Safe In Storage

Going from two to three people, or two to one if you’re parenting alone, is one of the hardest transitions to make when it comes to managing living space. Having a child is difficult for many reasons, but adding a new person to the family has a huge impact on how you live at home.

When a child becomes a toddler, their curiosity and high energy tend to get them into everything. Parents have to constantly be on the watch as well as make sure they have a safe place to grow and play. Life will never be the same. Not only does having a small child affect how you’ll spend your time and what you prioritize.

If you’re living in a small apartment or townhome, one thing you’ll quickly learn is that toddlers need a lot of space. Keeping a small child entertained, educated, and safe requires a lot of gear, and places to put that gear.

That’s especially relevant these days, when schools are virtuals and children of all ages are spending more time at home in virtual school. Parents have limited options when it comes to things like daycare.

So, you’ve got a toddler at home, and you’re likely also working from home. How do you maximize the space before it’s time to upgrade to a larger home and apartment?

The past year has forced people to adapt like never before. It’s been challenging, but there have been some upsides. One of them is that people have come up with some creative ways to get more functionality out of their living areas. That matters a great deal when you have a toddler.

Here are some ingenious ways you can maximize small living space with a toddler.

Go Vertical Whenever Possible (and Safe)

Vertical storage is critical when you’re living in small spaces. Most traditional storage bins are short. They sit on the ground and come up to knee-level or waist-high.

Think of your run-of-the-mill chest of drawers or storage bins for toys. They don’t take full advantage of floor-to-ceiling space. A way to get more space in a toy room or a toddler bedroom is to find ways to use the full vertical space.

Now, before you start installing shelving units or run to the store to buy a tall storage container, you must consider safety issues. Toddlers can be surprisingly strong, and they love to climb.

Don’t use anything that has even the smallest chance of falling on top of your child. Luckily, most new tall shelving units and drawers come with wall attachments that make them much safer.

Think About Hanging Storage

Hanging storage is a fun way to give your toddler’s bedroom or a playroom a stylish twist. Online you can find hanging nets where you can store stuffed animals and other toys. Rather than store the toys in drawers, you can toss them in the net where they’re easy to get to when your toddler wants to play with them.

Consider a Bed with Drawers

When your toddler graduates out of the crib, you should think about buying a bed with drawers installed in it. The drawers are a wonderful place to store clothes, small toys, or things you want to give your toddler free reign with.

If you don’t have the money to buy a bed with drawers or you already have a bed lined up for your toddler, then explore some simple storage options to utilize the space underneath the bed.

See-through storage bins with wheels on them are a great place to start. They can be pulled out from under the bed and stowed easily, so a toy party of cleanup never takes long to get going.

Hang More Toddler Clothes

Kids generally have lots of clothing. Buying new clothes for a toddler is just so much fun. There are so many cute things to buy. And you get a lot of hand-me-downs from friends and family. What ends up happening, though, is that your drawers and what little storage space you have in a playroom or bedroom get taken up quickly.

Instead, explore installing another hanging bar in a closet to hang up more of your toddler’s clothes. Putting them in the closet will free up space in the room to the point where you could even get rid of a set of drawers and make more room for fun.

Remove Closet Doors

If you’re having trouble finding space to store books, cars, dolls, or whatever else your toddler plays with, then think about taking off the closet doors in the room and installing some shelves inside. What used to be a place where things were jammed in out of sight can become a neat, organized shelf where your child can go for learning or fun.

Think About a Storage Unit

Every year, more people are discovering how useful self-storage units can be in managing what’s inside of our homes. Storage units can be very affordable, and most of the time you’ll be able to find a storage facility within a few minutes’ drive from your place.

It’s a great place to keep things you don’t always use like winter clothing for your toddler. You can also keep toys, books, and other items that your toddler isn’t quite ready for yet but that you want to keep down the road. Likewise, you can store all of the things they grow out of for when (if) you have another kid!

Cubbies are Always Fun

Cubbies are always fun to have in a room because they’re easy to access and keep things organized. Cubbies are easy for your toddler to understand as well. They’ll quickly catch on to what belongs in which place. There’s also usually a flat surface on top of the cubbies where your child can play, store those completed toy sets, or color.

These are just some of the ideas you can use to maximize small living space with a toddler. The most important thing is creating a safe space where they can play and learn that’s also functional for your family and what you need to accomplish.

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/.

When most of us are in the middle of a decades’ long career, we often wonder what retirement will look like. Will it be like the movies where everything is peaceful and relaxing? Will we have the time and freedom to pursue passions that we’ve put off for so long? A lot of people have lists that they plan on tackling once they stop working and enter the golden age of life.

That’s the dream. However, at some point, most retirees discover that reality is much different. People still have obligations, relaxing all day can quickly become boring, and there’s stuff, so much stuff.

We spend a lifetime saving money and buying nice things. What’s funny is that these “things” are what often end holding us back. People who always said they’d travel or downsize into a smaller place to have more financial flexibility find themselves trapped in a house full of “things”.

The tug of war between adult children trying to encourage their parents to let go of possessions they no longer need and older retired parents who want to hold on is an old story. It happens all of the time.

Everything doesn’t need to be a struggle, though. More and more retirees are using storage units to manage their possession and get more space and the freedom they need. Here are 11 reasons why every retiree should have a storage unit.

1. They’re Affordable

Most people are surprised at how affordable self-storage units are. For relatively very little each month, you can store the things that you don’t need access to every day. If you want to downsize but don’t know where to put your things, a storage solution is a great option.

2. They’re Close By!

You’re likely living close by without realizing it. A quick online search will show you plenty of storage options close to your home. That’s important for retirees who want quick access to their things. Driving a few minutes can get you to your storage unit and you can pick up and drop off whatever you need.

3. It’s a Great Place for Retirement Toys

Retirees use storage units to keep toys like woodworking tools, fishing gear, motorcycles, and whatever else they’re into. Why keep things at home in a cluttered garage when you can have them in a secure location off-site?

