We’re all for people using self-storage units to create more living space and clear away the clutter that’s been polluting their workspaces, homes, and minds. But we also don’t want our customers to have to pay for more storage space than they actually need. For instance, why should you pay to store boxes of old baby clothes your last child outgrew years ago, or rusted old bicycles that have seen their last ride?

To help you save money and space, it’s a good idea to purge any long-unused, ill-fitting, or damaged items before renting a self-storage unit. But for many, it can seem overwhelming—or downright impossible—to part with the stuff that’s been in your life for many years. To help you squash your inner pack rat, here are a few tips for shedding that excess baggage:

• For each item, ask yourself three questions: Do I need it? Do I use it? Do I love it? The answer should be “Yes” to at least one of these. If you answer “No” to all of them, it’s time to say goodbye.

•  As you go, sort items into three large boxes labeled “Keep,” “Sell/Donate”, and “Toss”. If an item has stubborn stains or is damaged beyond repair, it should go in the “Toss” box.

• When you’re finished sorting, go through the Sell/Donate box and decide whether you want to give the items to a family member, friend, or charitable organization. If you’re in need of some extra cash, consider having a good old-fashioned yard sale, selling the items online, or taking them to a secondhand shop that pays for consignments.

After your purge is complete, it should be much easier to determine how much storage space you’ll need for the items in your “Keep” box. For information on our self-storage locations and sizes, and for more storage tips, visit COMSTOR Self Storage online at www.communitystorage.com.

Often times getting caught in the hustle and bustle of getting your self storage unit it’s easy to forget the important items you need for storage success. Important but easily forgotten items needed for storage success are high quality boxes. It may seem like a minor detail, but before you start collecting egg crates from the grocery store or asking friends for their old boxes, it’s important to note that not all boxes are created equal.

To ensure maximum protection of your items and ease of transport, you need high-quality self-storage boxes in the right sizes—especially if you’re planning for an upcoming move.

Below are some important things to keep in mind when looking for storage boxes:

• Most boxes are available in a range of sizes, from 16x12x12 up to 20x18x16. If you’re planning a move, it’s a good idea to mix and match various sizes to cover different types of items, from clothing and books to cookware and home accents.

• Anyone who has ever filled a large box with books—and then tried to carry it—knows the importance of the proper weight/size ratio. Heavier items (books, magazines, files, etc.) should be stored in smaller boxes. Larger boxes are ideal for items that take up a lot of room, but are lighter in weight (bedding, clothing, bath linens, etc.)

• When storing important documents and records, a file storage box is an ideal solution. Most are equipped with hinged covers and locks to protect the contents.

• Make sure the boxes you choose have plenty of space for you to add labels specifying the contents, designated rooms, and any special notes (i.e. Fragile, Heavy, etc.).

At COMSTOR Self-Storage, we offer moving kits with all the essential supplies you need to pack, store, and transport your treasured belongings. To purchase the essential boxes and supplies you need check out our moving supplies.

Sure, clutter is unsightly—but did you know it can actually be bad for your health? Studies have shown that all those piles of paperwork, jumbles of toys, and outgrown clothes can cause stress levels to skyrocket.

According to Feng Shui experts, messes and disorganization can actually drain your home of positive energy. Just walking through a cluttered house triggers anxiety, as you’re assailed with all the visual reminders of the tasks awaiting your attention.

Clutter can be especially problematic if you work from home. For instance, if your office is packed full of overflowing boxes, stacks of old files, and tangles of electronic cables and cords, it can be difficult to clear your mind and focus on work. And if you ever need to entertain, preparing the house can seem to be a daunting task.

Your home should be a soothing haven from daily stressors, but relaxation can seem next to impossible when your rooms are in a state of disarray. Fortunately, you have the power to reclaim order and finally conquer the clutter.

Like yoga self storage provides you the flexibility, balance, and ability to make your life easier. A storage unit is an easy, affordable way to clear out the items you can’t bear to part with, but don’t need or use on a regular basis. In addition to helping you de-stress by opening up more usable space, a storage unit keeps your stuff secured and easily accessible for priceless peace of mind.

For guidance on choosing and using a self-storage unit, contact a courteous, knowledgeable expert at www.communitystorage.com.

Once you’ve found a self-storage unit that meets your location, size, and security requirements, it’s time to start planning for the actual packing and storing of your items. To prevent mishaps and ensure a smooth, successful transition of your belongings, our industry experts have compiled these quick self-storage tips:

• Create a “blueprint” for how your furnishings, boxes, and other belongings will be arranged in your storage unit. This will help maximize the use of space and eliminate the need to move things around later. Be sure to leave ample room for you to move around the unit in case you need to retrieve items.
• Elevate your items off the floor with pallets or planks of wood to protect them from any possible moisture.
• For better organization and easier access, consider purchasing some freestanding shelves to use inside your self-storage unit.
• Add clear, bold labels to all boxes so you can easily find what you need.
• Use small boxes for heavier items (such as books and electronic equipment) and larger boxes for bulky, lightweight items (such as bed linens, towels, and pillows). Store heavier boxes beneath lighter ones to keep them from getting crushed.
• To conserve space, consider taking apart large furniture pieces, such as tables and beds, before storing them. Stack dining chairs and store sofas on end.
• If you’ll be storing your items for an extended period of time, visit the unit every couple of weeks to make sure everything is in order.
• Keep higher-value items toward the rear of the storage unit so they won’t be visible from outside while the door is open.
• If possible, store clothes and curtains on hanging rods or in wardrobe boxes to prevent wrinkling.

