Six Smart Tips for Storing Holiday Decorations

 

It’s never too early to start thinking about putting away all those beautiful decorations you’ve just put into place. Wouldn’t you just love to organize your holiday decorations for storage this year so that next year’s decorating is quick, easy and fun? Here are some handy tips to help you do just that!

1.      Safe candle storage. Wrap candles in old socks or stockings to prevent scratching. Store candles in a climate controlled Budget Self Storage unit to prevent melting.

2.      The dinner party has ended. Pack holiday napkins, tablecloths, towels etc. in a suitcase to reduce the risk of moisture damage. Don’t forget to include moth balls to keep away pests.

3.      Saying goodbye to the tree. Sure your artificial tree came in a box that seems like the perfect one to repack it in, but cardboard boxes begin to deteriorate after sitting for long periods of time. Look into investing in a tree bag to keep your decoration looking fresh year after year.

4.      Those tins aren’t just for cookies! Store items that require special protection, such as handmade items, in empty Christmas cookie tins. The hard sides of the tins protect your precious items from getting accidentally crushed in storage.

5.      Dispose of the damaged ones. Make sure to get rid of any Christmas lights that aren’t working properly. You will save yourself storage space and hassle next time you need them.

6.       Label that first box. Label the first box to be opened next holiday. For example, this box could contain your advent calendar, tree stand, Menorah, or anything you need at the beginning of the Holiday season.

 

Budget Self Storage wishes you happy packing and a safe new year!

 

Choose the Right Item for the Job!

 

Bet you didn’t know that Budget Self Storage provides a complete array of affordable packing supplies! Choosing the right supplies for your needs will ensure your precious items are protected. Why risk a disappointing chip, ding or break? Our quality supplies are affordable and easy to pick up at any of our 14 locations! To help determine what supplies you might need, check out our handy list below:

·         Padlocks, disc locks and combination locks

·         King, queen, full and twin size mattress bags

·         Packing tape for securing moving boxes

·         Professional grade tape gun

·         Packing peanuts

·         Blank newsprint for wrapping up breakable items

·         Bubble wrap

·         Mildew and tear resistant tarps

·         Ratchet straps to secure heavy loads and secure large items

·         Damp Rid pouches to help reduce moisture from the air inside your storage unit

 

You don’t have to sleep with the coffee table: Storing furniture for the holidays

 

 

The holidays are approaching faster than you can say “Ho! Ho! Ho!” That means moving furniture around to accommodate large family gatherings, dinner parties, and a big beautiful Christmas tree! Instead of cramming large sofas into the garage, or sharing your bedroom with an unwelcome coffee table, why not rent a Budget Self Storage unit for the holiday season? Minimizing the amount of clutter within your home will save your sanity during this stressful season. Here are several things to consider when preparing your furniture for storage.

Choose a Budget Self Storage unit that is climate controlled. Temperature control helps prevent damage to your furniture from moisture, fungus and leaks. These units also help reduce humidity.

Try to disassemble as much of the furniture as you safely can. Storing parts individually instead of as a whole will help minimize potential damage within unit. Packing individual pieces in thick plastic sheets or in boxes will also help prevent scratches or chipping.

When storing glass, such as a glass table top or mirror, use paper tape and mark a big X over the whole piece. This adds support to the glass and will help prevent cracking or shattering.

If you are storing a sofa, cover it with a sheet or clean tarp. This will keep the dust from settling in the upholstery and will save a whole lot of coughing later!

Finally, purchase Tenant Insurance to safeguard your property.  Budget offers insurance for $9 a month, which comes out to $0.26 a day! A little pocket change now is worth avoiding a big headache later!
 

 

Santa Clausets 101: How to Stash Your Presents

It is no secret that children cannot be trusted once holiday gifts are purchased! Instead of worrying that the secret will be spoiled, take the presents and stow them in your Budget Self Storage Santa Clauset. Use these tips to keep your packages safe until the big day:

·        Think about the amount of storage space you need and be sure to rent a unit large enough for your gifts. Santa Clausets offers space up to 5x5.

·        The floor is the coldest part of a storage unit. Keep your items cozy and warm by using wooden pallets or old blankets.

·        Avoid using garbage bags since items may break; plus, it's hard to tell what is inside!

·        Don’t store Susie’s gifts in the same container as Joey’s. Group presents by recipient every time you add to the stash.

·        Tie different colored bows or ribbon for each family member around their gifts for easy identification.

·        Driving during the holidays is already stressful enough! Choose a Budget Self Storage location that is close to your home or work to make your trips more convenient.

 

Stuff Your Stuff in Santa Clausets

Worried your little detectives will leave no stone unturned in the quest to find the gift stash?  Never fear!  Santa Clausets is here!  Stuff your stuff in a Santa Clauset and your little elves will surely be surprised this Christmas!

What? A place to stash and wrap all of your holiday gifts until you are ready to surprise your friends and family.

