in a handy location before, during, and after the move. Be as prepared as possible to eliminate moving nightmares so you can start your new life painlessly and positively. Enjoy your move as an adventure, not an ordeal.

Maybe you were offered a job across the country, you want to move nearer to your aging parents, or you simply want to downsize or upsize. For whatever reason, you have chosen to put your home on the market.

To improve the odds of selling quickly and of getting the price you want, you may want to stage your home. Simply put, staging is redecorating and, possibly, renovating. When you stage a home, you want to decorate it to make it appealing to as many buyers as possible. To do so, you generally have to remove a lot of personal items like photographs and anything that makes the home look or feel cluttered. As you wait for a sale, you will need a place to store the portion of these removed items that you want to keep. A storage unit may be the answer. Rental schedules are generally flexible so that you can store items for a month or a year, whatever it takes to get the house sold. You now have a decision. You can either hire a professional stager or do it yourself. A professional will be able to view your home objectively without the sentimental attachment to family heirlooms or even an owner’s favorite, but not necessarily popular, paint color. A good stager will know if the average stranger will see your valuables and tastes as inviting or eccentric. The stager should be up on the latest fashion trends and know if a shade of wall color is too bland or too bright. The designer you choose should be able to look at your furniture and decor and know what can stay and what should be stored or given away as they provide a plan for reorganization. Of course, this expertise and effort will cost. The range can be anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on factors that include the degree of difficulty, the reputation of the stager and the size of the home. Professional stagers and realtors view this money spent as an investment because you will likely see it returned to you in the form of a solid offer, quite possibly substantially higher or sooner than without the help of a stager. Of course, don’t expect a guarantee.

If you hire a professional, take these things into consideration:

Want to tackle home staging on your own? Some guidelines:

Home buyers want to see the house’s potential to be their home. If it looks great due to careful staging, they are more likely to view the home as turnkey rather than as a money pit.

The homebuilding process takes a great deal of planning and requires the use of a lot of equipment. From choosing a home site to working with an architect and realtor, a homebuilder must hold on to paperwork, tools, building supplies and, possibly, furniture. Instead of investing in a large, expensive commercial space, homebuilders may opt to place some of these items into a self storage unit.  Since different people may need to enter the unit and grab needed tools or paperwork, homebuilders may want to develop an inventory system that allows items to be checked out, so that the whereabouts of objects can be tracked. Many self storage companies allow 24-hour access to customers. For homebuilders this means that crew members who work early or late shifts would be able to pick up or drop off tools and supplies as needed. Locking supplies in a self storage facility may help protect homebuilders from theft. As many in construction have learned the hard way, leaving tools on a jobsite can be a mistake. With limited security at night, thieves may find a construction trailer or tool shed to be an easy mark. Self storage units generally are protected by features like fencing that surrounds the facility, security lighting, gated access with keypad entries, security cameras, and sometimes security guards or 24-hour onsite management. For some homebuilders, the job is not done when construction has been completed. A builder may want to

stage the home

in order to attract potential buyers. If this is a regular practice, the builder may keep a stock of furniture that can be mixed, matched and reused as one property is sold and another comes onto the market. A self storage space is a great place to store such items. A

climate-controlled unit

would provide the greatest protection from wear caused by temperature or humidity problems. To make a home more attractive to the largest number of potential buyers, the home builder may stage the home using a few standard design tricks:

Homebuilders who need some extra space may find what they need by using the helpful tools at StorageFront.

Renovating a home takes time, effort and money. Any tools that can make the process easier should be considered, particularly by the do-it-yourself home repair technician. Mobile storage offers one such solution. Fixing a floor, tearing out a wall or even painting one can make it necessary to remove items from the home. A mobile storage unit provides a safe, clean place to store these items outside of the fray but within easy reach.

What is a mobile storage unit?

Like self storage facilities, mobile storage companies provide clients with a place to securely store private belongings outside the home. The difference is that the mobile unit will be delivered to your home where you can fill it, rearrange items and empty it as often as you like for as long as you choose. If you want the unit moved from your driveway, the company will pick it up and take it away. You also may leave items in the unit to be stored at the company’s secure facility. If you decide you want to give your roomful of old furniture to your son who just got his first place, many mobile storage companies will move the unit full of housewarming gifts to him whether he lives down the block or in another state. When renovating your home, a mobile storage unit gives you an extra room, or more than one if you like, to store tools, supplies, furniture, paintings, clothing or whatever you like. You can move one item in and another out without having to travel back and forth to a self storage unit and without having to ask the neighbors if you can borrow a little space in their garage. The unit protects items moved outdoors from that sudden rainstorm and keeps the big floor buffer out of the way until you need it. In addition, if renovations are taking place during the cold winter months or the heat of summer, some companies offer mobile storage units with air conditioning, heat or humidity control. Mobile storage units also provide an extra level of security. You don’t have to worry that someone will walk off with the tool set you left in the driveway while you ran inside to assist with an emergency because you can lock the tools inside your unit. Companies provide various locking mechanisms for different levels of security. Generally, the renter is the only one with a key. Mobile storage units come in different sizes and may have more than one door. They tend to look like small train cars without wheels. Find the mobile storage options in your neighborhood at StorageFront.

