This post was originally published on September 25, 2013.

While it may seem silly or tedious to give your items a thorough clean only to store them away, doing so can ensure proper preservation. 

You may be thinking—what’s the worst that could happen? Furniture that is simply left alone may contain bacteria or other elements that make these items more prone to mold or mildew accumulation during long-term storage. 

To avoid this from happening, give your furniture a proper clean. Below, we outline common cleaning techniques for three types of furniture pieces: upholstered, wooden and plastic.

1. Protect Upholstered Items

Upholstered furniture pieces are those that contain stuffing, springs and cushions, with fabric that covers it all. To clean, consider the following steps:

1. Know your fabric. It’s important to note that different fabrics will react differently toward certain chemicals and processes. Knowing the fabric type can help guide you toward the best way to clean and protect. 
2. Brush the dust off. Use your vacuum or a duster to eliminate particles or moveable materials from your furniture. Remove cushions, and look for spare change, food particles or other objects that may have fallen between the cracks.
3. Work in a cleanser. With a smooth surface and knowledge of your furniture fabric ready, select a cleaner that pairs well with the fabric type. Then, wash your fabric with a fabric cleaning brush. After applying the cleaning solution, let the piece sit and soak in the cleaning chemicals for a few minutes—longer if you are working with tough stains. Wash the cushions separate.
4. Let it sit. After your work is complete, let it dry completely before reassembling the furniture pieces.

2. Sustain Wooden Objects

A great piece of wooden furniture can be a real showstopper—an item that pulls a room together with an air of sophistication. You’ll want to keep it that way. 

Cleaning methods can be dangerous to temperamental wood, and the wrong method can ruin the entire piece. Select a cleanser of your choice and test a small area before committing to cleaning the whole object. As with upholstered items, four main steps apply to clean: 

1. Know the wood type. 
2. Dust off the item.
3. Select a cleanser that works best.
4. Once clean, seal with a protective finish. (This will be a clear coat seal made to help with preservation.)

Cleanser tip: Use the weakest solution you can find and only move on to stronger solutions if dirt or stains remain. The stronger the chemicals are, the greater the risk that the solution will damage your wooden furniture. A simple mineral water solution or water with light soap solution may be all you need.

3. Preserve Plastic Pieces

Plastic furniture items can be simple, auxiliary or unique touches to a room. When it comes to cleaning plastic furniture, there are a variety of solutions available. 

Did you know that some of these common household items can actually be used as a solution to clean your plastic furniture?

• Baking soda
• Common tub or tile cleaners
• Vinegar or apple cider vinegar

As with other furniture items, dust the item off, give it a good clean using the solution of your choice, and let the item dry.

4. Consider Complete Coverage

Once your items are clean and ready for a self-storage solution, we recommend investing in furniture covers as an added layer of protection.

Want full control over the environment your piece lives in? Consider a climate-controlled storage unit to help prevent warping, distress, discoloring or other kinds of harm that can come from an item being left in a place too warm.

How do you keep your furniture pieces clean? Let us know in the comment section below.

Image Credit: Di_An_h via Unsplash

This post was originally published on January 8, 2014.

Whether you’re a gallery owner with rooms of pieces to show or a casual collector, proper art preservation is key to keeping works on hand for years to come.

As you switch out gallery pieces, or give your décor a new and different look, seek a storage solution for items that aren’t currently needed. 

Below, we highlight a few ways to prevent damage, and ensure your art collection’s ability to retain or gain value over time. 

1. Keep It Packaged and Protected

Similar to almost anything else you want to store, first assess the piece’s current state of cleanliness and give it a dust. Ensure it’s completely free of debris, which can only worsen in state or cause unintended residue over time.

Next, think about how your artwork was packaged when you brought it home or when it was delivered to your gallery. This will help determine how to best package your art for storage.

Additionally, protect edges with cardboard, and consider an investment in acid-free paper to place on both sides of the art piece. Acid-free paper’s make up is built to protect important documents and artwork during long-term storage.

