If you decide that renting a storage unit in Capitola, CA could be the right choice for you, make sure you work with a storage facility that allows you to access your things when you need them. At JD Mini Storage, we make it as easy as possible for you to get to the belongings that you leave with us. Some people like to come back to their storage units on a monthly, weekly, or even daily basis—if that sounds like you, then you should know exactly how to get to your unit. Read on and learn how you can access your storage units at JD Mini Storage.

No matter what kind of vehicle you drive, you should have no problem accessing your storage unit when you rent at JD Mini Storage. All our units are on the ground floor, and they are all 10 feet high. Getting into our facility requires keypad access. As long as you come by between 7:00 in the morning and 7:00 in the evening, you should have no problems getting to your belongings. We keep these hours open every single day of the year, so you’ll never be kept away from your things.

If you’re the type of person who likes to go all out during the holidays, you’ll probably have quite a bit of cleaning up to do when the season ends. Since you won’t be needing your holiday decorations until next year, a storage unit rental in Capitola, CA can be a safe way to store your seasonal decor until you need it again. A storage unit rental will keep your things safe and protected, but you still need to pack everything properly. Be extra careful with your fragile ornaments and decorative lights, and use a bag or a box for your tree. Here are some storage tips to know when you’re cleaning up after Christmas.

Use a Storage Unit

Not all homes come with an ample amount of storage space, but a storage unit can solve the problem. Christmas only comes once a year, so there’s no real reason to keep your wreaths, trees, lights, and other decorations in your house during the rest of it. Instead, you can keep your festive decorations safe in your storage rental unit. Even though you’ll still have access to everything in your storage unit throughout the year, you probably won’t need to check up on your Christmas decorations for a long time.

Be Careful with Ornaments and Lights

Using your holiday ornaments and lights responsibly and storing them properly will help them last year after year, but you must be careful. Ornaments and lights are both easy to break if you don’t pack them up the right way before bringing them to the storage unit. Try wrapping fragile Christmas ornaments in newspaper or bubble wrap to give them some extra cushioning. You can also fill in any extra space in the box with packing peanuts, so your things don’t slide around.

Get a Bag for Your Tree

Natural trees should be thrown out after the holiday, but artificial trees can be preserved for years. Instead of using the box, the tree came in, buy a bag specifically designed for storing Christmas trees to avoid moisture and pests.

Not all storage options in Capitola are the same. JD Mini Storage has distinguished itself during our three-plus decades of serving the community. When you choose our storage rental company, you’ll get superior customer service, and customized billing and payment options to suit your needs. Plus, there is no minimum stay required. We make it easy to save on your temporary storage needs. After your first month, we’ll give you a prorated refund if you move out before the end of the next month or any subsequent months.

Our storage rentals are all ground units that are 10 feet tall, and are available in a range of sizes. You can access your unit 365 days per year, from seven in the morning to seven at night, every day. We secure your possessions with an electronic keypad access system, and our managers live onsite for your peace of mind. When you select your new storage rental, be sure to ask about our discounts for prepaying for long-term storage.

The first step to making sure your furniture is well-preserved while in storage is to select a reputable storage rental company near Capitola. It should have clean, leak-free storage units, as water damage can be disastrous for furniture. After you rent the right size of storage space for your furniture, lay some thick plastic sheeting on the floor of the unit, and then start loading up the moving truck.

Clean and repair the furniture.

Slide each piece away from the wall, and wipe it down thoroughly. There could be mildew in areas where you don’t often clean, and one moldy piece of furniture in a storage rental will contaminate the rest of it. If any of your furniture needs repairs, this is a good time to take care of it.

Take your furniture apart.

There’s no point in throwing out your back and testing the goodwill of your friends by trying to move a huge credenza as is. Instead, take off everything that can be removed. Slide out drawers and take out shelves. On some pieces, you might even be able to remove doors and legs. Disassembling your furniture lightens the load, and it might be easier to grip while moving it. Be sure to label each disassembled piece so you can put it back together again later. You can use adhesive labels for this. Put nuts, bolts, and screws into a plastic bag, and tape the bag to the furniture. Use a separate bag for each piece of furniture.

