Self Storage – The Updated Plan to Hide Your Christmas Gifts

It’s the most wonderful time of the year again; time to shop, shop, shop, and shop.

Black Friday is the shopping kickoff, followed by Cyber Monday, and every day and night thereafter. After all of that shopping comes the challenge of trying to find hiding places for all of those presents. It’s harder than trying to find a parking space at the mall during the last week of Christmas. The big day finally arrives, and you can put the gifts under the tree (if you can find them).

To make sure you can find your gifts, you need an unfailing strategy. Did you ever, as a bleary-eyed, sleep-deprived parent, watch the kids opening gifts on Christmas morning? Suddenly you’re jolted awake by the realization that you forgot to put one or two of this year’s most coveted toys under the tree. You’ll never forget watching your child’s gleeful little face turn red and tearful while you frantically search every nook and cranny for those gifts. And then you have to explain why Santa got confused and didn’t leave them under the tree. Great start to a very long day.

Calm down; we can help. Trusted Self Storage is your Santa’s helper. Rent a convenient, secure, affordable self storage unit to use as ground zero for gifts. Our small sizes are perfect. You can use inexpensive shelving to keep the gifts off the ground, and you can even add a table to use for wrapping the presents. You don’t have to worry about making a long-term commitment to rent a unit, because we have flexible month-to-month leasing. 

Time to Party

Better yet, if you want to save money, rent a slightly larger unit and share with friends. You can use the space for gifts, and set up a wrapping station for everyone involved. Place a folding table with several tape dispensers and scissors in the unit. You can use it by yourself, or you can plan a wrapping party. Don’t forget the eggnog and snacks; you probably won’t get much done, but you’ll have fun! Wrapping paper, gift bags, and ribbon can be supplied by each renter.

Choose The Right Storage Facility

If you’re going to use storage to store your gifts you need to find a facility that is secure and convenient.

Location

At this time of year more than any other, you need to think about convenience. You’ll be stopping at the unit frequently, so you’ll need a facility in your neighborhood that is close to the places where you shop and run errands.

Security

Cost is an important factor, but it shouldn’t be your only consideration. Find a reputable company with state-of-the-art security. Look for video surveillance, perimeter fencing, security locks, and electronic keypad access. You’ll also want a friendly, knowledgeable management team that is willing to answer your questions, understand your needs, and show you around the property.

Delivery

As an additional advantage, many self-storage facilities accept deliveries. You can spend a day shopping on the internet and have all of your items shipped to your storage facility: the ultimate in convenience.

Climate Control

If you live in an area that’s subject to extreme temperature fluctuations, whether hot or cold, opting for a climate-controlled unit will be better for you and your gifts. If you plan to share with friends and spend time wrapping gifts in the unit, you want to be comfortable and you want your gifts to be protected from damage or humidity. 

Insurance

One last thought. Don’t forget to check with your insurance agent to verify that your gifts are covered under your homeowners’ or renters’ policy. If your policy does not cover these items, you can purchase insurance from your storage company.

You’ll be surprised at how much less stressful your life will be with your gifts hidden away from prying hands and spying eyes. Christmas morning will be the usual scene of happiness and bedlam, but no one will be crying (except maybe you because your exhausted and you still have to cook for 35 people). Merry Christmas!

 

Moving Day Tips and Tricks

Moving Day is so much fun…said nobody ever! There’s no getting around it. Moving and moving preparations are stressful. You need to plan, organize, and organize more.

No worries. You’re ready for this. You’ve read the Prepping for the Big Move article, arranged for a reputable moving company, diligently packed your belongings, placed items that you don’t need right away in convenient self-storage, made arrangements for kids and pets (if you have them), packed a basic “unpacking kit” and carefully completed your moving planner checklist.

Here are a few more tips to help you navigate the chaos:

Be dressed and ready to go when the movers arrive.

This seems obvious, but I know people who’ve welcomed the movers in their sleeping attire, and it’s not pretty. It’s very complicated to shower and dress while strange people are moving through your house like it’s the local Super Target. Even if you’re doing a DIY move, you still need to get an early start unless working all night is your thing.

Dress appropriately.

You already know that you’re not dressing for dinner at your favorite high-end restaurant, but don’t underestimate this suggestion. Make sure your clothing is comfortable, but not too loose fitting. Any clothing that has long ties or is over sized can get in your way or become caught on something and cause injury. A trip to the ER is a huge time waster.

Schedule kid and pet arrangements early in the morning.

If you have friends or family members watching kids and pets for the day, schedule pick-ups early in the morning. Get them out of the house while you’re still sane. Having little ones around can complicate a move, and it can be dangerous for them. Pets can also be a problem. Caring for them will give you an excuse to let everyone else do the dirty work, but that’s not really fair…or, is it??

Keep a running list of all the little things that must get done.

Last minute jobs have a way of piling up. Do you even remember the last time you cleaned out the refrigerator or dusted the ceiling fans? Don’t wait until the truck is on its way to frantically begin these tasks. A list will help you prioritize and make time to get these things done before you leave. If you’re into tech, there’s a great moving checklist app for your phone. 

Don’t forget your moving essentials/unpacking kit.

As the heading states these are “essential” to getting you through moving day and the following few days. Here is a list to get you started (not necessarily in order of importance).

  • Trash Bags
  • Box Cutter
  • Spray Cleaner and Cleaning Cloths
  • Cell-Phone Charger
  • Hand Soap
  • Toilet Paper
  • Paper Towels
  • Disposable Plates, Cups, Bowls, and Utensils
  • Towels for Each Family Member
  • Shower Curtain Liner
  • Toiletries
  • Pain Reliever
  • Grab and Go Snacks (Protein Bars, Nuts, Pre-Made Sandwiches)
  • Bottled Water

It’s also a good idea to designate someone to go for take-out at meal time. And, don’t forget the movers. They get hungry, too. Allow for extra snacks and drinks for them, and always include them in any take-out orders.

Have cash on hand to tip the movers.

Tipping isn’t required, but it is the gracious thing to do. Be sure to have cash on hand because, in this situation, you can’t tip by check or credit card. You will hear varying advice on this, because tips are generally based on the size and distance of the move. It’s best to do some research on tipping movers and base your decision on the level of service you receive from your moving guys. If they leave your king size mattress on the front porch, and you have to assemble your bed by yourself, forget the tip.

Do one final walk through.

You don’t want to leave one of your treasures behind. Open all of your cabinets and closets to make sure that you have everything. You’ll be sorry if you’ve left behind your animated dancing Christmas elves. You may have trouble getting them back from the new residents. 

These details may seem minor but overlooking them can cause a major disaster. Moving day is stressful enough. Don’t let forgetting that box cutter be the cause of a major meltdown. Above all else, remember this vital tip:  Don’t pack your dog and cat in the same box!  Good luck…it will be over soon.

 

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