Moving and Self Storage Tips

Minneapolis Self Storage is not only an ideal solution for the individual or family but can also work extremely well for businesses of all sizes. As the self-storage industry has evolved, so has its range of services, which can be utilized by business users to help them operate more cost-effectively. Many assume that the only business use a self-storage facility can offer is storage – the reality is that many are now offering a complete range of services such as mail-boxes, office facilities, showers and coffee/meeting rooms that can help any business on a daily basis. Some self-storage facilities even specialize solely for commercial use with purpose built storage units to meet every business need.

Minneapolis Self Storage is a great solution for all types and sizes of business. Whether you’re looking to store because you’re expanding too fast or want to cut back on your normal office and warehousing commitments for short periods, then you’ll probably find an answer at Minneapolis Self Storage. It’s proved to be such a successful business logistics solution that an increasing number of businesses have cut back their office space to a bare operating minimum and are using self-storage to keep everything that isn’t needed on a daily basis in one place with easy access.

Business opt for self-storage for various reasons, the most common of which is the need to free up or to cut down on expensive office space, for use as a small-scale warehouse, distribution service or as an archive. Business users are often given preferential access to general facilities – an added advantage if you use a unit as a distribution point for stock that may need to be dispatched at short notice and at odd times. The most common uses for businesses include:

• Archiving documents, files and paperwork.

• Freeing up office space by storing items that aren’t needed on a daily basis.

• Storing office furniture and equipment.

• Storing stock, either full-time or on a seasonal basis.

• Storing office equipment and files during a move.

• As a small-scale distribution centre.

• As a store for excess stock, reps’ sales samples and display or exhibition equipment

• Storing office supplies, allowing businesses to buy in bulk and gain discounts.

Self-storage companies claim to be able to store anything, however, there are certain items that they legally cannot store. It’s worthwhile checking out their individual rules before you commit to renting space.

Specialist self-storage facilities may also offer climate controlled units that are adapted for archiving so your business documents will be kept in good order and you’ll be able to access them whenever and however often you wish. You may be offered the use of purpose built archive units with ready-built shelving or storage bays or may be allowed to put in your own stacking depending on the individual self-storage facility. The use of self-storage for archiving has proved very popular across various business areas, including:

• Law

• Accountancy

• Architecture

• Doctors

• Finance

• Chemists

• Sales organizations

Self-storage for business works in exactly the same way as for personal use. You hire the space, transport your items over and then unpack into your unit. As business users may be storing large items or a higher volume of goods, you’ll probably find that facilities are more likely to offer you additional services such as removals and packing/unpacking rather than you having to do it yourself. Although you’ll have to pay for such services, you may be able to negotiate a discount business rate.

Discounts may also be available if you commit to a long-term rental. As with general self-storage, it’s important to check out the facility before you opt to use it. A badly maintained or poorly secured site will simply lose you money if damage is caused to the items you store. It’s also vital that you make sure that you have adequate and comprehensive insurance in place. You may be able to negotiate this with your current business insurer or via the storage facility itself.

You can’t put too high a price on security when you’re looking at self-storage. After all, we takethe time to make sure that our home is adequately secure to protect belongings and it’s nodifferent in self-storage.
All self-storage facilities will have a range of security measures in place. These can range fromthe basic to the hi-tech and your self-storage choice may well hinge on how comfortable youfeel with the options on offer. You may also make a decision based on the value of the goodsyou store. If you’re storing valuable and irreplaceable heirlooms then you’ll probably opt forstate of the art systems. If your storage items are easily replaced and of no real sentimental ormonetary value then you may make a more basic choice.
Your first move should be to visit a few self-storage sites and see for yourself just how securethey seem. Seeing a self-storage facility with gaping holes in perimeter fences, dark corridorswith insufficient CCTV coverage and no guard on site at night might just put you off. Althoughyou are responsible for padlocking your own unit, the strongest padlock is no defence against adetermined thief.
Self-storage security measures vary extensively throughout the industry. You should always optfor a self-storage facility that has at least some measures in place – you’ll find some or all of thefollowing security options on offer depending on the self-storage company you choose:

• General alarm systems that can be either monitored or unmonitored on site by securityguards and may have links to the local police station. In some cases, each unit mayhave an individual alarm that is linked to a central site control. Other options includealarms that go off if units are left open for an exceptionally long time and infra-redmotion detectors.
• Fire and smoke alarm systems that can help contain unforeseen accidents. Virtually allself-storage facilities ban smoking on site as a fire hazard.
• Restricted access systems that insist that all visitors sign in and out before they canaccess the facility. Visitors who are not currently customers may not be able to enterunless they are accompanied by a member of staff.
• Key-code or swipe card access for your unit and/or facility entrances in general thatgives added access security. Some companies will allow you to choose your own unit key-code number for additional security.
• Intercom systems that prevent just anyone walking into the facility or into specific unitareas.
• CCTV surveillance cameras that are usually monitored 24 hours a day.
• Residential managers that actually live on the property. In many cases you’ll find thatself-storage companies offer guards 24 hours a day, although some companies opt forless coverage. In this instance the company may contract private security firms to dospot checks and offer security services out of hours.

