Summer Adventures: Spring Cleaning Tips for a Sparkling RV

The summer road trip season is approaching quickly. It’s time to prepare your RV for months of exciting adventures with a thorough spring cleaning.

Spring cleaning is about more than having a scrubbed and shiny RV. It’s about taking care of your vehicle’s interior as well as its exterior. Your RV is an investment that you want to enjoy for many more years. Keeping it in top condition requires regular maintenance, a thorough annual cleaning, and secure storage.

Safely storing your RV in the off-season is as important as regular care. Central Texas’ 5 Star Boat and RV Storage, a Trusted Self Storage location, is your premier self storage solution. At 5 Star Boat and RV, you never have to worry. Your home away from home is safe and protected whether you choose covered, uncovered, or enclosed RV storage.

Trusted Self Storage Helps you with Exterior Cleaning of your Boat and RV

Exterior Cleaning

If your RV was stored in the open, it may have gathered dirt and debris during the off-season. Using your motorhome during the winter is especially hard on the exterior. It will be covered in road grime and ice removal chemicals. In any case, here are several tips to get the exterior shining for the upcoming season.

Wash the Exterior
Head to an RV wash at least once every season. Cleaning the exterior protects the paint and prevents damage from corrosive chemicals and salt used for snow removal. In addition, getting your RV thoroughly washed makes it easier to see any developing paint damage or cracks in the roofing.

If you’re planning to handwash your RV exterior rather than taking it to an RV wash, use the right tools. Many products are available that make scrubbing your RV quick and easy. Cleaning products and brushes specifically designed for RVs will help you finish the job with less time and effort.

Polish Glass
Polish the exterior of each window, windshield, and cab windows. Clean the mirrors and backup cameras to ensure a safe view.

Clean Exterior Compartments
When you store camping gear and extra tools in your exterior storage compartments, dirt and grime can accumulate in those areas. Remove everything and give that space a thorough cleaning. When you’re finished, reorganize your clean space.

Interior Cleaning
Your RV is your home away from home and you’ll want to keep it as tidy as your living space. A thorough spring cleaning will refresh your mobile home and provide a more enjoyable travel experience.

Declutter
Any type of cleaning starts with decluttering. Pull everything out of your RV and re-organize these items following the same strategy you use in your home. Separate the items into three categories: Keep, Discard, and Donate.

This will allow you to re-evaluate your need for each item. The less clutter you return to your RV, the less you’ll have to deal with the next time you clean.

It’s a good idea to lease a self storage unit for the items you’re not keeping. This way they’re not taking up space in your home or your RV, and you can deal with them later.

RV Specific Cleaning Tools and Products
Using the right tools makes any job easier. Cleaning products and brushes specifically designed for RVs will help you finish in less time with less effort. Explore different brands and check with your dealer to determine what works best.

Deep Clean the Kitchen
If your RV has a kitchen, it’s essential to clean the insides of cabinets and drawers and disinfect cooking surfaces and countertops. Food residue that is left behind will attract rodents and insects. Spoiled food can also develop mold that will lead to unpleasant odors.

Clean the refrigerator and freezer, checking for signs of mold. Remove expired food, and wipe down the shelves.

Deep Clean the Bathroom
Other spaces that need attention are the bathrooms in your RV. Clean them thoroughly with a disinfectant that will eliminate surface germs.

Wipe down the interior of bathroom drawers and cabinets, and check that your plumbing is operational. As with the kitchen, keep an eye out for mold.

Living Spaces and Bedrooms
After the kitchen and bathrooms, it’s time to tackle living spaces and bedrooms. Wipe down surfaces that may have accumulated dust. Use high-quality polish for wood surfaces.

Refresh Floors
Carpets and flooring are one of the grimiest areas in your mobile home. Follow a rigorous vacuuming with steam cleaning the carpets and mopping hard floors.

Air Quality
To keep the air in your interior spaces fresh and safe, your air filters should be changed every 90 days. An air purifier will refresh your air on an ongoing basis by removing dust, mold spores, pet smells, and cooking odors.

Check Safety Equipment
Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers should be in good working order. Check batteries and replace equipment as necessary.

Final Touches
Polish interior windows and mirrors. Install air fresheners and add comfy pillows and decorative decor to fill your space with warmth and personality.