4. Make Space for the Grandkids

At some point, retirement means wonderful visits from the family living in other places. A self-storage unit helps to keep your home kid-friendly when the grandkids are in town. YOu can remove all of the fragile things that you’d hate to see broken or damaged. You can also break out the toys and other items that you only use when your family is in town.

5. Storage Units are Safe

If you’re worried about keeping your treasures safe, modern storage unit facilities have made significant security improvements. Now, you can count on CCTVs, locks, and smart features like mobile apps that give you access to the facility. You never have to feel anxious about whether your stuff is secure.

6. They Help You Stay Organized

If you’re already living in a smaller space, organizing a lifetime of things can be quite a challenge. With a storage unit, you have space outside of your home that’s perfect for staging. Organizing is usually much easier when you have a separate place where you can put things. It gives you space to think about whether you want a certain item in the unit or keep it at home.

7. Travel with Peace of Mind

If you’re nervous about leaving all of your things at home alone while you travel, you’re not alone. It would be easy to target retirees while they’re away because it’s easy to count how many people live in the house. Reduce your travel risk by keeping valuables in a storage unit with 24/7 security.

8. You Can Try New Hobbies

Have you ever wanted to try something new but worried about whether you had the space for things? A lot of retirees want to get into a new sport or start crafting, but they need somewhere to put tools and gear. With a storage unit, you have all the space that you need to try new things.

9. They Give You Time to Decide

Throwing stuff away or giving it to someone else is very taxing. A storage unit gives you time to decide instead of feeling rushed to make a decision. Time is important for retirees. You want to know that you’re making the right choice.

10. They Help You Sell Your Home

If you’re downsizing in retirement, you’ll get a lot more money selling a home that’s clear of clutter. People who are looking to buy want to envision what it will be like for them to live in the home. They don’t want to see all of your old stuff. With a storage unit, you can pack everything into boxes and clear out the basement and other spaces to get top dollar for your home.

11. They Offer More Freedom

Ultimately, a self-storage unit can give retirees more freedom. You have a low-cost solution that is safe and secure, and you can choose from there. Whether you want to travel full-time or finally get to installing that home gym, the options are endless.

Storage units come in all different sizes. Some are temperature-controlled and some offer increased security for high-value items. Once you have your things in the unit, you get to decide what to do with the rest of your life.

If you’re approaching retirement or want to change up the pace with your ongoing retirement, check out how a storage unit can facilitate the life that you want to live.

You’ve worked so hard to get where you are. Now you’ve earned the chance to do things on your terms. Take charge and live a little. Chase after the things you’ve always wanted to do and don’t look back!

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 year, more Americans are discovering the benefits of using self-storage. In the past, a storage unit was where you stored things long-term or to help bridge you through a move. That still happens a lot, but more people are using storage units to supplement their lifestyles and add flexibility to their living spaces.

With a self-storage unit, you essentially have a secure off-site staging area where you can place things you don’t need all year. Small businesses use storage areas to hold inventory and they are a great place to keep recreational clothing, toys, and keepsakes.

If you’ve got a storage unit, you also know that they are usually close to home where it’s very convenient. Most people with storage units can pop over in a few minutes to fetch what they need or deposit new things.

Getting a storage unit frees up more space in your home to use for leisure or to make room for someone who wants their own room. Say goodbye to cluttered garages and basements!

One of the keys to successful storage unit use is maximizing the space inside. After all, you want to make work and keeping things in your storage unit to be simple. It should make life easier, not add more chaos to your life.

We’ve organized 9 tips and tricks that you can use to get more for your money and make organizing your storage unit a dream. Get more out of your space and get to what you need to easily by following these helpful hints.

1. Use Container Boxes

If you have to, even basic cardboard boxes are a great help in self-storage units. Even better, though, are stackable organization boxes that are see-through and easy to move around. Some come with wheels on them, so they’re easy to roll in place where you want them.

2. Find Some Racks

Racks are a great open-style way of storing things inside of your self-storage unit. Racks are relatively affordable and can be picked up at your neighborhood home improvement store. If you’re up for a little extra work to save a few bucks, then you can buy racks online that you then have to assemble when they are delivered.

3. Use Shelves

A lot of passionate readers use storage units to house all of the books that they cherish and just can’t bring themselves to get rid of. Shelves are easy to install and a great way to showcase items that you use frequently. When they’re on display and easy to spot, you can even ask a friend to swing by and grab something if necessary.

4. Keep Similar Items in Different Parts of the Unit

A problem a lot of people have with crowded storage units is that, once a lot of stuff is inside, they don’t remember where they put things or how to get to them. Indeed, if your storage unit is stacked to the brim, it can be hard to move around let alone find a single item that you’re looking for.

Group items like clothing, toys, antiques, picture albums, etc. in designated areas inside your self-storage unit.

5. Use Labels

Labels are a great way to make moving through and sorting your self-storage unit easier. With a low-cost label maker, you can put labels on anything, whether it’s boxes that are stacked in a corner, or shelves so you know where to put certain items. Keep the labels updated so you don’t get disorganized.

6. Put What You Need to Get to in the Front

Keep important items near the front of the storage unit. You’ll hate having to go back deep inside of your storage unit every time you want to take a bike out for a ride. Before you start moving in, take note of the things that you’re likely to get out of more often. Hold off on putting them in the storage until there are some other things inside to take up space in the back. That way, you can pop over to your storage unit and grab the china you use when guests come over, beach toys, or whatever else you need.

7. Roll Material Items

Rolling up things like tablecloths, linens, and clothes is a neat trick to save space and maximize your available storage. By rolling up your clothing and other linens, you cut down on the amount of air that gets trapped in between items inside a box or on a shelf. If you want, you can even try storing clothing items in bags to prevent air from getting in. It’s a good long-term storage strategy because it keeps your stuff in good condition for longer.