Well-placed industrial level security lighting that acts as an added deterrent. This can bemotion sensitive or permanent and should be found both internally and externally.

• Perimeter fencing that can be electric or standard. Many self-storage units are nowdeploying concrete walls instead of standard fencing for added security and to preventpotential thieves being able to see inside.
• Reinforced units that give added security against break-ins.
• Specialist padlocks that recess into the door and are extremely difficult to pick.
• Sole key holder policies that ensure that you are the only person with a key to your unit.
• Patrols round units that check that doors are secure on a regular basis.

There are some self-storage companies throughout the Twin Cities area that offer packing as an additional service. However, this is typically offered at an additional expense leaving most to pack their belongings themselves. Properly packing a self-storage unit is an art form as you will need to put some thought into it before you begin. After all, one of the primary advantages of using a self-storage facility is the fact that you can continue to access your items on an as needed basis.

When packing a storage unit, it is important to pack your items in a manner that they can be located at a later date quickly and without having to unload unloading everything. This can be achieved by making an inventory of what you’ve packed, marking each box, and creating a description of where each item that you have stored is located within your storage space. The small amount of extra time required upfront to make an inventory and description of your stored belongings will save you several hours potentially when it comes to finding a particular item in your storage unit at a later date. At Edina Mini-Storage we sell several different moving supplies, boxes, markers, and labels to ensure that your belongings are properly packaged and labeled prior to being placed in a storage unit. A few other packing and storage recommendations to consider include:

• Creating an estimate of each item you will be storing to help with obtaining an accurate insurance policy. Also, in the case of unforeseen damage to your belongings having an estimate created of the replacement value of each item will ease in the insurance claim process.
• Investing in good quality sturdy boxes and packing materials. Keep in mind that boxes degrade with use. Buying boxes of similar sizes will make stacking your items securely in a storage unit easier. At Edina Mini-Storage we sell quality U-Haul brand boxes ranging in size from a small 1.5 Cu. Ft. box up to a 6.0 Cu. Ft. extra large box.
• You should box everything that you can, as anything left – everything that is left unboxed is more difficult to stack and has the potential of getting dusty and/or dirty. At Edina Mini-Storage we sell mattress bags, sofa covers, chair covers, and dust covers to keep your furniture items looking new.
• Boxes should be packed to capacity wherever possible to prevent breakages. At Edina Mini-Storage we sell bubble wrap, dish cell kits, and glass cell kits to keep your fragile items safe. Newspaper and towels can also help with keeping items secured within your boxes. Do not make your boxes so heavy that they cannot be lifted. You will want to store heavy item in small boxes. Large and/or bulky that are lightweight should be packaged in large or extra large boxes.
• Boxes packed on the bottom of your storage unit should be packaged in a manner that they can withstand the strain from boxes stacked on top of them. Boxes that are only partly filled may tip over or collapse, as only full and sturdy boxes should be placed on the bottom level of stacked boxes. It is also best to place as many large boxes on the bottom level of a storage unit when stacking boxes and save the top level for smaller boxes.
• Each box that you will be storing should be clearly labeled so you can identify the contents at a later date and keep an inventory. Also, labeling your boxes on more than one side can help with identifying a particular item more quickly. Mark ‘Fragile’ on any boxes containing breakable items to ensure that these items are stored properly.
• Don’t be tempted to fill large boxes with heavy items such as books as they’ll quickly become impossible to carry and may break. At Edina Mini-Storage we sell small boxes that are specifically designed for boxes or heavy type items. If you do pack heavy items into a large box it is best to only put a few heavy items into the box and fill the remainder with lighter items.
• Packing items into sealed plastic bags is not recommended, as humidity can cause mildew.
• It is best to pack books flat to prevent damage being done to the spine of each of your books.
• Storing wet items in a self-storage facility is never a good idea, as they can cause water damage, mold and/or mildew.
• Special care should be taken when storing large appliances in a self-storage facility. For example, fridges and freezers should be defrosted thoroughly prior to being stored. Otherwise, you’ll be leaving yourself open to water damage. The doors on fridges and freezers should be tied up while moving, but should be left slightly ajar once in storage to stop condensation from forming and help ward off bad odors. Washing machines should be drained prior to be stored and all hoses should be tied down or secured. Appliances should be clean and dry prior to being stored and wiping the insides over with baking soda can be helpful.
• All fragile and breakable items such as dishes, glasses, and ornaments should be wrapped separately. Paper will do but bubble wrap is a good investment. Pack them tightly into strong boxes, filling any gaps with paper or filler. Try to avoid putting heavy items on top of fragile ones in a self-storage facility.

• If you’re going to be storing clothes think about buying wardrobe or clothes boxes – you’ll then be able to simply hang the clothes in them and they’ll keep their shape. It’s not wise to simply put your clothes in bin liners in a self-storage facility as moisture can get trapped inside when they’re sealed and your clothes could be ruined.

• For the best protection for mirrors and pictures in a self-storage facility, wrap them in a protective covering such as bubble wrap and stack them on their ends. Mirrors and pictures should never be stored flat. Mark them as ‘Fragile’.

