Benefits Of Self-Storage For Businesses

Self-storage facilities are a great solution for your personal belongings, but they also work quite well for businesses. Companies can operate more cost-effectively if they only keep what they need in the work area. Using storage units is an effective logistics solution, allowing a business to cut back on necessary office space, in order to save money. Using self-storage units, a business can keep everything not needed in day-to-day business in one place that has easy access.

Self-Storage Can Replace Warehousing Costs

Businesses may use cheap storage options to free up warehouse and office space. If a company does not have a large warehouse, this is a more economical way to store excess merchandise. Storage units can also be used for paper files and records. Businesses commonly use storage for:

• Storing items not needed everyday
• Archiving files, documents and other paperwork
• Storing new or old stock
• Storing excess equipment and office furniture
• Storing overstocked items
• Storing files and equipment during moves
• Storing office supplies bought in bulk, to save money

Businesses and Paperwork

For offices that deal with a great deal of paperwork, a self-storage unit is the perfect place to securely store files not needed in the office. They can still be comfortably and easily retrieved, if they are needed.

Government regulations require that some businesses keep their records for a period of years. Keeping that many records on-site could overwhelm your office, which is why business managers rent storage units.

Businesses that Need Off-Site Storage

There are various business types that need storage. They include:

• Accountants
• Attorneys
• Physicians
• Architects
• Financial Advisors

Business storage can be used in the same ways as personal storage. You will choose the proper sized unit for your needs and transport the items to store, unpacking them and storing them in your unit. It's important to stack your items neatly, so that they can be retrieved if they are needed.
Storage facilities may provide additional services geared to businesses, since they may store more items than personal households do. Speak with the manager of the self-storage facility you are thinking of using, to ensure that their rates are competitive.

Why Self-Storage?

Some business people do not see all the benefits of storing documents or equipment off-site, to free up space in the office. Storing files and documents in a central location will make them easier to access, especially if you have offices in more than one area. You will have a space that is secure in which to store these documents. There are many different sizes of units, which can be used as business or office libraries, depending on the needs of your business.

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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.

Understanding Self Storage Packing and Moving

Whether you're moving across town and need temporary storage or are the proud owner of a classic automobile and need a "showroom," a self storage unit is the perfect place to ensure your belongings are in a secure, climate-controlled facility. Once you have decided to store your valuables, you should have a plan in place to help make the transition is as smooth as possible. Even if you are only moving one item into your self-storage unit, planning ahead is key to a successful, stress-free move. Use this checklist and enjoy a worry-free experience for everyone involved.

Packing for Self Storage:

The best advice is to start packing your belongings as early as possible after you decide to store them. Giving yourself plenty of time to organize and pack will make your entire storing/moving experience more pleasant. Keep in mind these proven tips:

1. Always disassemble any furniture or devices with multiple components. When taking something apart, use clear tape to adhere any nuts, screws or bolts to the area on the item where it came from, to ensure easy re-assembly later.

2. Label everything. Place items into boxes with other like items and label the box according to which room they came from. For example, a blender, toaster and mixer would go into the same box labeled "Kitchen: Small Appliances." If you're moving, labeling by room will ensure the boxes go to the correct room in your new home-and will save you time (and headaches!) after the move when you're staring at 20 boxes! Listing the contents as you put them in will also eliminate lost or misplaced items.

3. Mark boxes as "fragile," "heavy" or "easily stained" (for clothing or fabric items) in addition to content labeling. Also consider weighing each box, which will help in the actual moving process later.

4. Pack breakable, fragile items in Styrofoam peanuts, newspaper or bubble wrap.

Moving and Your Belongings:

Actually moving your belongings into your self storage unit requires the same planning you put into packing. You also need to be mindful of the potential physical strain involved in moving many heavy items so look for a storage facility that offers hand-trucks and elevators to save yourself the backache! The following four guidelines will help ensure a safe, efficient moving process:

1. Bring a bag filled with packing supplies (tape, markers and extra bubble wrap) as a self-storage emergency kit. Some of the more modern self storage facilities sell merchandise onsite, which can save you in case of a 'bubble wrap emergency.' Having to drive back home to get more bubble wrap once you're already at the self storage facility is annoying and time consuming.

