The Most Common Items Kept in Self Storage

Self storage is big business and it's an industry that's continuing to grow year-on-year. Having spotted the benefits of using this type of facility, people are now using it for both business and personal use. What are the most common items found in self storage however?

Furniture - sofas, beds, wardrobes, bookshelves, storage units, tables, desks and chairs are all very common items that you will find in self storage. Whether you're in the process of moving, have downgraded to a smaller premises or you're simply trying to de- clutter, getting rid of unnecessary bulky items is a great way to free up some space.

Electronics - companies in particular tend to put a lot of electronics into self storage because their business needs may vary at different times of the year. Say for example Christmas is a very busy time, they may need more staff and therefore more computers. During quieter periods however, they may have less employees and therefore won't need as much desk space.

Files and documents - we all know how much space paperwork takes up both at home and in the office. Not only do we end up with boxes or shelves full of documents, it looks untidy, clutters the place up and it's also a fire hazard.

Putting paperwork into self storage is a great way to get around this problem because it's out of your way but you can still access it at any time and you know that it's being kept somewhere secure.

Rare or valuable items - many people like to collect antiques, art, rare or collectors' items. Naturally, these all make great investments but as they're incredibly valuable, it can be a bit of a concern keeping them in your home - especially at times when you're away.

Keeping these items locked away in self storage offers more security than you would be able to enjoy at home or in the office. With secure locks, CCTV and someone on the premises 24 hours a day, you can be rest assured that your belongings are incredibly well protected.

Cars - believe it or not, cars are often found in storage units. Some people do this because they have a vintage model they don't use very often, others simply don't require their car frequently, students may need somewhere to keep theirs during term time or some people who don't have a garage prefer to keep their car somewhere secure while they're on holiday or away for extended periods of time.

Seasonal items - whether it's Halloween, Easter or Christmas, we all love to embrace the holiday seasons. Unfortunately, all the festive decorations can take up a lot of space and because they're often not cheap, few of us want to throw them away after just one use. If you're limited on space in your home, keeping seasonal items in self storage is the perfect way to free up some much needed space.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9538198

Tips For Preventing Moisture From Damaging Your Valuables In Self-Storage Units

Self-storage facilities are usually the final option of people who don't have enough space in their home or property to keep or hide some of their expensive and not-so-expensive possessions. In such facilities, they can be sure their items are safe from theft and other forms of external damage.

Unfortunately, not all self-storage units enjoy climate-controlled conditions. If you have chosen a unit of this type, your valuables will have to grapple with a really bad enemy: moisture.

To protect your valuables in self-storage units from moisture, below are some helpful tips you should follow:

Find out the average humidity level in the facility. If you are renting an indoor unit, ask the owner or managers about the humidity level. Experts say that the acceptable humidity level in a storage facility should be below 50 percent to prevent moisture damage, the growth of molds and mildew, rust, mold, and wood rot. If you want to be sure your unit has the acceptable humidity level, buy and install a relative humidity gauge so that you can monitor the RH level yourself.

Regularly inspect the unit for leaks. In case you are leasing an outdoor self-storage unit, check it for any signs of leaks regularly. Before renting one, inspect it for leaks as well since this is the easiest way to prevent water damage to your property. Be on the lookout for any cracks in the walls or ceiling and have them repaired immediately since they can easily widen over time and allow for damage-causing leaks.

Properly protect your items before storing them. A tried-and-tested method of ensuring your valuables will be protected from moisture damage is to pack and cover them properly. If you are storing furniture and mattresses, make sure they are wrapped and covered with furniture blankets and then covered with a plastic sheet to keep out moisture. Clothing and furs should be thoroughly clean and dry before going into storage. It would be best if they are hung inside wardrobe boxes as well. If your unit has a concrete floor, place your possessions on top of wooden to keep them away from the effects of condensation.

Place some charcoal inside the unit. Lastly, charcoal can work as well as desiccants in absorbing moisture and eliminating musty odors. Place charcoal briquettes inside pouches, a basket or bucket lined with plastic or foil, or simply set them on a metal tray. Put them around the unit. However, be careful not to set the charcoal against anything that you wouldn't want to be stained or marked since charcoal stains can be extremely difficult to remove. Also, make sure you do not get charcoal briquettes that are pre-soaked in lighter fluid. To keep the air in the self-storage unit fresh, replace the briquettes every 1 or 2 months.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9526593

Thanksgiving Dinner: Two Super Easy & Delicious Side Dishes

My family and I have the Hash Brown Casserole every year for Thanksgiving! The stuffing recipe is more on the simple side and is made with chicken, so you could really have it year round!!

How To Move Your Flatscreen TV Like A Pro

Moving a flat screen TV means moving one of your most fragile and expensive pieces of property. Use the same TV packing strategies that the pros use to be sure it makes it in one piece, without scratches, to your new home.

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Packing for moving in a hurry will require you to start with heavy items, like books. Pack for moving in a hurry with help from an expert professional organizer and lifestyle strategist in this free video clip.

Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie

Here is what you'll need!

Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie
Serves 10

INGREDIENTS
5 granny smith apples
2 cans cinnamon rolls
½ cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon cornstarch

PREPARATION
1. Preheat oven to 350°F/180°C and spray a pie dish with nonstick oil.
2. Peel and cut the apples into thin slices and place in a bowl.
3. Add sugar, cinnamon and cornstarch to apples and stir.
4. Cut each cinnamon roll in half and roll out with flour until thin.
5. Layer the bottom of the pie dish with the flattened cinnamon rolls to create a bottom crust.
6. Add the apples and layer the rest of the rolls on top to create a closed crust, pinch any holes together with your fingers.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes uncovered.
9. Allow the pie to cool and drizzle with icing.
10. Enjoy!

Five Storage Tips To Save Space In A Storage Unit

1. If you're storing tables and other furniture, remove legs

2. Whenever possible, place dressers and tables top-to-top to save space.

3. Store tabletops and sofas on end, to save space.

4. Use trash cans to store shovels, hoes and rakes or tape them together
-Keep from knocking them over
-Saves space
-Safety

5. Use valuable space inside dresser drawers and larger appliances, such as stoves and refrigerators, to store small items such as towels, linens and small, fragile items. Secure items in drawer by filling empty spaces with towels or packing paper.

Moving Supplies Available at Railroad Ave Self Storage!

For your convenience BOXES and MOVING SUPPLIES are available for purchase in our office.

Carts and dollies are FREE to use within the premises.

Packing and Moving Your Kitchen

Great tips on the most effective way to pack your kitchen for a move.