8. Make a Storage List

Believe it or not, keeping a detailed inventory list of what you have in storage is one of the best ways to maximize space. You’ll know what’s in there and it will help you stay organized. You may have noticed by now a recurring theme of ours that staying organized is the key to getting the most out of your unit’s space.

Keeping an inventory list will make it easier to move things around without getting overwhelmed. You’ll have more confidence to stack things vertically as well, which will boost the amount of stuff you can get in there comfortably.

These are just some of the tips to maximize storage and get the most for your money. Done right, a storage unit is a wonderful way to manage the things you need on a seasonal basis or things you want to hold on to for kids or other family members down the road.

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 living in a smaller place with limited pantry space, there are things you can do to maximize your storage.

A small floor plan isn’t the only reason a lot of people are looking for small kitchen pantry hacks. Even if you have a larger pantry and plenty of cupboard space, odds are you could improve the way your things are kept.

2020 has been an interesting year, to say the least. We’ve all been stuck at home more than any time before in our lives. Like people do in most situations, we’ve tried to make the best of things.

One of the things we’ve seen over the past year is a massive interest in home cooking, baking, and getting back to the basics in our kitchens.

When the pandemic first hit, you couldn’t buy a bread maker anywhere! They were sold out in stores and it was also hard to find things like ice cream makers, pasta makers, and shortages even extended to kitchen utensils and other basic accessories.

It’s been great for passionate home cooks and families across the country, but now, with more “stuff” in your kitchen, you probably could use some tips on how to manage all of your new kitchen items.

Here are some ways you can maximize space and keep all of your kitchen stuff organized.

Use an Old Bookshelf

Most people have books sitting on a shelf that they’ll never read again. Unless you’re a massive book junkie or have a sentimental attachment to the books, donate them so someone else can read them!

Then, use the freed bookshelf in your kitchen as an extension of your pantry. Bookshelves work great in rooms or hallways adjacent to kitchens because you can showcase nice kitchen items like a mixer or nice dinner plates. They’re in a spot where they are easy to grab, which makes getting work done in the kitchen a breeze.

Hanging Shelves

If you have spare wall space in your kitchen, don’t let it go to waste. Installing hanging shelves or even a new cabinet is something anyone can do at home after a quick trip to the local hardware or home improvement store.

Check online to look at different size and color options and choose shelves that fit your kitchen design. This is a great chance to mix things up style-wise, and it doesn’t take specialized tools. You should be able to do it with the basic tools you’ve already got at home.

A Kitchen Island on Wheels

Wheeled kitchen islands are a great addition to smaller kitchens or kitchens with limited pantry space. You can move your wheeled island around whether you’re baking or need to create an impromptu prep station.

They come in different colors and all sizes, so you can easily find one to fit your kitchen dimensions. Wheeled islands are a great place to keep spices, mixing bowls, kitchen towels, and other staples you turn to often.

Put Shelves in Your Shelves

If you’re like most people, you have cans or bottles of oil sitting on shelves all over your kitchen. There’s likely a lot of wasted vertical space. A great way to organize your pantry and maximize space is to install small shelving units inside your kitchen shelves!

You can buy pull-out racks with wheels to make stacking things like sodas or soup cans much easier. It will let you fit a lot more into even the tiniest of spaces.

Use Clear Containers

Most people have been through a few rounds of kitchen organizing in their lifetimes. What happens is we get everything nice and neat, and it stays that way for a few weeks before madness returns.

Clear storage containers are a great workaround because they keep things compartmented and you can see what’s inside. There’s no more wondering what’s lingering in the back of your shelves or that corner cabinet space.

What’s more, you can label clear containers to store similar items. It also helps cut down on trips to the store to buy that one spice you need for a recipe that you can’t remember whether you have or not.

Use a China Hutch for Storage

Maybe maximizing your kitchen pantry means finding innovative ways to expand your storage options. A kitchen hutch comes in very handy when you need more space to store dry goods.

Think about ditching that nice china set you got as a wedding gift that you rarely use. Be honest with yourself about whether you see yourself suddenly changing and throwing intricate dinner parties. Odds are things will be similar to what your lifestyle is like now. Instead, use the hutch for something more basic and efficient.

Stage Your Kitchen Pantry

There are millions of cluttered kitchen pantries across the country. But how often do we use what’s inside? Sure, we grab all the snacks that are in there, and there are several kitchen accessories that we simply couldn’t do without. But what about the waffle maker? How regularly are we using the pizza stone?

Instead of shoving everything in your pantry, think about more organized ways that you can store things you don’t use all that often. Put some kitchen items in the kitchen or under the guest bed, or in a self-storage unit that’s close by. You can still break them out when you feel like waffles on Sunday morning or have a hankering for a Neapolitan pizza.

Getting creative with kitchen storage is key to hacking a small pantry. Think about what you use and design your kitchen storage with that in mind. If we’re honest with ourselves, there is a lot in the kitchen that doesn’t get touched enough to warrant a prime storage location.

Better storage doesn’t mean you have to get rid of things, even if you only use them once or twice a year. Just don’t keep them in your pantry where something else would serve a better purpose. With a more thoughtfully-designed kitchen pantry, cooking and cleaning will become a more pleasurable experience.

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/.

What’s the very first thing that comes to your mind when you hear about storage units? If you’re like most people, you probably think of a storage units as a place for storing the things you don’t have room at home for but also don’t want to part with. But have you ever thought of gifting a storage unit to someone?

Why a Storage Unit Makes a Great Gift

A lot of people have the misconception that the storage unit is only used for storing furniture and knick knacks, but there are so many other things you can do with a storage unit. This versatility is part of what makes a storage unit the perfect gift for just about anyone on your list.

