Pack Your Home Easily To A Self Storage

Self storage is a very convenient and affordable place, if you are planning to save your space at your home, and to make your unused items safe. The most important things you need to focus before moving the items to a self storage are packing and organizing the. Here are a few tips to help you to move your home easily to a storage unit.

Today, many storage facilities are offering packing as a service, but you need to pay for that privilege. If you feel the service costs are not affordable, you need to make some homework to reduce your stress levels. This also makes your unloading job easy. You need to concentrate on packing the things in such a way that you can find your things at a later date easily without unpacking all the items if you just need one.

Packing the Items:

1. Make sure, you order the necessary packaging items like packing boxes, small ward robe boxes, dust covers, gloves, ropes to tie, knife, padlocks, marker, wrappers, sealing tapes etc. Another thing is order more than you estimate, which helps you to pack last minute items easily, and in time.

2. Make a list of items you are going to pack. Categorize them based on usage, utility and security. Decide the items which you want to keep with you or store and which you want to sell, dump or give away to charity. This reduces the effort of storing unnecessary items.

3. Try not to store important documents like passports, birth certificates, school progress reports, bank statements or pass books, any kind of contracts, license, personal photos, phone lists etc. Also, make sure to know about the security that is going to be offered in the self storage before you decide to keep valuables like jewelry.

4. Once you have the list of items you need to store, start packing with the least important items first. These include, unused clothes, ornaments, spare electronic goods, etc. If you concentrate on such things at early days of your packing, it will reduce your stress as you approach the day of moving.

5. Try to use all the items which have empty storage. For example you can use the space in fridge, dishwasher, and dryers to store clothes. Never keep all the valuable items in a single box. Scattering them across the boxes will reduce the risk.

6. Fill the boxes completely to keep them free from collapsing. Never overweight the boxes while packing. This requires more personnel for carrying and moving which increases your cost to move. Try packing heaving items in small boxes for easy lifting.

7. Once you complete your packing use tapes to cover the spaces and to make sure that no item slips from the box. Use marker to number the boxes for count as well as for making the check list. Prepare the check list using the box number and note down the items which are present in each box even it is small while packing. This reduces your task of searching when required.

For more information on Self Storage visit http://www.mystorageworks.com.

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Railroad Avenue Self Storage Would Like to Wish You and Your Family a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Haas&Hahn: How Painting Can Transform Communities

Artists Jeroen Koolhaas and Dre Urhahn create community art by painting entire neighborhoods, and involving those who live there — from the favelas of Rio to the streets of North Philadelphia. What's made their projects succeed? In this funny and inspiring talk, the artists explain their art-first approach — and the importance of a neighborhood barbecue.

Too Much Stuff? Store It at Railroad Avenue Self Storage!

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.

Self-Storage Tips For Fragile Items

Storing fragile items like breakables, electronic equipment, and paper-items can be problematic with stuff ending up broken and spoiled beyond use. Knowing how to pack each kind of item and the storage conditions needed for each item will ensure that your valuables stay in good condition until the time comes when you have the need for them and decide to take them out of storage.

To help you keep your fragile items safe and sound, here are some tips for you:

Breakables - Dishes, Cups, Glasses, Mirrors, etc.

1. Wrap dishes, cups, and glasses individually. Use newspaper or tissue paper to do this.

2. Mirrors should be padded with cardboard or thick cloth (e.g. quilt or blankets) on all sides.

3. Do not stack dishes when putting them inside boxes, but stand them on their sides instead next to each other. Make sure that they fit snuggly inside the box and add extra padding on the side if needed to insure that they're not loose and won't rattle during the move.

4. Cups and bowls can be stacked on top of each other, but keep it to a minimum with only 4-5 cups / bowls per stack. Just as with dishes, use additional padding material for each box if needed.

5. Secure boxes with packing tape and make sure that you label them FRAGILE and that the top side is indicated clearly.

6. When storing mirrors, stand them on end instead of laying them flat on the floor.

Electronic equipment / Appliances

1. Take out any batteries from electronic equipment since batteries will eventually leak out and break your stuff. In case you'll be packing appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines and dryers, make sure you take out any items that might be inside as well. This is especially important if you have perishable or dirty good inside!

