If your home is cluttered and you are tripping over things or feel like a hoarder, it may be time to consider renting a storage unit.  Self storage units can be used for seasonal clothing, out of season decorations, out of season nick knacks, seasonal toys, bills, paperwork, etc.  You can also use storage for antiques, wine, beer, etc.

In our difficult economic times, storage facilities are more apt to match a competitors price or give a better deal (if you ask).  A self storage unit can provide a safe place for your valuables items.  Some storage facilities offer surveillance cameras and gates requiring pass codes for after hour access.  Others have staff on site for part or all of the day, lights triggered by motion detectors and other safety measures that ensure that you (or someone you authorize) are the only person(s) with access to your storage lot. 

If you live in an area where the weather can be extreme, whether it is hot or cold, you may want to consider storing items versus using a garage or shed.  Renting a temperature controlled unit where the humidity levels are constant is important to help avoid mold.  Temperature sensitive items can have their life extended considerably with proper storage methods.

Many storage units are very affordable, so if you are afraid of the cost being too high, many storage facilities will offer special like $1 for the first month, 6th month free, or 1 year free, etc.  It’s a good idea to check with the facility to see what kind of specials they are running for the time of the year.

Before you choose your self storage facility, here are some questions you should ask the storage facility manager before you choose the right one for you to make sure you are at ease to know your goods being stored are in good hand.

Is there an alarm in the facility?  Is there 24 hour surveillance?  Is the area gated?  Is there a manager on duty?

What are the access hours for customers to enter into the storage unit?  What are the office hours?

What size storage units are available for rent?

What is the cost per unit?  When is payment due?  Can I pay online and what forms of payment are accepted?

Is there a minimum period of time you must remain in storage?  For instance 2 month minimum, etc.

Are the facilities indoor or outdoor storage units?

Is there boat storage, rv storage, wine storage, document storage, motorcycle storage, etc?

Does your company offer any special discounts?  (1^st month free, or $1.00) Are there senior citizen discounts, or military discounts, etc?

Do you have truck rentals available?  Dollies available?   Are there Furniture Pads, other moving or packing materials available?

Is there semi or tractor-trailer access into the facility (for real large moves, that are using a professional moving company?)

Are my items insured in case of flood, fire, weather related disasters?  Do I need to purchase additional insurance?

These are some great questions to ask before you choose the best storage facility for yourself.

Owning a business, you know that paperwork can turn into piles and piles on your desk (and into your office space) pretty quickly if you do not give a lot of effort in staying organized.  Self storage may be a good choice if you have run out of room, or don’t know what to do with files, extra inventory, fixtures, etc.  Many business owners will use self storage options whether they are remodeling, downsizing, relocating, making seasonal changes, or even for year-end cleanup (to file year-end stuff away).

Self storage Units can function much like a store-room or warehouse if you properly prepare your space.  To get the best use out of your space, it is best to first prioritize. 

Prioritize Your Storage

Figure out what you will need to put into storage, and keep an inventory of all of your items, whether you do this manually or digitally.  Know what you will need to have immediate access to versus what you will not need to access right away.  This will help you organize your storage logically and efficiently.  Items should be kept in an orderly fashion (like in rows or shelves) and placed into the storage unit with the most needed items closest to the door and the least needed items buried the deepest in a corner, etc.  Set up access so you never have to shuffle items around every time you are at your self storage.  For instance if you have inventory for 2 very popular items right next to the door and other obscure items deeper in the self storage unit, you’ll not only stay more organized, you save money on payroll for the labor it takes to retrieve the storage items.

Climate Controlled Storage

Climate controlled is the best option for self storage solutions especially when it comes to storing documents, storing computers, electronics, etc.  You want to secure a storage unit that is maintained between 55-80°.  Maintaining a constant environment will avoid having your items mold, rust, or even be infested.  If your going to store computers or other electronics, click Computer Moving Tips for proper methods to move and pack.

Packing Tips

Packing is also critical when it comes to putting your items into a self storage facility.  Proper packing is the key to make sure your items don’t get damaged.  If you’d like to get some ideas on packing read Office Moving Tips for Employees to assist you.  

When packing documents, files, and other general office items, first read Office Moving Tips For Employees to get information on how to prepare your items for storage.  When it comes to office furniture for self storage, use shrink-wrap to wrap up anything cloth or fabric to protect from dust and moisture.  Wood furniture should be wrapped in 3 ply paper pads or moving blankets to protect from dust and damage.

With proper organization, as a business owner, your life will be a lot easier and easy to function by properly utilize a self storage facility.  it will also give you the flexibility to expand or contract your storage as your needs change.  In this economy flexibility is key to success.