Layer front and back with one sheet of acid-free paper and a few layers of cardboard to prevent direct damage or bending, before placing into a cardboard box.

2. Select Climate-Controlled

Art requires specific temperature and humidity levels to maintain proper preservation. This will often be around 50% humidity and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, but may vary based on the material type and specific needs of your piece.

Make a list of the various elements and materials that make up your artwork prior to selection of a storage unit. Discuss with the facility manager what your best option for storage will be based on this list. 

3. Store It Upright and Give it Room

Once the item is safely secured to store, you’ve selected an appropriate self-storage solution and transported the item from its former home to its long-term residence, you will need to pay attention to its placement among other items in your unit.

While storing your artwork with other items is fine, ensure its placement doesn’t accidentally put it in harm’s way.

Keep two major tips in mind: 

1. Store upright to avoid stepping on the item, or a crushing blow should any items fall onto the piece as you move items around in your unit.
2. Give it room, and do not place any items on top of the artwork. This is especially true if the artwork was stored flat instead of upright, as the weight of additional items can damage the piece, and make unwanted indentions. 

What types of artwork do you collect? Share which kinds and why in the comment section below.

Image Source: RyanMcGuire

This post was originally published on September 2, 2016.

Self-storage units are an excellent solution for individuals who don’t have enough space at home to keep all their possessions. 

However, clutter in your house can easily become clutter in your storage unit without proper organization and inventory records. 

Below, we provide a few organization tips to ensure you get the most out of your storage space and have convenient access to your belongings when you need them. 

Organize Your Storage Unit

Organizing your self-storage unit will make it easier to locate and retrieve items more efficiently. Here are some tips to make the most of your storage space:

• Categorize your belongings by room, activity or item size. For example, group all sporting equipment together or keep living room furniture close in storage.
• Label boxes, bins and containers. Mark the contents of each storage container with words, such as “kitchenware” or “seasonal items” to avoid digging through boxes every time you need something. 
• Place most frequently used items in the front.Determine which items you’ll need and then position them near the door for easy access. 
• Sketch a diagram. Create a visual of your unit’s layout to help locate items faster. 
• Store similar items together. Store items in the same category (seasonal, clothing or collectibles) together in designated areas.  
• Utilize vertical space. Consider storing items on shelves to free up floor space.  

Additionally, make sure you select an appropriate unit size to accommodate your belongings. This will ensure you have enough storage space to manage your items effectively. If you are unsure about which option is best for your needs, contact a storage provider for assistance. 

Take Storage Unit Inventory

Once your items have been categorized, it’s important to take inventory of what is being stored. Keep track of your belongings on paper or with a digital spreadsheet, and be sure to record the following information upon storing:

• A description of the item.
• Item category. 
• Item seasonality.
• The date of storage. 
• The location of the item in storage. 

Keeping tabs on this information will help you identify and retrieve items faster. This will save you time and provide convenience when it’s time to find something you need.

A self-storage unit can help individuals declutter their homes and keep belongings secure, but only if they strategically use the space provided. Make the most of your storage unit with these organization best practices.  

How do you keep your storage unit organized? Share in the comment section below. 

Image Source: Pixabay

One of the most common household items, couches, can be found in living rooms across the country and around the world. In a variety of shapes, styles and sizes, these pieces can really pull together a room. 

No matter how long you may need to store your couch, keep the following quick tips in mind to protect and preserve.

1. Clean and Prep for Short or Long-term Storage

The first step will be to get your couch ready for storage, and this means giving it a proper clean. Regardless of its term in storage, a clean start improves the likelihood that your couch will preserve itself well against threats of mold, mildew, and wear and tear.

When caring for any piece of furniture, pay attention to material type and adjust your cleaning technique appropriately. Incorrect cleaning methods can ruin the look and feel of your item indefinitely, so it’s important to get it right. 

Once you’ve identified the material type, keep the following tips in mind.

