Living on your own can be lonely and expensive, but a roommate can ease the burden on both fronts. However, there might also be drawbacks to living with a roommate if you’re not equally up for the task, which is why communication is important. Before you decide to move in with someone or let someone share your space, make sure you know the person well enough. You might also consider using a storage unit in Capitola, CA to free up some space so clutter doesn’t build up and stress you out. Everyone has their own boundaries, and you shouldn’t be afraid to make yours clear from the very beginning.

Know Your Roommate

Having a roommate can be a blast, especially if you’re living with someone whom you’ve been good friends with for a long time. This isn’t always the case though, and you might not know your roommate very well before moving in. If you’re looking for a roommate to make your living space more affordable, do your best to get to know your potential options before making anything official. Learn about the person’s preferences, allergies, and any other pertinent information that might come up when you share a living space.

Create Space

When you invite another person to live with you in your home, you have to be ready to deal with their belongings as well. You can free up some space and make your home a little more comfortable by using a storage unit. This is even more helpful if you don’t have an attic, basement, or garage where you can store the things you don’t use so often. Storage space will help cut down on clutter and the stress that comes with it, making your relationship with your roommate less challenging and more harmonious.

Identify Your Boundaries

Some people are relatively open, while others prefer their privacy and personal space. Talk to your potential roommate before moving in and make your boundaries clear from the start. Then you can organize the house in a way that meets both of your needs.

If you are preparing to place artwork or mirrors in a storage unit near Santa Cruz, CA, it is important to pack your items carefully. In order to pack your picture frames, you will need brown packing paper, mirror boxes, a roll of packing tape, and a marker. When you are packing your mirrors or picture frames, you can start by folding your packing paper around your item. With the paper carefully folded, you can tape your frame securely. For a look at how to store frames and mirrors, watch this video.

A company offering portable storage units will be able to provide you with handy tips on how to pack, move, and store your belongings. With services from a top-rated storage rental company, you can ensure that your personal items are fully secured when they are not in use.

When you rent a storage unit, you will trust your storage rental facility to protect and preserve your stuff when it is under their care. Before you choose a storage facility, it is a good idea to ask about any pest prevention methods that they have in place. A quality storage rental facility will have methods in place that are designed to keep rodents, insects, and other unwanted pests away. Let’s take a closer look at some common pests that are found in storage units, and how they can be prevented.

Rodents

Rodents are among the most notorious pests that can invade a storage unit. Rats and mice like to build their nests in the dark, out-of-the-way spaces that are located throughout an untouched storage unit. If a storage facility has signs of droppings or unused nesting materials, this may indicate a rodent problem. By implementing rodent exclusion methods, a properly equipped storage unit facility will be able to keep these nasty pests away.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are familiar with pests that can be found in storage units around the world. When cockroaches invade a storage facility, they can bring nasty diseases and pathogens, such as salmonella, E. coli, and more. To keep cockroaches away, it may be necessary to treat the interior and exterior surfaces of a storage unit with a special repellant. Traps and other physical methods can also be used to control and eliminate a cockroach population.

Bed Bugs

Bed bug infestations are on the rise around the country, and storage units are not immune to these dreaded insects. A bed bug colony can make its home on mattresses, furnishings, and in any other carbon-based materials. In the unfortunate event that a bed bug infestation breaks out in a storage facility, it may be necessary to treat each individual unit. If you have concerns about pests and your stored items, your storage rental company will be happy to answer your questions.

The beauty of a storage unit in Capitola, CA is that you can use it to store just about anything you want. From seasonal decorations that would otherwise clutter up your living space to valuable family heirlooms that you don’t have room for but don’t want to lose, you can keep your belongings safe until you want to come back to them. At JD Mini Storage , we want the best for our customers. That means that we do our best to keep our premises safe and your belongings protected. Read on and take a look at JD Mini Storage’s security measures.

The point of using a storage unit is to keep your belongings safe when you don’t have room for them in your house or apartment. When you rent a unit from JD Mini Storage, you will get a personal access code that lets you get through the gate. Without the access code, you can’t pass through the gate, and this does a good job of keeping potential thieves and vandals away from your unit. You can also count on the presence of at least one manager onsite at every hour of the day for further protection.

