Self Storage To The Rescue

Storage has always been a problem for many. That is why many people have to sell the stuff they love or have to live in small spaces crammed with stuff. Some do not have a place to store cars when they are away on a trip. Other people love sailing or experiencing an adventure in an RV, but cannot get one of their own due to lack of storage space. Self storage puts an end to all these people's sorrows.

Self storage spaces are used by different people for storing different things. These storage units are available in many sizes and as per the requirement, they can be rented out. The period of lease can be for a few weeks to a few years depending on the need. These self storage places are generally located in easy to access places in cities. Due to their high demand, these storage facilities are now becoming savvier both in space and technology. They have state of the art technology when it comes to their security. This includes digital locks, some of which are activated by eye scan or fingerprint, 24/7 security through close circuit cameras for video surveillance and alarm systems and climate control. Climate control is particularly important for the customers. This is because it ensures that the goods stored in the self storage units are protected from rust, moisture and other agents that might damage the goods. For instance, a furniture storage unit needs to be climate controlled, especially from parasites and keeps rodents from infesting it. All this could ruin the furniture. Similarly, car storage, boat storage and RV storage should be free from rust formation and moisture as well. A climate controlled environment is thus a top priority for most customers.

Uses Of Self Storage

Self storage has innumerable uses, hence their popularity these days. Some of these uses are noted below:

* Businesses sometimes hire self storage to store their files and important documents for which they do not have space in the office and yet cannot be destroyed.

* People, who are often on the move, prefer to have their belongings in a self storage unit, especially if they are moving into a furnished apartment. These people also store their cars in a self storage unit until they are back in town. They feel it is safer to leave the car in a self storage unit due to the elevated security features that they do not have in their own garage storage.

* Many people love to own boats and RVs but cannot due to lack of space. Therefore, they turn to self storage to store these items and enjoy their possession and use them whenever they please.

* Many people inherit furniture that they cannot put in their own homes due to lack of space. Instead of selling them, many store them in self storage units until they move into a house where they can be placed.

Whatever the reason may be for storage, customers prefer to leave their belongings in a place that ensures security and safety from wear and tear.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6340822

Self Storage - Choosing The Best Facility

So for whatever reason you have decided to store some of your stuff at a self storage facility, but don't know how to choose the best one. You might think that the self storage place right around the corner is the best place for you. Or is it? All self storage facilities are not created equal. There are three most important things you have to look for in selecting the best self storage plant in your area:

1. Security

2. Customer Service

3. Maintenance

SECURITY

Look for a self storage facility that offers many security features:

1. Is it fenced? Not just on the front, but also in the back and sides. That way, unwelcomed visitors will be deterred from entering the storage facility.

2. Is there a sliding security gate? The only people on the grounds permitted would be the customers who have there own personal security code. Others who would just want to take a "tour" of the place would be prevented from entering.

3. Is the self storage facility well lit? Are there outdoor lights around the facility? Do they come on automatically at dusk and off at down?

4. Is there video surveillance? Does the facility have enough cameras to monitor the entire facility and record any motion 24/7?

5. Is the facility "locked down" during the night? Although you should have access to your unit whenever you would like, security should be in place so that there is no access during the late night and early morning hours, let's say from 10 p.m. until 6 p.m. This action prevents any kind of mischief, robbery or vandalism that could occur.

6. Can you lock your unit using your own lock? You should be able to use your own lock on your self storage unit and not have to give a copy of the key of the self storage office. After all, it is your own stuff.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

It should be easy to contact someone at the self storage facility.

1. When you call, does a person answer promptly and courteously? Many times you would like information as soon as possible. Is the person knowledgeable? Does the person ask what you are going to store and recommend the best size unit for your needs?

2. If you leave a message, is your call returned in a timely fashion? How long do you have to wait for a response to your call? If you have to wait awhile for call back, how long will you have to wait for an answer if you have a question about your unit?

3. Is the self storage manager helpful? Many times people renting a storage unit for the first time are not quite sure what to ask. An excellent owner or manager should be able to recommend the best size unit to fit your needs, recommend the best type of lock to use on your unit, and the best way to store your belongings in a self storage unit.

4. Are your questions answered to your satisfaction? If the person can not answer your questions to your satisfaction, will they make an effort to find the answer by asking someone else?