Protect your furniture in transit.

It’s inevitable that furniture will shift around inside a moving van. Wrap each item with padding, such as blankets. Do not stack furniture inside the moving van—if it topples over, it will sustain damage, and it will likely damage other pieces of furniture.

Load the storage unit.

When you arrive at your self-storage unit, position the largest, heaviest pieces of furniture toward the back. As you bring pieces in, try to leave space for one or two walking paths. This way, you’ll be able to access the items in the back of the unit if you’ve stored lighter boxes of possessions on top of the furniture.

The opportunity to spend some time with out-of-town relatives is one of the wonderful parts of the holiday season. Make the most of your time with your houseguests by eliminating the possibility of cramped conditions. There are affordable storage options available in Capitola, CA, and you can choose from self-storage rentals in a range of sizes to suit your needs .

If your home is relatively roomy and uncluttered, rent a small self-storage unit. Or perhaps you’ve been using your guest bedroom as a catchall place to put random items. Don’t let your houseguest trip over odds and ends—make him or her feel welcome by clearing out the clutter and stowing it away in temporary storage. Consider how your guest plans to arrive at your home. If he or she is driving, it would be courteous to offer space in your garage for your guest’s car. This means it’s time to gather together your yard tools, bikes, and miscellaneous junk, and store them safely until your houseguest leaves.

No matter what distance you’re traveling during your move, there are a few tricks you can use to make the process easier. First, give yourself more time to plan your move than you think you’ll need. Next, explore your storage options in Capitola, CA, deal with unnecessary clutter, and stock up on packing and moving supplies.

Reserving a Self-Storage Rental

A disorganized move is stressful and inefficient. An effective way to keep your family organized is to rent a temporary storage unit, especially if you’re a military family. Military families move often, and they don’t necessarily take all of their belongings with them each time they move. If you or your spouse is headed for an overseas deployment, start checking out the rates for self-storage. Talking to a storage rental company is also a smart idea if you’re a college student. You might not want to move all of the contents of your dorm room back home each summer. Rent a storage unit near your campus to streamline your move when the new school year starts.

Dealing with Clutter

The day of the move is the wrong time to deal with clutter. As soon as you decide to move, start sorting through your possessions. Get rid of items that you can discard, recycle, sell, or give away. Inevitably, there will be some items with sentimental value that you might not need any longer. If you can’t decide what to do with these items, you can put them into storage, and deal with them after you’ve settled into your new home.

Stocking up on Moving Supplies

It’s a waste of time to run out to the store for packing supplies in the middle of your move. Stock up on more supplies than you think you’ll need. Get plenty of:

• Boxes of all sizes
• Tape
• Scissors
• Markers
• Packing peanuts

Delegating Tasks

Your move will go smoothly if you delegate tasks to each family member. For example, adults and older children can wrap and pack the breakable items. Younger kids can help by packing their own clothes and stuffed animals into plastic bins. When everyone pitches in, the move will go faster than you think.

If you have ever needed to move or ship a fragile item, you probably used bubble wrap to ensure it arrived unscathed. This common packing material is loved for its unique structure—flat on one side with small, air-filled bubbles on the other, resulting in an insulating and cushioning material that protects goods during transit.

Bubble Wrap has an interesting origin story. Engineers invented this material in 1957, intending it as a new form of wallpaper. When that idea didn’t take off, they considered marketing it as greenhouse insulation. However, in the late 1960s, IBM recognized the true potential of bubble wrap and started shipping its computers in this protective packaging material.

Today, the bubble wrap you know and love is indispensable for packing, shipping, and storing fragile items. Its wide availability, affordability, and versatility make bubble wrap a staple in homes, businesses, and storage facilities. If you need a refresher on how to pack with bubble wrap, you’ve come to the right place.