• Separate lamp bases and lampshades and wrap them for protection.

• If you’re storing upholstered products such as mattresses and sofas in a self-storage facility it might be a good idea to invest in covers, bags or sheeting to give them some additional protection. Stand sofas and mattresses on end wherever possible to save space and don’t stack too much on top of soft furnishings. Mattresses are best stored on the long end and should be ideally raised above floor level or laid on protective sheeting.

• If you’re storing a few items of furniture on top of each other a simple dust sheet or cover placed between items will minimize scratching and damage in a self-storage facility.

• You’ll save space if you can dismantle furniture such as beds and tables before you store it in a self-storage facility – make sure you keep hold of all the bits so you can get it all back together again! Wrap and cover furniture sections and keep them together, clearly marked, for quick retrieval. You can put components such as screws and bolts together in a plastic bag, mark them clearly and tape to the relevant piece of furniture. Store large pieces of furniture vertically to save space in the facility.

• Chairs can be stacked seat to seat to save space. Cover chair legs with protective wrapping for extra protection.

• Spray your wood furniture with a good quality furniture spray before storing it in the facility to give it some added protection.

• Electrical equipment such as TVs, stereos and computers should be packed in their original boxes wherever possible. If this isn’t possible, pack them into boxes that are about the right size making sure that you pack gaps with paper etc. Make sure you tie down the player arm of a record player and secure your turntable.

• If you’re storing items with fuel tanks such as lawn mowers and cars etc in a facility, expect to be asked to drain the tanks before you put them in storage. Fuel is one of the few things that you CANNOT store in a self-storage facility.

• Wipe down metal objects and tools with a little oil before storing to avoid rust formation.

• You can tie tools and long-handled items in bundles. Don’t store a brush resting on the bristles.

• Don’t store vacuum cleaners with the bag in – throw it away before you store them in the facility.

• Treat leather items with a leather conditioner before you store them.

• Think hard about whether you really want to store photographs in a self-storage facility. If you do store loose photographs, place them between pieces of clean cardboard and tape them together to avoid curling. Photographs will suffer temperature damage and, if the facility you have chosen is not climate controlled, you might want to keep them out of storage to avoid losing them.

• Think creatively and you’ll make more space. Plan to use furniture drawers as an extra box (they are especially good for fragile items) and you can use the inside of wardrobes to store boxes. Kitchen appliances such as stoves and fridges can also be used in this way.

• Seal all your boxes with packing tape before you put them in a self-storage facility – this will help keep dust out of the contents.

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( For questions about Minneapolis Self Storage Units, email us using our Contact Us form )

During the self-storage process, it will be worthwhile taking some time to plan exactly how to pack you items in the most efficient manner to utilize the given storage space. Keep in mind that most people pick a particular unit size based on price. A smaller well-packed unit will be cheaper than a larger one that is poorly organized.

When organizing a self-storage unit, there are two key things that should be considered. Firstly, you should make sure that the items you’ve stored can be accessed easily so they can be obtained in a quick and efficient manner at a later date if needed. Secondly, care should be taken when storing your items. Below are a few tips to consider while going through the process of organizing your self-storage space and ensuring everything is cared for.

• At Edina Mini-Storage we have pallets available free of charge for those who may be worried about placing their belongings directly on the floor of a storage unit. Also, all of our storage units are either carpeted or contain epoxy sealed flooring to prevent any moisture or condensation from building up. We also sell mattress bags, sofa covers, chair covers, and dust bags to prevent any of your items from mildewing, molding, or obtaining damage.
• For heavier items, we have flat carts or dollies available free of charge to assist with loading and unloading our self-storage units.
• In all but our smaller 5×5 and 5×10 self-storage units one should consider making an aisle down the center of the unit for items to be easily accessible. Also, leaving enough room at the back of the self-storage unit to be able to walk around items is helpful.
• Larger items should be stored first and towards the back of a self-storage unit.
• When stacking boxes in your self-storage unit, the heaviest boxes should be placed on the bottom to avoid damaging your items and to make each row of stacked boxes sturdy and less susceptible to being tipped over.
• Similar sized boxes should be stacked together to save space. Also, like size boxes will stack better.
• One should avoid stacking furniture against the outside walls of a storage unit.
• If you’re storing metal objects avoid resting them against items susceptible to damage.
• Try to assess what you’ll need to access frequently, as these items should be kept towards the front of your self-storage unit.
• Items that are hollow should be filled with small boxes to maximize your available space. For example, wardrobes, drawers, washing machines and fridges.
• Boxes and containers should be stacked in manner that you can see the labels you have put on them in case they need to be found at later date.
• The doors on all kitchen appliances should be left wedged open while in a storage unit to prevent mildew, mold, or bad odors.
• Don’t store anything in the facility that you’re not sure is sturdy vertically – if it seems wobbly store it horizontally.
• Putting down moisture absorbers, deodorizers and vermin bait is always a smart investment to prevent any moisture, odor, or rodent problems from forming.

( For question about Minneapolis Self Storage Units, email us using our Contact Us form )