5. Are you invited to take a look at available self storage units? You should be able to visit any self storage facility to look at available self storage units without any kind of obligation to rent a unit. Appointments should also be available to accommodate your busy schedule.

MAINTENANCE

Great facilities are apparent the first time you see them.

1. Is the facility in good repair? Self storage units are kept clean; and the ceilings are insulated and have raised concrete pads to keep the unit dry.

2. What about the driving area? Driveways are paved and maintained. A dirt or gravel driveway most likely will be rutted so vehicles would bottom out and kick dust into your self storage unit. Any water is directed away from your storage unit and into drainage areas.

3. Are the grounds taken care of? Landscaping and signs are evident, well placed and taken care of. Grassy areas should be mowed and driving areas kept clear of obstacles. These are all signs that the owner/operator cares about the quality that his/her business offers.

Your experience with a self storage facility will be greatly rewarding if your follow the above guidelines. Customer service, security, and maintenance go hand in hand. With wonderful customer service, your move into a self storage unit should be positive and easy. With modern and state of-the-art security you can be rest assured that your belongings are safe and secure. And finally, with a well maintained facility, you can be sure that the owner is concerned about you, your belongings and the quality of care you receive.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6738916

Finding The Right Self Storage Unit

While businesses utilize self storage facilities for document archives and secure equipment and inventory storage, the first place most people want to de-clutter and organize is their home. Whether it's for ordinary household items or family heirlooms, a modern self storage facility presents many options for secure storage, letting homeowners and renters reclaim their homes, basements and garages!

Because modern self storage facilities provide a multitude of storage options--including various unit sizes and climate-controlled units--the possibilities for what you can store are abundant. Some of the more common personal uses for self storage units include:

- Transition space: As a mid-point space to store items when moving from one house to another.

- Secured environment: Many people use self storage facilities to keep special family items and/or valuable collections safe.

- Seasonal storage: Whether its holiday decorations, off-season clothing or bulky sports equipment like skis, snowboards and surfboards--seasonal items are ideal for out-of-home storage.

- College students: Rather than packing up and hauling a dorm room full of stuff home (especially out of state) many college students opt to store their items near campus.

- Downsizing options: For many people who downsize after retirement, there simply isn't the necessary space to store all belongings in the home.

These are only some of the many personal reasons you may choose the secure, customizable solution provided by a self-storage facility. From more traditional uses, like storing home items while away, to parents storing Christmas gifts away from the prying hands and nosy eyes of little children, renting a self storage unit can ensure a safe, worry and hassle-free storage solution.

Self-storage units can also be a business asset, allowing secure archival of sensitive business documents. Look for self storage facilities that have fire and water proof construction, thereby ensuring that all your essential papers and files will be out of harm's way. When a pipe bursts or an electrical wire sparks in a traditional office building, the results can be catastrophic, leaving business owners saying, "We lost everything." Using a self storage facility to house your most confidential and important business documents ensures that your property will be safe should a flood, fire or accident occur. Beyond file and record storage, a self storage unit can also house overstocked office furniture, supplies and/or inventory. Self storage spaces come in many sizes, from storage for one file cabinet of documents to a room of desks, chairs and cubicle walls.

Popular reasons a business may choose to use a self storage unit include:
- To store old records and archived files.
- As a place for overstock and unused office furniture.
- During a move to a new office space.
- To keep important tax records, receipts and other vital documents.
- To store confidential or sensitive files that could be compromised if not secured.
- As an alternative to an expensive and inconvenient safe, or lock-box.
- To house seasonal and promotional items.
- And many more...

As you can see, both personal and business uses of a self-storage unit are limited only by your imagination. Self storage facilities have many units of varying sizes that can accommodate your customized requests for storage space. The facility's employees can also find a space that resides within your budget. Self storage is perfect for those who don't want a one-size-fits-all solution, and would prefer a personal and enjoyable experience as they store their belongings.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1488858

Top Reasons For Using A Self Storage Facility

Below, we take a look at some of the more common reasons why people will use a self storage facility and the rationale behind the decision.

Relocation - If you have made the decision to leave the area and move far away, then it is not always possible to find a house with the same amount of room or move everything in one go. Therefore, self storage can come in really useful for people that simply do not have the resources or time to move everything with them and just need somewhere to store the extra things for a period of time.

