Sometimes when you need storage, you need it now! It’s an immediate requirement; a death in the family, a sudden job offer in another state, a divorce, etc. We don’t always have time to pack neatly and put everything in its rightful place. Sometimes we just need to get everything out of one place and into another before a deadline and sort it out later.

For anyone who’s gone through one of these situations, your self storage unit starts to feel like a monster in your head. Every time you visit, you open the door and throw something inside quickly, then slam it shut before it all comes tumbling out to attack you. (This is what I call “Feeding the Monster”.) You just can’t bear to face it, and you shouldn’t have to do it alone. I have helped many of my tenants get their units organized and I will share some tips and ideas for you to get your unit back into shape; a usable space where you can find what you need when you need it, without being attacked!

Step 1: Analyze the Monster.

Sizing up your opponent is a time-tested, guaranteed way to swing the odds in your favor. Whether your unit is threatening avalanche upon opening the door, or just needs some minor rearranging, the first thing you should do is visit the unit. (I know, I know, you have been trying to avoid this!)

Bring a pad and pen, as well as your phone or camera. Take photos of the unit, make notes of how many storage totes or boxes are already present, how many large pieces of furniture are in the unit, as well as things that may not fit in boxes (bikes, skis, etc.). Now is also a good time to make note of the things you know are in the unit somewhere that you will absolutely need or want access to in the coming months. If it’s October, you’ll probably want to make note that your holiday decorations are in the unit. If it’s May, you’ll want to note that your beach and camping supplies are needed.

It’s tempting to dive right in there and start moving things around, but that can be a distracting time killer. If you want to do it right, you do it in stages. These notes will play into your plan later.

Step 2: Prepare to Take on the Monster.

No great warrior ever went into combat untrained or unprepared. So go home with your notes and photos and really look them over. Start thinking in your head about what things may go together, what things you really want to keep, and what things you could probably get rid of. Think about how much of the unit is trash and get a bunch of trash bags together. Think about approximately how many packing supplies you will need to replace damaged boxes or to put away unboxed items. Purchase the minimum amount of boxes and totes for your estimated needs (if you purchased plastic totes, keep the receipt in case you have some leftover to return). You can purchase boxes of all sizes at our retail store located inside the rental office, along with many other necessary supplies like tape, bubble wrap and furniture covers.

Plan a day when the weather is nice, and you can have one or two people help you to move things around and sort through. Get a tarp or old sheet to put down outside your unit to use as a clean workspace for sorting, and call your property manager. We have many resources available to help you get organized. Ask your property manager about using some of our moving equipment or purchasing our moving packet which includes a box labeling and inventory system as well as a gridded map for reference. These will be invaluable tools in your quest for an organized unit!

Step 3: Fight the Monster.

On the day that you have scheduled to have help, head over to your unit and put your tarp or sheet out in front of the unit. Have your friend(s) help you move furniture out of the way and off to one side on the tarp outside the unit. Then, pull out one box or pile at a time, assess the contents, and assign them to sections on the tarp with similar items. Example: a box contains some old junk mail, an antique tea set and your child’s soccer cleats. You would put the mail in a trash bag, the tea set in a “breakables” pile and the cleats in a “seasonal” pile.

Every time a pile looks like it’s getting too big, wrap (if necessary) your items and put them in a box or tote, then label it, mark the contents in your master inventory sheet and set it aside. Assign a color to each category and try not to go over the number of boxes allotted in each color group. Continue sorting, boxing and labeling until everything has a home in a box or pile.

*Pro Tip: Avoid making piles of “Stuff” or “Miscellaneous” as these things could probably be re-labeled and it makes your inventory system difficult to manage.

Stack like items with each other as you sort and box so that in the end, you should have lots of boxes and totes of the same color grouped together in specific categories. If you have a lot of things to give away, ask your property manager if they have a donation bin at their location, or if they could schedule a pick-up for you. We work with Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania, who take donations of household goods and clothing. Take a break, grab some lunch, and look at your inventory sheet. You have taken on the monster and won this battle.

Step 4: Cage the Monster.

Sit down with your inventory sheet and your gridded map of your unit. Mark where the door to the unit is located and consult your list. You will want to sort each group of boxes into need-based categories (A-B-C) with “A” being needed regularly, “B” being needed seasonally, and “C” not being needed in the near future. Using your “Tetris” brain and a pencil, mark out the home of each category and piece of furniture in your unit so that the “A” items are closest to the door on one side, the “B” items are closest to the door on the other side, and the “C” items are at the back of the unit.

