Posted on Fri, May 11, 2012
Happy Mother’s Day! The best way to honor your mother, grandmother or the mother of your children is to give them what they really want: peace, quiet and a nice, clutter-free home. How, you ask? Here are a few good ways to make Mom smile:
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Clean anything and everything. Clean rooms, backyards, porches, clothes, the dog – whatever you can get your hands on. Mothers love when family takes the initiative to tidy up, so this year let her relax in a sparkling and spotless home on Mother’s Day.
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Organize. Does your home have a junk drawer? Is the laundry everywhere? How are shoes, backpacks and coats put away every day? These are all areas in a home where organization and storage containers work wonders. Tackle these projects to de-clutter and make Mom happy.
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Plant a garden. If you have the space and time, nothing speaks of your ever-growing love for your mother quite like planting something in her honor. Buying flowers is a nice gesture, but they eventually wilt, while a garden lasts for years, even after children leave the home. Don’t forget to grab the patio furniture out of storage so Mom can sit back, relax and admire the flowers.
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Here’s a tip for grown sons and daughters: finally help your mom with the renovation project or room makeover she’s had in mind for years. You can make it a team project, or surprise her with the upgrade. Either way, rent a storage unit to clear out the room and get to decorating, painting, and showing your mom how much you love her.
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Give her room to breathe. Don’t demand her attention all day. And, for younger kids, be as quiet as possible.
So, give Mom what she really wants this year: extra space, time to herself and time with her family without having to cook meals, do laundry, run errands or take care of someone else.
Storage Post is a great starting point for creating the perfect Mother’s Day. Our website has plenty of storage and organization tips to help you clean up the house, and we offer storage units of all sizes to accommodate any DIY renovation project. With features like climate-controlled storage, parking and car storage, and affordable rates, why wouldn’t you choose Storage Post?
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Posted on Wed, May 09, 2012
Across the nation, college semesters are ending, and students are heading home to mom and dad. If you’re one of the many making the trek back to your childhood home, it may be wise to rent a storage unit in your college town. Not only does storage lighten your load for the trip home, but it may also save you from some awkward family moments. Here are five reasons to rent a summer storage unit.
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Your beer can sculpture may not be appreciated as artwork in your parent’s living room. Keep your masterpiece in storage, where disapproving eyes can’t see it.
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You have a brand new road bike/iPad/designer shoe collection, funded entirely through Parents Trust, Inc. because you were “hungry.” Hide the goods until fall in a storage unit.
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Somehow you’ve crammed so much stuff into your dorm room that you can’t fit it all in your car.
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You’re an English major. Books are heavy, so store them close to your school for the summer.
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You’re younger sibling took over your old room, and it will be sofa city all summer. Take only the necessities and try to make the best of the nomad lifestyle.
Now that you know you will definitely need a storage unit for the summer, don’t stress about choosing the right facility. Find one near your school that has great security features, an awesome staff ready to help you and climate-controlled units if you have temperature-sensitive stuff. (By the way, Storage Post has all of that and more.)
If you need some more information on storage, unit sizes and college storage deals, check out our website at www.storagepost.com.
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Posted on Tue, Apr 24, 2012
Is your love for antique furniture crowding your living space or have you inherited furniture that doesn’t fit into your home? To have your stuff and keep your sanity, too, find a nearby storage facility that can store pieces you aren’t currently using. We’ve compiled a quick-reference checklist to help antique furniture owners safely store antiques:
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Find a facility that offers climate control to keep the temperature between 50-80 degrees. But, temperature isn’t the only thing climate control manages. Levels of humidity, dust and general air quality are all features that climate control regulates.
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Choose a storage unit on the ground floor to reduce the distance the furniture needs to travel. The less time your items are exposed to the elements, the better.
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Check for moving assistance or truck rentals to help you transfer your stuff to storage with the least hassle. (Storage Post’s New York and New Jersey locations have a free truck and driver for tenants moving in.)
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Security is a big factor to look for in a storage company. Some key protection features are 24-hour video recording, fencing, resident managers, steel construction storage units, individual door alarms and coded entry points.
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When loading your unit, take meticulous inventory notes on the condition of each item. Accompany the notes with photographs. If the storage company offers a protection plan, you’ll want to sign up for at least $2,000 worth of protection, perhaps more if it’s an option. Storage Post provides three coverage options ranging from $2,000 to $5,000.
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Package your items with bubble wrap, making sure that table legs, arm rests and any decorative areas are well cushioned. Mirror and art boxes are also available for better protection.