Clutter leads to stress for many people, and both can build up quickly and affect your mindset. If you’re the type of person who needs a clean space to think clearly, then you need a plan for getting rid of the clutter. College storage in Santa Cruz, CA offers an excellent solution to this problem, and college storage units are a popular commodity. Additionally, you can identify belongings that you don’t use frequently and give them away to friends or to charity. Continue reading for your how-to guide on decluttering your home.

Use a College Storage Unit

A college storage unit might be a lifesaver for confused students and concerned parents alike. When a young adult moves out of the house to go to college, he or she will typically come back in between semesters and during breaks. If bringing everything back to the nest isn’t a viable idea, college storage is. A college student who doesn’t commute to school will probably live in different dorm buildings or apartments throughout his or her college career. If college is far away from home, you can use a college storage unit to keep furniture, textbooks, and other belongings close to school instead of taking up space at home.

Give Things to Your Friends

You and your friends probably have similar tastes, at least in some areas. When you realize that you have too many throw pillows, an extra loveseat, or a centerpiece that’s too big for your table, consider giving them to your friends. This frees up some space in your house or apartment while still keeping the things you like “in the family.” Plus, your friends will be grateful that you thought of them and it can even strengthen your relationship.

Donate to Charity

An even more altruistic alternative to giving things away to your friends is donating to a local charity. There are countless types of charities out there, and there’s a good chance you’ll find one that is looking for some of the things you’re getting rid of.

A storage unit in Santa Cruz, CA presents the perfect way to keep your seasonal decorations safe when it’s time to take them down. Decorations tend to be fragile, so you need to make a plan so they’re still in one piece when you go back to get them. Watch this video and try these tips to store holiday decorations.

Decorations might be the best part of the holidays, but they have to come down sometimes. The trick to preserving their condition is in the packing, and all you need is a few household items to keep everything safe. Wrap small strands of holiday lights around a hanger, and use a piece of cardboard for longer strands or heavier lights. Cut an empty toilet paper roll to use as a holder for your wrapping paper, and attach a hanger to your wreaths for easy storage.

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.

When your kids grow up and head off to college , you and your spouse may be left with empty bedrooms and a house that suddenly feels too large. One great way to take control of your space is to consider downsizing into a smaller home. A storage unit in Capitola will provide you with the space that you need to store your belongings once you have downsized into a smaller property.

A storage rental company can provide you with several options when you downsize. During the moving process, renting temporary storage is a great way to keep your belongings secure and out of the way while you transition into your new home. Your kids may also appreciate having access to a student storage unit, which will allow them to store their items during summer vacation and other school breaks. Your storage unit team will work with you to help you find the right solution for your future move.

Whether you’re trying to clear up some space in your house or you’re moving back from college, a storage unit in Santa Cruz, CA, can help you out. If you want to have the best experience possible, it’s a good idea to look around and find a storage facility that you can trust . Think about the location of your storage unit compared to where you are and where you will be, how easy it is to access your things, and whether or not your stuff will be safe. Continue reading for more on what to look for.

Convenient Location

If you’re moving to a new location but you plan on coming back, a storage unit can keep your things safe in the meantime. The same applies when you’re clearing up clutter in your house and you need a place to keep your belongings. When you choose a storage facility, choose one that is in a logical location for your needs. Pick a storage unit that’s close to your school if you’re moving back home for the summer, and choose one near your home if you’re getting rid of clutter.

Accessible Units

A storage unit wouldn’t be a great solution if you had limited access to your belongings. That’s why you should find a storage facility that has convenient hours that work for your schedule. Look through different storage facilities’ websites to get an idea of how easy it will be to get to your things before you make a decision so that you’re never left stranded when you need something important.

Secured Storage

Coming back to your storage unit to find that someone has ransacked your things is not a good feeling, but with the right storage rental, you won’t have to worry about it. Different storage facilities will take different measures to protect your belongings. You should look for one that’s gated in so that potential thieves and vandals can’t get to your things. In this day and age, electronic keypad access is a useful security measure that keeps criminals out while still allowing you to get to your things.

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.

You will want all of your belongings to make it to the storage unit in Santa Cruz, CA without any trouble, but some items are more fragile than others. If you have some artwork that you’d like to keep in your temporary storage unit , it’s wise to take some extra precautions to keep it safe. Watch this video to learn about the right way to pack artwork.

One of the most important aspects of packing fragile items is choosing the right box. Once you’ve got a quality moving box, add some cushioning to the bottom by dropping in the crumpled-up newspaper. Then, wrap your artwork in bubble wrap and tape it securely. If you’re packing multiple pieces, it’s a good idea to have them facing each other. Add more newspaper for extra cushioning, and then tape the box closed and label it so you and your movers know that it’s fragile cargo.