Looking to make a move in order to save some money? Maybe you quit your stuffy corporate job in pursuit of your art career, or you’re just realizing that maybe signing that lease a year ago for your one bedroom downtown loft just wasn’t such a fiscally responsible decision. Whatever your reason for wanting to downgrade, make sure you’re taking into account the cost of moving before you automatically spring for the place that’s $50 cheaper a month. Should you make the move?

Deposits and Fees

Intangibles

Moving from the city to a distant suburb? Your day-to-day life is going to change – you’ll be farther from entertainment and possibly work.

Amenity Changes

What amenities are you missing out on? Apartment complexes often come with certain perks, like pools, HBO, etc. that are tacked onto your rent. How will a change to a basic apartment (where those costs are

in addition to

rent) affect your budget?

The Act of Moving

Solutions:

Well shoot! That’s a lot of potential charges that could add up against the cost of your move. Although it’s highly unlikely you’ll encounter all of them, just of few of these items will add up quickly onto the cost of your rent.

Consider more roommates:

Rather than choosing another one-bedroom or studio apartment, are you considering moving into a two bedroom with a roommate (or two or three)? Keep these things in mind:

Pick a place you’ll know you’ll be happy with for a while.

You may have made the decision to rent a self storage unit to clear out space in your home or garage. Your home will be more livable without the clutter of those boxes of unused clothing, sports equipment and camping gear. However, packing and moving your household items can be a time-consuming task. You may feel that is a job better left for professional movers. Hiring movers can be costly. How do you know that the moving company you hire is a reputable company? Hiring the wrong moving company can cost money in the long run if some of your valuables get broken or lost in the move. If you’re looking for a mover in the yellow pages, you will likely find dozens of moving companies listed, all claiming to be the best in the industry. How do you choose the right company? Use the following tips to guide you through the process. Following the list will help to ensure that moving your belongings into storage will go smoothly.

Tips to Choosing a Moving Company

When

self storage units are abandoned

or their rent goes unpaid, auctions are held to remove the items and make room for a new renter. These auctions are open to the general public, and most people in attendance are there for the sole purpose of reselling things for a profit. Auctions at self storage facilities are different than typical auctions. Most of the time you are bidding on everything in the storage unit. On a typical auction day, several storage units will be auctioned off. Each storage unit is auctioned off one by one. Bids can start as low as a few dollars and end up at a few hundred dollars, or even higher depending on the contents of the storage unit.

If you like surprises, self storage unit auctions can be a lot of fun. You never know what you will find beneath the tarps and boxes.

With some careful planning, you can really profit when you buy from auctions at self storage units. Before you go, you should know what you plan to do with the items once you buy them. You don’t want things sitting around your house, causing clutter and collecting dust. You also don’t want to have to pay for a place to store the items; it is good to keep what you might want for yourself and sell what you don’t want as soon as possible. At almost all self storage unit auctions, you are bidding on everything in the storage unit. You usually won’t know exactly what is inside it until you open all of the boxes following the auction. Sort the items in the storage unit right away so you know exactly what you have. Make three piles — get-rid-of, keep for yourself, and sell. You can either throw away or donate the items in the get-rid-of pile, depending on their condition. When you get home, you’ll want to sort the items you intend to sell. You can divide them by category (such as furniture, clothes, housewares, collectibles, etc.) or how you intend to sell the items (eBay, garage sales, etc.). You may also have your own method of sorting them. You might want to do some research on how to price your items, either online or at local venues similar to where you would like to sell your items. That way you won’t price things too high or too low. Consult your yellow pages or look online for a list of flea markets, consignment stores, and auction houses in your area if you don’t already know where to find them.

There are several options for reselling the items:

With a little preparation and research, you can make a large profit from spending a small amount of time and money at a self-storage unit auction.

When renters cannot pay for their self storage units, auctions are held to clear things out. Most of the time you are bidding on everything in the storage unit, and not individual items. Bids can start as low as a few dollars and end up at a few hundred dollars, or even higher depending on the contents of the storage unit. The best way to find out about these auctions is to look for ads in the newspaper or on the internet. You can also consult auction newsletters or directly call local storage facilities.

Auctions are usually held in one of three ways:

Tips for successful auctions:

With a little preparation, self-storage facility auctions can be a great way to acquire some real treasures.

The advice on this website is provided as a courtesy for informational purposes only. “Storage Tips” are offered as-is and no warranty is expressed or implied. For more information, see StorageFront’s Terms and Conditions.

The world of self storage offers customers many options, including climate control. Anything other than outdoor storage should provide a basic level of protection against the elements, but blocking the wind and rain is not always enough. Some customers or certain types of stored goods will require more protection, particularly when the storage facility resides in an area that experiences extremely high or low temperatures or high humidity.