Business / Commercial Needs - Storage is not always just for personal or household reasons, as you would be surprised how many businesses use self storage as an extra space in which to store things. Often, self storage can work out cheaper than expanding the business or shop, and quite often it is not possible to carry out expansions in our already built up areas.

Expansions - If you are planning to expand your home or business, then you sometimes need to move things out of the way to protect them from the damage that might occur. It is always better to move things out of the way rather than work around them, so by putting your things into self storage you can protect your possessions during your expansion.

Traveling - Everyone gets the urge to up sticks and travel around the world and some of us even do it, which is where self storage could be a brilliant alternative to just selling all of your things at a loss and then regretting it when you eventually come back. Whether you are a family going around the globe or just a couple going abroad for a year, self storage is an excellent way of keeping your things but not having to worry about spreading them out among family members and friends.

Long Term Requirements - Not all self storage rentals are for a couple of months, with many customers using the facility for a year or more as some people do require long term self storage for certain reasons.

Vehicle Storage - Some self storage facilities offer storage for motor homes and caravans, as generally people need to store these vehicles for many months of the year when they are not needed or in use and often do not have the space to do so.

House Clearance - It is a fact of life that people will pass away and if you are left needing to clear the house or home quickly but do not have the time or space to sort through the possessions in detail, then self storage is the ideal option, because it gives you the chance to take your time and make the right decisions rather than rushed ones.

Stock Movement - As a business, there are often times when you have more stock than you need or you are looking to rotate the stock due to seasonal or promotional offerings. If you can rent a medium to long term storage facility then you can use this as an extra stock facility without the need to expand your shop or business.

Although there are other reasons why people use a self storage facility, we believe that these are some of the top reasons why customers would look at using self storage for their immediate storage requirements.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6804982

Breakfast Banana Split

Here is what you'll need!

Breakfast Banana Split
Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS

Vanilla Frozen Yogurt
4 cups Greek Yogurt
½ cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Granola
3 cups old-fashioned oats
3 tablespoons coconut oil
¼ cup sunflower seeds
¼ cup almond slivers
½ cup dried unsweetened cranberries
3 tablespoons honey

Banana, halved

PREPARATION

1. In a bowl, whisk yogurt, ½ cup honey, and vanilla until smooth. Transfer to a glass baking dish, and freeze for at least 2 hours.
2. Preheat the oven to 300°F/ 150°C.
3. In a bowl, mix oats and coconut oil together until all oats are coated with oil. Add the sunflower seeds, almond slivers, dried cranberries, and 3 tablespoons of honey to the bowl, and mix to combine.
4. Pour the oat mixture onto a baking pan lined with parchment paper and spread and pat down till the pan is fully covered from end-to-end. Bake for 20-30 minutes and mix the oats halfway through to allow them to cook evenly.
5. Add the halved banana to a plate and top with vanilla frozen yogurt, granola, and fruit of your choice. Enjoy!

Your Self Storage Unit Is Waiting For You

Let's face it, everyone needs a place where they can store a few extra things from time to time. Many people make the decision to store their things in their basement. What they don't realize is that this is perfectly good space that is going unused. If you are hoping to use that extra space in your basement, it's time to start thinking about cleaning it out. Rather than getting rid of things that you may need, consider putting them into a self storage unit.

You will be pleased to know that you can get a storage unit for a very affordable price. There are a number of different sizes available. It's up to you to stop by your local storage facility to look at the different units. This will help you to decide what size would be best for you. Keep in mind, the amount of money that you will have to pay for your unit is going to depend on the size. Therefore, you want to be very economical if possible.

Another benefit of self storage is that you can keep your things in storage for as long as you like. You aren't going to have to sign a contract stating that you will keep your things in for a certain amount of time. However, some storage facilities will give you a discount if you pay for six months at a time. Every situation is going to be different. This is why you will want to visit the website for your storage facility or even stop by when you have some extra time.

You will be the only one who has a key to your storage facility. Therefore, you don't have to worry about whether or not your things are going to be safe. If you are getting transferred through your work and you need a safe place to store your things until you can get to them, you can put them into self storage for now.