If your friend or a relative is ambitious and has a hobby but does not have enough space to execute their plans and devote time towards their hobbies, then self-storage units can be the ultimate gift. And those friends and family members that already have everything or are just hard to shop for? A storage unit can help you give them a unique, intangible gift that can’t be bought off of a store shelf – and something they may be longing for.

Here’s 13 unique and special gifts you can give in the form of a storage unit:

1. A Space for Creativity

A storage space makes the perfect gift for the artist or crafter in your life. Gift them a space where they can set up a table and spread out their beads, fabric, or art supplies and without having to pick everything up and put it away each time they take a break.

2. A Quiet Office Space

We all have that friend and wants to start his own business but at the same time does not have enough space at their home to start it or does not have enough budget to buy an office. If this is the case, then you can buy your friend a storage unit.

3. A Space to Zen Out

Giving the gift of a storage unit to a friend or family member that loves yoga or meditation (or could use some stress-relief!) is like giving them their own private oasis. The right size storage unit should have ample space for a yoga mat with enough room on for them to also stretch their arms our side-to-side.

4. A Winter Home for their Gardening Equipment 

A person who loves gardening likely has (or would like to have) a variety of specific and oddly-shaped/bulky tools and supplies on hand so that they have everything they need to tend to their garden or plants. A storage unit will allow them to store all of their equipment in out of the way when they’re not using it.

Or, if they’re an apartment balcony gardener, having a storage space would help them maximize their outdoor space at home while giving them enough room in storage to stock up on flower pots, tools, and extra potting soil.

5. A Home-Away-from-Home Gym

Fitness equipment like a treadmill, elliptical, or rowing machine can take up a lot of space – space that your loved one might not have at home. Give them a space to pump iron, stash their pilates equipment, or, if the storage facility allows, plug in and use their larger pieces of fitness equipment.

6. Peace of Mind for the Frequent Traveler

Everyone has that friend who is always traveling to someplace or another throughout the year. The frequent traveler may be worried about leaving certain possessions unattended at home while they are away. Or when they are home, they may struggle to find adequate space to store their luggage.

Gifting a storage unit to your friend will allow them to store things offsite while their home is unattended, and provide the perfect place for their suitcases to rest until the next adventure.

7. Storage Space for Sentimental Items

It’s not easy to let go of the things we possess that belong to our loved ones. But if you know someone who has a lot of sentimental items taking up space in their garage, attic etc, a storage unit could be the perfect gift.

8. More Space at Home

These days, people buy and store a lot more than they used to. Maybe you know someone who buys in bulk to get the best deal like it’s a sport! But they might not always have room at home to store all those savings.

If you can’t give your bulk-buying friend the gift of a larger garage, consider gifting them a storage unit to stash their backstock, or anything else taking up room that they don’t immediately need on hand.

9. Room to Breathe During a Renovation

Remodeling a home is stressful can be stressful, and shuffling furniture and belongings out of one room and into another can be one of the most stressful things about it. If you have a friend starting or in the midst of a home renovation, a storage unit is a welcome gift that will help them feel organized and give them a sense of calm in the chaos.

10. A Place for More Books

A storage unit can be a great place for avid readers to store their books and magazines to clear space at home for the new ones coming in. It could even become a private library and reading room if your recipient is lacking the appropriate space and solitude at home.

11. A Space for their Side Hustle

We all have that ambitious friend who wants to start their own business or already has one going on the side. When they’re just starting out (or are involved in multiple business ventures), they may not have enough space at home to get started or enough room in their budget to rent an office.

If this is the case, renting a storage unit for your friend will give them some extra space to store their inventory or equipment or file and organize important documents and papers. It will also help them be able to relax at home by having their work space and equipment at a separate location.

12. A Secret Hiding Place

Nothing beats a storage unit at Christmas time to hide gifts from would-be peekers. Getting one for yourself is a no-brainer come December, but consider renting a storage unit for the generous people on your gift list who love to shop for others.

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/.

Fur babies come with so many positives, like unconditional love and great listening skills. But their fur, food, and toys can get out of hand and become one big negative mess without a plan to keep these pet supplies organized.

Having a pet can sometimes make staying organized a challenge. If you’ve tried to organize everything but it always seems to get out of order, or even if you’re planning to organize but don’t have enough ideas, then you’re at the right place. Read on for 13 of the best tips to help you organize pet supplies.

1. Try a Wall-Mounted Pet Accessory Organizer

Having a wall-mounted pet accessory organizer is perfect for outdoor pet accessories like extra collars and leashes, replacement potty bag rolls, and a raincoat if your dog wears one.

Having supplies at hand by the door when you come and go can also help keep your floor clear of any debris that fido might track in. In order to avoid muddy paw prints on your floor and furniture, hang a towel on your wall rack too so that you can use it to wipe your dog’s feet after playing in the rain.

2. Designate a Food Station

Designate a cupboard, shelf, or basket for your pet’s food station where you can keep all the food supplies like any bowls and a can opener, their wet or dry food and treats, and any vitamins or medications your pet takes with meals. If you can, set up a placemat or bowl stand on the floor nearby to keep their eating and any resulting mess corralled to one small area of the house.

3. Make Your Furniture Pet Proof

Spotting pet hair on the sofa or easy chair every time you sit down is something most of us pet owners are familiar with. And if, like most pet owners, you’re sick of picking it off the furniture all the time, then you need to make your furniture pets proof.

There can be various ways to go about this, but one of the best ways is to use covers. The covers can be of various materials, and you should always go for pet friendly materials – which may include leather. Why leather? Because it’s easy to clean and doesn’t attract hair like softer fibers.

4. Reserve a Shelf or Cabinet for Everyday Items

In case you do not have enough space near your entry door to place a wall-mounted pet accessory organizer, then you can devote a separate shelf or cabinet at your place to keep all the everyday items that your pet may require at some point or the other.

If you already have the wall space for a wall rack or another area where you can keep pet supplies, perhaps use a small section of your cupboard to keep backups. For instance, if you took your dog to the nearby park and forgot one of their favorite toys there, then you can rely on the backup that you have.