The type of climate control features available vary from one storage facility to another. Some do not offer anything while others offer different levels of climate protection. This service generally costs extra. Parts of the country that reach temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit may require air conditioning to protect items from problems like rotting or

yellowing

. Self storage units in areas that fall below 32 degrees Fahrenheit may need to be heated to prevent cracking or warping. Places with both extremes may need climate control, including humidity protection. The longer you rent a unit, the more likely you are to need to control the unit’s climate.

Types of storage facilities

Items that require climate-controlled storage

High humidity may cause items containing fabric to mold or mildew or wood items to rot. Electronics may be damaged in the heat by moisture that can accumulate internally. Food and

wine can spoil when warmed too much or frozen

. Metal can rust and plastics melt in the wrong conditions. Consider how cold, heat, moisture or lack of light could affect your items as you select a self storage facility. Check with management for tips on protecting your goods. A few items that may suffer without a carefully controlled climate follow:

Precautionary steps

Regardless of the level of protection offered by your self storage facility, you may want to consider taking a few precautions of your own. Protecting your goods from climate-related damage may ultimately protect you by inhibiting the growth of odors, bacteria, viruses and mold that could be harmful to your health. When preparing a self storage unit, consider doing the following:

Cold storage has the added protection of limiting or preventing insects from entering your self storage unit. Regardless of the temperature of your unit, check with management at the self storage facilities you are considering to see what steps they take to control and prevent insects and vermin from entering storage units.

Mobile storage adds a new dimension to traditional self storage options. Instead of driving your goods to a storage unit, mobile storage companies will bring the storage unit to you. They will remove the unit when you are done with it, or once you have packed it, they will take the unit and your belongings to their secure storage facility to be kept short- or long-term. In addition, if you move, they can transfer your storage unit to the next county or the opposite corner of the country. Each mobile storage company offers different features including varying sized units, climate control features that adjust temperature or compensate for humidity, different door configurations – one, one on both ends, or one or more in the middle – and of course, different prices. Units are available for home or business use. Doors can be fitted with added security features, depending on customer needs. For added security, the renter normally has the only key. Mobile storage units look like large metal crates or small train cars. They can be left on your lawn or driveway. You may fill them as quickly or slowly as you need. If you plan to do home renovations, you may find it helpful to use mobile storage units to hold furniture while you tear down a wall or paint the ceiling. As soon as you are done, you can return the items to their rightful place in the home without the hassle of renting a truck or driving back and forth to a storage facility. While goods are held at the storage facility, you can visit them and add or remove items. You may need to give notice before you stop by, though. Management may need to move your unit in order for you to access it as mobile storage companies often stack units on top of each other. The cost of mobile storage is competitive with other self storage options, but it does include the added cost of transportation fees. If you send the unit to the company for safekeeping or need the unit moved, you could incur additional expenses. Still, you may be surprised when you do a cost comparison. When moving, compare the costs of hiring a moving company or of renting you own truck to the prices charged by mobile storage companies. You may find that the costs are competitive but find the convenience of packing a mobile storage unit at your own pace to be invaluable.

Perhaps you have decided to redecorate and clear your home of everything you do not use, or you have inherited some great antiques but do not currently have space for them in your crowded cottage. Maybe you have a collection of rare books that you don’t want your young children to discover and potentially destroy, or you plan to renovate that cherry red 1965 Mustang that you found rusting on an old farm and bought on a whim, but you don’t have the garage space to store it at home. For whatever reason, you have decided to lease a self storage unit for your valuables, but you want to ensure that you choose a place where your treasures will be well protected. Self storage companies provide security, but some offer more than others. Talk with management, and make a site visit before renting to familiarize yourself with the safety of the neighborhood. Check to see for yourself if the facility is in good repair and the grounds well tended. This will give you a chance to see if the security guard is asleep on the job or if the keypad entry is on the fritz. See if you can tour the grounds alone so that you can talk freely with current patrons and discuss problems they may have had with management or hear the praise they have to offer.

Find out what

security features

the facility offers.

Here are a few things to look for:

When choosing between storage options, you have several choices. You may want to opt for one of the various types of standard self storage facilities, or you may find that the level of

convenience offered by mobile storage units

better suits your needs. What is the difference? Both self storage and mobile storage companies rent different sized rooms to store items. Mobile storage companies go one step further, however. They bring the storage unit to you and will take it away and store it at their facility if you like. They also will move the unit to another location, even across the country, if you so choose. Both self storage and mobile storage companies offer some of the same features in their units, but they also have notable differences…

Over the years self storage companies have evolved. Customers needs have shaped the design of many of today’s self storage facilities. They now provide specialty services to meet needs for temperature control, humidity control, document protection, business storage, wine storage and mobility. A standard self storage facility provides rooms in a large building or drive-up units that look like garages. Some companies offer outdoor units to store vehicles and other items that are able to withstand the elements. Outdoor units may include a space with a roof, floor and fence. Those who don’t want to leave their vehicles on the street may choose these units for added security. Storage complexes often are protected by a fence that surrounds the entire storage complex and include additional security features like controlled access, lighting and video surveillance. Standard self storage facilities, however, do not take care of the needs of all people who want to store belongings outside their homes or businesses. To accommodate these customers, specialty services have been created. Some self storage facilities specialize in protecting goods from extreme temperatures and moisture. These factors can be a problem in many situations…