For more self-storage tips or advice about your move, visit us at www.communitystorage.com or contact a COMSTOR Self Storage professional at 1.866.942.4933.

Whether you’re in the process of moving or just want to clear some extra space in your home, it can be a big challenge to gauge how big of a storage unit you’ll need to store your items—but choosing the right size unit is essential to smooth storage. Below, we’ve compiled some tips to help simplify the process.

• As a general rule of thumb, plan on allocating one square foot of space per box. For instance, a 100 square-foot, a 10×10 unit, can accommodate up to 100 medium-sized boxes.
• If you only have a couple pieces of smaller furniture and a few boxes, or a lot of smaller items, a 50 square-foot, 5×10 unit, will probably work for you. This size unit is approximately equivalent to the size of a half-bathroom.
• To store all of the belongings from a one-bedroom apartment (excluding appliances), you’ll likely need a 100 square-foot, 10×10 unit. This size unit is also perfect to store a few small aplliances.
• If you need to store all furnishings and items from a two-bedroom apartment or house (excluding appliances), the 150-square-unit is a good choice. If you need to also store appliances or a vehicle, go for a 200, 10×20, or 250 square-foot, 10×25 unit.
• The largest self storage unit from COMSTOR self storage is usually 400 square feet, 10×40. This size accommodates all furnishings and items from a four bedroom home.
• It’s important when visiting a storage unit to inspect the slant and slope, as this can impact the amount of items that will fit in your unit. If you’re storing very tall items, you may need to request a unit with a higher ceiling—most units are 8’ high, but many facilities offer taller units, some up to 14’ high.
• If you’ll need to retrieve items from the unit on a regular basis, it’s a good idea to reserve a larger space so you’ll have plenty of room to maneuver or creat an aisle to access items in the back of the unit.

If you’re still not sure what size storage unit is right for you, visit our website and take a video tour or check out our size guide all at http://communitystorage.com.

This week we sat down with Bellefontaine’s premiere packing and shipping expert to get some tips for packing for your COMSTOR  Self Storage Unit. Garret James of Pakmail and Jason Duff of COMSTOR  Self Storage discuss packing your precious items for storage. In this two video series packing if all kinds of items are addressed from wardrobe to valuables and even mirrors and artwork.

In the first video Jason quizes Garret about what you need to pack and protect your items for your storage unit. Garret offers the following advice.

DO Use:

• Packing Paper
• Storage Specific Boxes
• Plastic Furniture Covers
• A Marker to Label the Boxes on 2 Sides

Do NOT Use:

• Newspaper
• Old Boxes
• Things Laying Around Your Home

www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9tzDnBiS9s

The second video talks about packing clothing for storage and the wardrobe boxes that protect your clothing from the climate changes in  the storage units.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aa7Pt5iPhZY

If you have any additional questions about packing for your storage unit or if you are ready to rent, please visit us at communitystorage.com or call us at 866-942-4933.

Due to their convenience, easy access, and affordability, self-storage units are quickly becoming a preferred method of storing and securing items that aren’t used on a daily basis. But all self-storage is not created equal. With so many different companies out there, how can you make sure you choose the right facility to meet your needs?

Below are the key things to consider when evaluating a storage unit:

• Size. It’s important that you have plenty of space not only for your actual items, but also for unpacking and maneuvering. When in doubt, reserve a unit one size up from what you think you’ll need. It’s much better to have extra space than not enough.

• Security. Make sure the facility uses the necessary security precautions to keep your belongings safe. All COMSTOR self storage units are brightly lit at night, monitored with exterior security cameras, and surrounded by fencing. We also sell and deliver top-of-the-line disk locks that are specially designed for storage units; ask a COMSTOR representative for details.

• Location. You’ll want to store your items in a convenient location that’s close to where you work or live. This will cut down on travel time and fuel costs, while giving you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your belongings can be reached quickly.

• Flexibility. Not sure how long you’ll need the unit? No Problem! We offer a flexible month-to-month agreement, so you’ll never get locked into an expensive long term lease or be charged any termination penalties.

For more tips on choosing the perfect storage unit to meet your needs, visit us online at www.communitystorage.com.

Is a big chunk of your workday spent sifting through piles of old paperwork looking for what you need? Are your file cabinets, bookcases, and desk drawers overflowing with stuff you haven’t looked at for months or even years, but can’t bring yourself to throw away? Are you embarrassed when colleagues and clients visit your office?

It’s time to finally take control of the clutter that’s polluting your workspace.