 

The bathroom is probably the most used room in your house. A room that receives so much attention requires form and function as well as style and comfort. Typically, everyone needs to share the same bathroom for different purposes. Usually, these purposes need to be performed in a short period of time which can lead to chaos. 

To prevent chaos from erupting, here are a few bathroom organization and storage ideas that can help you maintain order.

The most common method of keeping one’s bathroom in order is the use of storage bins. A storage bin comes in many different looks, colors and sizes. They can accommodate just about anything and can go just about anywhere.

Plastic tubs  are another great bathroom organization and storage idea. Plastic tubs can hold specific items that you move around a lot, so you don’t have to move the items individually (such as cleaning products, hair products, etc.).

Where chaos strikes the most in your bathroom is usually the drawers. This is where many of your smaller toiletries (such as makeup, hair clips, manicure/pedicure tools, razor blades, etc.) become a potpourri of mixed personal items.

To combat this never ending battle, look into adding some drawer organizers.  These are usually designed to fit most standard bathroom drawers and come with compartments to keep specific items separate from one another for easy selection.

We all know how bad the shower can get too. Everyone has to have their own special product or fragrance of shampoo, conditioner and body wash along with loofa sponges, pumice stones, combs, etc. There is never enough room, so most of the items end up in the tub.

This can make a trip to the shower a very precarious one, where surviving is more important than cleaning. To make your shower a safer and more relaxing environment, try using over-the-showerhead or corner caddies as well as suction shelves. These will  definitely improve the overall look and experience of your shower.

Another excellent bathroom organization and storage idea is over-the-toilet furniture. They come in many different textures, finishes, colors, etc. and serve two functions; they provide your bathroom with a stylish look (adding to the overall ambiance) as well as providing more storage space. Here you can add extra toiletries such as perfumes, colognes, shaving cream, after shave, etc. Some even come with a small mirror.

Another way you can improve the organization and storage of your bathroom is by adding towel hooks if there aren’t enough towel racks to support the number of people in your household. These will allow for towels to dry faster and everyone won’t have to fight over whose towel is whose.

Apothecary jars are a great way to accent your bathroom with a little style while also performing a function. These can be used for those who prefer not to store everything in drawers and cabinets or who tend to have frequent visitors. It allows for guests to utilize the bathroom without snooping through all the drawers.

Baskets perform the same functions as over-the-toilet furniture as they have a variety of different looks , come in a wide range of sizes and provide excellent organization and storage features. These can be used to hold smaller towels, toilet paper or even garbage (lined with a plastic bag).

One last bathroom organization and storage idea is magazine racks. They are an excellent way for you to keep the ever-growing stack of magazines from piling up on the toilet tank lid.

By utilizing many of the organization and storage ideas, you will notice how much more efficient and stylish your bathroom will become, making it a sanctuary for you and your family. The only problem then will be who gets to enjoy it more.

Two of the most memorable events in a woman’s life will be her prom night (which is all about the dress) and her wedding day (which is all about the dress). We see a trend here, but what do you do with those two dresses once the event is over?

Typically, most women will return the prom dress and most women will save the wedding dress, but for those who choose to save both (either for posterity or to pass on to their daughters), here are a few wedding and prom dress storage ideas.

When it comes to storing wedding and prom dresses, it should involve more than just placing it on a hangar and shoving it in a closet. If you want to preserve the dress for years to come, there are a few steps you need to take to ensure that it retains its original state.

The most important thing one should do before storing wedding and prom dresses is get it cleaned. Make sure to read the cleaning label on the inside of the dress.

Depending on the fabric, this may involve washing it in a washing machine or taking it to your nearest dry cleaners. The latter would be preferable as they know how to professionally treat most types of fabrics to remove any possible stains.

Stains can come from any number of sources; drinks, food, makeup and body oils from perspiration. If not treated immediately (usually the next day), these stains can permanently set in and destroy your dress.

If you are going to store your wedding or prom dress in a box, make sure the box is constructed of strong, acid-free cardboard. Don’t use plastic.  Plastic covers are usually sealed with a zipper, this does tend to let air and moisture in, trapping it –allowing for mold and mildew to grow. Plastic also does breakdown over time. When fumes from the breakdown process remain within the closed space, the
molecules tend to adhere to the fabric, causing damage and discoloration. Lastly, (if exposed for long periods of time to a light source) CLEAR plastic allows the fabric to become faded.

Be sure to line the inside of the box with white, acid-free tissue paper. Avoid colored paper as the color can transfer onto your dress over time. Then, starting at the hem (bottom), lay the dress in the box alternately adding tissue paper in layers as you fold the dress back and forth until it is completely covered.

