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Efficient Ways to Label Your Moving and Storage Boxes
Proper labeling on your moving boxes is vital to keeping your move and your storage unit well organized. There are many ways to label boxes—such as using a color-coded system or individual inventory list—and each has its own drawbacks and attributes. However, you can use a mixture of different labeling systems to ensure that your boxes are easy to keep track of during the moving process and in your Capitola, CA storage rental . Read on to learn about a quick and efficient way to label all of your moving boxes.
Before beginning the process, purchase new labeling supplies. You will need colored permanent markers, colored painter’s tape, and colored labeling stickers. Separate your boxes and items by the rooms they belong to. Each room will be designated a color, such as blue for bathroom items and orange for kitchen items. Take the correct colored marker and write the name of the room on all four sides and on the top of the box. You can also include a short inventory list on each box or on a master list that includes the number of boxes and furniture that will be moved to your new home or storage unit.
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Do’s and Dont’s for Packing Your Belongings
There are many tips, tricks, do’s, and don’ts when it comes to packing belongings into a storage unit . For example, overpacked and mislabeled boxes can present dangers in your Santa Cruz, CA storage unit. You can prevent difficulties by following the dos and don’ts listed below.
Do Plan a Layout
Planning an efficient layout is one of the most important steps when packing your storage unit. This layout will help you create pathways throughout the unit, so you can easily access all of your furniture and moving boxes. Draw up a simple plan of the unit and use painter’s tape to section off pathways and different areas of the physical unit.
Don’t Overpack Boxes
It may seem easy to overpack moving boxes, especially when they will be sitting in a storage unit. However, overpacked and heavy boxes can present several dangers and difficulties during storage and moving. Heavy boxes stacked on each other can create an unstable tower that might fall and injure you or damage your items. Always be aware of how heavy your boxes are so you can ensure their stability while they are in storage.
Do Label Boxes
Proper labeling will keep you more organized and allow for easy access to your items in the unit. Separate your boxes by the rooms they belong to and categorize each set of boxes with a different color. For example, label your boxes of dishware and kitchen products with a blue marker and blue tape. This color-coding system will keep your unit organized and more efficient when unloading boxes.
Don’t Use Subpar Supplies
When you use old moving boxes, trash bags, or used containers to hold your items, then you risk the containers ripping and damaging your belongings inside. If you use newspaper to protect your breakables, then the newspaper will likely stain the items and make them difficult to clean. Choose new packing supplies from your moving company or storage facility, so you can rest assured that your belongings are protected.
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Popular Myths about Storage Facilities
Self-storage is an incredibly convenient service that can help you free up much needed storage space in your home or office. When you are considering renting a storage unit near Santa Cruz , it is important to separate the myths from the facts about these types of facilities. Your storage unit professionals will be there to answer any questions that you might have about what to expect from your experience with placing your items into storage. Let’s debunk some of the most popular myths concerning storage facilities.
Myth: Storage units offer temporary solutions.
A common myth about self-storage is that this type of service is mainly designed for people who are in times of transitions. While temporary storage can provide you with necessary space during a big move, you can also benefit from long-term solutions that are offered by your facility. A long-term storage unit can allow you to hang on to outdoor equipment, important paperwork, and other bulky items that would otherwise be cluttering up your home.
Myth: Storage is too expensive.
You will be pleased to learn that self-storage is an affordable option that can be appropriate for people of many different incomes. When you decide that you are in need of storage, you can contact your local facility to learn about their rates and specials. Without a long-term contract, you will also be free to cancel your storage unit rental and stop your monthly fees at any time.
Myth: Storage units are hard to access.
When you place your belongings into storage, there may be certain items that you will want to be able to access at a moment’s notice. A quality storage unit facility will provide you with access to your unit during many hours of the day. With keypad security access, you will be able to easily unlock and open up your storage unit when needed. Your storage unit professionals will provide you with convenient services throughout your storage rental experience.
