Give Your Home Rental Business a Boost with Self Storage

The summer months, traditional family vacation time, are here. Short-term vacation home rentals are growing in popularity because prospective guests recognize the obvious: a single family home rental offers far more space than a small hotel room or even a suite, especially if you have children. If your vacationing with the entire extended family, a large home rental is less expensive than a resort, offers more privacy than a hotel, and provides a more comfortable experience than conventional accommodations.

Most people are familiar with Airbnb, VRBO, and any of the other online short-term property rental sites. If you aren’t familiar with this concept, property rental sites enable hosts to list properties online for viewing by prospective vacationers. Online listing also enables a secure payment platform for the benefit of both guests and hosts. If you’re interested in making some extra income, this can turn into a profitable business venture.

Where do I start?

The first step to becoming a short-term property rental host is to register your property by submitting photos and descriptions of your rental space. Travelers who are looking for accommodations in your area can view these listed properties using criteria like availability, number of bedrooms, price, and amenities to refine their search. Prior to booking through the online service, a guest can contact the property owner.

How does self storage fit into the picture?

Travelers are looking for a welcoming space that they can quickly settle into. They want to make it their own, even for the short time that they are renting. If you want your rental to be more welcoming, you need to depersonalize and declutter. This is where a self-storage unit becomes your ideal solution. A self-storage space will give you the perfect place to store valuables, personal mementos, bulky furniture, and anything you guests won’t need during their stay.

Storing items like family photos, books, and memorabilia will not only ensure the safety of these items and provide a more welcoming atmosphere, but it will help to make the photographs of your rental more appealing to prospective guests. You’ll want to make your space look sleek and appealing, because the way the property appears in photographs has a huge influence on your number of bookings.

Take a look at the following photos:

         

Clean and orderly AirBnB rental.

Disorganized and cluttered AirBnB rental.

                                                  

These pictures speak volumes. Which place would make you more comfortable?

Which one looks like they use self storage to clean up their property?

 

Self storage for your home rental business may be tax deductible.

Renting a self-storage unit for your home rental business may also provide you with a tax benefit. If you want more bookings and more income, using self storage to tidy up your space is a necessary business expense. The IRS generally allows business deductions if they are ordinary and necessary. Be sure to keep careful records and consult your CPA.

Be cautious when you choose your investment property. Look for a secure, dependable, affordable facility that has flexible leasing and 24/7 access. The home rental business can be a serious source of extra income. Do your research to determine if it works for you. If it does, go for it!

                                                 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

Keep Your Home as Secure as Your Self-Storage Unit

Finding a safe, secure self-storage unit is easy because most of them are equipped with digital video monitoring, electronic gates with keypad access, bright lighting, and secure perimeter fencing. Many facilities are equipped with smart technology security that does everything from monitoring unauthorized activity at your unit to allowing for mobile entry and digital key sharing. Shouldn’t the people and belongings in your home be as secure as the items in your storage unit?

Safety.com has identified what, in their opinion, are the top providers and best values in home security systems for 2020. Take a look.

How to Compare and Choose a Home Security System

Choosing a home security system can be an overwhelming task. Do you want all the bells and whistles or just the basics? The Safety.com site will give you all the details and information that you need to make an informed decision for you and your family. The following information will help you get started on finding the right equipment for your needs.

ADT 

ADT has the most experience and the best guarantee in the industry. They have certified monitoring centers, a competitive equipment lineup that includes intrusion protection, environmental monitoring, video surveillance, and smart home automation. There is a contract required, no option for self installation, and no mobile app access.

Vivint 

Vivint provides professional monitoring, home automation, mobile app access and extensive smart home options as well as flexibility with your equipment configurations. They also offer flexible payment options; but, if you decide to finance, you’re facing an extended contract. Vivint has no self-installation option.

Frontpoint 

Frontpoint has a great customer service reputation and a competitive range of security equipment and monitoring services. They also offer flexible month-to-month contracts, which are perfect for renters. The outdoor and doorbell cameras are only available as add ons, and their home automation devices are limited.

Protect America

If you’re looking for a no-frills home security system that you can install yourself, Protect America is a low-priced option. They offer a price-match guarantee, smart home devices, and mobile app access. There is a contract required. Video surveillance, smart features, and smoke detection are upgrades. Cellular monitoring is the most expensive option.

SimpliSafe

A 60-day risk free trial is a plus with SimpliSafe. They offer self-installation, self-monitoring, video verification and month-to-month pricing. You can take advantage of inexpensive professional monitoring, wireless equipment and cellular monitoring, but mobile alerts and smart home devices and capabilities are not available in the basic monitoring plan.

Alder

Alder does not have a selection of packages, but works with customers to build security systems that are the best fit for their needs. The price of professional monitoring varies depending on the equipment you choose, but you are covered by a lifetime warranty. DIY installation is easy, but there are no smart home devices.

