Industry Tips - Long term Car Storage


When you own a car, there may be a time when you need to store it. Perhaps you are going on a long trip, or going somewhere warm for several months in the winter. Perhaps it is the car of a relative who has an extended illness. You may even have a car that is just not practical for winter driving in snow, ice, and sleet. You may not have enough garage space. When preparing to store your vehicle, there are several things you should to do to ensure it is done properly. Find a storage location. Think about your needs for access when you do this. If you are simply looking for an extra garage and plan to use your car often, be sure the storage unit is easily accessible and close to your home. Be sure the air is dry so the car won't rust. A climate-controlled storage facility is your best choice. Be sure the car has gas and add a stabilizer if you plan to store your car for at least two months. Filling the tank with gas prevents the tank from rusting inside. Adding the stabilizer preserves the gasoline and also prevents damage to the fuel system. Usually you will add 1 ounce of stabilizer for every 3-5 gallons of gas, but check the label on the stabilizer to be sure. Change the oil. Dirty engine oil can thicken after long-term storage and make it difficult to start the car when you retrieve it. Put tire jacks under the tires. This prevents the tires from getting flat spots and also takes the weight off of the tires. That way, you won't show up at your storage unit ready to take your car out for a drive only to find you need new tires. Make sure your car is clean inside and out. Wash and wax the outside of the car and clean and vacuum the inside. A clean outside removes things that can eat away at the car's finish and prevents ...


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April 29th, 2025

RV Winterization Checklist


RV Winterization Checklist

So, you're finished traveling the countryside and you're ready to stay home until the spring thaw. But there's not enough space in your driveway for the RV? Self storage is a convenient solution. But if you just drive your RV to the nearest storage facility, put on the brake, lock the doors and call it good for the winter, you may be in for an unpleasant surprise next spring. Our checklist should help you prepare for both indoor and outdoor RV storage: Remove items that can be damaged by severe cold, including electronics (portable DVDs and removable TVs). Remove items impacted by freezing such as bottles containing liquids (dish soap, hand soaps, etc.). Remove items that may encourage mice or squirrels from being attracted to the inside of your RV -- including anything that resembles food. Clean cooking surfaces thoroughly to remove residue, especially cooking grease. Take home all bedding to launder. Thoroughly vacuum all floors and seat cushions. Remove the water heater plug and store in a safe place. Fully drain the water heater tank. If the water heater has a bypass kit, turn the valves to bypass the water system away from the water heater tank. Drain the gray and black water tanks of all remaining water. Pump anti-freeze into the water system; open sink valves until the anti-freeze flows smoothly out of the faucets. Run enough RV anti-freeze through the faucets to replace any water in the sink traps and drain plumbing. Pull the flush valve in the toilet to ensure that the insides of the toilet get filled with RV anti-freeze. Drain all water hoses used for connecting to your city connections. Remove the 12V battery and store in your garage unless your RV is self-contained and needs this for operation. Fill the propane tanks so they are ready to go if you need to use your RV during the winter. Make sure the main valves on the propane tank(s) are closed at the tank. Inspect the exterior of the RV, especially around windows and doors and the roof seams. If ...


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April 29th, 2025

Garden Tool Storage


garden tools

To sustain your gardening tools and keep them in good condition for years to come, you should take the proper steps to make sure the metal tools maintain their durability and do not accumulate rust. Where and how you store your tools can make all the difference.  Whether you need a place to store your tools for the winter or want to clear out space in your garage, a self storage facility can be a helpful solution. The winter season can significantly age and, perhaps, damage your tools if they are not properly cared for.  Electric tools of all sorts, especially, should be attended to regularly.  Smart storage can save you the burden of purchasing a new machine since time or winter weather can quickly age tools that are not properly taken care of.  Moreover, a self storage unit can free up garage space during the winter so that your son does not have to park his car outside and risk being late to class because his car has frozen and will not start. Prior to storing tools, you should be aware of a few things when purchasing and caring for garden tools.  Below are some simple tips that can save you time and money in the long run: Price can make the difference between short-lived and long-lasting equipment.  Look for stainless steel tools as they do not rust.  Similar to cheap paint jobs, coated metal and carbon steel are sure to rust over time if exposed to humidity. Sharpen (first) and oil tools regularly as needed.  Make sure the tools are clean and dry before oiling.  Tools can be oiled with a towel or rag that is damp with oil as long as it is not damped with other chemicals or water.  Tip: WD-40 is oil based but should not be substituted for an oil to treat tools.  Mineral oil is preferred, but motor oil can also be used and is cheaper. Wooden handles that show wear-and-tear should be sanded down and ...


