Safe In Storage

Have you ever walked into an AirBNB or a nice hotel room? When you walk in, it feels so relaxing. Successful resort operators and individual rental property experts know how to design rooms and properties for maximum effect. They pick the right colors, arrange nice layouts, open things up with light and make sure it smells nice inside.

One of the biggest things they do, though, is get rid of “stuff”. You won’t find a lot of clutter around these places. Everything has a designated spot, and you only see what needs to be there. There aren’t any drawers stuffed to the brim with junk, and the kitchen areas are well-organized with designated places for every piece of flatware and kitchen appliance.

You can get the same feeling in your house, it’s just harder because you’ve usually got a lot more stuff. With the trite organization methods, you can sort through your stuff and create the calm and inviting environment you crave. The bonus is that finding what you need will be easier for you and anyone else in your family.

Here are 11 awesome home organization tips that won’t break the bank.

1. Buy See-Through Plastic Containers

This is a huge organization tip because, so often, we toss things into drawers or boxes and have no idea what’s in there once the lid closes. Sure, your stuff is put away, but it’s not exactly organized if you can’t recall where anything is. You don’t have to break the bank by buying fancy plastic containers. Just buy stuff online that will last. See-through containers make it easy to see what you’ve got inside your container so you don’t have to rip through everything to remember where you put something.

2. Use Labels

Whether you’re using a piece of masking tape and a black pen or you go out and buy a label maker, putting labels on things will make your home a lot more organized. Your kids, partner, guests, or whoever else is pitching in will also know where they should put things instead of tossing them in random spots. You can label places for school supplies, extension cords, electronics, or whatever else you need.

3. Separate the Seasons

If you’re living somewhere where it’s swimming in the summer and snow in the winter, you probably have a lot of stuff in your closets that don’t need to be there all year long. Take your winter coats out of the closet and stuff them in boxes instead.

4. Use the Space Under Your Bed

The room under beds often goes unused. You can find affordable storage containers with wheels on them that are designed to roll in and out from under beds. Instead of tossing your shoes in a pile under there, you can stay organized by keeping them in sealed containers.

5. Donate Stuff You Don’t Use

If you’re feeling like your place is a bit cluttered, you can get rid of stuff for free by donating it to charity. Several stores will take donations, and it’s perfect for clothes that don’t fit anymore or toys you don’t need. You can even write off the tax value of the donations to save a little money when it comes time to file taxes in April the next year.

6. Sell Things on Facebook Marketplace

A lot of people are surprised at how well their old things sell on Facebook. If you aren’t using Facebook Marketplace, then you should check it out. It’s a thriving marketplace where people can save a ton of money by buying things second-hand. Reducing clutter while you make money, what could be better? You’ll get organized a lot faster, and once you make money you probably won’t be so emotionally attached to things you aren’t using any longer.

7. Build It Yourself

You can save money by purchasing shelving units you build by yourself (hello Ikea). Even though it will take you some time, you will definitely save some money by organizing with DIY furniture. They are great too for places like basements or bedrooms where you need a lot of different compartments for things like toys and clothes. Just be patient when you start out and remember to keep breathing the first time you run into a challenge and you have to go back a few steps to build it right.

8. Buy Storage Furniture & Containers Second-Hand

We’ve already touched on getting organized and saving money by donating or selling things you don’t need anymore, but you can also be a buyer and organize your home on a budget. Odds are someone is selling something that is exactly what you’re looking for or pretty darn close to it. You can save a lot of money and find those containers, racks, or shelves you need to get organized.

9. Rent a Storage Unit

If you think about it, renting a storage unit can be the ultimate money saver when it comes to organizing. Most people in life get to the point where they have so much stuff they feel like the only option is to buy a bigger house or move into a bigger apartment. You end up spending a lot more on housing costs. With a storage unit, you can save and find a place close to home to keep things like bikes during the winter or all of your winter clothes while it’s hot outside.

10. Recycle Old Boxes

Things like shoe boxes are great little containers for tools, sewing supplies, pens, small toys, or whatever else needs organizing. They’re sturdy enough to last and take a bit of a beating as well. You can write on the outside or put a label on them and stick them in a row on a shelf.

11. Use a Virtual Planner

What about time? People are busy worrying about organizing stuff, but typically organizing your time has a way bigger upside. If you’re not syncing with your family on a shared calendar, you’re missing out. These are usually software tools that are free to use and can help you organize where everyone needs to be and when.

If you’re looking for a storage facility to store your belongings, Safe In Storage has got you covered. Here at  Safe In Storage, we offer a wide range of unit selections with state-of-the-art security features. To learn more about our self-storage facility, please check out our website at https://safeinstorageredmond.com/.

Wedding dresses can cost a lot of money. In addition to what you or your family spends on your dress, there’s also the sentimental attachment associated with the dress. It’s not like you will want to get rid of it right after the wedding. Sure, you may sell it, donate it, or gift it at some point, but not right away. You need time to think about it.

So many people end up keeping their wedding dress hanging in their closet for years or decades after they marry. While wedding dresses are indeed beautiful, there has to be a better way. You’re probably going to need to use the space at some point, and you could end up resenting the fact that you’ve got that massive garment bag hanging in your closet.

Keeping your wedding dress in a storage unit is a perfect way to keep it safe and in good condition while also getting it out of the house. Done right, storing your wedding dress in a storage unit can maintain your dress so you can hand it down to someone at the right time or sell it if the price is right. Here’s some helpful information on how to find the right storage unit and the best ways to keep your wedding dress inside.