Cove

Cove is relatively new to the home security market and features the advantage of locked monitoring rates and a lifetime warranty. They offer a $5 credit each month which can be used toward future equipment purchases. Cove does not offer packages, but you can easily build your own online. You will be able to use the InstaText function for fast notifications of activity in your home. A premium app subscription is necessary for many of the features, and there are no smart home devices.

Blue by ADT

Blue home security systems give families flexible and affordable DIY security solutions. Their focus is more on privacy for your personal and home data with encrypted networks. You’ll find smart cameras, ADT professional monitoring, and smart home compatibility. There is a 7-day practice period but no smart-home add ons.

Brinks

Brinks has flexible pricing and bridges the gap between DIY smart home security and conventional professional monitoring systems. Your options run from flexible monitoring for a Google Nest system up to a long-term plan with extensive equipment. A contract is required for all packages, and only top tier packages include the smart home hub. Award-winning customer service is a plus.

Link Interactive

Link is the nationwide DIY branch of Mountain Alarm Fire & Security, a commercial and residential protection company founded in Utah in 1952. It’s family owned and operated and professional installation is not an option. You can build your own equipment package, but there are no smart home or video monitoring capabilities in the base plan. Contracts are offered on a 1-, 2-, or 3-year basis.

 

If you’re in the market for a home security system, you want to make an informed decision. This article gives you information on the 10 best options for 2020 according to Safety.com. Keep your family and your home as safe as the items in your self-storage unit.

A Self-Storage Fairy Tale

Once upon a time there were three bears…

Momma Bear, Poppa Bear and Gen Z Bear lived in a very small, very cluttered English cottage. When Gen Z bear left for college, Momma and Poppa turned his bedroom into a Zen/Yoga retreat and stored the contents of Gen Z’s room in the attic. They enjoyed a quiet existence, meditating and practicing Kundalini Yoga for stress relief. They loved to hibernate in this cozy space during the winter months. Gen Z bear had been a handful, and they assumed that, after college, he would get a job and move out. Ha!!!

Gen Z, to his parents dismay, did not get a job and move on with his life. He came home after graduation to ponder his life’s “meaning and purpose.” While living in the basement, he began calling his Momma and Poppa M and P (because it was “cool”). He ate all of their honey and hung out with Goldilocks (they’d been friends since she broke into the bear’s house 18 years ago). Being a “digital native,” he surrounded himself with technology and wiled away his days FaceTiming Goldi, gaming, and posting Instagram selfies performing brainless stunts – all very meaningful pursuits.

Don’t get me wrong. Momma and Poppa loved Gen Z, but they also loved a peaceful existence and a tidy home. The longer Gen Z lived at home, the messier the house became. The closets were overflowing,Gen Z’s college furniture and assorted junk were added to an already overcrowded attic, and every surface in the house was sticky because Gen Z didn’t wash his paws after snacking on honeycomb. Everytime Poppa wanted to watch Animal Planet, his fur stuck to the remote. Momma gave up cleaning because she couldn’t wade through the debris. This family would have been the perfect candidates for Hoarding: “Bearied” Alive.

Momma and Poppa were miserable. Their serenity was replaced by a chaotic, disorderly environment. Conversation was replaced with growling; They growled at each other and they growled at Gen Z, who was oblivious because he was in a gaming induced coma. To maintain their sanity, Momma and Poppa decided to start practicing yoga at the local studio. As fate would have it, the yoga studio had a bulletin board for advertisements from community businesses. Poppa noticed an ad from the local self-storage facility. He immediately checked the self-storage website on his mobile phone. This could be the solution to their clutter problem.

The minute they got home (and unstuck their paws from the door knob) Momma and Poppa checked the website further and discovered a blog to help them choose the right storage facility for their needs. Poppa called the facility that was the best fit for them and discussed his options with the manager. Momma made an inventory of all the things that they needed to put in self storage, and she decided on a climate-controlled unit to protect her fur coat and Gen Z’s extra technology paraphernalia. Poppa was thrilled to discover that this facility had vehicle storage. He would finally be able to back his car out of the garage without slamming into Gen Z’s motorcycle.

When Momma discovered that the facility sold moving and packing supplies, they headed straight over to buy enough boxes, tape, and bubble wrap to pack up the clutter. They were careful to keep the bubble wrap away from Gen Z. Popping it was one of his favorite pastimes.

Little by little, they packed and moved everything they didn’t need. They kept the “bear minimum,” keeping only what gave them joy. With all of their excess belongings moved to a clean, secure, affordable storage unit, their problem was solved. The house was clean, and the clutter was gone. It was a big job, but it was more than worth the effort to move their overflow into storage. Once again, their home is tidy and organized, conversation has replaced growling, and the motorcycle is safely stored away in its own unit…and everyone lived happily ever after…

except Gen Z, because Poppa arranged a job interview for him at the storage facility.

Good luck with that.

Self Storage Eases the Task of Swedish Death Cleaning

I’ll admit it. Swedish death cleaning sounds morbid. The first thing that comes to mind is a couple of ethereal, ghoulish figures floating around the house with a Dyson and a feather duster. Or maybe a new cleaning service: The Living Dead: We Get Rid of the Skeletons in Your Closet.

