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.

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.

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.

Make the Most of Your Garage Sale Whether it’s at Your Home or Your Self Storage Facility

Have you ever heard of Aaron LaPedis? Aaron’s mother left the seven-year old to tend her garage sale while she made lunch. The sale was moving along nicely, and merchandise was beginning to run low. A very industrious little Aaron decided to take advantage of the brisk sales. He grabbed everything that he could carry from the living room — lamps, end tables, and other small decor — and sold them.

His mother, of course, was shocked to find her furniture missing, but she probably wasn’t upset for too long. Aaron eventually turned this into a profitable enterprise by flipping items that he purchased at other garage sales. You can read all about Aaron’s rise to garage sale fame in his book, “The Garage Sale Millionaire.”

If you’re looking for a way to turn your unused stuff into cash, think about having a garage sale at home or participating in a sale at a facility where you have belongings stored. A garage sale can seem a bit overwhelming, but the following tips will help you to organize, price, and advertise your items. Do it right and you can end up with an orderly home and/or self storage unit, as well as some big bucks.

The following tips can work whether you’re participating in a self storage facility or residential garage sale.

Make the Most of Your Garage Sale

Get Organized

Clean

Diligently search your home room by room for items you don’t use or wear regularly. Don’t forget the garage, basement, attic, and shed. If you have a self-storage unit, make time to sort through those items as well. You’ll be surprised to find lots of things that you haven’t used in years (or maybe decades.

Sort

The next step is to sort your items into the ever-present, basic three categories: Keep, Sell, and Discard. Your goal is to sort and organize; get rid of the junk and find a permanent home for the keepers.

Set the Date

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings are typically the most opportune times to hold your sale. That doesn’t mean you can’t think outside the box and consider a different time. There are dozens of Saturday morning garage sales, but how many do you see scheduled for a Tuesday morning? If you time your sale during early morning or late afternoon commuting hours, you will attract commuters, car-pooling parents, and anyone else looking to score a deal.

Stock up on Supplies

Buy basic pricing stickers and blank labels at your local office supply store or the dollar store. If you’re on a tight budget, pick up some masking tape and a permanent marker. Remember, if you’re participating in a self-storage garage sale, you can pick up what you need in the office.

It’s ideal to buy or borrow some stable, inexpensive shelving to display one-of-a-kind and breakable items.

Use a card table or any small table and chairs so that you have a designated place to comfortably cash people out. Another thing to consider is Venmo, a digital app that makes paying and getting paid easy and secure. If you want to use Venmo or any other digital payment app, make a note to advertise it.

Price the Merchandise

Price it Right

Don’t attach sentimental value to your item, and overprice it in the process. If you’re not sure how to price an item you can ask a friend for an objective opinion, or check current value by doing an online search. A good rule of thumb is to sell items at one quarter to one third of their original value. Most people aren’t looking to spend a great deal of money at a garage sale, so try not to price anything over $100. You’re better off selling big ticket items online. Toward the end of the sale, consider posting a “half off” sign. The goal is to get rid of your stuff!

Price Visibly

Don’t make a buyer search for a tiny sticker. Use large enough tags so that potential customers can easily see a price tag. Another option is to use colored stickers and a chart that specifies cost by color. If you do this, hang several large charts in different areas to make them convenient.

Bundle Items

Offering DVDs at 4 for $5, will get more attention than pricing them at $1 each. You can also bundle things like small kitchen gadgets, tools, or holiday decorations. Get creative.

Don’t Overprice and Expect to Haggle

Buyers will walk away from overpriced items. Garage sale shoppers like to snag a deal, but they won’t haggle over unrealistic prices. You’ll lose a sale.

Advertise

Spread the Word

Use fliers in your neighborhood and online ads. Craigslist, Nextdoor, and Close5 are good ones. Forums like GarageSaleHunter.com and Yard Sale Search are forums directed specifically to garage sale regulars, and don’t forget about garage sales groups on Facebook. As mentioned previously, if you plan on using a digital payment app like Venmo, be sure to include that information in your ad. Allowing people to pay this way is easier for them and for you.

