Friday, May 30, 2014

Too Much Stuff?



Too much stuff? Store it safely with Railroad Avenue Self Storage in Fairfield, California. With gated access, multiple unit sizes, and onsite managers, they are sure to have the storage solution that's right for you. And every unit is ground level making drive-up access easier so you can get your belongings when you need them. Contact them today.

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

4 Questions To Help You Decide: Chuck or Store?

Very often during spring cleaning, we tend to find items that we hardly see or have even forgotten about them. This through clean up of the home allows us to discover many different things but truthfully, most of us have no idea what to do with them. Do we keep them in the storeroom or do we chuck them? If we need them in the future and we chuck them, it will cost us quite a fair bit of money. If we do not ever need them and decide to still keep them, it will take up a lot of precious space. Fret not! Below are some questions to ask yourself that might be able to help you make the right decision.

Question 1: Will I ever use it again?

This is the most important question and should always be asked first. Will I ever use it again? If you had no recollection of the items until only now, there is a high chance that you will never need it again. Naturally, if you need it, you will definitely be seeing it very often. As a rule of thumb, if you did not use the item for more than half a year, you probably won't use it again.

Question 2: Can it be replaced by something else?

Another question you should ask yourself is whether the item can be replaced by something else. Take for example a huge radio set that is kept in storage. Can the radio be replaced by another item such as a smaller multi function dock mp3 player? If yes, you should be chucking the old huge radio away since there is something that is smaller which can easily replace the old one.

Question 3: How often will I use it in the future?

If your answer to the 1st question is yes, then you will need to answer this question. How often will you use it in the future? If it is something that you only need to use once yearly, you might want to reconsider your decision. Keeping something that is hardly used and allowing it to take up space is a huge mistake.

Question 4: Why am I keeping it?

Why are you keeping it? This question applies to all of the items. Are you keeping it because it is useful or are you keeping it purely for sentimental reasons? You may have discovered a large glass bottle filled with hand folded stars from your secret admirer back in school. However, there is no other purpose of it other than sentimental value.

Above are 4 questions that you should ask yourself to decide whether to keep or chuck items. Improper planning and packing can lead to inefficient usage of space and this can cause you to spend unnecessary money to obtain extra space.

Running out of space at home? We introduce to you Big Orange where professional storage tips and storage space will be offered to maximize your storage space.
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Saturday, May 24, 2014

6 Easy Steps to Start Using Self Storage

After much thinking, you have decided on a self storage company to store with. So what now? How do you actually start using it? What are the steps to start using self storage? The best way is to personally go down to the facility and know exactly what you want and what is needed.

1. Know what you want to store

Before even deciding to store with which self storage company, you should ask yourself whether do you really need self storage. Are you lacking in space at home or in your office? Are the items worth storing or are they better off thrown away?

2. Know the duration of storage

How long are you intending to store the things? If you are intending for long term storage, use this as a bargain chip to negotiate for a lower rental cost. If it's short term storage, it doesn't really matter much.

3. Know the size of the unit required

Different storage unit sizes will incur different rental cost. Always plan what you are intending to store now and in the near future. You do not want a scenario where your existing storage unit is too small after a few months. Neither do you want a unit that is too huge nor are you paying for the excess space that is never going to be utilised.

4. Know the type of storage required

Depending on the things that you wish to store, a normal storage unit may do fine. If you are intending to store things that are sensitive to moisture or temperature, you will need a special temperature controlled unit which will cost more.

5. Location of the self storage facility

The location of the self storage facility is very important. You do not want to spend hours travelling to the facility just to retrieve your items. Neither do you want a facility that is located in a prime located which is double or triple the rental cost elsewhere. You need to strike a balance between location, accessibility, convenience and cost.

6. Transportation options

You need to plan out how you are going to transport your items to the self storage facility. Are you going to use your own vehicle, rent a van, engage a professional mover or use the self storage company's movers? All these depend on the size and quantity of your items as well as your budget constraints.

Above are 6 easy steps to kick starting your self storage experience. Self storage is a fun thing and it should be simple and fuss free. You will be amazed at the convenience it brings you and the extra space you gained in your home or office.

Running out of space at home? We introduce to you Big Orange where professional storage tips and storage space will be offered to maximize your storage space.
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Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Tips in Maintaining Leather Products Due for Storage

Leather can last you for a lifetime if you store and maintain it well enough. When you purchase leather products, treat them as if they were your automobile. When stored properly, you will be amazed by how they function and look even years after you first purchase them. Here are some tips to help you out!

Acid free stuffing paper

When you are storing leather products such as shoes and shirts, you will definitely need paper to retain their shape. However, acid paper will attack the leather and cause damage to them. Use acid free stuffing paper when you need to stuff leather products!

Hang leather clothes

When you are storing leather clothes, hang them instead of folding them to prevent creases. Creases over time will add stress to the leather and cause them to crack. Also, use sturdy wooden hangers instead of plastic ones when you are hanging leather clothes. Plastic hangers are subjected to a plastic deformation called creep and this will cause the leather to be destroyed due to the heavy weight of the garment.