• Leather: Dust and clean with soap and water. Should you find existing stains already on the piece, cleanse further with a mix of water and white vinegar.
• Cotton: Dust and clean with water and bleach-free detergent. Spot clean hard-to-tackle areas further with a mix of water and white vinegar.
• Linen: Find a cleanser that notes specific use for linens, and be sure to consult your couch’s care tag. This will give you your best chance at treating it right.
• Wool: Read the label attached to your couch for care instructions. Wool is commonly cleaned with water, solvent or a combination of the two.
• Silk: Be extra careful with this material, as it’s easy to leave unintentional marks. Test possible cleaning options on small areas to be sure desired results occur. Clean with a cold water and mild detergent solution, or consider consulting a professional. 
• After cleaning, cover with a secure, yet breathable, furniture cover.

2. Invest in Furniture Sliders, and Move with Ease

If the thought of moving a couch yourself is enough to pick up the phone and call a mover, consider furniture sliders. 

Trust us, these things are like magic!

Simply slide them under couch legs and push. They allow heavy pieces to glide. 

3. Give it Room to Breathe in Storage

Within your unit, store your couch the same as you would in your home. Keep it free from debris, and avoid propping it upright. Layering with boxes or standing a couch up in a fashion it is not used to can put undue stress and strain on it.

Instead give it air, and the space to be on its own. 

4. Control Climate Conditions

Material types can wear, discolor or gain unwelcome residue in harsh conditions. Too much sun or moisture, in particular, can be hazardous when storing.

With this in mind, speak with your storage facility manager about climate-controlled storage options. These units allow you to set the conditions your couch needs to maintain its preferred color and style. 

Which furniture pieces do you barely have room for but can’t live without? Share with us in the comment section below.

Image Source: rawpixel

This post was originally published on August 26, 2016.

A majority of office workers believe that being organized improves performance. However, almost half admit to being unorganized, mainly because many don’t know where to start. 

Businesses and employees who don’t know where to start when decluttering their workspace can begin by utilizing a self-storage unit. This can help store extra inventory and supplies, free up office space, and archive important documents. 

Below we provide four self-storage solutions that can help businesses declutter and improve productivity. 

1. Document Storage

Businesses are often required to keep sensitive documents on file. However, this can be a security concern if they aren’t stored appropriately and securely.

A self-storage unit can provide a secure and cost-effective way for businesses to archive confidential documents, such as employment and tax records.

To reduce clutter onsite and ensure files are stored safely, businesses should consider facilities that offer premium security and climate-controlled units. These features create peace of mind for business owners storing important documents and safeguard files from theft and discoloration:  

• 24/7 video surveillance. 
• Appropriate temperature and humidity settings.
• Pass-code entry gates. 
• Individual locks and alarms.

2. Restaurant Storage

Restaurant owners can better organize and manage their business by storing seasonal equipment, furniture and inventory in self-storage units. Oftentimes, there is not enough space on-site to safely and effectively store their seasonal and current items.  

To create a spacious and more comfortable environment for employees and patrons, restaurants should store these items when they are not in use:

• Dishware. 
• Excess inventory. 
• Janitorial supplies. 
• Kitchen supplies. 
• Non-perishable food items. 
• Patio furniture. 
• Seasonal decorations. 

Additionally, restaurants can utilize a self-storage unit to preserve their wine collection in a premium wine cellar, which provides safety features, including:  

• 24/7 surveillance. 
• A backup generator in the case of a power outage. 
• Individual alarms.
• Optimal temperature and humidity levels (56 degrees and between 60% to 70% relative humidity). 

3. Short-Term Storage

Businesses looking to renovate or relocate can utilize a self-storage unit to temporarily store items during the process. These businesses should also select a storage facility that offers professional moving truck valet services to alleviate stress and improve organization. 

