Storage Tips & Local News | Wylie Bargain Storage Blog


The Perfect RV Getaway: Planning a Surprise Trip Your Partner Will Never Forget

Tips


Happy couple taking a selfie inside their RV during a surprise romantic getaway.

Planning a surprise RV trip for your partner takes more than just pulling out a map and picking a direction. It’s a delicate dance of logistics, love, and a good dose of sneakiness. The real magic lies in creating something deeply personal—something that blends thoughtful planning with spontaneous joy. Whether your partner is a seasoned road warrior or new to RV life, crafting a memorable journey means tuning into what makes them smile, not just what looks good on an itinerary. Decoding Their Travel Love Language Before reserving campsites or picking scenic byways, you have to figure out what makes your partner tick when they travel. Are they the “wake up at sunrise for a hike” type or more into cozy afternoons with a book and a fire pit? Preferences can vary wildly—even in couples who usually share the same lifestyle—so reflect on past trips and note what brought them the most joy. It’s also a good idea to low-key ask about dream destinations or bucket list ideas in the months leading up to your surprise, so you’re not completely in the dark. Creating the Perfect Travel-Themed Invitation If you want to go the extra mile, reveal the trip with a custom travel-themed invitation that mirrors the journey ahead. Think vintage postcard aesthetics or a treasure map design guiding them to the first destination. For a unique twist, use an AI art generator to create specific images like your RV under the Northern Lights or a cartoon version of the two of you roasting marshmallows. You can type in a prompt like “couple by campfire in pine forest” and then customize the style, colors, and lighting to make it truly yours—just search “create AI art with text” to get started. Timing Is Everything (Literally) Once you've locked onto a destination vibe, the next hurdle is your partner's schedule. Nothing kills the buzz of a surprise trip like conflicting appointments, deadlines, or family obligations. You’ll need to play detective: ask their ...


Sharon Redd
June 19th, 2025


New Town, New Life: How to Get Comfortable and Settle in After a Big Move

Moving


Child peeking out from a cardboard moving box while family unpacks in background

Starting over in a new city can feel like someone pressed the reset button on your life. Whether you moved across the state or across the country, the early days of relocation come with a mix of excitement, stress, and awkward uncertainty. You're stepping into a place where everything—from street names to grocery store layouts—feels unfamiliar. But with the right approach, you can transform this transition into a season of growth, connection, and even joy. These strategies can help you not just survive, but truly settle in and thrive. Unpacking With Purpose It’s tempting to rip open boxes in a frenzy just to feel like you’re making progress, but intentional unpacking lays the groundwork for feeling at home. Start by focusing on the rooms you use most—your bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. These anchor spaces are where your routines begin and end, so getting them functional fast brings a sense of normalcy. As you unpack, take time to reassess your belongings. Don’t just find places for things—ask if they still fit your life. Use this as an opportunity to purge what you no longer need, streamlining your space to reflect who you are now, not who you were when you packed. Using Storage as a Flexible Solution Sometimes, your new space just can't hold everything right away—or you may be in a temporary setup while waiting for your permanent home. Renting a storage unit can offer breathing room without forcing you to make rushed decisions about your belongings. It’s also a smart move if you’re downsizing or unsure about what you’ll need seasonally. Companies like Bargain Storage offer secure, affordable units in a range of sizes so you can store overflow items safely. This gives you time to organize thoughtfully while still keeping access to what matters. Investing in Yourself with Education Relocation offers a rare chance to reassess not just your surroundings, but your long-term goals. Going back to school—especially through online programs—can create both a mental refresh and new career ...


