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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
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How to Store Your Collectable Items
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.
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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.
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Tips For Packing Your Belongings for Storage Units
There are times in life when people need a self-storage unit in Capitola , which can include moving from one house to another, traveling abroad, needing extra storage space, or running a business that requires storing inventory. If you’re looking to rent a storage unit, be sure to choose one that’s clean, accessible, and in a secure storage facility. Here are some helpful tips on how to pack your belongings for self-storage.
Use Sturdy Boxes
Since you want to maximize your storage unit’s space, boxes should be stacked. Therefore, use boxes or containers that are sturdy and can handle weight placed on top of them. When stacking, place heavier boxes at ground level and stack lighter boxes on top. Boxes and containers with fragile items should be placed on top, with nothing on top of them—don’t forget to mark those boxes as “fragile”. Be sure to label everything and list the contents of every box so that you know what’s inside.
Prepare Furniture for Storage
Before you move any of your furniture pieces to your self-storage unit, make sure you’ve properly cleaned and treated them. For example, treat a wood table with a cleaner that both cleans and polishes wood surfaces, and protects wood from drying out. Similarly, use cleaner for metal that cleans and prevents corrosion. Once your furniture pieces have been thoroughly wiped down, protect them from damage by wrapping them in insulating packing materials such as bubble wrap, thick plastic wrap, heavy fabric, or corrugated cardboard. Pack loose couch cushions into sturdy garbage bags or wrap them in plastic. If you happen to have them, use wooden pallets to lift furniture off of the ground as a safeguard against potential flooding—that is, if your area is prone to minor floods during the rainy season.
Protect Valuable Collections
If you own valuable collectibles, take extra precautions to protect them while they’re in your self-storage unit. Items that are sensitive to moisture—such as stamps, coins, documents, books, artwork, clothing, and dolls—should be stored in special, airtight containers that are insulated. If at all possible, don’t leave super valuable or rare items in your storage unit. Instead, make special arrangements for them to be housed somewhere safer and climate-controlled.
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Getting a Vehicle Ready for Storage
If you need a ground level storage unit near Santa Cruz for your belongings, you may also need to store your vehicle while you are away or relocating. Always check out storage facility units in person before renting, and follow professional storage services’ advice to prepare your car for storage.
Before moving your vehicle into any storage facility, you should first install a fuel additive and fill up your gas tank. Next, make sure to have your car’s oil changed. Just like fuel, oil has contaminants, which can become problematic over time. You may also want to consider scheduling a professional maintenance appointment for your car before it goes into a long-term storage facility. A service technician can best check your fluid levels and make sure your car is ready for storage.
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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.
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Customizing Your Storage Experience
Professional storage services near Capitola should be safe, secure, and reliable. But a storage facility should also offer plenty of options so you can customize your storage unit according to your amount of personal belongings and budget.
When you select a storage unit rental, it is important to consider many factors. First, storage units come in many sizes, and you will need to determine what size of unit will accommodate your personal items. In general, it is better to err on the side of a unit that is too large, as you never want to arrive at a self-storage unit to learn that you do not have enough room. Next, consider how long you need to store your belongings. Some storage facilities have minimum stay requirements, and it is best to choose a storage facility that is flexible according to your needs. Finally, choose the billing option that is right for you. Good storage facilities offer customizable options.
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Getting Your Blankets and Linens Ready for Storage
Are you preparing to move your household items into a self-storage facility in Capitola? After you reserve your secure self-storage unit, it is time to begin the packing process. While preparing your bedding may seem like a simple task, it takes just a bit of preparation and a few supplies to keep your linens in pristine condition. Whether you are renting multiple long-term storage units or have secured temporary student storage, keep reading to learn why proper cleaning, vacuum bags, and certain boxes are essential for linen storage.
Proper Cleaning
The first step in preparing linens for a stay in a storage unit is to make sure they are clean. Be sure to wash or dry-clean all blankets, sheets, duvets, and down or poly-filled comforters before packing them up for a storage unit. Even seemingly harmless substances like body oil can discolor or damage fabrics while in storage. Be sure to pace down-filled items in a rolled large sheet before packing. You should also make sure your storage unit is as dry as possible to ward off mildew.Vacuum Bags
Vacuum storage bags protect blankets and pillows and free up extra space in a self-storage unit. To use vacuum bags, simply place folded pillows and blankets inside. Next, insert your vacuum’s hose into the valve on the side of the bag and turn on the vacuum. This process creates an airtight seal to keep out mildew, insects, dust, and odors.