Don’t Use Plastic Garment Bags for Too Long

Most of the time, when you buy a wedding dress, the boutique will send it home with you in a plastic garment bag. Sometimes it’s a polyester blend, but many wedding dresses are sold in plastic coverings so people can see the dresses without handling them too much directly. They are, after all, white, and too many hands-on them can damage the dresses. It’s fine before the wedding, but if you keep your wedding dress in a plastic covering for years, they can emit chemicals that tend to turn the dress or any other garment in them a yellowish color.

If you do some research, you can find acid-free boxes designed specifically for storing wedding dresses long-term. It may cost you a bit extra, but you’ll have peace of mind knowing your dress will look just as good ten years from now as the day you wore it.

Clean It Professionally Before You Store It

One thing you should certainly do before you store your wedding dress, whether it’s in the attic or a storage unit, is professionally clean it. You should find a place that specializes in wedding dress cleaning to make sure the job is done right. A lot of dresses have stones and other things on them that are sewn on by hand. Your normal dry cleaner has commercial machines that may not be delicate enough for your gown.

Find a place that will do it correctly, and have it cleaned before you put it away long-term.

Check on the Wedding Dress Regularly

Don’t leave the dress in a storage unit for years without checking on it. You should visit it at least once a year to make sure nothing is going wrong with the dress. If you spot an issue early enough, you can salvage it and keep the dress in top shape forever. Left alone for too long, it can get water damaged or have other types of damage and become permanent. With a storage unit close to home, you can drop in and open its container to make sure your dress is still in good shape.

Finding the Best Storage Unit for Your Wedding Dress

If you’re going to store your wedding dress in a storage unit, you need to find the right facility and unit type to keep your dress the way you want it. Here are some tips on finding the best possible storage unit.

Location

You should find something relatively close to where you live. Odds are your wedding dress isn’t going to be the only thing that you’re keeping in there. You need something close enough that you won’t regret renting it. Also, you should take advantage of it. You can store things like winter clothes, bikes, and other seasonal items that will free up space at home. Reclaim your garage and optimize with a storage unit. While you’re there dropping things off or picking something up, check on your wedding dress to see that it’s still doing okay.

Climate-Controlled

Depending on where you live, you may want to opt for a climate-controlled storage unit. This will best protect your wedding dress if you’re living somewhere that’s hot with a lot of humidity. If it gets too toasty in a storage unit, an attic, or wherever else your wedding dress is, it’s easier for it to wilt under the bad weather.

Security

Wedding dresses are a pricey item, and they command high prices on the vintage market. People who spend a lot of money on their dresses are hesitant about storing them somewhere off-site and worry that a storage unit could leave them at risk. Find a storage unit facility with good security like cameras, access cards, gates, personalized locks, and possibly security guards to make sure whatever is inside your unit will stay safe.

Price

Most people don’t realize how affordable storage units are. They think they are a major expense when in reality they’re way cheaper than moving into a bigger apartment or buying a larger house. With a storage unit, you can maximize space and stay in a place you love for longer while your family grows or you accumulate more things.

Think about storing your wedding dress in a storage unit. It’s a fantastic way to keep it safe, dry, and out of harmful sunlight. Your dress will be ready for the next generation when the time comes or you can sell it in mint condition if that’s what you’re trying to do. Modern storage unit facilities offer terrific choices for people, and you can find something large enough for what you need.

If you’re looking for a storage facility to store your belongings, Safe In Storage has got you covered. Here at  Safe In Storage, we offer a wide range of unit selections with state-of-the-art security features. To learn more about our self-storage facility, please check out our website at https://safeinstorageredmond.com/.

Are you looking for a way to better manage your holiday decorations? We all love them, it’s just a shame that we can’t keep them up for longer. People who stay on top of holiday decorations put in a lot of work to make their homes look and feel festive. Everyone appreciates it, but so few actually pull it off well.

Keeping up with holiday decorations is hard because you have to buy and keep things in good condition. Cheap decorations break easily and never last. High-quality decorations last for decades and sometimes become family heirlooms. Most of us remember that special feeling of our parents pulling out the decorations for our favorite holiday. It let us know fun, meaning, and family memories were about to be made.

If you’re a holiday decoration lover, and you’re looking for a better way to keep your decorations in better condition so they’ll last longer, then storing them in a storage unit is a great option. Done right, holding your holiday decorations in a self-storage unit will prevent damage and keep them pristine for when the holidays come around each year. Here are some things you should know about storing holiday decorations and which decorations are most suitable for a storage unit.

What Goes Best in a Storage Unit?

Any holiday decorations that you want to keep in great condition should go in a storage unit. In a storage facility, you can rest assured that no grandchildren or someone messing around in your garage are going to knock something into them and break anything glass or fragile. You can keep them in shelving units, drawers, or boxes inside of the unit so nothing falls and there won’t be any accidents.

The annual holiday decorations go great in storage units because you can break them out weeks or days before the holiday arrives. When the holiday is over, back in the storage unit they go. You get to save all of that space in your garage, attic, basement, or wherever else you normally keep them.

Different Items to Store

Here are some of the holiday decorations that go best in a storage unit:

Big items

Think things like an artificial Christmas tree, holiday lights, Halloween yard decorations (the big scary things that inflate and make noises to scare all of the neighborhood kids), wreaths, flagpoles (4th of July), and other large decorations. Rather than have them cluttering up your house, you can stick them in a storage unit for safekeeping.

Fragile items

Don’t take any chances with those glass Christmas decorations your mother gave you. Likewise, Hanukkah decorations that are family heirlooms and other fragile decorations can go into a storage unit. You can either bubble wrap them or put them in plastic containers to keep them safe. Some people like to wrap them in newspapers and put them in boxes as well.