Michael Longsdon
June 17th, 2025


Why Covered RV Storage Is Worth It Even If It Costs More

Rv


Today we're exploring a counterintuitive economic truth: proper RV storage is actually a financial necessity, not a luxury. In our inflation-heavy economy—largely influenced by Trump's tariff policies—protecting investments has become critical. Your camper represents a significant financial commitment, and with repair costs at unprecedented levels, protection matters more than ever. The physics of weathering is relentless. UV radiation, precipitation, and temperature fluctuations create a perfect storm of molecular breakdown that silently depreciates your investment daily. This environmental exposure significantly reduces lifespans and increases maintenance costs. With extreme weather events becoming increasingly common, traditional storage methods like driveway parking or tarps provide inadequate protection. Whether your camper cost $25,000 or upwards of $100,000, proper storage isn't just about convenience—it's essential financial protection for what you've worked so hard to afford. Key Takeaways Covered RV storage shields vehicles from harsh weather conditions and potential environmental damage. Professional storage facilities help prevent costly structural deterioration of recreational vehicles. Protecting RVs from UV rays significantly contributes to maintaining their long-term integrity. Covered storage effectively extends the overall lifespan of recreational vehicles. Proper storage methods help preserve the resale value of RVs. Protect Your RV from Harsh Weather Conditions and Potential Damage Cool camper vans are mobile homes that give awesome comfort and freedom to explore different places and landscapes. These vehicles are expensive and need careful protection from outdoor challenges and possible damage. Harsh weather can seriously harm camper vans, damaging their outside materials, paint, seals, and inside parts. Extreme temperatures, sunshine, rain, snow, hail, and wind can create big stress on camper van surfaces and systems. Sun rays can make paint look dull, damage rubber seals, and weaken outside parts over time. Water buildup might cause mold, wood damage, metal rust, and mess up the camper van's insulation. Temperature shifts can make materials stretch and shrink, creating tiny cracks and weakening the vehicle's structure. Long exposure to tough conditions can make the camper van wear out faster and lose its value. Using special covers, doing regular checkups, parking smartly, and storing ...


Bargain Storage
May 20th, 2025


5 Apps That Make Creating a Self-Storage Inventory A Snap

Organization


A couple sitting on the floor around boxes for self-storage using an app on their phone.

Use your phone to track what you own! Living in the digital age allows us to use our phones to find a date (both the calendar and romantic types), call an Uber, deliver our groceries, record our sleep patterns, and even control our TVs. And now, with smart inventory and self-storage apps, you’ll be one step closer to organizing (and dominating!) that daunting residential move, overwhelming office relocation, or long-term storage situation. As the saying goes, whatever your need, “there’s an app for that!” Have you begun to embrace minimalism at home, Marie Kondo-style? Is your family relocating to a new place but taking their time getting there? Do you know exactly what you own? Or have you lost track of everything under your roof? Most of us could use a little help getting organized, especially when it comes to our homes and belongings. Whether you’re taking steps to “spark more joy” or streamline your life (or both), the stuff you hold onto needs to go somewhere. Luckily, in 2024, there are plenty of great apps that will help you tackle your inventory and storage woes. Search your phone’s app store for “self-storage apps” and “inventory apps,” and you’ll be amazed by the array of options. We’re familiar with a good number of these apps, so we’ve taken the time to curate a short list of our favorites just for you. We know that coordinating a move or decluttering project is overwhelming enough; choosing a self-storage inventory app shouldn’t be. Our Top 5 Self-Storage Apps BEST FOR DECLUTTERING NEST EGG: Intelligent Inventory Why We Love It: Barcode Scanner | Highly Customizable | User-Friendly 📷 Nest Egg is a comprehensive, extremely user-friendly inventory app with convenient automation, like barcode scanning for easy item logging. Users can customize their experience and improve organization with colored labels, tags, categories, sub-categories, locations, sub-locations, and more! Plus, reorganizing is super simple, thanks to the batch edit feature. We liked the ease of use of this app ...


Bargain Storage
February 18th, 2025


5 Sneaky Ways the Big Storage Companies Charge You More Money

Self-Storage Unit


Crumpled Money and National Public Storage Brands

Did you know that there are more than 50,000 storage facilities across the United States? That’s three storage facilities for every McDonald’s location in the country. Some facilities are run by large national chains, while others are run by regional operators or local “mom and pop” managers. You have a lot of options! One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a storage facility is how it’s managed. This choice will have a very material impact on how much you pay in rent over time. Unfortunately, many big, national companies try to nickel and dime their customers — or even scam them. The storage facility you choose may advertise one price. However, when you reserve your storage unit, they’ll bill you another. Or the company could make you pay for add-ons you didn’t think you’d need — and probably don’t. Let’s uncover the tactics that national self-storage companies use to charge you more money to store your items, including: Changing their prices hourly Increasing rent frequently Charging high fees Selling you insurance Making you buy an expensive lock When you search “storage units near me,” you can avoid surprises and expensive bills by skipping over the national storage chains that pay for search engine advertisements. These include Extra Space, Life Storage, Cubesmart, U-Haul and Public Storage. Instead, choose a small, locally operated storage company with transparent pricing. Here is a little-understood fact: national companies are all publicly owned, meaning you can buy their stock and own some of the company. Therefore, they have a responsibility to the shareholders to make as much profit as possible. That is why they use multiple methods to charge you more. Local companies are not obligated to charge you as much as possible. 1. Changing Prices Hourly National self-storage companies use a system called “revenue management” to set their prices. At the national storage conventions, owners take classes about how to use this software to increase revenue by raising prices on ...