In addition to detracting from the appearance of your office, all that mess can wreak some serious havoc on your productivity and profits. It can also lead to depression, stress, and feelings of defeat.

Fortunately, there is a solution—and it’s not moving into a bigger office. Self-storage units provide a convenient, cost-effective option to simplify your life. Pick and choose the exact size for the space you need for all those old files, boxes, and unused furniture, and start enjoying the benefits immediately. Here are a few suggestions from our team:

• More productive workdays: With a neater, more organized office, you’ll find what you need right away, with no piles of old paperwork and files to get in your way. And because you’ll no longer lose documents, you’ll save the time you used to spend re-creating them.
• Confidence during meetings: Once you’ve eliminated the clutter, you’ll finally be able to meet with clients and colleagues without worrying about the state of your office.
• Peace of mind. Our facilities are monitored round-the-clock using cameras and your unit is secured with your own lock and key. Our storage experts can recommend a high quality round disc lock for your protection.
• 24/7 access. Even when they’re tucked neatly away, your old files and folders are always easily accessible. You can visit your storage unit anytime, day or night, to retrieve exactly what you need.

Clutter isn’t a necessary evil—it’s an avoidable one. For just a few dollars a day, a COMSTOR self-storage unit can give you the well-organized, productive workspace you’ve always wanted. Visit us at http://www.communitystorage.com/ to view our storage locations, unit sizes, and more about what we can do for you.

Between work, school, kids’ sports, and household tasks, it can seem next to impossible to find time to feed the dog, much less call to reserve a storage unit. While it may be true that some companies require a long, drawn-out process, that’s not the case at COMSTOR Self Storage. We know you’re busy, so we’ve made it incredibly easy to find the unit that’s right for you in just 5 simple steps— all in less than 5 minutes.

• Step 1: Let’s Connect.

We’re available virtually or by phone:

-  Visit our 24-hour reservation website at www.communitystorage.com

-  Call toll-free at 1-866-942-4933 to speak live to a courteous representative

• Step 2: Pick a location.

Choose from four convenient locations in Ada, Lakeview, and Russells Point. Each of our storage facilities are equipped with multiple unit sizes, wide open driveways, and other helpful storage amenities.

• Step 3: Choose a size.

We offer multiple unit sizes to accommodate a range of storage needs. Tip: It’s a good idea to reserve one size larger than you actually need, as this will allow you plenty of space to move around, pack, and unpack within the unit.

• Step 4: Confirm you reservation.

We don’t need to have your grades from elementary school. We just need your name, phone number, address, and a time when you can be reached. Upon receiving your reservation a COMSTOR representative will contact you to give you your unit number.

• Step 5: Buy your lock.

If you don’t already have a lock that’s specially designed for a storage unit, you can conveniently purchase one from us. We sell only the highest-rated, industry recommended disc locks. Upon purchase we can deliver it to your unit, home, or business.

Has this ever happened to you? You sell your house, but can’t move immediately into your new house, so your items end up in storage. Or maybe you’re moving to a smaller place and need to rent a storage unit until you decide what to do with your extra stuff. In case you haven’t guessed, the underlying theme here is “storage.” So, the next logical question becomes, “How is my stuff in storage covered under my homeowners policy?” I’m betting that many people don’t ever give it a thought, until a claim occurs.

Thankfully, a typical homeowners policy has some provisions for the above situations (for our purposes, a homeowners policy also includes renter or condo policy).  In reviewing three companies at Alan Galvez Insurance for homeowners policies (Erie, Motorists and Buckeye), all use some variation of the following: “we provide up to 10% of your personal property amount for items usually situated at any residence owned or occupied other than a residence premises.” Translation- residence premises = where you’ve been living. Other than= storage unit. So, if you have $50,000 in contents, you’d get $5,000 for items in storage. What if $5,000 isn’t enough? Then you can increase the amount of your contents to get more. Yes, it’s really that easy.

Note: homeowners policies also have internal limitations for certain types of personal property, so your 10% provision could actually translate into a much smaller number. Common examples are jewelry, guns and silverware/goldware. Let’s say you have $10,000 in guns that need to go into storage. Your policy has an internal limitation of $2,500 for loss by theft. If you have 10% of $2,500, that’s not nearly enough is it?

A solution is to attach a personal articles floater. In our guns example, you would provide an inventory of your guns (you can insure some or all, your choice) with manufacturer, model, serial number and value and they would be listed and insured on a separate schedule.

Please note- we’re only discussing personal property items, and not business contents, here. So, does this give you some insight into how your homeowners policy can provide coverage for items in storage? Do you have more questions after reading? Fire away- I’m happy to answer your questions and look forward to providing additional posts in the future. Thanks for reading.

Carrie Reynolds is co-owner and licensed agent of Alan Galvez Insurance Ltd, an independent insurance agency in Bellefontaine, OH. She considers herself a problem solver and not just another salesperson. Her belief in educating others about insurance using easily understandable language led to the creation of her blog “Confessions of an Insurance Goddess.” Insurance doesn’t have to be complicated. Really. You can reach Carrie here.