Storage Blog

NAVIGATING FEBRUARY TRANSITIONS: A GUIDE TO DOWNSIZING, MOVING, AND EMBRACING CHANGE WITH MODERN STORAGE

February marks the first steps into the new year, often inspiring individuals to contemplate significant changes in their lives. Whether you're considering moving in with a partner or embracing the single life in a new space, we are here to help you navigate the intricate process of downsizing and moving. Let's delve into the key steps to make this transition as smooth as possible. Planning: When preparing for a move or downsizing, the very first thing that you need to get started is a plan. Your plan should include everything from items to dates to transport; having a comprehensive plan will keep you on track and organized throughout the whole process. Downsizing: Before you start moving items, you should take a second to look at what you do not need to take with you. Getting rid of outdated items is a crucial step to making your move easier. Utilizing your local donation centers is a great way to get rid of unused items. Prioritize: During your move, you might be away from most of your items for long periods of time. Keeping essential items close and easily available will prevent you from frantically searching for them. Also, keep in mind any items that you would need immediately after you move! Communication: Clearly outline expectations with your movers or the people you are moving with. Keep important documents, contact numbers, and addresses easily accessible. Prioritize effective communication to ensure a smooth transition and minimize any potential issues. Storage: When storing items, organize them for easy retrieval later. Clearly label boxes with contents and optimize space by disassembling furniture and using proper storage containers. Regularly assess the condition of your stored items and update the storage facility if any changes occur. Moving: During the moving process, plan and schedule well in advance. Hire a reputable moving company and clearly communicate your requirements. Pack belongings securely using appropriate materials and keep essential items separately for immediate access. Stay in contact with ...

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February 5th, 2024

THE ADVANTAGES OF STORAGE FACILITIES

Storage Solutions

Storing goods at home vs. at a storage facility like Modern Storage each has its own set of advantages and risks. The choice between the two depends on your specific needs and circumstances. Here are key considerations for both options: Storing Goods at Home: Advantages: Convenience: Storing goods at home provides easy access to your belongings whenever you need them. Cost Savings: It is often more cost-effective, especially if you already have the space available. No Additional Fees: You won't incur monthly storage rental fees. Security: You have control over the security of your items and can implement security measures as you see fit. Risks: Space Limitations: Storing goods at home can be impractical if you have limited space, and it may clutter your living environment. Security Concerns: Depending on your location, your items might be more vulnerable to theft or damage. At Modern Storage, you also have a dedicated team providing round-the-clock protection of your items regardless of the time of year and day. You also have access to a state-of-the-art security system that you don’t have to pay to protect your items. Environmental Factors: Items stored at home are more susceptible to environmental factors like temperature fluctuations and humidity. Pests and Infestations: The likelihood of a well-kept facility having these issues vs. your home environment is very low. A well-kept facility can mean the difference between dealing with pests or preventing them. Storing Goods at a Storage Facility: Advantages: Security: Storage facilities typically have robust security measures in place, including surveillance, access control, and security personnel. Climate Control: Many storage facilities offer climate-controlled units, which can protect your items from extreme temperature and humidity. Space and Size Options: You can choose a storage unit that matches the size of your storage needs. Accessibility: Most facilities offer flexible access hours. At Modern Storage, you can also get large commercial vehicles in and out of the facility safely with no additional cost. Risks: Cost: Renting storage space incurs monthly fees, ...

