-
Tips and Tricks for Downsizing
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.
-
Ensuring the Safety of Your Stored Belongings
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.
-
Tips for Arranging Your Storage Space
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.
-
The Benefits of Working with JD Mini Storage
By working with JD Mini Storage, you will have the benefit of 35 years of experience as a storage rental company serving Santa Cruz, CA. Whether you need your storage unit short-term or long-term, you will find an experienced and knowledgeable staff dedicated to you and the safety of your possessions.
When you choose to rent a storage unit with JD Mini Storage, you will find easily accessed units that are all located on the ground. Each of these units is accessible 365 days a year and easily reached by a moving truck, if needed. Our storage rental company is dedicated to only storage, so our staff can give tenants and their possessions the attention they deserve. Storage managers live onsite to offer direct security for storage units, and the units are only accessible through individual electronic keypads. JD Mini Storage also offers customizable billing arrangements for the benefit of customers, whether they need a storage unit for the short-term or long-term.
-
Tips to Choose the Right Storage Space for You
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.
-
How to Get Your Stuff Ready for Storage
A storage unit can provide you with the space that you need to keep your belongings safe, protected, and secure. With services from a storage rental company in Santa Cruz, CA , you can rest assured that your new storage unit provides you with fantastic accessibility and security. In order to prepare for your upcoming storage unit rental, you will need to take the time to make sure that your personal items are properly organized, packed, and prepared for placement in the storage unit. To help you gear up for your storage rental, here is a look at how to get your stuff ready for self storage.
Get Organized
One of the most important steps to take when you are preparing your belongings for storage is to get organized. Before you begin the packing process, you will want to take the time to sort through your items and determine what will be packed and stored, and what will be discarded. Any belongings that are no longer useful to you can be donated or tossed out.
Gather Materials
After you have organized all of your belongings in preparation for storage, you will be ready to start gathering your packing materials. For example, it is a good idea to collect an assortment of boxes in a variety of sizes. Along with locating boxes, you will also want to pick out other types of packing materials, including tape, bubble wrap, and newspaper. These materials will be essential for your packing process.
Begin Packing
With all of your materials in place, you will be ready to begin packing. As you pack, you will want to make sure that you carefully label each box. With the proper labeling, you can make sure that you will be able to easily find all of your items after they are placed in your storage unit. After all of your boxes have been packed, labeled, and taped, they will be ready to be transported to the storage unit facility.
-
How to Arrange Your Storage Space
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.
-
Packing Documents for Storage
If you are preparing to pack up documents so that you can place them into a self-storage facility , you need to use the right kind of storage boxes to do it. Watch this video to see how to build a file box prior to using professional storage services near Capitola.
File boxes are designed specifically to hold important documents that are going to be stored inside of a self-storage facility. Whether you have letter or legal sized documents, you will be able to keep them safe and secure when you use the correct file boxes. Any company that specializes in providing professional storage services should be able to provide you with them, and you won’t have to worry about finding files later when you decide to utilize them for storage.
-
What College Students Need to Know About Storage
Being a student often involves living in shared accommodation, with only a limited amount of space to store belongings. Small dorm rooms can quickly fill up with items that are rarely used. As a student, you may also have to change housing frequently. Renting student storage near Santa Cruz can provide a practical solution. A self-storage unit can be a convenient place to store furniture and other personal items during summer break. This can save you from having to transport heavy goods across the country to your family’s home and back. A self-storage unit can also serve as a useful place to keep clothing that is not in season, textbooks that will not be needed until a future semester, and other items that are not currently being used. Keep in mind the following when choosing a storage unit.
Pack Carefully
Protect your clothes, books, and other possessions from damage by storing them in airtight or vacuum-sealed bags. If you are storing a small fridge, keep the door propped open to prevent the growth of anaerobic molds and mildews. Never store perishable food items, firearms, explosives, fireworks, or any other potentially dangerous items, or illegal substances.
Look for a Secure Facility
Choose a facility in a safe part of town, with excellent security. There should be security cameras, on-site staff, and a perimeter fence. Both the facility itself and the individual units should be locked. A reputable facility will generally have electronic keypad access or distribute keys to renters. As an additional security precaution, you may be asked to provide ID. Check the opening hours of the facility to make sure that you will have access to your belongings if and when you need them.
