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July 6, 2017 by Admin

Self Storage Tips: How to Effectively Pack Your Storage Unit

Are you a storage unit newbie? Perhaps you’re currently renting a storage unit but haven’t been happy with the setup? Here are five storage tips to help you pack your storage unit more efficiently to keep your items safe and utilize the space, all while keeping the things you need accessible.

1. Keep Things Compact

If you are storing furniture or any other large items in your storage unit, it’s a good idea to break them down to the smallest size possible. Remove the legs from tables, chairs, couches, disassemble bed frames and any other possible items. For pieces of furniture that don’t break down, make sure to utilize every possible space, including placing items in dresser drawers, on top of or below tables, and on bookshelves.

2.Label Everything

Self storage boxes are useful in helping you pack items for storage. However, make sure you label each box. If you’ll need to access boxes while they’re in storage, make a checklist on the side so you know exactly where things are and you don’t have to unpack everything to find what you need.

3. Pack Items Properly

Take the time to properly secure and pack each of your belongings. Place blankets over furniture you don’t want to be scratched, and use the necessary storage supplies to get the job done right. Make sure boxes are not overpacked so that lids lay flat and can be easily sealed with packing tape.

4. Choose the Right Size Unit

Rather than spending money on a bigger unit than you need, take inventory of your property and choose the smallest possible unit to fit your needs. When packed properly, even a small unit can hold quite a few items. Also, make sure to rent a climate-controlled unit if you’ll be storing expensive items or plan to visit your unit frequently.

5. Store Items Strategically

If you will need to access any of your belongings during storage, it’s a good idea to store these items close to the front of your unit to avoid unpacking your entire storage unit to find them. Pack these items together and mark them so you know what is where, then make sure these items are the last to be placed in your unit.

Get Started Today

With the help of these 5 storage unit packing tips, managing your items while in storage will be infinitely easier.

Are you ready to try your hand at storage unit packing? Would you like to learn more helpful self storage tips? Contact Simply Self Storage today to get started.

June 29, 2017 by Admin

5 Tips to Help You Navigate the Market as a First Time Homebuyer

As a first time homebuyer, that overwhelming feeling of stress and anxiety is completely understandable—buying a house can be a long and difficult process. The more you prepare yourself for the journey, the easier it will be. Here are 5 things to keep in mind as you navigate the market.

1. Create a Budget

It’s important to be realistic and determine a budget before you even start looking at homes. First time home buyers who neglect to follow this advice oftentimes find themselves either stuck with a mortgage they can’t afford, or heartbroken over a home they love but will never own.

2. Get Pre-Approved

Once you’ve established your budget, it’s time to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This is another step to take prior to beginning your house hunt—most sellers won’t take an offer seriously if you can’t prove you have a mortgage company backing the loan.

3. Determine Your Must-Haves

This is the fun part—it’s time to give serious thought to your future home. Are there certain features you absolutely need, like three bedrooms, a backyard, a garage? Make a list of the things you need in a home, then a list of your wants. This is another time you need to be realistic—unless you’re made of money, you’re going to have to make some compromises when buying a house. With enough forethought on the matter, you’ll have a better idea of what you’re willing to give up and what you can’t afford to.

4. Find an Agent You Trust

While it is possible to figure out how to buy a house on your own, it’s in your best interest to consult an expert. Do some research and find a realtor who’s highly regarded and a good fit for you. Realtors know the laws and regulations to follow, and will make sure the transaction of buying a home is done properly.

5. Pay for an Inspection

Once you find your future home and your offer has been accepted, it’s time to ensure your future investment is in the best condition possible. Pay an expert to perform and inspection to identify any major or minor issues that need attention. This is your time to ask the seller to fix any deal breaking issues or re-negotiate the purchase price as necessary. With a proper inspection, you won’t have to worry about any big surprises when you move into your new home.

First Thing’s First

Before you start on your journey to homeownership, consider using a storage unit to house your belongings as you start packing to prevent having boxes litter your home for months before and after move in. Bonus—keep the storage unit after you’ve moved into house seasonal items and belongings you don’t have a place for, but aren’t ready to part with.

Don’t forget to enjoy the journey to homeownership!

June 22, 2017 by Admin

How to Plan a Dream Vacation and Keep Your Home Safe While You’re Away

Summer means taking a break from the stale routine you’ve been following all year and heading out on a relaxing vacation. For some people, the ocean and the sand call their name—for others, the forest and the mountains draw them in.

Wherever your dream vacation may be, ensuring your home is safe and secure while you’re gone can help you avoid unnecessary stress when you’re meant to be relaxing. Follow these vacation and home safety tips to learn how to plan your dream vacation and keep your home safe while you’re away.

Beach Vacation

If relaxing with your toes in the sand and the ocean waves in your view sounds ideal, then check out some of these awesome beach destinations:

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Siesta Key, Florida

Outer Banks, North Carolina

Port Aransas, Texas

Coronado Beach, California

There are some specific measures you may need to take to keep your home secure while on a beach vacation. For example, if your beach equipment and gear is packed in a shed then you may need to do an outdoor sweep to ensure the shed, fences, and latches are all secure before leaving.

Roadtrip

Taking a road trip is a great way to see a lot of sights in a short period of time. The flexibility of a road trip and determining your own route and schedule is very desirable to a lot of vacation-goers, but securing your home before you go is important.

Before you take your keys with you on the road, don’t forget to leave a copy of your house key with a neighbor or trusted friend. Having someone to check in on your house to make sure all is well and to keep the appearance of somebody being home is a valuable home security tip.

International

International travel creates priceless memories and opens your mind to new places, people, and cultures. Learning about how others live expands our sense of empathy and compassion toward others, and is a worthwhile endeavor.

When you travel internationally, you won’t be able to rush home in the event of an emergency or threat. Make arrangements ahead of time to have a home security company watch out for your home. Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to check in, as well. Keep your valuables locked away, and provide a reliable contact number so you can be reached at any time during an emergency. Consider purchasing travel insurance so that you can easily book a flight if you need to return sooner than your planned return date.

Camping/Off-the-Grid

Of all the places to go on vacation, some people simply need a break from humanity and the hustle and bustle of life. Camping, backpacking, or immersing yourself in nature can be a peaceful and spiritual experience, and unplugging from phones and computers can be good for the mind.

Going off the grid and disconnecting can be unnerving, however, when anxiety about what could go wrong at home sets in. If you prepare your home in advance and have a plan in place for any threats or emergencies, you can go off the grid with confidence that your home is safe and secure. Installing a home security system can ensure that your home is watched over at all times of the day and night.