Organization & Storage Tips | Simply Self Storage Blog

June 24, 2022
by Simply 0 Comments

How to Build an Outdoor Kitchen on a Budget

Are you a foodie who’s also an outdoorsy type? Love to entertain friends and family at home? A custom-built outdoor kitchen is an awesome feature to add to your backyard. An outdoor kitchen can add value to your home and make entertaining guests a breeze. But if you’re not careful, the cost of your outdoor kitchen can spiral out of control faster than you can say “flame-grilled.” The key to building an outdoor kitchen on a budget is planning and being mindful of your material choices.

Just because you’re working with a smaller budget doesn’t mean you can’t realize your dream of having an open-air kitchen. Repeat after us: You CAN build an outdoor kitchen on a budget. Here are some tips to help you get started living that al fresco life ASAP.

Set a budget. Repeat, set a budget.

The first and most important step in the process is to set a budget. Make sure you know what you can afford before making any other decisions, as this will dictate the entire project. If you don’t know how much money you can spend, it will be easy to get carried away by all your amazing ideas and see your costs skyrocket, so it pays to stay practical.

Many people who start planning an outdoor kitchen become tempted by extravagant features like built-in pizza ovens and fancy seating areas, but these can quickly become cost-prohibitive without a massive budget.

To avoid overspending on unneeded items, establish what your priorities are from the beginning and plan accordingly. For example, do you need more storage space for pots and pans? A better BBQ? Lots of countertop surface area? By knowing exactly what you want from your outdoor kitchen, you can stop yourself from being drawn in by unnecessary products.

To avoid overspending on unneeded items, establish what your priorities are from the beginning and plan accordingly. For example, do you need more storage space for pots and pans? A better grill? A bigger countertop surface area? By knowing exactly what you want from your outdoor kitchen, you can stop yourself from being drawn in by unnecessary products.

It’s hard to know how much money different components cost without doing some research first. So before settling on a budget, check out online stores or visit garden centers where these products are sold to see how many options there are for each item on your list at various price points.

Look for high-quality used appliances.

Another way to save money on your outdoor kitchen is to look for high-quality used appliances. Consider purchasing a used stainless steel fridge, but be sure it’s in good condition without rust or broken parts. With a little work, you should find a used fridge that meets your needs.

Avoid buying used grills that are not in excellent condition, as they are often difficult to repair and require replacing quickly. Do, however, look for free or cheap appliances in your area on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp etc. Sometimes people are moving and need the items gone quickly, so you may find someone willing to give away or sell them for cheap just because they don’t want to move them.

Also, consider purchasing portable appliances, since they’re usually cheaper than built-in appliances. You can always upgrade to built-ins later when your budget allows.

Start with the essentials and build more later.

One way to build an outdoor kitchen on a budget is to start small with the essentials: a sink, grill, and storage area. Then, add on as desired with an outdoor refrigerator and other upgrades that fit your needs later. Make your outdoor kitchen a work in process, rather than something you have to complete in one project.

Consider countertops and flooring materials carefully.

To keep your outdoor kitchen as clutter-free as possible, think about the materials you’ll use for countertops and flooring. A countertop that is heat and stain-resistant—as well as easy to clean—is a must. Natural stone is one of the best materials because it has great durability and is low maintenance.

As for flooring material, make sure you choose something durable but also slip-resistant. Tile is a popular choice because there are so many options available in color, texture, and size. Concrete can give a modern edge to both countertops and flooring. Regardless of what you go with, countertops and flooring are two items not to skimp on since they’re the foundation of your outdoor kitchen.

Shop for deals on cabinets, shelving and furniture.

Cabinets, shelving and outdoor furnishings can be expensive. As with the grill, you will want to consider used products or shop for deals. In addition to places like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Habitat for Humanity ReStore (which have new listings every day), many online stores offer good sales frequently. Check out sites like Wayfair, Walmart, Overstock, or Sears for deals on appliances, cabinets, shelving and other items like chairs or barstools to furnish your outdoor space.

The Bottom Line

An outdoor kitchen can be the perfect addition that will not only increase the value of your home, but also provide a convenient way for you, your family, and guests to enjoy fresh air and delicious fresh-cooked meals. But as with any construction project, before you jump in consider the space you want to remodel, as well as the budget you are working with.

