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Storage Tips for RV Living

According to the most recent statistics, nearly nine million American households own recreational vehicles. As great as RVs can be, a typical Class A motorhome is a mere 96 inches wide. As such, savvy organization is the key to making RV life more pleasant. For help, use our top storage tips for RV living. STORAGE TIPS FOR RV LIVING Stock Up on Wall-Mounted Racks The easiest way to clear space without sacrificing the things that you need is installing vertical racks. Whether they’re wood, metal, or plastic, wall racks that aren’t more than four inches deep are a godsend for RV owners that desire a tidy domicile. Move Storage Bins to the Ceiling A typical RV has plenty of ceiling space that can be exploited to provide overhead storage in a pinch. Some RVs have dedicated mounts that can hold a lot of weight. If not, you can still create your own custom solutions by attaching bins to ceiling trim. Use Hollow Spaces for Pull-Outs Even the most cramped RVs have plenty of “dead space” that can be used for storage. That dead space is often found underneath seats. Buying pull-out drawer sets from Home Depot and installing a custom storage solution on your own doesn’t take much more than a power drill, a circular saw, and some cheap lumber. Stow Non-Essentials on the Roof A few waterproof storage containers strapped to the roof are a godsend for RV owners. As long as they’re aerodynamic, they won’t negatively affect the driving experience. Just be sure to test out your storage containers in rough weather to check for leaks before storing any sensitive materials in them. Always Choose Modular Furniture RV living just isn’t the same without some decent outdoor and indoor furniture. Folding chairs are easy to stack and store without much effort. In addition, Adirondack chairs that can be assembled with through-bolts and wingnuts make a lot of sense if you like entertaining on your temporary patio. Cut Potential Laundry to a Minimum When it comes to indoor and outdoor furniture, you ...

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January 18th, 2017

Christmas Decor Storage Ideas

Trees, wreaths, lights, and other festive decorations enable you to transform your home into a winter wonderland. When the holiday season is over, you will need to remove the themed decorations that are displayed throughout your house. While this chore means the end of this year’s holiday season, properly storing your decorations means that everything will be ready for next year. The following Christmas decor storage ideas will help you protect and easily locate your decorations. CHRISTMAS DECOR STORAGE IDEAS Declutter First, consider the fact that this is a great opportunity to declutter your house. As you put away your holiday decorations, sort through the items to identify things that you no longer need or want, so that you can donate or give them away. Throw away decorations that are damaged or no longer working and cannot be repaired. Artificial Trees and Wreaths Wrap your artificial tree and wreaths in drop cloths or shrink wrap to keep them from getting dirty. You can also wrap the tree with old belts. Cinching the tree will make it easier to move and store. Slip the hoop of the wreath over the neck of a coat hanger. Hang the wreath from a rod or clothing rack to keep it from being crushed. Some stores (like the Container Store, Target, and Walmart) also create special containers to hold artificial trees and wreaths. Ornaments and Lights Place breakable ornaments in eggs cartons or apple holders. Each slot in the carton or holder will provide the same protection for your ornaments as it does for the eggs or fruit. Before you place the lights in storage, check your strands of lights. Identifying and changing burned-out bulbs before storing the lights ensures that they will be ready next holiday season. Wrap the strand around a piece of cardboard to prevent it from becoming tangled. Write helpful information, such as where the lights are used, on the strip of cardboard. Store garlands in clear plastic water bottles to keep them from tangling with other ornaments. Use Clear Containers Place items ...