Compare Rates
Many storage facilities offer discounts for mini storage units. Check to see whether you will need to pay a deposit and also enquire about any late fees.
-
Things to Consider Keeping in Your Storage Unit
You may be considering placing some of your belongings into storage at a storage facility near Santa Cruz . There are a number of reasons to keep specific items in storage. You may wish to protect your belongings from damage during renovation work on your home, to save space at home, or to keep items safe while you are travelling or moving to a new home.
You may wish to store bulky furniture or other family heirlooms you do not have space for in your current property. If you are a student, you may wish to store your belongings close to campus during the summer break, to avoid having to transport them across country and back. If you own a business, you may wish to store spare inventory, trade supplies, or important documents and papers. You could also place sports equipment, such as water skis, into storage.
-
Protecting Your Furniture For Long-Term Storage
If you are travelling, renting out your property unfurnished, or moving to a new home, you may need to place your furniture in storage at a self-storage facility in Capitola . There are a few simple steps you can take to protect your furniture from potential damage while it is in storage. Follow these guidelines to ensure that your wooden furniture, sofas, and other upholstered items, as well as electronics and other belongings remain in good condition while they are kept in storage.
Wooden Furniture
Before packing wooden furniture, take the furniture apart, if possible. Unscrew table legs, headboards, and baseboards and keep the screws in small, carefully labeled bags. Remove wooden drawers from desks and bureaus and pack separately. Make sure all the wooden items have been carefully cleaned and waxed. Place wooden items away from the entrance to the storage unit for extra protection against moisture.
Upholstered Furniture
Fabric-covered or upholstered items of furniture, such as armchairs and sofas, can be vulnerable to the growth of mold or mildew. Before storage, wipe all fabric surfaces down with an antibacterial cleaning solution and let the furniture dry thoroughly. Wrap sofas, armchairs, and other similar items in blankets or use special padded covers for protection against bumps and scrapes.
Electronics
Electronics, such as computers and televisions, should be placed on a raised surface, so they do not come in contact with the floor of the storage unit. Store electronic items in their original packaging if possible. Wrap power cables separately in bubble wrap and keep them with their respective appliances. Fill all gaps in the boxes with packing peanuts, bubble wrap, or quilts, to cushion the electronic items.
Metal furnishings
Polish all metal furnishings, fixture, and metal trim before placing the items in storage. Keep any metal items enclosed in plastic sheeting or shrink wrap. Store silverware in its original box.
-
Clamping Down on Clutter
If your house is full of clutter, you may wish to store some of your belongings in a self-storage unit in Santa Cruz . Renting a self-storage unit can offer you the possibility of keeping less frequently used items in a safe place and freeing up more space in your home. Watch this video to find out more about how to better organize your home.
The video suggests first sorting through your belongings and asking yourself frankly whether everything you own makes you happy. Follow your instincts on this. If an object does not add any joy to your life, consider selling, donating, or discarding it. If you have not used the item over the past twelve months, you may not actually need it as much as you think you do. Ask yourself whether there is anyone else who might be able to put your neglected item to better use.
How to Clean the Clutter Out of Your Life
-
Setting Up Easy Access to Your Belongings in Storage
If you are going to need to access the items that you place into a storage facility on a regular basis, you should plan accordingly for it. By labeling all of your packing boxes properly and keeping your storage unit organized, you won’t have any trouble locating items. JD Mini Storage can provide you with a high-quality storage unit in Santa Cruz and show you how to keep it organized.
Before you move any items into your storage facility, you should pack them up in sturdy boxes and label them so that you know what is inside each of them. You should also map out where you are going to place your boxes in your self-storage unit. Items that you need more often should go in the front of the storage unit while heavy boxes, furniture, and items that you won’t need to access often should go in the back. By arranging everything like this, you won’t have any issues getting to things later. JD Mini Storage will make sure your storage unit rental is large enough so that you have plenty of space to store everything that you plan on keeping in it.
-
Pack Linens for Storage
Prior to placing linens into a self-storage unit, you need to take steps to pack them up properly so that they don’t get damaged while they’re being stored. Watch this video to hear some helpful tips for preparing your linens for a self-storage unit in Capitola .
One of the most important parts of packing linens is finding large boxes that are spacious enough to fit them comfortably. To make the most of the limited space you will have, you can put linens into storage bags before placing them into your boxes. This will help you fit more linens into boxes and protect your linens in your self-storage unit. You can also place cedar wood into your boxes to keep pests away. By taking these steps, you won’t have to worry about anything happening to your linens when you put them into your storage unit rental.