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Tips for Taping Moving Boxes
When you are getting ready to move to a new house or bring your things to a storage unit in Santa Cruz, CA, you will need a few essential materials. Pick up a few sturdy boxes and some strong moving tape so you can keep your belongings safe when you transport them. View this video for some tips for taping moving boxes.
It’s crucial to secure the bottom of your moving boxes so their contents won’t fall through and drop to the ground. You can start by folding in the flaps. Then, using a tape dispenser, tape along the seam where the flaps meet in the middle. The next step is to tape an X across the box, from corner to corner. Finally, add two more pieces of tape running perpendicular to the first strip. For the top, just use one piece of tape across the middle and then two pieces going perpendicular.
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Learn About the Right Way to Pack Artwork
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.
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How Can Small Business Owners Benefit from Having Storage Units?
Owning a small business can be extremely rewarding. If you need a little extra space for your things, a storage unit in Capitola, CA may be just what you’re looking for. A storage unit will make sure your clutter stays to a minimum, and it can be especially convenient if you’re moving to a new location. For a small business owner, a temporary storage unit will likely fit within your budget constraints as well. Please keep reading if you’d like to find out how a small business owner can benefit from having a storage unit.
Keeping Clutter Out
It can be difficult to conduct your daily business when you’re tripping over clutter, which is one reason why a storage unit can be so valuable to small business owners. Whether you’re drowning in paperwork or you have products that have yet to be moved, a temporary storage unit can be the perfect solution. When clutter gets especially bad, it can start to take over your office space, which spells bad news for employees and clients alike. Consider looking into a storage rental to clear up some of the clutter at your workplace.
Moving Your Business
As long as you play your cards right, your small business won’t always be a small business. This means that at some point, you’ll probably have to move to a bigger space. It’s helpful to have a storage unit when you get to this level. Moving can be stressful enough as it is, but a storage unit can be of help. Expanding can be great for your small business, and a storage unit can contain your documents and equipment while you’re in the process.
Freeing Up Your Finances
A storage unit is a great asset, and the best part is that it’s affordable. When you look into a storage unit rental, you can cut costs without cutting convenience. This means you’ll have a little bit of extra financial flexibility to take care of business, which is your main priority as a small business owner. A storage rental might be just what you need to keep business moving.
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Why Should You Use Self-Storage During a Home Renovation?
A home renovation can make your home more valuable and appealing, but you might need somewhere to keep your belongings during the process. A storage unit in Capitola, CA can be a great commodity to have when you decide to make some changes or add on to your home. Your storage unit will keep your belongings safe until you’re ready to move them back into your house, and it comes with a handful of other benefits as well. Keep reading if you are wondering why you should use self-storage during a home renovation.
Depending on how much of your house you’re renovating, a decent chunk of it might be inaccessible for some time. You will need plenty of space to work with during your home renovation, and you won’t want to be tripping over clutter throughout the process. A storage unit is a place where you can store your things and access them whenever you want, but they won’t take up space in your home. As long as you pack properly and choose the right storage facility, you can rest assured that your belongings will still be in top shape when you come back for them after your renovation.
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3 Reasons to Consider Temporary Storage When You’re Moving
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.
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A Guide to Choosing the Right Packing Materials
Whether you are packing your belongings up to move to a new house or you’re getting ready to put some things into your storage unit in Santa Cruz, CA , you are going to need the right packing materials. Always go for quality boxes rather than used ones, and be sure to pad each box for extra protection. You should also invest in a couple of heavy-duty markers so you can label your boxes and find what you’re looking for. Continue on for a guide to choosing the right packing materials.
Go for Quality
If you want to make sure your belongings are kept safe during their stay in your storage unit, make sure the packing materials you use are sturdy enough to survive. Many people like to take the easy route and grab used boxes from department stores and supermarkets, but they have been known to give out. Since you don’t want your packed belongings spilling out onto the ground when you’re transporting them, you should look into sturdy moving boxes. You can even find boxes that are designed for clothing, making it even easier to move part of your wardrobe to your storage unit.