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Before storing, spray down wooden furniture with quality polish, treat leather items and wipe down metal pieces with oil. These extra measures can make all the difference in your items’ quality.
Storage Post Self Storage can help you handle your delicates. With our climate-controlled storage units, clean surroundings, secure facility and helpful staff , you won’t have to worry about the care of your antique items. Visit www.storagepost.com to search for storage units in your area and find the best storage deal for your needs.
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Posted on Thu, Apr 12, 2012
For most people, April is filled with frantic digging through drawers, receipt-mining in old purses and brain-wracking for the past years’ donation amounts. It doesn’t have to be this way. With proper paper storage and filing organization, you can float through April and past the tax deadline with a smile on your face. Here are the top tips for paperwork storage and tax preparation.
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At the beginning of the year set up a folder (whether it’s digital or paper) and label it “Current Year Tax Materials.” Set time aside every other week (and at least once a month) to file necessary materials into the folder. Some items to keep in mind are receipts from moving or business-related expenses and charitable donations.
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Store your tax information from past years in appropriately-labeled folders. As you prepare for current year taxes, you can quickly reference deductions and credits you’ve listed before to give you an idea of where you are now. Storing this information allow you to track trends in your income, investments and expenses.
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Paperwork storage containers can be anything from accordion files and binders, to good ole’ manila folders. Just make sure that everything is labeled and stored in a secure area. It may be a good idea to store important items like this in secure storage, like safes and locked containers. Some people prefer to store their files on the computer for even faster reference and uploads. In this case, make sure to back-up your files or risk losing your records.
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Consider using additional software or online accounts to track your yearly spending and trends, like Quicken or Mint. Some banks offer these features to online customers. Monitoring your finances year-round can help you feel more comfortable during tax season.
Paperwork organization and storage containers allow for easy access to all of your important documents, and let you effortlessly find what you need for your tax return. You definitely don’t want to miss out on a tax deduction because you couldn’t find a receipt or statement, so storage and organization are the keys to a happy April.
Storage Post Self Storage can help you de-clutter your life – whether it’s through helpful storage tips or affordable storage units. Our storage facilities are clean, secure and climate-controlled, and offer the best customer service. Get more back from your taxes by being prepared, and get more for your money by storing with Storage Post.
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Posted on Mon, Apr 02, 2012
March Madness has taken over the television and spring is officially here. Now it’s time to dust off the hibernating house, put your sweaters into a storage unit and organize for the new season. Here are five cleaning tips to help you keep a cool head as the temperatures rise.
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The best place to start is to create a cleaning to-do list. Separate each room into its own “zone,” and write down everything that needs to be done in that area. You can begin by listing “macro” tasks like vacuuming, and then dive into the “micro” list of detail work like cleaning fan blades. Write everything down, and then check them off as you complete them.
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Allot a time estimate to each task based on how long it will take to complete. For instance, it should take roughly 15 minutes to scrub the interior of the fridge (depending on the fridge). Do your best to stick to the time limits while cleaning so you stay focused. We all know how easy it is to get distracted when cleaning out closets or miscellaneous storage spaces.
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Gather all of your cleaning supplies and tools into storage containers before beginning the cleaning process. The storage container can be moved from room to room as necessary so everything is within quick, easy reach.
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Don’t attempt to clean and organize everything at once. Trying to fit all of the spring cleaning into one weekend is a fast path to frustration and exhaustion. Instead, choose one or two small tasks to complete during the week, and one large project for the weekend.
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Invest in a storage unit. Extra space and easy organization can be achieved simply by storing items at a storage facility. Whether it’s seasonal clothing, lawn equipment or patio furniture, take the items you aren’t using to a storage unit to free up space for the rest of the year.
Storage Post Self Storage is ready to help you tackle your next organization project. Extra storage space is a crucial factor in de-cluttering, and it gives you room to breathe as the air freshens in spring. From boat storage in the winter to climate controlled storage in the summer, Storage Post has the seasonal storage you need. Visit www.storagepost.com for more information on storage unit sizes and specials.
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Posted on Fri, Mar 16, 2012
Daylight Saving Time is both a herald of the changing season…and disorienting. No matter how much you prepare, the loss of that hour in spring can really affect your circadian rhythm. To help you with the transition, we’ve put together some time-saving storage tips.
Create a seasonal clothes storage rotation.