Wine

Perhaps you and your husband recently returned from a tour of California wine country with a case from each of your favorite wineries. Once home you realized you had nowhere to put them except in a closet that sets next to the furnace. You decide to lease a

self storage unit that specializes in wine storage

or that offers climate control features. Some facilities provide temperature controlled cupboards or rooms with built-in wine racks. Other areas have underground caves that have been converted into storage facilities. These may work great for wine as they naturally remain at a cool and constant temperature. Wine needs to be kept cool, below seventy-five degrees, but the temperature must also remain fairly constant with only slight changes of about three degrees or less from day to day and five degrees or less per year. The ideal temperature is around fifty-four degrees. Humidity should also be kept around seventy percent to keep the cork moist. Higher humidity can cause problems. Other things to avoid are heat and vibration. Bottles should be stored flat rather than upright. If you plan to store fine wine, learn more about it. Different types of wines require different storage conditions.

Documents

Maybe you run a legal firm and have boxes of records that you are required by law to store. Although you have digital backups, you want to maintain some of the originals. Your business has taken off, so you just took on a new staff member. Unfortunately, the only unoccupied room was the file room. You need to give the new guy that room for his office. Moving to a larger facility would be costly, so you decide to save money by

placing the bulk of your files into a storage facility

. Although you checked into document storage companies that pick up, file, store and deliver your documents back to you as needed, you decided all you really need is a storage unit nearby where you can easily rummage for a needed document whenever you want. Documents require reliable protection from the elements. Moisture, even humidity, can cause them to yellow, curl or mold. Choose a climate controlled unit that protects against humidity.

Business

You own a small antique store but have too much inventory. You love to search for treasures at flea markets and estate sales and on trips to places far and wide where you find unique artistry not found in your little corner of the world. In addition, people often come to you offering to sell family heirlooms that you know your customers would love to see on your shelves. Unfortunately, the high volume of inventory has put your displays in danger of moving from tasteful to gaudy. Your backroom leaves you with barely room to walk. The answer may be to find a self storage unit that specializes in helping businesses store their goods in a secure setting. Some companies provide shelving and loading ramps. Others offer air conditioned offices attached to s

elf storage units or even storefronts for small business owners

Antiques

You recently inherited chests of old clothes hand stitched by your grandmother but have little room at home. You love the poodle skirts, prom dresses and doll clothes and have no desire to give them away, but you want to protect them. Moisture can damage clothing, so you choose to store your heirlooms in a climate controlled self storage unit in archival quality wardrobes. You hang what you can on thickly cushioned hangers and cover the outfits in cotton clothes bags.

Mobile

In addition to climate control, the need for convenience has created another niche in the self storage marketplace. Some people do not want the hassle of renting a truck and moving items to a self storage facility and then moving them out, possibly just a short time later, but they still need storage. To simplify the process, some

storage companies will bring the storage unit to you

. Mobile storage units come in different sizes and generally look like a metal, room-sized box. Some have special locking systems to improve security. Others offer climate control features. Mobile storage companies will drop the unit in your business parking lot or your home’s driveway. You can keep them there as long as you choose or have the company pick up the unit after you have filled it. They will take it to their storage headquarters where they are often stacked. You may need to call ahead when you visit the mobile storage site to give management time to place the unit where you can reach it. If you plan to move, the company can ship your self storage unit to your new home whether it is across town or in another region of the country. Some companies even provide a packing crew for an extra fee.

Once you decide to rent a storage unit, one of the most important questions to ask is: Which items are

not

safe to store? It’s wise to do an inventory of items you plan to place in storage. Share the list with the manager of the storage facility. Most facilities will have you sign a contract stating that you will abide by a set of rules and regulations and that you will not store certain types of items like flammable liquids or food. Management will know what can and cannot be stored, but here are some beginner pointers.

Don’t place explosive, combustible or toxic items into storage

Those vintage kerosene lamps should be emptied and cleaned before packing them into your self storage unit. Other potentially explosive or combustible materials include gasoline, paint thinners, cleaning solvents, motor oil, propane tanks, paint, corrosives, alcohol and fireworks.  Potentially explosive materials can be hazardous to your health and to others. You want to ensure the items you are storing are kept safe and having a flammable liquid nearby could endanger them.  Be sure to check with the storage facility manager for a complete list of explosive items.

Don’t put weapons into storage

Weapons of any type are generally prohibited from being stored in self storage facilities. This includes antique firearms such as that pre-World War II artillery collection. Firearms can be potentially explosive and also dangerous if they were to fall into the wrong hands.

Don’t put radioactive materials or equipment in storage

Radioactive materials are found in some medical supplies. While most types of medical supplies can be kept in storage, those items containing radioactive materials or equipment cannot. While most of us don’t commonly keep medical supplies around the home or office in large quantities, medical personnel or sales reps may have an abundance of such items, most of which could be kept in a storage unit.

