The holiday season is officially upon us, which means that we’re scrambling to decorate the house, clean and declutter for guests, store (or even hide) packages and gifts, clean out guest rooms, and make space for parties. It’s no small effort, and sometimes there’s just not enough room for everything. That’s where self storage in Oklahoma can be a real miracle for homeowners. It’ll help you to find extra space and make your home look merry and bright this holiday season!
How can Oklahoma self storage help? We’ve been making a list (and checking it twice) of some of the reasons you’ll want self storage on your Christmas list this winter.
Make Space Around the House. The holidays are a busy time, and they’re filled with stuff. Whether you need extra room for presents, holiday décor, meals, or big family gatherings, space is at a premium this time of year. If you’re thinking of moving a bookcase or old sofa out of the way to make room for that new seven-foot, pre-lit tree or freeing up some extra space to put the leaf into the dining room table, you can get things out of the way with a little help from self storage in Oklahoma.
Keep Things Tidy Over the Holidays. You probably already know that self storage can be a lifesaver when it comes to decluttering the home, which is perfect if you’re preparing to have a bunch of company over the holiday season. But it goes beyond that, too. If you have family coming in from out of town, you’re all certain to generate a lot of mess with all the detritus of people living, eating, and enjoying the season. Self storage can help you find places for all of it.
Organize Your Christmas Decorations. No more sticking the tree in the attic, the inflatable Santa in the garage, and all the Christmas lights in a closet somewhere. It’ll be much easier to manage all your decorations this year and in the years to come if you’ve got a space to house them all in one area. They’ll be easy to pull out when you need them and easy to put away when the season is over! Self storage is perfect for seasonal items, and you can switch out summer and winter items as the seasons change!
Create a Holiday Crafting Space. Your home can get pretty crowded around the holidays, and it can be a real joy to give yourself a little oasis of peace and quiet where you can get things done, whether that’s some holiday crafting projects that you’ve been planning for gifts or decorations or simply a place to wrap presents away from prying eyes. Not only can self storage help open up space around the house, you can actually use your unit for crafting projects and wrapping and storing presents, too!
Prepare for Holiday Guests. As we already mentioned, many of us have family come in from out of town for the holidays, and it’s always a nice feeling to be able to offer them a place to stay. Many of us use our guest bedrooms as home offices, workout spaces, crafting rooms, or simply for extra storage space during most of the year, but if you’re expecting guests, you can clear that space out with a little help from Oklahoma self storage and give them a nice, comfortable place to stay right in your own home!
Hide Those Gifts. Look, we know that kids are experts at finding hidden gifts. No matter how well you tuck presents away, prying eyes are bound to search them out. Fortunately, the kids won’t be able to find their gifts in your self storage unit! Plus, self storage is perfect for storing bigger gifts like bikes, skis, or one of those giant teddy bears that you can buy at Costco. Don’t put the pony in self storage, though. That would end badly.
Seasonal Storage for the Side Gig, Too! Sure, thousands of homeowners rely on self storage in Oklahoma for all sorts of things, but did you know that countless businesses do, too? Self storage is great for gigs of all kinds, including your side gig! Whether you’re plowing driveways this winter (in which case vehicle storage may be just what you need) or moving a lot of products as people finish their holiday shopping, self storage for your small business can give you inventory space, provide a spot to store needed supplies, or simply give you an out-of-the-way place to work some of the time.
A Parking Spot! Just like space inside the house, parking often comes at a premium as guests arrive for the holidays. If you need some extra space, why not move that boat, RV, camper, or project car into vehicle storage for the season? It’s a great way to keep vehicles out of the way (especially since you probably won’t be using them during the winter anyway) and free up parking for everyone who’ll be home for the holidays.
Bonus! Year-Round Storage! We’ve been talking so far about how Oklahoma self storage can be a lifesaver during the holidays, but if we’re honest, it really is the gift that keeps giving all year round. All of the benefits of self storage last beyond the holidays and apply all year long, whether that’s giving you an out-of-the-way spot for seasonal items or a place to put all the stuff that’s been piling up in nooks and crannies around the house. From giving you back your home office space to helping you organize your small business, self storage is there for you all through the year!
If you want to make a little extra space around the house this holiday season (and all year long), don’t you owe it to yourself to check out self storage in Oklahoma from Storage ‘R’ Us? We’d love to see you this holiday season—and the rest of the year, as well!
