Storage Tips for Tax Season

 

Tax season is a stressful time of year for many people. Navigating the laws, collecting the right forms and trying to get everything filed on time can be quite an ordeal. With so much paperwork, it can be difficult to determine what to keep and what to discard of your tax documents.

What to Keep

It is recommended that you keep tax returns and supporting documents for at least seven years. The IRS has three years to challenge information in your return and six years to conduct an audit, so the ‘seven year rule’ is a good practice to play it safe.

However, all that paperwork can add up and create clutter and disorganization in your home or office. A BudgetSelf Storage unit is a safe and convenient way to store those extra tax files. A small storage locker is an ideal, cost-effective document storage solution for many people. However, we offer storage units up to 10x30 square feet in size.

Stay Organized

Before placing your tax documents in storage, you will want to create a filing system so you can easily find things if you need them later. A stack of randomly scattered papers is not going to help you in a pinch! You can purchase inexpensive file boxes from an office supply store or boxes at your local Budget Self Storage to hold your documents. You will want to organize your files by the year. Other potential categories for filing may include:

·         Income (pay stubs, W2’s and 1099s)

·         Medical bills

·         Donations

·         Business deductions

·         Child care costs

·         Student loan payments

·         Completed tax returns

These are examples of helpful ways to organize your tax documents, but you can customize your filing system in a way that makes sense for you. There are also pre-made kits available for tax document storage that can make this process even simpler.

Protect your Information

Once you have organized and stored away your needed files, you will want to properly dispose of extraneous documents. Identity theft is a serious risk with these types of documents, since savvy thieves can potentially glean enough confidential information about you to open a line of credit. Last year, about 16.6 million Americans became victims of identity theft, and consumers lost nearly $57 billion to this crime.

You can protect yourself, your finances and your identity by simply shredding any sensitive documents. Budget Self Storage now offers on-site shredding at nine locations. Shredding is not just for documents – we can shred computer hard drives, x-ray film, CD’s, DVD’s and old floppy discs. Watch our video to learn more about Budget Self Storage ShreddingServices.

When you are ready to store, shred and put the 2013 tax season behind you, find a Budget Self Storage location near you. Budget Self Storage is open 7 days a week, requires no set up fees or security deposits, and protects your belongings with video cameras, CCTV and electronic gates. Tax season is stressful enough! With Budget, self storage doesn’t have to be!

Budget Self Storage Country in the Park March 15, 2014

 

Spring has sprung and we here at Budget Self Storage are excited to partake in the fun outdoor events in our community. Most recently, we joined the Pinella Park Chamber of Commerce for the annual Country in the Park Expo on Saturday, March 15^th. Fair weather blessed the event and thousands of locals and visitors came out to mingle with local businesses, crafters, and non-profit organizations while enjoying live country music.

 

We were proud to display our booth at the event and showcase what makes Budget Self Storage such a great company to store with, interact with and work for. Our marketing coordinator Robin Emanuel was present, along with the store managers from our St. Petersburg facilities, to interact with attendees and give away prizes. Two lucky raffle winners received Budget Self Storage gift cards, and one winner received a Visa gift card, both courtesy of Budget. We also gave out free reusable totes to visitors, perfect for groceries, beach gear and transferring small items to and from storage units.

 

The Pinellas Park Country in the Park is a wonderful event that we anticipate all year long. Budget Self Storage always enjoys meeting our customers and neighbors in the communities we service. Now that spring cleaning season is upon us, we are eager to assist in your spring storage needs. Contact a Budget Self Storage facility in a location near you and let us help you achieve better organization or assist with a successful move.

 

We hope to see you at the next event!

 

 

Mini Storage Has Big Benefits

 

What do you do when you find out guests are coming for the weekend but your guestroom is full of odds and ends that have no place to go? Are your office file cabinets full of papers that you are required to keep? A simple solution is to rent a mini storage unit to safely store files, clothing or household goods that are in the way but may be needed for the long term.

Mini storage units are about the size of a closet and measure 225 cubic feet (5 by 5 by 9 feet) and are good for storing boxes, small furniture, clothing, sports equipment or other household items. Lockers, measuring 3 x 3 x 3 or 5 x 5 x 5 feet, are perfect for storing files, documents and other small items. With prices ranging from $15 to $40 per month, self storage is an affordable and convenient storage solution for keeping clutter out of your home or office.

With Budget Self Storage, we make self storage easy. You rent the space you need, fill it with your household or office items, lock it and leave the rest to us. Insurance coverage is required and it is available for as low as $5 for your protection. Climate-controlled storage units are available if you need to keep sensitive materials, photo and keepsakes safe from the elements. You can rent space for a year, a month, or even just one week, depending on your needs.

Budget Self Storage offers several convenient locations in the Florida communities of Bradenton, Brandon, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Tampa and Valrico. We have provided safe, affordable storage solutions for residential and business needs since 1985. We are a member of the West Florida Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating, which means that our length of time in service and commitment to customer care gives us the highest rating possible.

Reserve your self storage unit with Budget Self Storage today and free yourself from clutter!

 

Budget Storage Now in Brandon, FL!

We are excited to announce that late in March of 2014, Brandon residents will have their own Budget Self Storage! To celebrate our new addition, we are offering up to 50% OFF the first 3 months’ rent at this location. Budget Self Storage in Brandon is perfect for those who need extra space to keep their belongings. Self-storage is perfect for businesses and individuals who want to get organized and free up some space in their homes, garages and offices.
 

Our new Brandon, Florida storage facility has over 600 storage spaces. From large to small spaces in the Climate Controlled building and standard garages to Parking and RV Spaces. Conveniently located on 607 E. Bloomingdale Ave. just west of Bloomingdale Plaza. We invite you to Come and See the Difference!

As with all of our locations, Budget Self Storage in Brandon provides professional service. We want to make a difference in your self-storage experience by providing the easiest and most stress free storing solutions at affordable rates. We are open 7 days a week and provide extended gate access hours for your convenience.

 

Get organized for the New Year with Budget Self Storage in Brandon Florida. Reserve your unit today at Budget Self Storage in Brandon Online or by calling (813) 655-1199.

Budget Self Storage Florida is a leading and trusted provider of self-storage with 9 locations throughout Tampa Bay. Established in 1985, Budget Self Storage provides affordable self-storage solutions for personal, household and business needs. Most Locations have parking and RV spaces and over 30 different sizes of units for your convenience. You only pay for the space you need!

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!