Leather moisturizer

Prior to storage, you should apply generous amounts of leather moisturiser or conditioners onto the leather products. These moisturisers commonly contain natural substances such as coconut oil, lanolin and beeswax. These will ensure that your leather products are properly hydrated and protected against moisture and dirt.

Use a well ventilated container

You should always store leather items in a breathable container. Using an air tight container will cause all the moisture to accumulate and eventually damage your leather product. A breathable container allows for the frequent exchange of air, keeping your product fresh and odour-free.

Keep away from sunlight

Sunlight is the greatest enemy of leather. Sunlight will dry up the fibres inside leather and cause it to be dehydrated and crack. Sunlight will also cause discolouration of leather. So always remember to store it somewhere dark and cool.

Place a dehumidifier nearby

Placing a good dehumidifier nearby in the storage area will absorb excessive moisture and prevent it from damaging your stored items. Moisture is essential to prevent cracking but too much of it will damage your things instead. A good dehumidifier doesn't cause much but it will be a saviour to your leather items.

It is not difficult to store leather products if you follow the tips listed above. Storing it properly will ensure that your leather goods will serve you well for a long time. After all, leather products are meant to last a lifetime.

Running out of space at home? We introduce you Big Orange where professional storage tips and storage space will be offered to maximize your storage space.
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Sunday, May 18, 2014

Top 5 Breakdown of Items Stored in Self Storage Facilities

Self storage is essentially DIY storage which you yourself have to plan and manage your own storage space. You have full control over how you want to store and using what tools to. Self storage is also very flexible, allowing customers to access their items whenever they need to and have a short rental package that are renewed periodically. Let's take a look at the breakdown of items commonly stored in self storage facilities.

Documents

Self storage is used not only for personal items but also for office documents. Office rental rates are soaring and it does not make sense financially to rent additional space in a prime area just for the storage of archive documents. Therefore, more and more small-medium enterprises (SME) are moving their documents to be stored in self storage facilities which offer exactly the same storage flexibility as that of their own office but at a much lower rate.

Clothes

A house is only so big and storage space for clothes is limited. One popular item stored in self storage is clothes such as thick winter fur coats which are only used occasionally in a year. This is especially so for customers who are living just next to the storage facility, providing those with extreme ease when they need to remove clothes for their own usage.

Cars

Cars are another hot item that is stored in self storage facilities. Due to reluctance of exposing your "wife" out to the natural elements, most people choose to store them in a sheltered area that offers security features so that they do not have to worry about break-ins. Without any restrictions to access the car, owners do not need to plan in advance when to use their own cars.

Seasonal decorations

Seasonal decorations such as Christmas trees or Chinese New Year greetings are only used once a year and keeping them in the storeroom for the other 11 months simply does not make sense. Therefore, many people prefer to keep them in self storage facilities together with the rest of their excess items, accessing them only when needed.

Emergency supplies

We can never predict when the next emergency will occur, be it an earthquake, hurricane or even the ongoing haze. Did you manage to get your N95 mask from the retailers during this haze period? How nice it would be if you had your own masks and eye drops stored in a self storage unit. Self storage units are excellent to store emergency supplies and you can immediately access it when something happens.

Running out of space at home? We introduce to you Big Orange where professional storage tips and storage space will be offered to maximize your storage space.
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Thursday, May 15, 2014

Railroad Ave Self Storage Special Offers!

We have great move-in specials that change frequently. Please call our office at (707) 425-7300 for our current specials.
 
 SPECIAL WEB ONLY OFFER!!!

Tell us you visited our website and receive a FREE deluxe lock with your rental.
 

Monday, May 12, 2014

Why All Students Should Be Using Self Storage

Being a student naturally means you have to move house fairly often. In their first year, the majority of residential students are placed into University Halls of Residence, but come the summertime, they are often not allowed to stay. Universities often use the halls for accommodation for their own conferences or events over the summer break, meaning most students will be asked to move out as soon as the term is over.

Moving everything back to Mums can be a drag. Undoubtedly you will have collected a number of things over the course of your first year, and that car load you came down with has probably expanded into two or even three loads by the time you have to move out. Not only that, but moving from halls is just the start of it. Eight to ten weeks later and you'll just have to move it all back again.

What should students do?

There are really only three options available to the student who has been given notice on their rooms for the summer.

Move straight to the accommodation they will be using next term

Sounds like a good idea; simply hire a van and move straight into your new student house - right? However, if you are not planning to stay in your University town for the summer holiday, then you face the prospect of paying full rent on your room while you are living somewhere else. Some landlords offer a 'retainer', which is basically reduced rent, but even this can work out very expensive compared to some other options. Not only that, but you are leaving your worldly possessions in an empty house for several weeks, leaving it open to theft and damage.

Move everything back to Mums

If you are going back to your parents' home over the summer, you could consider moving all your stuff back with you too. But what if it doesn't all fit in your car? Or if you don't have a car, what about the things Dad can't fit in his? Not only that, but in a few weeks' time you'll be faced with the prospect of moving it all back again, which seems a bit daft to say the least!