By now, you’re probably already aware that self storage is a great way to keep your belongings secure, organized, and out of the way. In fact, there’s probably not a single homeowner in Norman, Oklahoma who hasn’t considered self storage at one time or another. This is not a new concept, after all. Self storage has been around since the late 1800s, and it got its foothold in the United States right here in the Midwest. Over the decades, self storage has only grown in popularity, and Storage ‘R’Us helps countless people who search for “storage units near me.” Since our founding in 1972, we’ve seen some major changes in who uses self storage in Oklahoma and for what. Based on the latest data and industry reporting—not to mention our own observations—here’s a bit more on who uses self storage units in Norman, Oklahoma and how they take advantage of self storage to free up space and improve their lives.
Who rents self storage in Norman, Oklahoma?
Plenty of folks use self storage in Norman, Oklahoma, and the demographics of the group are similar to self storage users across the country. Over 40 million households, or around 40% of homeowners in the United States, take advantage of the benefits of self storage. Of the millions who use self storage, over 35% are renters, while most of the rest own their own homes. It doesn’t matter how old you are or where you live. Baby boomers, Gen Xers, and Millennials all take advantage of self storage. Even those who live in spacious homes find self storage useful for all sorts of applications, from crafts to keeping things out of the way during a home renovation. Even businesses are increasingly turning to the advantages of self storage space.
Why rent self storage units in Norman, Oklahoma?
Because you’re moving. All of us move at some point during our lives. In fact, the average person moves roughly nine times in their lifetime, and it’s always a hassle. Finding trucks, hiring movers or luring friends into helping you out, packing and unpacking, getting bulky furniture through the doors and up the stairs, inevitably losing something in the move. Fortunately, self storage is here to help make moving easier, whether you’re moving across town, across the state, or across the country. No matter how big or small your move may be, self storage can help you stage your belongings before the move and hold anything that doesn’t fit in the new place.
Because you have bulky furniture. Most of us shop for new furniture every seven to 15 years, but what do you do with that old furniture, especially if you’re not yet ready to let it go? Sure, if you have a worn-out couch or mattress, you can always leave it out for the garbage collector, but what if you want to hang onto a family heirloom piece or the first piece of furniture you bought after you got married? These can always go into self storage in Norman. For antique pieces and family heirlooms, though, you might want to consider climate controlled self storage to keep them safe from changes in temperature and humidity.
There’s simply not enough space at home. One of the biggest reasons people use storage units in Norman, Oklahoma—or anywhere else—is because they just don’t have enough room at home. Maybe you’ve moved into a smaller space, maybe you’ve added a new member to your household, or maybe it’s just time for a change because you’ve outgrown your old place and aren’t ready to move yet. Whatever the reason, self storage can keep things safe and out from underfoot while still keeping them accessible.
You’re downsizing. Similarly, many of us move into places that are a little smaller and easier to manage, especially as we get older and the kids leave home. But then there’s the question of what to do with a lifetime’s worth of belongings. That’s where self storage comes in. Speaking of the kids leaving home, you might want to clean out their rooms and turn that space into something you can use, such as an arts and crafts room or a workout space. Self storage can keep their old stuff out of the way until they’re ready for it.
You need storage for your business. Whether you run a traditional brick-and-mortar business that needs a little extra space or have a side hustle that’s filling your guest room up with merchandise, self storage helps out businesses of all types—and all shapes and sizes—with affordable, secure storage space for all kinds of inventory and equipment.
You’re doing a home renovation. There’s always something we’d like to do around the house, such as remodeling the kitchen or bathroom or even adding on a whole new room. Whether you’re doing some major renovations or just painting the family room, there’s something to be said for clearing everything out of the room you’re planning to remodel. Having everything out of the way will help you get the job done quickly and efficiently, and you’re less likely to damage furniture and belongings that are safely packed away. The question is, where do you put them? Self storage in Norman may be the answer.
Whatever your reason for looking for “storage units near me,” Storage ‘R’ Us can help you out in Norman, Oklahoma. We’ve been serving the region since 1972, and we’ve seen self storage trends come and go. One thing that always remains consistent, though, is the great service that we offer everyone who comes looking for self storage units in Norman. As a Class-A-designated storage facility, we can help you with any kind of storage, from climate-controlled space to specialty vehicle storage, to whatever else you need to get things out of the way and get on with living your best life!