Conclusion

Spring cleaning revives your RV and sets the stage for a great year of travel. Whether you’re drawn to the thrill of new adventures or relaxing in a familiar RV park, a refreshed mobile home will give you a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.

How Your Restaurant Can Benefit from Self Storage

It’s been a long, difficult year for restaurant owners. The pandemic and the post-pandemic environment have created unexpected challenges, and many proprietors have had to permanently close their businesses. Lengthy forced lockdowns, followed by the inability to attract employees, have added to their problems. The good news is that they were able to solve some of their issues by leasing safe, affordable self storage.

Restarauanteurs were able to protect their valuables by storing items that were particularly vulnerable to break-ins and deterioration. Secure, climate-controlled units are up to the task of protecting everything from wine and liquor to kitchen and office equipment. 

Fortunately, restaurants are reopening and business is brisk. People are happy to return to the normality of spending time in their favorite bars and eateries. No one, of course, is happier than the restaurant owners themselves. They can return to the business of providing for themselves and their families and serving happy customers. Self storage, nevertheless, is still a much-needed solution for owners who have little on-site storage space.  

 

Self Storage: A Restaurant Owner’s Solution

If you own a restaurant and haven’t yet considered the benefits of self-storage, you should consider leasing a unit. There are so many great facilities available that you may want to read How to Choose the Right Self Storage Facility for Your Needs. This article provides some tips and tricks on finding the right self storage facility for your restaurant business. 

In the meantime, here are a few suggestions as to how your business can benefit from self storage.

 

Seasonal Furniture

If your restaurant features an outside space, you probably use it only for certain months. Being located in an area with severe winters, or uncomfortably hot, humid summers, you may benefit from storing that outdoor furniture for part of the year. You’ll get more years and more use out of furniture that’s protected from temperature extremes.

Holiday Decorations

Restaurants celebrate the holidays the same way that homeowners do – with lots of decorations. Lights, garlands, Christmas trees, and other items seem to accumulate over the years. If you cater to weddings or other large events, you’re faced with an even larger volume of decorations. When these items are not being used, it’s convenient to be able to store them away from spaces already overcrowded with restaurant supplies. 

Supplies and Equipment

Speaking of restaurant supplies, most restaurants have an overflow of dishes, flatware, linens,  and serving pieces that they don’t use every day. Breakable items are damaged and lost every day, so you need a sizable backup of these items. Being able to purchase in bulk when prices are low is an advantage to any restaurant owner. Self storage gives you a place to stash these things until they’re needed.

Food storage for restaurants.

Wine and Liquor

For most alcoholic beverages, including beer and various liquors, it’s crucial that the storage area be kept at an ideal temperature. When searching for a place to store your wine, look for a reputable, secure, climate-controlled facility with an appropriately sized space for the number of bottles you’re storing. If the unit is suitable for wine, your other alcoholic beverages should be safe. Spend some time discussing options with your self storage professional. 

Spices, Canned Goods

Typically, self-storage facilities prohibit food storage. If you do make an arrangement to store certain items used in food prep, the best way to protect all of these items is with climate-controlled storage. You can save money by purchasing these products in bulk. When you’re packing these items for storage, be sure to use plastic crates and bins and keep them on restaurant-quality shelving above the floor. 

Catering Services

If your business provides outside catering, you’ll probably want to store those supplies separately. Leasing a separate self storage unit for chafing dishes, steam table pans, crocks, and transport supplies is your best option. These items require considerable space, and you don’t want the confusion of storing them with your restaurant supplies and equipment.

Vehicle Storage

A catering service requires trucks or vans for transport. If you don’t have parking space at your restaurant or elsewhere, most self storage facilities offer either outdoor or enclosed parking. You can get details from your self storage facility manager.

 

Conclusion

Evaluate your business to determine whether or not self storage is a good solution for you. Most facilities offer month-to-month leasing, so you won’t have to worry about a long-term commitment. Another advantage is that self storage is scalable. If your business grows you can lease a larger unit. If you have to downsize, no problem. It’s that simple.  If it looks like your restaurant can benefit from self storage, find a facility that is a good fit for your needs and discuss your options with the manager. Having secure, affordable self storage will solve your space problem and make your life a little bit less complicated. 