Temperature-sensitive items

Do you have anything that you’re worried about molding or otherwise spoiling? Cloth decorations can be a bit tricky to keep in the hot attic during the summer or out in the garage. Luckily, you can rent a climate-controlled storage unit that will prevent any mildew from getting to your cherished items. Talk to the storage unit facility manager or check on their website to see if a climate-controlled unit is available. For a bit more cost, you can have peace of mind that your decorations aren’t too hot.

Yard decorations

We’ve already mentioned the Halloween decorations, but there are a lot of other yard items that people love putting out for the holidays. It lets the neighborhood know you are celebrating and gets everyone in the mood. Whether it’s ribbons, flags, fake pumpkins, Easter bunnies, or anything else you decorate your yard with, you can place them in a storage unit to cut down on how much storage space you’re using at home.

Stuff you might forget about

One of the main advantages of self-storage units is that they keep you so well organized. Have you ever put something in your storage at home or put something away and then can’t remember where it is? There’s only a small window for holiday decorations all year, and it is always a shame when someone can’t remember where they put one of their favorite items. In a storage unit, you’ll always know where your things are, and it’s a quick and easy trip to go get them and prepare them for hanging.

Finding the Right Storage Unit

Choosing the right storage unit will make managing your holiday decorations so much easier. You can pick one that’s close enough to your home so that going to check on things or switch something out is never an inconvenience. You can rent a range of different sizes, so there’s always something perfect. And you can always go up a size if things start getting tight in there. It happens when people have kids and buy more decorations as the family grows.

On top of choosing the right size and location, you should pick something with the ideal security measures in place to keep things safe. Some items are impossible to replace. Heirlooms, antiques, family photos, etc. can be priceless, so you’ll want a storage unit that will keep your things safe. Give your facility a walkthrough and talk to them about what security protocols they have.

Of course, you’ll want to rent a storage unit in good condition. The way a facility looks, smells, and feels is a great indication of how your stuff will be looked after and also what kind of customer service you can expect from the facility. Too many people are so focused on price, they fail to pay attention to some red flags that cause them trouble in the future.

In the end, putting your holiday decorations in a storage unit is the perfect way to free up room at home and keep your items safe. You can label boxes or containers in your unit so everything you need is just a quick trip away.

If you’re looking for a storage facility to store your belongings, Safe In Storage has got you covered. Here at  Safe In Storage, we offer a wide range of unit selections with state-of-the-art security features. To learn more about our self-storage facility, please check out our website at https://safeinstorageredmond.com/.

These days, buying a hardcopy video game can feel like a thing of the past. It’s not like it used to be, anyways. In the old days – heck, even ten years ago – people used to line up outside video game stores and gaming sections in places like Walmart before the release of a big game. Once midnight struck, employees would come out, rolling shelves filled with gaming cartridges for eager games to buy, then race home to put them in their CD drives or insert cartridges into their gaming systems.

Now, a lot of game purchasing happens online. With internet speeds so fast, large batches of data can be downloaded in hours or even minutes. When you talk to some kids about how we used to game, they almost can’t believe it. “What, you used to have to blow the dust out of your video games to get them to work?!?” We know, it sounds crazy just saying it.

However, physical gaming isn’t completely dead. Like many other things, games have become vintage. People collect them and trade or sell them for large sums. They’re nostalgic, and their rarity makes some games very valuable. That means finding good ways to store video games and equipment is crucial to keeping them in good condition so they retain their value.

Thankfully, storage units are available and are an ideal place for you to store your gaming systems, physical games, and any other gaming equipment you have. Here are some things you should know about keeping video games in a storage unit so you can keep your games pristine for years.

Renting a Good Storage Unit

A lot of people still keep their games shoved into shoeboxes or in a plastic container under their bed. It makes sense, especially if you’re still playing them every so often. That, or you’re saving them for wherever you have kids or a niece or nephew who takes an interest in gaming.

People don’t know that storage units offer incredible flexibility and the safety you need and want for your games and equipment. Here are a few reasons why you should think about renting a storage unit if you’ve got a lot of gaming equipment around.

Safe

People want to protect video games and equipment for several reasons. Perhaps the biggest reason, though, is that you want to make sure that it’s still usable. The games only keep their monetary and sentimental value if you can still plug them in and see the graphics pop up on a display.

A storage unit has security on-site to prevent theft and other types of damage. Putting your stuff in a storage unit also helps avoid anything like something falling on the games and crushing them. All too often, vintage games get thrown into a random box or storage containers and other things smash and break them.

Free Up Room

Another reason a storage unit works so well is that, if you’re an avid gamer, then stuff starts building up rather quickly. You don’t want piles of potentially valuable equipment taking up random corners in your house or your apartment. By renting a storage unit near where you live, you have quick access to your collection without it becoming a nuisance at home.

It Is Affordable

Most people overestimate how much a storage unit will cost them each month. They’re very affordable and come in different sizes at a variety of prices to fit your needs and your budget. It’s something to consider, especially if you’ve got any type of valuable collection going.

How to Safely Store a Gaming Collection?

For old cartridge-style games, dust is a big enemy. You don’t want to leave the game cartridges out where they are exposed to dust in the air. Whether you’re keeping your collection at home or in a storage unit, ideally you’ll keep them in an air-sealed bag or container that will keep the dust out. They’ll also protect them in the event any moisture tries to get inside. A good thing about storage units is that they almost never flood. The risk of water damage is very low. The same can’t be said for homes with complex plumbing systems.

A big part of storing game collections is the organization, which, thankfully, also helps keep them safe. Store the games in boxes on shelving units that elevate them a bit and make grabbing a game for a buyer or to play a bit faster and easier.