Going away to college is exciting, but you need to have a plan for where you’ll store your things . If you are planning on going far away from home for your education, it can help to have a storage unit in Capitola, CA. College students tend to move quite a few times during their time on—and off—campus, and having storage options can be incredibly helpful. The summer can be especially tricky for college kids, so it’s usually a good idea to plan in advance. Here’s how students can solve summer storage problems with a temporary storage unit.

When you ship off for your freshman year in college, you’ll probably bring quite a bit of luggage with you. Although the sofa that you and your roommates have come to know and love is dear to your heart, it might not have a place at your parents’ house. In this case, a storage unit can be an excellent alternative. When you need a place for your furniture over the summer, your storage unit will be there. If you’re wondering what you can do with your college things over the summer, a storage unit may be the way to go.

There are plenty of factors to think about when you get ready to make a move, so it’s a good idea to start planning early on. Temporary storage in Capitola, CA can be helpful, especially if you’re planning on doing some downsizing before you head to your new space. You also want to keep your belongings safe and easily accessible, and a storage unit can help in this area as well. Here are 3 reasons to consider temporary storage when you’re moving.

1. Downsize Before the Move

When you’re preparing to move to a new location, you might want to take this time to get rid of some of your clutter. This is even more important if you’re going to be moving to a smaller space. Buy a couple of bins and take a walk around your house, looking for anything that doesn’t necessarily need to stay. Throw the things you definitely plan to get rid of in 1 box and some things you’re not sure about in another. Then you can donate what you don’t need, and you can take your “maybe” bin to your storage unit rental, which clears up space around the house and helps you stay focused on the move.

2. Protect Your Belongings

Moving can be a hectic process, so it’s nice to know that your important belongings are away from the chaos and not in any danger of being damaged. If you want to keep your stuff out of harm’s way, consider looking into a temporary storage unit. You can use this space to store your things while you gradually clear out your home during the move. A storage unit can be particularly effective if you plan on taking your time when moving to your new home.

3. Access Your Items

It’s important to keep your stuff protected, but what if you need to access it? With a temporary storage unit, you’ll be able to get back to your things whenever you need to. If you accidentally pack something that you meant to leave out, you won’t have any problem getting it back from your storage unit.

Before you can make use of your storage unit in Santa Cruz, CA, you will need to think about how to pack your belongings . Packing the wrong way can be risky, as boxes may break, cave in, or get knocked over if you don’t do it right. Check out this video for a quick look at packing seasonal decorations for storage.

Seasonal decorations tend to be on the fragile side, especially little ball ornaments that you might hang from a Christmas tree. Fortunately, you can keep them safe in storage with a little creativity. Line a plastic bin with plastic cups, and then fill each cup with ornaments and decorations. Then use a thin sheet of cardboard to create the base for a second layer. Repeat the process, secure the lid on top of your bin, and rest assured that your decorations will be safe in the storage unit.

Once you decide it’s time to move to a new home or rent out a storage unit in Capitola, CA, it’s also time to start thinking about the supplies that you’ll need in order to make the transition. The more carefully you pack your belongings, the more likely they are to stay in the same shape when you reach your new destination. There are a few options people still choose that might be less than favorable, so make sure you’re acquiring the right materials for your move. Keep on reading so you can find out if you have the right packing supplies.

Going to the local grocery store and finding empty boxes can seem like a cheap and easy way to find packing materials for your belongings. While that may indeed be a cheap and easy method, it’s not the best one if you want to keep your items safe throughout the move. If you want to make sure that you use only quality supplies, be sure to purchase boxes that are designed for moving. Wardrobe boxes can be especially helpful when it comes to transporting clothing, and sturdy moving boxes should do the trick for most of your other belongings.

Moving to a new home can be a pain, and moving your stuff into a storage unit in Santa Cruz, CA can sometimes be just as difficult. The good news is that you can make your move much easier by following the proper steps. It’s wise to resist the temptation to use makeshift materials, and you should label your boxes once you do find the right kind. Give yourself plenty of time to pack before your moving date so you don’t become overwhelmed, and continue on to avoid these common packing mistakes.