Be sure to fill the arms (if necessary) with tissue paper as not to lose its structure. Cover the box and place it in a dark, cool, dry area. If you are going to hang your dress, use an acid-free cardboard dress shaper and white, acid-free tissue paper also.

Cover the dress shaper with tissue. Then, slip the dress on the covered dress shaper. After, fill the bodice and sleeves with more tissue. Hang the dress on a strong hangar, cover it in muslin (cotton) material and hang it in a dark, cool, dry area away from other garments as not to wrinkle the dress.

By following the aforementioned techniques, you will ensure the integrity of your wedding and/or prom dress for many years to come, bringing back memories of the past or creating new ones in the future.

Whether it’s a ring, bracelet, pair of earrings,  or necklace, diamonds are a women’s best friend.  Regardless of how popular these items are, they are usually only worn on occasion verses everyday (unless  a wedding ring or wedding band).  Diamonds are the hardest known substance(crystallized carbon), and are very delicate.  If not stored properly, they can chip or crack if left in an unsafe environment.

To store your precious jewels for short or long-term storage, you should wrap each diamond piece in a lint free cloth (white cloth is best-to avoid dyes leaking through if near any moisture), and place preferably in its original container if you still have it.  The cloth will help keep the diamonds brilliant (along with dust free).   Most jewelry stores will supply you with a cloth bag to store your diamonds in, which is an acceptable form of storage.  Jewelry boxes can also be used, but you must be careful not to have too many pieces of jewelry with the diamonds as this can cause damage.  If you are storing diamond necklaces or bracelets, its best to hang them up verses bunching them as this can cause damage too.

For long-term diamond storage, it is best to use a safe deposit box or vault.  The dry conditions of the vault or safety box will keep your diamonds in good condition.  Again,  you want to make sure you wrap each diamond piece with a lint free cloth.  If the diamond however has other gems with it, make sure you keep them in a temperature controlled environment, as gems such as opals and emeralds are very sensitive to temperature and can get damaged.  It’s always a good idea to inspect your diamonds often and make sure they are intact.  You can use a moist cloth for cleaning. 

By following these storage tips for storing your diamonds, your precious jewels should remain intact and shine for a very long time.

Kitchen cabinets can be a major source of frustration if they are not properly organized, but on the other hand, a kitchen with sensible storage solutions can be a highly efficient machine. There are a number of different kitchen cabinet storage solutions that can make getting organized easier, but the type of storage you can use depends on how your kitchen is built. Whether you are looking for new storage for existing cabinets, planning a remodel for your kitchen, or even building a house from the ground up, having the right solutions for kitchen storage is important. Here, we’ll go over a few of the different types of kitchen storage systems so you can decide which is right for you.

Kitchen cabinet storage systems can be built into virtually anything, from drawers to shelves to counters. Thus, knowing where you need additional storage and organization in your kitchen is a big help in deciding where to put these systems. For example, if you find that you need more space in cabinets, common solutions would include a lazy susan, door-mounted organizers, dividers, and base cabinet organizers. Lazy susans are essentially surfaces that rotate, allowing you to reach things in the back without moving objects out of the way.

Door mounted kitchen cabinet storage organizers are hung from the back of cabinet doors, so that when the door is opened they are facing out. While they do take up space in the cabinet’s interior, having an additional shelving system on the door allows you to reach twice the number of objects inside the cabinet. Base cabinet organizers are basically sliding racks that come out of the cabinet, with different levels available for varying sizes of pots, pans, and so on. Cabinets can also be converted into various other kitchen devices, such as pull-out waste disposal bins and baskets for storing large numbers of vegetables.

Kitchen cabinet storage devices can help make things a lot easier around the kitchen, and with a combination of helpful kitchen storage units you can turn a cluttered, inefficient kitchen into a chef’s best friend. Obviously, it is easier to put together kitchen cabinets and their corresponding storage units if you are building a fresh setup, but it is also possible to convert existing cabinets using everyday hardware supplies. Some types of storage are easier to install than others, however, so bear in mind the type of storage you are using.

Storing potatoes isn’t like storing household goods but there are some rules to follow to ensure proper potato storage.  Potatoes can be stored for months if you care for your potatoes properly.

First, make sure your potatoes are storage worthy by inspecting them for soft spots, sprouts, and green or black spots so you can remove them from the group.  You can either cut out the affected area and use the potato immediately or discard.  When storing potatoes; do not wash them first.  They can sprout, mold, and rot faster.   Once you have removed the “bad” potatoes from the storage lot you should follow these rules for storing potatoes.  Stored potatoes need ventilation so don’t store in airtight bags or bins.  Burlap bags or other ventilated vessels work best.