Does it need a climate-controlled storage unit? It’s something you may want to consider, particularly as dollar figures on the items start to get higher. Paying a bit more for climate control options can be well worth it if you’ve got something valuable by comparison. Ask your facility how much extra having the option would be and make the right call based on your collection.

Find Something Close to Home

Not everyone is collecting physical games for money. It’s a big part of the industry, for certain, but there are a lot of passionate game collectors who don’t want to get rid of something they’ve spent years playing. There are some seminal games that leave a lasting mark on us that we’ll associate parts of our lives with forever.

A lot of games come and go, but many will stick around. You’ll play them for hours, and then a new game comes up and you’re onto some other character or challenge. It doesn’t mean, however, that you’re done with that other game. It’s just goodbye for now.

With a storage unit, you can manage which games you play and when much better. There’s no pressure to sell or give them away to free up shelf space in the TV room. You can keep them in the storage unit and, when you feel like it, drop by to pick it up and spend more time playing. Storage units are ideal for seasonal gamers who want to keep going back to games they love again and again.

If you’re looking for a storage facility to store your belongings, Safe In Storage has got you covered. Here at  Safe In Storage, we offer a wide range of unit selections with state-of-the-art security features. To learn more about our self-storage facility, please check out our website at https://safeinstorageredmond.com/.

People are justifiably worried about storing valuables and sensitive items in a self-storage unit. Without being able to constantly monitor your items, it’s easy to worry about what type of condition they’ll be in when you finally take them out.

One thing folks often worry about is storing instruments in a storage unit. Can you store musical instruments in a storage unit? Yes, but with stipulations. Instruments are sensitive to things like temperature and the presence of termites. If you’re going to store an instrument in a storage facility, you should make sure it’s suitable for whatever you’re putting in there.

Different types of instruments are more sensitive than others. We’ve put together some information on what you should know to keep your instruments in the best possible shape.

Protecting Your Investment

Some instruments are affordable. You can buy a used guitar, for example, at an affordable price. However, some instruments are very expensive. Buying something like a bass clarinet can set you back thousands of dollars. Violins, electric guitars, drum sets, etc. can go up in price into the tens of thousands of dollars depending on who made them, how old they are, and other factors.

On top of the instruments you buy yourself, instruments are frequently handed down in families and become invaluable antiques. They tell the story of a grandfather or mother, and people want them to last.

The bottom line is, you want your instrument to last, whether you paid a lot of money for it or it carries some deeper meaning. Here are some things you should check on before you put it in a storage unit.

Find a Secure Storage Facility

Would-be thieves know that people keep valuables in storage units. That’s why they target them occasionally. Any storage unit you use should have appropriate security based on what you’re keeping there. You can find a facility with cameras, access cards, security guards on foot patrol, high fencing, and other security measures. Most of these serve as effective deterrents and will keep your item safe. You should also go to the facility and take a look at how thick the doors are and how easy it is to get in. Only sign a contract with a company you have faith will keep your property secure.

Climate-Controlled Units Are Available

If you live somewhere with a lot of humidity or a place that gets very hot, then you may want to opt for a climate-controlled storage unit. You can keep the unit cooler and avoid any mold or rot. Climate-controlled units are going to cost more money, but you’ll have peace of mind knowing your instrument is well taken care of.

Use Protective Cloth to Cover Your Instruments

It’s always best to store your instrument in its original case. These are usually tightly sealed cases that are made specifically for the instrument. On top of that, you can buy some thick protective material that can go over and around your instruments for an added layer of protection.

Protective cloth is also ideal for larger instruments like a piano or an organ that won’t fit into a case. Cover it thoroughly and do your best not to leave any space where something could knock into it and cause damage.

Hire Movers

Too many people try to lift heavy pianos, harps, and other instruments onto a truck or trailer. Inevitably, they bump into corners, drop pieces of the instrument, and scratch it with keys or scrape it against a railing. The same goes for when you get to the storage unit. Make life easier and hire a moving team that specializes in moving large instruments. Keep it in pristine condition.

Think About Insurance

Sometimes, your existing insurance policy will cover what’s in a storage unit. Before you move anything valuable into the unit, check with your provider and, if necessary, buy some additional insurance just in case. It’s usually worth the small extra fee each month to cover any damage or loss.

Clean the Instruments First

Finally, one thing you can do to keep it in better condition is to clean the instrument thoroughly before it goes into the unit. It’s no big deal if you’re storing it short-term, but gunk inside of the instrument can make it easier for mold and other bacteria to grow while it’s in the unit. Take it apart, spray it down, and wipe it dry before it goes into the case.

Check on the Instrument From Time to Time

Don’t just let the instrument sit in the storage unit for years without checking on it. This is especially important if you live somewhere with high levels of humidity. You need to track how the instrument is doing in the unit, and you may need to move it to a climate-controlled unit if it’s showing any signs of wear. You don’t have to be there every week, but once or twice a year is a good idea.

Talk To Your Storage Facility Manager

Odds are, there are a lot of other tenants who are storing instruments at the same facility you are. When in doubt, ask the manager or some other employees about what you need to know and how you should best store whatever instrument you’re keeping there. They’ll have unique insights based on their available units and location and will guide you in the right direction.

Done right, your instrument will stay in pristine condition and will be ready for whenever you have extra space, decide to sell it, or pass it on to the next generation. More and more people are using storage units to keep valuables because they’re out of the reach of children, pets, and other things that could possibly damage them. If you’re interested in storing an instrument in a storage unit, make sure it’s clean and ask the manager what you need to know about that specific unit before you move it in.

