Storage & Moving Blog | Bargain Storage


Temperatures & Self-Storage: What Should You Know About Storage in Texas This Fall

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Temperature and self storage

While Texas may be considered one of the more temperate climates in the U.S., there is a comparatively large drop in temperatures during the fall months. This quick drop from summer highs to winter lows can affect items that would generally not be stored until winter. For example, in the Dallas-Fort Worth region of the state, temperatures can plummet 20 degrees in one month going from the 70s to the 50s. This is also the case in Houston, where the changes can be greater because of the weather over the Gulf of Mexico. A drastic drop in temperature is not good for many of the items normally stored in yards during the summer, or those stored around pool areas and on BBQ decks. For this reason, we want to tell you about some items to consider storing in the fall rather than waiting for winter’s cold to set in. Outdoor Items to Bring in From the Cold Summer recreational gear is the most important to store away in storage units before a drastic drop in temperature. Motorcycles, bicycles, canoes, kayaks, scuba diving equipment—these are just some of the items that can be damaged by a sudden cold snap. For families with kids, there are additional items that, if left outside through the fall into the colder months, may be of no use the next year. These would include things like bikes, strollers, tricycles, beach and pool toys, and sports equipment. Other items that can be overlooked in the yard and around the house would include hoses, sprinklers, gardening tools, and lawn and patio furniture. Harsh drops in temperature can be very damaging to wood, aluminum, wicker, and even some light plastics. And, of course you’ll want to make sure any outdoor summer decorations are safely in self-storage before winter weather arrives. Prepping Your Outdoor Items for Storage With any items that have been outside through the summer, you’ll want to make sure they are clean and dry before putting them in your storage units. Go over summer gear and vehicles carefully ...


Steve Reed
December 6th, 2024


How to Select the Perfect Storage Unit Size for Your Belongings

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An info graphic that shows different sized storage units and what fits into them

Finding the right storage unit size will save you a lot of time, money, and stress! Of course, when you’re looking at storage locations, there are several things to keep in mind.  We recommend considering whether the space needs to be climate-controlled, the convenience of the location, and whether you need it for short-term or long-term storage. But the exact amount of space needed is one of the most important decisions to make. Check out these tips on how to choose the perfect storage unit size for your belongings. You’ll love the overviews on what contents specific storage unit sizes can accommodate! What’s the Right Storage Unit for You? No one wants to end up with a storage unit that is too small to fit their belongings. However, it’s a common issue. The reason this happens is pretty easy to explain. No one wants to pay more than they need to for their rental storage. Unfortunately, choosing a unit that is too small means that you may have to get rid of things in a rush because you run out of time to move things to a larger unit. When you need to figure out what size storage unit to get, there are two things you can do that will help a lot. The first recommendation is to make a list, and the second is to measure well. The list will help you stay organized through the move, but it will also give you a good idea of everything that needs to be stored. The measuring does not have to be exact, but large items and boxes should be measured for sure. Also, keep in mind that the ceiling height will be a factor, so you should find out exactly how much vertical space you have to work with (it’s usually about eight feet). It is always best to visit the space if you can to get a better idea of what you’re working with, but sometimes this is not possible. Fortunately, there are a ...


Steve Reed
December 4th, 2024


How to Pack a Storage Unit: Tips for First Timers

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A drive-up self-storage unit with the roll up door open and boxes stacked inside it.

Knowing how to pack a storage unit can make all the difference in the world when it comes to maximizing your space and finding items when you need them. No matter why you’re investing in a storage unit, it can be a bit overwhelming to get everything crammed inside a unit. Even more difficult is the process of getting just a few specific items out, unless you put the necessary time and energy in up front to be organized and smart about how you use the space.Thankfully, there are a few rules of thumb and plenty of tips to put you on the right path when it comes to deciding how to pack a storage unit the right way. These will not only help you access items down the line and maximize your space, but it will also make them last longer — protecting them from dust and mold. Invent an Inventory Creating an inventory for your storage unit is essential. The last thing you want to be doing is tearing apart your house and digging through the attic because you could swear you had the right tool for the job somewhere, only to have your partner inform you that it got packed up in your storage unit.Even if nobody is helping you pack — eliminating the possibility of them slipping your favorite comic books into deep storage — don’t be so sure your memory is going to be able to recall every single item boxed up and put away.With today’s technology, it’s easier than ever to quickly and accurately make an inventory of items. There are a number of apps that can help you keep track of everything. Sortly is touted as “the ultimate organizer app” and allows you to take a visual inventory of all your belongings, tagging and filing each one away. The premium version of the app even allows you to create QR labels for your boxes.Another option is SmartStop, which has a remote-inventory-system feature, so you can find and ...


