Austin Self Storage Tips Blog

If your RV has no secured place for parking, renting an RV storage unit is one of the best solutions to your problem. You might feel that it’s not safe to park it in your driveway or in your backyard. Since you are not going to use it regularly, you should have a safe and secure place to store it. If not, you may experience spending more on maintenance costs as the risk for damage due to dirt, or bad weather condition may increase.

Two Types of RV Storage in Austin
There are two types of RV storage that you can choose from: the uncovered and the covered RV storage unit. A covered unit generally costs more, but this is the better and safer option for your vehicle. They use air conditioner during the summer time and they also provide heating options during winter. With this option, your RV remains protected from all weather related damages and pest and rodent related issues as well. Uncovered storing space is less expensive, but you will still need to invest on a good quality cover for your RV and tires. In case the climate is cold, your RV may also need to go through a winterization process to prevent it from damage due to the weather condition. Aside from these differences, both types of RV storage centers offer many other services like wash and dump stations, gasoline or diesel fuel, air for tires, and a lot more. There’s also CCTV service provided for security staff in the area. They provide a spacious parking space and all parking slots are properly marked and numbered. There are some RV storage facilities that allow you to leave your cars with them while you use your RVs. They may also provide battery recharging services as well as cleaning, washing and regular testing of your RV during storage time, to keep it in good shape.

Before storing your RVs in a storage center, make sure that you have prepared the vehicle for proper storage, and follow all precautionary measures. Thoroughly clean the interiors of the vehicle. Remove the batteries, cover it and keep it in a warm and dry place. If you have chose to keep it in an open storing space, invest in a good quality RV cover and tire covers. This will increase the RVs protection from bad weather condition as well as pollution and dirt.

Sometimes students need storage space for different reasons but one of the main reason is when they are leaving their residence halls during Christmas or Spring breaks. During these times, they need a space to keep and protect their belongings while they are on vacation.

Although residence halls have security an empty hall can attract the possibility of a possible break-in. considering this factor, renting a self-storage space is one of the best options that they can try. Having their school stuff stored in a secure self storage unit will take the stress and worry out of their minds spending quality time with their families. They can use these units to store their computers, television sets, CD or DVD players and other valuable things until they go back to school. Students nowadays have more things than before. This is another reason why there is an increase on the number of students using self storage rooms. The good thing about this is that they have free access to their things anytime that they need to.

Another reason for the increase of student storage rate are the increasing number of foreign students who come to the US to study. Normally, these students just bring the minimum amount of possessions and then accumulate more and more items during the term. There are many different storage companies to choose from and there is a wide range for unit sizes that they can choose from, depending on their needs. If it’s just a few boxes of clothing and books, a small locker room will do. But if they have more such as computers, suitcases and other electronic gadgets a 16 square foot room would be perfect. Whatever their needs are, there will always be a room to accommodate their belongings. These storage units normally have a month-by-month payment term so they can keep things as long or as short as they want.

Every business accumulates a lot of different office equipment and supplies over time. Office furniture that has been replaced, old equipment, last season’s merchandise, seasonal office decorations, customer records and lots of old paperwork are just some of the items that takes up office space that can be used for other more productive purposes. Renting self storage units can provide these businesses with extra storage space that can keep these things that they still might need in the future. Many business owners make use of self storage units to keep and protect these items.

There are also other factors that businesses consider in renting a storage unit:

• Office renovation
• Office relocation
• Keeping seasonal office furniture (patio furniture, grill, etc.)
• Trade show preparation
• Keeping inventory for holiday season

Below are some tips to help you maximize your business storage space:

When choosing a self storage facility, you must know the approximate amount of space that you need.

Contact several storage facilities to compare prices as well as the benefits that they offer. The location of the unit should also be considered. storage facility A may be a few dollars cheaper than Storage facility B, but if its gonna take you 15 to 20 minutes more to drive to Storage facility A, you might be spending more gas and consume more time to go there.

Check your items for a need of a temperature controlled facility. If you are keeping important documents, electronic devices and equipment or medicines and pharmaceutical supplies, a climate controlled facility is necessary.

Keep an inventory of your items. Create a list of all of the items you’ll be storing in your unit, and regularly update it with everything that you will keep on the facility. You need this for insurance purposes and it will help a lot in keeping an organized storage unit.

Keep documents and data safely – Use passwords for CDs or DVDs when storing important data in them.