*Pro Tip: you should try to leave a small walkway between the “A” and “B” sections so you can have access to the very backs of those sections, as well as access to the very front of the “C” section.

Your “B” items will be rotated as you need them seasonally and having them all together on the same side minimizes the shifting around of other items. Then all you have to do is put everything away as you marked it out, make changes on your map as you need to, and close the door and walk away. When you are finished you will feel so good knowing everything is in its place, and there’s now a place that makes sense for everything.

Step 5: Celebrate!

You did it! You fought the monster, caged it up and made sure it will never threaten your storage unit again. Take a moment to pat yourself on the back (or have your property manager do it for you!). Take a picture of the fruits of your labor and share it with us in the comments below. We’d love to see how well you did!

If you are ready to fight the Monster that has taken over your self storage unit, but you need some help getting started, contact us or give our property manager a call for some help! We have all the necessary training and expertise to make this process as painless as possible for you. Now, prepare for battle!

And, if you are ready to tackle your first storage unit, you can reserve or rent a unit completely online!

That time has come in your life when you need to downsize…maybe you are retiring and moving to a smaller home; or you’ve decided to move to that really nice 55+ community that has much less closet space; or maybe the kids are all off to college, getting married or just getting out on their own, finally, and you have the house all to yourselves. Whatever the reason, you have to downsize! You need to clean up and clean out – you just have too much stuff. That is where self storage can really become a huge benefit for you!

You probably fit one of these two scenarios:

You are now empty-nesters.

The kids have moved out! You can finally turn their bedroom into that office you always wanted or the dream craft room or even a guest bedroom. The possibilities are endless! So, what are you going to do with all that extra stuff they left behind – bed, desk, dresser, etc.?

Getting a self storage unit will solve your lack of space issues – it’s the perfect solution! It can also ease the transition for you and your kids when they move out. You can place all their items they want or need to have access to in the storage unit, getting that stuff out of your home but still easy to reach for them.

You are retiring and moving to a smaller home or a retirement community.

You made it – you are retiring this year! First of all, congrats! Retirement marks the end, but also the beginning of a new chapter in your life. We all dream of that day when we can sleep in with no alarm and do all those things we dreamt of, like traveling the world and finding new hobbies.

You are planning to move from your four bedroom, two-car garage home with full basement and attic, to a two bedroom, one-car garage home with a small basement and no attic. Your new home has fewer and smaller closets than your current home and a lot less storage space overall. Where are you going to put the 30 years of belongings you have accumulated but can’t bear to get rid of yet? When downsizing, you may find that getting rid of your cherished belongings is just out of the question.

This is where a self storage unit comes to the rescue! Your kids may need that extra furniture when they buy their first home, or when their kids go off to college – so put it into storage for later.

Whatever the reason is for downsizing, self storage is the solution that will make that next chapter in your life much easier, less stressful and more organized. There are a few things you want to keep in mind when deciding to use self storage. Follow these easy steps to get prepared:

• Make a list of items you are keeping.
  These will be items that you use all the time, and cannot live without. Things like your kitchenware, small appliances, clothing and electronics. If you have used it in the last couple days or weeks, it’s probably something you need to keep on hand.

• Make a list of items you plan to place in storage.
  These are the things you want to keep but don’t have room for in your home. This list will help you decide what size storage unit you need, and if you need a drive-up unit or interior access unit, to keep your belongings safe and secure. Harrisburg Self Storage only has interior access units, but our partner facility, Sierra’s Glen Self Storage has all drive-up units.

• Make a list of items your kids are taking with them.
  The last thing you want to do is give items away that your kids want now, or place a bunch of stuff into your self storage unit that they need now. Be sure to ask them to review the list with you to ensure you include everything that can and cannot go into storage.

• Make a list of items you plan to donate.
  It may seem hard to believe, but a lot of that stuff you own you haven’t used for years, and will probably never use again. Those items are the ones you can donate to your local mission or charity. Many charities will actually come to you and pick up items you wish to donate, such as furniture, exercise equipment and large amounts of clothing; just call and ask.

Downsizing can be an overwhelming process for anyone. If you have done all of these steps and still feel like you need help, be sure to give us a call, contact us via email or stop in to see our property manager. We are very knowledgeable in storage and moving, and can help you through the entire process from start to finish. Self storage is a great option when downsizing that will give you extra space, keep your belongings safe and secure, and give you the peace of mind that your stuff is easily accessible when you need it.

Are you planning to move? Clean out the basement? Organize the garage? Whatever your reason, you will be packing things up to place into your self storage unit. So you ask yourself, “Boxes or totes, which is better for me?”