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April 29th, 2025

Business & Corporate Storage


From Storage to Disposal Companies acquire and create a great deal of paperwork, even in today's digital world. The need to free up space, protect privileged information, and maintain solid records makes document storage, disposal and shredding high priority issues for businesses of all sizes. Documents may need to be archived off-site in many situations. For instance, office space may have become cramped due to an abundance of files that must be retained for tax or legal reasons. A business that is mobile may have very little room at its base of operations to store files. A retail enterprise may prefer to use space to hold inventory rather than old paperwork. A home business set up in a tiny corner of the house may simply have no available storage space and may have security issues due to people coming and going and children playing, sometimes too closely for comfort. Some companies specialize in archiving documents. Depending on how much you are willing to pay, the company may pick up, organize and archive your documents in a secure facility. When a document is needed, they may be able to deliver it to you within a few hours or by overnight delivery. Business owners who want to be able to access files at any time and who want to spend less money may prefer to lease a self storage unit to house and protect their documents. When looking for a self storage facility for your documents, consider a few factors: Security. Look for a facility that takes pride in their visitor safety record and their ability to protect stored items. Find out if the facility has 24-hour on-site management, surveillance cameras, security personnel, monitored access or alarms. Look for well lit parking areas and hallways. Find out what type of locking mechanisms are available on units. Look for security fencing around the storage facility, and scan it to be sure it appears in good repair. Access. Find out when you will be able to ...


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April 29th, 2025

Military Storage


Military Self Storage & Deployment Storage Military Storage Overview Military members and their families understand that relocation comes with the job, often on short notice. Whether your move involves a Permanent Change of Station (PSC), Temporary Duty (TDY) or Temporary Additional Duty (TAD), self storage can be a convenient option for long or short-term use. To prevent unnecessary expenses and last minute decisions, it is important to plan ahead. Whether you have six months or one week before moving, the smallest amount of organization can help. Before you start packing, visit your military financial center and learn which travel and transportation stipends are available to you. When moving, the option is to either do it yourself or hire a moving company. There are military programs that can assist you if you decide to do it yourself. According to www.military.com, “The Do-It-Yourself (DITY) move is a voluntary program that allows you to be reimbursed by the government for moving your own belongings.” Once you’ve started planning, there are many things to consider during your search for a public storage facility. Determine your needs How much storage space will you rent? Identify the items you will be taking with you and decide which items will be left behind. Are you storing a few small boxes or an entire household worth of furniture? Many storage facilities offer outdoor parking for car or boat storage, as well. Once you have figured out the items you will be stowing, a storage calculator is a handy way to determine the storage unit size that meets your needs, and it can also prevent you from overpaying for a space that is too large. If you’re relocating to another state or overseas for a long period of time, amenities like climate control and property security are important features to consider. Once you’ve established how much storage and which type, planning your budget and moving options is a much easier task. Locate specials and discounts Many storage facilities offer military discounts for active-duty personnel ...


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April 29th, 2025

Student Storage


Student Storage

College Lifestyle: What to Store Deciding what to do with all of the things you have accumulated during your years in college can be stressful, even frustrating.  At the end of spring semester it may be difficult to decide if you are really ever going to wear half of your clothes again or read through that pile of books stacked on your shelves one day.  Regardless, you may find yourself moving all of those extra things from year to year into a new dorm room or apartment as you watch them take up more and more valuable space that you could be using to live more comfortably. Some things you may be able to get rid of, but you know that occasionally you need random things that are important to have even if they are seldom used. Knowing which things will be needed may be a challenge, but decluttering your college home can make your days there much more enjoyable.  Outsourcing your extra items to different locations will give you more options. It may make it possible for you to design your living space and tailor it to your own personality. Here, we will discuss possible storage options, whether it is sending your things home to mom and dad, reserving a self storage unit or finding other alternatives. Have a Plan First, plan out what you want and ask yourself the following questions: Is your load of extra stuff getting out of hand? When do you need to free up some extra space? Is this going to be temporary, such as over the summer or for a semester when you study abroad? How much time do you wish to spending sorting through the items and separating them into the things you might use in the near future and the things you can live without? Thoughtful planning ahead of time can save you stress and money. When it comes to storing your belongings while in college, a couple of the most popular options are to either send things home ...


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April 29th, 2025

Household Storage


Curtains and Linens

Putting Appliances in Storage It can be difficult to make space in your home or garage for unused appliances. But because new appliances are expensive, many people prefer to hold on to old ones for hand-me-downs, vacation homes, or back-ups. A self storage rental can be a convenient, affordable solution -- short-term or long-term. However, if you don't properly prepare your appliances for remote storage, you may return to find useless, moldy boxes. Below is some useful advice for securely storing washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, ovens and more. If you have additional questions or concerns regarding appliance storage, remember that your storage facility manager may be a great source of information and guidance. Checklist: Moving and Storing Your Appliances Run a final cycle. Consider running an empty clothes washer and dishwasher through a complete wash cycle using either a cup of bleach or white vinegar instead of detergent prior to placing in self storage. Drain liquid. Empty any water from hoses, holding tanks, plastic tubing and other internal components. This will help prevent freezing and mildew. Clean the interior. Scrub and dry the interior completely -- especially in refrigerators, dishwashers and ovens. Food and sugar remnants can attract bugs, even in interior storage units. In refrigerators, clean and dry the defrost pan -- you'll find it underneath or behind the refrigerator. In water-using appliances, wipe the rubber cushion seal around the perimeter of the door. Mildew tends to collect in this area. Treat for insects. Insects that infest food are found almost everywhere. To prevent an infestation, be sure to spray your clean appliance for bugs. Clean the exterior. Any motor-driven appliance will have an intake area (lint filter, tube or grid). Be sure to clean this vent. A vacuum may do the trick, but if the opening is greasy, you might use an old toothbrush. Remove glass and protect finish. If your appliance has glass shelves or fragile parts, remove them and transport them separately. Appliances with finishes that can scratch or dent should be wrapped in ...