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November 1st, 2023

STORING AT A STORAGE FACILITY: TIPS AND CONSIDERATIONS

Storage Solutions

Storing your belongings at a storage facility can be a convenient solution for various situations, from decluttering your home to temporarily storing items during a move or renovation. However, to make the most of your storage experience and ensure the safety of your possessions, it's important to be well-informed about the process. In this article, we'll provide you with tips and considerations for storing your items at a storage facility. Choose the Right Storage Facility The first and most crucial step is selecting the right storage facility for your needs. At Modern Storage, we offer all your storage needs. Here are some factors to consider: Location: Choose a facility that is conveniently located, whether it's close to your home or workplace. Security: Look for a facility with robust security measures, such as surveillance cameras, gated access, and on-site staff. Climate Control: Depending on what you're storing, consider climate-controlled units to protect items like electronics, wooden furniture, or sensitive documents from extreme temperatures and humidity. Unit Size: Estimate the size of the storage unit you'll need. It's better to have a slightly larger space than to cram your items into a small unit. Accessibility:Check the facility's access hours and policies to ensure they align with your schedule. Organize and Label Your Items Before moving your items into storage, take the time to organize and label them. This will make it much easier to access what you need later. Use clear plastic bins, boxes, and labels to keep track of your belongings. Create an inventory list, so you know exactly what's in each box. Pack Your Items Properly To protect your items during storage, follow these packing guidelines: Use sturdy boxes and containers. Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or packing paper. Disassemble furniture to save space and prevent damage. Use furniture covers to protect against dust and scratches. Store mattresses and upholstered furniture on elevated platforms or pallets to prevent moisture damage. Maximize Space and ...

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October 5th, 2023

SUMMER GEAR STORAGE: TIPS FOR ORGANIZING AND PROTECTING YOUR EQUIPMENT | MODERN STORAGE

Storage Solutions

As the hot summer months roll in, it's time to gear up for thrilling outdoor adventures and create unforgettable experiences. However, storing and organizing all the necessary equipment can pose a challenge, especially if you have limited space at home. Thankfully, Modern Storage has got you covered with storage options across the state that can help you optimize your gear and keep everything ready for your summer escapades! Choosing the Right Unit for Your Needs: Size and Accessibility: Assess the amount and size of your gear to determine the ideal storage unit size. Make sure the unit not only provides enough space to accommodate all your equipment comfortably but also allows for easy maneuverability. Climate Control: Extreme temperature changes and humidity can damage sensitive equipment such as camping gear, electronics, or water sports gear. Opt for a storage unit with climate control features to maintain a stable environment and protect your belongings. Security: At Modern Storage, we prioritize the safety of your gear. Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with surveillance cameras that cover all corners of the property, ensuring your items are under constant watch. Additionally, our dedicated staff conducts routine walkthroughs to maintain a secure environment. Inventory and Categorize Your Gear: Before moving your equipment into the storage unit, take the time to create an inventory and categorize your gear. This will streamline the packing and retrieval process. Consider grouping your items by activity type (e.g., camping, hiking, water sports) or by frequency of use. Clean and Prepare Your Gear: Properly preparing your gear before storage is essential. Ensure that all items are thoroughly cleaned to remove dirt, moisture, and organic matter, which can attract pests and cause damage over time. Pay special attention to cleaning items like tents, sleeping bags, and camping cookware. Allow them to dry completely to prevent the growth of mold or mildew. For tools or equipment prone to rust or corrosion, wipe them down and apply appropriate lubrication. Storing ...

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July 5th, 2023

ASK THE STORAGE EXPERTS: HOW TO STORE YOUR STUFF THIS FALL

Storage Solutions

What do you need to do to prepare for fall? What do you do with your grill during winter? Where should you store your patio furniture? These are some common questions we hear when the weather takes a turn in a cooler direction every fall. But don’t worry! The experts here at Modern Storage have the answers you need. Whether you’re putting away pool supplies, storing seasonal clothing, or stowing away unused equipment, our self-storage tips and tricks can make your storage experience a successful one this season. STORING POOL SUPPLIES Mold and mildew can and will grow on any damp equipment you leave in storage. Towel dry everything by hand or let it all air dry for a few days before packing and placing in storage. We highly recommend you clean your pool equipment, too. Use vinegar to easily remove dirt and bleach to scrub set-in stains. Store pool chemicals in a cool place, on a shelf, and in clearly marked containers. Do not stack pool chemicals on top of one another, as that may cause the plastic to become brittle and crack. STORING CLOTHES It helps to start by minimizing the amount of clothing that goes into storage. Obviously, all your shorts, swimsuits, and tank tops can be stored away. But if you have not worn something in a few seasons, consider donating it instead. Launder and fold every item of clothing you plan to store. Use plastic bins and vacuum-sealed bags over cardboard boxes or plastic bags to pack everything up. These are the best containers for storing clothing! Mark each container with a label or marker detailing what is inside. Place your clothing bins along the perimeter of your storage space—instead of cluttering them in the middle—for easier access. STORING A LAWN MOWER Remove the spark plugs and battery. Place the battery on a tender. Drain the gas tank and keep the flammable liquid elsewhere. Clean off any debris, both on top and under the deck. Sharpen the mower blades. Fill other fluids to the top. STORING GARDENING EQUIPMENT For optimal organization, use large barrels for storing rakes ...