How To Prepare Your Boat for Both Summer and Winter Self Storage

Boating is the ultimate recreation for people who love the water and water sports. It’s fun, relaxing and an enjoyable family activity. However, boat maintenance and self storage takes time and energy. One of the biggest problems for boat owners, is properly storing their boat. Winter storage is critical for those living in a climate where temperatures fall below freezing.

On the other hand, storing a boat during the summer months can be important even if you’re using it only on weekends and holidays. Your boat can be permanently ruined if it’s stored improperly. Storing a boat correctly is not only necessary in the winter, but also during the summer.

Boat Storage Prep

Here are some tips to help you get your boat prepared for storage. Some extra work now will have your boat in pristine condition and waiting for you when your ready to enjoy the water.

Uncovered boat next to boat covered with tarp.

Get Your Boat Ready for Summer Self Storage

If you use your boat only sporadically during the summer, it should be stored properly when not in use. To keep your boat in the best condition and prevent mold and mildew, consider climate-controlled storage. You don’t want to incur damage or deterioration due to  high temperatures or humidity.

Here are some steps to consider for summer storage:

  • Keep the Trailer in Good Shape

The tires should be properly inflated, and check that the safety lights and wires are in good working condition.

  • Clean the Hull and Deck

Even though you’re not storing your boat for an entire season, you want it clean and free of trash and debris when you’re ready to use it again. Wash off the outside of the boat with a garden hose or sprayer.

  • Do a Quick Check for Damage

Check for any damage on the hull and motor. A small problem now that may lead to a large repair bill later can be corrected.

  • Be Sure Your Gear is Properly Stowed

All of your gear should be in good condition and correctly stored. Life jackets, fire extinguishers, first aid kits and flares should be checked for expiration dates and, if necessary, replaced.

  • Cover Your Boat

High temperatures and humidity are hard on a boat. When storing your boat during the summer, use a tough, plastic woven shade cover that will inhibit mold, rust, and fading.

 

Get Your Boat Ready for Winter Storage

It can be very costly to store your boat at the marina for the winter months or when you’re unable to use it for an extended period of time. Trying to store it at home is inconvenient and can be a security risk. It takes up space in your driveway or elsewhere on your property and is exposed to theft and vandalism.

A better solution would be to store your boat in a conventional storage unit that has sufficient space for your boat and trailer, or a secure outdoor parking area. Your jet skis, kayaks, and canoes can be stored right along with your boat. Storing with us is far less hassle for you and a safe, secure option for all your watercraft.

Follow these tips for safe winter storage:

  • Clean the Hull and Deck

You’ll be storing your boat for an entire season. You want it clean and free of last

summer’s trash when you’re ready to put it in the water next summer.

  • Add a Fuel Stabilizer and Fill the Tank

Condensation can form in an empty gas tank, causing corrosion or worse if the moisture

freezes. Fuel stabilizer will prevent this from happening and your fuel will be ready to go

when you are.

  • Change the Oil

Water or acids that have gotten into your oil can corrode the engine. Change the filter

and flush it out so that no water remains. Then, add new oil.

  • Refresh the Coolant System

Drain the current coolant, flush with water, and fill with fresh antifreeze. Make sure

you’ve diluted the antifreeze to specification. This will protect your engine from freezing

and corrosion.

  • Disconnect the Battery

Don’t allow your battery to drain over the winter. Disconnect it and top it off with

distilled water. Charge it periodically to make sure it’s ready to go when you hook it

back up to your boat.

  • Grease the Steering Mechanism

Grease the steering and control mechanisms so that they will be moving smoothly when

it’s time to take the boat out again.

  • Remove the Drive Belts

Before storing your boat, loosen or remove the drive belts. They may crack under the

stress of being kept under tension for long periods of time.

  • Maintain the Interior of Your Boat

If you have electronics in your boat, they are vulnerable to extreme cold and moisture.

Remove them prior to storage. Leather, canvas, and any other organic fabrics should be

removed to prevent mold and mildew. Empty the water tanks and run antifreeze through

the pipes.

  • Wash and Wax the Exterior

Cover the body of your boat with wax. This will prevent rust from corroding your boat’s

exterior and is particularly important if you are storing your boat outside.

