Storage & Moving Blog | Bargain Storage

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

Organization

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
January 21st, 2025

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5 Sneaky Ways the Big Storage Companies Charge You More Money

Self-Storage Unit

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
January 17th, 2025

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

Self-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
January 13th, 2025

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5 Tips for Preventing Mold in Your Storage Unit

Tips

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
January 9th, 2025

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

Diy

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
January 3rd, 2025

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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
December 27th, 2024

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7 Crazy Items Found in Storage Units

Self-Storage Unit

Some people play the lottery, others go to casinos, and some buy up abandoned storage units.  They are all a gamble. But, when it comes to storage unit auctions, you never know what the payoff will look like. All sorts of treasures (and trash) find their way into people’s storage units. Sometimes, an item is stashed there to keep it secret. Other times, it simply acts as an overflow storage space for items that no longer fit in someone’s home. Whatever the initial reason for renting a storage unit, public storage facilities throughout the country are filled with strange items.  Why?  Well, because people are weird. And weird people collect weird things.. How is a Storage Unit Auctioned Off? If you are renting a storage unit, you don’t have to worry about anyone else going through your stuff unless the police enter with a search warrant. If you rent from a quality personal storage facility, it should be equipped with state-of-the-art security systems to ensure your privacy. However, if someone stops paying the rent on their storage unit, the facility has the legal right to recoup their costs by auctioning off the contents inside. Each state’s lien laws define exactly how long before non-payment leads to a default, and the unit becomes eligible for auction. In most states, it’s between 30-90 days. When a storage unit goes to auction, potential bidders line up, the lock is cut, and its contents are revealed.  At that moment, you might feel like you’re Howard Carter uncovering the burial chamber of King Tutankhamen in Egypt. Though the results are usually less glamorous (and valuable), there are still plenty of strange and unusual treasures to be found in storage units. The Top 7 Crazy Things Found in Storage Units While some secret treasures are uncovered by bidders, not all of the most notable items that end up in storage units are auctioned off. In fact, some people can’t help but share their odd valuables with property managers. 1. Vehicular Artifacts Jose, the property manager for Sunrise Bargain Storage in Las Vegas NV, was pretty ...

Maddy Osman
December 20th, 2024

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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 Public 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 public 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 Public Storage Auction Truth: Storage auctions are unlike traditional auctions. At a traditional auction, items are highlighted individually and sold ...

Maddy Osman
December 18th, 2024

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The Definitive Guide to RV-ing in Italy

Guides

Are you looking for an exciting and unique way to explore Italy? Then RV-ing is the perfect choice! With its breathtaking views, delicious food, and rich history, this beautiful country offers something special at every turn. Whether you're a camping enthusiast or just want to try something new, with an RV, you’ll be able to explore all that Italy has to offer at your own pace and in the comfort of your home away from home. This guide will provide all the information you need to make the most of your journey. RVs in Italy The RVs available in Italy are generally similar to those in the USA, with features such as sleeping areas, kitchens, and private restrooms. There may be differences in the size and layout of the vehicles, as well as the level of amenities provided, so it's important to choose the right RV for your needs. For example, smaller campervans may be more suitable for couples or solo travelers, while larger motorhomes are better suited for families or groups of friends.  If you're traveling with a large group, you may want to consider a bus conversion or a luxury RV with multiple sleeping areas and living spaces. When it comes to the level of amenities provided, it's important to consider your needs and preferences. Some RVs in Italy may come equipped with modern amenities like air conditioning, hot water, and a TV, while others may have more basic features. You may also want to consider the type of cooking equipment provided, as well as the size of the refrigerator and the storage space available. It's also a good idea to ask about the type of fuel used by the RV and the estimated fuel consumption, as this can impact the overall cost of your trip.  You may want to ask about the availability of backup generators and solar panels, which can provide additional power for your RV and increase your level of comfort and convenience. Renting an RV in Italy There are several rental companies that offer a ...

Bargain Storage
December 13th, 2024

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Smart Planning for a Big Move: Tips for Transitioning to a New City

Tips

Moving to a new city marks an exciting chapter filled with opportunities, but it can also bring its share of challenges. From navigating unfamiliar neighborhoods to adjusting your budget for local expenses, careful planning is essential for a successful transition. Understanding key factors such as cost of living, job prospects, and lifestyle differences can make all the difference. With the right strategies in place, your move can feel less overwhelming and more like a fresh start. Choosing the Ideal Location Selecting a home in a convenient location can greatly enhance your daily life. Consider the distance to your workplace, schools for your children, and essential services. Living near these key areas can significantly cut down your commute time, reducing stress and freeing up more time for personal activities. For families, proximity to high-performing schools not only improves educational opportunities for children but also tends to increase property values due to the demand for quality education. Placing Extra Items in Storage Relocating often reveals just how much you own – and how much you don’t need immediately. Instead of overcrowding your new space, consider placing nonessential items into a secure storage unit. Bargain Storage offers affordable, convenient options to keep your belongings safe while you settle in. Aligning Your Career with Your Passions Relocating offers a unique chance to align your career with your passions. It's the perfect time to explore new professional avenues, such as a career in healthcare. By taking advantage of the benefits of online FNP programs, you can enjoy the flexibility of studying from anywhere, making it easier to balance your education with the demands of moving. Specifically, earning a master's degree to become a family nurse practitioner allows you to engage directly in patient care, including diagnosing and treating children. Finding Your Ideal Neighborhood Vibe Understanding the unique character of a city's neighborhoods is essential to finding a place that suits your lifestyle. Are you looking for artistic heritage and a lively music scene, or a more tranquil, family-friendly environment with a strong community ...

Michael Longsdon
December 9th, 2024

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