As you break ground on your new outdoor living space and start purchasing any appliances, cabinetry and any furnishings you need piece by piece, be sure you have a secure spot designated to store those valuable items that’s protected from both theft and potential damage during construction. It may be worth considering short-term storage rental to keep things pristine for the big outdoor kitchen unveiling party.

May 27, 2022
by Simply 0 Comments

6 Reasons Why You Need Boat Storage

Ahoy-hoy! We don’t know about you, but we’ve been dreaming of sunny days, cool breezes and clear open waters. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), new boat sales reached a 13-year high in 2020 and the demand remains high. With more and more Americans hitting the waterways, it’s a great time to talk about what to do with your boat when you’re not using it.

You put time, money, effort, and love into your boat. So even when it’s not out on the water, your boat deserves secure protection. Choosing to store your boat offers a range of benefits, including protection from the elements, more space at home, convenience, and more. Read on to learn why boat storage could be the perfect solution for you.

Woman enjoying boating on a sunny day — *^{Choosing to store your boat gives it protection from the elements.}*

1. Protection from the Elements

Fact: Wind, rain, snow, hail, and other uncontrollable weather conditions can damage your boat. Some issues you may experience include:

Accumulation of rain, moisture or debris inside the boat
Damage to the exterior coating
Wear and tear of boat upholstery, flooring or covers
Cracks or chips in the boat’s exterior

These problems can worsen over time or even lead to more severe damage, such as to the boat’s engine or drainage system. Choosing covered or indoor storage can help you protect your boat’s exterior and keep your beloved watercraft in pristine condition for longer.

Father and sun on a small boat fishing on a lake just after sunrise — ^{If you don’t live on the water, search for boat storage near where you like to launch it.}

2. Convenient Access

Not all boat owners live on the water. Storing your boat can allow you to keep your boat closer to where you enjoy using it and reduce travel distance. Look for storage facilities near your body of water of choice for simple, convenient transport.

Row of boats in storage on their trailers — *^{Boat storage with gated access keeps your boat secure and gives you peace of mind.}*

3. Safety and Security

Boat storage can offer you additional safety and security to help prevent theft, damage, and other problems. Storage facilities offer gate-protected storage spaces that require a key, passcode, or other security option to access the boats.

Father holding daughter up to throw basketball through hoop in — *^{Enjoy more space in your yard, garage etc. when you store your boat away from home.}*

4. More Space at Home

Boats can take up a lot of yard, garage, or barn space at home — and some neighborhood associations don’t allow them. Placing your boat in storage can help free up valuable space to store other items or give you more room to move around when accessing the area where you would store your boat. Consider storage spaces that have ample room to access and navigate around your vessel.

Person tying boat on dock — *^{Keeping your boat docked when it’s not in use can lead to damage and more.}*^{Photo by cottonbro}

5. No Dock Issues

Instead of storing boats at home, some owners decide to leave them in the water. This can lead to several issues, such as damage from other boats, damage from the elements, sinking, animals getting on the boat, and much more. Protected storage can offer peace of mind from dock-related events.

View on board motor boat on deep blue waters — ^{Show Mother Earth some love by storing your boat out of the water.}*^{Photo by Oleksandr Pidvalnyi}*

6. Friendly for the Environment

Boat storage also helps the environment. Keeping your boat in the water can lead to fuel or oil leaks, polluting the water. This causes concerns for water quality, fish, and other wildlife. Storing your boat properly helps prevent these issues and the potential long-term consequences.

To sum up, boat storage can help keep your vessel safe and in good condition, while offering you convenience and peace of mind.

Simply Self Storage offers easy options for boat storage at many of our locations. Learn more and get boat storage tips here.

May 13, 2022
by Simply 0 Comments

5 Easy Yard Improvements to Sell Your Home Faster

Did you know? According to Zillow, July is the best time to sell your house to maximize profit. Every home buyer’s first impression is made on the doorstep, and if your home doesn’t have curb appeal, it may never end up on anyone’s must-see list. With a little planning now, you can get your yard ready for sale while enticing potential buyers with summer vibes.

The outdoor appeal of your home is more important than ever. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, many buyers have reprioritized what they want out of their next home purchase. People increasingly work from home, lockdowns gave many of us a new appreciation for our yards, and dog ownership (and the need for outside space for these new furry family members to enjoy) has exploded.