To make this easier for you, we have listed out the pros and cons of each to help you decide. In some cases boxes make more sense, and in other cases using totes would be more beneficial.

Moving boxes come in many sizes, shapes and types. We sell a large variety in our retail shops inside our rental offices from which you can choose. Here are some things to consider when choosing moving boxes for your storage needs:

QUALITY

The boxes we sell in our retail shops are designed and produced specifically for the self storage industry. They are made of high-quality materials that will last over time and are crush resistant. This means you can stack them up and they will not bend, crush or sag when stored over months and even years inside a storage unit. Our boxes are also specially coated to resist mold and mildew, which will keep the contents from unwanted moisture damage during the changing seasons.

VARIETY OF SIZES

We offer many sizes of boxes to choose from and they are labeled with what items would work best when packed inside.

Small Boxes are perfect for heavy items like book, DVDs and video games – stuff that is small but can quickly become heavy when packed in large boxes. This will help make sure you don’t pack too many in one box and strain your back when lifting and moving.

Medium Boxes work great for towels, linens and photo albums. These are things you can pack more of in one box without the worry of making the box too heavy for safe lifting.

Large Boxes are a good fit for clothing, small kitchen appliances and gadgets and holiday decorations. These items can be awkward shapes and sizes and will easily fit into our large boxes so you can store them safely.

Extra Large Boxes are the best choice for quilts, pillows, shoes, Tupperware and other food storage containers.

Specialty Item Boxes are also available for those hard to pack items like mirrors, lamps, dish sets, microwaves and TVs. They are designed to fit the odd shape and sizes of these items and help prevent damage when moving and storing. We even have wardrobe boxes where you can store delicate clothing on hangers like your leather jacket, evening dresses and silk blouses – all items that are hard to fold and do better when hung up.

You can also read one of our previous blogs, “Are All Boxes Created Equal?” to help you decide which boxes to purchase and use for your storage needs.

Now let’s talk about storage totes. Don’t get me wrong, storage totes can be handy. There are even a few instances where choosing a tote over a box makes more sense. Here are a few things to consider when deciding on storage totes:

SHAPE

Since totes are not perfect squares, they do not stack very well. The bottom of the tote is smaller than the top, leaving the weight in the center of the lid beneath it. After a while, that lid may start to cave in – putting the weight of the top tote directly onto the items inside the bottom tote. This could cause damage to your items inside the tote. Over time, your stack of totes could eventually collapse and fall over as well – again causing damage to the items inside, and even the items inside your storage unit where they may fall.

When stacked up, large gaps exist between each of them due to their odd shape. This wastes precious storage space, compared to using boxes which leave no gaps when stacked together.

Because they are not perfect squares, things like movies, books or photo albums are harder to pack inside without the risk of bending or damaging them – unless you use packing paper and the sort to fill in the gaps. This also wastes packing space compared to boxes.

VARIETY OF SIZES

Storage totes do come in a variety of different sizes, from a small shoe box all the way up to 45 gallons and larger. So, finding the right size to fit your need shouldn’t be a problem.

Often times though, with something this large we get overzealous and pack as much as we can fit in there without thinking of the weight. Then we go to lift it and it’s practically impossible with one person, and difficult even with two people. It’s best to stick with small to medium sized totes for most items, and only use the very large ones for lighter items like pillows and decorations.

CONVENIENCE

Most of us have a few totes in our house already. Let’s face it, at some point over time we have all purchased one on sale for something! If this is the case, you can re-purpose them for storage. They are perfect for items like extra pillows, blankets and stuffed animals – all things that will conform to the shape of the tote.

HANDLES

Depending on the type of tote you have or are planning to purchase, the handles can sometimes be more difficult than you may realize. This is something you will want to check into before packing items into a storage tote. There are many out there where the handles are defined and make the tote very easy to carry. Then there are others that the handle seems to be an afterthought and it hurts your hands when you pick it up.

Now that we have gone over the pros and cons of boxes and storage totes, there are just a few more items to keep in mind when making your decision. If your self storage situation is only temporary, boxes may be the better option. They can be flattened and stored easily for later use, taking up little space. Storage totes are what they are; they cannot be flattened and will take up the same space whether empty or full. However, if you have several of the same brand and size, they can nest inside one another and take up less space that way. But, if you have many different brands and sizes, they may not stack together nicely. Just something to think about before you make your choice.

Depending on your needs and preference, you may choose one or the other. There is no wrong or right answer here. If you would like more help in deciding which to use for your self storage needs, you can reach out to our property manager and he will be glad to assist you. You can also leave a comment below or contact us at any time.