When? From November 15-Christmas Eve

Where? All Budget Self Storage locations

How much? All units 5x5 (or smaller) are $19. That is less than $1 per day! More importantly, the peace of mind Santa Clausets offers is priceless.

What else? Budget accepts packages and deliveries for FREE for our customers. Complementary wrapping stations are available at all locations! These are fantastic ways to build anticipation and keep the surprise a secret until the big day.

So long, Summer…Hello Winter!

Make way, make way… for delightful Florida winters! Are you ready to pack that summer gear away to make room for your cooler weather clothes? Packing and storing clothing in your Budget Self Storage unit can be done in a neat and organized way. Here are several tips to consider when storing your clothes:

Sort summer clothes by family member. Young children may outgrow what was worn during the current summer. This will make it easier for you to access and sort through those items first when the winter season is over.

Wash and dry clothes before storing. This will ensure that dirt, food and drink spills will be washed out and will not leave permanent stains.

Make sure clothes are 100% dry! Packing any clothes that are lightly damp may result in mildew or mold spores growing in your clothes and possibly transferring to other items.

Store items in plastic or metal tubs. Shallower or smaller containers with tight fitting lids are ideal. Put tape around the outside to further seal the tubs.

Add moth balls. Moth balls may have a strong and unpleasant odor but they effectively keep any moths/insects away from your clothes for good.

Label your stuff. Put masking tape or large stickers on the lid of each container and write a brief description of what is inside.

A little effort when you pack the clothing will make a big difference when it’s time to unpack!

Boat Storage 101

 

It is almost time for Halloween and Thanksgiving, which marks the end of the dog days of summer. The weather is no longer ideal for boating, and it is crucial to prepare and protect your watercraft for a long period of inactivity. Budget Self Storage offers long-term boat parking for your convenience. Here are some tips for safeguarding your valuable recreational asset during the offseason:

Ø  Thoroughly clean your boat. Storing your boat with impurities like barnacles on it will make them a nightmare to remove in the spring. Don’t focus on just the outside, clean the inside too in order to avoid mildew. Turn cushions on edge so that air can circulate around them.

Ø  Drain existing water. Clean bilge pumps and drain any existing water to ensure that water does not freeze and damage expensive equipment. Remove drain plugs and store them in an easy to find location.

Ø  Safeguard your engine.  Replace your engine’s old oil with fresh oil and replace oil filters. In addition, oil tends to settle on the bottom of the engine when a boat is not being used, exposing it to humidity and other corrosive elements. Spray fogging oil inside the carburetor to avoid this problem.

Ø  Go undercover. Whether you are storing your boat inside or out, it is crucial that it is covered. Canvas boat covers are ideal for Florida storage and aid in keeping out pests, dust, dirt and protecting the craft from the elements.

 

What Size Unit is Right for You?

        

        Decided that you need some extra storage, but not exactly sure how much? Guessing can add up to purchasing too much, or not enough space. Budget Self Storage makes the decision easier with a handy storage calculator! In the meantime, take a look at some of our most popular sizes:

Storage Closet/Dorm Size Unit

5 x 5 x 9 (25 sq. ft.)

This size unit is best for cleaning out an overflowing closet or small space and storing items such as extra holiday decorations, books or small appliances. This unit fits up to 24 boxes and a small mattress.

Apartment Size Unit

10 x 10 x 9 (100 sq. ft.)

This space is approximately the size of a small office or bedroom. It is ideal for storing the contents of a one or two bedroom apartment. Mattress set, sofa, dining room and boxes are all ideal contents for this unit.

Large House Size Unit

10 x 30 x 9 (300 sq. ft.)

This size is ideal for the contents of a 4 to 5 bedroom home, garage items, appliances, patio furniture and boxes. This huge unit approximates the size of a warehouse.

 

These are just a few of the many options that Budget Self Storage has to offer! Please visit for our website for more sizing selections.

 

Kitty City Garage Sale

Event Announcement!

Kitty City Garage Sale

What? Kitty City Foundation Inc. in Tampa, FL is a rescue organization that works hard to give rescued cats the nutrition and care they need and the loving homes they deserve. Kitty City Foundation raises funds to provide spay and neuter services along with food and medicine. As a result, they have partnered with Budget Self Storage-Gunn to host a charity garage sale to raise community awareness and much needed support.

When? Saturday, September 28th, from 8:30am until 2:30pm.

Where? Budget Self Storage-Gunn Highway Location

What else? Shop til’ you drop and enjoy FREE hot dogs, chips and soda, while you help support one of the Bay Area’s most challenging endeavors.   

Save the Date for Santa Clausets!

Save the Date for

Santa Clausets!

What? A place to store and wrap all of your Black Friday and Cyber Monday gifts until Christmas.

When? From November 15-Christmas Eve

Where? All Budget Self Storage locations

How much? 5x5 (or smaller) units are $19. That is less than $1 per day!

What else? Budget accepts packages deliveries for FREE for our customers. Complementary wrapping stations are available at all locations!