Don’t place broken-down or unregistered vehicles in storage

While it is a common practice to

place vehicles in storage

, regulations typically state that the vehicle

must be operable and properly registered, licensed and insured. You are still liable for a stored vehicle and any damage that could be caused by the vehicle, thus warranting the need for insurance. Also, many storage units limit the storage of tires. Often no more than four tires can be stored in a unit. This is to help keep the cost of disposing of the tires low should you fail to fulfill your contract terms and claim your items.

Don’t assume that all construction equipment can be placed in storage

While it is a common practice for many

construction companies to place overstock equipment pieces into a rented storage unit

, there are some exceptions. Never place equipment used for underground drilling or tracking of water into storage units as this violates the law. Be sure to check with the manager of the storage facility you are renting for a complete list of construction items that can and cannot be placed in storage – as lists tend to vary from place to place and are subject to change.

Don’t place perishable food items or animal products in storage

While it may be fine to place properly sealed canned food into storage units, do not store perishable food items such as cereals, flour, meats or cheeses. Also, do not store animal products such as cat litter or pet food in storage. These items will quickly spoil, create a foul odor and attract bugs and rodents. If these items cannot be quickly consumed, consider giving them away or tossing them out. You don’t want to waste money storing spoiled food.

Don’t keep your pets in storage

It may seem obvious, but plants and animals, dead or alive, are prohibited from being placed in storage. While it may be tempting to temporarily place your dog, ‘Bubbles,’ into your climate-controlled storage unit for a few days while you take that out of town trip, this is never recommended. Any supplies you leave her will not make up for the fact that storage units are poorly ventilated. If you don’t want to leave her home alone, consider finding a pet sitter, keeping her in a kennel or dropping her off at your sister’s house for a few days.

Don’t live in the storage unit

It may seem absurd, but cases of this have shown up on the nightly news. In desperate situations, a storage unit may seem better than the street, but this is not allowed and for good reason. Storage units are often dark and poorly ventilated with no cooking or restroom facilities. Many have no way to regulate the temperature. Customers are not allowed to plug in refrigerators, stoves, heaters, generators or air conditioners. For your safety and the security of other customers, storage units cannot be used as a motel.

Before you lease a self storage unit, consider a few things besides the basic questions of size and price.

Your daughter and her buddies finally got a band together. Maybe they’ve even played a few gigs, but they need to rehearse, and you realize that finding a space where countless hours of hard-rocking noise is welcomed is hard to come by. Your neighbors have made it clear, they won’t allow it on your block. Storage units may be an option, but artists need to be aware of the limitations and regulations that define how this space can be used. Not all facilities will allow on-site jam sessions. Check with management first. If they allow it, will neighbors complain, or is the facility private enough to offer creative freedom for your screaming guitar without the nuisance of police intervention? If the facility’s management allows you to rehearse there, will your budding songstress be surrounded by a lot of other musicians taking advantage of the policy? Visit the place to see if you want your daughter hanging out with the people who rehearse there. Find out if the building has been coded by the city or county as rehearsal space or if it would be unsafe for anyone to spend extended amounts of time there. Ideally, look for a professionally run rehearsal facility where management clearly understands the unique needs of musicians. Storage units should be overseen by professionals. Carefully look through the facility. Are alarm systems manned by professionals who will take immediate action? Is the security guard half-asleep, or could he effectively stop a crime in progress. Is the owner a buddy who would rather join the music than stand up to those engaged in inappropriate behavior, or is he absent when he should be on duty? If you are going to store your musical equipment in the storage unit, here are a few tips:

Whether the rehearsal space is for your teenager or for you, carefully choose a location to practice that is safe and approved for use as a rehearsal facility. Look for management that understands your needs and takes pride in their professionalism.

Perhaps you just moved in with a friend, are sharing a dorm room or finally moved out on your own, and you find that you have a few extra items that just seem to be in the way. Self-storage is a great option for storing those boxes of out-of-season clothes, your awkward sporting gear or that odd piece of furniture that doesn’t fit into the new space. But what if you don’t have a lot of extras, just a few that are worth keeping but not worth tripping over on your way from bed to the bathroom in the middle of the night. When you don’t have a lot of extras, should you share a storage space with a friend, roommate or relative?

In short, treat your storage partner like a roommate. Choose someone responsible and trustworthy. Clearly communicate your rules and expectations, and prepare for the possibility of problems. You don’t want to lose a friend over a few items in storage.

That time of year has arrived when the days get longer, and it becomes easier to do something about the carpet stains, dust and stale air that have built up during the last few weeks and, perhaps, months. Finally, you can throw open all of the windows and let in the fresh air without freezing. Now, get ready to revitalize your home with a good spring cleaning. Whether you conduct a full-house cleaning once a year or once a month, you may want to consider renting a self storage unit to get things out of the way during the process. In addition, cleaning and organizing easily can turn into redecorating. Self storage facilities are great places to store items for the long-term that do not fit into your updated home design scheme but that you are not ready to toss, sell or donate.

Spring Cleaning Tips

Spring cleaning may be a lot of work, but the payoff is a brighter, safer home. That can give you a new perspective and prepare you to meet life’s other challenges. To find self storage facilities for your bulky out-of-season gear, tools, and other odds and ends or to protect your goods for a few days while the house is in upheaval, use StorageFront.