Special Boxes
While cardboard boxes are perfectly acceptable for short-term linen storage, consider investing in a cedar chest if your storage unit rental will last for several months or more. Cedar wool oil acts as a natural moth and insect repellant, which makes it perfectly suited to store natural-fiber bedding. If you have synthetic blankets and poly-filled pillows, consider purchasing plastic bins. Bins prevent dust from accumulating and can also be re-used later on. If you plan to use cardboard boxes in your self storage unit, line them with heavy duty lawn bags for an extra layer of protection.
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Preparing for Your Upcoming Move
If you’re planning a move, you should consider a storage unit rental near Santa Cruz . Storing your belongings in a self-storage unit gives you the opportunity to de-clutter before you move, and affords you extra time to decide where everything will go in your new place. If you’re in college and are moving into a dorm or other shared housing, a student storage unit is the perfect place to store belongings that won’t fit in your dorm or apartment.
Watch this video for more tips about preparing for your upcoming move. Before moving, take some time to learn about the advantages of self-storage units and secure storage facilities.
Moving Tips
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Getting the Facts About Self-Storage
If you’re considering renting a self-storage unit in Capitola, there are a few important things that you should consider before choosing a self-storage facility. You want to make sure that you find a high-quality storage unit in a secure storage facility. Here are some helpful facts about self-storage units and storage facilities that will make your decision much easier.
Make Sure You Choose a Secure Storage Facility
Regardless of how long your belongings will be held in your self-storage unit, you want to be sure to choose a secure storage facility. Your self-storage unit should only be accessible via an electronic keypad, and ideally, both security guards and security cameras should monitor your storage facility. Try to find a storage facility that offers insurance for your self-storage unit as well, to further protect your belongings.Try to Rent a Ground Level Storage Unit
While most storage facilities have elevators that provide access to their upper-level self-storage units, it’s much more convenient to rent a ground-level storage unit. Some storage facilities even guarantee that all of their storage units are on the ground level. This will make it much easier and faster for you to get items in and out of your storage unit whenever you need to, without having to worry about getting up and down stairs or elevators. You’ll be able to pull your moving truck straight up to the door of your storage unit, and load and unload your belongings with ease.
Look for a Storage Facility That Offers Customizable Storage
A storage facility that offers customizable storage units and storage plans will make it easy to find the perfect self-storage unit for your needs. You will be able to choose from a variety of storage unit sizes so that you can be sure that all of your belongings fit easily inside. Customizable storage also allows you to create a rental and billing agreement based on how long you will need to rent your storage unit.
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Essential Packing Materials for Moving and Storage
Moving can be a stressful event, whether you’re heading across the country or simply to a new place across town. There are many aspects to a successful move, including using a self-storage facility in Capitola to hold your excess belongings. In addition to planning ahead so that you feel less overwhelmed and don’t leave everything to the last minute, you’ll need to equip yourself with the proper supplies. Boxes are essential for moving and storage, and it’s a good idea to invest in high-quality moving boxes that are sturdier and easier to stack than old boxes you may have lying around. Packing tape that is at least two inches wide will help secure your boxes so that nothing accidentally falls out. Don’t forget about packing peanuts and bubble wrap to make sure your fragile items remain intact during moving and storage. Check out this infographic from JD Mini Storage to learn more about what supplies are an absolute must for your next move. Please share with your friends and family!
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Tips for Packing and Storing Kitchenware
When storing your kitchenware in a secure storage facility in Capitola , you want to be sure that glass and ceramic items don’t get broken while in a storage facility or in transit. You can protect your kitchenware by packing it carefully and storing it securely in your self-storage unit.
Before packing up your kitchenware, wrap up any breakable items in newspaper or butcher paper. You should consider buying glass pack boxes for wine glasses and other drinking glasses. Pack your boxes carefully and securely, so that there isn’t a lot of space for items to shift around and hit against each other. Fill in extra spaces between items with crumpled-up newspaper or packing peanuts.
When moving your boxes of kitchenware into your self-storage unit, take special care to properly stack boxes. Always make sure that heavier boxes are on the bottom of the stack to prevent boxes from tipping over or collapsing into each other. You should also only stack one box on top of another if it is the exact same size, or slightly smaller to avoid accidents.
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A Guide to Preparing Your Sofa for Storage
If you’re moving furniture into a self-storage facility near Santa Cruz , there are a few things that you can do to be sure that your belongings will remain secure and undamaged. When preparing a sofa for storage, you’ll need to clean it and protect it from dust, scratches, and rodents while in your self-storage unit. Here is a simple guide to preparing your sofa for storage in a storage facility.
