Affordable Storage Blog

Maximizing Space and Care: A Comprehensive Guide to Vehicle Storage

In a world where space is a valuable commodity, efficient vehicle storage has become a necessity for many vehicle owners. Whether you're a car enthusiast with a collection of classic cars or a family with multiple vehicles, finding the right storage solution can protect your investment and free up valuable space. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the importance of vehicle storage, the different storage options available, and essential tips for maintaining your vehicles while they're in storage. The Importance of Vehicle Storage Proper vehicle storage is essential to preserve the condition and value of your automobiles. Prolonged exposure to the elements, such as harsh weather, UV rays, and moisture, can lead to rust, paint fading, and other forms of damage. Storing your vehicles correctly can extend their lifespan and maintain their resale value. Types of Vehicle Storage Residential Garage: If you have a garage at home, it's the most convenient option. Ensure that the space is clean, well-ventilated, and free from leaks. Invest in a quality car cover to shield your vehicle from dust and debris. Indoor Storage Facilities: Professional storage facilities offer controlled environments that protect your vehicles from weather extremes. These facilities often provide added security measures, like surveillance cameras and restricted access. Outdoor Storage: If indoor storage is unavailable, outdoor storage can be a cost-effective alternative. However, it's crucial to invest in a weatherproof cover and choose a location that offers some protection from the elements. Car Capsules: Car capsules are portable, bubble-like enclosures that create a microclimate around your vehicle. They provide protection against dust, moisture, and pests. Tips for Successful Vehicle Storage Clean and Prep: Thoroughly clean and wax your vehicles before storing them to prevent dirt and contaminants from damaging the paint over time. Fluids and Fuel: Change the oil, top off all fluids, and add a fuel stabilizer before storage to prevent corrosion and fuel degradation. Tire Care: Inflate the tires to the recommended pressure and consider using tire cradles to prevent flat spots from forming during extended periods of immobility. Battery Maintenance: Disconnect ...

—
August 11th, 2023

What’s In The Box?: 1980s

Self Storage

One of the best things about self-storage is the ability to preserve gadgets and mementos of the past in a safe place. Each box in your storage unit tells a part of your story and gives a little glimpse into who you are. Similarly, a storage unit can also serve as a time capsule showcasing popular trends through the decades.With a plethora of new technology, groundbreaking music, and bold fashion, the 1980s is one of the most easily recognized and beloved decades in history. It paved the way for many cultural trends that are still popular today including rock/pop music, denim everything, the science fiction genre, and so on.📷If you’re a Gen Xer, we’re willing to bet you still own at least one of the items in each category. Take a journey down memory lane as we explore the best of each decade, starting with the 1980s! Electronics: Walk-man Cassette/mix tapes Long Cord Phones Atari video game console Boombox Clothes: Shoulder pads Acid washed jeans Members Only jackets Parachute pants Velvet dresses Accessories: Lace gloves Ray Bans Fanny packs Scrunchies Leg warmers Movies on VHS: “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” “The Breakfast Club” “E.T.” “Back to the Future” “The Goonies” Music Albums: “Thriller,” Michael Jackson “Back in Black,” AC/DC “Like A Virgin,” Madonna “Synchronicity,” The Police “Born in the U.S.A.,” Bruce Springsteen Did we miss anything? How many of these items do you own? Let us know your favorite 80s trends below! ...

—
July 13th, 2021

Moving – Key Tips to Making Your House Move Easier

Moving

If you have ever had to move before, you would agree that it can be quite stressful. There are many challenges we encounter when we try to manage the bulk of our property efficiently. Today, however, we will be learning a few tips that could reduce the rigorous procedure of a move to a smoother and more convenient one for your family. Create an All-encompassing Checklist for Your Move To have an easy move, make a checklist of things to do before and during the day of the move. A clearly laid out plan has a way of bringing order and organization to anything; it is sure to spare you the horror of forgetting anything and to save you time. Vital activities to include in your checklist Pre-move checklist  Call your movers or book a truck if you choose to go the DIY route.  Box and label your property accordingly.  Create a master-list, an inventory of sorts for each box. This will help you know its contents without opening them.  Ensure fragile or breakable wares are labeled with a fluorescent tape or any other easily identifiable tape. This would keep them from being tossed around thoughtlessly.  Arrange for your electricity, gas, and internet in your new home.  Go update your address at your local post office. Move-in Day checklist  Ensure your movers have the right pick up and drop off address.  Keep lots of water handy – your energy levels must be kept up  Collate all old keys, both functional and spare ones.  Confirm that your gas and hot water is turned off, Lock all doors and windows.  Your day is likely going to be long, so ensure you pack a bag of spare clothes, bed sheets and yes, a first aid kit box too. Managing your kids and your pets As a family, moving can take its toll on your kids and your pet. For your kids, their age would determine how much they understand about what you’re doing, why you’re packing away all their toys ...