2. Don't over stuff your boxes. Lighter boxes are easier to load and unload. Additionally, heavier boxes can break and you don't want to lose an item due to a inadequate box. Many self storage facilities will offer particular boxes for particular uses, such as for electronic equipment, etc. Use these specialty boxes for maximum protection.

3. Use hand-trucks and pallets for moving in and out. These items are usually offered free of charge at the more modern self storage facilities. Make sure you'll be able to use these items on move-in day.

4. Pack your unit wisely. Pack your less used items in the back of your storage unit and keep the items that you know you'll need more frequently up front. Also, remember, there are ways to maximize your unit's space. For instance, to save on floor space, turn a sofa on its end (storing vertically).

Now that you know the Dos and Don'ts of self storage preparation and moving, you can begin the process. If you have any questions or concerns beforehand, speak with a self storage professional, or read additional self storage FAQs. Planning your move and choosing a self storage facility that's staffed with professionals will help ensure a positive experience.

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Here Are Lesser Known Benefits Of Self Storage

Most people are already aware of the benefits of self storage. For starters, it allows you to store belongings that you don't really need. Since it's a self storage option, you can access your belongings anytime you need to.

These benefits are more than enough reasons why more and more people are taking advantage of it. Judging from the popularity of these units, it seems that people are now recognizing the importance of renting a storage unit.

Lesser Known Benefits

Just in case you're not yet sold on the whole idea of using such a unit, here are lesser known benefits that users are getting out of using one:

• It makes the process of selling a home easier.

Selling a home that's packed with junk can be very hard. You want the prospective buyer to visualize your home as their new home. You'd want the prospective buyer to easily visualize what they can do to your home to make it their own and it's hard to do that with all the junk lying around.

As an added bonus, you're going to make your home look more spacious. With all that extra space, you can easily sell your home because your home will give this impression that it's bigger than it really is.

• It makes moving easier.

If you're moving homes or offices, it's a good idea to do it in batches. This is especially true since there are a lot of things in your present home or office that you wouldn't need in your new place. You can simply place these things in a self storage unit and just move them whenever needed.

• It makes renovation easier.

This is one of the benefits of self storage that you should know. It's pretty hard to renovate if there are a lot of appliances, furniture and other stuff lying around you home. You'd have to move them regularly which will take a lot of time and effort. In addition, you can easily damage your things with all the renovations that you're going to do.

This is why it's a good idea to just place your stuff in a self storage unit. This way, those doing the renovations will have an easier time doing so and you can prevent accidents to your belongings that can prove to be very costly.

How about the Cost?

Of course, you need to pay in order to take advantage of these benefits of self storage. The question is - is it worth it?

The cost is a very small price to pay if you're going to consider all the benefits that you're going to get. If you're selling your home, you can easily recoup your investment in a unit once you've sold your home. If you're moving or renovating, the efficiency that you'll get will help you save a lot of time, effort and money.

The most important thing is you choose a company wisely. Make sure that you do your research well and choose the best unit for your needs.

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Thinking About Relocation? Think Self Storage!

There is a lot of truth in the saying that in life, if there is one thing that is constant, it is change. This cannot be truer when we talk of relocation. With so many people making urban America their home, the amount of change that is happening around us is amazing. For instance, space available in every home is decreasing. Not only are we finding ourselves in newer homes with smaller interior spaces, we are also finding ourselves in changed and more crowded environments! Gone are the days when families enjoyed the luxuries of a backyard, a spacious attic, or a spare room where everything from a baby cot to old trophies won in school baseball matches could be treasured and stored.  Be that as it may, if every problem has a solution, shortage of storage space has one too!

Enter self-storage; a boon for families, individuals or even offices, which are relocating to a new city or a new home and find no safe space to keep their important goods, memorabilia, furniture and more. The concept of self-storage has met with unprecedented success all across urban America where people are even storing heavy winter garments, ski equipment, etc., because there is hardly any space in the cupboard or elsewhere! Self storage is not just a viable option when you are relocating but also when you want to remove the existing clutter in your home and live more comfortably with more leg space. Then there are goods which you do not need round the year like a Christmas tree, boats and more. Self-storage is a blessing for such causes.

