Why College Students Need Self Storage

Students Need Self Storage

While starting a new chapter of your life at college might be thrilling, the act of packing and moving your stuff can be a major cause of stress. It’s not unusual for college students to feel stressed out by the amount of work they have to do and the number of things they need to buy to support themselves while they’re in school. Preparing for this major shift in a students life is critical to adapting to college life, in this blog you’ll find 6 reasons why college students need self storage.

Moving all of this stuff out of your college dorm or student apartment during the summer and winter holidays might be a hassle. The good news is that self-storage facilities in your area provide a quick and easy answer to the issues of summer travel, studying abroad, and having too many belongings.

Take a look at these top five benefits of utilizing self storage units to simplify your college life.

College students walking in a group.

 

Makes your room spacious.

Dorms and shared apartments are common forms of housing for college students. In any case, you’ll have less space than when you were living with your parents. It’s not necessary to bring all you have, but you could wind up having to bring more than you can comfortably fit into your new place. The majority of people can store the overflow from their apartment or dorm in a storage unit.

Easy access to your stuff.

When the school year ends, it might be inconvenient to have to transport all of your belongings home, especially if you live in a remote place, across state lines, or even internationally. Traveling with a full vehicle or bag may be a great way to practice tetris, but it’s usually a stressful affair that you’d rather avoid. By renting a self-storage unit, you can focus on studying for your finals without stressing about how to get your possessions home.

You avoid destroying your stuff.

Damage to your belongings is an additional risk while making numerous trips back and forth between home and university. If you put your items in a basement, for example, they may be exposed to mold or mildew.. On the other hand,if you keep them in a storage unit, you can be certain that they will be in the same condition when you retrieve them as they were when you stored them..

Keeps your belongings organized and safe.

It’s normal to be apprehensive about trusting a stranger with your most prized possessions, but you have nothing to worry about. Your stored items will be protected by a range of cutting-edge safety measures, depending on the self-storage facility you choose. Storage facilities are using newer and more secure ways to safeguard your belongings, such as recorded video monitoring that runs 24/7, walled perimeters, electronic gates with keypad access , and more. Some facilities offer remote entry that can be accessed from any mobile device. Get in touch with the building’s management to inquire about the safety measures they’ve put in place.

The hot summer or freezing winter could ruin your stored items. So it is best to get a climate-controlled storage unit. With climate-controlled storage, your electronics, furniture, syllabi, textbooks, and pictures won’t warp or deteriorate as they might during the summer and winter when they are stored with friends and family.

Reduced stress.

The conclusion of the school year doesn’t have to be as stressful if you rent a storage unit for your belongings. You won’t have time to pack up your books and textbooks and transport them home before the end of the semester since you’ll be too busy studying and getting ready for the next break. Having a storage facility near your school makes moving between semesters much simpler. If you live too far away from campus and don’t have a reliable way to transport your stuff, you may have to leave it there until you move closer to campus before returning to college.

Conclusion

It’s true that college life may become stressful, but it’s also very rewarding. Self-storage units are a great way to alleviate stress and gain convenience throughout the college years. This enables you to optimize your time between the academic year and the summer break. Self-storage units are a great option for college students who need more space in their dorm rooms, need a place to keep their sports gear, or need someplace to keep their belongings between terms. Self storage keeps your stuff out of the way and close to your school, allowing you to focus on your studies.

How to Keep Your Bike in Top Condition in Self Storage

Biking or cycling is a fun and healthy hobby to enjoy during the warmer weather. It’s great exercise and it gets you outdoors to enjoy the beauty and serenity of nature. If you live in and around the city, biking can be a practical and money-saving way to get you to your favorite hot spots. On the other hand, for those who truly enjoy taking part in a sport, biking is more than transportation or exercise. It’s a passion. 

According to Statista, the number of cyclists/bike riders in the U.S. in 2017 was 47.5 million. As reported by the world economic forum, in America and globally, the COVID-19 pandemic suspended a number of public transport services, getting some citizens on their bikes. The end of 202o saw $6.9 billion spent on bicycles and accessories, and Q1 reports show that the trend is continuing, with Americans expected to spend $3.2 billion by year’s end.

Whatever the reason, many Americans are enjoying the trend. While you may be enjoying your bike during the warmer months, cold weather is right around the corner. It’s time to think about storage options to keep your bike free from damage or deterioration. The most practical and affordable method of keeping your bike safe and protected during the winter weather is a secure, affordable self storage facility.

 

Protect Your Bike in a Self Storage Unit

When you’re storing your bike for an extended period, look for a convenient, affordable self storage facility that has the amenities you need. Look for climate-controlled storage, a wide range of unit sizes, and plenty of security features. To get you started in the right direction read, How to Choose the Right Self Storage Facility for Your Needs as well as the following tips and suggestions.