—
July 13th, 2021

Why a Carport Isn’t Enough Protection For Your Vehicle

Vehicle Storage

The debate between adding a garage and building a carport to store a vehicle has raged on since the invention of the automobile. Carports are typically less costly to build, as well as take less time to construct. You use less materials and the size of the standard carport is usually smaller than the standard garage, making carports easier to erect.📷With more places offering options to store your vehicle, the question of building a garage or carport has changed to building a carport or utilizing the services of a business that specializes in securing vehicles of all sizes. Overview of Carports The flexibility of carport designs allows homeowners to build the structures anywhere they’d like on their property. Local ordinances are less restrictive for the construction of carports than regulations are for adding garages. Carports typically consist of a flat or gable roof with at least four supports. Considering most have two or four open sides, it’s clear that a carport is not enough protection for your vehicle. Disadvantages of Carports Choosing a business that specializes in securing vehicles over the construction of a carport boils down to two reasons: a carport does not deter thieves and it offers little if any protection against bad weather. A Thief’s Paradise With two or four open sides, carports are magnets for thieves. Unlike a business that has a security system, a tall fence or electronically operated gate, a carport is an open invitation for a thief to hotwire your vehicle. Storing a vehicle at a business dedicated to offering advanced security measures ensures protection for an antique car or a contemporary recreational vehicle. If you decide to place car accessories in a carport, you can expect the accessories to disappear within a few days of parking the car under the open-ended structure. No Protection against Mother Nature Tenants of businesses that offer vehicle storage enjoy the peace of mind of knowing their cherished vehicles are protected against harsh weather elements like hail, snow, and sleet, as well as the debris ...

—
July 13th, 2021

What Items Require a Climate Controlled System?

Climate Control

Climate change is one of those “hot button” issues that make our eyes roll. On one side we have the scientific community that refers to doubters as members of the Flat Earth Society. On the other side, we have skeptics that question that if we are indeed mired in a significant change in weather patterns, why does Al Gore continue to fly across the world in a jumbo jet and illuminate each of the 14 rooms inside his home. Like most political issues, somewhere in between climate change skeptics and Bill Nye the Science Guy is the truth. For storing some items away from home, there is only one inconvenient truth: you need the right temperature and humidity level to preserve some of your more cherished things. Let’s see what items require a climate control system. Wooden Furniture Most types of wood can crack or warp when exposed to excessive moisture over prolonged periods. If left unprotected for more than a few months, wooden furniture begins to decay and eventually rot. If you need to secure wooden furniture such as a chair, table, nightstand, and/or entertainment center, a climate controlled facility should be at the top of your list. Property Manager Mary Kuhnle of Plano, Texas says “When you get climate control, you aren’t just getting a controlled climate; you’re also getting humidity control. The lower the humidity, the better.” Wine: Temperatures that often change in a kitchen or basement can oxidize wine, which leaves a bitter, metallic-like flavor. Wine collectors invest plenty of money in preserving wine, which makes storing wine on another property an economical way to ensure long lasting quality. Although red and white wines should be stored in two different climates, you can find an acceptable middle ground by storing wine on a property that maintains an internal unit temperature between 55 and 57 degrees Fahrenheit Appliances:The extra washer and dryer does not fit downstairs in the basement or out in the unheated garage. A property dedicated to securing large appliances ...

—
July 13th, 2021

How a Climate Control System Protects Your Stuff

Climate Control

You have heard the pitch: “Our weather control technology ensures your valuable possessions remain in mint condition.” What is this, some kind of marketing ploy for businesses that store the gold kept by people waiting for the looming apocalypse? No, it is a common feature state of the art storage facilities offer. The key for you is to wade through the claims of weather control to find the right business to protect your most valuable stuff. What You Should Consider for Weather Control Let’s face it: Standard locations for securing personal and business assets is enough for most customers looking to store inventory outside of a home or a commercial building. However, items such as antiques, fine art, electronic equipment, and musical instruments require spaces that offer a stable climate. The question is, what should climate control bring to the table for your most valuable possessions?Protection from Extreme Temperatures You do not have to live in the Sonora Desert in Arizona or in the Great Icebox called Duluth, Minnesota to appreciate the benefit of a temperature controlled environment for securing your stuff. In many regions of the United States, temperatures can reach 100 degrees during summer and drop well below freezing in winter. An advanced, state-of-the-art storage unit will remain between 55 and 65 degrees 24 hours per day, seven days a week to ensure even delicate chocolate remains intact for several weeks at a time.Dehumidify Your Stuff The best businesses for climate humidity systems use one of two primary types of dehumidifiers to prevent moisture from damaging items like wood furniture and metal commercial equipment. Desiccant dehumidifiers deploy a dry chemical substance to expunge moisture from the surrounding air. The chemical substance has no effect on climate vulnerable possessions. Also referred to as refrigeration systems, mechanical dehumidifiers use a strong refrigerant to keep moisture from invading your personal storage space. The Air Your Stuff Breathes What does air have to do with climate controlled spaces? Well, you do not need to contact Al Gore to discover ...

—
July 13th, 2021