Anyone who has worked in the food and beverage industry knows that in order to build, maintain, and grow a successful business, location is everything. Unfortunately, some of the best locations come with a high price per square foot and are often still short on space. You want to devote as much floor space to your customers as possible, which means you probably have less space than you might like for bars, kitchens, prep areas, offices, and stock rooms. When it comes to extra storage space for necessities, Oklahoma storage units for restaurants and other food and beverage service businesses can be a lifesaver.
How can storage units in Oklahoma help your restaurant, bar, food truck, or catering service? Some of the ways are obvious, but others might not leap as quickly to mind, so here are a few of the many benefits that self storage offers to those in the food and beverage industry:
Saves You Space. Space is always at a premium, and the best floorspace in your restaurant or bar should be dedicated to diners and patrons. Sure, you’ve probably got a little storage space in the back of the house, but it’s never enough. We’ve all seen the business office that’s stacked floor-to-ceiling with boxes of disposable cups, cases of paper towels, to-go containers, and even canned goods, all threatening to fall on the shift manager as they’re trying to tally up the day’s receipts. Of course, this goes for caterers and food truck operators, too. Do you need tables, chairs, or decorations? Having someplace to put it all can be a real challenge without a little help from self storage, especially in a cramped food truck.
Saves You Time. It makes sense that it’s much easier to simply have things on hand so you’re not constantly running across town to a retailer or a food service supply store or waiting for something to be delivered from a supplier. But a well-organized storage unit is also more convenient than a cluttered back office in your own restaurant. It takes less time to run down to the storage unit than it does to dig to the bottom of that stack of boxes in the office, assuming you even remember what’s back there.
Saves You Money. Space always comes at a premium, and the best locations often have steep rents. Every square foot of space in your establishment is valuable and needs to be put to the best possible use, which usually means front-of-house space for customers and patrons, not to mention kitchen and food prep space. By comparison, storage units for restaurants and other businesses are available at a fraction of the cost and offer you more storage for your dollar. Leasing a typical 10’ x 20’ storage unit in Oklahoma runs approximately $200 per month, while a smaller 10’ x 10’ unit only costs about $100 per month. Compare that to the cost of your main business space per square foot, and the savings are probably substantial.
Saves You Even More Money. Sure, the storage space itself is more affordable, but by having more storage available, you can also put it to use for yourself in saving money other ways. With more storage space, you can buy in bulk when prices are low on commonly used items such as toilet paper, disposable gloves, bin liners, you name it—not to mention backups of vital items like cutlery, bar supplies, take-out packaging, glassware, linens and table covers, and so much more! You can even store a spare of key food prep items like mixers, slicers, and others, in case the one that you rely on every day breaks down.
Store Seasonal Items Off-Site. Many homeowners already know about the utility of Oklahoma storage units for keeping holiday decorations and other seasonal items out of sight and out of mind the rest of the year. Odds are, your restaurant or other establishment probably decorates for the holidays, and self storage can help you keep those decorations year-in and year-out, rather than buying new every time. Your storage unit is also perfect for other seasonal fixtures such as outdoor tables for the warmer months or patio heaters for the colder ones.
Store Unused Equipment. Sooner or later, you’re going to have something that you no longer use but that you aren’t quite ready to sell. Maybe your menu has changed, and you no longer need that commercial mixer, rotisserie oven, dough divider, meat slicer, and so on. If the change isn’t necessarily permanent, it’s cheaper to keep this equipment around than to sell it and have to re-buy if you need it again later. That’s where storage units for restaurants come in. Put it in self storage and get it out of the way of your day-to-day operations while still keeping it available if and when you need it.
Vehicle Storage, Too! Whether you operate a food truck or a catering service, self storage can offer a safe and out-of-the-way home for your work vehicles when they’re not in use so they’re not taking up space in your parking lot or driveway. Plus, most self storage facilities are fenced, gated, and monitored, giving you a safe place to park.
But NOT Perishables. As you can see, restaurant storage can provide a wide array of options for storing just about anything that you need to keep out of the way. One thing you should never store, though, is any perishable item that can go bad over time. These are easy for you to forget about when they’re in storage, and they run the risk of spoiling when you aren’t aware of it. They can also draw pests. Keep those closer to hand, and use restaurant storage for everything else!