Barry Raber
February 14th, 2025


10 Things That Can & Can’t Be Stored in a Self-Storage Unit

Self-Storage Unit


10 things that cannot and can be stored in a storage unit

If you’re reading this article, we’re guessing it’s because you did an Internet search for what you can and can’t store in a storage unit. It’s a fair question to ask because just like most things in life, there are rules and exceptions — plus usually some grey areas in between. Whatever your reasons for seeking a self-storage unit, we’re guessing you rank somewhere on the scale between info-savvy and street-smart. So, you probably don’t really need to be told that you can’t store pets, stolen items, or things likely to explode in self-storage. Right? (The only good answer here is, “Correct!”) As your Internet search probably proved, there are plenty of lists about what you can and can’t store in a self-storage unit — and most of them are similar, straightforward and appeal to good, old-fashioned common sense. Those lists are helpful but we want to offer a different spin on things: What do those “do’s and don’ts” storage tip lists really mean to you, just a regular person looking to protect your stuff and avoid any inadvertent storage slip-ups? Well, let’s find out! We’ll focus on 10 broad categories of items that you can and shouldn’t store, but we’ll talk about what this means in real-life terms — plus provide some bonus tips based on what we’ve learned over the years as self-storage experts. Think of this as your common-sense self-storage guide. 5 Things You CAN’T Store in Self-Storage Let’s start with what you can’t store, because frankly, that list is more interesting: Hazardous Materials These lists can be long but here’s the short rule: If they can catch fire or explode, then they’re a no-go. This includes gasoline, propane, oil, grease, chemicals, cleaners, aerosols, and paint. What This Means In Real Life: ● Are you storing art supplies? Then this means that you can’t store mineral spirits or paint thinner. ● Are you packing up bathroom or kitchen items? Best ...


Steve Reed
February 12th, 2025


5 Tips for Preventing Mold in Your Storage Unit

Tips


Clean Indoor Storage Spaces

Mold is a consequence of high humidity in a closed space, and this problem can affect your home and your storage unit. If the humidity is above 50%, mold outbreaks can occur. Anything within your storage unit can become vulnerable if moisture begins to grow. Mold, mildew, corrosion, and rust are all common issues that sometimes occur together. All of those problems can be potentially dangerous for your stored items. Any natural material and electronics, for example, are easily affected by mold. That's why, today, we will provide you with 5 tips for preventing mold in your storage unit!  What are the tips for preventing mold in your storage unit?We will cover the most important tips for the prevention of mold. If you follow our advice, you should reduce your risk of mold to a minimum! 1. Protect your items when storing The first thing you need to do is keep your belongings off the floors. You will be able to protect your valuables from mold and moisture in this manner. If you store your items on the floor, any water flowing in will reach them and potentially destroy them. You can use shelves or similar storage solutions like wooden pallets (which are very cheap). Moreover, if you elevate your items, you will prevent condensation from forming below your stored possessions.Another way to protect your items during long-term storage is by investing in proper packing. Packing your possessions in waterproof boxes or with silica gel will prevent mold from growing. 2. Pay attention when choosing your storage unit Preventing moisture from forming in your storage unit is the most effective way to combat it. Investing in a high-quality, moisture-resistant storage unit would minimize all of your stress and anxiety. When choosing a storage unit, knowing what you need is crucial, and you should pick an appropriately sized unit that fits your belongings so that they aren't cramped inside. Air conditioning and dehumidifiers are available in most storage facilities, and either of these temperature control devices can aid ...


Bargain Storage
February 11th, 2025


DIY RV Window Replacement: It’s Easier than You Think!