If you’re looking for a storage facility to store your belongings, Safe In Storage has got you covered. Here at  Safe In Storage, we offer a wide range of unit selections with state-of-the-art security features. To learn more about our self-storage facility, please check out our website at https://safeinstorageredmond.com/.

Every day, more and more people are discovering the benefits of self-storage units. Now, more than ever, storage units are affordable and accessible. The industry has come a long way in recent years. Modern storage facilities are safer and come with more features for renters. They are also likely closer than before. Most neighborhoods are in striking distance to a quality storage facility where you can keep valuables long-term or stow your bikes for when you need them on the weekend.

Choosing the right storage unit will save you money and make a real positive impact on your quality of life. If it’s too far, you won’t go as often. If it costs too much, you’ll regret the purchase and may not keep it as long. If it’s not the right facility, you open yourself to mismanagement or security concerns.

Finding a great storage unit isn’t hard, but it takes a bit of work. There are things you should consider before renting that will get you the most for your money and make your storage unit a value-add for your life.

Here’s a guide to renting a storage unit so you can make the best possible decision.

Picking a Location

Location, along with price, is probably the most important consideration for your storage unit. Traditionally, people used storage units to keep things they didn’t know what to do with. It’s where we put antiques, grandma’s winter clothes, and other items we weren’t ready to get rid of just yet.

These days, however, storage units are way more versatile. People use them to stage businesses. They house inventory and equipment for all sorts of businesses. A close storage unit is a perfect place to keep recreational toys and vehicles. If you live in an apartment, for example, you can keep your bikes or water sports equipment, and other recreational items. In the right location, grabbing what you need for a ride in the park or grabbing some balls to play with your kids on the weekend is super easy.

The closer your storage unit is, especially if you live in a crowded area, the more you’ll probably pay for it. Storage units of comparable size will become more affordable the further out of town they get. Depending on your budget, you can choose something close or far that fits your lifestyle.

Consider Security Features

A lot of people are using storage units. However, some of them still harbor reservations over security. They worry that putting things in storage units is unsafe and it leaves them exposed to theft or property damage.

It’s certainly a concern, particularly when you can’t be close to your property all of the time. But most quality storage facilities go the extra mile to keep their tenants’ property safe. They have a lot on the line, so typically they invest in cameras, gates, and access cards for customers who want them. Many have on-site security guards to conduct regular patrols and inspections around the clock.

Not every storage facility is the same when it comes to security, so you should take a hard look at any potential units and make sure there is appropriate security for what you want to store there. When in doubt, talk to the management about the best way forward.

Be Clear on the Rules

Different storage units place restrictions on what can and can’t be stored on-premises. Before you sign a contract, you need to make sure that whatever it is that you want to store is allowed. The last thing you want is to sign a year’s contract and then find out you can’t put your stuff there. Ask before you sign as well as read anything you sign carefully.

What Do You Need to Know as a First Timer Renting a Storage Unit?

If you’ve never rented a storage unit before, there are things you should check for to make sure you don’t end up in a bad situation. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Read Reviews

These days, it’s fairly easy to check on whether a business is reputable. Posting online reviews is very easy, so a lot of people do it. And it’s not just those who are dissatisfied with service. Of course, you should probably avoid any storage facility that has a lot of negative reviews. It’s a huge red flag. Go with highly-rated storage facilities instead.

Understand the Seasons

Storage unit prices fluctuate based on local conditions. If you’re in a college town, for instance, prices will be higher in the summer and the winter between terms when everyone’s moving in and out. If you’re trying to get a better deal, you’ll want to sign a contract off-season.

Ask for a Deal

It never hurts to ask for a discount. A lot of storage unit facilities can discount rates for new customers. They often run promotions to attract new customers as well. At least mention it on the phone or in an email and see what the response is.

You Can Always Move Up

Don’t rent the largest storage unit available at first. Go with something smaller. You can always move up, often without signing a new lease. You just pay the difference for however many months remain on your contract. If you rent something too large, you’ll end up regretting it and it will end up costing you more than you should pay.

Walk Through the Facility

Before you sign a contract, visit the storage units and walk through the facility. Take a look at whether there is trash on the ground or if the paint is peeling everywhere. Check out the condition of the doors and what the front office looks like. The condition of the facility indicates how much management is investing and how much the employees in charge of taking care of your property care about what they’re doing. Rent from companies that take pride in the product they’re selling.

Renting a storage unit makes life easier when done right. Do your research and find something that fits your lifestyle. It will free up space at home and keep your things safe.

If you’re looking for a storage facility to store your belongings, Safe In Storage has got you covered. Here at  Safe In Storage, we offer a wide range of unit selections with state-of-the-art security features. To learn more about our self-storage facility, please check out our website at https://safeinstorageredmond.com/.

A storage unit is a helpful way to store your items to make room in your house. A storage unit is an extension of your home with your valuable belongings safely tucked away. 

So it is important to organize your storage unit in a neat and orderly manner. With a little bit of planning, you can turn your storage units into an organized space instead of messy stacks of boxes. 

Creating a layout for your storage unit helps in organizing your storage unit space, utilizing every space for your items. It also helps in making it easier to find your things whenever you need something from your storage unit without actually making a huge mess. 

There are various possible layouts you can do to your storage unit. With smart packing and efficient organization, you’ll surely have a neat, clean and a well-organized storage unit. 

Here, we provide you with some tips on how to organize and maximize your space as well as some possible layouts for your storage unit. 

Tips for Organizing and Maximizing Space in Your Storage Unit 

Survey the Unit 

Check out the storage unit you’ll be renting. This will give you an idea on how to maximize your space and how to layout your unit in an efficient manner before moving in. 