Pad Your Belongings
You don’t necessarily have to go overboard in protecting everything you bring to your storage unit, but your fragile items will need some extra care. When you pack delicate items like glassware or jewelry, be sure to wrap them up before you store them away. You can use old newspapers to cushion your glassware, or you could go the extra mile and buy some bubble wrap for even more protection. You should also remember not to stack other boxes on top of your fragile items in the storage unit.
Use Sharpies for Labeling
Once you’ve padded your things and packed them in sturdy moving boxes, you should label the outside of each box. Label each one with the room that it came from or should end up in so that you don’t have to rummage through all of your things to find what you need when you come back to your storage unit rental.
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Packing Seasonal Decorations for Storage
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.
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Avoid These Common Packing Mistakes
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.
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How Self-Storage Can Help During Your Big Move
A move is exciting, but it’s not always the easiest to pull off. If you think you might need some help with the process, consider looking into a storage unit in Capitola, CA where you can store some of your belongings during the move. A storage unit will give you a place to store a portion of your belongings to make the move easier and ensure that your things stay protected throughout the procedure. You can get rid of some of your clutter, stay organized while moving, and have a place to keep some of your childhood belongings when you head off to college . Read ahead to find out how self-storage can help during your big move.
Getting Rid of Clutter
Packing up and getting ready to move can be difficult if you’re constantly tripping over belongings that you don’t need in the house, but a self-storage unit can help. Rather than using your living room, garage, or entryway to your home as a storage space, consider renting an actual self-storage unit. This will give you a place to put the items that you don’t necessarily need to keep in your home and allow you to take back the space that you paid for.
Keeping Yourself Organized
Organization is key when you’re moving, but it’s easy to get thrown off track. If you want to remain as organized as possible throughout the process, think about how you can use a storage unit. When you get ready to move, you might come across old belongings that you don’t necessarily need but don’t want to throw away; if you have a storage unit, you have a convenient place to store these items.
Transitioning to College
Moving out of your parents’ house to go to college is a big step, but you will likely be back in between semesters. If you don’t want to bring everything from your old bedroom to your new dorm room, a storage unit can be of help. You won’t have to worry about keeping tabs on old mementos, but you won’t have them taking up valuable space either.
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How to Keep Your Furniture Safe in Storage
When you are planning on moving or selling your house, you may find yourself in need of a place to safely house your furniture. A storage unit in Capitola will provide you with ample space to store your sofa, table, or other large furnishings when they are not in use. Prior to moving your furnishings into your storage unit rental, you will want to make sure that they are properly covered and ready to remain unused for a certain length of time. Let’s explore some methods that you can use to keep your furniture safe when it is being stored.
Take Apart Wooden Pieces
If your wooden furniture is capable of being disassembled, you will want to take it apart before it heads into the storage unit. A large wooden piece of furniture is more likely to be scratched or dinged if it is fully assembled during moving. Taking off legs, footboards, or headboards will help you maneuver your wooden furniture safely, and will also make it easier to lift.
Clean Upholstered Items
Your upholstered furniture will require a bit of attention and care before it goes to the storage unit. If your upholstered sofas or chairs are not cleaned before they are stored, they will be more likely to develop mold, mildew, and other issues over time. By using an upholstery safe cleaner on the surface of your upholstered furnishing, you can rest assured that it will not deteriorate while it sits in your storage unit.
Wrap All Furniture Carefully
All furniture needs to be carefully wrapped before it is placed in storage. Your storage facility may be able to provide you with special plastic sheeting or fabric that is specifically designed for use on furniture. Any sharp edges or corners should also be contained with plenty of bubble wrap. After your furniture has been covered and wrapped, it will be ready for your big move.
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Keep Your Model Airplane Safe In Storage
If you have a beloved model airplane, you will want to make sure that your model is properly prepared for placement into storage. In this video, you will receive essential information about keeping your model airplane safe when it enters a storage unit in Santa Cruz. Before your airplanes are stored, they should be cleaned and dusted.
After your model airplane has been cleaned, it will be ready for placement into storage. To protect your airplane from pests and water damage, you will want to make sure that it is stored at least six inches off the ground. Your storage rental company may be able to provide you with special shelves that can be used to elevate your airplane.