Keep electronic devices and gadgets properly. Avoid using plastic to wrap these devices. Plastics trap moisture and encourage mold and mildew growth. Try using paper towels, newspaper or cotton sheets for larger electronic equipment.

Make sure you’re insured. Most storage facilities offer low cost insurance that also work as supplemental coverage.

Use these tips and also consult your storage facility representative for guidance to help keep the business run smoothly.

We have listed some tips below on how to keep your RV’s free of insects while in storage:

* Check out the hardware stores in your area if they carry insect and rodent ultrasonic devices. You can plug this into a normal electrical outlet and they will create a high frequency sound that only insects and rodents can hear. This sound will irritate them and supposed to drive them away from your RV.

* Make sure that you remove all food stuff inside the RV. You can only keep bottled or canned foods.

* Spread tires, jacks and levelers with roach and ant powder. Re-apply the powder if it rains.

* If your RV is gonna be plugged into an electrical outlet, its best that the power cord is not touching the ground.

* Empty the RV of any standing water. If your RV’s fridge has an Ice maker, remove the water from it. Make sure that the toilets seats are closed. Cover sink and shower drains as well.

* Inspect your RV for any areas where insects may crawl in. Also check the interior, inside cabinets, around slide outs. Seal gaps with a can of expanding foam sealer. You can buy this at any hardware store

* Tightly close all windows and doors.

* Take out all fruits and vegetables from the RV fridge before storage. Leaving fruits and vegetables will attract all kinds of insects.

* You can also use fabric softener sheets, mothballs, soap and cotton balls soaked in tea tree, lavender or cedar oil. Put them in bowls and spread around the RV. The scent of these items is supposed to drive insects and creepy crawlers away from your RV.

Following these tips will help keep your RVs free from insects during months of storage.

During the winter season, boat owners will have to spend time out with their boats and need to find the best type of boat storage facilities for their boats. Storing them correctly will help them maintain the boat to last longer and also save time and money for repairs.

We have gathered some helpful tips that you can follow to help you properly store your boat properly:

Buy a good quality fuel stabilizer to avoid condensation forming in the fuel tank. Make sure that you have read the manufacturer’s instruction before putting the stabilizer on the tank. After adding the stabilizer, run the motor on flusher for about a minute to push the treated fule through the system.

After doing this, unhook the flusher, drain the gear case and fill it with fresh lubricant. Remove the spark plugs then spray fogging oil into the cylinders. Make sure that you clean the housing as well and use anti-corrosion spray to coat electrical connections.

Then, check the steering of all the cables in the steering column and remove any dirt and grime and then release the shaft air out

The next step is to disconnect the battery. All terminals should be sprayed with anti-corrosion liquid and kept clean before storing. Keep in mind that you need to charge the battery a day or two each month that the boat is in storage.

Cover the motor with a motor cover and it should always be tilted downward in the running position. Remember; do not use plastic to cover the motor as this will trap moisture. Cloth or canvas is the best type of cover that you can use to promote air circulation.

Check each and every part of the boat and ensure that all the bearings are greased.

By following these steps, you will be able to maintain all the parts of your boat until next season.

Mini Storage is becoming more and more popular option for many people. This type of storage facility provides individuals the option to keep their excess belongings in off-site facilities and keep them safe and protected. Freeing up space is the primary reason why many people needs this type of service. In this article, we will discuss the advantages and other details of using a mini storage unit.

1. What type of items you can and cannot store in a mini storage facility?

Normally, you may store most of your belongings like old furniture and electronic devices, clothing, books and decorations. However, in a mini storage facility, hazardous or perishable items cannot be stored. Items like chemicals, medicines and food will not be allowed for storage. like furniture, clothing, electronics, books, and other items. However, you will not be able to store toxic, hazardous, or perishable items. This means food and chemicals cannot normally be stored in mini storage. Following this rule may be inconvenient for some people but in the long run, this will help you increase the safety of the items that are stored in the unit.

2. How does a mini storage unit differ in a rural or urban area?

Generally, the mini storage facility may be multi-storied in an urban community. This is one factor that you need to consider because you will have to take in account the size of the hall ways as well as the elevators for bringing in and taking out items. For rural and suburban areas, most of them are located in a wider area and loading and unloading of items will be much easier. Other than this factor, most units in both areas come in various sizes from 5′ x 5′ to 20′ x 20′. Whatever needs you may have, there will always be a room that will suit you.