Specific needs may vary from business to business, so it’s best to select a facility that offers a variety of unit sizes to accommodate all your business possessions. While undergoing construction or moving, businesses can store items, such as:  

• Break room appliances (e.g., coffee maker, toaster, microwave). 
• Cubicle dividers.
• Desktop computers.
• File cabinets and documents. 
• Furniture (e.g., desks, chairs and couches).
• Office supplies (e.g., copy paper, folders and printers).
• Office décor.  

If your business is unable to use its current or future facility during a renovation or relocation, consider a storage facility that offers on-site conference rooms to accommodate your needs in the interim (see next section for more information).

4. Onsite Business Conference Center

In addition to reliable storage for physical assets, businesses should choose a storage vendor that offers solutions to help increase productivity. If you need additional space for larger meetings or want a change of setting, work with a storage provider that offers fully equipped business conference centers. 

For added convenience, these conference centers offer: 

• A comfortable work environment.
• Computer, printer, fax and phone access.
• Large screen monitors and laptop adapter. 
• Wi-Fi connection.

For businesses in transition between two locations, contact your self-storage vendor to verify if deliveries during business hours can be accepted on your behalf.That way, your mail will be directed to a single location to ensure you receive all deliveries safely.   

In short, even businesses with diverse needs can benefit from utilizing a self-storage unit to safeguard their assets. These units provide a secured place to store items from sensitive documents to wine, allowing businesses to ensure their belongings are protected while they focus on their job responsibilities.  

In what ways could your business benefit from a self-storage unit? Share in the comment section below!

Electronics are sensitive items. With many individual parts and pieces, these dynamic devices require special care when it comes to storage. Temperature and humidity, in particular, can impact the future health and functionality of these items. 

Below, we provide five steps to get your electronic items prepped, ready for long-term storage and into the right conditions.

1. Back Up Electronic Data

Prior to storage, back up all electronic devices to a server or external hard-drive to save data. You’ll want to have this data readily available should you need to quickly reference it or should an unfortunate occurrence happen to your item in storage.

A minor misstep could leave you without a device and without all of the information that device contains. In the case of computers, this could mean treasured family photos, videos or music. Take the extra time now to avoid regret later.

2. Separate Parts and Pieces

Many electronics contain a variety of pieces, both as part of the main device as well as complimentary components. Before storing, pull pieces apart and store individually. Keep plugs separate—you won’t be storing items plugged in.

Remove any DVDs, CDs, game cartridges or tapes, and keep them apart to avoid items getting stuck in drives or damaged over time. Consider labeling individual parts in storage bins or boxes for easy access for when you need them again.

3. Give Pieces a Thorough Clean (Including an Air Bath)

As with any item you’re preparing for storage, give the item a thorough clean before you store away. In the case of electronics, consider airing out your items with a compressed air duster, which can be found at any office store. 

These dusters blow a thin stream of air into hard-to-clean places to clear out dust and debris that can accumulate in electronic ports and fans.

4. Cover Monitors, Screens and More

Cover devices in cotton, canvas, cardboard or other materials that store well and can collect dust accumulation instead of your item. If you have original packing materials, consider placing your devices in those.

Avoid wrapping items in plastic, as this material can actually make your items susceptible to moisture build-up over time. Moisture build-up and condensation will impact overall device functionality.

5. Store in the Right Environment

Almost any element and condition can lead to extreme consequences for electronics kept in storage for a while. Avoid storing items in conditions that are too:

• Windy: Dust and other particles travel through the air and can easily find their way into small electronic openings or air vents, clogging systems.   
• Hot: Too warm of an environment can warp plastic, damage parts and shorten device battery life.
• Humid: Too little humidity will put your electronics at risk for static discharge, while too much can lead to the development of condensation.
• Cold: Devices will go into automatic shutdown mode if placed in environments that are too cold to support functionality.

Climate-controlled storage units help here, putting you in the position to control the particular temperature and humidity levels needed for your electronics. Consider keeping these items at room temperature, with neither low nor high levels of humidity present.