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December 16th, 2016

What Happens to a Storage Unit When the Renter Dies

When a person passes away, their belongings must be accounted for. Aside from their home, the person may have had items in storage that family members will also have to handle. So really, what happens to a storage unit when the renter dies? It happens more often than you might think! WHAT HAPPENS TO A STORAGE UNIT WHEN THE RENTER DIES? When a unit’s renter passes away, the state treats this rental space as it would any other rental space, like an apartment. This means the unit’s contents become a part of the renter’s estate. While every case is unique depending on the unit’s contents, the renter’s wishes or requests, and other factors, there are two common situations that occur when a renter dies . . . Situation A: The renter has given someone legal access to the storage unit. This is the cleanest, most ideal situation. If a renter dies and has given a family member access to their storage unit in a will or other legal document, then that family member handles it the way he or she feels appropriate. Again, like an apartment or home rental, the person given access has the option to come claim the unit’s contents. From this point, the family member handles it without interference from the facility or the legal system—they can keep the contents, sell the items, or even take over the unit and let the contents remain there. Until the unit is cleared, this family member must continue to pay its rent in order to avoid foreclosure. Situation B: The renter has not given anyone access to the unit (or no one is available to gain access). This situation is a little trickier. If the renter hasn’t give anyone access to the unit, it’s usually up to the legal system to decide what will happen. If family members are interested in keeping the contents (or at least having control over what happens to them), they can attempt to gain access to the unit. The courts consider these instances ...

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December 15th, 2016

Self-Storage Industry Outlook

Even during times of national economic struggle, the self-storage industry has managed to outperform other asset classes of commercial real estate. This strong stability translates to opportunities for investors and options for clients. And there is no reason to suspect that this will change in the foreseeable future; the self-storage industry outlook is positive. In fact, IBISWorld predicts that self-storage revenue will grow at a rate of 2.9% through 2020 (source). Business is good, and there are many reasons to believe that it will stay that way. SELF-STORAGE INDUSTRY OUTLOOK So why is it that the self-storage industry remains strong and constant while others struggle? It all boils down to the fact that storage is a service that just about anyone can use at any given time. There is a great array of clients, creating plenty of options for customers and businesses. With so many opportunities to explore, it’s no wonder the self-storage industry outlook is positive. Diverse Clientele People from all walks of life use storage units. Those of great wealth and disposable income are likely to buy things. The catch about buying things? You need somewhere to put them. At the other end of the spectrum, you have folks of more modest means in need of the same service.Life events often create the need for storage space as well. In downsizing to a smaller home or while in transition between homes, people often find themselves with more things than they have room for. Furthermore, circumstances such as divorce or death can leave people with possessions they cannot store in their homes. Likewise, with so many young people renting homes rather than buying and with college enrollment as high as it is, people are moving all the time. Apartment and dorm spaces can vary greatly in size, and self-storage units can obligingly accommodate excess belongings. Economy-Proof The economy has little impact on the self-storage industry outlook. It is one of the only industries in which this is the case. Even the economic recession of 2007 had almost no effect on self-storage ...

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December 8th, 2016

How to Stay Organized When Moving

Moving can be incredibly chaotic. If you aren’t careful, you could find yourself surrounded by piles of unlabeled boxes, broken glassware, and misplaced belongings. Stuffing everything in boxes shouldn’t take too long, but what about when you begin unpacking? If you don’t take a little time to “shape up” before you ship out, you will undoubtedly end up stressed and overwhelmed. Use the tips below to learn how to stay organized when moving. HOW TO STAY ORGANIZED WHEN MOVING Create a binder for important information. This may seem like overkill, but creating a binder for all your moving information will save you time, stress, energy, and maybe even money. Organize your binder into several categories: checklists, receipts, loan information, utilities, inventory, etc. Then, add documents to each section throughout the process of your move, so that you can stay on top of all this important information: Checklists: Make a list of things you need to do before, during, and after your move. Receipts: Keep all receipts relating to the move in one place for easy access in case you need to return or exchange something. Utilities: Place utility contracts, paperwork, and contact information in this section. Be sure to make utility appointments early. Inventory: Make a list of all your boxes (the next step will help with this), including how many boxes will go into each room. You may also want to add sections for loan documents, apartment information, your moving company, your builder, etc. Label and color-code your boxes. When packing, organize items based on where they will end up. Label each box with a large Sharpie, writing down what the box contains. Then, use stickers to color code the boxes by room (yellow = kitchen, green = living room, blue = master bedroom, etc). Be sure to tell your family (or movers) how the color code works, so that they know where to drop off the boxes. You could also create a “legend” with all of the stickers and their correlating rooms. Then, hang the legend on the front door, at the top of the stairs, ...