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September 11th, 2020

ORGANIZING YOUR STORAGE UNIT FOR FREQUENT ACCESS

Storage Solutions

OUR TOP FIVE STORAGE UNIT ORGANIZATION IDEAS There’s a few different kinds of storage customers out there: the set-it-and-forget-it types, the just-get-this-stuff-out-of-the-house types, the “I’m going to get organized!” types…you can picture them, right? Since you’re reading this, we’re willing to bet you’re the type that has a lot of stuff, wants to keep all of it, but has no place to put it. So, you’re reserving a storage unit. Great idea! If you’re the type that needs to access your unit frequently, though, it helps to get organized from the get-go. Trust us, you will avoid a lot of headaches. Our storage experts know the right storage unit size to fit your belongings and have great tips for helping you get the most out of your storage experience. Here are some storage unit organization ideas to get you started! #1: Pick the Right Boxes Pick one box size for most, if not all, your items. You may think it is easier to just buy big boxes and fill them up. The problem that can happen there is the box becomes too heavy to move once it's full and may not hold up well at the bottom. Same-size boxes help with stacking, organizing, and accessing. Our Modern Storage-branded small and medium-size boxes are perfect for this. Just stop by any Modern Storage location to purchase some! #2: Think Ahead Before you start packing, identify the items you may need to access while they’re in storage. That way, while you are packing everything up, you can carefully put like items together. Just think: Some things you likely won’t need anytime soon, and others you will probably come by to grab more regularly. For example, here are a few items you may need to retrieve from your storage unit: Seasonal clothing (bathing suits, winter coats, etc.) Vacation supplies (kayaks, sleeping bags, etc.) Holiday items (costumes, decorations, etc.) Tools and hobby supplies Office documents #3: Label Each Box Labeling each box correctly will save you a ton of time looking through boxes later. And, it helps you stay organized! Once you pack ...

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November 15th, 2019

EXPLORING OUR MOST POPULAR STORAGE UNIT SIZES

Storage Solutions

WHICH SIZE IS RIGHT FOR YOU? Packing and moving are some of the most stressful things to do, and it involves making some intense decisions. So, we at Modern Storage want to provide you with the best tools to make the best storage unit choice for you. There’s a reason why certain storage unit sizes are the most popular. They’re big enough to fit the things most people need to store! But, we’re here to breaking down exactly what can fit in each of our most popular storage unit sizes and leave you with the knowledge you need to decide which size is right for you. 5x5 Storage Units When the bulk of what you need to store involves a few boxes, a 5x5 storage unit can be very useful. Small chairs or a small desk could fit in a 5x5 as well. These smaller, closet-sized storage units are not only the most affordable storage option we have, but they are ideal if your storage need isn’t that big. If you are decluttering your home or office by boxing up and moving out a few items, go with a 5x5 storage unit. 5x10 Storage Units This storage unit size is very popular at our Little Rock storage facilities, mostly due to its capacity to store items such as mattresses, larger desks, and chairs in addition to boxes or small storage containers.While they aren’t quite big enough to store the full contents of a bedroom, they are fantastic for consolidating and storing items you might not need to use every day. 10x10 Storage Units If you live by yourself or in a small, one-bedroom apartment, a 10x10 storage unit is probably perfect for you.With enough space to store your bedroom and living room furniture, plus some boxes, this is perfect for someone who needs to store some essential belongings. 10x15 Storage Units Our 10x15 storage units are big enough to store common items found in a one-to-two-bedroom house or apartment.We often recommend this popular storage unit size for customers who are moving from smaller ...

