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.