The Items You Can't Put In Self Storage

Whether you're in the process of moving, need somewhere to keep office equipment or simply have more stuff than you know what to do with, renting out a self storage unit is an incredibly simple yet effective solution.

For most of us, the items we decide to store away won't consist of anything more than clothes, furniture, paperwork and old memories. There have been some incredibly unusual items found in self storage over the years however and believe it or not, there are a number things that you simply are not allowed to store in these units.

Stolen items

It might sound obvious but you are not allowed to keep stolen items in self storage. Unless you're a professional thief you are unlikely to ever encounter this dilemma but it has happened many times in the past so if the company you're using becomes suspicious they are likely to investigate further.

Illegal items

Again, it might sound obvious but if it's illegal, you're not allowed to store it. There have been many occasions where self storage units have been used to house drugs so staff have been trained to be extra-vigilant regarding this matter and are always on the look-out. Furthermore, you can guarantee that they won't hesitate to call the police if they think their business is being used to store illegal items.

Fireworks

Although modern storage facilities are incredibly safe when it comes to preventing the risk of fire, fireworks are a big no-no. In 2013, a blast at a fireworks factory in Vietnam killed 21 people and injured another 98 so as a safety precaution you would really struggle to find a facility that will allow you to keep them there.

The same rule applies for gas canisters and other flammable items that could explode and cause potentially disastrous consequences.

Dangerous chemicals

The average person is unlikely to have a vat of sulphuric acid in their house but there are many different companies out there who do use dangerous chemicals on a daily basis and may therefore need somewhere to store it. Although any good self storage company will refuse this item, many of them will do their best to help you find an alternative facility for chemical storage.

Perishable foods or materials

Running a catering company and have more stock than fridge space? By all means keep your tinned foods and non-perishable items in self storage but anything fresh that will go off quickly and give of a bad smell will be turned away.


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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.

Should You Insure Your Items In Self Storage?

It's just human nature: when your belongings are out of sight in a storage unit, they are out of mind. This is one of the biggest benefits to renting storage, but it can also come back to bite you if you aren't careful. Valuables placed into storage should be insured, not forgotten. Your possessions may be covered by your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, but they may not, and it will be your responsibility to make sure.

Virtually all self storage facilities provide insurance that covers any damage to their building, but this does not necessarily cover damage to your items. Make sure you ask about optional tenant insurance when you rent a storage unit. This will be available for a small fee that will be added to your rental fee for valuable peace of mind.

Why You Should Get Insurance

In most cases, you can get $2,000 to $4,000 in coverage for your belongings in self storage for a fee of around $9 per month, and you can choose additional insurance if you will be storing valuables. This is a small additional price to pay if you are storing family heirlooms, furniture or other items that would be difficult to replace. Most tenant insurance policies cover damage caused by accidents like water, theft and fire damage, which are the most likely causes of damage to your belongings, and you can request additional flood insurance.

If you need to file a claim, you will do so through your tenant's insurance company, not your own policy that covers your belongings at home. This is a big advantage because it means claims will not cause a cancellation of your personal or business policies or affect the price you pay for homeowner's insurance or renter's insurance at home.

If your storage facility is located far from home, you can also request coverage for belongings in transit within a fifty mile radius. This is very important if you are going to hire a moving company to transport your belongings to self storage or to your home.

Business owners can also benefit from insurance. If you store business supplies, inventory or equipment in a self storage facility, ask yourself how your business would fare if you were to lose these items? Purchasing insurance can be a very wise investment to keep your business running.

What's Covered?

The items and situations covered will depend on your specific policy, but almost everything that can be stored in a self storage unit can be covered, except for vehicles, which require auto insurance. Be sure you read through your policy to make sure everything will be covered. You can get coverage against fire, theft and water damage, as well as flood damage.

Make sure you calculate the value of items you place into storage and know what your items are worth. Keep an inventory and buy the right amount of insurance for your own peace of mind.

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How It's Made Adhesive Tape

How It's Made Adhesive Tape

Moving, Packing, Self Storage Tips

Moving is an exciting process that can build stronger family ties and relationships if you included all of your members. However, packing and preparing for the move is an extremely stressful and daunting task, and it can hurt relationships if mishandled and unplanned. No matter whether you are moving, packing or preparing for self storage, here are some tips to help you out.

Proper planning

Proper and detailed planning is the most crucial step. You need to know what to do, how to do and when to do things. You will need to understand what the things you intend to move or pack are and how you want to do it. Knowing how many things you have will allow helps you out when you are shopping for storage and moving boxes. You can also know the self storage unit size you will need to rent depending on the number of items you have.

Using sturdy boxes

Although you can get cheap or even free boxes from the electrical store, they do not last long or hold well. Sturdy boxes are made of thicker materials and are coated with a thin layer of polyethylene to provide a fair amount of water resistance. They are also stuck together using strong glues which allows them to hold more weight compared to cheaper and inferior boxes. Although they are much more expensive, they offer better protection and security. You do not wish to have your items dropping out of the boxes do you?