Check the Bike Frame

Check your bike frame for cracks, and be sure that the frame is not bent. Look at the welded areas where the metal connects and examine the bottom bracket. These areas absorb the most stress when you’re biking and should be carefully checked. You wouldn’t want your bike to come apart while you’re enjoying a ride.

Clean Prior to Storing

Prior to storing your bike for an extended time, give it a thorough cleaning. Leftover dirt and grime will cause your bike frame to rust. Wipe down the frame, gears, and any other accessories on your bike. 

Remember to clean out any bags and empty and clean water bottles. You don’t want to attract pests with leftover munchies. You’ll be glad your bike is clean and ready to ride when the warm weather returns.

Inflate the Tires

Another important step that you don’t want to miss is properly inflating your tires. If possible, use a bike rack or hook to keep your tires above ground. Tires can deflate over time. If you leave the bicycle on the ground for an extended period, you may find flat spots if the tires have not been inflated during storage. The weight of the bike can warp or distort the rims and rubber of the tires. 

If you can’t use a bike rack, another good way to store your bicycle is by flipping it upside down. That way, the weight is on the handlebars and seat instead of the tires and rims.

Lubricate the Chains and Cables

Chains and cables accumulate a lot of dust and grime. To stop rust and keep your bike looking great, clean and lubricate the chains and cables. This will prevent corrosion on these sensitive components.

Remove Batteries

Any batteries should be removed prior to storing your bike. Remove batteries from backlights, headlights, and flashers. If you’re unable to remove batteries, make sure they’re fully charged before you put your bike in storage.

When It’s Time to Retrieve Your Bike From Storage

When you’re ready to take your bike out of storage, it can be tempting to get right on and take it for a spin. 

No matter where you’ve been storing your bike, it’s bound to be a little dusty. Rinse it with a hose and then lightly clean it with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Be sure to thoroughly dry it. If you find any rusty spots, use WD-40 to clean them as well as possible. You’ll probably have to replace those pieces sooner or later.

Pump some air into the tires to make sure they are properly inflated and that no holes have developed. Look at the brakes and press the brake levers to be sure the pads are making contact with the rims.

Your bike may have dried out a bit while in storage. Lubricate all of the moving parts, and rub down the seat, pedals, and handlebars.

Wrapup

Don’t ruin your bike with improper storage methods. Take the time to maintain it properly and store it away from the elements. Safe, affordable self storage is the perfect solution to keep your bike in the best possible condition so that you can enjoy it for many years to come.

Pack Your Moving Truck for Safety and Convenience

If you’re moving and you’ve decided for one reason or another to DIY, understanding how to maximize space in your truck is a must. You want to make as few trips as possible. If you’re local, you can handle multiple loads; but, if this is a long-distance move, you have only one chance to get it right.

The first thing you need to do is choose the correct size moving truck. You want to save yourself as much hassle as possible, and having the right truck will go a long way in making your move easier. When you rent a U-Haul at your local self storage facility, knowledgeable staff members will be there to help with all of your questions.

Following are some tips to help you make the most of your moving truck space while keeping your move safe and convenient.

Get Your Belongings Ready to Go

Assemble Your Packing Supplies

By now you have everything packed securely into high-quality cardboard boxes and plastic crates. The furniture and large items are just sitting there waiting to be loaded onto the truck. Don’t forget the other packing supplies – the moving blankets and padding to fill the gaps between large items and boxes to protect your belongings if there is any shifting during the drive. Moving straps are another important item – we’ll talk more about them later. Just make sure that you have enough of these items to meet your needs. 

Break Down Tables and Bed Frames

Furniture takes up the most space on your truck. You can save room by disassembling tables and bed frames. Start by taking the legs off of the tables so that you can store them, along with the legs, in an upright position. Then, go for the bed frames and headboards as well as any desks and dressers that can be broken down. For large pieces that you can’t take apart, try storing moving boxes and other items inside drawers or on top of these furnishings. 

Roll Up Rugs

Area rugs should be rolled and secured with string or plastic ties, and then they can be wrapped in paper or plastic wrap or secured in large plastic bags made for this purpose. By doing this, you’ll prevent the extra strain on the rug’s backing, which could later cause stretching or cracking. Rugs should be placed upright on the truck.

Time to Load the Truck

Distribute Weight Evenly

This is probably the most important factor in packing your truck. Even distribution of weight will make the truck easier to drive, load and unload without boxes and furniture shifting and falling over or damaging other items. To be sure the weight is evenly distributed, heavier items should be located towards the front (near the cab) and along the walls. Medium items should be placed on heavier items, and the lightest items should be on the top. Everything should be secured with moving straps.

