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.

Defeat the Disorder With The Four-Box Decluttering Method

Do you have a decluttering method? Most people want to live in a neat and tidy home; but, unless you live alone, that’s probably not possible. Even if you do live by yourself, it is highly unlikely that you live in a clutter-free environment. Papers that you no longer need, craft supplies that you no longer use, and clothing that you no longer wear, seem to multiply overnight.

The best way to keep this mess from driving you crazy is to find an organizational strategy that works for you. With everything from the Kon-Mari Method to the 30-Day Decluttering Challenge, all the way to the 460 decluttering challenge ideas on Pinterest, there has to be something that will motivate you to rein in the disorder.

Another solution for the clutter is self storage. Before you begin the four-box decluttering method, rent a convenient self storage unit to hold the overflow. Trusted Self Storage has plenty of sizes and types that will fit your needs and your budget. Check our website for details.

The Four Box Decluttering Method: Explained

A simple strategy like the four-box decluttering method is sure to get you motivated to get rid of that troublesome trash and defeat the disorder.

Start your Decluttering Method: Collect and Label Four Boxes

Woman labeling packing boxes.

 

(1) The Discard Box

This box is for items that are beyond repair and not even worth donating. The pot with the missing handle that you’ve been meaning to replace since last year or the iron with the frayed cord that you’re afraid to use need to go. Ask yourself why you’re keeping these things. What value could they possibly be to you or anyone else? Both items are undoubtedly very old or they wouldn’t be in poor condition. They belong in the trash.

(2) The Donate Box

This is the box to fill with items that are still usable and worthy of donating. Don’t use it as a catch-all for damaged goods that you want to get rid of but don’t want to discard. Be considerate of what other people can use. Stained clothing, broken appliances, and overused kitchen implements belong in the trash.

(3) The Keep Box

These items are things that you use on a daily or weekly basis and simply need to be put away. If you find a “keep” item in an area that you’re decluttering, move it to its proper place. If you really don’t have designated space for these items, think about whether you really need them or find a storage solution that works. With so many storage options on Amazon, you shouldn’t have any trouble creating spaces for your belongings.

(4) The Storage Box

This box is perfect for items that you cannot part with but don’t use regularly. For example, seasonal clothing and holiday decor go into this box. After you’ve collected all of your self storage items, pack them in labeled plastic bins or containers and move them to that self storage unit you’ve already rented.

Stick to One Area at a Time

Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to tackle the entire house in one day. Start with one room at a time. If the room is too large or cluttered, start with one section of the room. Evaluate each item individually, focusing on exactly where it fits into your life. You don’t have to go full-on Marie Kondo and have a conversation with each piece, but you need to have a good idea of its importance in your life.

Ask Yourself Questions

The following questions can help you decide in which boxes to place your items.

  • How often do I use this item, and does it have a designated place in my home?
  • Do I have a sentimental or nostalgic attachment to this article?
  • If I didn’t currently own this item, would I miss it and would I want to purchase it again?
  • As Marie Kondo suggests, ask yourself if this item sparks joy.

If you answers leave you unsure, you may need to get yourself a “maybe” box. Keep your questionable items in this box for several months. If you haven’t used them or saved them in either the “keep” or “storage” box, they probably weren’t that important to you in the first place. Let them go.

Empty the Boxes and Repeat the Process

When one of the boxes is full, it’s time to empty all of the boxes before returning to the decluttering area.

  • Trash goes into a bag and out to the trash can.
  • Items to be donated should be placed in your car so that they are ready to be dropped off at the charity of your choice.
  • Items for your self storage unit should be sorted into separate labeled containers and moved as soon as possible. It’s a good idea to designate a specific day each week to get these items to the storage facility. You don’t want more piles of clutter interfering with the process.
  • Items that your keeping should be immediately put away in their designated locations. Don’t skip this step or you’ll resume the cycle of creating clutter.

When you’re ready, find a new area in your home and start the process again. It will take some time to organize your entire home, but it will be more than worth it.