Labeling the boxes

Labeling the boxes will allow anyone to know what exactly is inside and will allow them to understand how best to treat the boxes. For example, if you label the box as fragile, no one in the right mind will throw it around. Instead, they will handle with extra care. Labeling also helps you to find your things easily in a shorter period of time.

Using protective fillings

When you are storing fragile items, you should use protective fillings such as bubble wraps and foam peanuts. These protective materials are made to absorb and cushion any shock and impact and fracture in place of your items. Although they may cost extra money, the reduced risk is worth it all.

Moving and packing is never an easy task and will often cause many people to get frustrated. However, it can be easy and simple tasks if you fully understand what you need to do and the tender loving care you need to express towards your items.



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Something Different: Banana Split On A Stick

Here is what you'll need!

Banana Split On A Stick

Servings: 12

INGREDIENTS

4 bananas

1 cup of chopped nuts

1 cup chocolate, melted

Whipped cream

Marchino cherries

PREPARATION
1. Slice a banana into thirds, and then cut each segment in half lengthwise.
2. On a parchment paper-lined sheet tray, place a tablespoon of chopped pecans in a small circle shape.
3. Pour a tablespoon of melted chocolate over the top of the nuts. Lay a popsicle stick on the chocolate, and top the stick with additional melted chocolate.
4. Add two halves of sliced banana facing upwards in the melted chocolate. Repeat with all the other banana splits on a stick.
5. Freeze for at least 2 hours.
6. When frozen solid, add a dollop of whipped cream, and top with a cherry.
7. Enjoy!

8. *This recipe can be customized however you’d like. You can choose different types of nuts, or chocolate, add sprinkles or even add ice cream if you’d like.

Self Storage - A Place For Storing Anything

Self storage is a business that can prove to be of great help as it leases out storage spaces to customers, where the customers are free to store any item of their choice. The storage units come in different sizes and the rent is charged in the basis of size of the unit and the period for which the lease is taken. The items may be stored for durations ranging from one month to twelve months.

The Advantages Of Self Storage

People might wonder why to go for self storage units when there is warehouse storage available and even their homes might have plenty of garage storage space. Well, the difference between any ordinary storage space and self storage is, first and foremost, the climate controlled environment. The self storage facilities are usually climate controlled. Climate control mainly refers to using heating, ventilation and air-conditioning to control the internal environment of the storage unit. Climate controlled units ensure that the items stored in them do not get damaged by excessive heat or cold. They are ideal for furniture storage, car storage and storage of other expensive equipment that may get spoiled if stored for long periods in normal conditions. Another advantage is the large choice available as regards the size of the units. The sizes vary from mini, small, medium, big, large, extra large and even loft areas. Many of these storage places even provide spaces big enough to store RVs and boats.

RV storage and boat storage are difficult to find on a person's property and hence the availability of self storage is a blessing for owners of these items. Another advantage is that these places are usually equipped with full time surveillance and alarm systems to prevent burglary. This ensures the customers of the safety of their goods stored away. Yet another advantage is that these places are usually located in easily accessible areas.

The fees charged for the units are very nominal and there is the additional advantage of being able to store goods for periods as long as a year. The extent of the lease period to a year is very advantageous to people who may have been transferred out of state for a few months and need a place to store their items safely till they return.

The Disadvantages Of Self Storage

Even with its many advantages, self storage is not without its flip side. One of the main disadvantages is that the real liability of loss of goods stored away remains with the customer. The possession of the goods never leaves the customer and hence the store owner never has any genuine responsibility for the goods. If the goods are damaged due to any reason, there is no accountability as such on the owner of the self storage place.

When a comparison is made of the ups and downs of self storage, it is evident that the ups outweigh the downs. This is probably the reason why more and more people are seeking out these places to store their valuable commodities. Due to the high demand, self storage stores are cropping up in different parts of the state and are also providing online booking facilities for their spaces.



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Support A Family Owned Local Business!

We are a family owned business with 15 years experience in the self storage industry. Our number one priority is customer service and satisfaction. We provide personalized service that a large chain self-storage facility may not provide.

Our professional staff inspects our property several times each day to insure your valuables are stored in a place that is meticulously clean and safe. Our manager lives on site for added security. We also have video surveillance throughout our facility.

We are proud sponsors of our local Little League and the Salvation Army KROC Center.

Packing A Self-Storage Unit Is Easy With A Little Planning

Packing a self-storage unit is not easy. However, if you follow these time-tested tips, you will learn how to pack away an abundance of items in a 5'x10' space and keep them safeguarded from weathering and destruction.

Packing Materials Needed

When packing the majority of your smaller possessions, it is important to use boxes instead of plastic bags. Not only are boxes much more rugged than plastic bags, but they also stack well, taking up less room in the unit. Also, plastic bags have the tendency of trapping moisture, which can lead to the formation of mildew.

You will need to invest in the right types of boxes. You should purchase average-sized packing boxes,  such the type used by professional movers, rather than using supermarket cast-offs that have already been used and weakened. You will also need to purchase other packing materials such as tape. Masking tape and clear duct tape tend to work best. Also, you will need to gather old newspapers for wrapping fragile objects and for stuffing any extra spaces inside boxes. This will prevent the corners and sides from collapsing.