2. If you still have the original packaging material with you, then put your electronic equipment and appliances in them since you can be sure that the fit is perfect and you won't have to bother about padding your boxes by doing this.

3. If you don't have original boxes with you, then find boxes that are closest to their measurements so that they won't rattle much during the move. You also need to wrap your stuff in bubble wrap to protect them from bumps on the road.

4. In case you'll be storing electronic equipment with separate parts such as stereos and computers, then pack or wrap each part separately even if you put them inside the same box.

Paper

Paper is one of the most problematic things to store since they degrade easily. So it is best that you learn all you can about storing paper collections.

In the meantime, just remember that in general, you need to use non-acidic tissue paper and boxes when storing documents if you wish to preserve them for as long as possible. You also need to keep in mind that you can't store paper items and documents in ordinary storage units and may need to rent climate-controlled storage units for them.

For more information on Self Storage visit http://www.mystorageworks.com.

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5 Things to Beware of Before You Choose a Storage Space

So you have finally decided that you need a storage facility, maybe because your family is expanding and so is your stuff or maybe you just want to clear up a little extra space. Whatever your reasoning one thing is for sure; storage spaces are a great way to help you organize your life. But before you call up the storage facility nearest you, there are a few things renters should beware of.

Below we listed five things renters should familiarize themselves with before they take that next step and rent a space. Renters are also encouraged to do the research themselves and learn everything there is to about renting a space.

1. Storage facilities are never exactly alike. Depending on where you rent you will have to deal with things like; customer service, grounds cleanliness, hours of operation, etc. It is up to you to do the research and find which storage facility fits your needs best. Those who own storage facilities are keepers of your precious belongings and you would not turn things over to just anyone would you? It is your responsibility to make sure you know all about the storage facility before you commit to it.

2. Although storage facilities may provide a little more security than your home, burglaries do happen. You would never want to store something that is priceless to you, such things should be kept in a bank. Be aware of what is going into your storage unit and take inventory. It is also good to occasionally do a thorough check to make sure everything is still there. Also, one thing to look for at a storage facility are their security cameras. Questions to ask may be; How often is someone guarding the premises? Or are there any hidden cameras?

3. Some storage facilities raise their rent, before you commit you must ask what is the constant going rate, also see if you can get a written agreement to lock in your price.

4. Remember to make the most use of your storage space. Remember when you were a kid and Dad would pack the car before a vacation? Did he utilize every ounce of space possible or just throw things into the car carelessly? Making the most from your small rented space is smart. To get the most from your investment it would be wise to disassemble anything that can be taken apart and pack everything as neatly as you can.

5. Check with the storage facility and see what their insurance policy is. Most storage facilities are not liable for your belongings so if they do not offer some type of insurance, you should consider getting it from an outside source.

These five things that renters should make themselves aware of are not to scare anyone from renting a storage space. Overall, a storage facility is a wise decision for anyone looking to free up some space in their home or apartment. However renters should beware of what they are getting into. Knowledge is power and the more you know, the more prepared you will be in the long run.

Paul Darden is owner and CEO of AA @ Ben White, the only Austin self storage facility with a 24/7 onsite management team. Darden specializes in the brokering, marketing, feasibility studies, and developing of self-storage personally brokering over 130 self-storage facilities throughout the southwest to both national and regional self-storage operators. If you are looking to move and if you need self storage in Austin visit http://www.aabenwhite.com

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10 Storage Tips to Keep Bugs, Mice, & Ants Out of Your Unit

A little effort can go a long ways towards protecting your items while they are in storage. Anything worth paying to store is worth protecting it while it's stored. For the safety of your items, those in neighboring units and in consideration of the owner/management of the storage facility, it pays to pay attention to pest control. Here are 10 Storage Tips to Keep Bugs, Mice, & Ants Out of Your Unit.

1. Before moving furniture into storage clean it and vacuum thoroughly. Get all the crumbs, debris and stains off sofas and chairs including down in the cracks and crevices. Any "extras" left in here is a calling card for bugs and once started it affects not only your stuff but that in other units too.

2. Thoroughly clean appliances, large and small, for the same reason. Those crumbs in the toaster tray, the food stuck on small appliances or pans invites in problems you don't want. Clean means nothing to attract bugs or mice and without food and shelter they will not stay.

