traditional or valet storage

Traditional Storage or Valet Storage? Which is Best Option for You?

There are many options when it comes to storage, but how do you know which is for you? Not only is choosing the right location now important, but choosing the right type for your needs is now a decision that you have to make.  Valet storage is becoming more popular in urban markets. Valet storage may be seem convenient for pick up and delivery, but if you need access to your items, it may not be the right choice for you.   Below we dive into the pros and cons of traditional storage versus valet storage.  Use the infographic to help decide which option is best for you.  If traditional storage is the right option for you, we’re here for you! Rent your unit today!

Traditional storage or valet storage? What is best option for you?

traditional or valet storage

Downsizing-Storage-Tips

Downsizing Storage Tips

With our downsizing storage tips, you can become a downsizing pro. Whether you are moving or just reorganizing, downsizing can be tough. Sometimes letting go of items is not the easiest, but if your belonging is damaged or irreparable, it may be time to recycle or trash it.  If you have not used an item in the last year, it may be time to donate it. Storing your items that are sentimental, valuable, or seasonal is also an option. Stop by the office today—we are here for your storing needs!

Just a few of the tips listed below include storing frequently used items in the front of your unit, packing items closer together to keep moisture out, and using uniform size boxes for easy stacking. Read on for even more helpful tips!

Downsizing-Storage-Tips

Choosing A Moving Company

Choosing A Moving Company

Choosing A Moving CompanyMoving is stressful occurrence, but choosing the right moving company can help ease the worry. A moving company will make the process easier on you and your family. Finding a moving company that you can trust is essential.  Follow the below tips when choosing a moving company to make sure you find the one that fits your needs:

 

  • Make sure you feel absolutely comfortable with whatever moving company you end up using. This is the most important tip!
  • Don’t wait until last minute to research the companies. This will make the process very exhausting and rushed.
  • Look around a few different places for moving companies. Ask friends, ask storage facilities, google the area, and check Angie’s List.

 

Packing your belongings is always part of the process when moving. The last thing you want to happen when you arrive at your new location is to have broken or damaged belongings.  Below are moving tips to make sure your belongings arrive safely at their new home and to make the process easier:

 

  • Label boxes with a sharpie or sticker labels. When you begin unpacking in your new home, you will find your belongings much easier!
  • Along with labeling boxes, it can help to add what room they belong in.

 

college storage

How to Prepare for College Storage

college storage

 

Do you have a place to store all of your dorm items? We have college storage options! Renting a storage unit near school not only makes getting ready for next year easy, but it also helps keep your belongings secure and in great condition! Storing all of your dorm items, such as linens, a mattress, and various dorm furniture, becomes a breeze. All of your items are then ready when you start next semester! Check out the tips below to prepare for college storage over the summer:

 

  • Wrap fragile items with bubble wrap and packing material. This will help keep them safe and secure until you need them.
  • Ask about student discounts on moving and packing supplies. Just bring your student ID with you and ask the property manager!
  • Make sure you have plenty of storage supplies: bubble wrap, boxes, bags, totes, etc.
  • When storing bedding or clothing, garbage bags make better use of space than a box. They can fit in tight spaces and keep items protected.
  • Always use a cover for your mattress and box spring. This will prevent any dirt from reaching it and keep it in great shape.

 

college storage

 

When you are looking for a place to store your dorm items, keep us in mind for college storage! We can help make your transition to and from college easier.

storage preparedness

Preparing if Disaster Strikes

preparing if disaster strikes

 

If an unexpected disaster occurs are you prepared? Natural disasters can occur in various forms and at any time. While you cannot predict everything, there are measures that can minimize the damage that incurs. We have five tips to help prepare you and your storage unit in case of disaster.

Have a protection plan for your storage unit

  • Our facility offers a protection plan that is designed to cover financial losses of items damaged in natural disasters. Plans can be purchased at our office and can be added into your monthly rent.  Do not assume the property’s insurance covers your goods, you are responsible for the protection of your stored goods. For information on protection for your stored goods, please see store manager.

Have an evacuation plan

  • Be sure to know routes on how to get to a safe spot during a disaster.  Have a planned meeting stop for family and friends.