Put things in self storage

Self storage is an often overlooked facility in the student world. Storage units can be as small as a locker or as big as a warehouse, and are generally a lot cheaper than you might think. You can choose to just store your textbooks in the unit, or you can store everything for your room.. Many companies who have storage facilities in university towns already realise the benefits storage can bring to a student's summer, and therefore offer discounted rates for them around this time of year.

If you're a student faced with the prospect of clearing out of your accommodation for the summer, and don't know what to do, then do investigate the self-storage options around your university. Storing your stuff makes sense financially, practically and will keep everything safe for the summer. If you don't have access to a car or van to move your belongings remember that some storage companies do collection and delivery for you.

The author has written and published articles on a range of topics related to our home environment including moving home, storage companies do collection and deliveryage, decluttering, space in new homes, doing your own housere movals and the use of self-storage options to help us organise our possessions.
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Friday, May 9, 2014

3 Ideas To Estimate The Storage Size Needed

Many people say that making the decision to switch over to self storage is a tough one. What many people do not know is that deciding on the size of the storage to rent is the real difficult part. In self storage, you pay according to the size of your storage. Too small and you do not have room for future needs. Too big a storage space will cause you to pay unnecessary money to the company. Here are some tips for you on how to estimate the storage size you really need.

1. First and foremost, you need to list down exactly the things you wish to store in the unit. Only by listing them down will you be able to decide on their storage method. After the tedious planning process, you should start to think of how to store them. Self storage is not about chucking items in the unit. You need to maximise the space and have an efficient usage of the entire place. It is always good to store things of the same kind together and use boxes to keep things neat and tidy. You can always stack boxes all the way to the ceiling to further maximise space. By knowing how many boxes you need and the dimension of each box, you are able to make a rough guide of the storage size required.

2. You will also need to factor in extra space for fragile items. While you can stack boxes containing normal items on top of each other, you definitely will not do that for fragile items such as your precious antique vase. Sufficient walking space is also needed to prevent accidental knocks against the fragile things.

3. If you are intending to store large items such as an old mattress, wardrobe or even automobiles, you need to know their dimensions after protective packaging is applied onto them. If possible, always try to dismantle your items to not only keep things as small as possible, you also help to prevent accidental damages or even environmental degradation. You can easily free up around 60% of space if you knock down your furniture prior to storage instead of placing the entire piece inside. Also, the uneven design and edges will lead to a poor usage of space.

Self storage units come in various sizes catering to different needs of their customers. By using logic and tools to help you gauge on the storage size you need, you can not only save money but also free up space for others who need them more than you do.

Running out of space at home? We introduce you Big Orange where professional storage tips and storage space will be offered to maximize your storage space.
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Tuesday, May 6, 2014

4 Reasons Why Personal Self Storage Is Beneficial

Self storage facilities offer unrivalled flexibility and economical advantages for storing extra belongings of yours. More and more people are turning to self storage facilities as a cost effective way of storing excess things without the restrictions of warehouses which only operate during office hours. With a de-cluttered home and office, space is instantly increased and can be used to store things that are much more important. Let's discuss some reasons why self storage is beneficial for personal usage.

Value for money

Self storage rentals are based on the size of the storage unit used and they range from different sizes, allowing customers to choose one that suits their needs most. With proper planning and packing, customers can effectively maximise the storage unit and pay for what they use only. Gone are the days where you have to rent a large warehouse simply to store some items, causing you to waste money on unused space. Also, you do not have to use the movers from the facility. Instead, you are free to engage your own professional movers to transport your belongings, allowing you to search for the best deal possible.

All in one price

In self storage, you pay the price that is indicated. There are no hidden charges such as security fees or facilities maintenance fees. In fact, most self storage units provided manned security and features such as CCTV to beef up the security of the facility absolutely free of charge without imposing a fee on customers. You are responsible for the security of your own storage unit though. Customers are required to use their own locks to secure the access to their unit.

Freedom

There are no long term contracts or hidden clauses when you sign the lease. Rentals can be as short as 1 month and you do not need to rent for a minimum period. This can allow customers to rent based on their own needs such as renovations in their home or an overseas work trip for a few months.

Discounts for pre-payments

Some self storage companies even provide discounts if you make pre-payments for your rental. Since making pre-payment will allow them to secure a customer for a few months, they will be more than happy to provide some discounts as a form of friendly gesture.

Self storage allow customers to customise the storage unit size and rental period based on their own needs, providing flexibility and value for money features. With such advantageous terms, self storage is here to stay.

Running out of space at home? We introduce to you Big Orange where professional storage tips and storage space will be offered to maximize your storage space.
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Monday, May 5, 2014

Elizabeth Gilbert: Success, Failure and the Drive to Keep Creating



Elizabeth Gilbert was once an "unpublished diner waitress," devastated by rejection letters. And yet, in the wake of the success of 'Eat, Pray, Love,' she found herself identifying strongly with her former self. With beautiful insight, Gilbert reflects on why success can be as disorienting as failure and offers a simple -- though hard -- way to carry on, regardless of outcomes.