Is Your Self Storage Unit Ready for Fall?

Before you know it, summer will be over and the cool, crisp feeling of fall will be upon us. If you already store with us, now is the perfect time of year to get into your self storage unit and give it a check-up to make sure it is ready for fall. If you are planning to start using self storage this fall, it’s a great time of year to move things into storage with the cooler temps and lower humidity.

Here a few steps we recommend you take to ensure that your valuables are in good shape after surviving the hot summer months, and while in storage during the fall and winter months.

Give Your Storage Unit a Check-Up!

August is when the summer heat and humidity are at their peak in our area. If you used a drive-up storage unit all summer long, you really need to get in there and check that everything is in good shape – especially if you rarely visited. No matter what type of storage unit you have, be it drive-up, inside access or temperature controlled, this is an important step to take when the seasons change.

Everyone knows the saying, “Out of sight, out of mind.” That can be the case quite often when using storage. Come visit your unit and re-familiarize yourself with is contents. If you haven’t visited in a while, it’s easy to forget what you have tucked away in there. Now is the time to replace the container of Damp-Rid you placed in there during the spring. This will help keep the moisture levels inside your storage unit as low as possible and help prevent mold or mildew. If you simply gathered free boxes from the grocery store to pack away your stuff and they are falling apart now, you may need to purchase some new ones. Our retail store is fully stocked packing and moving supplies, including a variety of boxes that resist crushing, will stack nicely and are specially treated to help prevent mold and mildew.

Double check that you are using the recommended disc lock on your unit. Disc Locks have been created specifically for the storage industry and will provide your valuables the most protection and keep your mind at ease. Remember that your tenant insurance deductible is waived when you use a disc lock.

Is your door bulging, drooping or squeaking when you open and close it? This is very unlikely, but if you do notice anything of this nature, please stop in the office and notify the property manager. We can then have our maintenance team take a look and keep everything in tip-top shape.

Pack Away the Summer Gear

If you store with us all year long, the fall months are the ideal time to pack away your patio furniture, pool accessories and summer gear in preparation for winter. You can also move your lawnmower and other yard equipment and tools into storage since you won’t be mowing the grass in November (well, let’s hope not!). Just remember that you need to drain the tanks of gas, oil and other flammable liquids before placing them into storage.

While you are packing away the summer gear, be sure to unpack the winter gear and take it with you. Make sure your sweatshirts and comfy jeans are pulled from storage and placed into rotation in your closet; and you move the tank tops, sandals and swimwear into storage. Don’t forget the snow-blower, shovels, ice melt, sleds and skis…everything you plan to use frequently during the cold and snowy months should either go with you or be moved close to the door so it is ready when you need it.

Get Your Student Ready for College

For parents of college students, self storage is a great option! You can pack away all of your student’s extra belongings so you can turn that bedroom into an office or an in-home gym like you always wanted while they are away. And, when they come home between semesters or for the summer, their belongings are just a quick storage trip away when they need something.

You can also find a self storage facility close to campus for your student. That way, they can keep the bulkier things they can’t live without (but just won’t fit in their dorm room) close at all times: a bicycle, kayak, extra school supplies, an extra hot plate or toaster and so on. Dorms, in general, are typically small bedrooms that are often shared amongst two or three students and have little to no space to store anything outside the essentials. You can rest assured knowing they have everything they need at their fingertips while far from home when using self storage.

Get Ready for the Holidays!

Feel free kick off the holiday season by pulling out your fall decorations! Make your residence a bit cozier by having those fall wreaths hanging from your front door and the cornucopia resting over your mantle.

Make sure the holiday lights, wrapping paper, Christmas tree and other decorations are moved closer to the door of your unit. That way you can easily swap out the fall décor for the winter stuff after Thanksgiving.

Put Away the ’57 Chevy

We all know the invention of the automobile was legendary. For those of you who own a piece of history and treat it better than your children (well let’s hope not, but we all know that guy who won’t take the car out in the rain), fall is a great time to give your “baby” a tune-up and prep it for storage.

Our partner facility, Sierra’s Glen Self Storage, has drive up units that are the perfect solution to keep your car out of the elements, while at the same time granting you easy access to provide the necessary battery and tire pressure checks (or just a monthly visit to make sure she is hanging in there in the middle of January…you know who you are). You can learn more about storing titled property at our facility by reading one of our recent blogs.

Fall brings cooler weather, the return to school and the end of vacation season. Make sure both you and our self storage unit are ready for the season.

If you would like to get more information about fall storage, you can contact us at any time. Enjoy the rest of summer…it will be over before you know it!