Line the floor of the unit                       

  • Place a dust cover or tarp on the floor of your unit before putting items into your unit.  This protects them from any incidental damage and creates a barrier between the concrete floor and your items.

Keep any important documents with you

  • Documents such as birth certificates, passports, identification cards or anything that needs to be easily accessible should be kept with you or in safe in your residence.

Have emergency light sources 

  • Keep a flashlight or lantern right at your residence, in your car and also inside your unit. If power goes out, make sure you have battery backups for any lighting sources as well.  If a visit to your unit during a disaster is necessary, you will want to be able to see in your unit.

storage preparedness

Being prepared minimizes the possible damage that can occur. If you need more tips or information for how to store in your unit, please stop by the office or see our other blogs.

(sources: ready.gov)

How to Store: Storing Tips

After choosing the right storage facility that fits your needs, it is essential that you pack your belongings in the storage unit correctly.  We care about your belongings. Here are storage tips to consider for preventing damage and how to pack your unit:

  • Use quality boxes and always pack them completely so they don’t collapse when stacked.
  • Number or label boxes for easy identification.
  • Place a protection barrier between concrete floor and your belongings. protection-barrier-final
  • Leave air space between items and the walls for ventilation.
  • Clean all appliances thoroughly before storing them.
  • Place items you are going to access the most in the front of the unit, and the ones you will never need during your stay, in the rear of the unit.
  • For security purposes, place the most valuable items at the back of the storage unit.
  • Shelving helps to maximize the access of your items.
  • Make sure you secure your unit with a superior lock.
  • Be sure everything you pack is clean and dry to prevent mold and mildew.
  • Always put the heavy items on the bottom and light or awkward items on the top.aisle-blur
  • Do not store perishables, such as food.
  • Do not store flammable items such as fireworks or gasoline.
  • Visit your unit periodically to check the condition of it and your possessions.
  • Sweep out the unit at times.
  • Thoroughly clean, disinfect and dry refrigerators, freezers, stoves and other appliances. Appliances with doors can be stored with the door slightly open, and some can be stacked on top of each other.
  • You want to make sure, if space allows, to leave an aisle for easy access to the items in the rear of the unit.
  • Be sure to clean and dry all electrical equipment before storing in your unit. ventilation
  • Retard rust by wiping down all types of metal surfaces before storing. Use a few drops of machine oil to lightly coat these items for preventing rust and possible deterioration in the storage unit.
  • Pack all books, files, and documents flat, and use bubble wrap or newspaper to fill any empty spaces in the boxes or totes.
  • Store clothing on hangers before folding them into cartons. Make sure all drapes, curtains, linens and clothing items are washed and dry, or dry cleaned to avoid attracting pests.
  • Use bubble wrap and other packing materials when storing dishes and glassware. Pack similar items in the same box and fill empty spaces with packing peanuts, bubble wrap or newspaper.
  • Disassemble furniture and place pieces on a corrugated cardboard mat or plastic sheet before placing on a pallet.
  • Stack lightweight chairs “seat to seat”, but avoid stacking other types of furniture on top of each other. Cover all upholstery with light cotton dust covers.
  • Wrap lamp bases in padding and store the lamp shade and base separately.
  • Holiday decorations can be stored in their original cartons. Wrap glass ornaments and other delicate items in bubble wrap or newspaper before storing in boxes or totes.
  • CDs, tapes, records and other music items can be stored in boxes or airtight cartons to prevent damage.
  • Cover computer screens and large televisions screens with dust covers and wrap in bubble wrap if you are storing these items next to furniture and other equipment.

Prohibited Storage Goods
Even though you alone control access to your storage space, there are some items that cannot be stored in your unit at any time. These include:

  • Live animals
  • Perishables
  • Liquids
  • Explosives
  • Flammable liquids and fuels
  • Toxic materials
  • Any items that need to be in a controlled environment

Download tips on how to pack your storage unit here.

Sources: Self Storage Association

 

Sources: Self Storage Association (SSA)

Storing Outdoor Gear

Tips for Storing Outdoor Gear

Storing Outdoor Gear

Don’t let your outdoor gear take up your precious space at home, save the space and keep it safe in a storage unit.