3. Mothballs work well in boxes of clothing. Be careful though and use cause as they can stain clothes. Putting some in the unit, where they won't stain the contents, is a good idea however. Cedar scented blocks and sachets can be made or purchased to be tucked into boxes of clothing or household goods like towels, blankets and sheets. A good sachet can last three to four months, enough for short term storage.

4. Don't be afraid to use contained insecticides - roach and ant baits can be an inexpensive thing to put in the corners as you don't know what others have stored in their storage sheds.

5. Use mouse and rat baits, or traps with peanut butter instead of cheese. Don't use the traps if you don't check it regularly - leaving one sit in the trap doesn't catch others after the trap is sprung.

6. For additional natural deterrents look to herbs. Catnip is said to repel ants, lavender repels moths, sage repels slugs and mint can be effective against many kinds of pests. Mint and tansy are said to repel mice, although tansy can cause allergic reactions in some people.

7. Stick to canned goods and securely sealed (screw on lids) jars packed to prevent breakage if you absolutely must store food . Because it attracts pests, food is highly discouraged.

8. Buckets from bakeries can be used to store rice or grains. It's strongly suggested this be for a minimal amount of time in a storage unit. There are so many factors that are beyond our control that it pays to use caution. Boxed foods and plastic bags simply offer no resistance to mice and bugs, resulting in an infestation of pests that no one wants.

9. Make sure up around the top there are not holes that birds can get into. Having a bird trapped in a storage unit can be very messy and unpleasant!

10. Avoid storing candles in warm climates and those with liquid like snow globes in cold ones. Some units are not protected from heat and freezing, and not only can the items become damaged but anything under it also. This, in turn, can attract pests due to the oils or dampness. If you must store items like this go for a climate controlled unit, which better protects all of your items.

Paul Darden is owner and CEO of Buckingham Storage, the only Richardson self storage [http://www.buckinghamstorage.com] facility with a 24/7 onsite management team. Darden specializes in the brokering, marketing, feasibility studies, and developing of self-storage personally brokering over 130 self-storage facilities throughout the southwest to both national and regional self-storage operators. For more storage tips and information, visit [http://www.buckinghamstorage.com]

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Benefits of Self Storage For Your Excess Personal Items

Are there just too many stuff at home that you feel it is becoming very crowded and there is only a little space remaining for you to move about? Have you been delaying purchase of furniture and appliances just because there is no more room for it at home? If you answer yes to any of these, then maybe it is the perfect time to resort to self storage.

Self storage is the term referred to businesses that offer storage facilities in their edifices in exchange for rent. These companies require the client to provide his own lock to the storage unit, and terms can be arranged as to whether the rent is on a short or long term basis. For those in need, the benefits of self storage can be really encouraging. First, you are assured of the security for your excess personal items. These items may just be considered extras, but self storage companies put a lot of importance on ensuring protection for your items. Aside from the lock you provide, self storage companies may also offer security cameras, individual door alarms, electric doors or gates, personal pin numbers and flood-lighting, to name a few. Furthermore, all these protection systems are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for the entire year, giving you your much needed peace of mind.

You are also assured of your items safety, because most of these self storage facilities have regular pest control programs and are kept clean, keeping away pests as much as possible. Measures are also taken to protect your personal items from water damage. You can also access these self storage facilities any time that is convenient for you.

You also do not have to worry if your personal items can fit in the storage unit, because self-storage facilities come in a wide range of sizes. It really depends on how many goods you wish stored, and in what size they can actually fit.

So, if you have those excess items at home that you do not want to dispose of but want removed temporarily and stored somewhere else in order to free some space, you can rely on your friendly self storage company to take good care of your precious belongings.  With self storage, you can store almost anything, from your valuable collections to your important documents, apparel, shoes, everything.