Load the Largest and Heaviest Items First

Start with the largest, heaviest items. Load mattresses, bed frames, tables, chairs, large appliances, couches, sectionals, coffee tables and occasional tables. To save space, place couches, headboards, rugs, and tables in an upright position. Locate large appliances like washers, dryers and refrigerators toward the front of the truck, near the cab. Be sure to use extra padding and moving blankets around these items to prevent damage. 

Load the Lightest Items Last

As soon as you finish with the cumbersome, heavy items, load up the medium to lightweight items: small furniture, boxes, pictures, mirrors, and TVs. It’s best to keep valuables and jewelry with you in the truck cab or in your car; but if you’re loading them into the truck, clearly label them and place them in an easy-to-reach spot along with moving day essentials and your overnight bag.

Use Moving Straps

As you pack the truck, secure everything with moving straps to prevent shifting. Strap down one section at a time, staring with the heavier items that you load first, then the medium weight items, and so on. Don’t forget to strap the moving boxes.

These tips are common sense, but we all need a little help during a move. Moving day is always chaotic, and guidelines and structure will smooth the bumps and get you to your destination with little or no damage to you or your possessions.

 

Moving With Your Furry Family Members

Your getting ready for the big move. You’re almost finished packing and you’ve decided what to keep in your newly rented storage unit. The kids are mentally prepared and you’ve done more planning than you thought possible. You’ve read our Prepping for the Big Move and Moving Day Tips and Tricks blogs. You are ready. But hold on…you forgot about your furry friends. Read on to see how you can keep them happy during the chaos of moving.

Keep Your Pets Calm and Happy

Pets are an important part of your family, and moving can be bewildering for them. Their current home is their territory, and they’re going to need time and patience to adjust to a new environment. Dogs are social and their adjustment will be reasonably easy, but cats tend to be more sensitive to their surroundings. Whether you’re moving a cat or a dog, try to ease the transition by maintaining the schedule that they are used to.

It goes without saying that you know your pet’s unique personality traits better than anyone, but moving can be chaotic and a few tactical suggestions can be helpful. The following guidelines should help get you and your pet through this major life event. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to involve your kids in this process.

  • Prepare a pet friendly “overnight kit” with food, treats, dishes, grooming tools, toys, and kitty litter to keep your buddy content throughout the first few days of unpacking.
  • If you’re moving out of state, or even out of your area, be sure to contact your vet so that you have medical records and necessary medication. Don’t forget to get a recommendation for a new veterinary practice.
  • When moving day arrives, your pet should be away from the action. The best solution is to have your pet stay with a friend or in a kennel. If that’s not possible or you really want to keep your dog or cat with you, the next best solution is to keep them in a quiet, empty room with the door closed. Try to maintain their feeding and walking schedule and check on them at regular intervals. Giving them a sense of routine will be good for them and mean less headaches for you.
  • If you’re able to drive to your new home, take your pet in your own vehicle so that there is a feeling of familiarity. If your drive is lengthy, plan your stops to ensure pet-friendly hotels. Be extra cautious (especially if your children are helping with pets), and use a leash when getting your pet out of the car and into the hotel. Many animals have been lost in unfamiliar surroundings. If you’re traveling by air, check your airline for pet travel requirements. Always keep your pet’s vet records in your carry-on bag.
  • If possible, set up at least one room in your home before introducing your pets to their new surroundings. Confine your animals to this area while they adjust to their new environment. Be sure they have familiar toys and blankets; and, as always, maintain their regular schedule.
  • As soon as possible after the move, make sure your pet’s tags and microchip information are updated with your new address and phone number.

Dogs and Cats Acclimate Differently

Canines

The sooner your dog gets used to the smells of his new environment, the sooner he will feel comfortable. Let him tour the new home inside and outside. Use a lease on the initial introduction until you’re sure he feels completely secure. Do not leave your dog unattended outside during this adjustment period. Dogs are known to be masters of escape in an effort to return to their familiar territory.

Felines

Don’t be surprised if your cat disappears for a few days. Without familiar surroundings, cats look for dark hiding places like closets or even under a bed. Keep doors and windows closed as your cat may try an escape in the hopes of locating familiar surroundings. Your cat may refuse to eat and become “forgetful” when it comes to using the litter box. Choosing a special room as a private refuge, complete with food, water, scratching post, and litter box, can sometimes work. Eventually, your cat will be comfortable enough to explore the new home, and you can place a second litter box in what you hope to be a permanent location.

Remember that pets and people will eventually acclimate to and enjoy their new environment. Planning, patience, and routine will get everyone with two and four legs back on track in no time!

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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