A newborn will soon grace your home, and you have a lot to do to get ready. Perhaps your private study or guest bedroom needs to be cleared out and filled with baby gear, everything from a crib to a changing table to a comfortable rocker where you can relax as you soothe your baby to sleep. All the current contents of the new baby’s room will need a place to go. Consider renting a self storage unit to hold it while you rearrange. You may need to store this furniture until you have somewhere functional to place it and time to put into decorating something other than the new arrival’s room. If your family has passed on some of their treasured furnishings, you can store them in the self storage unit while you prepare the room. For some excited parents the baby may not be due for seven months, but they cannot wait to buy that perfect crib set and piles of baby clothes and toys. On the other hand, it could be that grandpa has been waiting patiently for the day he could pass along daddy’s old, handmade crib and happily delivers it to your house the day he hears news of the new grandbaby. Unfortunately, until the baby’s room has been prepped, you may have nowhere to put these beautiful, and rather large, pieces. In addition, as you look at your home with the baby’s needs in mind, you may find that some of your furniture will not work well around a baby. Your multi-tiered glass end tables that have been the envy of all your friends might too easily turn into an unstable and breakable jungle gym when your crawler is learning to pull himself up. Perhaps, you will want to clear out your coffee table for awhile because of its sharp corners and to make extra play room. A big, open space right in front of the spot where you relax and watch television might be the perfect place to toss down a blanket and let your infant bat at a mobile-style play gym or learn to scoot.

As you prepare for the baby, keep these steps in mind.

A handy self storage unit will provide you with extra room while you prepare for your baby and when it is time to tuck those treasures away for future use. After your little one has outgrown the bassinet, the changing table and, finally, the crib, you may find that a self storage unit will help you hold onto the baby gear, and the investment that went into it, long enough to decide when, or if, you will have another child. Check out StorageFront for a list of self storage facilities near you.

The time before and after a couple’s wedding can be one of the most exciting, joyous periods in life. In these days the bride and groom are the center of attention to each other and amongst family and friends. The decisions made during this time will change the direction of their lives and should be managed thoughtfully. The ceremony and surrounding events come with a lot of planning and preparation. The event must be organized, a location set, a reception hall decided, a wedding party chosen, invitations selected and sent, a bridal gown and tuxedo fitted along with wedding party attire, reception outfits and honeymoon gear. Just the thought of all that work can make a wedding planner breathless. Yet, these are only a few things that need to be done. As the couple gathers items for the big event, they may need somewhere to store them. A self storage unit, particularly one with climate control features that will keep wedding clothes cool and dry, could help the couple and their helpers stay organized as the event approaches.

Storage During the Planning Stage

Storage After the Wedding

Those planning a wedding can use StorageFront to discover local self storage options and to narrow down the choices to the one that works best for their needs.

Garage sales and flea markets are a great way to find unusual and every day items at a reasonable price. People in neighborhoods around the country often have garage sales during the spring and summer months when the weather is warmer. Spending the day looking for garage sales can be a fun experience, and a way to find all kinds of great items for much less than retail. Flea markets are a larger version of garage sales, where many different merchants gather to sell items both used and new. Antique and vintage items can often be found at flea markets and garage sales as well. You’ll be surprised at what you might find.

Garage Sale Location Guides

Flea Market Location Guides

Garage Sale Pricing Guides

Garage Sale Tips & Resources

So you want to have a garage sale to get rid of some of your old things? The question is where to store and organize your items while you are getting ready. A self-storage unit is your answer. Your basement storage room may be so full that you have no idea what is in there, and no room to sort through it. Your garage may be full of tools, bicycles, kids’ toys, yard tools, and sporting equipment, not to mention your cars. An empty storage unit is the perfect place to sort and price all of your items.

The best way to keep things in order is to categorize things as you drop them off at the storage unit. Sort your items by categories you might see in a department store or secondhand store — kitchen, clothing, toys, appliances, linens, sporting goods, etc. It will save you lots of time as your sale approaches. Instead of having to scramble to sort things as the sale date nears, all you will need to do is go in and tag things. (You can even price things as you drop them off.) As you go through things in your storage room or people give you their hand-me-down clothes, you take them right to the storage unit. If you are having a sale with friends or family, you can split the cost of the storage unit. That greatly increases the benefits of using a self-storage unit to store your items because it reduces the expense. As the date of your yard sale approaches, set up the racks and tables in your garage before you bring your things over from the storage unit. Have some idea of where you would like things to go. All you will need to do is load up your van or truck with your items and unload them onto the tables and racks in your garage. Everything will already be sorted and priced. Having the storage unit also will let you concentrate on preparing for the sale without distractions. Leave the kids, computers, and phones at home and spend time sorting and tagging without the common interruptions. If you have an annual sale, you can bring items to your storage unit year-round. If you keep it well-organized, setting up for your sale should be simple.