Also this is a good way to check if the storage unit size would be the perfect fit for all your items you need to store and the extra space you might need.

Classify Your Items 

Divide your items in categories and classify them according to their priority and importance. Sort out items which you would need access to frequently and items that you won’t be needing anytime soon. 

Place items you need frequently in an area which is easier to access and long-term storable items at the back and bottom stack. 

Label Boxes and Containers

Label all of your boxes, bins and containers and keep labels faced out to be seen clearly for quick identification. Use white label stickers and write on black permanent markers for the labels to be more visible.  

Keep an Inventory 

Keeping an inventory will give you a knowledge of everything you’ve stored and will help you find your items quickly. It is easy to forget things you kept away if you don’t have a list. 

For your inventory list, use a spreadsheet or a lined notebook and list your items per box. Label each of your boxes and take note of groups of items inside the box and any important items in that specific box. 

This will be very helpful in navigating your storage unit and helps you to quickly identify your boxes. You can also draw a map of your whole storage unit to know where the specific box you are looking for is. 

If you’re not into writing things down, you can opt to take a photo of the items inside each box. This way, you can easily identify where specific items are. 

Choose the Right Storage Containers 

To have an organized storage unit, choose a good container for your items which are easy to stack and fit together in a neatly organized grid. Select one size for every box to help with packing, stacking and accessibility. 

Clear plastic containers can help you easily navigate and identify the items on your unit. Organize your boxes and create an aisle between them. When stacking boxes, make sure to keep the heavy boxes on the bottom to create a stable base. 

The use of shelves is also very helpful to organize your space better. It also helps box failure from stacking too many boxes on each other and is easier to access boxes which are on the bottom. 

Disassemble Your Furnitures

Disassembling large furniture maximizes space inside your unit. Arranging them effectively is a top space saving solution. Furniture should also be stored upright except for mattresses as they should be laid flat. 

For furnitures who couldn’t be dismantled like a dining room table, you can use this as an additional shelving to your boxes and containers. 

Possible Layout of a Storage Unit 

Small Storage Units 

A small storage unit can fit several small to medium sized boxes and mid-sized bedroom furnishings. Stack boxes vertically to the ceiling to make use of your small storage unit. 

If you have furniture you won’t be needing anytime soon, place them at the back of the unit and place the boxes nearer the door. 

If storing only boxes, you can line up the boxes on one side of the wall to clear a path in the middle for you to get inside your storage unit and access the boxes you need. 

Medium Storage Units 

For a medium sized storage unit, line up your items against the walls of your unit creating a space in the middle for you to navigate to. Make sure that the labels of the boxes are facing you. 

If you have furniture, you can store the furniture against one wall and have the stack of boxes on the opposite wall. This allows you to create a space in the middle for you to be able to access your items with ease. 

If you do need the space in the middle, you can put your movable items there so you can remove them easily whenever you access your unit. 

Large Storage Unit 

A bigger storage unit will give you enough space to navigate around your unit and make an aisle or walking lanes. It gives you more layout choices for your storage unit where you can properly organize your containers and storage boxes. 

You can line up all your items against the wall and add a middle section, creating two aisles. Use shelves for better access to your boxes. 

If you have furniture you need to store, you can place them in the middle of your storage unit leaving a space on all sides for you to access the stacked boxes which are placed against the walls. 

If your furniture is a dining table, a dresser or a coffee table that you couldn’t dismantle, you can place it in the middle and you can also put some lighter boxes on top of it for an additional shelving. 

If your storage unit is high and you can stack your boxes vertically on shelves, keep a step stool or a small ladder for you to access items on the top more easily. 

If you’re looking for a storage facility to store your belongings, Safe In Storage has got you covered. Here at  Safe In Storage, we offer a wide range of unit selections with state-of-the-art security features. To learn more about our self-storage facility, please check out our website at https://safeinstorageredmond.com/.

If you’re fortunate enough to be able to work from home, then you know that finding space to focus and get into a flow isn’t always easy. Over the past year, more people are working from home than ever. It’s a nice benefit, having a flexible working environment, but it also comes with unique challenges. Working from the dining room table for a month or two is fine, but is it a good permanent solution?

A lot of people are discovering that their work from home arrangements will become a larger part of their career. For some people it’s permanent. There is no more office to go into. Everything’s got to be set up and maintained in your living space.

Carving out a workspace in your home takes a lot of work. Even more importantly, creating a place where you can focus and work efficiently requires careful planning and more than just a card table in the basement. People are repurposing bedrooms, separating off places for offices in the living room, and getting rid of the home gym to make way for a home office.

If you’re looking for creative ways to manage small spaces and make room for your new reality that has shifted to something more virtual, then you may want to consider using a storage unit. With the right self-storage solution, you can manage your things and free up much-needed space at home. It can become an extension of your home that you use as a staging area to keep things more efficient.

Self-Storage as a Staging Area

A lot of homeowners use places like their garage, attic, or basement for storage. It’s where we keep things like skis, bikes, balls, workout equipment, winter clothes, and a ton of other things we don’t use all year. We also need places to put all of our keepsakes. Photo albums, clothing for kids, antiques, and other family heirlooms also need somewhere that’s safe for the long haul.

With a storage unit, you get extra space that’s not in your house. You can clear out cluttered places where you’ve traditionally kept boxes and storage bins and create spaces where kids can play or you can shift into work mode.

Shift as the Seasons Change

People also can take advantage of the flexibility that storage units provide. You no longer have to keep winter jackets or snowboards in your home all winter. Also, you can keep your bikes in the storage unit when things get cold outside and take them out again when spring and summer come around.