Diy


Cracked RV windshield

Exploring the open road in an RV is an exciting adventure, except for any unexpected issues –– like a broken window! The good news is that you can handle a window glass replacement on your own with just a few simple steps and the right tools. Here’s how:. Assess the damage First, take a look at the window glass to determine whether a complete replacement is necessary or if a repair will suffice. Gather the tools you’ll need –– safety goggles, gloves, a plastic putty knife, tape measure, screwdriver, silicone sealant, and, of course, the replacement window. (You’ll need to order the replacement glass for your RV. See Measure the Window Opening and Order the Replacement below.) Remove the window Remove the window coverings and valance from the broken window Remove the window by taking the screws out of the interior frame. Make sure you’re wearing gloves and goggles during this step in the event that the pieces fall apart. Use your putty knife to scrape away any sealant residue left behind. Check for any screws attaching the window to the wall and remove them before you begin prying the window loose. Gently nudge the window and exterior frame to free the damaged glass. Clean up any remaining debris. Measure the window opening & order the replacementMeasure the window opening using a tape measure. This step is of utmost importance! Note the width, height, and thickness required for the replacement glass. Measure at least twice so that you’ll get the appropriate and most accurate replacement. Order the replacement window from a reputable RV maintenance shop. Install the new window Start by applying a layer of silicone sealant or butyl sealant glass around the window frame edges. Then, carefully insert the replacement glass into the frame (from the inside), ensuring that it’s properly aligned. Press the glass against the sealant to establish a firm bond being careful not to scratch the area around the window. Go outside and apply a clean strip of RV caulking on the upper half of the window to fully waterproof the installation. Snap the ...


Tammy Pitts
February 10th, 2025


Is Renting More Expensive Than Living in an RV?

Rv


When you consider RVs vs renting for the cheaper option, you have to ask a number of questions. One of these is, ‘What else can the place offer?’ One of the attractions an RV has over a fixed home is the flexibility it offers. If you’re renting an apartment or house and are looking for a job, you’ll need to look for something within a reasonable commute. If you own an RV, you can pretty much look for a job anywhere. If you are a recruiter, then an RV can be just for you. It’s simply a matter of using software to recruit people, you can utilize solutions like an applicant tracking software to keep tabs on all applicants. It also means that you will be generating an income, while having no cash output for workspace and staff. Actual costs To try to understand the cost of renting vs living in an RV, let’s do some math. For the purposes of this, we’ll assume you are a family of four renting either an apartment or a house. The average rental for a 2-bedroom apartment is around $1,400 - $2,700 / month. The average rental for a 2-bedroom house is around $1500 - $3,200 / month. This means you will be spending between $1,400 and $3,200 a month on rental. On average, this included general amenities, such as water, electricity and cleaning. Some places also throw in WiFi, although laundry may be for your own account. Class B or Class C RVs are the best sized RVs to go for if you want to live in them as a family of 4. They are also within the range that is allowed at most RV camps. The average price for a Class B RV is: new, around $100,000; used, around $30,000 – 50,000. The average price for a Class C RV is: new, $50,000; used around $30,000. This is before you’ve paid for any amenities or parking for the vehicle. Buying an RV ...


Carrie Stewart
February 7th, 2025


Fact or Fiction: Debunking Storage Unit Auction Myths

Self-Storage Unit


Popular reality television shows have brought an obscure part of the self storage industry into the limelight: storage unit auctions.   Being in the storage unit business for over ten years, these auctions are our least favorite part of the business we are in.  However, the public might not find them as entertaining without the added drama of show business. We’re on a mission to reveal the truth about storage unit auctions.  Here’s what you’ll learn: What a storage unit auction is Popular myths about storage auctions How to avoid having your self storage unit auctioned off What Is a Storage Unit Auction? A storage unit auction takes place when a storage tenant stops paying rent. After a certain period without payment, the tenant’s belongings may be auctioned to the highest bidder to pay back rent owed.  It also clears out the contents of the self storage space so that the landlord may re-rent the unit. 7 Storage Auction Myths Reality shows like Storage Wars have dramatized storage unit auctions and spread misinformation about them.  Here, we’ll debunk seven common myths inspired by television shows about storage auctions. 1. Storage Facilities Don’t Make an Effort to Contact Tenants  Truth: Storage unit facilities are required per each state’s lien laws to make several attempts to contact tenants including sending notices via certified mail as well as advertising the auction.  Storage companies want to give every opportunity to tenants to pay their missed rent and reclaim their items.  Selling the items is truly a last resort. Unfortunately, sometimes a renter’s contact information has changed and the storage facility is unable to reach them. The tenant and the self storage facility have a contract in place that sets the terms for late or missing payments. If the facility doesn’t receive rent within a certain time, they notify the renter about their intent to auction off the contents of the storage shed. 2. You Can Bid on Individual Items in a Storage Auction Truth: Storage auctions are unlike traditional auctions. At a traditional auction, items are highlighted individually and sold separately. However, at ...


Maddy Osman
February 6th, 2025


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