College students often live in dorms and other temporary housing situations. Rather than having your college student move his or her belongings to and from home between each school year, you may want to invest in a storage unit. College storage in Santa Cruz will provide your student with a safe space to store his or her stuff. From academic books to furniture and more, your storage unit can be used to house a variety of college belongings.

A quality self-storage unit can provide several key benefits to college students. First, a storage unit can eliminate the hassle of moving items back and forth from home to university. With self-storage, your student will also have a convenient place to store personal belongings throughout the school year. Ultimately, investing in a storage unit for your college student will provide happiness, security, and well-being, throughout the college years.

Having a storage unit to use year-round is a great way to change with the seasons without your house becoming cluttered. As winter approaches, your storage unit rental in Santa Cruz, CA can house your gardening tools, beach and pool gear, and various other items that you will not need for the winter. Let’s take a closer look at some items that should be in your storage unit this coming season.

Gardening Items

With the weather becoming colder, your garden is likely to become dormant for the next several months. Instead of letting your shovels, hedge trimmers, and lawnmower clutter up your home or garage, store your gardening tools in your storage unit. They will be better protected against winter weather, and your home will not be as cluttered.

Seasonal Items

As summer wanes and winter begins, your swimsuits and shorts are soon going to be replaced by scarves and jeans. Just as you have used your storage unit for winter clothes, you can use it to store your summer clothes. You can also store other seasonal items, such as pool toys, barbecue grills, and lawn chairs. Any items you only use during the summer should be in your storage rental soon.

Rarely Used Items

No matter the season, you should take stock of the various items in your house and yard that you rarely use. These might be water-skis that you only use once or twice a year. You may have various decorations that you put out for a month before they go back into storage. It is items like these that should go into your storage unit this season.

Expensive Items

You may also wish to use your storage unit for any recent expensive or fragile items you have acquired. These items might be heirlooms, artwork, or other important possessions that should be kept in a safe and secure area. Instead of keeping these items around your home, where they can easily be broken, take your expensive and fragile possessions to your storage unit rental.

As the summer season winds to a close, many students are gearing up to head back to college for the year. When you are getting ready for the start of the school year, you will want to make sure that you are settled in to your dorm or student housing. One great way to prepare for your back to school packing and unpacking is to rent a storage unit . Temporary storage near Capitola will provide you with a secure spot to store your boxes and belongings while you get ready for the start of the upcoming school year.

A storage unit facility near your college will be sure to offer student storage unit rentals at affordable prices. Whether you are seeking a facility to house your items for the duration of the school year, or you simply need temporary storage, your student storage experts will be there to assist you with all of your storage needs.

When you are preparing to move your belongings into a storage unit, it is of the utmost importance that you make sure that your items are easy to find. A great way to organize your storage unit in Santa Cruz is to take the time to color code your boxes. Creating a color coding system to label each box in your storage unit will save you energy and time when you are trying to find a specific item later on. To emphasize the advantages of creating a personalized labeling system for your storage unit , here is a look at the benefits of color coding your boxes.

Remain Organized

A top benefit of color coding your storage boxes is that creating a color-coded system will help you remain organized throughout the packing and moving process. In order to enhance the organization of your labeling, you may want to pick a certain color that you will use for each room in your house. By labeling kitchen items in blue and family room items in pink, you can make sure that these belongings do not get mixed up in your move.

Save Time

Creating a color-coded labeling system will save you time throughout the packing and unpacking process. With an organized color labeling system, you will know exactly where to place each item as you pack. When you are ready to unpack, your color-coded labels will help you immediately identify the contents of each box that has been placed in your storage unit.

Enlist Help

Color coding can also help you enlist help from your family and friends when you are packing and unpacking. With a color labeling system, you will be able to easily direct a friend or loved one to a box that contains specific contents. During a move, having color-coded labels can also help your movers identify which boxes should be placed in each area of your home. To create easily identifiable color-coded labels, you may want to invest in an assortment of brightly colored rolls of tape.

A storage unit rental in Santa Cruz can provide you with space and security while you prepare to downsize your home. This short video will provide you with tips and tricks to keep in mind when you are downsizing. As you downsize your living space, you will want to make sure that you have quality packing materials on hand. Additionally, you can get organized to pack by making decisions about the items that you will keep, donate, or toss.