 

Not many people have an unlimited amount of space for storing outdoor gear and as we all know, once you get in the outdoor spirit it is hard to stop at just buying the basics. Before you know it, you have accumulated aisles 10-14 at the local sporting goods store. Have no fear, with the easy access of a storage unit close to home, you can have it all!

 

Have a yearly hunting trip that will require access to your gear in the wee hours of the morning? Remember to plan ahead and ask about access hours! Most facilities can offer you 24 hour access for a small fee. Ask about the possibility of 24 hour access if this does not already apply at your facility.

 

Kayak/Canoe

Be sure to check inside your kayak or canoe for small animals using it as shelter before storing them indoors.

 

Always cover your kayak or canoe even if it is stored inside to prevent bugs from getting inside and damaging any foam or rubber materials.

 

Low temperatures can potentially damage inflatable kayaks because of the material that they are made of.

 

If you can’t afford to buy a rack for your personal boat you should store it against a wall on its side.

 

Depending on how much gear you plan to store, your kayak or canoe would fit nicely in a 5×10 or 10×15 unit.

Storing Outdoor Gear

Camping Gear

Lay out all of your gear and organize it.

 

Take inventory of everything.

 

When storing outdoor gear, be sure to clean your items before storing-especially cooking gear to avoid any hungry critters.

 

Make sure tents, sleeping bags etc. are dry to avoid mold and mildew.

 

Label your boxes according to the contents.

 

When packing make sure you don’t over pack an item making it too heavy to lift.

 

Avoid storing propane tanks, lighter fluid and any other flammable materials in your unit.

 

Remove batteries from flashlights, GPS and headlamps to avoid any leakage or corrosion.  Store the batteries separately.

 

Follow these tips for storing outdoor gear and you will not only have more space in your home, but your gear will also be safe and secure!

 

organized

Keeping Your House Organized Room by Room

No one likes the thought of organizing rooms in your house. Cleaning up the living room, sorting items in the kitchen, or organizing the garage-all of these tasks can be time consuming or stressful. Let Trumbull Self Storage help you get started with some organization ideas and tips! We have prepared tips to help you organize your home room by room. Check them out below!

 

organized

 

Living Room

The living room is often the most used room in the house. Since it is frequently occupied, the living room can tend to accumulate papers or other clutter throughout the room. A wastebasket can help you avoid this issue, and if you get one that matches the theme of the room, it will just be extra décor. Things like magazines and papers can be organized with a file cabinet or dresser. To prevent toys from gathering throughout the room, make corners or specific areas into play locations. These locations can have bookcases or various bins to help keep toys organized. Most living rooms also have a coffee table, but few people realize they can use the space under it for storage. Rolling baskets or storage cubes are perfect for this. Finally, places like behind the sofa can make great storage spots if you hide a trunk or small storage bin there. These make the perfect spot to store blankets or pillows for guests.

 

Bedroom

Everyone knows that keeping a bedroom clutter free and organized is difficult. However, there are some tips that can help you stay on top of organization in your bedroom. Under the bed is a great place to add storage bins, since items tend to accumulate here anyway. This helps keep the items organized and easy to sort through. Since closets can often become messy, use a shoe rack to help organize items. Vertical storage, such as tall cabinets or shelving, are a great way to open up floor space while still adding storage. Finally, although it may sound odd, making your bed is a good way to keep your room organized. This helps to prevent you from storing items on it, all while making your room more organized and clean.

 

organized

 

Kitchen

From pots and pans to cooking ingredients, the kitchen can often be difficult to keep organized. Something as simple as a homemade pot rack can help to keep your cookware sorted and ready to use. By using a handrail and some “S” hooks, you can make your own pot rack. For cleaning items like gloves or sprays, a great spot for storage is under the sink. Small hook hangers make organization easy and keep wet items like gloves or towels hanging up to dry. Finally, spice racks or displays are a good way to not only add storage, but also add décor. You can use normal glass jars and decorate them to match your room.

