Category: General

Do label your boxes. If you’re using self storage, chances are you don’t intend to be needing the items you’re packing up for at least a couple of months. And even if you believe you’ll be able to remember that the boxes packed in the left-hand corner contain your extra shoes, you’d be surprised how easy it is to forget what’s what once everything is out of sight. Labeling your boxes makes the unpacking process much simpler.

Do pack with a purpose. Some of the most crucial self storage tips you’ll want to follow are those around how to pack your things. You never know if or when you’ll need to access your unit during the storage period, so organize everything in a cohesive way. Store items you’re more likely to need toward the front of the unit, and things you know you’ll be able to live without for a while in the very back. Think vertically. Take advantage of the unit’s height (most are at least nine feet tall) and stack your items, keeping the heavier things closer to the ground. If you can, leave a pathway from the front of the unit to the back so that no item is completely out of easy reach.

Don’t store anything super valuable. As a general rule, if you can’t afford to lose it, you probably shouldn’t be putting it in your self storage unit. A majority of the time your belongings will be just fine and there’s nothing to worry about, but self storage always come with a small risk that items will get damaged or lost. To be prudent, find an alternative way to house art, jewelry, family heirlooms, and other valuable items that you don’t want to take chances with.

Don’t leave items unprotected. Prevent items from getting damaged by taking the time to properly wrap and store them. Cover furniture with blankets or moving pads (not plastic, which can trap moisture, resulting in mildew and mold). Fragile items should be carefully wrapped in paper, and stored in a stable location.

Do purchase insurance. Check to see if your renters or homeowners insurance covers personal property in storage. If it doesn’t, you can a separate storage insurance plan through Stor It. It’s good peace of mind to have extra protection just in case.

Don’t store anything perishable. Do not pack anything in your unit that could spoil. In addition to odors, rotting food could attract bugs and rodents.

Ask for help. Moving things into storage can be difficult to tackle all on your own. Ask a friend or family member for help, especially if you’re going to be loading heavy or bulky items. Having an extra set of hands will help the process go easier, and may reduce the risk of injury.

Do make sure to choose a reliable storage company. When you store items, you’re placing trust in a third party to take care of your belongings. It’s important that you choose a company with a proven track record of reliability. Read reviews and past customer experiences before booking a unit, and don’t choose to store your items with a sketchy seeming company just because their rates are cheaper than the competition.

Don’t start searching at the last minute. The storage unit you ultimately choose should be based on a few key factors, including the size, price, and convenience level that makes the most sense for your situation. To make sure you’re making a wise decision, start your search early. If you wait too long, you may find that what you’re looking for isn’t available, or you may just not have enough time to do your homework. It’s better to start a little early and have a plan in place than start late and have to make a rushed decision.

If you or one of your family members is moving into a college dorm this upcoming fall, you’ll soon experience the difficulty of trying to fit all of your belongings into a 12×19’ space, which gets smaller still if you have a roommate. Thankfully there are clever solutions to help make the most out of your dorm experience.

• Pare down: Before you move in, going through all of your things and getting rid of or donating anything that isn’t necessary will make living in the dorms easier. A good rule of thumb is that if you haven’t used/worn something in over a year, chances are you could part with it and survive just fine.
• Use bed risers: If your dorm does not provide materials to bunk the beds, consider purchasing bed risers to lift your bed off of the ground and allow for storage underneath. Those few extra inches make all of the difference, and will let you store more than you could have otherwise.
• Tension rods: Tension rods are inexpensive and can be used to cover closets that don’t have doors, or to create storage areas in small, awkward spaces. They can be used to hang clothes, belts, or even high-heeled shoes.
• Use wall space: Hanging wall racks or over-the-door organizers take advantage of space that would otherwise be left unused. They create quick spots to store items that you use regularly.
• Store extra items: No matter how much space saving you do, there may be items that simply do not fit in your dorm room. In this situation, consider renting a small self-storage unit nearby to house your things until you move out of the dorms. This can be used to store seasonal items or larger pieces of furniture that you will use when you move into a house or apartment, but do not need while in the dorms.  