Whether you use closet storage, under-the-bed storage containers or a storage unit, you have to put your off-season wardrobe somewhere. To save time when switching out your stiches, color-code your storage containers by season (i.e. red for summer and blue for winter).
Decorate and organize with these quick-grab ideas:
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Store your sheets within their matching pillowcases.
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Hang jewelry on a bulletin board with tacks, or using a curtain rod and hooks.
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Use magnetic boards to mount kitchen utensils and tools.
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Designate one place for mail, one place for keys and one place for batteries so you will always know where they are.
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Use a magazine rack to store your canned goods in the pantry.
Use a file folder to store all important paperwork
Organizing your bills, taxes, vehicle registration and other paperwork in the same container makes it fast and simple to locate something. It’s stressful to shuffle through stacks and folders looking for your passport the night before you start a new job. Of course, this storage container should be stored in a safe place.
Make ample use of shelving and storage containers.
Pull-out shelving, bookcases, floating shelves, baskets, boxes, crates – the list of storage options is endless. If your home is not already sprinkled with shelving, what are you waiting for? You can add square feet when you use wall space, and efficiently organize just about anything with simple containers.
Storage Post Self Storage helps you make the most of your time by offering customized storage solutions and the extra space to get your life on track. Save time by visiting www.storagepost.com to reserve a unit online and checking out our self storage calculator for the perfect amount of space.
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Posted on Mon, Mar 05, 2012
Everyone has a hobby, but even the most enjoyable hobby can create unwanted clutter (unless your hobby is organizing). Here are five tips to rearrange craft clutter into spotless storage. If you don’t have an extra room to dedicate to your designing, you can fake one using a small corner of existing living space or a cleaned out area of the garage.
Tip #1: Use clear storage containers to pack, store and organize your craft essentials.
Using clear containers keeps the contents visible and easy to find. Label two sides of the container with general inventory, like: fabric and yarn, or paper and stationery.
Tip #2: Create a workstation with used furniture.
Hit up a used furniture store and look for stools, chairs, doors, hutches and standalone shelves. Most of the time, a new coat of paint and hardware can make furniture like new (and, you get to add to your craft experience). Reuse an old door as a craft counter by attaching table legs and bolting it to the wall.
Tip#3: Store smaller knick-knacks in multi-compartment containers and jars.
Clear jars are perfect for storing anything from buttons to bolts, and they add a rustic appeal to your craft area. Storage containers with multiple compartments of varying sizes can provide quick access to your smaller tools like brads and nails. Try a vintage metal tackle-box or tea rack.
Tip #4: Consider your wall space another blank canvas…of the organization variety.
Don’t underestimate the storage power of your walls. Mount pegboards, cork boards or magnetic boards to hold tools, inspiration or supplies. Shelves are a great way to expand your storage, and to display your finished masterpieces.
Tip #5: Keep a current craft supply basket at your workstation.
When you have many hobbies that require tons of supplies, sometimes sitting down at your workstation can be overwhelming. To make it easier, designate a basket or container as your “current craft” holder. Store your in-progress crafts in the basket along with a notepad explaining where you left off last time.
Storage Post Self Storage can craft the perfect storage solution for any of its customers. Don’t believe us? Call 888-370-0088 today to speak with a storage specialist about packing tips, storage unit sizes and storage features that match your needs.
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Posted on Tue, Feb 14, 2012
It’s the most romantic month of the year and the signs are everywhere. Paper hearts decorate windows, stuffed bears take up residence at the front of grocery stores and a seductive snack shines in the spotlight: chocolate.
Chocolate is a Valentine’s Day staple for men and women of all ages. Whether it’s simple squares of milk chocolate or a box of every chocolate treat imaginable, you’ll probably have a surplus of the sweet after the holiday. Storing chocolate can be tricky. If stored improperly, chocolate can pick up the flavors and aromas of nearby items (you don’t want that).
First, chocolate should be stored in cool temperatures, somewhere between 60 – 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and in a dry, dark area. When chocolate is exposed to heat or direct sunlight, gray-white streaks will appear called bloom. Bloom is the result of the cocoa butter “rising” to the surface. If chocolate has bloom, it can still be used for cooking, but is not recommended for direct consumption.
If you live in a warmer climate, chocolate is best kept in the refrigerator or freezer. Seal the sweet in an airtight storage container to protect it from moisture and humidity. When it’s time to thaw frozen chocolate, always begin the process in the fridge. Chocolate that warms too quickly will condensate and the moisture may affect the chocolate’s texture.