How do you handle storage for sensitive items like electronics? Let us know in the comment section below, as well as any additional tips you’d add to our list.

Image Source: Aaron Burden via Unsplash

This post was originally published on December 13, 2013.

The holiday season is well underway as we approach mid-December. It’ll be Christmas before we know it. Lights, garland and trimmed trees of all sizes are popping up everywhere as snow falls around us.

It’s a magical time, with many reasons to gather, decorate and celebrate.

As you’ve begun to pull out decorations, or bought new staples to give your home a seasonal twist, you may be filled with wonder on where and how to store it all after the News Years’ ball drops. Below, we share a few considerations to plan ahead for your seasonal decoration collection.

1. Keep Original Boxes and Bins

Consider keeping the boxes and materials used to keep your items safe in the store. Packaged with care, these storage materials are well thought out to uniquely pair with your decorative item of choice.

As you open boxes and bins, make a mental note of how these items were kept when originally boxed up for sale. This gives you insight into how they may need to be kept to remain in tact for years to come.

2. Develop an Eye-Catching System for Storage

Here’s your time to be creative! We’re sure you have boxes storing various household items—from garden tools to electronic cords and office supplies. Unless an identification system is in place, it can be difficult to know which boxes you need to pull out around the holidays. 

To combat, mark boxes in a way that clearly identifies them as your holiday season decorations. We outline a few tips for box labeling in a previous post, 4 Considerations as You Label Boxes for Self Storage. As a decorative touch, consider also adding graphical representations, such as a holiday light bulb for your lights, an ornament for tree supplies, or a snowflake for fake snow.

3. Pack Similar Items Together 

To keep your items organized and systems clear, only store one type of item per box. Keep ornaments with ornaments and lights with lights to avoid confusion later on and the inevitable question of “Now where did I put that?”

4. Dedicate a Specific Space 

Another way to know exactly where the items you need reside is to always keep them in the same place.

Find a place in your home, or consider a self-storage solution, that you associate with holiday decoration storage. Whether it’s under a staircase, in a specific area of your garage or in a dedicated room, you will always know exactly where to look when the time comes. 

5. Collect Packing Materials and Supplies Year-round

Have supplies on hand to pack and store with ease. You never know when you may need an extra box, tape or packing peanuts.

Previously, we compiled a list of essential materials that could help you get started: Essential Items for Your Move to Self Storage (or a New Home) [Downloadable Checklist]. 

What systems do you have in place to store your holiday display? Let us know in the comment section below.

Image Source: Toa Heftiba via Unsplash

This post was originally published on May 31, 2012.

With colder Cleveland weather upon us, you’re likely to see less classic and antique cars out on the road to decrease risks associated with harsher conditions. Classic car owners know that these historic vehicles require special care to maintain their unique exteriors, and to ensure they are running properly. Proper storage conditions, combined with a comprehensive maintenance plan, will help to ensure your classic or antique car will be poised for a smooth ride, and a long life. 

Maximum Maintenance

Keep a strict and regular maintenance routine for your classic or antique car in order to pinpoint deterioration, such as rust, right away. This is especially true as you prepare to store your valuable vehicle for the season.

Complete the following checklist before you store your vehicle for winter:

• Make sure there’s some fuel in the tank.
• Thoroughly wash and wax the exterior for added protection.
• Add fuel stabilizer to prevent gas breakdown. 
• Change the oil and filter, and top off all fluids. 
• Pull the spark plugs, add some oil and replace.
• Prep the battery for storage by hooking up a battery tender, or removing.

While commonly used for weather-related or long-term storage, self storage is an ideal solution for your classic car all year long, providing the space and environmental conditions needed for optimum storage as the seasons change.

Protect Your Investment

Since classic and antique cars are generally high in value, take the time to find or update your insurance plan to ensure it covers the market valueif an accident or theft should occur.  

When using self storage, it is important to note that storage facilities will not insure your car on your behalf. While damage and theft is extremely rare, having proper coverage for your car will help give you peace of mind and the protection you need. 

