Self Storage Blog - DIY, Tips & Other Storage Ideas | SimplySS - Page 2 of 43 - Read the Self Storage Blog from Simply Self Storage! We provide you with storage ideas, DIY tips, and more, updated regularly. Reserve a storage space now!

August 31, 2017 by Admin

How Small Businesses Can Benefit From Commercial Storage

If you’re like most small business owners, you don’t have square footage to spare in your work-space, but you also have extra equipment, inventory, or supplies that need to be stored. A commercial storage unit may be the right solution for you.

Keep Costs Down

Maybe you’re part of a startup company that is still in the process of finding the perfect location for your storefront. More often than not, it’s less expensive to lease a smaller retail space and pay for an offsite storage unit than it is to pay for a larger retail space. Plus, you aren’t locked into a 1-5 year contract with storage rental—pay month-to-month to meet your storage needs.

Are you expanding your business and have you outgrown your current office space? Are you a high-profile company and you want to keep a new project under wraps? Need to store equipment and supplies during your off season? Store with a commercial facility and keep your overhead costs low.

On-Site Trailers vs Commercial Storage Units

Construction and other professional industries commonly use mobile trailers as a means of commercial storage, transporting them to different job sites as needed. Take these factors into consideration when deciding to use a trailer or to rent commercial storage space for your small business.

Mobile Trailers

A trailer rental is typically more expensive than a storage unit monthly rental.
Delivery fees, you must pay additional fees, such as for delivery, when you rent a trailer.
Zoning laws may not allow the use of on-site trailers in all areas, or there may simply not be enough space at a job site.
Climate control is an additional fee.
Trailers are vulnerable to break-ins and theft.

Commercial Storage Units

Storage facilities offer full security with passcode-access gates and video surveillance.
On-site property managers are able to supervise security.
The fee for a fully climate-controlled storage space is included in the monthly rent.
No delivery fees when changing job sites.
Commercial storage unit monthly rental fees are generally less expensive than mobile trailers.

Industry-Specific Benefits of Commercial Storage

Commercial storage is a perfect solution for so many industries. Beyond construction industries, many retail businesses need affordable, secure storage space as well.

Construction

With construction, many subcontractors don’t have an office at all but still need space to store all of their equipment. As a general contractor, you may need to store lumber, sheetrock, and other supplies. Easy-access loading docks are perfect for moving large, heavy items in-and-out, as you need them. A self-storage unit is just what you need to keep vital supplies in a cost-effective manner that is also easily accessible, conveniently located, and securely locked up.

Landscaping

Landscapers have multiple tools and equipment which need to be stored carefully. They should be accessible at all times for quick loading and unloading when moving from job to job. A commercial storage unit enables you to remain mobile, taking only what you need for each specific job (as opposed to hauling all your tools with you everywhere).

Roofing

Professional roofers have many supplies that need to be organized: power tools, tiles, shingles, adhesive, etc. A commercial storage unit is ideal for the short or long term storage of roofing tools and supplies.

Contract Painters

Businesses that offer professional painting services can benefit from a space to store paint sprayers, air compressors, and as an organizational space. However, it is important to be aware of items you can’t store in a storage unit.

Retail & eCommerce

Retail businesses with brick and mortar storefronts and online-only sales alike need extra storage space. Retail display fixtures, additional inventory, and trade show booth supplies are large items that need to be carefully stored in a space where they can be protected from conditions that may cause damage.

Restaurants & Catering

Devoting as much square footage as possible to your dining lobby is important to maximize profits as a restaurant owner. Additional equipment such as large appliances, tables and chairs for large banquet and event use, and special occasion decor.

Many catering businesses only have a commercial kitchen space they work out of to keep overhead costs down. Caterers need additional space to store all of their supplies and equipment such as baskets, table decor, linens, chafing dishes, china, and glassware. Loading docks at commercial storage facilities provide easy transport of speed racks and carts used by culinary professionals.

General Commercial Use

There are many general uses for commercial storage space that can benefit small businesses. Files with business and legal documents need to be saved, but they can take up a lot of space. A storage unit protected from extreme temperatures is the perfect place, and the documents can be easily accessed if needed.

Storage units are available in many sizes. If you only need to store files of paperwork you may need a mini storage space. Or, you may be in need of a sizeable area for machinery and other large equipment.

Commercial storage is the perfect solution to lower your overhead costs. Think of your storage space as an extension of your small business. Regardless of where your small business may take you, your business supplies and equipment will be warehoused in one location to the safe and secure specifications you need.

August 24, 2017 by Admin

Back to School Dorm Room Organization Guide

Moving from your parent’s home and your familiar bedroom to a dorm room with roommates you may have never met before can be intimidating, not to mention just plain scary. But most college students and grads will be quick to tell you that the experiences they had and the memories they made with their college roommates in their dorms last a lifetime, and so do the relationships.

To help you prepare for dorm room living and to make the most of your college years, follow the advice in this guide.

Choose a college wisely

As you choose a college, consider your personal living preferences. This is very important to your success, as the space in which you live and study can affect your performance and influence your college experience. Do you prefer to have your own bathroom, or do you mind using a shared, community bathroom and shower area? How about a kitchen? Do you feel more secure with your pet coming with you, and need a pet-friendly living arrangement? All of these scenarios should be addressed as you consider the best living arrangement for your college success.