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What You Should Know About Self Storage
When you think of self-storage near Capitola, CA, you may have certain questions. What can be stored? How secure is a storage unit rental? How many sizes are available to rent? These are just a couple questions that might pop up when considering a storage unit rental. Continue reading to learn more about what you should know about self-storage .
You Can Store Most Things
Almost anything can go into your self-storage unit. Your heirlooms, seasonal clothes, holiday decorations, and rarely-used appliances can easily fit in one or more storage units. If you have a college-aged child, then you may wish to rent a student storage unit. This is the same type of unit, but it can hold your child’s furniture and items while he or she is away at school. Speak with your storage rental company about specific items that are not allowed in a self-storage unit, though most only prohibit living animals, perishable food, and hazardous chemicals.
You Can Feel Secure
If you have worried about placing your valuables in a storage rental, then you can rest assured that self-storage is completely secure. Storage rental companies have different types of security, but many utilize the services of an onsite manager who keeps the facility secure at all times. Your storage unit rental will be locked and accessed only through an electronic keypad and your individual code. Storage rental facilities are also fenced and only accessible through the same code.
You Have Choices in Unit Size
There are multiple storage unit sizes to accommodate all your needs. Storage units are typically 10 feet high and come in a few different sizes. You can choose a unit size depending on the square footage amount of the items you are storing. You can also rent multiple storage units, if you have many items that need to be stored. Speak with your storage rental company about the recommended size to accommodate your storage needs.
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The Benefits of Having a Storage Unit During the Holidays
The holidays are already stressful enough, especially when it comes to decorating, visiting family, and other details. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Chanukah are often celebrated with various decorations and visiting with out-of-town families. Decorations and out-of-town families usually take up a lot of space, making it necessary to find temporary storage around the house or elsewhere. Instead of stuffing closets with decorations, rent a storage unit rental in Santa Cruz, CA for the holidays.
By renting a storage unit, holiday decorations can stay protected and out of the way the entire year, until they are needed. As one holiday ends, those decorations can be stored, and the next holiday’s decorations can be brought out of the storage unit. This makes cleanup and organization a simple process year-round.
When the out-of-town family arrives, cots, air mattresses, or other items not used regularly can be taken out of storage. Other items around the house—such as rarely-used furniture or bulky filing cabinets—can be put into temporary storage until the family leaves. A storage unit rental can be very helpful during the holidays, so consider renting one today.
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Tips for Maximizing the Space in Your Home
Whether you have a small apartment or a large home, it is always smart to maximize space wherever you can. As you can see in the video, there are many storage options you can utilize, such as cabinet- and- door-hanging baskets. Here are some tips and storage options for you near Capitola, CA:
- When storing your clothes in closets, use sub-hangers to hold multiple shirts and pants. Use a storage unit for your seasonal clothing to free up even more space.
- Use hanging storage for the inside of cabinets and backs of doors. These storage options can typically hold cleaning supplies, spices, shoes, and much more.
- Regularly downsize and donate your unused clothes and items.
Storage & Organization Secrets
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What to Think About When Selecting a Storage Unit
When you are deciding between storage unit types or sizes, there are a few factors to take under consideration before finalizing your decision. Storage unit rentals near Santa Cruz, CA can house almost any item you may want to store, such as gardening equipment, seasonal clothes, and furniture. When selecting the right storage unit to suit your needs, here are a few factors to think about:
- Consider what you are storing. The size of your storage unit may change depending on what you want to store. For example, you may only need a small unit if you plan to store seasonal clothes and decorations. If you are storing heirlooms, furniture, and artwork, though, then you may want a larger storage unit.
- Think about the storage facility’s proximity to you and how often you will access your storage unit. If you anticipate accessing your unit regularly, then look for a facility and storage unit close by.
- Look at the security of your intended storage unit. Your items deserve to be protected at all costs, so look for a secure facility where you feel safe leaving your items.
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A Student’s Guide for Heading Back to School
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.
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Seasonal Uses for Your Storage Space
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.
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