5. Use a Basket to Keep Grooming Supplies Together

Grooming plays a very important role in pet ownership, and can even be therapeutic for both of you. Having everything on hand in one place can make grooming easier for all pets and humans involved. Keeping bows, brushes, and other grooming accessories in one bin will also help corral any stray hairs that stick to these items.

6. Label Food Jars

If your pet has different kinds of foods in the morning and the evening, or if certain foods are only given on certain days of the week, try grouping these items according to their feeding schedule to make feeding time easy.

If you can label the shelf or bin where you’re keeping each type of food, this helpful extra step will set your mind at ease should someone else need to care for your pet while you’re away.

7. Create a Shopping Checklist for Your Pet

These checklists can be made according to your schedule and needs, whether you prefer buying pet supplies one a week, once a month, or whenever. Just like when shopping for yourself, using a checklist to shop for your pet’s food and supplies will help you make sure not to forget anything.

Also, by keeping a record of these checklists you can get a rough idea of how long the food you buy usually lasts your pet. This can help you plan your budget or know how much to buy when there’s a good sale.

8. Assign Feeding Stations

Have you ever crushed a piece of kitty kibble into the carpet or have land behind the couch instead of in your dog’s mouth? If you answered yes to either of these, then you know that sometimes pets + food = mess.

To keep pet food messes few and far between, try designating a space for a feeding station where your pet can enjoy their meals. The kitchen usually works best since the floor lends itself to easier cleaning.

PRO TIP- Create the feeding station near the place that you use for storing food supplies.

9. Keep Supplies for Long Trips In a Ready-To-Go Bag

A relaxing getaway can suddenly become stressful when you realize you forgot Fido’s harness or collapsible water bowl. Keep an extra supply of necessary items in a convenient overnight bag so that you have everything your pet normally needs all ready to go. This way, you don’t have to worry about packing your pet’s everyday items too early or remembering to grab them the morning you leave.

PRO TIP – Trips to unknown places can make pets uneasy. Keep a pouch of their favorite treats on hand in the car in case a little training or comforting is necessary when venturing in unfamiliar territory.

10. Keep Bathing Supplies in the Bathroom

If your pet doesn’t like to take bath and is always looking for chances to escape then this tip is for you! Running here and there looking for shampoos and scrubbers takes time, and leaves plenty of opportunity for wet pets to wriggle out of the tub. Keeping these pet supplies together in a small, waterproof caddy means you’ll have everything at hand so you can keep an eye on your pet at all times.

11. Schedule Some Time for Your Pet

Sometimes we get so engrossed in our everyday chores that we have to cut our pets’ walks or playtime short (or we might even forget!). But as committed pet owners, we value our pets like family. So, in the same way as you would put your child’s after school activities or coffee with your Mom on the calendar, try penciling in some quality time with your pets.

Having a regular playdate with your pet on your schedule will help make sure that you carve out quality time for them. Keeping this regular commitment with your pet also means that you’ll be using the ball chucker, cat stroller, or whatever recreational equipment you and your pet use on a more frequent basis. In doing so, you can get a better idea of what items might be worn and in need of replacement or which ones you may have one too many of.

12. Store All Toys in One Place

From dogs and cats to little kids and adults, everyone loves to play. And just like a toddler, pets get so excited at the first toy they grab, and then drop it anywhere when they get distracted by something else.

As with very small children, keeping all of your pets toys in one basket or toy box will make cleanup easier for you since everything goes back to the same place. And even easier for your pet if you can get them to master the trick of cleaning up after themselves!

13. Keep Your Pet’s Paperwork Organized in Its Own File

Pet paperwork usually includes a record of the dates on which your pet had routine vaccinations, receipts from any other veterinary visits, and their registration papers. Keep these papers organized in their own file folder or separate accordion file so that you can easily reference when their next vaccine is due or have their license on hand should you need it.

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/.

For those that love the thrill of the hunt, flipping furniture can be a fun way of earning additional income. If you’ve ever thought about flipping furniture, but aren’t sure where to start (or where you would even store your inventory?), then you’re in the right place. Read on for some helpful tips to get you started flipping furniture for cash!

How To Get Started Flipping Furniture

To get started, ask yourself the following questions about the furniture you plan to buy for resale: 

How will you transport it?

Choosing transport depends upon the size of the furniture you plan to buy. This may be limited to the size of the vehicle you have right now. If that’s a small sedan, maybe you get started with chairs, coffee tables, etc.

If you decide that flipping larger pieces of furniture would be more lucrative in your local market, there are plenty of ways to move pieces from where you buy them to where you’re storing them. You can rent a pickup or even a box truck from places like Home Depot or U-Haul, get help from a friend with a truck, or hire help from a service like Task Rabbit.

Where will you store it?

Once you have decided what sort of transport system you require, the next step is to look for a perfect space to place the furniture. It could be your basement or garage, but even if you have the extra space, renting a storage unit can be the best way to go. The three main benefits to renting a storage unit for your inventory are

1. Privacy & Safety

Keeping furniture at your house until it sells will likely require you to give out your home address so that potential buyers can come to you to view the items they’re interested in. Storing and selling the furniture at a storage facility can provide a neutral, well-lit meeting place to conduct transactions.

2. Added Security

Most secure storage facilities monitor their property with video surveillance. This not only helps ensure the security of your furniture while it’s at the facility, but also gives you the added security of knowing that if you’re conducting transactions at the facility, both parties will be on camera.

3. Space at Home

If you don’t have a garage, basement, or attic at home, then renting a storage unit for flipping furniture may be a necessity. But even if you do have the space, it’s nice to have some separation between your home life and your side hustle.

Will you repair or refinish it?

If you are looking forward to start flipping furniture, you may be thinking of making quick sales by sourcing pieces that are in great, ready-to-sell condition and moving them as quickly as possible.