Use Signs

Use 15 to 20 large, brightly colored signs. They should be at least 3 feet square. Keep them simple with large arrows pointing in the direction of the sale. They should be easy to see when driving and simple enough for a first grader to read.

The Big Day

Organize Your Checkout Area

There will be people who won’t use a digital payment app. Be sure to have plenty of small bills and coins on hand to make change. It’s possible that you could lose a sale over not having change readily available. Have enough plastic grocery bags and moving supply wrapping paper for fragile items. These details show your customers that you’re organized and ready to sell.

Make it Look Like a Store

Group items together: kitchen items in one area, tools in another, and clothing and accessories easy to sort through and hanging on racks. If you do have any big ticket or specialty items, place them near the street so that people know you’re selling more than mismatched dishes and outdated CDs. Reorganize throughout the day to keep things looking fresh.

Go for Appeal and Ease

Before you try to sell things, make sure they are clean and free of dust. Be sure that your shopping area doesn’t look disheveled. Borrow or rent tables so shoppers don’t have to crouch down to look at your items. If something needs batteries, insert them so that the buyer knows the items will work. Keep extension cords handy for small appliances, Christmas lights, and electronics. Place a mirror near the clothing and accessories. Making your customers feel comfortable will increase sales.

Make it a Party

Take a lesson from retail stores. They play music to encourage customers to stay longer and spend more. Make people feel welcome with bottled water, soda, lemonade, and don’t forget the cookies. Get your shoppers in a “buying” mood.

Stay Safe

If you’re taking part in a self storage garage sale, you won’t have to be as concerned about safety. In any situation, most shoppers are good people looking for a good deal. Nevertheless, you need to be practical and aware of what is going on around you. If you’re having a sale at home, keep your doors locked during the event. Don’t let anyone in your house use the bathroom, and don’t leave your cash or your young children unattended.

Wrap Up

It’s time to put these tips into action. Organization is the key so that you’re ready to go when the first customer pulls up to the curb. If you remain calm, happy, and vigilant, you’ll have a successful sale and be ready to do a victory dance at the end of the day. Remember, any left over items can go into your self-storage unit for your next sale!

Why It’s a Good Idea to Keep Your Work Tools in Self Storage

Do you own a few tools for your DIY projects and household chores, or are you a general contractor with an extensive collection of construction tools? Either way, it’s important that these tools are stored properly to prevent damage. Storing tools, especially power tools, in your garage or basement is not the best option. They’ll be subject to damage from temperature changes and being knocked to the floor from their shelving or pegboards.

More importantly, if you have young children, they seem to gravitate to the most dangerous items in your home. If they discover these curious looking implements, they’ll be immediately attracted to them. Unquestionably, tools are dangerous in the wrong hands. You need a solution for these costly items, and you need it yesterday. As noted above, your solution is not your garage or basement, nor is it a shed in the backyard. It’s a safe, secure self storage unit. Here at Trusted Self Storage, we can offer you everything from a 5 x 5 unit to a warehouse-sized space.

Below are some tips for storing your tools to keep them organized and in prime condition.

The Right Way to Store Power and Hand Tools in Self Storage

Choose the Right Storage Unit

Before you do anything, give some thought to choosing the right storage facility to suit your needs. If you’re going to use your tools regularly, a convenient location is important. You also need to check that it is safe and secure and the right fit for your budget.

To best protect your tools, they should be stored in a climate-controlled storage unit. Climate-controlled storage keeps a unit’s indoor temperature between 55° and 85° F, and maintains a humidity level of 55%. As a comparison, the average air conditioned home stays between 35%-45% humidity. Think of climate control as an air-conditioner, humidifier, and dehumidifier combination to sustain the proper temperature and humidity levels for specific types of items.

