Self Storage Tips & Stories

Evaluating A Storage Facility

Posted on September 17, 2012 by admin

What to look for in a quality self-storage provider

Choose a storage unit on more than simply the storage prices.
There are tons of different storage facilities out there. But, how do you know which one is best for you and how do you evaluate a storage facility? There are some things you can grade to get a good idea of how good the storage facility will work for your needs.  Let’s take a look at the location, price, accessibility and the security.

Self Storage Location

Location is the very first thing to consider when evaluating a storage facility. If a storage facility is in your price range, has all the bells and whistles you want, and has a good price, but is 150 miles away from you, it’s probably not going to work.

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It’s Moving Time – 5 Tips for a Successful Stress Free Moving

Posted on September 4, 2012 by admin

It’s time for the big move and suddenly all of your friends have stopped answering your calls.  Not to worry a couple of your friends will mysteriously show up as you’re loading your last box and of course everyone will be available for the house warming party.  While in reality your friends may not be this bad, moving can be daunting if you are not prepared.  Here are just a few tips to make your move as stress free and successful as possible.

Find Your Self Storage Location First

Storage can become a big mess if you don't organize your space effectively.
The last thing you want to do is look for a storage facility after you’ve already started moving. You will have enough on your plate with everything else, so find and choose a Centennial self-storage location that is safe and convenient for you.  A few things to consider are location, indoor or outdoor, and access. Of course there are many more but you need to think about the features you need before you pack a single box. Continue reading →

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Getting The Most From Your Storage Unit – Boxes

Posted on August 20, 2012 by admin

Your storage unit doesn’t have to be an overwhelming place with random boxes, bags and “stuff” everywhere. If you plan out your move and put boxes to good use, you can have an organized clean storage space that is easy to move in and out of without hassle. Here are a few box related things to consider:

Box Everything In Your Storage Unit

If at all possible, box everything. Boxes make it easier to organize your storage unit and maximize the space. Often times by properly boxing your items you will save money on your storage unit because you’ll be able to rent a smaller one.

You may be surprised to learn that are a big variety of available boxes. There are boxes for dishes, mirrors, pictures, clothes and more.  If you’re not a packaging expert it may be beneficial to just speak with a storage professional and he help you determine an affordable centennial self-storage solution.

Use High Quality Storage Boxes

Good packing boxes can me the difference between effective storage and a huge mess.
Make sure that you invest in good quality boxes. Quality boxes will help protect your personal items from damage while the boxes are stacked on each other. A quality box is durable and sturdy and will last for years. Cheap or free alternatives may seem like a good idea, but beat up old boxes are more likely to break or rip from the weight of your personal items. Continue reading →

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Getting The Most From Your Storage Unit – Planning

Posted on August 6, 2012 by admin
Centennial Self Storage is a great way to keep your home from becoming a hoard.

Credit: TLC

“This is beginning to look like an episode of Hoarding: Buried Alive! I have to do something to get this stuff out of here!”

Ok, so maybe it isn’t quite that bad yet, but you obviously have more stuff in your home than you want, or you wouldn’t be looking into a storage unit. We want to help you make the most of your unit, so you get just the size unit you need, and are able to get to the things you want, when you need them. Here are some tips for making the most of your storage unit.

You May Not Need A 10×10 Storage Unit.

Here’s how a typical call into a self-storage facility may go (you may have experienced this yourself):

Caller: Yes, I need a storage unit, how much do you charge?
Storage Manager: Do you know what size you need?
Caller: Um…I don’t know, I’ve never rented a unit before. I have a bunch of stuff.
Storage Manager: Ok, you’ll probably need a 10×10 unit and that runs…

THE GOOD NEWS: you may not need the 10×10 storage unit. This is the “default” of many storage unit workers. We’ve found that if you have the space, you’ll probably use it, but may not be able to get to your things easily. This is, in part, because of a mismatch of space available versus space needed.

Before you start collecting prices, determine how much space you’re going to need. We have a handy dandy guide to storage unit sizes. Make a list of what you’ll want to store, and then use this guide to determine how much space you really need. You can always call our storage professionals for advice on the size unit you need based on what you need to do with the space.
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5 Uncommon Ways To Use Storage Space – #5: Artist Studio

Posted on July 25, 2012 by admin

As we wrap up our conversation on uncommon uses for self storage units, let’s explore a unique option that will resound with many in the greater Denver community.DMENWCMGNQRY

Uncommon Storage Unit Uses #5 – Artist Studio

For artists, from painters to sculptors to musicians and everyone in between, one of the biggest challenges to creating art is having an effective space from which  to work freely. One out-of-the-box idea for a dedicated space is a local self storage unit. Depending on your particular needs, you may even want to consider an RV storage space, if you need tall ceilings and more room.

Why Self Storage Makes A Great Art Studio

Why would someone consider a self storage unit for their art studio? Here are 3 quick reasons you should visit your local self storage unit for a dedicated art space:

  1. Price – Self storage units are very affordable, with spaces starting for under $100/month. Additionally, storage units typically do not come with a long-term commitment, so you can give it a try without being locked into a contract for a year or longer.
  2. Inspiration – Artists need inspiration to create art effectively. While just about anything can be inspirational, depending on the artist and art form, it helps to have a studio space that naturally lends itself to inspiration. Self storage units can provide this due to the vast array of people and things that move through our facility. At Neighborhood Self Storage, there is additional inspiration available with a breath taking view of the Rockies from right on our facility. Nope, we don’t charge more for quality inspiration. Continue reading →
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5 Uncommon Ways To Use Storage Space – #4: Small Business Space

Posted on July 2, 2012 by admin

Self storage units are good for so much more than simply storing the extra stuff you don’t want around. Let’s continue our look at the uncommon uses we’ve seen for storage units.