To ease your stress as you downsize, you may want to rent a storage unit. A storage unit facility can provide you with the storage options that you need to organize and protect your belongings during a move. Your storage rental company can provide you with more packing and moving ideas.

Whether you are downsizing your home, or are planning on moving to a new property, renting a storage unit will provide you with peace of mind. A storage rental company in Capitola will offer temporary storage units that are designed to keep your boxes and belongings safe and secure. To ensure that your items are fully protected when they are placed in your storage unit, you may want to take additional precautions when you are packing up and planning for your move. Here is an overview of some helpful tips for protecting your items when they are in storage.

Use quality packing materials.

As you are packing up your boxes, it is a terrific idea to use quality packing materials that are designed to protect your items from damage. Fragile items should be wrapped in newspaper or bubble wrap and gently placed in their boxes. Other objects, such as books or clothing, may need to be wrapped in plastic to avoid wear during long-term storage. Packing materials, such as foam peanuts, can also be used as you are preparing each box.

Wrap important possessions.

If an item is too large to be placed in a box, it will still need to be wrapped in some way. Large pieces of furniture and other items can become damaged if they are not carefully wrapped in shipping blankets or plastic. Any objects that have sharp corners should also be protected with shipping tape, bubble wrap, or news print.

Consider taking out insurance.

Many insurance companies offer policies for items that are placed into storage. When you decide to store valuable possessions, you may want to talk to your insurance agent about the possibility of taking out a storage insurance plan. By covering your stored items with an insurance policy, you can rest assured that you will be reimbursed in the event that your possessions become accidentally damaged during the move. Your insurance company may need to appraise your belongings before the insurance policy is finalized.

When it comes to moving your stuff into a storage rental, the way you fill the unit, stack the boxes, and arrange your belongings can significantly affect how much you benefit from the space. The following tips will help you get the most out of your storage rental in Santa Cruz, CA:

Stack Your Boxes

While packing your belongings that you’ll move into storage, it’s vital that you think about storing your items vertically as well as horizontally. Many storage units are at least 8 feet tall, meaning that you can stack your boxes high to maximize what you get out of the space. To do this safely, stack boxes that are of similar size with the heaviest ones toward the floor and the lightweight ones at the top.

Leave a Path

As you move your belongings into the storage unit, keep in mind that you may want to access some of the boxes over time. To make the process of getting to particular items as hassle-free as possible, leave at least one walkway through the middle of your unit. When you fill the space completely, not only will it be more difficult to see where everything is, but you’ll also have to move more boxes to reach what it is that you need.

Label Your Boxes

Among the most important steps that you can take to get the most out of your storage unit is to label your boxes and face them toward the aisle. The path that you make will be of little help if you can’t determine what items are where.

Break Items Down

Do you have some bulky belongings that you need to store? If so, then take a closer look at these items and determine if they can be taken apart. Many types of furniture, exercise equipment, and athletic gear can be at least partially disassembled to make them easier to store. When doing this, be sure to keep all of the related pieces together and bag up bolts and screws as necessary.

A storage unit in Capitola, CA can be a great commodity all year long, but the way you use it might change throughout that duration. Your self storage rental can house your holiday decorations during the off season and keep your pool materials in top shape throughout the winter. You can even use your storage space to clear up some space at home by keeping certain types of clothing out of the house until they are needed. Feel free to read on for a closer look at some of the many seasonal uses for your storage space .

Holiday Decorations

A massive blow-up pumpkin decoration might make you the most popular homeowner on the block during the Halloween season, but what do you do when it’s time to take it down? Holiday decorations are inherently only relevant for short windows of time; when they are used out of season, they can be awkward and even annoying. When it comes time to deflate your balloons, pack up your Christmas lights, or take the Menorah down, consider using a storage space. You won’t need your decorations for about a year, so you might as well clear up some space in your home and bring your holiday materials to your storage unit.

Pool Materials

No matter where you live, you might not feel like going in the pool all year long. If this is the case, you should have a safe spot to store your pool materials. By renting out a storage space, you can rest assured that you have a place to store your pool materials without any worry of them becoming damaged. This goes for pool noodles, floats, skimmers, and even pool maintenance chemicals.