This constant rotation of seasonal toys, recreational items, and clothing will save you a great deal of space in your house or apartment. People typically keep seasonal items in labeled boxes that are easy to spot and pull out from your storage unit.

Storage Units Are Surprisingly Affordable

Most people are pleasantly surprised when they hear how much a storage unit costs every month. It’s a relative steal, and storage unit facilities often run specials for new leases or during low-demand months.

For a bargain, you can get a decent-sized storage unit to fit your things in. They’re also probably closer to your house than you think. In a few minutes’ drive, you can be in your unit to grab what you need. Some people make weekly trips to their storage unit to grab items for a dinner party, take a weekend bike ride, or do whatever else they need to.

With a quick online search, you can likely find several storage unit facilities in your unit with reviews. Talk to some of them and ask questions about what’s involved before taking a visit to check one out.

Great for Kitchen Items

The pandemic has made cooking and working in the kitchen part of most peoples’ lives. For months, it was impossible to buy a bread maker because they were sold out everywhere. If you’re like us, your kitchen now has a lot more in it than a year ago. Whether it’s a waffle maker, a pasta maker, new pans, or recipe books, kitchen storage may have become more challenging.

While we wholeheartedly agree that more time in the kitchen is a lot of fun, there is a better way to manage to store all of your new appliances, dishes, pans, etc. With a nearby storage unit, you can keep everything you need and then run over to get what you want for Sunday brunch at home.

Inventory for Your Home Business

The pandemic left us all with more time to think about priorities, careers, and what we want out of life. For some people, that meant following a lifelong passion that had been left on the backburner. For others, it meant finally starting a business or taking on a side gig to earn some extra cash.

Before you get up to your neck in t-shirts, coffee mugs, or whatever other products you need for your business, arrange a storage unit to help you manage your inventory. They can make organizing and mailing out products a lot simpler. A trip to the storage unit can become part of your daily routine to get work done and make your business run efficiently.

Temporary Furniture Storage

If you’re short on space and want to install a home office, you may have to sacrifice a guest bedroom, a home gym, or some of the kids’ play areas. That can mean that you have to move furniture out to get a desk and chair, computer, and whatever else you need.

You probably aren’t in a rush to get rid of that furniture you’ve taken out because you don’t know how long this virtual work environment will last. Having a storage unit lets you hang on to them affordably and stage your home appropriately without feeling rushed. It will help you avoid making rash decisions and possibly selling something or donating furniture you’ll regret down the road. Instead, keep them in the storage unit until you are sure about what you want to do.

If you’re looking for a storage facility to store your belongings, Safe In Storage has got you covered. Here at  Safe In Storage, we offer a wide range of unit selections with state-of-the-art security features. To learn more about our self-storage facility, please check out our website at https://safeinstorageredmond.com/.

Storage units are great for storing your personal belongings in a safe and secure place. It’s a convenient way to store your valuable possessions and free up space at home. Although if you don’t maintain and clean it regularly and properly, dirt and dust can accumulate inside the unit during long-term storage. 

It’s best to keep your storage units cleaned, maintained, and organized to ensure your items are in good condition at all times. Keeping your storage unit clean in turn will help keep the items stored within clean and dirt-free as well. Keep your storage units and your belongings clean, tidy and organized with these 9 tips and tricks to keep your storage unit clean. 

1. Clean Items Before Storing

All items that you put inside your storage unit must be cleaned. Dusty and dirty items can potentially get your other things in storage dirty. Give all items a good cleaning first before storing them in your storage unit. 

2. Use Containers for Your Items

To protect your belongings inside the unit, store your items in containers. Containers are perfect tools to organize your belongings and save up space inside the storage unit. Plastic containers create a secure and sealed environment for your things. They are also easy to clean and don’t tear or get damaged as easily as cardboard boxes can. 

Double check your items to be placed in these sealed containers and wipe the containers themselves with a microfiber cloth to make sure that the container is clean and dry before storing your items. This helps to prevent mold and mildew that can build up if there were any moisture in the container. If using plastic containers, you can also easily wipe them down once a month or every few months with a microfiber cloth or wet wipe. 

3. Cover Large Items

Protect large items and furniture by covering with sheets or tarps to prevent any scratches on their fabric or surfaces. Then you can easily stack other items on top of them for neatly packed storage, or if shuffling items around in your storage unit you can temporarily set a box on top of a covered piece of furniture without worrying about causing tears or scratches.

Plastic tarps can wear down and are not advisable to use for long-term storage of wooden furniture. You can also use old blankets you don’t use anymore to cover these items if plastic wraps and canvas tarps are not available. 

4. Do Not Store Perishable Items

Avoid storing items like food or any perishable items inside your unit. Food can cause smells that can attract ants, rats and pests, so most storage facilities have strict policies against storing these perishable items. Even sealed food items might compromise your unit so avoid storing food at all costs. Double check your things to make sure that there is no food included in the things that you will be storing in your unit. 

5. Clean Your Unit and Contents

If you’re a long-term storage renter (maybe you’ve rented the same unit for years), performing a thorough cleaning at least yearly is a good idea for checking on the condition of your belongings and making sure your unit is in the same condition as when you moved in. If you’re in a humid area and haven’t rented a climate controlled unit, examine your furniture and other items for any mold or mildew growth.

If you spot any mold building up on your upholstered furniture or mattresses, it should be removed immediately and should be cleaned by a professional. Maintain cleaning the unit by going back every few weeks or months and wiping down shelves, contents and the exposed floors and walls.

6. Keep Your Things Elevated

Keep your items off the floor by using pallets and shelves. Elevating your items gives good air circulation.  