Bargain Storage
December 3rd, 2024


Tips on Organizing & Storing Financial Documents

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Storing Financial Documents

With only a few days left before April 15th, you might be feeling a bit stressed. Getting your receipts and files together before filling your taxes can seem like a big job. Do you know where all of your tax documents and receipts are? You might have recently moved and stored a majority of your documents and files, along with your personal items, in a storage unit to help save up some space. The truth is, it’s important to stay organized instead of scrambling at the last minute to get everything ready. This process will make your accountant’s job much easier for both of you.Here are a few tips to staying organized at home or off-site, so you can maximize that tax return: Create a System – You want to make this system simple. If it’s complicated, you probably won’t stick with it. Make sure to keep documents, such as statements and current bills in a folder that’s easy to get. Those other documents and receipts that you don’t necessarily need on a regular basis but need to be saved should be filed away in boxes. Eliminate Unnecessary Documents – Next tip is eliminating any of those unnecessary documents, such as pay stubs and ATM receipts. Most of your year end information will be able to be found online. It’s time to clean up and remove the clutter from your desk and wallet. Remember – tax records should be kept for at least seven years from the filing date. Secure Place for Documents Off-Site – Another important tip is keeping extra copies of financial documents, like tax forms and mortgage papers. Bargain Storage, for instance, is a great place to keep all those important documents safe from any unexpected disaster. This will give you an ease of mind that your documents and personal items are organized and secure. Keep Track – Having an organized system will only work if you use it regularly. Whether you decide to store documents electronically or in a storage ...


Steve Reed
November 27th, 2024


The Importance of Packing your Items for Long-term Storage

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Moving and long term storage

Storing your items long-term is not as straightforward as putting them away for a couple of weeks. Long-term means that your belongings are going to spend a prolonged period within a storage unit. During this time, your things may be in danger if you do not prepare them adequately for their stay. When packing your items for long-term storage, the type of storage unit is an influencing factor, but not the only one. The way you pack them beforehand plays a vital role, and today, we will give you some tips and best practices that will guarantee a smooth process. How to prepare your items for long-term storage? While your items are in storage, they can be influenced by a variety of factors. The best way to prevent these factors from damaging your belongings is by providing them with proper protection, mostly in the form of packing materials. The storage units themselves offer a variety of services and assurances, as well. To get information on their offer, all you need to do is contact the storage unit owners and ask about them. The more you are informed, the better. Here are the three most important tasks: ● Obtain packing supplies ● Pack delicate items in high-quality moving boxes ● Disassemble furniture Packing supplies First off, you will need containers and padding for your items. While storage units are generally safe, there is a chance that your items can get dislodged and even fall. Making sure that your items are well-protected, even in that scenario is of utmost importance. It would be good practice to properly organize your storage unit right away, to minimize the chances of it happening. However, even if you do prepare everything correctly, a tremor might occur in the area, or anything similar. What you need to do is to give your belongings the best chance of staying safe. And the only way to do this is to use the right packing materials and boxes. Pack delicate ...


Steve Reed
November 27th, 2024


What's The Deal With Climate Controlled Storage And Are You Burning Money On It

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Climat Control 101

When you’re driving around town, do you ever notice just how widely available climate-controlled storage is? It’s a popular option that self-storage companies love to list on their signage. In fact, it’s so widely available that you may wonder, “Hey, what’s so great about climate control? Did I miss the memo, and should I be considering it?” It’s a good question to ask, but if you’re just looking to stash some stuff, the expense of a climate-controlled unit — usually 15-30% higher than standard units — can quickly add up over time.  Climate control is just one of a handful of choices you get to make about your self-storage. It’s great to have choices but navigating them all can leave you with a serious case of decision fatigue. Just pull up a browser to find a storage unit near you, and you’ll be faced with choices like: Unit Size - Generally offered in increments of 5 feet (ex. 5’ x 5’) Drive-Up vs. Walk-Up Units 24-hour On-Site Security vs. Video Monitoring Container Storage vs. Self Storage Valet Storage vs. Self Storage Climate Control vs. Humidity Control vs. Regular Ol’ Storage If these options feel overwhelming, take a breather, and click through the above links to educate yourself. Also, know that we’re here to help — especially if you feel like an outsider with wide eyes having to make decisions based on insider information. Out of all of these choices, climate control is a massive point of confusion within and outside the storage industry, so for this edition of the Bargain blog, we’ve tapped our self-storage experts to clear the factual fog.  Consider this your “Climate Control 101” guide to understanding what climate control really means, what self-storage facilities may not want you to know about climate control, and how your actions can impact whether or not you choose it. What Does Climate Control Really Mean (and Cost)? 📷To understand climate-controlled storage, let’s start by defining it. This task is easier said than done, given that there isn’t a universal ...