Without a buffer between the outdoors and your home, coming inside can get messy, especially in the winter. Snow, rain, and mud can get tracked through the rest of your home if they aren’t contained in the mudroom. There are a few ways to ensure that your mudroom is successful at creating this barrier and keeping your house clean.

• Storage for boots and shoes: Boot trays and mats reduce dirt where shoes are taken off, and allow water to pool and evaporate there instead of being spread around your house. Built-in shoe racks and hanging bins are great space savers in closets, and make sure that your family can always find the pair of shoes they need.
• Cubbies: Box-like cubbies built into the wall or benches provide additional storage for hats, mittens, scarves, and other winter gear. Cubbies can be bought, made, or fashioned out of repurposed cabinetry originally used elsewhere.
• Using the whole wall: Shelves and cubbies allow you to get the most use out of your wall space by storing vertically. Items for kids can be kept at lower heights, and adult items at higher heights.
• Doubling up: Since space can be limited in your mudroom, try to fit as much functionality as possible into its features. For example, a bench could double as a storage container for winter gear by having a seat that opens to reveal cubbies beneath.

Most small business owners don’t have the square footage to store extra inventory, equipment, or supplies in their workspace. For many industries, self storage units are a convenient solution. Here are a few examples of industry-specific benefits of self storage:

1. Landscaping: Storage units allow you to take only the specific equipment with you that you need for each job, as opposed to bringing everything with you everywhere. Storing equipment in a self storage unit keeps the equipment accessible and allows for quick loading and unloading.
2. Roofing: Roofers have lots of supplies that need to be kept organized. From power tools and shingles to tiles and adhesive, to everything in between, these items can be stored in a self storage unit and are easy to access for the short or long term.
3. Construction: Many construction contractors do not have an office at all, and a self storage unit is a cost-effective way to store your equipment and supplies. Lumber, sheetrock and other items are easily accessible and secure.
4. Retail: Whether if you’re a brick and mortar or an online-only retailer, extra space is necessary. Extra inventory, displays, and additional necessary supplies are costly and take up a lot of space. These items need to be safely stored to prevent damage and lost sales.

If you are a small business owner in the Appleton or Neenah area, let Stor It Mini Storage help you organize! Call (920) 734-1265 or visit https://wistorit.com/ for more information.

In a small apartment, storage and organization can be challenging. Rather than accepting that you need more space to be organized, try the following tips to make the most of the space you have:

1. Choose a bed with built-in storage, either open shelves or spaces hidden by doors.
2. Put your bed on risers and use decorative containers to store items underneath.
3. Boxes or other containers can be stacked and used as a nightstand while storing items out of sight.
4. High shelves utilize the space above your head and can free up floor space.
5. Choose furniture that moves easily or has more than one use. For example, a fold out bed or table.
6. Use common items in uncommon ways. Think how you could use old baskets or other items for storage. Pegboards can make great coat hooks and tension rods can create hanging racks anywhere.
7. For items like pants and tank tops, store them compactly by adding a second hanging clothing rack in the bottom half of your closet.
8. Hang belts, bags, coats, or ties on the walls of your closet to utilize that empty space.

For items that simply won’t fit in your apartment, consider renting a storage unit nearby to hold them. If you live in the Appleton or Neenah areas, give Stor It a call today at (920) 734-1265 to discuss which self storage unit would be a good fit for you.

If you want your furniture to look as good next summer as it did this year, consider placing it into storage during the winter months. Winter weather can take a toll on your furniture’s appearance, but properly storing it can help extend its life.

The first and most important step is to do a thorough cleaning. For aluminum, plastic, and vinyl, you can use a sponge with hot soap and water. For wicker and wood, use water and a little oil soap followed by furniture-grade paste wax when dry. For canvas, scrub with upholstery cleaner.

If your metal furniture is starting to rust, scrub it with a wire brush and apply a coat of paste wax to prevent further rusting. You can also use a silicone sealant spray on these pieces.

Once everything is cleaned and has dried, now it’s time to decide what size storage unit will best fit your needs. With locations in Neenah and Appleton, WI, Stor It Mini Storage offers various unit sizes and can help you make your decision. Give us a call today at (920) 734-1265 to discuss which unit could be right for you!