It can be a challenge to maintain an organized living space that always meets your needs, especially in college. In order to meet high expectations for your room and maybe impress your parents when they stop by for a visit, you will need to have a consistent method for organizing your clothes, books and everything else that you accumulate throughout the year. Sometimes, despite your best organizational plans, closet space can become maxed out. When this happens, self storage may be the best available option to regain order in your lifestyle.

Here are some tips that can help you efficiently organize your closet:

1. Purchase a closet organizer with divisions that help you separate your professional attire from casual. Many also give you space to hold shoes.
2. Put shelves in your closet (if allowed).
3. Purchase a ‘cube’ system that you can customize to fit your closet space. These are great for any clothes you fold up and allow you to easily see what you have.
4. Keep dirty clothes in a hamper with a lid to help contain odors.

Once you have organized everything, you can better judge whether you need more space. There is a physical limit as to how much stuff can be put into your closet. If you run out of room and cannot spare any more living space for your odds and ends, consider renting a self storage unit.

Below are some benefits of self storage:

1. A self storage unit provides you with a nearby location to store your extra things where they are out of the way but may be taken out at your convenience.
2. You can utilize most of the same techniques you used to gain efficient closet space in your storage unit.
3. Having extra storage allows you to rotate seasonal clothing throughout the year without cluttering your room.
4. Your roommate will be happy the room is not cluttered and out of control.
5. You can use the storage unit for the rest of your things when you move out of your dorm room at the beginning of summer break. Already having one rented may ensure that you get a space in your preferred self storage company at this time of your when many students are seeking to rent a limited number of self storage spaces.

Renting self storage space, of course, costs money. Squeezing out any extra funds on a college budget can be a challenge. If this is problem for you, consider renting a space with friends. Be clear on your rules, though, so that all payments get made on time, and you do not fight over space. Check in with the self storage company every so often, even if the unit is in your friend’s name to make sure all bills have been paid. Be careful using credit cards. Signing up for automatic bill payment on a credit card may be convenient, but if the card gets maxed out and the payment does not go through, you may not notice the problem until late fees have been tacked onto your bill or, worse, management at the self storage facility informs you that your belongings are going up for auction unless they get all unpaid bills and fees right away. Do not rely on your friend to tell you if there is a problem, check in with the staff at the self storage company yourself every so often. In addition to traditional self storage units, you may find it useful to use the following alternate types of storage

Alternate types of storage:

1. Portable storage units may be available in your area. Renting one of these may save you the cost and time of transporting your items to a self storage facility or of shipping them home. When you order a portable storage unit, the storage company will haul a large storage container to your location. You pack your items into it at your convenience. The company then hauls the box back to their facility. You may access your items from there with a little advance notice. If you prefer, you can have the portable storage container left at your dorm (with campus approval), in your friend’s house (if your friend agrees to it) or at some other location of your choice.
2. In some situations it may be best to send things home to mom and dad. This way you will not have to pay a monthly fee for storage. However, it will be more difficult to get something you need if you send it all the way back home.
3. Some companies also offer storage by mail. Here, you pay a monthly rate based on the size of each box that you store with the company. You may have shipping charges, also. This storage option helps you avoid the cost of wasted space in a storage unit and protects you from the possibility of family members messing with your personal belongings.

A student’s college dorm room or apartment is the one place where he can go to get away from the hustle and bustle of a crowded campus, even if he has to share it with a roommate. Still, how you initially structure your space can have profound impacts on the way you feel about it later on. In order to create a comfortable space that accomplishes all of your goals, it is most helpful to plan ahead and pursue your goals from the beginning. Self storage may open up possibilities for you to create a welcoming atmosphere that you can be proud to call home, especially when the space is a dorm room or small apartment. Before deciding whether or not to reserve a storage unit, you might find it helpful to first consider what purposes your space will fulfill. Consider the following questions:

1. Where will you position your bed in order to get the most rest? Do you want to be near the window to get fresh air or do you want to be far away from it and as much in the dark as possible?
2. Where do you like to study? Do you prefer to read and study on your bed, couch, special chair, at a clean desk, or do you usually just go to a study hall or library nearby?
3. What major furniture do you have that you need to make room for?
4. Do you want to have a space where you can have a party or do you prefer sharing your space with just a few close friends?
5. What unique or cool item can you strategically position in your room that is sure to always spur conversation?
6. If you have a roommate, what are her needs? How can you combine goals to live in near perfect harmony for an entire academic year?

Planning and creativity is everything when it comes to designing an enjoyable space that will last an entire year of college. Depending on you and your roommate’s goals, you might find that renting a self storage unit can come in quite handy. Not only will you get all of the junk out of your room that you will not use regularly, but you will also have those items within reach when the ’80s party nears and you need that dusty old outfit that your dad used to wear (and still thinks is “totally rad”). More practically, you can rotate seasonal clothing throughout the year to save space. While you are at it, you will have a space to hold the books you are waiting to be bought up on Ebay; you may end up paying off a good deal of the storage rental cost this way. The possibilities are vast and the extra space you save can open up possibilities for you to further enjoy your room. Here are some ideas:

1. Get a nice rug to give your tile or plain carpet floor a more home-like feel.
2. Purchase a Color Cube 500 and entice your friends to come study in your mellow, relaxed, ambiance-rich room.
3. Buy a disco ball. Move your furniture against the walls of the room, and then you will have more space to party with friends.
4. Get a lamp that matches your personality and avoid the glaring, annoying fluorescent lights that come standard with your room.
5. Actually use the iron mom gave you, and put your clothes more neatly in drawers with the extra closet space acquired.
6. Make your room smell nice with incense since classmates may be more likely to visit your less cluttered room.