Study the paperwork FIRST

If you show up on move-in day without looking at the schedule, you may find yourself standing around or hiking up and down stairs unnecessarily. There is likely a schedule to allow each student convenience when unloading their belongings. Similarly, there are probably designated drop-off spots you should know about. Even before you pack, read through all paperwork to find out what furniture and appliances will be provided, and what items are prohibited. Get familiar with the dorm organization, taking note of the dimensions and room layout to make sure your furniture will fit.

Packing the moving truck

If you must provide your own furniture, be strategic about how to pack your moving truck. Consider the essential items you’ll need on move-in day, such as toiletries, chargers, and a change of clothing. Make sure to label your boxes to make your dorm room organization easy and quick. Remember that you’ll likely be limited on space, so you may need to purchase multi-purpose furniture that offers you more storage possibilities, like a headboard with a bookshelf built-in.

Collaborate with your roommates

Connect with your roommates in advance to coordinate shared items, such as a TV, ironing board, microwave, common area rugs, fridge, couch, etc. If possible, discuss the dorm room organization you’d prefer so you all agree on the layout and organization of your rooms and belongings. If there is a room or bed that is more desirable than the others, create a schedule so that you can switch for the next semester.

Get creative with space

Once you get moved in, you’ll probably realize that no matter how you tried to cut back, you packed too much. You may need to come up with some creative dorm storage ideas to avoid a messy situation. For example, using under-the-bed storage containers and bags is a great idea for shoes and clothing. Over-the-door hangers can also help organize shoes, jewelry, socks, and other items. Your roommates may have some good dorm storage ideas, so don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation with them asking for their advice. It will help you get to know each other and work toward setting up the perfect dorm room for your college experience.

August 17, 2017 by Admin

11 Things to Consider When Moving an Elderly Parent

The steps leading to a decision to help your aging parent move are often difficult. You may have seen your parent’s bills go unpaid, they aren’t eating well, and they may even be neglecting taking necessary medications. This is a major life decision. One that your parent may be resistant to, and it’s important to be sensitive to their feelings, needs, and desires to help them through the transition. Whether your elderly parent is moving in with you in your home, a senior living community, or into an assisted living facility, there are things you need to consider in making sure everyone’s needs are met, and that you are fully prepared to handle the experience.

1. Communication

Have open communication with your parent to know exactly how they feel about the move. Admitting you can’t fully take care of yourself any longer can be difficult and it is important to help your parent feel comfortable with the change.

Involve family members in the decision-making process to be sure everyone is on the same page, and willing to help and offer support.

2. Seek help

Don’t try to do everything on your own. Enlist the help of your siblings. Many things need to be considered in taking over the care of your elderly parent, and one person cannot fully meet all of the needs and expectations. Make assignments for specific responsibilities such as organizing an estate sale, meeting with an attorney, assessing health care needs, etc.

3. Financial Ramifications

Leave no stone unturned when identifying all of the expenses involved with your parent’s relocation. There will be expenses incurred whether they move in with you or into an assisted living facility. Moving costs, health care expenses, and taking on any regular bills that your parent may have. Make arrangements for how any retirement accounts will be managed.

4. Get Legal

Be sure power of attorney is assigned, and that wills are in order. As aging parents become more dependent, it’s important to have plans in place for the future. Set aside time to consult with an attorney and your parent’s financial advisor to be sure everything is in place.

5. Downsize

Keep enough furniture and other large items to help your parent feel at home, but sell or give away everything else. Having an estate sale can help offset some of the costs of helping your parent relocate. Donating items to goodwill or other charity is a great way to help those in need while downsizing at the same time.

6. Sort and Organize

Set aside time to sort through all of your parent’s belongings to decide what can be kept and what needs to go. They may even choose to give some special items away to specific family members. Involve your parent in the process and be respectful of their wishes.

7. Moving Prep

Beyond just sorting and organizing your parent’s belongings, you and your support system will be responsible for all moving responsibilities. That includes listing the home for sale with a real estate agent, cleaning, making necessary household repairs, and ultimately packing and physically moving everything. Delegate responsibilities to make the process as smooth and low-stress as possible.

8. Get a Storage Unit

Everyone can be a bit of a hoarder. We keep things because of sentimental value, or because we think we’ll need it later. It can be difficult to see someone else’s point of view when they insist on keeping something you think should be thrown away. Be sensitive to their wishes. At some point in the future, you may be grateful you saved everything your mother or father wanted to.

If there isn’t room in your house or at the assisted living facility, rent a mini storage unit so you can hold onto everything your parent wants to keep. Storage facilities are safe, secure, and low-commitment. You can rest easy that your parent’s belongings will be taken care of. Month-to-month rentals are an easy and cost-effective way to store your parent’s valuable property, with climate controlled and long-term storage options as well.

9. Moving Day

Once the house has sold, it’s time to move everything. Pack and load all belongings into the moving truck with care. This can be an emotional time for an aging parent who may have lived decades in one place. Take pictures and video of the home to reminisce on memories later.

10. Settling In

Help your parent settle into their new environment. Unpacking and organizing can be stressful emotionally and physically. Take the time to make sure your parent is moved in and feeling comfortable in their new surroundings.

11. Enjoy Your Family

Even though this may be an emotional time with many decisions to make and future circumstances to plan for, take the time to enjoy your family and memories that have been made. Caring for an elderly parent can be a very rewarding time when you are able to give back all the love and generosity that was selflessly given to you as a child.

Helping an aging parent move can be an emotional time. Be sure to surround yourself and your parent with all the love and support needed through the process. Keeping the factors mentioned above in mind will help ensure that you and your family are prepared to handle the transition ahead.