  • Use A Cover

A cover is not merely an accessory, it is a necessity. A cover can be a significant investment, but it will protect your

boat from moisture, mold, fading, cracking and animals as well as being a theft deterrent.   

 

Here at Trusted Self Storage we can offer you a convenient, affordable, and secure facility to not only store, but protect your watercraft.  Any one of our friendly, knowledgeable staff will be happy to discuss your boat storage options.

 

Self Storage Warehousing Solutions

Does your business have requirements that your basement, spare room, or standard size self storage units can’t handle? If you need warehouse-sized space without the warehouse-sized costs, there are self storage facilities available that can accommodate your needs.

Here at Trusted Self Storage, we have the warehouse space you need without the costs of building your own warehouse or renting a space that is larger than necessary. It’s difficult enough to control expenses when you own a business, and you never know when you’ll have to move due to expansion or other unforeseen events.  

 

Three reasons to rent self-storage space instead of commercial warehouse space.

  1. Commercial warehouse space is more expensive than self-storage.

Commercial warehouse space is almost always more expensive per square foot than self-storage. Specialized spaces make sense for some businesses, but whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been in business for years, you need to think about controlling expenses.  

  1. Self-storage does not require a long-term contract.

A month-to-month lease gives you the freedom to cancel at any time. You may want to relocate to a more strategic location or a different sized space.

  1. Self-storage is scalable.

Leasing self-storage gives you the flexibility to add on as your business grows, or scale back if you face an unforeseen event, like the 2020 Covid pandemic. 

Man at storage warehouse.

 

Why is Warehousing Important to Your Business

When you-re choosing warehouse storage, look for a location that makes the most sense for your operations. For example, it should be easily accessible by your suppliers, with a loading dock for receiving and storing product. Another company might warehouse space in a more centralized location so that goods can be more conveniently received, shipped and distributed. 

 

Improved Order Processing

Customers expect excellent service and timely delivery. Any problems in this area are not your customer’s concern: there yours. Warehousing provides the space to enable you to stock product and ship when customers place they’re orders. You don’t need to fulfill orders from your production facility. You can warehouse enough stock for several months, reducing delivery delays. You wouldn’t want to lose a sale because you aren’t able to fill an order.

 

Extra Storage

Most companies manufacture product based on anticipation of demand. You may have storage at your production site, but that space can quickly become exhausted. A warehouse space is great for storing the extra goods that customers don’t need immediately.

 

Monitor Seasonal Growth

A warehouse gives you the space to take advantage of consumer trends. You can scale your operations and stock up on inventory for peak Christmas and holiday shopping seasons. With self storage warehouse space, this won’t lead to major cost increases.

 

Risk Management

If you store your products in your warehouse, you can release them to the market when demand exceeds immediate supply and production. This way you can avoid volatile price fluctuations. For perishable products, cold storage and refrigeration can be used to avoid spoilage. Refrigeration may cost a bit more, but will be worth the savings. Another factor to consider is that your goods are insured against damage or loss due to fire or theft. 

 

Conclusion

As a business owner, self storage warehousing is your solution. It will enable you to control expenses, provide leasing flexibility, and allow you to scale your business based on growth. 

Quick Tips to Winterize Your Storage Unit

It’s mid-September, which means it’s still hot in many locations, but the cool weather is right around the corner. It’s time to think about retrieving those holiday decorations, cozy sweaters, and comforters. Perhaps you take a winter vacation and need to pick up your ski equipment and snow boards. Or, maybe you just want to remove and protect the clutter in your backyard so that you can free up space in the garage.

While you’re busy grabbing your winter items and storing those barbecue grills and pool toys, maybe you should think about a quick cleaning and winterizing of your storage unit. You’re probably thinking that it wasn’t so long ago that you gave you’re unit a good spring cleaning. That’s probably true, and since you were so diligent with your decluttering and reorganizing, winterizing should be easy. 

 

Winterizing Tips

  • Get a Jump on Winter Storage

Finish this task while the weather is still warm and sunny. Loading and unloading is just not fun in chilly, rainy weather.

  • Dry Your Summer Items

Be sure your summer items are completely dry prior to storing them. Pool toys and rafts should be completely drained and dry. Patio cushions should be clean and wrapped in sheets to maintain their condition, and patio furniture should be cleaned and thoroughly dried.