Final Thoughts

Whether you use this method or one of the hundreds of other decluttering options, you’re doing yourself and your family the favor of creating a neat, clean home. Nothing’s perfect, but without the chaos of lost keys, misplaced paperwork, and disappearing shoes, your days will be less hectic and more productive.

Protect Your Winter Toys in Self Storage

Protect Your Winter Toys in Self Storage

Winter has been over for a few months. Don’t put off storing those winter toys so that they’re in top shape when you head to the slopes again next year. We have you covered. Whether you’re storing skis, snowboards, or snowmobiles, Trusted Self Storage has a wide variety of sizes and types of secure self storage units to protect your winter toys in self storage and ensure they remain in the best condition.

To avoid potential damage to your expensive equipment, there are factors you need to consider before placing your items in storage. We’ve compiled a few suggestions to help you prepare your winter gear for storage.

Protecting Skis and Snowboards

Remove the Dirt: Spray them down with a garden hose, trying not to force water into the bindings. Avoid degreasers or detergent as they can affect the binding lubricant. If there is a build-up of grease or pollen on the bases, use a soft cloth dipped in a little citrus solvent.

Check the Edges: Sharpen the edges of your skis and snowboards to remove the most obvious burrs and reduce the chance of rust. Warmer weather is a good time to have a base grind done to repair any edge damage incurred during the winter.

Wax the Bases: Hot wax the bases with an all temperature or softer warm-weather wax to protect them from oxidation. The wax should cover the edges to reduce the chances of rust.

Loosen the Binding Springs or Remove the Bindings: Skiers should loosen the DIN settings on both toe pieces and move the heel pieces into the ski position. This decreases tension in the springs to keep them in better condition. Snowboarders can remove their bindings or loosen the screws to reduce stress on inserts and prevent dimpling of the base.

Protect Them in Self Storage: A climate-controlled self storage unit with no sunlight is ideal for both skis and snowboards. To ensure that skis don’t fall over, strap them together at their natural meeting point and pad them.

Don’t Forget Your Boots: Pull the liners out of your boots and make sure everything is completely dry. Your next step is to buckle the boots loosely so that they hold their shape. Check heels and toes for wear and replace if necessary. If your snowboard boot laces are worn, replace them now so that they’re ready for the next season.

Snowboarding and skiing gear.

 

Protecting Snowmobiles

Clean and Wax the Exterior: Clean the exterior with warm, soapy water and a sponge; be sure not to forget to clean under the hood. Use a high-pressure washer to clean the track, runners and suspension. Once you’ve finished cleaning your vehicle, apply a coat of wax to protect it and make it easier to clean in the future.

Maintain the Fuel System: Before you decide whether to store your vehicle with a full tank of gas or not, be sure you know which type of fuel system you’re dealing with. For older models that use a carburetor system, drain the tank. For fuel-injected systems, store your snowmobile with a full tank of gas to reduce the risk of condensation getting into the fuel system. Add a fuel stabilizer to prevent corrosion.

Drain the Carburetor: To keep the fuel from evaporating and creating a damaging chalky residue, remove the carburetor float bowls and drain excess fuel.

Grease Lube Points and Chassis: Add grease to any point with a grease fitting. Use WD-40 or a similar lightweight oil for suspension rails, exhaust, and nuts, and avoid getting it on the clutch or belts.

Remove the Battery and Belt: As long as you’re storing your snowmobile in a climate-controlled storage unit, you can remove your battery and keep it in the unit away from direct light. You can either use a battery tender or trickle charge the battery. Remove the drive belt so that condensation won’t build between the belt and the clutch. Store the belt unrolled.

Raise It and Cover It: Ideally, you should store your snowmobile on a set of snowmobile dollies to keep it above the floor. To prevent rodents and other pests from making your vehicle a summer home, scatter dryer sheets around and stuff the muffler outlet, carburetor intake, cooling system intake, and outlet holes with steel wool. Finally, use a soft, lightweight, well fitted cover to prevent scratches or moisture build-up.