Your All-Year-Long Solution

While many view car storage as a seasonal or situational need, it’s an essential component of protecting the interior and exterior of your antique car all year long. Proper, year-round maintenance and the right storage conditions will help to ensure that your car is protected and safe across all seasons.

Do you have an antique or classic car? Share your maintenance tips with us!

This post was originally published on November 4, 2013.

As the seasons shift from cool to cold, you may find yourself looking for a place to store your recreational vehicle. You will want to preserve, and not risk damage as snow, ice and slush make their way to city roadways. 

In assessing your options, your first choice may be to store the extra vehicle in your garage. However, this could become cumbersome with the other items that will also need stored away or kept on hand for the winter months. An alternate long-term storage solution may be needed. 

A dedicated space can keep your ride safe without the added stress of it taking up valuable real estate in your garage. Whether it’s an RV, sports car or historic model, keep the following considerations in mind to store properly, and rest easy knowing all will be running smooth come spring.

1. Conduct a Full inspection

Start with a complete assessment of your vehicle. Note the current conditions, and ensure all is in working order before you store. For example, fully charge your battery. This also includes lifting the lid and taking a look at internal components. While you won’t be using the car, you don’t want to discover that a hidden problem left alone has gotten worse over time.

2. Check Fluid Levels

Keep all parts of your vehicle properly lubricated and your engine in good health. Make sure all fluid levels are filled to full (i.e. oil and gas). You’ll want to swap old with new in time to store—to avoid damage that can occur when old chemicals break down. 

3. Clean the Interior and Exterior

Clean the exterior of any dust, dirt or debris. Also, take the time to clean the interior. Get rid of, or put in their proper place, any items that have accumulated in your vehicle over time. 

4. Read Through Paperwork

Take a look at your auto insurance and registration policies. Note any renewal requirements, as well as any mention of off-site storage. Your insurance requirements may have a special policy specific to vehicles stored in off-site storage. Investigate, and be sure you’ll still be covered.

5. Consider Climate-Controlled

With many options available, take some time to look into climate-controlled storage options for your recreational vehicle.  These rooms will allow you to control the temperature and humidity levels, freeing you of any worry that doors, locks or liquids will freeze during their time in storage.

Have any additional tips to add for long-term recreational vehicle storage? Let us know in the comment section below.

Image Source: Unsplash

We are excited to announce our newest facility in Solon, Ohio is now open for vehicle storage just in time for winter! 

Our new state-of-the-art facility can store cars, boats or RVs. Storage extends the life of vehicles, protecting them from harsh weather conditions when not in use. Below, we overview the benefits of heated, indoor vehicle storage, and key details on available options at our Solon facility. 

Vehicle Storage Benefits

Why take advantage of vehicle storage? The main reason is to protect your vehicle(s) and ensure longevity during conditions that are not ideal (lack of space at home/business, winter weather). Some specific benefits, include: 

• Private facility to avoid damage or theft. 
• Heated storage to avoid harsh conditions, such as heat, cold, salt, snow, etc. 
• Security system complete with cameras and DVR surveillance to ensure vehicles are safe while in your unit.

Store your vehicles to prevent damage from cold weather, in addition to clearing surface or garage space at your home or business. 

Vehicle Storage Solutions 

Before storing your car, RV or boat, properly prep your vehicles to ensure they are ready to be taken out when you are ready! Below, we highlight some resources that can help you prepare for cooler seasons:  

• Boat Storage: Tips to Prepare for Cooler Temperatures
• Recreational Vehicle Storage: How to Prepare for Cooler Temperatures

Additional Resources  

Interested in learning more about heated, indoor vehicle storage? Below, we’ve highlighted some key resources for your consideration: 

• How to Store Antique or Classic Vehicles
• Vehicle Storage Tips: What You Need to Know
• Boat Storage Tips for All Seasons

Interested in renting a vehicle storage unit at our Solon location? Click here to receive a quote today!