Write a Google+ Review: A How-To Guide

You just had an excellent experience working with Budget Self Storage! Now you want to write a review on Google+ to let others know about your positive encounter with the company. You have never written a review for a business using Google+. Where do you go and what should you do? The simple steps below will help you accomplish that task:

1.      At the top right of the Budget Self Storage website, under the “check out our social media” subheading, click on the lowercase “g” icon. This will link you directly to the Google+ page for Budget.

2.      Next, you will be brought to a list of different Budget Self Storage locations. Click on the lowercase “g” icon next to the location that you would like to write a review for.

3.      Once you click on the “g,” you will be prompted to sign in to your Google+ account in order to write the review. If you do not have an account, simply create a new one.

4.      You will now be on the “About” page. If you are not brought to this page, please navigate there by clicking the “About” tab.

5.      On the “about” tab, scroll down until you see the “write a review” section.

6.      Click on this option and proceed to write your review.

7.      Above the text box where you wrote your review there will be 5 white stars. Hover your mouse over the stars until they become yellow. Rate your experience with one star [hated it] all the way to all five stars [loved it]. You will not be able to submit a review unless you rate your experience using the stars.

8.      Click “Publish” and you are all done!

 

5 Things You Can Implement To Simplify Your Life

National Simplify our Life Week is about making small changes that reduce stress and free up your time.  After all, you deserve it! Budget Self Storage has come up with 5 easy ways to help simplify your life:  

1. Remove Clutter:  Look around your home or office to see what is essential or necessary, everything else is clutter.  Box it up and clearly label the box on two sides.  Get a storage unit for the items for easy access.  Find out more about reducing clutter on our March blog post.
2. Hire Someone:  It’s not only easier but; better to leave the job to someone else.  Life is about balance.  There is nothing wrong with getting a little extra help. Check out our community page for local business partners that provide service.
3. Pay Bills Online: Set-up auto bill pay through your bank; it’s free!  As soon as the bill comes in enter it with future payment date, file with receipt, it done and forget it!  It’s easier than you think and Budget Self Storage offers our customers easy online and auto bill pay options.
4. Finally Sort the Piles of Paperwork:  Make it fun, not a chore by drinking a cocktail and watching your favorite TV show.  Have your shredder handy or keep it simple & drop off all the shredding at a Budget Self Storage location.  Watch this helpful YouTube video for more organizing ideas
5. One Lid Size Fits All:  Invest in containers that one lid fits all different sizes and only use these. Think you can’t waste all the perfectly good containers you already own?  Repurpose them as drawer/cabinet organizers. Get some tips from Ellen Damashino organize & recycle the lid & containers.  Check out Rubbermaid’s great selection of containers and coupon. 

Self Storage Tips for Business Owners

Self Storage Tips for Business Owners

A cramped workspace can make it difficult to find what you need, distracting you from business at hand, and requiring extra effort to keep things organized. You may have considered renting additional commercial space, but were shocked by the cost and loss of valuable time. That’s why, for today’s businessperson, self-storage is a cost effective and efficient solution.

Essentially, a storage unit can function much like an extra office. Take advantage of these tips to get the most of your investment:

·         Tip #1: Make a list of all of the items you’ll be storing in your unit, and keep an ongoing inventory.

Based on this list, you can then determine the amount of space you will need. It’s easy to forget over time what you’ve taken out or added to your storage space, so consider keeping a running inventory on a PDA, laptop or website. This way you can stay organized and easily insure the items you are storing.

·         Tip #2: Consider climate control.

If you are storing computers/computer parts, any sensitive equipment, important paperwork, pharmaceutical samples, furniture, or anything else that can be damaged by extreme temperatures, a climate controlled unit is a must. The additional cost of climate control is nothing compared to the return on investment.

·         Tip #3: Proper packing is key.

Remember to put computers in a box and pack them securely. Office furniture should be turned on end vertically, and archival documents and paperwork should be packed in easy-to-stack boxes.

By following these tips, and working with your Budget Self Storage manager, you will find this solution to be one that takes the least amount of valuable time away from your primary tasks.

 

Florida Hurricane Season should not be taken lightly

Experts are projecting that the 2013 Atlantic Hurricane Season will be “extremely active”.  What does an “extremely active” season really mean to residents and business owners?  In short, it is translated to above average in comparison to previous years.   That is about as good as it gets for an explanation.

What if a hurricane (categorized from 1 to 5 or commonly called CAT 1, CAT 2, and so on) were to hit the Tampa Bay area?  Outside of the obvious damage caused by powerful winds, how bad would the flooding be? 

Here is a little information for Budget Self Storage Insurance and a visual to illustrate some flooding in upper Tampa Bay. There is a small city located of the northern-most tip of Tampa Bay called Oldsmar.  In the lobby area of their City Hall Building, a banner stands tall to show residences and businesses the effects of Mother Nature.  Please prepare yourself accordingly.