How to Pack: Clothing, Linens and Draperies
-
The College Student’s Guide to Self-Storage
If you are a college student right now who lives on your school’s campus, you know how difficult it can be to pick up all of your belongings at the end of the school year and take them home. By using a self-storage facility, you won’t have to worry about doing this anymore. Student storage near Capitola makes it easy for you to keep your personal possessions safe and secure during the summertime when school is out. Here’s why you should consider using student storage.
You will save money.
In order to move all of your belongings from your school back home, you likely need to rent a moving truck or spend a lot of time making trips back and forth between your school and home. When you utilize a self-storage facility, you will be able to cut the cost of renting a truck and save yourself quite a bit of time in the process. You can gradually move items into your storage unit rental and access them whenever you need to.
You will keep your belongings safe.
There are some students who might be skeptical about using a storage unit to store their belongings. Will those belongings be safe? The answer to that question is an emphatic “Yes!” When you place your items into a self-storage facility, you will not have to worry about anything happening to them. In fact, they will likely be even safer than they would be if they were located in your home since self-storage facilities take extra security measures to keep storage units safe.
Your parents will thank you.
Your parents love to see you walk through their front door at the end of the school year, but they don’t love all of the stuff that you bring along with you. When you bring your belongings home from school, your parents need to find somewhere to put all of it. When you rent a storage unit, you can keep your things out of their house and minimize the impact you have on your parents when you come home from school.
-
What to Ask While Renting a Storage Unit
Renting a storage unit is a great way to free up space in your home and keep all of your personal possessions safe and secure. Before you start looking for a storage unit rental in Santa Cruz, though, you should do your homework so that you find one that meets your needs. You’re going to want to ask about everything from the cost of units to the security that is provided for them. Here are just a few questions you should ask self-storage facilities that you might be interested in using.
What size storage units are available?
The storage unit that you rent should be able to hold everything that you plan on storing. This means that, if you want to store all of the furniture that is in your home during a move, you should be able to do it. Prior to renting a storage unit, ask around and find a self-storage facility that offers all different sized storage units. Then, come up with a list of everything that you want to store and choose the size that will ultimately work best for you.
Are there security measures in place for the storage facility?
Whether you are storing very expensive items or items that have sentimental value to you, you want to make sure that they are safe when you place them into your storage unit. Therefore, you should find a secure storage facility that takes extra security measures to protect all of the storage units on the property. The facility doesn’t necessarily need a high-tech system in place, but it should have managers that live onsite and keep an eye on everything that happens at the facility.
How much will it cost to rent a storage unit?
While cost shouldn’t be your only concern, you obviously don’t want to break the bank renting a storage unit. Create a budget for your storage needs and then stick to it when you start looking around at storage units.
-
Essential Tips for Storing Your Vehicle
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.
-
Your Guide to Self-Storage
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
-
How to Choose a Storage Facility
When you’re in need of a storage unit rental in Capitola, you want to be sure you’re using the right storage facility that suits your needs . For example, if you have to rent a storage unit because you’re running out of space in your home to store things, choose a facility that’s close to your home and easily accessible—such as one that’s open seven days a week, and at convenient times. Since your personal items may be in a storage unit indefinitely, be sure that you’re renting a space in a secure storage facility—one that has an on-site manager, security fences and cameras, electronic keypad entry, and sturdy units.
Do your research and shop around. When visiting a potential storage facility, make notes of how accommodating the staff is to guests. Inspect the grounds for cleanliness, rodents and insects, and signs of disrepair. Also, check out all available storage units. If everything looks okay and you’re ready to make your first rent payment, be absolutely sure that you completely understand the terms of your contract before you sign any paperwork.
-
Choosing a Safe and Secure Storage Unit
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.
RECENT POSTS
categories
- Uncategorized
- Storage
- Secure Storage
- Customer Reviews
- Organizing for Move
- Packing
- Packing Books
- College Students Storage
- JD Mini Storage
- Living with a roommate
- Infographic
- Packing Tips
- Self Storage
- Capitola Self Storage
- Organization
- Self Storage Insurance
- Fragile Valuables
- Moving Apps
- Phone Apps
- Moving Supplies