Using the Wrong Materials

It can be expensive to move to a new home, so you might be thinking about how to save some money. Snagging a couple of boxes from your local grocery or department store may seem like a good idea in a pinch, but these boxes typically can’t be trusted to stay together during the move. Instead, make sure you buy boxes that are designed for moving or storage. You can find wardrobe boxes that come in handy when moving clothing as well as packing peanuts and other stabilizing materials to keep your belongings safe.

Forgetting to Label Your Boxes

The better you pack your belongings, the easier the process of unpacking will be, so make life simple by packing properly. When you do pack your boxes, be sure to label each one. You can write the name of the room in which the items belong or even write down a list of the contents inside. Labeling your boxes helps you to stay organized when you move into your new home or go back to your storage unit to retrieve some of your things.

Rushing the Job

The best way to make a move as stressful as possible is to wait until the last minute, so get your things together in advance. Even if you are simply moving some of your seasonal decorations to a storage unit, it’s best to set out your game plan before you spring into action. Set yourself up for success by planning your move or storage unit rental out ahead of time.

You can use your storage unit in Santa Cruz, CA to get rid of some of your clutter and make the most of your space, but you’ll want to make sure you protect the belongings you leave in your unit. If you are worried about mice or other rodents getting into your stuff while it’s in a temporary storage unit, there are steps you can take to keep the pests away. Take a look at this video clip and consider this mouse deterrent in your storage unit.

Mice can chew through your belongings and contaminate your living space, but the right kind of deterrent can protect your home. Although mothballs won’t necessarily cure your mouse infestation, they can displace the mice from their nesting areas. If you are going to use mothballs to keep your mouse problem at bay, it’s a good idea to put them in nylon socks and tie them up.

A storage unit rental will provide you with a safe and secure location to house your most valued personal belongings. While a standard storage unit will protect your stuff from theft and environmental wear and tear, there are actions that you may want to take to keep rodents and other unwanted creatures out of your storage space. With services from a storage rental company in Santa Cruz , you can make sure that your storage unit is safe, secure, and pest free. Let’s take a closer look at some tips for keeping rodents out of your storage.

Avoid Storing Food

Food items are very tempting to rats and mice of all kinds. If you are concerned about a rodent infestation in your storage facility, you will want to make sure that you avoid storing food altogether. Since food is typically perishable, it may not be allowed in your storage unit to begin with. Keeping food away from your facility is an important step towards rodent prevention.

Tightly Seal Your Boxes

When rodents enter a storage unit, they may be looking for cozy spaces to build their nests. Unfortunately, a cardboard box may provide the perfect environment for a colony of rodents to nest and breed. To keep rodents out of your storage boxes, you will want to make sure that they are tightly sealed with tape. For the ultimate in rodent protection, you can also invest in sturdy plastic boxes, which will also stand up to water damage and other pests.

Wrap Mattresses and Furniture in Plastic

Plastic wrap can be very useful when you are protecting your storage unit from rodents. In the event that rodents do enter your storage unit, plastic wrap will protect your furnishings from becoming contaminated by rodent droppings or urine. Ultimately, you will also want to ask your storage facility about any rodent exclusion methods that they are using to keep rodents away from their units.

Whether you have been using a storage unit for years, or you are getting ready for your first self storage rental, getting the best benefits from your storage experience requires careful planning and preparation. A storage rental company in Santa Cruz can provide you with ample storage space for all of your belongings. Before you start to place your items into storage, however, you will want to make sure that all of your boxes and other items are sorted and organized. To help you gear up for your storage rental, here is an overview of the dos and don’ts of self storage.

Do: Choose a Convenient Location

A convenient location is key for any storage unit rental. If you choose to rent a storage unit that is located far away from your home or office, you will go through significant hassles when it is time to open up your storage unit. By choosing a storage facility that is located within a few miles from your home base, you can make sure that you will have easy access to your belongings.

Do: Label Boxes Clearly

As you are preparing your items to be placed in storage, you will want to make sure that you follow a careful labeling scheme. Some labeling ideas include using color coded tape on each box, writing out a box’s contents on its exterior, and creating a detailed inventory of all the items that you are placing in storage. When you visit your storage unit in the future, you will be thankful that you took the time to label your stuff so that you can find what you need quickly.

Don’t: Place Boxes At Random

Rather than placing your boxes into storage in the order that they come out of the moving truck, you will want to instead create a careful plan for how all of your items will be stored in your unit. Boxes that contain infrequently used items can be placed first and pushed farther to the back. Any boxes that you will need to get into more frequently should go into your storage unit last.