Clean the Sofa’s Fabric and Parts Completely
Before doing anything else, you’ll want to completely clean every part of your sofa. This will ensure that it doesn’t begin to smell moldy or musty while in your storage unit. Vacuum the sofa’s upholstery thoroughly to make sure that all dust, dirt, hair, and debris are removed. Next, clean the sofa’s fabric with an antimicrobial cleaning agent that is specifically formulated for upholstery. Finally, polish and clean any metal or wooden parts of the sofa with the appropriate type of cleaner.
Store Removable Parts Separately
Once your sofa is thoroughly cleaned, you can begin detaching any removable parts. If the legs or arms of your sofa can be taken off, you should do so, and wrap them securely in bubble wrap or plastic. They can be stored separately in a box in your storage unit. You should also remove pillows or cushions from the sofa, and store these separately as well in vacuum-sealed storage bags. This will keep them from becoming faded, dusty, or damaged.
Protect the Sofa from Rodents and Bugs
Even if you don’t think that your storage facility is home to rodents and bugs, it’s still wise to protect your sofa from vermin. You can spray your sofa with a bug and rodent repellant before moving it to your storage unit. Just be sure that the repellant is safe for fabrics and upholstery. You should place wooden pallets on the floor of your storage unit, and cover them with thick plastic. Place your sofa on top of the pallets, and cover it with a cotton drop cloth or canvas.
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Tips for Packing Your Books
When you are preparing your belongings for a move into a storage unit, books are among the simplest items to pack. Since books are square in shape, they are able to fit neatly into boxes. However, to ensure that you do not have to carry heavy boxes into your self-storage unit, you should keep some book packing tips in mind. By packing your books into smaller boxes, you can ensure that you have an easy time placing your books in your self-storage unit. A company offering storage units near Capitola, Santa Cruz can help you with all of your packing and storing needs . To hear more tips on packing your books for storage, be sure to take a look at this video from Moving and Packing Tips from Relocation.com.
Avoid This 1 Weighty Mistake When Packing Your Books | Relocation.com
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A Look at the Different Types of Storage Units
A storage facility can provide you with the extra space you need for your belongings. Whether you are seeking a secure spot to store extra furniture or are in need of student storage during your college years, you should be sure to contact a storage facility in Capitola When you are planning on moving your belongings into storage, it is a good idea to research the types of storage units that are available to you. A company offering professional storage services may have a few different unit options that will suit a variety of needs. Here is a closer look at some of the most common types of storage units.
Climate Controlled Storage
Climate controlled storage is among the most popular types of storage units that are available at a self-storage facility. When you choose this type of storage unit, you can feel great knowing that your belongings will be protected against heat, cold, and other environmental factors. Typically, a climate controlled storage facility will be kept at a consistent temperature throughout the months and seasons.
Business Storage
Along with using storage for your personal needs, you may also want to consider using a storage facility for your business. If you are the owner of a business, chances are that you may have extra inventory or paperwork in your business space. With a business storage unit, you will be provided with a totally secure space to house all of your business items.
Vehicle Storage
In the event that you will not be using your car for an extended period of time, you may want to look into your vehicle storage options. When a car is left outdoors, it will be subjected to sunlight, rain, and other harsh conditions. A vehicle storage unit is designed to safely and securely house your vehicle when it is not in use. Be sure to contact your storage company to learn more about the storage unit options that are available to you.
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How Your Business Can Benefit from Renting a Storage Unit
If you are a business owner, chances are you spend a significant amount of time tracking inventory and completing paperwork. To help your business stay organized, while also freeing up additional workspace, you may want to consider renting a storage unit at a storage facility near you . With the help of storage facilities near Capitola, Santa Cruz, you can tidy your business space while keeping your important documents and items secure. Additionally, a company offering professional storage services can also help you with document management and more. Read on for a look at how your business can benefit from renting a storage unit.
Clear Additional Office Space
One of the best ways that storage can improve your business is by clearing up additional office space for you and your workers. If your current work facility is cluttered with paperwork or inventory, this will not create an environment that encourages your workers to remain productive and motivated. By moving some of your items into storage, you can create a clutter-free workspace that helps every employee achieve their very best.
Create a Distribution Center
Along with clearing up office space, your storage unit can also allow you to create an off-site distribution center. If your business does not currently have a warehouse to store inventory, a storage unit can easily serve this purpose. As you move your inventory into storage, you can create an organization system that will allow you to easily track, monitor, and ship your goods.
