Simply Self Storage Blog - Organization, Packing and Storage Tips

May 9, 2018 by Simply Self-Storage

Natural Cleaning Tips for Pet Owners

ASPCA reports that household chemicals are one of the top pet toxins and contribute to tens of thousands of poison cases each year. Common commercial cleaners can be loaded with toxic chemicals that are harmful to your pet.

Pets bring all sorts of things into your home like muddy paws, dirty toys and globs of fur. Most pet owners know that keeping a home with pets clean is a constant process. To avoid using products that could potentially hurt your furry friends, many people opt to use natural cleaning products.

We put together some of the best natural cleaning recipes for any sticky or hairy situation your pet might get in, as well as some safe replacements for common toxic chemical cleaners. [Read more…]

April 30, 2018 by Simply Self-Storage

How Much Money Does a Smart Home Actually Save?

how much money does a smart home save? What if your home could be programmed to save you money every chance it got?

Energy saving smart devices are no longer a thing of the future. The recent eruption of smart home technology has given us everything from smart lights that turn off automatically to smart power strips that can “unplug” devices not in use.

Smart home technology marries two popular topics of the moment: green technology and the internet of things.

There are several smart home devices that are popular today and known to save energy. We examined claims made by several popular device manufacturers and crunched the numbers to find out, on average, what each device should save a homeowner per year. [Read more…]

April 23, 2018 by Simply Self-Storage

30 Natural Cleaning Hacks You Haven’t Heard of Yet

Just how bad are cleaning products for your health?

A 2018 study from the University of Bergen in Norway found that people exposed to cleaning products for 20 years have lung function equivalent to smoking 20 cigarettes per day! They are also 40% more at risk to develop asthma.

We all know to try to avoid them in large doses, and keep areas properly ventilated but some chemicals—especially spray cleaners—can remain in the air for hours after putting you and your family at risk. Finding natural alternatives to harmful chemical cleaners can help protect the long term health of everyone in your home. Natural cleaners are also better for the environment, and they are often much less expensive than regular cleaning products.

Making the switch to natural products can seem overwhelming. But there are likely several things already in your home that you can use to make natural cleaners. Here are some of our favorite natural cleaning hacks to keep your home safe and spotless. You can see them below or click here to view the full infographic.

[Read more…]

April 9, 2018 by Simply Self-Storage

Prevent Back Injuries While Lifting Heavy Objects

how to save your back

Statistics show that 80% of adults will experience a back injury in their lifetime. More than one million back injuries are sustained in the workplace each year and 80% of those injuries are associated with manual tasks lifting materials.

Much of this can be attributed to the fact that most people don’t know how to lift heavy objects properly. Repeated lifting of materials, sudden movements, and lifting and twisting at the same time can all cause back injuries.

Preventing Back Injury:

You can prevent back pain by preparing when you know you will be lifting heavy objects. Take some time to inspect the items you will be moving. Test their weight and decide if you will need assistance or if you can lift it yourself.

You can also prepare the items you will be lifting to ensure they are as easy to move as possible. Pack smaller boxes instead of larger ones, disassemble furniture to make it lighter and plan to use a cart or dolly if needed.

Map out a safe route to between the two spots you will be lifting objects between. Ensure there is nothing blocking your path and that there are no tripping hazards or slippery floors.

Stretch your muscles to prepare them for the strenuous activity ahead. A warm-up increases the temperature in your muscles which makes them more pliable, increases your range of motion and reduces your risk for injuries. [Read more…]