But if you’re DIY-er that loves a good project, then buying-less-than perfect pieces at a bargain to repair or refinish for a greater profit might be the way you want to go. If that’s the case, the following items are just some of the basic equipment to have in your reseller’s arsenal.

• Paint strippers for thick and thin paint
• Power sander
• Wood glue
• Painting and staining supplies (brushes, paint thinner/remover, tray, dropcloth)
• Staple gun

The Best Places to Find Furniture to Flip

It might take a while to get into the groove and find your favorite places to reliably source great furniture pieces that sell well for you. Great finds are often had where you least expect them, but here’s a few of the top places to start your search. 

Flea markets

Buying furniture from flea markets can be a great place to get a good bargain but at the same time want something that is of good quality. But if you’re after a particular style or furniture from a certain area, be aware that you’ll need to get there early for the best selection.

Most of the sellers at flea markets are there with a goal of selling all the products that they have brought with them that day – the less they have to pack back up at the end of the day the better. So if you care about price over style, try wheeling and dealing later in the afternoon.

Craigslist

Most of the people these days look for Craigslist to red rid of the furniture that they do not want any longer. You can find great pieces of furniture at craigslist and with a lot of profit margin. Don’t forget to take advantage of the listings in the Free section, or search “curb alert” to take something off someone’s hands at no cost to you.

Garage Sales

Sales are being put up weekly at garages and yards everywhere, and if you live in a temperate climate this might be every weekend all year round. Depending on the item and the owner’s sentimentality or attachment to it, it can be difficult to haggle sometimes. But stick with it and you may also find furniture pieces of good quality that you may not find anywhere else. 

Pricing: How Much To Re-Sell Your Furniture For

Deciding a price for your furniture depends upon various factors like how long have had it in inventory, the time it took you to repair or refurbish it, the cost of any materials used to do so, the cost of storing it, etc.  You’ll also want to research the pieces you’ve just acquired (or are about to buy) to find comparable sales either in your area or a wider market.

eBay can be a great place to look up comps before deciding to make a purchase; search closed auctions to see if a similar furniture item has ever sold in your area. If you don’t mind shipping and plan to sell nationally, set the filters appropriately and see what’s sold and for how much.

eBay is also a helpful tool when it comes to pricing, because you can see what’s currently in the marketplace and how much others are asking for similar items so that you can plan your pricing strategy accordingly.

The Best Places To Sell Your Furniture

Once you have bought the furniture and refurbished it, now it is time for you to look for the platforms where you can sell your furniture. Here are some of the awesome places that you can refer to.

Antique Stores or Consignment Shops

Check around at your local antique stores. Antique stores are always looking for fresh inventory to sell to the right buyer. If you have the pieces they’re looking for, you could form a great relationship in which they buy from you to resell – a win-win for both of you!

Alternatively, some antique stores may have consignments space where you can sell. You may even have a local co-op in your area, where different vendors have a “booth” space to display and sell their wares. 

Craigslist

Craigslist is still one of the number one places people look for local furniture deals. Selling on Craigslist will give you great exposure to buyers nearby, without having to worry about shipping or even delivery. (But it you’re willing and able to deliver to your local buyers, this could give you a leg up and help to close the sale.)

eBay or Etsy

If you want to reach a wider audience, and don’t mind dealing with shipping, online platforms like eBay or Etsy can be great places to make a profit flipping furniture.

Your Own Garage

You can make it a garage sale as often as you like at your place! Some people make a full-time living by hosting a yard sale every weekend the weather permits.

PRO TIP: Promoting your furniture on multiple platforms can help your items get more exposure, increasing their likelihood of selling. Just don’t forget to remove it from other platforms once it has sold on one!

Hopefully these tips have given you some solid ideas to start flipping furniture for profit. Being a reseller can be challenging, but often rewarding work. Keep at it, keep exploring, and have fun flipping!

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/.

Has your living room started to feel cramped lately? Or have you got your eyes set on a stylish, comfy new sofa but don’t know what to do with your old couch? 

Either way, you probably want to clear some space and get your old sofa out of the way. Until you’ve found the right solution for your old sofa, you’ll likely need to store it.

Why Store Couches?

Why not just sell them or throw them out and get rid of the headache entirely? That would make sense if your furniture is altogether beyond use, and you don’t need it all. 

However, if your couch is worth something or it holds sentimental value, you might feel torn between keeping it and giving it away. Perhaps you have a near-adult child that will be ready for their own place in a few years, or a vacation home or cabin is in your family’s future.

In either case, storing it is the perfect solution. You don’t don’t have to get rid of it, and you can get it out of your way, too. 

7 Tips to Safely Store Your Couch

1. Consider Your Storage Options

Storage units come in all shapes and sizes, with different amenities to consider depending on your local climate and the materials your couch is made of.

Think of how big your couch is or how many pieces there are. What are the couch’s dimensions, not just on its own but also with whatever cover or padding you’ll place around it? What other furniture or things will you store along with the couch? All this will help you determine which storage unit size will be best for you. 

Furthermore, you’ll also have to think about the material of your couch and how long you plan to store it. For instance, if you’ve got a leather couch and you’re thinking of more long-term storage, you might want to look into a climate-controlled storage unit. In these units, you can protect your couches from moisture, humidity, and other weather elements.

Other than that, when choosing a storage unit, renting at a facility that is clean and well-maintained can help ensure your couch stays clean, too. 

2. Clean Your Couch

With your storage unit selected, it’s time to prepare your couch to go into storage. 

It’s important to thoroughly clean your couch before storing it away. Depending on the type of couch, use the right tools and cleaners to clean it thoroughly. Most importantly, make sure you dry your furniture completely before storing it – and especially before wrapping it with any protective materials. This will prevent the growth of mold. 

3. Disassemble Your Couch

It’s not much of an issue if you’ve got a small couch, but larger couches can be a big headache to move and transport. Not only are they hard to move, but there’s also a higher chance of damaging them. 

