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.

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.

Before you head to your storage unit in Santa Cruz, CA , you will need to first pack up your belongings. This tends to be a stressful experience for many, but the right insight can make it a much simpler process. Watch this video if you would like to pick up some top tips for packing before using a storage unit.

Whether you are going on a vacation, moving to a new home, or stowing some of your belongings away in a storage unit, you need to make sure you do it right. This will ensure that your belongings are in the same shape when you retrieve them as they were in when you left them in the storage unit. Use a wardrobe box when you transport clothing, and take advantage of the extra space at the bottom. Remember to label and color-code your boxes for easy unpacking, and keep your larger items in smaller boxes and your smaller items in large boxes.

Many people think their storage unit is completely protected from invading pests, but that may not be the case. Though your storage rental company in Santa Cruz, CA does what it can to protect storage units from pests, the first line of defense comes from the customers. There are a few different ways customers can safeguard their possessions from potential pests.

Choose Plastic over Cardboard

Certain pests, like rats and mice, love paper, wood, and fabric products as a means to make their nests. Their sharp teeth and claws can easily tear through cardboard, documents, and wooden furniture in a matter of minutes. To discourage rodents from getting into your stored possessions, pack as much as you can in hard plastic containers, and refrain from using cardboard boxes. It is very difficult for rodents to penetrate the hard plastic to reach your items inside. Store your clothes, blankets, documents, and anything else that is easily shredded in these hard containers.

Do Not Store Food or Plants

Many self-storage facilities have rules against storing live plants and food, even if they are kept in a sealed container. You should not store these items in your storage unit anyway, because they will attract pests. Rodents are constantly looking for food and items to make their nests. By storing food, even if it is temporary storage, rodents will smell it and come to your unit ready to set up their home. Ants will also be attracted to food products. Plants can attract cockroaches and other intrusive insects, so keep your plants out of your unit.

Check Your Possessions Before Going into Storage

You may have safeguarded your possessions against future pests, but do not forget to check for any current pests. Rodents, cockroaches, spiders, and other pests may stow away in your containers or nestle into your clothes or furniture, and you may not know until you find an infestation weeks later. Check your boxes, furniture, and everything going into your storage unit before placing it in the unit. You may be able to stop an infestation before it begins.

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.

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.

When you are preparing to sell your home, most realtors advise that you keep your home clean and uncluttered. You still want furniture and artwork in the house, but much of your extra furniture and personal possessions should go to a self-storage unit in Capitola, CA . By using a storage unit, you can begin the moving process and sell your house faster.

• Declutter your home. This means that any unmatched furniture and extra decorations should go in a storage unit. Decluttering also helps to make your rooms and house seem bigger, which will help convince prospective buyers to purchase your home.
• You want to depersonalize your home as much as possible. Pack up knickknacks, pictures, and personal decorations. Place them in a storage unit rental until you move to your next home.
• Keep each room’s décor simple and matching. Your dining room should only have a dining table, chairs, and maybe a few decorations. Your living room should have matching couches and end tables. Make your house look streamlined and ready for anyone to move in.

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.