Bargain Storage
November 27th, 2024


Fact or Fiction: Debunking Storage Unit Auction Myths

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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
November 26th, 2024


Storage Solution Showdown - Round Two: Full-Service Storage vs. Self-Storage

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You’ve got choices about how and where you store your belongings. We recently discussed, “showdown style,” the pros and cons of storage pods versus self-storage units. Now we’re back for Round Two to consider the merits of full-service storage versus traditional self-storage. You might have heard whispers around the virtual water cooler about a new way to store your stuff: One where you exert little effort, and someone else does all the hard work. “What’s this,” you say? When efficiency is such a high value these days and time is at a premium, it’s perfectly understandable to exclaim, “Tell me more!” Pick-Up Storage, On-Demand Storage, Valet Storage, Full-Service Storage, Pack and Store Storage, Move My Stuff: Whatever the pseudonym, there’s no doubt that this relatively new arrival to the storage industry is shaking up the system. Of course, 2020 has been a bit of a shake-up as well. When we wake up most mornings, we not only see a house but also an office, a classroom, a beauty salon, and the next date-night hot spot all under one roof. This flex-home situation has people noticing all the junk in the way of a nice, productive day.  Sound familiar? If so, then you’re probably logging online to find quick and easy ways to get some of that stuff out of your study. But you might start seeing these intriguing new storage terms mixed in with some local results for traditional self-storage facilities near you. And, they may entice you to click straight into welcoming arms that are willing to do the heavy lifting for you.   At Bargain Storage, we’re here not just to store your clutter but to help you cut through it. So, let’s look at what this up-and-coming storage segment offers (or doesn’t) to determine if it’s a good option and consider how it stacks up against the traditional self-storage model. Is one type better than the other? Let’s find out! What Exactly Is Full-Service Storage? As we’ve mentioned, this new-ish storage concept goes by many ...


Bargain Storage
November 26th, 2024


Decluttering and Spring Cleaning Made Easy with Mini Storage

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Person carrying a box to storage

It’s that time of year again – time to spring clean!If you’re not excited by the prospect, take heart. We’re here to help. Today, you’ll see how mini self-storage in Fort Worth can make decluttering easier. Plus, we’ll share some other helpful decluttering tips that will get you excited to start this big yet satisfying project. Why Invest in Fort Worth Mini Storage While Decluttering? Decluttering your home doesn’t mean you have to toss or donate every item you don’t intend to keep in your home. That type of thinking is something that keeps people from getting started. If you don’t want to get rid of everything – don’t worry. You can declutter your home while keeping other items in storage, items like: Your kid’s old clothes or toys Your grandmother’s antique furniture Holiday decorations Seasonal items Furniture or boxes for your grown kids or other family members Using a long-term storage facility like Bargain Storage will help you keep these items in good condition until you or your family members need them again. 4 Spring Cleaning and Decluttering Tips Now that you know what you’re going to do with the items you want out of your living space, what’s next? Getting started. Here are some tips that will make your decluttering and spring-cleaning projects easier. 1. Start with Just Five Minutes at a Time The idea of cleaning and decluttering your home from top to bottom can get overwhelming fast. Make things easy on yourself – just commit to a project for five minutes. One of two things will happen: You’ll get into a groove and not want to quit You’ll move onto something else while feeling proud that you did at least a few minutes Either way, it’s a win for you. Certain projects might take longer but in the end, it will all get done.You can use this method when cleaning, too. Try dusting as much of the house as you can in 10 minutes. Dust the ceiling fans or baseboards. Breaking tasks down into micro-projects make them less daunting. 2. Challenge Yourself with a Trash ...


Bargain Storage
November 26th, 2024


Do I Really Need Storage Unit Insurance?

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Picture of a life preserver hanging on a wall

Do I Really Need Storage Unit Insurance? Storage unit insurance is important for the same reason that renter’s insurance and homeowner’s insurance is important — because your belongings are valuable. In many cases, even if you have homeowners insurance, you’ll need to also get storage unit insurance to ensure that the items you’re keeping off your property are protected from a variety of natural disasters and theft.In general, homeowner’s insurance will cover most types of personal property, such as clothing, electronics, furniture, and appliances. However, be aware that certain items aren’t covered by particular policies: for example, jewelry and cash are usually not covered.And, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, homeowner’s insurance can cover your belongings even if it’s not physically located on your property. However, this is not always the case.So, the first step is to determine if the storage facility you’re using will accept your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies. If they give you the green light, then you’ll need to figure out if your policy will actually cover belongings stored in the unit.This can easily be done by calling your insurance company and having a representative point out exactly where in your policy the details about off-site storage are located. You’ll want to make sure that whatever you’re storing in your unit is going to be covered.Though standard homeowner’s insurance will typically include personal property coverage, it  doesn’t cover all natural disasters. Most policies do cover damage caused by hail, lightning strikes, windstorms, and fires. However, other types of incidents, such as earthquakes and floods, require additional insurance policies to protect your belongings from those risks.Thankfully, even if you renter’s or homeowner’s insurance isn’t going to provide you the coverage you need, there’s storage unit insurance. What is Storage Unit Insurance? Storage unit insurance is exactly what it sounds like. It’s additional insurance to protect your personal belongings while they are in an off-premise storage unit. Though it varies between facilities, some will refuse to rent a storage ...


Bargain Storage
November 26th, 2024


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