Therefore, it’s in your best interest to try and disassemble it as much as you can. Remove the cushions. Detach the legs. Keep any screws or bolts separately in a labeled bag. The couch will be easier to transport when it has fewer parts.

4. Wrap Your Couch

To keep your couch as safe as possible from damage and deterioration, it’s wise to add another layer of protection. This can be in the form of an additional sheet or blanket over the sofa. If you’re storing other things alongside your couch, the sheet will prevent them from scratching or tearing your couch during the transport. 

However, whatever you do, don’t use a plastic sheet to cover your couch, and more importantly, don’t wrap it too tightly. A plastic sheet won’t let the furniture breathe and can eventually trap moisture and lead to mold. 

You should use a plastic sheet under the couch, though, as an added measure to protect the legs.

5. Position Your Couch Properly

If you’ve got a lot of things to store, you might be tempted to place your couch vertically in the storage unit to make more space. This might even work in the short run, but in the long term, storing a couch like that can damage its inner foam, coils, and the overall shape by putting stress on the frame. 

Not to forget, if it slips and falls, it’ll sustain even more damage. Therefore, it’s always ideal to keep the couch horizontal. Be sure to leave a few inches of space between the couch and wall for airflow.

6. Keep Your Couch Above Ground

Another essential tip to safely store your couch is to keep it off the ground. You can use bricks, pallets, or even a simple plastic sheet, as mentioned earlier, to slightly raise it above ground.

7. Don’t Stack Heavy Things On Top of Your Couch

Stacking items on the sofa can have a negative effect if left that way for long periods of time, such as when in storage. It can damage your couch and affect its shape. To avoid dents, sagging, and other wear and tear, don’t stack a lot of stuff over it while in storage. 

If you are running out of space in your unit, we would suggest going for the next size up rather than cramming everything in one area and damaging your couch. 

Home furniture, such as a couch, can be hard to let go at times. Whether it’s the memories attached to it or because you paid a lot of money for it, thankfully getting rid of it isn’t the only option for furniture you’re not using right now. 

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/.

Whether you permanently work from home, or would simply like a home office for days when you do bring the work home with you, it takes some consideration to select the right space to set up. Finding room for your home office can be as simple as adding a desk and chair to an empty room that is already available, or placing your laptop on a center table and getting to work. However, if you want to make space for a dedicated home office, here are 9 tips that could come in handy.

Spare Room

Let’s start with the most obvious option. If you have a spare room that is not being used at all, or is maybe being used for storage, then it would be the most likely space to set up a home office. If the room is completely empty, you can maximize the space and introduce your interior design skills to make the space your own. The first two things to consider are a moderate desk and a comfortable chair.

Save the embellishments for last and apply them as the space allows; these would include lamps, centerpieces, plaques, calendars, etc. You may think that some of these embellishments are vital to your creative juices, but an overcrowded desk and workspace is likely to restrict your flow as well. 

Unused corner

Sometimes a spare room is not available or simply not an option. However, corners can sometimes be wasted space in a home, but they are also ideal places for aptly shapes space savers and can also be your new home office. This could be a space in your living room, dining room, bedroom, or any other space that has a free corner that wouldn’t be too distracting.

After locating that perfect corner, the next step would be to get a small L-Shaped desk to fit right in. Measure the available space before you start shopping. Try not to get too fancy as this space is likely to be small and you do not want to overcrowd it with an unnecessarily extravagant desk. Try to get a small chair that can be pushed all the way in when not in use so that it doesn’t constantly stick out in the room. It would be best if the chair is adjustable and if an armrest is necessary, try to get one that can also be adjusted to allow the chair to go fully under the table. However, while these features are amicable for the purpose of space-saving and aesthetics, your first consideration should always be comfort. Your chair should offer back support and comfortable padding for your derriere. 

Hallway

Having an office in your hallway is not exactly space-saving, but when you have no space to begin with, its the perfect solution for a home office. Hallways are often empty except for the occasional pairs of shoes or coat rack. But with a long narrow desk and a small comfortable chair, it can be the perfect place to set up your office space. Try to get a desk with more space going off to the sides and less coming out towards the front. 

Closet

If your closet is already completely overstuffed with comforters, shoes, handbags, and too much clothing, then this may not be the solution for you. But if you are short on space and your closet is not being fully utilized, it can be the perfect way to make space for a home office. You can close the closet door when you are not using the office and if the closet is too small to the point where your desk and chair sticks out a little, that is still ok, you can simply put up a curtain that will blend back into your room’s decor while separating your home office from the rest of the room. 

Portable home office

A portable home office can be as simple as a folding table or a small full-size desk on wheels. This is especially handy when you use a laptop as opposed to a desktop. You can also use a chair that you already own like a dining room chair or vanity chair. Then once you are done, the desk can be rolled back into an area where it is out of the way or is used for something else until you are ready to pull it back out. It may not allow you to have embellishments such as table lamps and a vase of flowers, but it will definitely help you to get some office work done even though you do not have a dedicated office space. 

Basement 

Some basements can seem cold and grungy, and the tiny windows and limited lighting doesn’t improve its air of gloom. But a basement can make a good home office with a few decor adjustments. Firstly, select an area that has ample space away from any clutter or pipes or storage items, then install an area rug that suits your style and taste. Now select and place your desk and chair with your back towards the wall so that you can look outwards towards the door or window. You probably won’t see much of anything, but you won’t feel as couped-up. Select a nice table lamp or plaque, or vase, or whatever makes you happy and have it close by. You can even have a floating shelf where you can add additional tools or embellishments to make the space more comforting and efficient.

Attic

Similar to the basement, you will have to select a dedicated space to make your own. Attics tend to have more windows and natural lighting than basements, but can still feel claustrophobic. So it’s up to you to adjust your furniture and incorporate your own flair of decor and aesthetics to make it feel like your own efficient office space. 