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November 14th, 2016

How to Thank Friends for Moving Help

What would you do without your best friends? When you’re having a bad day, they can cheer you up. When you achieve something great, they’re ready to celebrate with you. And when everything falls apart, they help you pick up the pieces. Since moving can be incredibly stressful and tiring, it makes sense that we turn to our friends for assistance with carrying all those heavy boxes and furniture. Although your friends are likely happy to help, be a good friend and show your gratitude. Use the tips below if you’re wondering how to thank friends for moving help. HOW TO THANK FRIENDS FOR MOVING HELP Provide Pizza and Drinks. At the very least, you ought to provide your friends with sustenance, especially if the move occurs during a typical mealtime. The most common, classic choice is to give your buddies pizza and beer. Since you can schedule a pizza delivery and drinks (beer, wine, soda, whatever you prefer) are available at every grocery store and gas station, this won’t require a lot of effort on your part. Plus, you don’t necessarily need plates (which may be hiding in a box). Although you don’t have to choose pizza, make sure that you select a food that everyone enjoys and keep food allergies/sensitivities/preferences in mind. Host a Party. Once you’ve unpacked in your new space, consider hosting a party to thank your friends. This will give everyone time to relax after the tiring moving day. Select the type of party you and your friends most enjoy. For example, you could host a dinner party, a cocktail party, a game night, a video game marathon, a dance party . . . Whatever floats your boat! Even if you call it a housewarming party, tell your friends not to bring gifts – this is your gift to them, after all! Consider Other Ideas. If you’re unable or unwilling to offer pizza/drinks or host a party, consider these other ideas to show your appreciation: Offer to take your friends out to lunch or dinner. Buy a few rounds the next time you’re ...

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October 13th, 2016

Storage Units for College Students

If you’ve ever lived in a college dorm room, you may look back and ponder how you ever survived a semester in such a diminutive dwelling. And if you’re a first-year student who has yet to experience the joys of living on campus, you’re about to find out. Even if you’re lucky enough to live in an apartment off campus, you’re likely to have several roommates, so space will still be scarce. For these reasons and more, storage units for college students are a godsend. THE BENEFITS OF STORAGE UNITS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS New students who are moving away from home for the first time often take more than they need or have room for. Video game consoles, DVD collections, and 30 pairs of shoes often sit and collect dust while class projects, textbooks, and Halloween costumes pile up on top of them. To make matters worse, students usually change residences multiple times during their college careers, which leaves them searching for somewhere to store their stuff during holiday breaks and semesters abroad. Students have much more important things to worry about, like classes and grades, and having a comfortable space to both study and relax is imperative to academic success. Renting a storage unit near campus can give students the physical and mental room they need to prioritize their studies, live comfortably, and enjoy their college experience. HOW STORAGE UNITS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS SAVE TIME, SPACE, AND MONEY It’s impossible to stay organized when you’re playing a never-ending game of Tetris with your belongings. A storage unit can save students time by helping them keep what they need right now readily accessible and giving them a place to send things that they might require later. For example, everyone needs a heavy winter coat, but during the spring, a bulky coat can take up valuable closet space. Having an off-campus closet (in the form of a storage unit) also gives students more space for furniture and decorations to make their room feel more like a home. Speaking of furniture, students ...

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September 19th, 2016

Tips for Moving Heavy Furniture

Moving furniture is certainly no picnic. You might scratch your wood floors, tear your carpet, dent your furniture, rip your upholstery, or even throw out your back! So many catastrophes can quickly occur during any transportation of large objects. However, when armed with some quick tips for moving heavy furniture, you can successfully prevent damage to yourself, your moving team, and your prized possessions. TIPS FOR MOVING HEAVY FURNITURE Go from High to Low The prospect of moving a tall item is overwhelming, but the key is to adopt a two-person strategy. Furniture should initially be reversed and placed at an angle. Next, one person should hoist the bottom while the other totes the top. This position helps to effectively stabilize the object while evenly distributing its weight. Learn to Slide Simply sliding your furniture from one location to the next can save a lot of precious time and energy. You can use towels, cardboard, or premade furniture sliders to glide heavy objects across your floor. Tilt your furniture slightly and place the moving material under it before pushing it along to your desired location. Evaluate Your Furniture Ahead of Time Before you attempt to move any large piece of furniture, it is a good idea to take inventory of your items in order to eliminate extra weight. Look for removable components such as drawers, legs, or cumbersome decorative fixtures. Store these items separately to lighten the furniture and (in some cases) to prevent the items from falling out mid-journey. Hook Your Couch Most of us are familiar with the frustrations of moving a couch, but the secret to a smooth relocation is actually straightforward: stop attempting to move it horizontally. Instead, simply turn the couch vertically and ease it out the door. The couch should naturally grasp or “hook,” the doorway as it rounds the corner. It is also a good idea to check for removable arms or legs beforehand, because you definitely don’t want these to hook (and possibly damage) your doorframe. Invest in What You Need Don’t approach a moving job unprepared. ...