3. What are the security and access options in a mini storage facility?

Different Mini storage facilities have different levels of access and security options. However, most of them have a gated perimeter that allows access by using a swipe card or key punch system. There may also be a number of security cameras located inside the facility and a lock for each unit. There may also be varied access times or gate hours. Others may have reduced hours but ther are also some that offer 24 by 7 accesses.

As your business grows, you may find that your home business may be overtaking your home! A good sign is product overflowing from boxes in your personal office, basement and other storage areas within the home. At this point, many home business owners realize that working out of home can be feasible, as the products are being sold on the internet, but they may have to come up with an alternative solution for storage of the items in which they are selling. Are you at this point? Are you a home business owner seeking storage advice, but don’t know where to start? Use these tips to find a proper location for your home based business.

First, it is important to determine the needs that you have for a storage facility. You are obviously looking for something that is accessible year round, as well as a storage facility that is open at hours that are convenient to you. It is time to begin thinking about the size of the facility that you will require. These are important things to think about, in combination with the fact that you will now need to determine the amount of space that you will require. How much product are you going to be storing at one time? Are you going to add more inventories in the future?

Are you looking for a long term or short term storage rental? For those customers seeking long term storage, companies often offer discount offers for long contracts which are signed. It is important to determine if you are seeking indoor storage, or is willing to pay a decreased price for outdoor storage. Outdoor storage may make it difficult to work within the storage bin during the colder months. This is something to consider if you find yourself in a colder climate.

Search online for storage offers. This, in combination with the specials can be a valuable tool that can yield reviews of certain facilities, rates and storage services that are offered. Research prices and services and call for a quote. Often, the storage professionals can give information over the phone that can help you to determine your storage needs.

How are you going to organize the storage system? First, the system should be organized in a manner that allows you to add additional product, while finding the product that you have in stock easily to ship to customers. If you have enough room in the budget, consider leasing a larger storage space which gives you a small working space, large enough for a table for records etc. This will make things a lot easier as a workspace can allow you to maintain the most of the space.

When you have found a storage facility you are interested in, request a tour of the facilities. This is the time to ask questions about insurance, security and other aspects that may contribute to your business. Developing a positive relationship with the staff members will work out for you in the long run, making the storage personnel important business contacts.

For more information or recommendations on how to find storage for your online business inventory, call Austin, TX, self storage facility, AA Ben White or visit them on their website www.AABenWhite.com

Recreational vehicles are only used for a portion of the year, therefore it is important to prepare the RV for storage. Failing to prepare the RV for storage could lead to problems when the RV is put into use the next season. With the large investment that goes into the purchase of an RV it is better to be safe and take measures to prepare the RV for storage, rather than leaving it until the last moment and facing problems when the RV is released from storage.

Preparing the RV for several months of storage is a crucial part of the regular annual maintenance program. If you are going to store the RV through the winter months the first measure that must be taken is to protect the water system from freezing, which can cause major damages within the interior system. Turn the water off in the RV.

Where are you going to store the RV? Storing the RV at a professional storage facility can cost upwards of one hundred dollars per month, even more if you choose to store it in a covered facility. It is important to ensure the RV is covered in a material that will allow ventilation through the winter months, even if the RV is being stored in some sort of covered facility.

Some experts suggest removing the tires to ensure that they are not flattened through the winter months. Removing the tires will ensure that the vehicle owner can preserve the life of the tires. When the tires are exposed to the elements and not in use it can be easy for the tires to become flat, and even ruin the outside of the tires – which could leave you with the costly surprise of tire replacement when the RV comes back into use.

All windows and doors, as well as vents should be closed within the RV. Before storing the RV the interior and exterior of the vehicle should be washed to ensure that the vehicle is in the best shape possible when being stored. Water, dirt and grime can lead to the recreational vehicle rusting prematurely. Although most people choose to place a tarp over the RV, it is important to ensure that all seams in the roof and walls are sealed. If the RV is equipped with an air conditioner it is important to clean the filters, along with the interior and exterior of the RV. This will include the filter and cover that are enclosed with the air conditioner. Inside the recreational vehicle, all drawers, cabinets and doors should be left open. This can reduce the amount of time that the vehicle will be required to air-out before being used again.

Remove all perishables from the vehicle and items that may freeze, if the RV is being stored in an area that is going to be exposed to low temperatures. If the RV is equipped with an air conditioner it is important to clean the filters, along with the interior and exterior of the RV.