When to Use Bubble Wrap

Bubble wrap is ideal for protecting items prone to breakage, scratching, or damage, including:

• Plates and bowls: China and ceramics can easily chip or crack. Wrapping each piece individually prevents such damage.
• Glasses and stemware: These delicate items benefit from a cushioning wrap to protect their fragile rims, bases, and stems.
• Vases: Whether made from ceramic, porcelain, or glass, bubble wrap protects vases from impacts.
• Electronics: Laptops, televisions, cell phones, and other gadgets often require extra protection to prevent damage during transport.
• Glass shelves and tabletops: These thin, delicate surfaces scratch easily. Bubble wrap provides a protective barrier.
• Mirrors, paintings, and picture frames: To prevent these items from cracking, protect them with bubble wrap while moving.
• Furniture: Cover vulnerable protruding parts and glass elements with bubble wrap.
• Other fragile items: From collectibles to home decorations, any valuable or delicate belonging can be safely packed using bubble wrap.

Sizes of Bubble Wrap

Bubble wrap comes in different sizes, which impacts the level of protection it provides:

• 1/16-inch bubble wrap is perfect for small, lightweight items like jewelry or tabletop figurines. The small bubbles offer just enough cushion without adding bulk.
• 1/8-inch bubble wrap is intended for slightly larger but still relatively lightweight items, offering a balance of protection and compactness.
• 3/16-inch bubble wrap is the most common bubble wrap size. Its versatility makes it good for small to medium-sized items needing a bit more cushioning.
• 5/16-inch bubble wrap is designed to cover medium-to-large items and protect against drops.
• 1/2-inch bubble wrap is the largest size available, ideal for covering hefty items and filling voids inside boxes.

Estimating Your Bubble Wrap Needs

When preparing for a move or packing items for storage, it’s important to gauge the amount of bubble wrap you’ll need. Consider the number and size of items you’re packing, and remember that it’s always better to have too much than not enough. In general, a 10-meter roll of bubble wrap should be enough to pack up one room.

How to Use Bubble Wrap for Packing

Here are some useful tips for packing different breakables correctly:

• How to pack dishes with bubble wrap: Start from one corner of a 5/16-inch bubble wrap sheet and cover each plate or bowl diagonally, overlapping the edges and tucking them in. Secure with tape.
• How to pack glasses with bubble wrap: Cover each piece individually in 1/8- or 3/16-inch bubble wrap, ensuring the wrap extends into the glass’s opening and completely covers the stem. Secure with tape.
• How to pack flat-screen TVs with bubble wrap: Cover the entire surface with 5/16- or 1/2-inch bubble wrap, paying close attention to the corners, which are particularly vulnerable. Secure with tape.

Additional Bubble Wrap Tips

Keep these tricks in mind to get the most out of your bubble wrap:

• Wrap items individually to ensure ample cushioning between each breakable and the box.
• Double-wrap especially fragile or valuable items.
• For maximum cushioning effect, wrap your items with the bubbles facing inward.
• Cover sharp edges or protrusions with cardboard protectors in addition to bubble wrap.
• Secure the bubble wrap with high-quality packing tape to prevent it from coming undone during transit or storage.
• Don’t rely solely on bubble wrap to protect your items. Before sealing each box, fill the void with additional materials like packing peanuts, crumpled newspaper, or 1/2-inch bubble wrap to prevent shifting.

The Importance of Quality Storage

Clearly, bubble wrap is an invaluable tool for protecting your items during a move or while in storage. Of course, the effectiveness of your packing job also depends on the quality of your storage unit. JD Mini Storage in Capitola, CA, provides clean, dry, secure units to help safeguard your belongings. Contact us today at 831-440-7325 for storage unit availability, pricing, and answers to any questions you have.

A cluttered house can be a stressful home, especially if your at-home storage space is minimal or you have a large family. Take advantage of affordable self-storage to clear out your home of seasonal items at the end of the summer. A storage rental company in Capitola, CA can offer clean, secure units in a variety of sizes.

Summer Clothing

Gather together any hot weather clothing you don’t intend to wear until next summer. Make sure each item is clean and thoroughly dry to discourage mildew. One of the most effective ways to protect clothing in temporary storage is to place it in vacuum-sealed bags. Then, stack the bags in a sealable plastic bin. While you’re at the storage unit, take the opportunity to get your chilly weather clothing out of storage.