  • Check for Water

While you’re moving items in and out of the unit, do a quick interior and exterior check for water leaks.

  • Sweep Your Unit

Give your unit a quick sweep and dusting if necessary. If you did a thorough spring cleaning, there shouldn’t be much dust or debris.

  • Check Containers

If your storage containers are damaged or cracking, low temperatures can cause further deterioration. Replace them.

  • Wrap Your Belongings

You can’t add insulation to your storage unit, but you can protect your belongings from the cold by wrapping them securely in paper or fabric.

  • Use a Weatherproof Lock

If you have an exterior unit, you might consider a weatherproof lock. You probably have a lock, but all locks are not the same. In extreme conditions some locks can freeze, not only causing a major inconvenience but compromising the security of the lock.

  • Check Electronics

Be sure to remove batteries to prevent freezing and corrosion.

  • Protect Your Vehicles

Winterizing is crucial to protect your vehicles. Not only your cars, but your boats and RVs need to be properly winterized to maintain their condition. Whether you’re using interior, covered, or uncovered storage, drain fluids, remove batteries, and clean thoroughly. Don’t forget protective covers, but avoid plastic because it traps moisture resulting in mold. A better choice is a natural fabric like wool or cotton.

If you have questions or concerns about getting your unit ready for winter, always ask your self-storage facility managers. They are always willing to help and address your concerns. Happy winter!

 

Commercial Storage: Is it the Solution for Your Business?

Is your business running out of space? Are you shoving your extra inventory into corners and under desks? Are you beginning to wonder what to do with the piles of documents and extra equipment? Are you drowning in a sea of paper?

It’s not uncommon for a business to run out of space. Not having enough space is actually a good problem to have because it means your business is growing. Good problem or not, it needs a solution, and self storage provides that solution. With a much lower cost per square foot than commercial space, you will have the flexibility of month-to-month leasing and the selection of a broad range of types and sizes of units. Find a dependable, affordable, secure facility and your only concern will be driving profits. If you need some help locating the right facility to fit your needs, check our last blog, Choosing the Right Self-Storage Facility.

Businesses That Benefit From Self Storage

Small and Home Service Businesses

If your service business is based out of your own home, it can be overwhelming to try and find ample storage space for the parts, materials, and equipment that you need to keep your business running. If you own a general contracting, electrical, plumbing, or lawn care business, you may be required to rent flex space with a workshop. With drive-up access, security, and a variety of unit types and sizes, you can get everything you need from self storage at a much lower price.

Brick and Mortar Retail Businesses

Commercial space is expensive, and it’s difficult to maintain adequate inventory if your space is small. Without sufficient product, business will suffer and you’ll lose sales. A climate-controlled self-storage unit is your perfect solution. You will have no trouble finding the right sized space for your items. You can equip your unit with shelving, containers, and even garment racks. Keep your business attractive and uncluttered to give your customers a comfortable shopping experience.

E-Commerce Businesses

E-Commerce businesses can operate from home and store all inventory in a self-storage unit. Depending on your inventory, either a drive-up unit or an indoor climate-controlled unit can work. Find a secure facility so that your inventory is safe and protected.

Construction Businesses

Construction businesses typically use heavy-duty vehicles as well as tools and supplies. Large, cumbersome construction vehicles require both space and security. Are you forced to park your vehicle in a less than secure location because you have no other options? Most self-storage facilities can easily provide secure parking for many of your large trucks and trailers and almost any type of equipment that you don’t use on a daily basis. Parking your vehicles at a storage facility will allow you to clean up your parking area, and give your business the curb appeal it deserves.

Home Staging Business

If your business is staging homes for sale, you know that homeowners are reluctant to spend extra money to change the style of their decor to attract potential buyers. Your perfect solution is a climate-controlled self storage unit to hold the furniture and accessories that homeowners can use to make a home appealing to prospects. As your business expands, you can rent a larger unit; and, you can use your unit, or rent additional space to store the seller’s original furniture until the house is sold.