Nobody is going to bother your things as long as you stay current on your monthly payment. This way, you don't have to worry about storing your things with friends or family. When you decide what you are going to do with them, your things will be waiting for you. Stop by your local storage facility today and find out what they can do to help you. You will be surprised at how affordable it is to store your things.

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/expert/Kalyan_Kumar/25369

How A Self-Storage Unit Can Be Your Best Bet For Short Term Storage Requirements

If you happen to have a house or apartment full of personal possessions, you are bound to worry about its safety while you are gone away on a long vacation or short-term work assignment. And, the thieves and burglars are not the only things you have to worry about. A sudden water leakage, rats, or an unfortunate accident can all add up to the loss you may incur while you are away. If only there was a safe place to store all your important possessions in your absence. A self-storage service is a sure bet against such situations.

Millions across the world are now using self-storage for their long and short-term storage needs. Join them and you will me more than happy that you did.

Who can use short-term storage arrangements

When going to a different place for work, you can store all your possessions in the self-storage unit. They are large and will accommodate all your needs. If you want to keep your car safe and sound, you can store them as well. Now, if you are a student moving out of dorm after the term has ended, you can keep your possessions in a safety storage units while you visit your parents. This will save you from all the hassle of taking all your things along with you.

Even if you are going on a student exchange program, don't leave your precious possession in the care of your lazy friends. Put your things in a self-storage unit and get a peace of mind. Likewise, if you are renovating your house, you can move your important things to the self-storage units till work is done to keep everything safe from any damage. Home construction can be a risky environment for some of your things, especially delicate things. Put them away in safety storage units for safety. You can use self-storage for a variety of short-term storage needs.

Easy Short Term Lease

Gone are the days when you had to pay in one year advance for your storage even if you needed it for a couple of months. You can easily lease a storage unit for the time period you want. Today's self-storage units are flexible and you can renew your current lease anytime you want. The time period of your business assignment, vacation or home renovation may not be fixed. So, in that case, the self-storage units are available for renewing. You only pay for the time you have stored your things and not more. It is a very economical choice for many.

How your things remain safe while you are away?

Self-storage units are extremely reliable environments. These units are constructed to provide all the safety your things need - no mouse, termites, or any other rodents. They are under 24/7 surveillance and hence, you don't have to worry about theft or break in. Individually alarmed storage unit allows you to keep your things safe while you're away. Only the authorised people are allowed to access the storage units. The guards will be there to check in from to time, so you don't have to worry about your possessions. The climate control facility lets you fix a particular temperature to keep your delicate items safe like leather furniture, important documents. With so many safety features, you hardly have to worry about anything.

Self-Storage has become one the most reliable way to store important things. They are built to keep your possession safe all the time. For short-term storage needs, they are the best option with flexible lease and pricing policy. Store away your possession in the storage units and have a peace of mind.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9598920

In Search Of - Self Storage

What are you doing for the next two weeks? If you said, "shopping for self storage", you are not alone. A huge mistake people make when searching for self storage is wasting unnecessary time on the phone or in the car in search of the perfect facility at which to store their things. There is no need to spend unneeded hours on the phone when there are free shortcuts out there at your beck and call; if you know where to look.

Today's modern technology is a wonderful thing. I am sure you have heard the old saying, "necessity is the mother of innovation". Many innovative services have popped up over the last few years to save those looking for self storage the time it takes to find the self storage unit they need. I think to fully explain just how valuable these services are, it is important to look back and reflect on how people have traditionally found self storage.

In the beginning, there was no storage. If you had too much stuff, you had to either stick it in the garage, attic, backyard, or just throw it away. Many valuable antiques and much history have been lost because there was just not enough room for them. In the 60s a man named Russ Williams, who worked in the oil industry, saw a need for someplace at which to store his boat, fishing gear and extra equipment. Because of this, the first modern self storage facility was born in Odessa, TX. The facility's success spread quickly; they were very handy.

A few years later, self storages were sprouting up everywhere. They were much less expensive than building extra storage on to a house or buying a bigger house for that matter. Business men and sales people found the new concept of self storage pretty handy as a staging ground for their businesses. Quickly, everybody was discovering the value in renting just that little extra space they needed; and the Self Storage Industry was born.