7. Rotate the Contents

Rotate the contents of your storage unit every now and then. Sweep and clean your items before sorting and re-assembling. Move boxes, re-distribute weight and rotate the contents inside your storage unit. Reposition anything that is stacked, and re-fold items such as rugs or textiles to avoid permanent creases.  

8. Keep Cleaning Supplies Inside Your Storage

Keep a small stock of cleaning supplies inside your storage unit such as wet wipes, a duster, paper towels, and a broom. This way, it’ll be easier to clean your unit every time you visit. Try making it a habit and do a routine clean up every time you check on your unit. 

9. Label and Organize

Label your items that you’ll be storing and divide in categories the items in your storage unit to keep it neat and organized. This way, it will be easier for you to find things you need without having to rearrange your unit each time you visit. Items that you’ll need often should be placed in an accessible area near the front.

Organize your boxes and create an aisle between them and keep the labels faced out to be viewed easily. You can even create a map or a layout of your things inside your unit for easy reference.

If you’re looking for a storage facility to store your belongings, Safe In Storage has got you covered. Here at  Safe In Storage, we offer a wide range of unit selections with state-of-the-art security features. To learn more about our self-storage facility, please check out our website at https://safeinstorageredmond.com/.

Congratulations on your college graduation! If you’ve just recently graduated or you’re about to finish up with school, no doubt you have a lot on your plate.

Like most new grads, you’ve probably been engaged in a lot of different important life choices, including what job to take, whether to go to grad school and if you should break up with the person you’re seeing or go long-distance. Finally, there is the all-important question of whether to move back in with the parents or strike out on your own.

Living independently after graduation is a path a lot of new graduates make. If you’re lucky, your university has a good network of employers who come to your school to recruit or advertise on your campus job board.

These jobs aren’t local. Most of them will require you to pick up and move somewhere new. That can be intimidating, and moving to a new state, meeting new people, and starting a new job can be a lot to digest.

Life after school away from home doesn’t have to mean living alone. In fact, living alone is probably not the best way to go if you want to meet people and stay active socially. Taking on roommates or joining a house with an open room is a great way to ease into an independent, “grown-up” life without all of the responsibility of managing a plan by yourself.

Planning for a successful start in a new location takes work. Here are some things you can do to make sure you set yourself up well from the start.

Sorting Out What’s Yours

Most parents hate the idea of kids moving out of the house. While it’s a nice milestone in any family’s journey, your parents probably get nostalgic thinking of the days when you were all under the same roof. When you go off to school, they probably kept a lot of the stuff you accumulated over the years. Sports trophies, posters, yearbooks, and your old bed.

One of the first things you should do to prep for the big move is to sort through your old stuff and decide what’s coming with you. Only take what you’ll use and enjoy in the new spot. Of course, not everything that doesn’t make the cut should be thrown out. There are old keepsakes you’ll want to look back on years from now.

A nice way to bridge your journey into independent living is to book a storage unit where you can keep your things for an affordable cost. Local storage facilities can offer leases for a bargain, and now that you’re making a paycheck, paying for one shouldn’t be too much of a hassle.

Having a storage unit also takes the stress off of taking too much stuff to your new place. New beginnings are best done uncluttered by a bunch of possessions. Start with the bare essentials and start buying higher-quality items you’ll use for years.

Think About a Storage Unit Near Your New Place

If you’re pressed for time and won’t have the days you need to sort through all of your things, then think about getting a storage unit in your new location. Shifting everything into a storage unit will be a lot less stressful than moving everything you own into a small apartment or a room in a house.

A lot of people are surprised to learn just how affordable a self-storage unit is, and how convenient they are. Chances are you’ll be able to find a storage facility within a few minute’s drive from where you live, and you can go back and forth and outfit your new place in your spare time. It’s great to hold seasonal things as well so you don’t clutter up closets or a garage with things like skis or winter jackets.

What You Should Buy First

One of the biggest issues with moving into your first place will be what you need to buy. As a fresh grad, it’s probably a long list. We advise opting for quality because these can be things that you will use for years. You’re going to need:

• Kitchen supplies
• A good bed
• Shelves
• Containers
• Bathroom supplies
• Cleaning supplies
• Sheets/Covers/Pillowcases
• New towels
• A TV
• A desk
• Laundry supplies

The list goes on and on. Yes, you’ll probably have some things you used in college, but when you’re starting fresh, make a good impression on whoever comes over by having nice things around the house.

You may even have to act extra grown up and buy things like rugs and area lamps for your new place, depending on how big it is and how much of the decorating burden is on you.

If you’re up for decorating, living independently can be a lot of fun because you have more space and more money to decorate with. Buy some nice art and spend a little extra on your sofa and chairs. You won’t regret it.

Stay on Top of the Chores

One of the things that will get you a good return on your time is staying on top of household chores. Keeping a clean space will go a long way to help you feel confident about living away from school and without your parents.

In the current climate, odds are you’ll likely be working remotely to some extent. Most companies and other organizations have adjusted work policies during the pandemic to allow most employees to work from home completely or on certain days of the week.

That can be a big adjustment for some people because work is where a lot of us get the social interactions we need to feel connected to other people. Sometimes working from home can get lonely.

Buy a nice desk and create a work-from-home space that you’ll love being in. A nice desk and chair are the building blocks of any home office. You also can buy nice lighting as well as all the tech and other accessories you need to be successful in your new job.

If you’re looking for a storage facility to store your belongings, Safe In Storage has got you covered. Here at  Safe In Storage, we offer a wide range of unit selections with state-of-the-art security features. To learn more about our self-storage facility, please check out our website at https://safeinstorageredmond.com/.