Seasonal Clothing

Most people change the way they dress along with the seasons, and this can lead to a great deal of lost closet space. Rather than filling up your walk-in with clothes you won’t need for another six months, try keeping your out-of-season clothing in your storage unit. This can also save you time when you want to quickly find something to wear before heading out.

Many people think their storage unit is completely protected from invading pests, but that may not be the case. Though your storage rental company in Santa Cruz, CA does what it can to protect storage units from pests, the first line of defense comes from the customers. There are a few different ways customers can safeguard their possessions from potential pests.

Choose Plastic over Cardboard

Certain pests, like rats and mice, love paper, wood, and fabric products as a means to make their nests. Their sharp teeth and claws can easily tear through cardboard, documents, and wooden furniture in a matter of minutes. To discourage rodents from getting into your stored possessions, pack as much as you can in hard plastic containers, and refrain from using cardboard boxes. It is very difficult for rodents to penetrate the hard plastic to reach your items inside. Store your clothes, blankets, documents, and anything else that is easily shredded in these hard containers.

Do Not Store Food or Plants

Many self-storage facilities have rules against storing live plants and food, even if they are kept in a sealed container. You should not store these items in your storage unit anyway, because they will attract pests. Rodents are constantly looking for food and items to make their nests. By storing food, even if it is temporary storage, rodents will smell it and come to your unit ready to set up their home. Ants will also be attracted to food products. Plants can attract cockroaches and other intrusive insects, so keep your plants out of your unit.

Check Your Possessions Before Going into Storage

You may have safeguarded your possessions against future pests, but do not forget to check for any current pests. Rodents, cockroaches, spiders, and other pests may stow away in your containers or nestle into your clothes or furniture, and you may not know until you find an infestation weeks later. Check your boxes, furniture, and everything going into your storage unit before placing it in the unit. You may be able to stop an infestation before it begins.

When choosing your next storage unit near Capitola, CA, there are a few factors to consider so you can get the right space to hold your possessions. Determining the storage unit size you will need and how long you will need it are key decisions that will influence what will be the right storage space for you.

Choose the Correct Size

One of the most important factors when choosing the right storage unit is determining what you wish to store. Once you know what you want to store and how much space it will take, you can figure out the correct size storage unit you will need. Most units will have a uniform height, usually 10ft or higher, but the width and length may change. Many storage rental companies have a formula that can help customers determine the size unit they will need in relation to how much space their possessions normally take up. To be on the safe side, you should rent a unit that is larger than you think you will need. This will save you time, money, and frustration.

Decide on the Length of Time

Deciding on how long you will need your storage unit can influence a couple different aspects of your storage unit experience. Your billing arrangement with the storage rental company may change depending on your contract length. You may also wish to store your items differently depending on how long they will be in storage. For example, if you are storing long-term, you will want to create a defined pathway so you can easily reach all of your items.

Determine the Level of Security You Need

Not all storage rental companies are created equal, especially when it comes to security measures for their tenants’ possessions. Choosing a storage space should be influenced by the amount and type of security the facility has to offer. Look for a facility with a dedicated staff that has an immediate concern for their tenants’ safety and security of possessions.

Whether you are moving or using a self-storage unit in Santa Cruz, CA, there are certain packing materials that will make your packing experience run much smoother. During a bumpy move and even sitting in a storage unit, your possessions should be as protected as possible against damage. Here are the main packing materials you will need when putting your items into storage:

Plastic Containers or Cardboard Boxes

The container you use for your items may depend on how long you plan to use your storage unit. To fully protect your clothes, dishes, and personal possessions, consider using sealed, plastic containers. These are easily stackable and will protect your possessions against pests, flooding, or other unexpected accidents. If you anticipate taking items out of storage within a few weeks or months, you may prefer to use cardboard boxes that can be easily broken down and discarded.

Packing Paper or Bubble Wrap

You should always have packing paper to protect your fragile possessions, like dishes and glasses. If you have very fragile items, such as delicate crystal glass, then consider purchasing bubble wrap. It is smart to have packing paper available to separate less fragile items, such as lamp shades and hanging art. Some products may have vibrant dyes that can be transferred to other products unless there is a barrier between them. Plan on wrapping all of your items individually to keep them protected during their time in storage.