Needing to relocate happens for a variety of reasons and doesn’t always happen at the most convenient times. Especially during the holidays, no one enjoys packing or moving. We know that moving during this time can be hectic, and hope that the following tips help you to stay organized and still enjoy the holidays.

1. Pack a little bit at a time: Instead of trying to tackle the project all at once, consider which rooms you can begin to pack up. If guests will not be coming to your home, for example, you can start to pack guest bedrooms, closets, and storage areas.
2. Plan holiday get-togethers away from home: Consider arranging with relatives to hold your family gatherings at someone else’s house this year, and offer to host at your new home next year. This will alleviate added stress on you and your family. If you do still plan to entertain, try to keep it small. Consider inviting fewer people, or even asking others to bring a dish to pass to lighten how much cooking you need to do.
3. Plan for unexpected moving expenses: Keep records of all of your moving details in one place so they can easily be brought up on moving day if necessary. Confirm and reconfirm with your moving or truck rental property, as people and companies can be forgetful during the holidays.
4. Buy moving supplies during holiday sales: Look at office supply stores for sales on boxes and moving supplies, especially around Black Friday. Also make a list of utilities and home services you will need to schedule.

We’ve all participated in the well-known tradition of spring cleaning once the weather starts to get warm, but what about winter cleaning? The holidays are, in fact, just as good of a time to declutter your home. Think about it: you’re already digging into the depths of your home storage to retrieve your decorations, you’re cleaning your home in preparation for family to come over, and the gifts you receive are, in a sense, adding to the clutter you’ve amassed over the years. Why not take a weekend, or even a day, to clean out your home and start the new year off with less stuff and more space?

There are lots of options for what to do with all of those things you’ve been holding onto but really have no use for anymore. Here are some suggestions of what to do with those old electric candles that have burned out or sweaters that never get worn:

• Toss them: Sometimes, no matter how attached you may be to those half-burned out lights that you’ve had since you moved in, you just have to let them go. Chances are, if you haven’t used something in the last two years, you won’t use it in the next two, or ten.
• Donation: A great way to get into the holiday spirit is by donating clothes or items that you no longer have use for, but would greatly benefit someone else. Find a Salvation Army or Goodwill near you, and start digging through your closet.
• Alternate storage: Sometimes there are items that you really can’t get rid of, but simply don’t have room for. Renting a storage unit is a great way to open up some space in your home without having to part with your favorite things.   

Whether you’re buying a new refrigerator and want to hold onto the old one, or are moving and need to store your current refrigerator temporarily, it is important to store it correctly. Not taking the proper steps before storage can cause issues down the road when you want to use your refrigerator again. These five steps will ensure that whether it be two months or two years from now, your refrigerator can be taken out of storage and will be ready to go.

1. Clean thoroughly: The last thing you want is for uninvited guests to make a home in your refrigerator while it’s in storage. Rodents or insects can be attracted to the smallest amount of food, and can cause damage to your appliance. Use warm, mild soapy water to clean the outside of your refrigerator, and plain warm water or a gentle non-toxic soap to clean the inside.
2. Keep the appliance upright: Turning a fridge on its side can prove to be detrimental to the appliance. Storing or moving a refrigerator on its side can displace the oils and gases that make the machine run, rendering it useless. Keeping the fridge upright during all phases of moving and storage is important for maintaining its working condition.
3. Keep it dry: If any moisture creeps into your fridge during the moving process, you’ll have mold and mildew to clean when you want to use it again. This can in part be prevented by fully drying the inside, and then removing the doors on the fridge and freezer compartments, following the instructions in the user manual. The hardware can then be stored in the refrigerator in plastic bags.
4. Prop the doors open before storage: If removing the doors is out of the question, propping the doors open before storage will allow moisture to escape, also preventing against mildew. An object can be wedged between the door and the compartment frame, such as a ball of tape or a small wooden board.
5. Store indoors to prevent weathering: Heat from the sun can cause severe damage to your refrigerator’s handles and seals, as well as the plastic on the inside. Additionally, moisture from any rain or snow can cause parts of the fridge to rot. Storing it indoors is your safest bet, and a great place to do that is in a rental storage unit.