Remember, you want to balance your personality with the necessities of your dorm room (including study space) and use your creativity to make it attractive to others so they, too, enjoy spending time in your space. By taking the time to design the space and tailor it to your preferences, you may find that you will be less homesick and closer to being prepared to enter the real world. If you do not have a vehicle to transport your items to storage, consider renting a portable storage unit. A company will haul a large preordered box to your location and move it for you once you store your items. Another alternative to self storage is shipping your items home to mom and dad. Of course, you will not be able to access those items very easily, and it will take extra care (and money) to ship fragile items. Check out StorageFront.com to search for portable and traditional storage companies near you.

The end of the academic year is often a stressful time for a college students. Not only do they have to deal with the pressures of final exams, departing from friends for the summer, bidding farewell to graduating seniors and organizing plans for their (hopefully productive) summer, but students also must figure out what they are going to do with all of the stuff in their rooms. Figuring out summer storage can be a tedious and exhaustive task.  The concept of portable storage may be somewhat different than what mom and pop are used to, yet it can be a huge time saver for busy college students.  With portable storage, a company will actually haul a large preordered box to a requested location.  Upon delivery, the client may load items to be stored at his or her convenience.  After the items are stored, the company will bring a vehicle back to pick up the portable storage container and take it to their storage location. However, some companies also allow clients to leave the portable storage containers at the location of their choice since they have locks and are durable enough to endure normal weather conditions.  Some companies offer indoor indoor portable storage where clients’ items are kept safe in climate-controlled environments while others store portable storage containers outdoors on their gated property.  Some feature portable storage units with special features likes extra security, two doors or climate controls that can be adjusted by the person who leases the units. In short, students have a wide array of options when it comes to portable self storage. Portable storage can be a good solution for college students if they have furniture that is too big to take home and too valuable to give away. Additionally, a portable storage unit can be useful if it will be difficult to find reliable transportation for your things.

Below are more specific benefits of utilizing portable storage:

Of course, portable storage is significantly more expensive than traditional storage options.  Regardless, the extra time that the companies give you to store your items at your convenience can help students to completely separate the things they want to take home from the things they want to leave in storage. When thinking about renting a portable storage unit or leasing a storage room for the summer, you may want to consider the following questions (especially if you are on a budget).

Need storage on a student budget? Consider these questions:

People who rent a self storage space need to have confidence that, not only will their belongings be safe, but also that they will be secure while at the facility. Perhaps the time has come to send your daughter off to college. She has loaded her car with far more than will fit into the tiny dorm room she will share with her new college roommate. The two of you have come to an agreement. She can bring her stuffed animal collection and the stack of books and high school notes that she insists will help her in college, but she must rent a small self storage unit so that her stuff does not spill into her dorm partner’s side of the room and cause tension between the girls. How do you find a self storage unit that will, not only protect her belongings, but also will be safe for her to visit, even if she decides she has to make a midnight run to get that dictionary she forgot in the bottom of a box?

The college years may be a time to expand your mind, but physical space can be a problem. There are only so many cubbies, nooks and crannies in your dorm room.  After you have completely suffocated and crushed whatever gear you neatly stowed under your bed in the fall with all the extra  clothes and books that you accumulated throughout the year, what do you do to make space in your room to walk?  Parents Weekend is coming up!  Mom will be furious if she finds out that her child lives in a pigsty.  Dad will surely give another lecture on male etiquette, which, as usual, ends with “You’ll never impress a girl like that!”  A quick fix and a breath of fresh air — literally — may come with a call to the local self storage company. Depending on the time of year, it may be tricky to find a cheap, available self storage space right away, especially if you live in a small to medium-sized college town.  It may even be nearly impossible if you try to search within the last month of the semester unless you are willing to travel a few extra miles from campus.  However, if you are looking just to free up some space during the year and you do not want to ship your “valuables” across the country to mom and dad’s basement, then renting a small storage unit may be worth the cost.  There are just a few things you may want to ask a company before renting a unit:

Now that you have a self storage unit, what do you store?  Nothing illegal, of course, but also nothing flammable or perishable!  Some places offer outdoor storage, which works great for your car if you have to leave it over spring or summer break. Others offer special features like air conditioning or climate control that protect your goods from extreme temperatures and humidity. Things to be stored include old textbooks, seasonal clothes, clothes you know you are not going to wear until

maybe

next Halloween, and that box you’ve had since freshman year that you know is not important enough to take the time to open. Here are a few tips to help make things easy to find in your self storage unit:

By freeing up some space in your room, not only will you make your parents proud (and potentially that cutie in Chem lab), but you will also be able to start doing all of the things you couldn’t in that wasteland you used to call home.