For more information or recommendations on how to prepare your RV for storage, call Austin, TX, self storage facility, AA Ben White or visit them on their website www.AABenWhite.com

A moving company is a large expense; therefore, it is important to find the company that suits the needs of your move best. The moving company is going to move your valuables, sometimes across the country and sometimes across the globe – finding the right company is an essential part of the moving process.

Determine the services which are going to be required of the storage company. Are you going to have the moving company pack the items within your home, or are you going to take care of that yourself? Packing the items yourself can save thousands of dollars off of the price of the move but can mean that your items become liable if they have not been packed correctly. The moving services available vary in costs from each company and should be quoted before the service is agreed to.

Is the company insured and licensed? It is important to find out how much your items are insured for throughout the duration of the move. Insuring your items could save you thousands of dollars if something were to happen to the moving truck. Ensuring that the company is licensed means that they are registered and recognized by business associations and have taken all measures to keep the customer protected, regardless of the situation.

Get Written Estimates. Although verbal estimates are helpful, it is better to obtain written estimates from moving companies. This will ensure that your quote remains valid and the price will not change if you have decided to research prices for other companies. How long is the quote valid? Most moving companies ensure the quote for up to thirty days – therefore you have time to research and compare prices and service of other moving companies. Save these written estimates from each company and ensure that they contain contact information, price, services included and authorization.

Where are you Moving and needing storage For? Some companies specialize in local moving; other companies specialize in moving across the country. There are other moving companies which can provide excellent service for moving out of the country. These international moving companies will often require additional insurance, as well as an additional fee. It is important to take into account the moving company’s location and experience moving within a specific area.

How Does the Moving Company Deal with Claims? What is the process for people being moved that have had misplaced items, boxes and other items? What kind of forms must be filled and how long does it take to receive a replacement item and claims funds from the moving company. Are there limits of how much claim can be made on certain items?

Using these tips, you can choose a moving company with a reputable image, based on opinions of past clients, friends and family members. The moving company is going to help you from a large transition in your life – from one home to another, from one city to another and sometimes even from one country to another.

For more information or recommendations on moving companies, call Austin, TX, self storage facility, AA Ben White or visit them on their website www.AABenWhite.com

The thought of storing clothes during an extended move can be daunting when thinking about the time that went into choosing the clothing and the money used to purchase wardrobe items.

Here are some tips that you can use when storing your wardrobe without harm:

Choose the proper boxes. Wardrobe boxers may be costly, but they will allow clothing to be well ventilated and protected with the use of thick cardboard. These wardrobe boxes are available through moving companies and enable the client to hang clothing within bars in the boxes. Each box can accommodate up to fifty pounds of clothing and this can include winter wardrobes and any other clothing that would not fare well being stuffed into a box!

A move is the perfect time to go through your wardrobe and donate or sell what you are no longer going to wear. A good rule of thumb is to focus on clothing that has not been worn in at least twenty four months. This clothing should be donated to charitable organizations or sold at consignment stores. This is a great way to make some extra money to fund the move while getting rid of some pieces from your wardrobe.

Be sure to label the boxes accordingly. When the boxes are labeled, the moving company or you can easily store the boxes in the appropriate area. They should be stored in the moving truck, loaded first, as they will not be exposed to any moisture or elements when the moving truck is opened at any time.

Where are the boxes going to be stored while en route? Clothing should not be exposed to moisture as it could cause mold to form. Use mothballs for clothing which is going to be stored for an extended period of time.

When packing your clothing, the bottom of the wardrobe boxes are a great place to store shoes, boots and even linens that can be placed within the linen closet. For the most part, jackets are often of a shorter length and can create lots of room in the bottom of the box for these things! Make sure that the box is not too heavy, as it can cause the bottom to fall from the box. Be sure to adhere to all the weight limits that come with the box to keep your clothing safe from harm.

To avoid the musty smell that can come with your clothing being in storage for an extended period of time you can simply place scented beads which are available at any home store within the box. Ensure that these beads are enclosed in some sort of container, with ventilation. This will ensure that the scent can come through but the scent beads cannot damage the clothing in any way.

Using these tips, you can store your clothing with ease all the way throughout your move. You can store the pieces of clothing that are seasonal, that you have worked so hard to choose, throughout the year in your home with the help of the wardrobe boxes as well!

If you need self storage in Austin, Texas, for your Winter wardrobe or any other clothing, furniture, visit www.AABenWhite.com.