Uncommon Storage Unit Uses #4 – Small Business Space

Self storage units can be the perfect space to get your business started before moving into a more permanent location.

Storage unit business image used from: http://bit.ly/hg76qh

One of the highest expenses you’ll run into with a business is the space for your business. Whether you have a retail business, make furniture or other wares, are an attorney, or drive a limo, just to name a few, finding a  space that’s affordable for you can be a real obstacle.

Fortunately, there is a very cost effective option that is a growing trend across the country: storage unit based businesses. I don’t mean running a storage unit, though that is growing itself, but rather using a self-storage unit for your business space. If you’re looking for a new space for your business, or are looking to take control of your future by starting a business, here are some things you’ll want to consider as you investigate facilities.

Finding The Perfect Storage Unit For Your Business

As you consider migrating to a storage unit based business, here are some things you’ll want to consider to ensure you get the perfect space.

  1. Equipment – What equipment do you need? If you need power equipment (saws, vacuums, drills, etc.), make sure you have electricity inside the unit, and the electrical load will stand up against what you need to do. Also, double check with the storage facility management to ensure there won’t be any problems with the equipment you need. Continue reading →
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5 Uncommon Ways To Use Storage Space – #3: Photography Studio

Posted on June 18, 2012 by admin
Self storage units make exceptional studios for amateur photographers.

Used with permission from http://www.flickr.com/photos/booleansplit/

What brings more joy to people than a great photograph? Ok, well there may be many things that people like more joy than a picture, but we sure do enjoy them. One of the challenges for many amateur photographers is having a proper photography studio. Whether you’re taking pictures of antiques, products for a catalog or website, or you’re shooting people, having the right studio can make or break your success.

What do photography studios have to do with self storage? This is actually our next Uncommon Ways To Use Self Storage.

#3: Self Storage Photography Studio

What makes a great photography studio? Well, there are actually several factors, including but not limited to:

  1. The right amount of space
  2. Ability to control both direct and ambient lighting.
  3. Ability to adjust focal length based on your subject.
  4. Equipment storage capacity.

So how does a storage unit help achieve your dreams of a studio?
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5 Uncommon Ways To Use Storage Space – #2: Man Cave

Posted on June 4, 2012 by admin

There is so much more you can use self storage for than simply storing heirlooms and extra furniture. In the last 5 Uncommon Ways To Use Storage, we explored using self storage as a warehouse for extra product or supply storage for a business. This time, let’s explore a unique use that’s a little more fun.

Uncommon Use #2 – Man Cave

Aurora self storage units can make an incredible man cave.

Self storage and vehicle storage units can make perfect man caves.

Many people want to have a space of their own. Whether it’s a place to get away and have time to yourself, or a place for your hobbies, a so-called man cave can be a perfect solution. So how does self storage work into that equation?

When you rent a storage unit, you are simply renting space. Normally it’s used to store the normal things: boxes of stuff you don’t need around the house, old furniture, and that puzzling painting your grandparents brought back from their “senior” cruise you think might just be worth something one day. However, depending on the facility you choose to use, you may have a perfect man cave in the making. If you’re looking for a great way to develop a man cave, without having to add on to your house, consider the following to find a self-storage facility that may just be perfect:

  1. Do you have electricity in the storage unit? Not all storage units have electricity inside the unit, including interior lighting. Depending on what you plan to do, you’ll want to investigate if you have the option for electricity in your unit, either preexisting, or the ability to bring it in from an existing line. If you have lights inside the unit already, be sure to check with facility management before splicing electrical wiring from the socket, creating a potentially dangerous fire hazard. Continue reading →
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5 Uncommon Ways To Use Self Storage – #1: Product Warehouse

Posted on May 14, 2012 by admin

When it comes to self-storage, most folks think of the additional storage capacity people gain for their household items. From extra furniture to seemingly worthless heirlooms, people use mini storage to store stuff. In this series of posts, we’ll explore how to use a self-storage unit for much more.

Uncommon Use #1 – Product Warehouse

Self storage can make an accessible and affordable product warehouse.

Keep your products and close by using a self storage unit as a local product warehouse.

When you think of a product warehouse, oftentimes what comes to mind are massive warehouses with forklifts and golf carts. Many times these warehouses are where manufacturers send product to be distributed to either individual businesses or locations.

However, when you think of a small business, or an office space, there is little room to keep supplies or product. Yes, you can keep a small supply on-hand, but have you ever calculated the cost of ordering small amounts of supplies and product frequently over being able to order in bulk? Or, if you’re in outside sales, how close is your operational base? Does it make sense to have to travel back to your base whenever you need additional stock?Could you possibly benefit from having higher stock capacity central to where your sales actually occur?

Self-Storage For Economies Of Scale

For businesses, frequently the amount of something you’re able to order is where you get economies of scale, otherwise known as discount or bulk-buying.

The challenge is having the space to achieve the effective economies of scale for your business. Self-storage solutions are a great way to expand your capacity, and at a much lower cost per square foot than your office space. Having a local “warehouse” that you can access when you need supplies and products ensures you always have what you need, when you need it. Rather than ordering when you’re at risk of not being able to supply demand for your product, you are able to order when your stock begins to get thin, and can store it effectively until it’s actually needed.
Continue reading →

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