Homes with attractive and well-maintained yards can boost the value and even clinch the deal. So, if you’re getting ready to sell your home, here’s our handy guide for making your yard more appealing to potential home buyers.

man mowing a lawn in the sun — *^{A tidy yard ups your home’s curb appeal.}*

1. Declutter your yard

An untidy yard can easily put a buyer off. Dead leaves, unmaintained beds, an unkempt lawn, and unloved fences can make a yard look like a lot of work to home buyers.

Giving your yard a quick tidy doesn’t take long. Pick up litter, remove dead plants, pull up weeds, pressure wash, repaint fences, and feed the lawn. If you have a pool, make sure it’s kept clean and well maintained. This can all be done in an afternoon or two and can make a huge difference.

If you have a lawn that’s beyond hope it may be time to call in a professional, so consider those costs sooner rather than later. They can help create a plan to maximize your outdoor space’s appeal while keeping within an agreed-upon budget.

woman planting a shrub in a pot outdoors — *^{A few well-placed potted plants add natural beauty to outdoor spaces.}*

2. Embrace greenery

Even the tiniest patio, yard or balcony can become an outdoor paradise with a bit of greenery. If you don’t have flower beds, invest in pots or planters — buying a few larger pots is always better as lots of little pots can make a space seem crowded.

Knowing which plants are right for you can take some research and planning. If you’re a beginner, go for low-maintenance plants that you can mostly leave alone and trust will thrive. For example, hardy exotics such as palms and yucca plants can handle everything the weather can throw at them and add a dramatic look to any yard. Don’t worry too much about whether the plants you choose are annuals or perennials — by the time annuals have died back, you’ll have likely already found a buyer.

Oh, and this may seem like a no-brainer, but don’t forget to water!

patio at dusk with attractive furniture, pillows, flowers, rug and lighting — ^{An outdoor living space can give the impression of more square footage while providing an appealing hangout spot.}

3. Add a living space

Potential home buyers want to be able to imagine themselves living in your home, and that includes the yard. By making your yard a comfortable and inviting space, you can increase their interest. This can be as simple as adding a patio with a table and chairs or putting in a fire pit or built-in barbeque. If you want to go whole hog, you could even add a pool/guest house or she shed, but think about cost versus how much value you’re adding to the property.

attractive neighborhood with home and wood privacy fence — ^{An attractive fence adds value to your home that potential buyers can appreciate.}

4. Increase privacy

The yard should be a safe space that allows you to enjoy the outdoors without having to leave the comfort of your home. Being in view of neighbors or passers-by can ruin the ambience. Potential home buyers might not want to put in the work to boost the privacy of the yard, so this is an easy thing you can do to increase interest in your home. You can also increase interest from buyers with pets if your yard is fenced-in and secure.

Add shrubs or hedges to create natural and attractive barriers between your space and the rest of the world. Make sure any existing hedges or fences are in good condition — repair or treat any gaps as required. Think about whether you need to make any fences taller to increase privacy, but make sure you get the necessary permissions to do this.

attractive dark blue house with well kept front yard — *^{The front of your home gives potential buyers their first impression, so make sure it looks great.}*

5. Don’t forget about the front yard

Curb appeal is essential. It gives your potential buyers their first impression of your home, so mess this part up and you could lose the sale. At the very least, make sure your front yard is tidy — remove any litter or debris, sweep the front path, rake up leaves, and pull up any weeds.

Pay attention to the appearance of your house as well — repaint your front door, install new house numbers, clean the windows, and add some lighting and a potted plant or two to create a welcoming atmosphere.

Your yard could be the key to selling your home

Remember, first impressions are made before potential buyers even walk through the front door. So, maximize every asset your property has to offer. Even the most beautiful, modern, and well-staged home can fall short if it doesn’t have an appealing outside space. Size doesn’t matter. Whether you have acres of land to play with or a tiny apartment balcony, you can create a neat and comfortable outdoor haven for your home’s next inhabitants.

Planning to make improvements to your yard to get your home ready to put on the market? Consider storing patio and backyard items both during the process and after to keep everything looking clutter free and irresistible to buyers.