Recreational Gear

Californians are able to enjoy the great outdoors year-round, but there are still some recreational items you might not need once summer is over. Use your self-storage rental to put away tents, portable camping stoves, and coolers. Any other recreational gear you don’t plan to use for a while can also be stored away, such as rollerblades, kayaks, golf clubs, and mountain bikes.

Pool Accessories

Once you’ve closed your pool for the season, there’s no need for all those accessories and cleaning equipment to take up space in your garage. Your storage unit can easily accommodate pool floats and cleaning chemicals. Or, perhaps you have a kiddie pool that your children won’t be using until next summer. Protect it from the elements by storing it.

Holiday Gifts

Did you know there’s a right time of year to buy certain things? By taking advantage of end-of-year sales during the fall, you can finish your holiday to-do list ahead of schedule. You can store bulky gifts in your self-storage rental so that prying eyes won’t find them prematurely. The fall is a great time of year for deals on toys, housewares, electronics, and BBQ grills.

Harvest Wine

Even if your home lacks a wine cellar, you can take advantage of the fall harvest deals on wine by storing extra bottles in your self-storage unit. Fall is one of the best times of the year to buy wine, as it’s when vineyards introduce new vintages.

A bug infestation can cause significant damage to the items that you move into your storage unit near Santa Cruz. This video will provide you with some simple tips that will allow you to naturally prevent bugs in your storage unit. Nontoxic materials, such as baking soda and silica gel, can remove moisture from your storage unit and prevent bugs from infiltrating your space.

A top-rated storage rental in your local area will take all the steps that are needed to prevent bug infestations and other pest problems. To make sure that you are renting a clean unit that is pest-free, consider taking a tour of the facility before you reserve your storage unit rental.

A storage unit in Santa Cruz, CA , can be a lifesaver, especially for college students. You can use it to store your seasonal belongings, furniture, or anything else you might need in the future but have no space for at the present. You should realize, however, that not everything you own can or should be sent to the storage unit. There are some items that might not fare well in temporary storage, so it is important to identify what they are before it’s too late. Take a look ahead for some examples of surprising things that you shouldn’t pack away in your storage unit.

If you come across a great deal on scented candles and decide to stock up, don’t plan on leaving your stockpile in a storage unit. Anything that smells too strongly can attract insects and rodents, which is a problem that you will not want to have to deal with. For the same reason, you should never keep food in your storage unit. You should also make sure you don’t store anything while it’s moist or damp, as this moisture can quickly lead to a mold problem and ruin the items in its vicinity.

At JD Mini Storage, we are thrilled to provide our customers with terrific storage options in Capitola. Before you rent a storage unit at our facility, our team will be happy to provide you with a tour of our units and amenities . After you drive through our front gate, you will notice a clearly marked office sign. We welcome you to walk into our office and speak to one of our on-site managers about your storage rental options.

There are several advantages to storing your items at our facility. Since all of our units are on the ground floor, you will have no trouble loading and unloading your items into your unit. We are also pleased to offer 10 foot ceilings in each one of our storage units. Using a state of the art electronic keypad access system, we are also able to ensure the security of every unit in our facility.

 

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.

Putting some of your belongings into a storage unit can provide you with many benefits. However, to get the most out of your storage rental near Capitola, CA, it’s essential that you select the right unit size for your needs. Choosing one that’s too small can leave you with too little space or an overstuffed unit, and a space that’s too big will be wasted space for which you have to pay. Use these tips to determine the best storage unit size for your needs:

Make a List

The first step in determining the best storage rental size for your belongings is to make a list of everything that you plan to store. Next, take the time to evaluate any areas of your property where you have anything stored. There may be more items that you could benefit from packing away, and it’s best to identify these possessions before you start moving anything into storage. Finally, stop and think ahead. You may have belongings currently in use that you won’t need in a few months, such as sporting gear, seasonal clothing, or holiday décor. Add anything that you may wish to put in storage to your list.

Make a Map

With your list in hand, you can begin to estimate how much space you’ll need to store everything. If you’re planning to store anything large or bulky, such as furniture, athletic equipment, or appliances, take the time to measure these items and create a diagram of their position in your storage unit. Not only will this process help you determine what size rental you need, but it will also allow you to create a plan for storing your belongings in a way that is simple and efficient.