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April 29th, 2025

Self Storage Basics


Choosing the Most Secure Storage Lock

Choosing the Most Secure Storage Lock Before moving your family's belongings into your storage unit, you need to purchase a lock to secure the door shut to your unit. Pay careful attention to the type of lock you purchase to make sure that your valuables will be protected against possible break-ins, theft or vandalism. There are many different locks to choose from. Each lock will fall under one of two categories: either a padlock or a combination lock. Before choosing the lock that will work best for you, you will want to ask yourself a few questions... 1. How valuable is the property in storage? Chances are that since you have made the decision to rent a self storage unit to keep your belongings, they have value. Whether the property is a vintage sport car valued at $100,000 or your kids' baby photos that are purely sentimental, you will want to keep your items protected. Be sure to shop for a durable, tamper resistant lock. 2. Will the lock be used indoors or outdoors? Is your self storage unit located inside an indoor facility? Or is your unit accessed from outdoors? In this case, the lock will be exposed to the outdoors and subjected to environmental elements such as rain, freezing cold temperatures and extreme heat. These environmental elements can corrode the lock and extreme temperatures can cause the metal to expand and contract. A lock made from stainless steel or brass will resist corrosion from environmental elements. However, locks made from brass offer the best protection against corrosion. When compared to alloyed steel or stainless steel, a brass lock is more resistant to being cut with metal cutters or levered open by an intruder. 3. What will the lock be attached to? Before attaching your lock, you will want to inspect the clasp on the door to your unit that the lock will be secured to. Be sure that the clasp is tightly fixed in place and free from defects ...


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April 29th, 2025

Types of Storage Facilities


Types of Storage Facilities

Whether you need a place to store your boat, a room to keep your old furniture until your teenager moves out on his own and gives them new life, a private closet to store and organize old books and tax papers, or just extra space to hold unused odds and ends that clutter your home, consider renting a self storage unit. Self storage facilities offer various options to meet individual needs. When looking for self storage locations, you may find that they are sometimes called mini storage or cell storage. Units come in varying sizes and are divided within a facility into individual rooms, plots, cells or pods. Most can be rented for short or long periods, even as short as a day. Renters usually provide their own locks, but self storage companies generally provide some level of security. Private gates that require the renter to enter a code or use a key card and security cameras are common. Some also provide security guards, door alarms and 24-hour on-site management. Outside Storage People generally use outside storage plots to store cars, RVs, dirt bikes, tractors, boats and the like. In an outdoor storage facility you are likely to find covered units partitioned by wire mesh. Drive-up Storage These units come in varying sizes such as 10-foot wide by 10-foot deep or 10-foot wide by 15-foot deep. Heights can vary between facilities. The doors on these rooms often roll up like a garage door. Although they may look like garages, you would need to check with management to see if the company actually allows vehicles to be parked in the larger units. A facility may include several rows of buildings that are divided into numerous storage units. Customers can usually pull their car or truck right up to the door of the unit to drop off or pick up items. Indoor Storage To reach these units, you must enter a building and pass through some type of security. Inside you will find storage space available in ...


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April 29th, 2025

How You Can Declutter Even the Tiniest of Spaces


How You Can Declutter Even the Tiniest of Spaces

How You Can Declutter Even the Tiniest of Spaces Julian Lane | February 11, 2019 @ 2:00 AM When we live in a small space like an apartment or condo, organization can be difficult. Yet, living in a cluttered environment isn't good for our mental or even physical health. If you're struggling to find a way to keep your home tidy, here are some helpful hints. Why Declutter? Clutter does more than simply stress us out. It can make us overeat, cause respiratory issues, and even create household safety issues, like fire hazards. If you work at home, it can even be impede you financially. Messy environs cause us to lose focus and productivity, and they encourage bad spending habits. Overall, if you live in a small space, it's time to take control and structure your life today. In some cases, this requires a complete overhaul of your belongings, and you'll need to be as ruthless as possible, but that’s easier said than done. As you start to cull your belongings, some items will be too difficult to part with. When that happens, you can always consider short-term storage until you’re ready to make a decision. Keeping that in mind can make decluttering a less overwhelming process. Use Practical Furniture Much of a home's space is dedicated to furniture, which can leave little room for storage capacity. To combat this, look for pieces that conceal storage. This could mean a sofa or ottoman that opens up, or a multi-tiered coffee table where you can keep a collection of books or knick knacks. If you're of the crafting variety, you can build your own storage benches to place in every room you need. These give you and your family a place to sit while providing room to hide your goods. You can also make a version that doubles as a media stand, or vanity to get increased use. Built-In Shelving Putting up shelving can be a great space-saver and provides much-needed organization. However, having shelves installed can be pricey. ...


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April 29th, 2025

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