Garage

If you have a garage but don’t own a vehicle, it’s likely that your garage is being used for storage. All you would be required to do, is organize your storage space and limit it to one side of the garage and adjust the order side to be your office space. However, if you do own a car, a garage home office will require a little more finesse to make it work depending on the size of your garage and the size of your vehicle. A floating office shelf would probably be best. It would need to be the perfect height to allow you and your chair to come and go, and also be wide enough to hold a laptop and possible a mouse or keyboard as well. 

General tip

Aside from finding the space to set up as your home office, you should also take other things into consideration. Ensure that you are installing your desk near an outlet. This is especially important if you are using a desktop and not a laptop. You want to minimize the use of extension wires which can be a trip hazard or just add to the clutter in a small space. On that same note, try to be close to your modem if you use a wired internet connection, or at least be close to your router if you use wifi. Another thing to consider is how to blend into your existing decor. If you do not have the luxury of a spare room, you will most likely be sharing the space of an existing room with existing furniture. Try to purchase office furniture and decor that fits in with the furniture that is already situated in the room. This way your office seems like its a part of the room rather than a random addition. 

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/.

Moving from one place to another is never easy, but if you prepare for it well and pack properly, it can lessen the burden. It is reported that most people choose to move in the summer. While the summer heat may make the process even more unbearable, most people move in the summer because it is more ideal in terms of time and availability, especially when children are involved. Summer marks the time between the end of one school year and the beginning of another and if switching schools is necessary, this would be the best time. Also, children are on holiday and can spare more time to help with the packing and preparation.  Here are 11 tips to help with packing for a move in summer.

1. Secure Packing Supplies

Before you even start organizing or packing, you should start sourcing boxes. You can start doing this up to a month before your move. You can source boxes from your supermarkets, liquor stores, and other places that receive items in bulk. They tend to have clean boxes of various sizes and often do not have any reservations in giving them away or saving some for their customers. While you are at it, pick up a few rolls of packing tape, markers, and bubble wrap. 

2. Organize and categorize

Go through your items and make a list of what will be going with you and what will remain behind. This includes everything from furniture and clothing to books and toys. Once you have broken them down into those two categories, go ahead and do a further breakdown into what can be donated or sold and what needs to be discarded.

If possible, you can go ahead with the donation from a month before and put the items that need to be discarded in the trash at that time as well. If you are unable to discard or donate before you start packing, you should create a specific pile for those items so that they do not accidentally get packed up.

3. Put Your Documents Together

During summer when its peak moving season, you want to ensure that everything is easy to find because any mistake or losses during that period can be a pain to recover or replace. Locate and compile all documents such as travel documents, medical documents, school documents, files relating to your new home, and anything thing else that you may need to access before you fully unpack in your new residence. You should also have some cash that you may need for stops along the way or to tip movers if applicable.

4. Reserve Your Moving Company

Many people move in summer, so its best to reserve your moving company early. However, you should do some research and/or get recommendations from families and friends to ensure that you select a company that is most suited for your needs. Check to see if the companies are registered before considering them and find out their payment plans and processes. Some will ask for a deposit when you book while others will ask for full payment.

This is also the perfect time to see which days are cheaper as weekends can sometimes be more expensive than during the week. Also, check their list of services to see if there have any services you can combine or utilize to make the process easier, such as packing and unpacking or the supply of packing equipment. Another thing to pay attention to is their policies including their insurance and the way they handle damages and packaging. Some companies only accept boxed packages and won’t allow the transportation of bags or baskets.

5. Create a Schedule to Disconnect Utilities

Based on your moving date, set a time to schedule disconnection of your electricity, cable, gas, etc. You want to ensure that you are not racking up extra bills to pay after you have left. You can mark off a day on the calendar or set a reminder to call each company to have the service disconnected. If there are any equipment to be returned or picked up, ensure to make a note of that as well and put it into the schedule. 

6. Update Your New Address

If you generally make purchases online or have your physical bank statements sent to your address, you should update these accounts with your new address at least a week before you move. This way, the next bill will go to your new address and if you make a purchase online, it is less likely to be accidentally sent to your old address. This will minimize or eliminate issues with forwarding or returns.

7. Label and Number Your Boxes

It goes without saying that you should label your boxes, but to make things easier, you should be thorough. Label the boxes with the category of items as well as the room that they are packaged from. For instance, you can have “decorations from living room. Box #1”. Also, number each box so that you know exactly how many boxes you should have and which boxes are missing if that should ever occur. Once the boxes are numbered, make a list of the box number as well as its contents. This also makes it an easy reference for unpacking and recovering loss.

8. Acclimate Your New Home

If you have access to the new home or can contact someone to access it the day before you arrive, have the home aired and then have the AC turned on, so that it is nice and cool when you and your family arrive. If this option is not possible, try to turn the AC on as soon as you enter so that it starts cooling down while you get comfortable. 

9. Pack with the Heat in Mind 

Many things do not do well in heat, but will be fine for the trip to your new home. However, electronics or more susceptible to heat damage, so you should ensure that these items are packaged properly and packed in the moving truck last. You should check if you have the original boxes and use those first. If, not, try to use a box that is as similar to the original packaging as possible. When the truck arrives at the new residence, ensure to remove, unpack, and inspect these items first.

10. Consume Your Groceries

Use the last two weeks before you move to utilize groceries that were already bought. Try not to buy new groceries unless they are products that can be used up within a day or two. If there are things that cannot be packaged for the trip and you can’t use them up by yourself, you can maybe host a moving party and cook for friends or neighbors to utilize them more quickly, or give them away if that is an option.

11. Avoid Heatstroke

Last but not least, ensure that you stay hydrated throughout the entire process. Bring water on your journey and take breaks periodically. You should also try to book your mover early in the morning so that you can start moving before the sun is high and extremely hot.

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/.