Before You Organize, Prepare Your Tools for Storage

Step 1: Check the manufacturer’s instructions – The best way to care for your tools and protect them from damage is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 2: Clean your tools – The first step to preparing your tools for self storage is cleaning them. Use a soft cloth and some oil to remove any stubborn dirt. Be sure not to use soap and water, as this can cause rust.
Step 3: Use original cases – When storing your tools, store them in the cases they originally came in. These cases will have cushioning and padding to protect your tools..
Step 4: Check for damage – Discard any tools that are damaged beyond repair. This will help to keep your tool collection organized and prevent it from taking up unnecessary space.
Step 5: Power tools need extra prep – Humidity and dust can damage your power tool engines. Wipe down your tools and parts with oil to remove dirt and grime. If possible, pack these tools in their original boxes. Use protective casing over sharp edges and saws and fill any gaps in your boxes with bubble wrap or other appropriate cushioning material.

Organize for Convenience

Organize small tools in like sizes and place them in plastic bins, and place them on shelves rather than on the floor. Don’t forget to label the bins.
Another option for small tools that are used frequently is a pegboard. Home Depot has lots of good ideas for tool storage and organization.
A pegboard also works well for long-handled tools. Tie the handles together and hang them from sturdy pegboard hooks.
A mobile workbench is a great idea for your large tools. You can find the plans for the one pictured above at The Spruce. It includes hanging storage for power tools and ample space for storing large tools. Build in sufficient storage so that the top remains a clear work surface.
Keep an inventory list of all of your tools. If you have a large number of tools in bins and boxes, make a simple map of the locations of the tools in your self storage unit. Hang it on a clipboard in your unit so that you can easily locate whatever you need.

In Summary

Keeping your tools in self storage not only frees up space in your garage or basement, but keeps them from curious little hands. It sounds like a lot of effort; but, in reality, isn’t it worth a few hours to keep your tools from getting lost and your children safe? Eventually, you may be able to lease a unit with electricity and set up a work area for yourself. But, that’s a conversation for another day.

Self Storage: Start the New Year with an Organized Kitchen

The Holidays are over, but the clutter is here to stay. The family is busy with school and work, but they still find plenty of time to leave disorder in their wake. If you don’t organize now, you’ll be watching the kids playing in the pool while you daydream about getting the the house organized when school starts again.

Where should you begin? Well, the most used room in every home is the kitchen. It’s the gathering place for friends, family, and messes, and that’s what makes it the best place to begin your organizing project.

Start By Leasing a Self Storage Unit

Before you get started, consider renting a self storage unit for the items that you don’t use regularly or that you may be replacing but don’t want to discard. It will be a relief to know that you don’t have to decide how to deal with duplicates and seldom used items right away. Stash them in self storage, and wait until you have time to think. For more information on renting the best unit for your needs, check How to Choose the Right Self Storage Facility for Your Needs.

Declutter Your Kitchen

Empty Cabinets and Drawers

Empty every cabinet and drawer in your kitchen, including the pantry. Place everything in front of you on tables, counters or any other space so that you can get a good view of your items. You may find a few surprises that belong in self storage (or the trash).

Discard the Junk

You’ll be surprised at how many broken or incomplete items are lurking in the back of a drawer or cabinet. You might find containers without lids, a broken hand mixer, or pans without handles. It’s time to dump that stuff and clear up some space.

Group Items into Categories

For example, group cake pans, cookie sheets and pie dishes into a “baking” category. Use separate categories for pots and pans, casseroles, serving dishes, and many other items that you keep in your kitchen. You should have a category for large serving trays, beverage dispensers, and other items that you use only when hosting a party. These items can be easily packed and placed in your self storage unit for easy access when you need them.

Say “No” to the Junk Drawer

It’s frustrating to open a drawer and find everything but the citrus zester that you’re looking for. It’s not easy to zest lemons with a screwdriver. Organize the flatware, small implements and linens with drawer separators and small divided baskets. Tools belong in a toolbox – not the kitchen.

Group Duplicates to Donate or Store

Duplicate items can really clutter up a kitchen. You might discover that you have 2 crock pots or 2 large roasting pans. You can give your duplicates to family and friends, or you can put them in self storage, where you’ll have backups for worn or broken items.

Don’t Forget the Pantry

Categorize in the pantry the same way you did for the rest of the kitchen. Separate baking ingredients; canned food; snacks; drink mixes, soft drinks, coffee, and tea; spices, and cleaning supplies. You can find appropriate sized baskets and bins on Amazon or at Target. And don’t forget The Container Store for tons of great pantry organizers.