Neither of those examples is even close to the reality of Swedish death cleaning. According to Margaret Magnusson, author of the book, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, it is “the process of radically decluttering your home so your children don’t have to do it after you’ve passed away.” Personally, I think it’s a fabulous idea.

Time and again I’ve watched friends and family, while trying to deal with their own grief, have to deal with the mess and clutter left after a death. The chaos, hostility,and  bitterness that follows these events can last a very long time. Swedish death cleaning can prevent all of this ugliness. It is reflective, gentle, and considerate of everyone’s feelings. Decluttering is a kindness to everyone left behind. It is meant to help to smooth the grief process for family and friends.

When to Start the Process

It’s probably a good idea to begin this process at around age 65. At this age, unless there are extenuating circumstances, mental capacity is still good and the confusion that can accompany aging hasn’t set in.

Some people are completely on board with this concept and happy to make things easier for their children and other relatives. Then, of course, you will have the people that have difficulty dealing with any type of change or simply don’t care what happens after their own demise. Here are a few tips to get your parents or other elderly family members to “buy in” to this process. Actually, it doesn’t hurt to make it a goal for your own future.

The “Safety” Perspective

  • Mention that throw rugs, small tables, and ottomans are potential trip and fall hazards. They need to be removed.
  • Piles of books, newspapers, and magazines are not only unsightly, but a fire hazard. They need to go.
  • Items piled haphazardly on the top shelf of a closet may fall out when the door is opened, causing a head injury. They need to be sorted and reorganized.

Make it Their Idea

  • Admire a few items that you would like to have now. Many elderly people love to give

away their belongings, and they are flattered if a family member is interested enough in an object to want to own it. This may encourage them to give away even more items.

  • A piece of jewelry or another memento will be so much more meaningful if it is gifted to that special grandchild or family member while the owner is still living. A story can be shared that will create a lasting memory that is forever linked to that gift.

The Best Solution

The perfect solution for this task is a secure, affordable self-storage unit. If your parents or loved ones are having difficulty letting go of their belongings, you can involve them in making the decision to store rather than discard items. Turn this chore into a special event by asking your parents or elderly loved ones to share their favorite memories of special objects. You can record these moments, take pictures of the items, and create a memory journal. Another thing to keep in mind – there will be some bad memories, and this process enables you and your family to let go of them.

Placing these items in storage is not as final as discarding or donating them; that can be done much later. Your parents will be more relaxed knowing that they can give some thought to what they want done with their possessions. In fact, they may enjoy discovering things that they’ve forgotten about. This gives you plenty of time to consult with other family members as to what they might want.

Introducing the Swedish death cleaning concept can be difficult. It requires sensitivity and tact. But, once you’ve begun an open dialogue, you’ll find it far less traumatic than expected. Don’t be hesitant; in the end you’ll have that good feeling of knowing that you’ve done the right thing for everyone involved.

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!

 

Self Storage With a Heart

By this time, you’ve probably started your Christmas shopping. If you have little ones, you want to give them their heart’s desire, so you started in June. That’s probably not the best idea, because kid’s minds change faster than the speed of Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve. You think you’ve found the newest Lego set or Barbie Care Clinic, complete with X-ray machine, eye chart, and patients. And, then they see the latest and greatest toys on TV commercials. 

Being able to give your children happy Christmas memories and lasting traditions is a blessing. As you know, there are those who don’t have the resources to give their children a special Christmas morning, complete with sparkling Christmas tree, tons of toys, and glittery decorations. There will be children who wake up on Christmas morning with no trees, no decorations, and, worst of all, no gifts.

 

Share Your Blessings

Sharing your blessings with others, especially these families, is the most meaningful, heartfelt way to celebrate the season. There are so many organizations that make Christmas wishes come true for disadvantaged children. They need your help this year.

Writing a check is great, but it’s easy. Giving of yourself by being directly involved is more rewarding. Volunteer for your chosen charity; and, if your children are old enough, encourage them to do the same. You can serve Christmas dinner to the disadvantaged, or help out at a food bank. If you own a business, you can provide free services or materials. These are only a few of the ways in which you can help out. If you check Volunteering on Christmas How Stuff Works, you’ll discover countless organizations that need your help.

 

Feel Good

If holiday chaos is driving you crazy, think about this. Scientific studies have shown that helping those in need can reduce stress and depression. Charity can generate feelings of gratitude by reminding you of your own blessings.

Christmas that gets many of us thinking about how we can help those in need. It’s good for the soul to get away from the excess and commercialism of the season. The decorations are stunning, the food is scrumptious, and the shopping is fun; but giving is at the heart of the season. You’ll not only give disadvantaged kids and their families happy memories this Christmas, but change lives in the process. Please share your blessings. It feels good!

 

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”

                                                                                                          Winston Churchill                   

 

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