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

Plastic Containers or Cardboard Boxes

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

Packing Paper or Bubble Wrap

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

Plastic Wrapping

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

Though storage facilities are meant to store and protect your items, annoying pests can enter a storage unit and wreak havoc. These pests, usually rodents and bugs, will enter a storage unit and start looking for items to build their nests. You may think many of the items in your storage unit near Capitola, CA are protected, but you might be surprised by what a pest can use when building nests.

Paper Products

Since rodents can gnaw through almost anything, paper products are some of the easiest materials they can use to build their nests. Any paper materials you might have—files, packing paper, etc.—should be in a sealed and airtight container. This will help deter rodents from nesting in your storage unit. Instead of packing dishes or clothes in cardboard boxes, use plastic containers with tight seals on them. Mice cannot chew through these containers, and the containers make for easier stacking and storage.

Wooden Furniture

Many people are surprised to hear that rats and mice can destroy wooden furniture easily. Rats can gnaw through the legs on a wooden table or couch in no time. As rodents gnaw and strip your wooden furniture, they will take the material to the nest they are building in your storage unit or storage facility. Wrap your wooden furniture in thick plastic wrap, and seal it as well as you can. This will make it difficult for rodents to access your furniture, and it will protect the furniture from rat droppings and urine.

Upholstery and Clothes

If paper products are easy for rodents to tear apart, then fabrics are just as easy to shred. Keep your clothes and drapes in sealed, plastic containers. Make sure your upholstery, such as couches and chairs, is covered in thick, plastic wrapping. If you have any other fabric materials in your self-storage unit, then do whatever is necessary to seal them away from pests and rodents. If you suspect you have a rodent or pest problem, consider using a no-kill trap or repellant to keep unwanted pests away from your storage unit.

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

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

Whether you are 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.

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.

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

Create a Plan

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

Pack Carefully

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

Maintain Organization

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

If you are 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Keep the Car Clean and Dry

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

Keep Fluids Fresh and Topped Up

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

Take Additional Safety Measures

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

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

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

What to Know About Self Storage, Tips and Suggestions

If you’re an avid collector, you know how important it is to keep your collectibles safe and appropriately stored , especially if they’re valuable, one-of-a-kind, or irreplaceable. The last thing you want is to be personally responsible for damaging something that you love and revere. There may come a time when you may need to store your collectibles away long-term, which can mean renting a space from a self-storage facility near Santa Cruz. If you’re in the market for a storage unit, be sure to go with a facility that’s reliable and secure.

Be Aware of Your Collectibles’ Needs

When you’re a collector of a specific item, you probably already know how properly to handle, display, and store that item. Before you store your collectibles, know how to store them and know what they need.

Learn How Not to Store Your Collectibles

When choosing a storage unit, be mindful of environmental conditions that can damage your collection. Overly-humid environments can encourage mold and mildew to grow, and can corrode items made of or with metal. For example, if you’re storing a collection of rare, first-edition books, you don’t want to store them in an area where moisture levels are high. Conversely, overly arid conditions can cause fabrics and organic materials to dry out and become brittle. Temperature is also a factor. Wild fluctuations can cause warping or fractures.

Store Your Collectibles Correctly

Take an inventory of, and access, all of your collectibles you need to store. If you’re planning to rent a self-storage unit, try to store items there that are not finicky and delicate, if possible. If you have to move your entire collection to storage, take extra precautions to protect your valuables. For instance, pack them in well-insulated, airtight containers. When packing up items that are moisture sensitive, use desiccants to help absorb excessive moisture during storage periods. For delicate items, protect them with packing materials such as bubble wrap, packing peanuts, cotton sheets, or Mylar wrap. And for extra peace of mind, consider having your collectibles insured while they’re at a self-storage facility.