Drew Mers is an advertising consultant to City Closet Self Storage, one of the largest independently owned self storage companies with New York self storage and New Jersey self storage

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Helpful Tips for Choosing a Self-Storage Facility

When the time comes that you would need to use a storage facility, don't just go for what is nearest you or the cheapest in the list. Your belongings are valuable (otherwise you wouldn't be keeping them) and you need to ensure that they will be kept with utmost care until such time that you can bring them back home with you or decide what to do with them after. Remember that self-storage facilities are services and as such you need to consider certain important factors before committing to getting one. Here are some useful tips to guide you in your decision:

1. Check the condition and safety of the facility.

All self-storage facilities would guarantee that your belongings are safe from theft or vandalism but don't just take their word for it. Make a physical inspection of the building and its surrounding environment. Is it in a safe area or neighborhood? Has the company invested in a security system or any device? A basic security system for a self-storage facility would include a video surveillance system, heavy duty locks for each storage unit and a security alarm. There are even self-storage facilities with gates outfitted with access codes for the individual units and locks with their own alarm device. If the company has taken measures to install state-of-the art security systems check this off your list of requirement.

Equally important is the condition of the self-storage facility. Check that the unit is clean, well-lit, properly ventilated, dry and pest-free. The roofing and gutters should also be in good condition, with no cracks, leaks or debris.

2. It helps to deal with friendly and reliable staff.

A good self-storage business employs people who are customer service-oriented. There should be a manager that you can consult with and who can resolve any concerns you may have about the facility and staff members who are courteous and readily available to help you. If there is no one around every time you come to access your unit or if the staff cannot be easily reached when you need them, this can be a red flag for a badly-managed facility.

3. Consider the variety in the sizes of the unit.

Once you have determined the amount of items that you will be storing, shop around for a self-storage facility that offers a range of unit sizes. You don't want to pay for a unit that fits an entire car when all you need is a small one for your belongings. The smallest standard unit is 5 x 5 feet which is equivalent to a small closet space and can go up to 24 x 25 feet enough to fit a boat, RV or trailer and other items.

4. Read the contract and its fine prints.

Make sure to read and understand the terms and conditions before committing to rent the unit. Aside from the monthly cost of the unit, check out for any other extra charges that the company may have. Some charges to look for include penalties for late payments, extra dues for insurance, early termination of contract or security deposits.

For more information on Self Storage visit http://www.mystorageworks.com.

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Top Tips When Using Self Storage

Whether it's at home or in the office, the vast majority of us struggle to find the space we need in order to store all our furniture, office equipment and other household items. Because of this the number of people putting their belongings into self storage over the last few years has rapidly increased. Whether this is something you already do or it's something you are considering for the future, below are some tip tops to help you get the most out of your self storage experience.

Packing

How you pack your items is crucial because the less space you take up when packing, the more you can fit into your unit. Even if you don't need all the space now, it's handy knowing that you have the option of putting additional things into storage in the future. As well as saving space, clever packing also makes the task a lot quicker, easier to manage and you can ensure that your goods will be protected properly while they are being stored.

Use protective wrap on anything fragile because this will prevent scratches, dents and breakages.

Label all your boxes so if you need to collect something at a later date, you'll be able to find it without the need to rummage through all your boxes.

Only ever pack bedding and clothes in boxes. Storing such items in plastic bags can sometimes lead to 'sweating' which will cause moisture damage.

Protect your belongings

There is a huge range of purpose-made protective packaging available so you can ensure that your belongings will be as safe as possible whilst being kept in self storage.

Bubble wrap is ideal for larger items such as TVs and other electrical appliances.

Acid free tissue protects glassware and crockery.

Void fill - you can use this to fill the gaps in between your goods to keep them in place. This is a great way of minimising damage - especially during transportation.

Dust sheets - place these over and under items likes chairs, sofas, mattresses and anything else that hasn't been boxed up to prevent them from getting ruined and dusty.

Moisture absorbers - place these in boxes to prevent damp penetrating your goods. These are a must-have if you are storing your items for a long period of time otherwise you may return to find valuable items have been ruined by damp.

When you arrive at your self storage unit

All good storage facilities should have staff on hand to help you if you need it. There are a number of things you should think about once you arrive however:

Have you valued your goods correctly? This is very important so you can receive the right level of insurance cover.

Are there certain items you will need to access regularly? If so, make sure these are stored at the front so you can get to them easily. Alternatively, racking units are perfect for those who need to access multiple items on a regular basis.

In order to make the most out of the space you have, stack boxes properly. Start at the back and make your way towards the front, using any smaller, single items to fill in the gaps as you go along.

MStore offers self storage for all your domestic, business and specialist requirements. To use the space calculator, find your nearest store or view our special offers, please visit our website

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