Plastic Wrapping

Plastic wrap is something you should use to protect your larger items. Furniture, rugs, and mattresses should have some sort of plastic wrapping. This will protect them from potential pests and dust or moisture in your storage unit. Some items, like custom wall art or decorations, may require different storage options, such as a climate-controlled unit. Depending on what the item is and how it is made, plastic wrapping may cause moisture where there should be none. When in doubt, ask your professional storage services about how certain items should be stored.

After you have decided which clothes will go in your storage unit, it is time to start packing them up. By planning ahead, you can save yourself a lot of stress and time before heading to your self-storage unit in Santa Cruz, CA.

Watch this video for some great tips on packing and securing your clothes for a trip to your storage unit rental. Wardrobe boxes will be your best friend when packing hanging clothes. These boxes can hold about 2 feet of closet space. As long as you seal the box against moisture, your clothes should be completely protected. Folded clothes can stay in their dresser drawers, but for an extended time in a storage unit, you may prefer to box them up. Lay packing paper between each layer of clothes, as well as in the bottom and top of the box. Do not forget to label all of your boxes.

Whether you are moving your belongings into temporary storage or gearing up for a long term storage rental, it is important to make sure that you arrange your storage unit carefully. With correct packing and preparation, you can rest assured that you will be able to easily access and sort through your belongings when they are needed. A company offering self storage near Capitola, CA will be able to provide you with the right storage rental for your specific needs. To help you get ready for your move into storage, here is a look at the process of arranging a storage space.

Create a Plan

The first step of arranging your storage space is to create a detailed plan. For example, after you have rented your storage unit, you will have a better idea of the square footage and layout of the space. With this information in mind, you will be able to determine where each box or item will be placed within the storage unit. To achieve the best organization in your unit, you may want to place bulky furniture items in the back and smaller boxes in the front.

Pack Carefully

As you are preparing to arrange your storage space, you will also want to make sure that all of your items are packed carefully. For example, as you are packing your boxes, you will want to make sure that the exterior of each box is labeled with a list of its contents. With proper packing, you will have a better idea of how your storage unit will need to be arranged.

Maintain Organization

While arranging your storage space, it is essential to maintain organization at all times. For example, you may want to sketch out a simple diagram of where you will be placing each type of box and piece of furniture. With a diagram in hand, you will have a quick and simple reference of where each one of your items will need to be placed.

If you are planning to visit a secure storage facility and rent a high quality storage unit in Santa Cruz, there are a few packing tips to consider first. Watch this video to find out more about how to pack your belongings for storage .

The video begins by advising you to pack heavier items, such as books, in smaller boxes. Lighter items, such as clothes, can be packed in larger boxes. The presenter suggests stacking heavier boxes on the bottom of each pile, with lighter ones on top. It’s important to make sure that the boxes are securely stacked. The video suggests fitting plastic or metal shelves into your storage unit. This will make it easier for you to access individual boxes. The presenter also reminds viewers of the importance of carefully labeling each box. It can be useful to know the precise location of specific items or categories of items when looking around your storage unit.

If you own a vehicle which you rarely drive, it is advisable to seek out a self-storage facility in Capitola. If you leave a car parked in a driveway for a long period of time, it can sustain various kinds of damage. Paintwork can chip or fade, the rubber in the tires could break down, any metal bodywork will probably rust over time, and vinyl seating can crack. In addition, there may be less visible damage. Engines and brake pads can cease to function properly after a long period of disuse. If the vehicle has been exposed to ice, snow, or road chemicals such as sand, salt, and magnesium chloride, it could also suffer considerable damage due to corrosion. A self-storage facility can help maintain your car’s condition!

Keep the Car Clean and Dry

The best environment for vehicle storage is a clean and dry indoor space, such as a secure storage facility. If you do not have suitable garage space, a self-storage facility may be able to provide a good solution. You should keep the car itself clean, too. If possible, drive the vehicle at regular intervals, or hire someone to do so on your behalf.

Keep Fluids Fresh and Topped Up

Before placing your vehicle in storage, ensure that your gas tank is mostly full to minimize the amount of air space. Air can cause damage and corrosion. Consider purchasing a fuel stabilizer, as this can help prevent the gasoline in the tank from breaking down, which can damage both the fuel line and the engine itself. Perform regular oil changes. Over time, oil can break down into potentially damaging compounds. Remove the spark plugs and pour oil into the cylinder housings.