Potatoes should be stored in a cool (around 50°F), dark and not to dry (around 65°rh) of environment.  Don’t store uncooked potatoes in a refrigerator because it turns the starch to sugar causing them to become sweet and turn black when you cook them.  Most of us don’t have root cellars any more but basements usually work well for storing potatoes.

One way to help keep moisture away from your stored potatoes is to surround the potatoes with rice as it will absorb moisture and extend the potatoes storage life.  Inspect the stored potatoes once a week or so to remove any bad potatoes from the lot if you come across any bad potatoes from the lot.  If you come across any potatoes that have turned green all over, discard them as they have developed alkaloids and are toxic.  Don’t store potatoes with onions as both release gases that when combined expedite the rotting process for both.

If you get your potatoes from your own garden, look into peppermint or clove oil to retard sprouting.  If your potatoes are commercially grown they probably already have a chemical called chlorophram applied to achieve sprout inhibiting.

Hope these help you in storing your potatoes correctly.

When new neighbors move in its only human to try and be civil and kind to them, but sometimes they can take advantage of you. There are some things that neighbors do that can just annoy and infuriate you, yet you may struggle to do anything about it due to being nervous, or just not wanting to have that awkward conversation.

1. Loud Music

For most people getting to sleep means dead silence, and the sound of music can be incredibly irritating.  Usually its the bass notes which come through the floors and walls and are apparent even if the music isn’t very loud.  The more you try to not pay attention to it, the worst it gets.  Some advice for this (if you feel too awkward to go tell them to turn it down) can be to try some white noise, like music, or even a loud fan to drift off to sleep.

2. Walking Around Naked

For some people clothing in their own home is optional.  The freedom of nudity feels fantastic them, and they are not ashamed of what they harbor underneath their clothes.  Yet, others might think differently.  Some neighbors walk around naked without a thought of putting shades up, letting the whole world in on the show.  This could be a positive for those peeping toms out there, but it kinda like a nude beach, most people just are not pretty to look at naked.

As Jerry said, “There’s good naked and bad naked.”

3.Barking Dog

Here’s another noise one.  The dog that just will not stop barking.  It’s always late at night when they decide to do this.  The barking is pretty continuous, but at some points there is a pause when you think that they might stop and when you finally relax and begin to drift off to sleep, it begins again.

Many sitcoms have done this but again everything relates to Seinfeld. As Elaine has to deal with a barking dog outside her apartment she does what many might imagine themselves doing.

4. Arguments That Can be Overheard

Your there minding your own business watching TV and trying to unwind after your day, then suddenly you hear some yelling.  You may try to focus on the TV but its hard to do as he can hear exactly what the couple next store is arguing about.  Dishes may be thrown and broken and the fights are just ridiculous sometimes.  But you can’t help but listen to these arguments.

Maybe it would be best to bang on the wall and tell them to get a divorce already, because no matter how much they fight they just won’t end it.

Will Ferrell displays this perfectly.

5. Nosey Neighbors

You just wanna come outside and get your mail, you’re not in the mood for meaningless chit-chit.  Yet, some people just want to talk to you, and you don’t wanna be a jerk cause when your on vacation and your house is on fire you want that neighbor to just shrug and say “Let it burn.”  So you gotta be friendly, but its annoying.  Unless you know your neighbor personally the best bet is to just leave them alone as most people just do not give a crap and don’t wanna have mindless small talk.

“Nice weather we’re having eh?”

“I see you just got back from the market.”

“I just stopped by for some sugar…my lord!”

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Looking for Storage Tips?

Most of us have things that we would love to put into storage rather than throw it out. This is even more obvious in the middle of a move to a new home. There are many options available to storage, from packing everything away in your garage to renting space in a self storage. Regardless, the tips in this guide should make your move a Breeze!

Storage Tips for the Home

1. Make sure you clear out all food and perishables from the boxes and furniture prior to packing.
2. Use Protective Covers and make sure all wood surfaces are treated prior to putting it away in storage.
3. Make sure all kitchen utensils are packed together and wrapped in bubble wrap. Fill the box completely and mark the box properly with the area it came from such as “Kitchen” or “Garage”
4. If your storing fragile heirlooms, make sure you pack them in specially constructed boxes, such as Wardrobe boxes.
5.If your storing your car, auto or RV try these Storage Tips. Make sure the tires are elevated off the ground and all fluids in the car are topped off. For boats, make sure they’re out of the water. Indoor storage is always the best, however if you must leave the vehicle outdoors then make sure it’s covered with a thick cover or tarp.
6. Animals love Cars. Any vehicle that you leave out in the open will soon be a home to critters. It’s difficult to seal every hole in the car, however the noticeable ones such as the tailpipe should do the trick.