Store Files and Paperwork Securely
As the owner of a business, you may have a significant amount of files and paperwork on your hands. Rather than storing these items in your office, you may want to consider a storage unit rental. By keeping your important documents off-site, you can rest assured that your important papers are safe and secure. Be sure to contact a storage facility near you to hear more about the advantages of storage units for businesses.
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How to Choose Your Moving Supplies
To get the most out of your move into a storage unit, it is important to choose your moving and packing supplies carefully. As you are preparing for your move into a storage facility, you should be sure to set up a dedicated packing space in your home. As you are preparing your items for your secure storage facility, you should make sure to have plenty of tape, newspaper, and bubble wrap on hand. In addition, you will need markers, Ziploc bags, and boxes. A company offering storage units near Santa Cruz can help you ensure that your move into a storage unit is smooth and stress-free. To learn more about how to choose your moving supplies, watch this video from Moving and Packing Tips from Relocation.com.
Moving Supplies You Need for Your Move | Relocation.com
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All About Self-Storage
A storage facility is an invaluable resource if you have extra furniture or other items on your hands. By choosing to move your belongings into a storage unit , you will free up additional space in your home or office. A facility offering self-storage units in Capitola, Santa Cruz can help you select the right storage unit rental for your needs. When you choose a storage unit that offers the proper amount of space and security, you can feel great knowing that your items are properly housed and protected. To highlight the benefits of self storage, here is a look at some important information about this industry.
The History of Self-Storage
The storage industry can trace its roots back to the 1850s, when banks in England began providing storage facilities for travellers who were planning on spending extended periods abroad. These facilities were constructed specifically to protect household goods and other items. A century later, in the 1950s, self-storage became a predominant industry in the United States. Today, self-storage is a very popular option for anyone who is need of extra space.
Defining Self-Storage
Self-storage is defined as any location that offers monthly rentals where customers can house their goods and belongings. One of the primary characteristics of self-storage is that this type of storage allows renters to maintain access and control over their items. Many self-storage facilities offer various floor plans, and also provide climate controlled units. In addition, a self-storage facility will be secured through locks and other security measures.
Choosing a Self-Storage Unit
When you decide to move your belongings into self-storage, you will have several factors to consider. First, you will need to find a storage facility that is conveniently located in your local area. In addition, you should also make sure that your storage unit offers plenty of space for all of your belongings. Finally, you should ask your storage facility about the types of security and climate control services that they offer. By doing your research, you can find the perfect storage space for your needs.
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Tips and Tricks For Clothing Storage
Whether you have items in your wardrobe that you do not currently wear or you’re simply looking to free up additional space in your closet, you may find that a storage unit is a great solution for your clothing storage needs. As you are preparing to pack your belongings for a trip to the storage facility near Santa Cruz, there are a few tips and tricks that you can keep in mind. For example, it is a great idea to launder or dry clean your clothes before you move them into a self-storage unit. This will help keep your wardrobe appealing and fresh. In addition, you should also be sure to choose the right storage containers. With archival boxes or plastic bags, you can protect delicate fabrics. Finally, you should also consider choosing self-storage units that are climate-controlled. With a consistent temperature, you can prevent fading and excess wear to your clothes when they are being stored.
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What Are the Best Packing Supplies for Moving?
When you are planning a big move, a self-storage unit can provide you with the secure space you need to store your belongings. Before you can start preparing your items for a move into a self-storage unit, you will want to make sure that everything is properly packed and organized. A facility offering storage units near Santa Cruz can provide you with the packing supplies and assistance you need to move into a high quality storage unit. By obtaining your moving supplies well in advance, you can help reduce your stress as you move. Here is a look at some of the best packing supplies that you can use during your move.
Tape
Packing tape is among the essential moving supplies that you will want to obtain before you begin packing. Unlike duct tape or masking tape, packing tape is designed to safely secure boxes and other items. You can use your packing tape to seal and support your moving boxes and protect the items inside. In addition, your packing tape can be applied to your furniture so that it remains safe during transport.
Newspaper
If you will be packing a lot of fragile items, you may want to make sure that you have a good supply of newspaper for your move. Since newspaper is lightweight and easy to wrap, you can use this versatile material to protect fragile items such as dishes, glassware, and other items. When you are choosing newspaper, it is a good idea to test it to make sure that the paper’s ink will not leave a mark on your belongings.
Boxes
Boxes are also important for any move. When you are getting ready for an upcoming move, you will want to obtain boxes in many different shapes and sizes. While large boxes are convenient for packing bulky items, you should also be sure to collect smaller boxes as well. Small boxes can be used to pack heavy belongings, such as books or kitchenware.
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