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August 8th, 2016

Self Storage Association Events

Founded in 1975, the Self Storage Association is the official trade organization and voice of the United States and international self storage industry. Its mission is to promote the highest standards of professionalism, conduct, honesty, integrity, and ethical business practices in the self storage field. One of the main ways that they promote this mission is through Self Storage Association events, which take place both nationally and on individual state levels. The following is a summary of some upcoming events. UPCOMING SELF STORAGE ASSOCIATION EVENTS 2016 Fall Conference and Trade Show This national event will take place September 6 through 9 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada. It will feature Kenneth M. Wooley, Sr., and Spencer Kirk, two leaders and visionaries in the self storage industry, as keynote speakers. Those interested in attending can register online and take advantage of discount hotel rates through the SSA website (selfstorage.org). In addition to a trade show with a large number of exhibitors, the event’s full schedule of activities includes roundtable discussions and engaging workshops. Self Storage Valuation and Acquisition Course This event attracts a wide variety of people. For example, it will include those interested in acquiring a self storage facility, looking to secure financing, needing assistance with reviewing a property tax bill, or valuing assets for disposition. The goal of this course is to help people understand deals and transactions. It will take place at the US Grant Hotel in San Diego, California, from October 3 to 5, 2016. Online registration for this course is open until September 9, and all attendees will receive two customized financial modeling tools. The instructors for this course are Robert Francis, CPM, who has over 35 years of experience in the operation and management of investment real estate, and Jeffrey Humphrey, ASA, Senior Vice President of Asset Management at Devon Self Storage Holdings (US) LLC. 2017 Executive Ski Workshop This is one of the Self Storage Association events that mixes business with pleasure! It will take place at The Peaks Resort and Spa in ...

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July 20th, 2016

Marketing a Self-Storage Facility

Many people have superfluous items lying around their homes. Whether they have accumulated these possessions at garage sales, after frequent shopping trips, or through family inheritances, they know that they want to keep their belongings. However, they simply don’t have the room for them. Fortunately, your company offers a service that addresses this need. In order to generate the highest amount of profits, you must know how to market toward these individuals. Marketing a self-storage facility can be tricky, so use the tips below for help. MARKETING A SELF-STORAGE FACILITY Carefully Decide Where to Advertise Where you place the advertisements for your self-storage facility matters. Try these three opportune spots: Near Apartment Buildings: Most people using self-storage facilities are not owners of prodigious houses. Instead, they live in smaller homes with little storage space. Find a series of apartment buildings in your community, and market your services there. Near College Campuses: College students are constantly moving. Some move away to attend college, some move for internships, and some simply move when their lease terminates. Advertise near college campuses to attract these young, on-the-move consumers. Near Extended-Stay Hotels: People living in extended-stay hotels are often looking for permanent housing in the area. Some of them have left their belongings at a relative’s home, and others have crammed their items into a small hotel room. Your storage facility offers these people the opportunity to streamline their moving efforts. List Important Information While you do not want to cram your advertisements with words, providing information about security and safety at your facility is important. Some people are likely concerned that their belongings will be stolen from the facility, so you should briefly summarize the security features that are in place. Other people worry about their own safety when retrieving items from their storage units, especially when it’s dark outside. Let these concerned individuals know how they are protected on the grounds too. In addition, many people will wonder how much this service is going to cost and for how long they may use it. Advertise your sales and restrictions. For example, ...

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July 18th, 2016

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