Summary

Now that you’ve read these guidelines, you have no more excuses. Get those winter toys prepared for storage in a safe, climate-controlled facility before summer rolls around. When you’re ready to use them again, they’ll be waiting for you in the same perfect condition as they were when you stored them.

Self Storage As An Option for Business Owners

With commercial office space becoming increasingly more expensive, small business owners are exploring other options. Working from home is becoming a popular alternative, and some business owners are looking at using self storage for business purposes.

In theory, using your self storage unit as an office or a workshop sounds like a great idea. Overhead is low and you can rent the right-sized space for your needs. Nevertheless, in most cases, using your storage unit for these purposes is not permitted.

Setting up your desk, laptop, and other office equipment isn’t generally a legal option. There are, however, some facilities that offer designated retail and office space available, enabling businesses to operate legally. These spaces are generally outfitted with restrooms and conference rooms. In some cases that may include parking for tenants as well as their customers. Here at Trusted Self Storage, a number of our facilities feature office space.

All things considered, traditional storage units, are very useful to business owners. It’s an inexpensive option for storing business supplies, office equipment, and inventory. Even important documents can be carefully packed and placed in your storage unit.

Self storage gives you the ability to scale your business. With flexible month-to-month lease terms, it’s easy to increase your space if your business is growing rapidly. On the other hand, if your business is seasonal or you have a temporary downturn, you can save money by decreasing your space for a short time. This kind of flexibility is extremely beneficial in managing day-to-day operations.

A Sensible Option: Self Storage for Business Owners

 

Woman opening the doors to her business.

You’re not permitted to conduct business inside a traditional storage unit. These spaces are limited to storage and order fulfillment only. For a complete description of what is permissible in your storage unit, be sure to refer to your lease, and don’t attempt any of the following activities inside your unit until you talk to the manager.

  • Meeting customers and conducting sales out of the unit.
  • Installing telephones, computers, or other office equipment and electronics inside the unit.
  • Adding wiring and electrical outlets beyond what is currently in the unit.
  • Operating power tools or other machinery in the unit.

As mentioned above, storage units can be advantageous to certain business owners. Here are a few examples of businesses that can benefit from using a self storage unit.

Examples of Self Storage for Business Owners

Landscapers or Contractors

Landscapers and contractors use items that are bulky and irregularly shaped. Lawnmowers, leaf blowers, spreaders, circular saws, wood, and drills take up a lot of room in a garage or trailer. Using a self storage unit for these items keeps them organized and out of your way. With 365-day access at most storage facilities, it’s easy to drop off and pick up on a convenient schedule.

Contractors have the added problem of heavy-duty vehicles like backhoes and huge trucks. Instead of appropriating the limited space in their business parking areas to these vehicles, they can store this equipment securely at the same facility where they store their tools and supplies. Moving these vehicles away from their business will upgrade their curb appeal and provide more parking space for customers.

Independent Publishers

Book dealers and independent publishers handle mountains of magazines, pamphlets, brochures, and books. A self-storage unit is a perfect place for an independent publisher or dealer to store inventory and supplies. To maintain books and printed materials in good condition, a climate-controlled storage unit is safer than a damp garage or the trunk of a car. If the publisher rents from a facility with delivery acceptance services, products can be directly shipped to the storage unit without the owner having to be present.

Service Professionals

Multiple storage units spread out across various locations can be an important convenience for service and maintenance professionals. For example, a cleaning service that has customers over a wide area would benefit from having supplies and equipment in convenient locations rather than having to drive to one central facility. Renting storage is more affordable for these businesses than larger commercial buildings.

Restaurants and Catering

These types of businesses deal with an overabundance of supplies and equipment. Spare china and glassware, tables and chairs for special events, linens, and appliances can use a lot of space. These businesses need to devote every square foot to cooking and dining in order to increase profits.

Retail and eCommerce

Whether a business is brick and mortar with limited space or a store that is entirely online, self storage is a perfect solution. Inventory, marketing materials, and supplies should be kept in a climate-controlled unit to prevent damage and deterioration.

Takeaway
Self storage is far more versatile than you would imagine. These are only a few of the businesses that could benefit from using a self storage unit, and there are many more. If you own a business that is taking over space in your home or your office, explore the self storage option today.