Start Fresh

It goes without saying that before you refill your cabinets and drawers, they should be thoroughly cleaned and lined with fresh shelving paper. Some of your items may need washing before you put them back in drawers and closets.

Use Countertop Decor That Will Make You Happy

The kitchen is known as the heart of the home, but it can also give you a heart attack if you are constantly cooking and cleaning in a disorganized mess. Give your counter top a facelift that gives you a positive vibe. Use attractive containers to hold cooking utensils, trays to hold frequently used items and green plants. Whether it’s farmhouse, minimalist or traditional, give yourself a happy visual experience.

You’ll Be So Glad to Have that Self Storage Unit

Now it’s time to take that trip to your self storage unit. You’ve worked hard; you can delay decisions about what to do with duplicates, small appliances, and serving platters that you use once a year. And leave some room in that unit for the stuff from your next cleaning project now that you’re an organizational rock star. Look out Marie Kondo!

Wishing for a Home Gym: Use Self Storage to Transform Your Garage

Are you tired of crowded gyms, expensive memberships, and travel time going to and from your gym? Would you love to wake up and go to a mini-gym that is conveniently located just a few short steps from your bedroom? Why not transform a room in your house into the perfect personal workout space? If you don’t have the extra room in your home, think about your garage. You can turn it into a home gym with all of the equipment you need right at your fingertips. It may take some time and a self storage unit, but in the end you’ll be working on your strength training at home!

Read more to discover how to create a personalized version of your gym that is a perfect fit for you.

Clear it Out

Unless you’ve been cleaning it regularly, your garage has become a space for everything that you don’t want to keep in the house. Unopened boxes from your last move, Christmas decorations, craft supplies, and useless junk are taking up valuable space. This is why you need to rent a storage unit. Before you read further check out our previous article Choosing the Right Self Storage Unit.

Take everything out of the garage and place it in three groups: keep, discard, and donate. The items you’re keeping will get packed up and put in storage, and the items you’re discarding will get packed up for the trash. The items you’re donating can be placed in storage until you decide who is getting what. You’re focused on your home gym right now; self storage gives you a place to keep the donations until later.

Clean it Up

Now that you’ve emptied your space, it’s time for a deep clean. The best way to ensure that you don’t miss any dirt is to work from the top down. Start with the ceiling, move to the walls, and then down to the floor. You’ll need to dust and scrub everything before you get to the fun of making the space appealing as well as functional.

Spruce it Up

Paint the walls and ceiling an appealing, bright color and install good lighting. You want to be able to use this space at any time of day. Flooring is important; a cold, cement floor is not the most comfortable place to work out. Carpet sounds nice, but won’t last under heavy workout equipment. The best option is laminate flooring; or, if you want to spend a bit more, you could opt for jigsaw interlocking floor mats. If you choose the laminate, you’ll need to consider purchasing workout mats.

Don’t forget about ventilation. You don’t want to be exercising in uncomfortable conditions. If the garage isn’t already temperature controlled, you can look into portable units that will do the job.

Make it Entertaining

Watching TV or listening to music makes it easier to motivate yourself to work out. If it fits your budget, a wall-mounted TV with a sound system is perfect. You can use it for watching TV and listening to music. Not essential, but fun.

Equip it Properly

Purchasing the right equipment can be a challenge. Where do you begin? Think about your goals and what you want to achieve. If you’re experienced, you’re already aware of your specific needs, but where do you find the right equipment at the right price? Do you want a bike, treadmill, weights, or a freestanding punching bag? If you’re a newbie, check out the verywell fit site for help. This site explains different types of setups, cost, safety, and other handy hints.

Don’t forget about shelving or storage for your weights, kettlebells, and other small items.

Enjoy It

You’ve moved all the clutter to your storage unit, and you’re gradually finishing your home gym. Get the TV connected, fire up the sound system, and you’ll be ready to enjoy your workouts without the hassle of costs, commutes, or expensive gym clothes.