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November 8th, 2019

4 REASONS WHY YOU & YOUR VALENTINE NEED MODERN STORAGE

Storage Solutions

STORAGE SOLUTIONS FOR LIFE’S BIG MOMENTS According to lovetoknow.com, an estimated 10% of all couples get engaged on Valentine’s Day. How exciting! But afterwards, this momentous occasion will lead to a lot of change and it always helps to have some help getting through the changes. Maybe you and your valentine are moving in together. Or, maybe you’re saving up money for your wedding or honeymoon. Maybe you’re getting ready to purchase or remodel your first home together! Whatever it is you and your valentine have planned, Modern Storage® is here to help. Our staff at Modern Storage® is prepared to help make any transition an easier one by helping you find the perfect storage unit. If you’re not sure you two need a storage unit, let us a tell you a few examples of why it’s the right move. #1: You Can Consolidate Your Assets When you move in together, it’s going to take a lot of compromise to figure out whose stuff is going where. To prevent clutter, you can contact a Modern Storage® location near you and store your overflow away! Trust us, the expense of renting a storage unit is way lower than a finding a bigger place to live. #2: You Will Save Some Money If you’re trying to downsize while you prepare for your forever, we totally get it. Saving money really helps while you plan for your wedding, honeymoon, and beyond. But sometimes it is just too hard and too time-consuming to decide whether to sell, keep, or donate your extra valuables. Did you know we have storage units as low as $49 per month? You can store all your extra stuff out of your way and give yourself extra time to make your decision. If you’re still undecided by summertime, it probably means that extra stuff isn’t that important to you and your valentine’s future. Just sell it! #3: You Could Secure Your Gifts & Décor Once you announce your wedding date, the gifts for you and your valentine will start pouring in. We’re ...

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August 2nd, 2018

HOW OUR STORAGE SOLUTIONS CAN DECLUTTER YOUR BUSINESS

Storage Solutions

STORAGE SOLUTIONS FOR BUSINESSES OF ALL SIZES One thing almost everyone can agree on is that they hate working in an unorganized environment. Many businesses tend to keep a lot of stuff around their offices they don’t necessarily need such as old files, tax documents, or old equipment simply because they may need it in the future. Keeping all this stuff can make an office feel cluttered and unorganized. Here at Modern Storage we offer many different business storage solutions to help companies declutter their office spaces. Storing Important Documents Most businesses are required to keep important documents for a certain amount of time. Filing these documents around the office can not only be unsafe, but they can also get in the way of everyday business activity.Modern Storage offers a variety of business storage units to help businesses file these important documents away in a safe location off-site. We have storage units that are large enough for multiple file cabinets you easily access when needed.We also offer many security features to help protect your documents. These amenities include: Gated entry 24-hour surveillance Door alarms on each unit Facility manager living on-site To keep your documents in excellent condition, we highly recommend our climate-controlled storage units for added security. This business storage solution will help keep your documents clean, crisp, and legible during seasonal weather changes. Long-Term and Short-Term Storage Solutions At Modern Storage, we understand that different companies will need different business storage solutions. Some need long-term storagefor files, equipment, and extra inventory. Others just need short-term storage while they renovate or move to a new office or warehouse space.Should you need a long-term storage solution, we know renting a storage unit can get a bit expensive for a small business on a budget. For that reason, we offer different storage specials for customers who know they will be using their storage unit for an extended period of time.For our short-term storage customers, we offer a little peace of mind with our lease agreements being completely month-to-month. There is no time ...

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May 2nd, 2018