When stored properly, milk chocolate can last up to a year, and dark chocolate can last for more than two years. However, if the chocolate you want to store has multiple fillings, topping and cream, it is more difficult to preserve. Since variable fillings have variable shelf life, it’s safer to just eat them as soon as possible (we know, it’s difficult).
Storage Post Self Storage loves its customers and does its best to provide custom storage solutions to make your life easier. If you’re a customer who loves Storage Post, please review us on Yelp, Google Places or Yahoo!Local. If you’re not a customer, what are you waiting for? We provide multiple sizes of storage units, 24-hour video recording and a free truck and driver so you can have the space you crave with minimal hassle.
(Also, do not store any chocolate in a storage unit. It just ends badly.)
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Posted on Tue, Jan 10, 2012
Did your new year’s resolution include living healthier and exercising more? Here are some storage tips to lose the weight without spending tons of money and giving up your extra space.
Committing to an exercise regime is difficult at first, especially considering the costs of equipment, gym fees, necessary accessories and buying a suitable wardrobe. But, whether you live in an apartment or home, there are space-saving exercise equipment and storage options available, so you can skip the gym fees.
If you only have a few feet to spare, or don’t want to give up living space, try some of these options:
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A variety of exercise equipment now comes in portable and foldable sizes for easy storage. Fold-up elliptical trainers, treadmills and stationary bikes are widely available. Some can fold down small enough to slide under your bed, or prop up in a closet.
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Dumbbells or kettle bells are great options for small spaces, and innovative storage options are available to keep them tucked away when not in use. Vertical racks and shelving can save space and provide easy access during your workout.
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Smaller accessories can still help whittle your waist, such as resistance bands, jump ropes and medicine balls. These items store easily in storage containers or in hanging racks.
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Balance trainers are great for working on your core during strength training. They are also fairly flat, easy to store and don’t take up a lot space.
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Pilates and yoga exercises require only enough space for you to fully stretch out on the floor.
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And, even without equipment, you can work up a sweat through varied cardio exercises in your living room like running place, hopping, jumping jacks and more.
We wish you luck in achieving your goals for 2012 and hope you have all the space and storage you need. Happy New Year!
Storage Post self storage helps you streamline your life to make room for your goals and new resolutions. We offer 24-hour video recording, state of the art security technology and different storage options to suit your needs. Visit www.storagepost.com to see how we can help you reclaim your space.
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Posted on Wed, Dec 28, 2011
Jingle bells, mistletoe, garland and lights may deck your halls, but where do they go come January? Whether you’re a retailer or a homeowner, your festive adornments can be kept safe and secure in storage.
How you store your holiday decorations is just as important as where you store them. We’ve put together some tips and tricks to help you pack your decorations for next year’s enjoyment.
Wrapping Ornaments & Other Delicate Items
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Use ornament boxes and lots of bubble wrap. You can create makeshift ornament holders by cutting cardboard into grid patterns and layering cardboard between layers.
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When a box is packed, fill the remaining crevices and gaps with packing peanuts and additional paper. If you can hear clunking noises when you gently move the box, then your items are not yet secure. Close and tape the box firmly to prevent unintended spilling or box breaking.
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Clearly mark the outside of the box “fragile” so you know to take extra care when placing the box in storage with your other decoration. When loading the boxes into a vehicle, be sure not to stack heavy items on top.
Storing the Synthetic Holiday Tree
After the holidays, the largest and bulkiest item to put away is usually your synthetic tree. To disassemble the tree, clear it of ornaments and remove the sections from the top down. Once each section is removed, gently shape the branches back toward the center to make them smaller.
Wrap the tree’s sections with twine to keep the branches in place and prevent damage. If you still have them, place the protective caps on the end of each section’s center pole.
Once disassembled, place each section in the original box, or use a tree storage bag. Storing the tree in a box or bag prevents dust, pests or moisture from damaging the synthetic materials or lights. Be sure the storage environment has a manageable humidity and temperature level to best protect the tree.
Packing Up Santa’s Suit
Use a padded hanger and cover the suit in a garment bag. Or, for more storage space, place the costume in a wardrobe box. If you prefer to box the costume, find an appropriately-sized storage container with an airtight lid. Carefully fold the costume, layering acid-free tissue paper between the folds, and place cedar in the container to ward off pests.
Launder the suit before placing it in storage and spritz it with fabric freshener to keep it smelling fresh until its next holiday event.
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