Boxes

Closest to the door of the self-storage unit, stack the boxes that you will need to access most often. Label all boxes on one side and stack them so the labels are all visible. Remember to clearly label boxes filled with breakable belongings as "fragile."

Furniture

When you pack away furniture, you should take specific precautions if your self-storage unit is not climate controlled. In essence, it is similar to leaving furniture outside in a barn. You don't have to worry about precipitation, but temperature changes can do a number on different materials and surfaces.

You should always treat leather sofas and seats with a leather conditioner before packing them away, and spray wooden furniture with furniture polish to give it extra protection. Then, to further safeguard furniture from dust or scratches, cover each piece with a large sheet or tarp. Also, any non-upholstered sofa or mattress should be stored under a slipcover for further preservation.

Disassembling tables and beds makes them much easier to pack. Make sure you place all the larger parts of a lone piece of furniture together, while keeping all assembly parts, such screws and nuts, nearby in a small, plastic bag labeled appropriately.

Larger pieces of furniture that cannot be dismantled, such as sofas, can be placed vertically to conserve space. If you have room to position your sofa flat, you can place other small pieces of furniture on top of it, extending your unit's capacity. You can also fill the sofa with boxes or breakables. Even kitchen chairs stacked seat to seat can line the inside of the sofa if done correctly. Always use empty space to your advantage.

Appliances

While smaller appliances can mostly fit in boxes, larger appliances must be prepared properly before placement in self-storage. You should wipe down the insides of appliances with a baking soda mixture to ensure that they remain dry. The metallic portions should be rubbed down with a bit of oil to avoid possible rusting.

If you are planning to store a refrigerator or stove, make sure that you enclose the back with a tarp or place it tightly against the wall to prevent vermin from getting inside. Defrost refrigerators and accompanying freezers and drain them thoroughly to prevent mold and mildew from growing. Drain your washing machine completely and tie all hoses and cords prior to putting it in self-storage. Usually, to save space, you can place a dryer on top of a washer.

Clothing, Draperies, and Bedding

If you have the means to get one, a wardrobe box with a built-in hanging rod is the best way to pack clothing. By hanging everything up on hangers, you will prevent wrinkling, and the enclosed box prevents any damage caused by moths and other vermin. However, if a wardrobe box is not within your budget, you can place clothing, as well as bedding and curtains, in vacuum-sealed bags. Another trick is to stick blankets, sheets, and pillows inside washers, dryers, and dressers already in the unit.

Fragile Items

You must take care when packing away fragile belongings and items that are delicate, such as personal photographs. For example, a good way to preserve photographs is by placing them between pieces of stiff cardboard and taping these pieces together tightly. This stops pictures from curling in excess moisture.

You can wrap mirrors in protective bubble wrap and purchase cardboard corners for those that are square-shaped. These corners are inexpensive, prevent injury, and reinforce the weakest portion of the frame. Also, mirrors and framed artwork should not be placed flat, because they may collapse under their own weight. It's always best to place such breakables and fragile objects inside furniture drawers, inside wardrobes, or on the shelves of bookcases already placed in the unit.

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Advantages of Self Storage Space

Using self storage has become more and more popular recently in the U.S. and U.K., as consumers increase their buying habits and space becomes more of a problem. Today, from being a simple garage type room, self storage has evolved to being a convenient space that meets your every type of need.

There are three basic types of storage: the indoor, the outdoor, and the vehicle storage units. All these types of storage facilities can be used for business storage, personal storage, and records storage.

Indoor storage units are climate controlled, which means that they are a great option for storing delicate items vulnerable to changing climate conditions, such as documents and books. On the other hand, because outdoor self storage units are climate controlled, they are not a great option for items vulnerable to humidity and weather extremes. These include items like oil paintings, important documents and even clothing. These storage facilities, however, are usually a lot cheaper than renting indoor self storage units.

The third type of storage is used for storing vehicles. This type of storage can either be indoor or outdoor.

Advantages of Using Self Storage

Self Storage offers a myriad of advantages, which makes it more and more popular recently. Today, at least 1 out of 10 families in the US already use these units to store personal items or supplies.

One of the main advantages of using self storage units is convenience. Most especially if you have a business and you do not want to spend more money building your own storage for your goods, taking advantage of a self storage facility that is located just minutes from your store is an advantage. Today, many storage facilities also offer extra services, such as moving supplies and truck rental, making it more convenient and easy for renters to move their items.

What's more, the terms governing self storage are flexible and there is usually no long term contract to use these units. Thus, you can choose to terminate your contract using the service after a few months, depending on your needs. This also makes these storage facilities perfect for storing seasonable utilities like garden tools, Christmas decorations, and even seasonal clothes. These units are also perfect for storing sports equipment like surf boards and jet skis, thus allowing you to remove clutter in your house. And maybe if you have old furniture and other valuable things you still want to keep, using a self storage facility can definitely keep these valuable things safe for you.

Another advantage is that your items are secured. You will use your own lock and keys to keep your things safe. And for a small extra fee, some storage facilities also have security guards and security cameras to keep your items safe. Some self storage facilities also offer safety deposit boxes for storing more valuable items.



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