Only Belongings Should Live in Self Storage Units – Don’t Allow the Homeless to Live in Yours

Self Storage is for Storage, Not Living

A self storage unit is meant to store the overflow from your home, your seasonal decorations, or that clutter that you’re not yet ready to discard. It’s not meant as a temporary home for the homeless or their animals. The primary obligation of a self storage facility is to its tenants. Letting people live in a unit is dangerous, irresponsible, and also illegal.

People have started fires, been injured, and destroyed the belongings of legitimate tenants. Homelessness is heartbreaking on many levels; but, if people want help, there is plenty available. Unfortunately, their situation is not your problem nor the problem of your paying tenants.

The issue of the homeless trying to find shelter in abandoned buildings as well as self storage units is especially prevalent during the winter months and has been magnified by COVID-19. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 2020 Annual Homeless Assessment Report, “580,466 people experienced homelessness in the United States on a single night in 2020, an increase of 12,751 people, or 2.2 percent, from 2019.”

All of these people need a place to sleep, and, not all, but some of them can be menacing. As a self storage operator, there may be a time that you have to deal with people illegally living in your units. Be proactive and take steps to make sure that only your tenants’ personal belongings are “living” in your self storage units.

Woman taking note while packing boxes

 

Take Steps to Keep Your Self Storage Units From Becoming Homes

Consistently Maintain Security Standards

Keep an up-to-date gate log and check video recordings against your log. Do regular walk-throughs of the property, and inspect storage units on a consistent schedule. People who are planning to live in a unit will be deterred by your watchfulness.

Be Suspicious

Teach your managers to “trust their gut” by watching for unusual activity. People who have been living on the street for the long term can be manipulative. If a manager finds people living in a unit, they should immediately call the police (see below). People living in storage units need to be evicted immediately, or both the tenant and the owner could face criminal charges. If children are involved, the consequences will be even more serious. If one of your tenants reports suspicious activity, take it seriously.

Keep Detailed Records and Approach with Caution

  • Never approach anyone alone. Always call the police. Sadly, many of these people may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol or mentally ill and can become aggressive or violent.
  • Keep consistently detailed records. The police will require security footage, gate log records, keypad activity, manager-on-duty records, payment history, and more. This material will be invaluable if the tenant who is renting the unit takes legal action against the facility.
  • If you’re in an area where this occurs frequently, take extra precautions by increasing security and fostering a good relationship with the police.

Lease Agreements should be Unambiguous

There should be no room for misunderstanding. Your lease agreement should be unquestionably clear on your rules against living in a unit. If your property is in a city with a serious homelessness problem, you should review this information in detail with every new tenant. You can’t be sure of people’s intentions, and when people are desperate they don’t always act in their own best interest or anyone else’s.

Don’t Let Compassion Override Common Sense

We all feel compassion for people who are forced into a situation that leaves them without a place to live. It’s sad and frustrating because the people who truly need help are overshadowed by the people who have criminal intent. This problem has to be dealt with on a systemic basis. The homeless need the right people and resources to help them overcome these problems. Letting the homeless reside in your storage facility is not compassionate. It’s enabling behavior that pushes them a little further on their downhill spiral, and it’s unjust to your paying tenants.

Takeaway
If your facility is in an area with a critical homelessness problem and you want to help, there are countless non-profit organizations that would welcome your time and financial contributions. Here is a shortlist of other ways to help. If you’re still feeling overwhelmed, contact us to discuss our third-party management services.

  • Make cards with the contact information of nearby shelters and offer them to any homeless people that you may find in or around your facility.
  • Collect hygiene supplies and clothing, especially socks, at your facility and donate to a local shelter.
  • Volunteer to help at a local homeless shelter. You may have a skill that they need.
  • Fundraise with social media and legitimate crowdfunding sites. Don’t underestimate the power of a community bake sale.
  • Don’t forget youth homelessness. Unaccompanied youth experience homelessness on a different level than adults, and there are specific services available for their needs.
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