Take Additional Safety Measures

If you are leaving the car for a long period of time, there are some additional measures you should take. Remove the battery and the windscreen wipers. Consider placing the car on jacks and adding extra pressure to the tires. Have the paintwork carefully waxed. Seal up any entrances where mice, squirrels, or rats might enter, and distribute mothballs and vermin deterrents around the vehicle.

Regardless of the reason, you may need to store some or all of your belongings at a storage facility. First off, do your research and find a reputable self-storage facility near Santa Cruz . Check review sites and ask around. Be sure you choose a secure storage facility, and always inspect potential premises before signing any contract. Next, you have to determine the size of storage unit rental you’ll need. If you’re only storing boxes and flat items that can be stackable, a smaller unit is the way to go. Bulky or oddly shaped items, such as furniture, may require a larger space.

Check out this highly informative video to learn about self-storage facilities and how to use them effectively.

What to Know About Self Storage, Tips and Suggestions

When you consider your options for a high quality storage unit in Santa Cruz, safety is probably one of your very first priorities. Before committing to any storage facility, always inquire about the security. Reputable professional storage services should include having a manager on-site at all times, in addition to extra precautions like a fence and keypad entry. Continue reading to find out why you should select a self-storage unit that is in a good neighborhood, located at a well-maintained facility, and is properly supervised.

Good Neighborhood

Whether you want personal, commercial, or student storage, you should select a storage facility that is located in a good neighborhood. Even if you have to drive a few minutes out of your way, you should always trade safety and a good reputation for a storage facility that is merely convenient. But even if your self-storage unit is in a quiet suburb, it should still have coded security pads and a high fence to discourage any kind of intrusion.

Quality Facilities

When you consider potential storage unit rentals, it is essential to take a walk around the facilities first. A well-maintained storage facility is not only clean but should be regularly monitored for rodents and pests. While it is important that outsiders not be able to access storage units, you should ensure that you can get to your possessions during the day if need be. That means that your storage facility should have an open gate policy during the day.

Proper Supervision

Finally, secure storage facilities should be supervised by a team member or manager at all times. Many self-storage facilities believe their obligations to clients end after simply selling them a storage unit. But the most trusted facilities employ managers to live on-site. This not only strongly discourages theft, it allows customers to access their storage units without any problems during the day. With someone there to help you, you can rest assured that your possessions are both accessible and secure.

Professional storage services near Capitola should be safe, secure, and reliable. But a storage facility should also offer plenty of options so you can customize your storage unit according to your amount of personal belongings and budget.

When you select a storage unit rental, it is important to consider many factors. First, storage units come in many sizes, and you will need to determine what size of unit will accommodate your personal items. In general, it is better to err on the side of a unit that is too large, as you never want to arrive at a self-storage unit to learn that you do not have enough room. Next, consider how long you need to store your belongings. Some storage facilities have minimum stay requirements, and it is best to choose a storage facility that is flexible according to your needs. Finally, choose the billing option that is right for you. Good storage facilities offer customizable options.

Are you preparing to move your household items into a self-storage facility in Capitola? After you reserve your secure self-storage unit, it is time to begin the packing process. While preparing your bedding may seem like a simple task, it takes just a bit of preparation and a few supplies to keep your linens in pristine condition. Whether you are renting multiple long-term storage units or have secured temporary student storage, keep reading to learn why proper cleaning, vacuum bags, and certain boxes are essential for linen storage.

Proper Cleaning

Vacuum Bags

Vacuum storage bags protect blankets and pillows and free up extra space in a self-storage unit. To use vacuum bags, simply place folded pillows and blankets inside. Next, insert your vacuum’s hose into the valve on the side of the bag and turn on the vacuum. This process creates an airtight seal to keep out mildew, insects, dust, and odors.

Special Boxes

While cardboard boxes are perfectly acceptable for short-term linen storage, consider investing in a cedar chest if your storage unit rental will last for several months or more. Cedar wool oil acts as a natural moth and insect repellant, which makes it perfectly suited to store natural-fiber bedding. If you have synthetic blankets and poly-filled pillows, consider purchasing plastic bins. Bins prevent dust from accumulating and can also be re-used later on. If you plan to use cardboard boxes in your self storage unit, line them with heavy duty lawn bags for an extra layer of protection.