Since self-storage is a great option during relocation, you might consider this as you plan for the moving process. But, before you starting hunting for a storage facility that is conveniently located and suitably priced, there is a lot of planning which is needed. Here are some guidelines to help you get started:

1. Make a list of the items you wish to put in a self-storage unit. The volume of goods would tell you about the volume of space you need and this entails cost.

2. Hunt out for the most suitable self-storage unit that is not only conveniently located by affordable also. An unit with a good height is considered good, because it helps you stack boxes one on top of another, instead of occupying huge floor space (think cost).

3. Adequate research should be done on storage companies before you finalize any deal. Ask them about discounts for long term storage, discount against cash advance payment, etc. Since competition amongst storage companies is high, chances are that you could get a good price.

4. Visit the premises personally to have a first-hand idea of the space you are renting. After all, you would be keeping some valuables in such a storage facility.

5. Check out on the security measures the unit has. These days there are 24-hour surveillance facilities installed in most units with CCTVs, password activated entries and more.

6. Talk to the storage company about insurance coverage of the storage space that you are hiring. Check whether they are offering you any insurance coverage or whether you have to talk to your own insurance company 7. Make a storage plan and store your goods accordingly. Store the items which would be needed first close at hand and stored last.

7. Keep in mind that certain goods like carpets, books and furniture might need special packing before they are put away in storage.

8. Check whether the storage unit has regular pest control schedules. There is hardly any point in storing your goods only to be eaten away by termites or damaged due to faulty packing.

As you can see, self-storage takes the headache out of space shortage. So if you are relocating to a new home in a new city which has lesser space, do not worry. Self-storage is there to help you ease your storage problems!

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Railroad Ave Self-Storage FAQ

Are there any restrictions to the length of stay?

We have a month-to-month rental agreement with a one month minimum.

When do I have access to my storage unit? 

7 days a week, 365 days a year, 7am to 7pm.

What type of security does your facility have?

Controlled keypad gate access, video surveillance cameras, on-site resident manager, and well lit facility.

Do you offer Boat & RV Storage? 

Yes, we have a paved Boat & RV parking area that is well lit with separate keypad access.

Are my items in storage insured? 

We do not provide insurance for your possessions; however insurance is available and recommended.

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Interesting Facts About Self-Storage Facilities

Chances are that you or someone you know has used self storage at some point because although it's still a relatively new concept, it certainly has taken off all around the world. Below are just a few interesting facts about the industry and some of the most common reasons people choose to store their valuables.

The history of self storage

Self storage was first introduced in America in the 1960s. 55 years later it is estimated that there are more than 53,000 facilities across the country. The concept didn't move over to Britain until the 1980s but in that short space of time there are now more than 800 facilities across the country which equates to an incredible 29.6 million square feet of storage space.

Why do so many businesses use self storage facilities?

More and more companies across the world are choosing to use self storage facilities but why exactly is this? The top reasons include because they don't have enough room at their premises for excess stock, they need somewhere to store office equipment that isn't currently being used and because they're moving offices so need somewhere to store everything in between moves. Additionally to this, many Internet-based businesses choose to run their business from self storage units or wish to use them as a distribution point.

Who uses self storage?

Stealing the top position by just 1% is businesses. Approximately 36% of all self storage users are companies with home movers just behind with 35%. 11% of people using these facilities are those who wish to declutter their homes, 10% are home owners who are currently renovating their property and 4% are students who simply don't have the space for all their belongings in their accommodation.

How long do people store their stuff for?

Interestingly, over the years the length of time people are storing their belongings for is increasing. In 2007 the average time was 22 weeks, by 2009 this had increased to 32 weeks, in 2011 it was 37 weeks and now it's a whopping 41 weeks. This no doubt has something to do with the fact that as house prices have increased excess space is not something people have a lot of anymore.

In some parts of the country self storage has become so popular that it's almost taking over the number of people who live their. In Edinburgh for example, there is 442,000 square feet of storage facilities versus 450,000 people. In London there is 8.5 million square feet compare to 8.3 million people.

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