Interior Designers

As a designer, you ideally like to use your office space as a showroom. To prevent clutter and present a well-designed studio look in your space, self storage is the answer. A drive-up unit is best if you have frequent furniture deliveries. For even more convenience and less worry, find a storage facility that will accept deliveries for you.

Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Sales Reps

Sales reps for pharmaceutical and medical supply companies frequently use self storage because they need to protect and preserve their products. Climate-controlled indoor units with exceptional security are a must when storing drug samples and medical supplies. Another amenity to look for is delivery acceptance. You can have your product sent directly to the facility and store it at your convenience.

Self-storage is a major advantage to many businesses. It provides the space you need and the security and convenience that you want, while keeping your residential and office space free for their intended uses.

 

Use climate controlled storage units to protect your furniture

Knowing how to correctly store furniture in a storage unit can ensure that you keep your furniture for generations.  It does take a bit of work to store furniture properly, but the extra effort will be more than worth it.

Whether they are priceless antiques or inexpensive chairs that will eventually be moved to your child’s dorm room, you will want to protect every piece.

Why Choose Climate Controlled Furniture Storage?

If you’re going through a life transition and need to store furniture, give serious thought to using climate-controlled storage. Protection from the elements is paramount, and climate control will ensure that your pieces stay safe from humidity and fluctuating temperatures.  Wood furniture, antiques, fabrics, and leather will do best in a climate-controlled of unit.

The following common-sense tips will help you preserve and store your furniture, regardless of material.

  1. Be Sure that Everything is Clean and Dry
    • For wood or plastic furniture, use a mild soap and water.  For your more valuable wood pieces, especially antiques, use a wood cleaner like Murphy’s Oil Soap to protect the finish.  Dry thoroughly.
    • Clean fabric pieces with fabric or upholstery cleaner.  Be sure that all items are dry prior to wrapping and packing.
    • Polish any metal areas with metal cleaner and a polishing cloth to remove existing oxidation and delay the buildup of tarnish.
    • Do not leave old or dirty items in drawers.  This will significantly cut down on the chances of dust or mold in your storage space.
  2. Disassemble Anything that You Can
    • To reduce the likelihood of breakage during moving and storage, take apart as much furniture as you can.  This may not be possible with some of the larger pieces, but desks, bookshelves, tables, and chairs should be simple to take apart.
    • Place all screws, bolts, and Allen wrenches in labeled baggies, taped inside of the piece to which they belong.
    • Remember to tape on the inside and not on a finished surface, as tape can leave marks or residue on fine finishes.
  3. Carefully Wrap Furniture
    • If for some reason you are unable to find a climate-controlled space in your area, be sure to cover the floor with plastic sheeting to prevent moisture from seeping into your furniture.  If you’re in a climate-controlled space, humidity will not be an issue.
    • In any event, never leave furniture in your space uncovered.  Wrap furniture so that it can breathe. Sheets, furniture blankets, or fabric drop cloths should be draped loosely over your furniture to protect your pieces from dust.  Avoid plastic covers. Even in a climate-controlled unit, they can cause a build up of condensation and eventual swelling and damage to finishes.
  4. Take Extra Precautions with Glass
    • Begin by wrapping glass tabletops and mirrors with packing paper. Don’t stick tape directly on glass as it will leave a sticky residue that will be difficult to clean later.
    • After these pieces are securely wrapped in paper, cover with plenty of bubble wrap and enclose in a long, wide, flat box for an extra layer of security.  Picture and TV boxes are great for this.
  5. Raise Furniture Off the Floor
    • Avoid putting furniture directly on the floor, especially valuable antiques and delicate upholstery.
    • Add an extra layer of protection against flood damage by using pallets or cinder blocks.
  6. Don’t Overcrowd
    • The more you try to cram into a space, the greater your chances of breaking, bending, or otherwise damaging your items.
    • After you’ve chosen a reputable, secure facility to store your furniture, ask a staff member to help you choose an appropriate size unit.  Take a few moments to organize your unit for ease of access.
    • Store furniture logically, starting with the largest pieces in the back and finishing with the small pieces and boxes in the front.
    • Allow adequate access to the back and sides of your unit.  Keep your space clean and decluttered.

Preparing and storing furniture may be time consuming but does not have to be complicated.  Some extra time now, will save a lot of hassle later.

More on climate-controlled storage coming soon!

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