With more and more self storage facilities being built awareness was raised and demand grew. The internet and GPS had not yet been invented, so to find a self storage facility one had to pull out the Yellow Pages and a map. Archaic, I know; it is almost hard to imagine that we once lived in those "dark ages".

The Yellow Pages played a pretty big part for a long time in how we as Americans found everything from self storage to plumbers to the zoo. The advantage of the Yellow Pages was that everything was in alphabetical order by name. This was great if you knew which business you were looking for (by name), but what if you didn't? How would you know who was closest to your home if you weren't familiar with the address at which that business was located? Ah, yes, you had to call each and every one of the names in the book and have a conversation!

Back in the old days the conversation that resulted from people calling out of the Yellow Pages was a businesses only chance to make a first impression. There were (and are) classes for business managers on how to ensure that business secured an appointment with a potential customer ON THAT CALL! This is a practice that still goes on today. So, once you called a self storage facility, the manager would do a verbal dance with you to convince you they were the best place for you. This process could last for tens of minutes per call, and added hours to the process of finding the right storage facility.

Thank goodness that whole "Yellow Pages" process is a thing of the past. Raise your hand if you use the Yellow Pages still. If you raised your hand, there is no doubt in my mind that you DO in fact still use the Yellow Pages. I cannot see you raise your hand. The Internet and Google do everything they Yellow Pages ever could, but better.

The internet changed the way we do almost everything. A study by comScore in 2009 showed 74% of people pre-shop on the internet before making an offline purchase. It is so convenient to just go online, type in what you are looking for, and find it. What makes it even more convenient is that your results are not in alphabetical order; they are in order by proximity to your home (or other address)! But the downside is you still have to call and have a conversation with the manager if you want the details of the facility regarding pricing and availability.

There are services out there that do provide more robust opportunities for you to search exclusively for self storage near your home, and even allow you to request a quote anonymously.

One such site I love is called upickstorage.com. This site does everything you need when in search of self storage. It does all the things every other self storage search portal does, but it takes things a step further. The genius of this site is in its negotiation style interface. If you are in search of self storage, all you need to know is upickstorage.com. Once at upickstorage.com, you simply enter the amount you would like to pay for storage, and the site instantly searches for a self storage facility that fits your price and proximity criteria. It is really quite useful. No more calling around having managers try to work you for an appointment time; no more pulling out maps; no more driving all over town negotiating face to face with managers of self storage facilities. This site does it all!



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4536293

Giant BBQ Rib Sandwich To Feed A Crowd

An entire slab of bbq ribs in a sandwich!

Here is what you'll need!

Giant BBQ Rib Sandwich (To Feed A Crowd)
Servings: 8

INGREDIENTS
1 rack baby back ribs, membrane removed (this is essential for de-boning)

Dry Rub
2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon pepper
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoons chili powder

Glaze
1 cup barbecue sauce
¼ cup honey

1 large loaf bread
¼ cup melted butter
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 large onions, sautéed or caramelized
2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
Pickles
White onion slices

PREPARATION
Preheat oven to 300°F/150°C.

Lay the ribs on a long sheet of aluminum foil.

Combine the dry rub ingredients in a small bowl, then cover the ribs evenly on both sides, making sure to press the rub into any cracks and smooth out any large lumps.

Wrap the foil around the ribs, making sure they’re completely sealed. Use additional sheets if necessary. It’s important that the juices of the ribs stay inside the foil to keep the ribs moist during cooking.

Bake the ribs for 3 to 3½ hours, until tender.

Unwrap the ribs carefully, then wiggle the bones out slowly. If you’re having trouble removing the bones, use a knife to make small cuts to help their removal.

Combine the glaze ingredients in a bowl and brush both sides of the deboned slab of ribs generously, being sure to carefully handle the ribs since they’re super tender.

Broil the ribs for about 5 minutes until the glaze is bubbling and starting to brown. Set aside.

Slice the bread in half into the thickness of your choice, then butter both sides of the bread. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top, then toast your bread by broiling it for a few minutes. Keep a careful eye on it as it will burn extremely quickly.

With two long spatulas or knives, carefully transfer the glazed ribs to the bread, then top with onions, parsley, and the top bun.

Slice into about 2-inch sandwiches, and serve!