 

Bathroom

Bathrooms are often the room everyone hates to tackle with cleaning or organizing. However, with a few tips and tricks, organizing your bathroom can be simple. Start by adding some over the toilet furniture to the room. This is a great spot to add storage since it doesn’t take up any extra room, and makes a great place to keep items like toilet paper and towels. If your shower or bath has lots of different shampoos or soaps, get a shower caddy or bin to keep them in. This not only keeps them organized, but also helps to prevent soap buildup on the surface. Adding a plastic storage bin under the sink is another great way to organize the bathroom. Use the bin to store hair and personal care products. This keeps them off the counter, making the room look much cleaner and stay that way!

 

organized

 

Garage

One major way to improve storage in a garage is to add wall storage. There is many ways to do this, such as various types of racks or hooks. Use the wall storage to hang tools like shovels or rakes and keep them out of the way while remaining organized. If you have a work bench in your garage, some cabinets or shelving near it can help to keep it uncluttered. Finally, ceiling storage is a great way to add space to a garage. Just like wall storage, there are many ways to do this. Some examples are platforms and storage hooks. Use this new space to store items that are large or bulky, such as ladders or bikes. With these tips, the garage will stay organized and clean!

 

Playroom

A playroom is often the most cluttered room in the house. Toys are a difficult thing to keep organized and sorted. You can start by re-using other items from various rooms in the house, such as laundry bins or hanging shoe organizers. These items make a great way to add storage to a playroom for items like stuffed animals or other toys like trucks. Clear storage bins are also a great way to add stacking storage. This helps kids know where to put toys away, and since they are clear, they can easily find the toys they are looking for. Storage that doubles as seating is another way to add efficient storage to the room. You can even build your own-a simple window bench with a lid on it keeps toys hidden while adding a place to sit or play. Follow these tips, and your playroom will remain clean and toys will be organized!

 

With these tips in mind, organizing rooms in your home should be a breeze! Check out our other blog posts for more tips and tricks about organizing and storing your items.

 

 

Toys-for-Tots-flyer

Give Back to Trumbull CT with Us!

This year we are doing a holiday project and are asking our tenants to participate. We love helping the community and hope that with our tenants’ help we can successfully pass along holiday cheer to other community members.

 

We have partnered with Toys for Tots this year. The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas presents to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will help them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens. We are collecting various new toys to donate to Toys for Tots. Check out the flyer below to see how you can help!

 

Trumbull CT

 

Trumbull CT

 

We love being part of this community and we hope that others will share in helping us give back to it this holiday season. Since we live and work in Trumbull CT, we want to make sure our impact on this community is a positive one. Stop by or call the office to see how you can help give back with us this holiday season!

Holiday-storage-tips-blog-graphic

Holiday Storage Tips

Holiday-storage-tips-blog-graphic

As the holidays are quickly approaching, now is the time to start planning. Whether you buy your presents early or are a last minute shopper, finding a good hiding place for gifts can be a challenge. A storage unit is the perfect spot! Hiding your gifts in a storage unit ensures that they will be safe and no one will find them before the holiday! Rent one to wrap and store your gifts today! Here are a few holiday storage tips to help you get ready.

 

Know gate hours

Unless you have prior arrangements confirmed with the manager, know the gate hours of your facility. If your gifts are being stored, you need to retrieve them from your unit during the designated hours. This also gives you time to plan ahead and have everything prepared for that special holiday tradition, including your gifts!

 

Organize items

Be sure to store your items in a fashion that allows you to efficiently and quickly gather your gifts to take back to your house. Here are some tips on organizing your gifts and making sure they are ready for storage:

-Re-use old boxes or containers

-Color code boxes, storage bins, or wrapping paper

-Label boxes with a smudge-proof marker

-Store same type of gifts together

-Store gifts for the same person together

-When storing light strings, wrap them around paper tubes from wrapping paper to prevent tangling

 

Protect gifts / decorations

Make sure your gifts stay safe by following these tips when choosing your unit and storing your presents:

-Keep climate control in mind

-Keep unit size in mind

-If storing fragile items, use bubble wrap / tissue paper

-Use leftover wrapping paper to further protect ornaments / decorations (shred it)

 

We’re here to help you during the holiday! Stop by today and rent a storage unit to get ready!