Make a Decision

At this point, you should be able to narrow down your choices for the best unit size for your needs. The following is a list of commonly found storage rental sizes:

• 5×5
• 5×10
• 10×5
• 5×15
• 10×10
• 10×15
• 10×20

 

Whether you’re moving across town or the country, the process requires planning if you want it to go smoothly. In addition to finding mobile storage near Santa Cruz, CA for your upcoming move, it’s also a good idea to learn what items should not go into your moving boxes. Watch this video for tips on preparing for a moving day that’s both safe and smart.

As you begin your packing, keep in mind that some of your belongings cannot or should not be packed. Such items fall into 4 categories:

• Dangerous: nail polish remover, paint, paint thinners, gasoline
• Perishable: animals, live plants, fresh food
• Special: exercise equipment, some appliances, heavy electronics
• Valuable: passports, jewelry, financial statements, medical records

These are just a few examples of items that you shouldn’t pack. To find out more, ask your moving company for a list of what shouldn’t go into your moving boxes.

Are you looking into storage unit rentals in Capitola, CA? If so, then finding a high-quality storage rental company is essential. When you choose to put your belongings into storage, you want to feel confident that they will remain safe and secure. To help ensure this, there are a few qualities to look for when searching for the best storage unit location.

First, seek out companies that feature a fenced in property. This quality helps ensure that thieves and trespassers are less likely to enter the lot and have access to your rental unit. Second, look for storage rental locations that have someone on duty around the clock. When a facility has staff on the premises 24-hours per day, you can feel more at ease about the safety of your stored property.

Finally, find out how people access their unit. If each renter has an individual code to access both the property and their unit, this can add an extra line of protection for your possessions. By taking the time to find a storage location that offers plenty of security, you can feel more confident about the safety of your stored belongings.

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.

Whether you are an incoming freshman, or are headed home for summer vacation after finals, renting a storage unit is a smart choice. As a college student, chances are that there are certain items that you want to take home with you over the holidays, and other items that you will want to leave behind. For this reason, it is a great idea to rent a student storage unit over your summer break. In order to get the most benefit out of your self storage, there are several tips that you will want to keep in mind.

You can start the storage process by researching facilities in your local area. A top rated facility offering temporary storage will be a perfect site for storing your belongings. Along with choosing a reputable storage rental company near Capitola, CA, you will also want to select a storage unit that is the right size for your needs. After you have rented your storage unit, you will be ready to start packing, sorting, and organizing your belongings.

 

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.

There are many situations in which you might chose to place some of your possessions in storage. Perhaps you are moving house or are temporarily living in a small property. You may be sentimentally attached to certain bulky items, such as heirloom furniture, which you do not have room for in your current home. If you are planning to seek out professional storage services near Santa Cruz , you will first need to pack up your belongings. Packing carefully is key, if you wish your belongings to remain in excellent condition while they are in storage.

Sort and Categorize Your Belongings

Decide which items you may need to access more frequently so you’ll be able to place these toward the front of the storage unit. Make sure they are not buried underneath a stack of other boxes. Separate out fragile items and take special care in packing them. Think about how best to store bulky or awkwardly shaped items, which will not fit easily into boxes. The management team at a reputable storage facility should be able to offer advice on packing these items.

Choose Your Packing Materials

Pack your belongings in plastic or cardboard boxes. You should never use plastic bags as some plastic bags can degrade over time and leave their contents exposed to moisture. Use standard-sized packing boxes, if possible. Most storage units are designed to house a specific number of boxes. Using standard-sized boxes will make it easier to estimate the size of storage unit you will need. If the boxes are different sizes, it will be more difficult to stack them evenly. Use bubble wrap or quilts to cushion fragile items. If in doubt, ask the staff at the self-storage facility for advice.

Select the Right Size Storage Unit

You’ll need to count the number of boxes you have packed and measure any non-boxed items in order to estimate the size of storage unit you will need. The self-storage company may be able to offer guidance on this. Your belongings should fit snugly inside the storage unit you choose.

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