Whether you’re looking for storage units in Oklahoma for your restaurant, bar, food truck, or catering service, Storage ‘R’ Us has a solution that’s perfect for you! As a Class-A designated storage facility, we’ve been serving the community since 1972, and we pride ourselves on our dedication to security, customer service, and providing the very best self-storage in Oklahoma!
Many of us love to spend the summer touring the highways and byways of this great country in our RVs. The sun is shining, and we’re out seeing incredible sights, having unforgettable experiences, and making memories out of every mile. Unfortunately, our summer adventures are about to come to an end. Autumn officially arrives around the third week of September. With kids going back to school and the nice weather bidding us adieu, it’s time for us to begin preparations to put our RVs, boats, and other recreational vehicles back into Oklahoma storage.
Sure, some of us may hang onto the last fleeting days of summer and extend the trip a bit. Autumn is a great time to watch the leaves change colors in the Smoky Mountains, Yellowstone National Park, or Acadia National Park in Maine. But sooner or later, the road trip comes to an end. If you’re ready to head home for the winter months, we have some tips to help store your RV safely as well as some information about a new RV monitoring system that can help you keep an eye on your RV even while it’s in self storage in Oklahoma throughout the autumn and winter.
First, Some Tips on How to Prepare Your RV For Storage!
Consider an RV Monitoring System.
Naturally, at Storage ‘R’ Us, we do everything in our power to keep our clients’ belongings as safe as we can. That includes having gated and walled perimeters, 24/7 monitoring, and much more. At the same time, anything that you care enough about to put into self storage in Oklahoma is also important enough to check in on from time to time. This goes for an RV or anything else that you keep in storage, from furniture to paperwork, clothing to electronics. It may also be worthwhile to invest in some extra insurance on any stored items.
Of course, it’s not always feasible to stop by as regularly as you might like, especially during the winter months. That’s where comprehensive RV monitoring systems such as RV Whisper come into play. You can connect one of these systems to your vehicle to monitor just about anything you can imagine. This wireless monitoring system is simple to install, was designed with RVs in mind, and lets you keep tabs on your RV from your smart phone or mobile device. You can monitor just about everything:
As you can imagine, all of this is handy even when your RV isn’t in storage. When it is, RV Whisper can send out emails and text alerts and let you check in with your RV to your heart’s content. When you’re out on the road, you can use it to keep tabs on pets or simply keep an eye on your RV’s many systems and functions. When your RV is in storage, you’ll get peace of mind knowing what’s up with it day and night. When summer comes back around, it’ll be ready and waiting for you to hit the road once more!
When it comes to RV storage, we’ve got you covered at Storage ‘R’ Us—literally! With covered or uncovered storage for RVs at a number of our convenient locations in Lawton, Duncan, Moore, Newcastle, and Norman, Oklahoma, we’ve got the perfect home away from home for your RV. Sure, uncovered RV storage may not be much more than a gravel lot, but it’s gated and secure, with all the tools that we bring to bear to help keep your vehicle safe. Covered storage offers more amenities, including protection against the elements and access to 10-amp electrical service for charging, in many cases. Make sure to call us in advance for updates on availability!
Whether you just bought your first RV or you’re a seasoned adventurer with many summers under your belt, when it’s time to put that joyride into mothballs for the winter, call Storage ‘R’ Us self storage in Oklahoma, or come visit us at one of our convenient locations throughout the state. We’ve got the storage solutions for whatever you want to store, and we’re always happy to help!
When you’re thinking about storing your belongings, especially for an extended period of time, you have a number of things to consider. If you’re planning on storing things for more than a few months here in Oklahoma, one of your chief considerations should be standard storage versus climate controlled self storage. As anyone who has used self storage knows, there really is no debate. Climate controlled self storage is better for your belongings in virtually every case, and it is absolutely essential for storing many items long-term.
What are the features, advantages, benefits, and costs of climate controlled self storage? It’s a topic we’ve written about before, but we wanted to put together the ultimate resource for those who are researching “climate controlled self storage near me” and who still have questions about how it all works and whether it’s right for their specific needs. Let’s get started!
What is climate controlled self storage? Honestly, it works a lot like your home’s air conditioner and HVAC system, just on a much larger scale. In a climate controlled self storage facility, this system monitors and controls the temperature throughout the facility, keeping the temperatures within a fixed range that is optimal for the long-term storage of a variety of sensitive objects. This way, your stuff is kept safer from fluctuations in temperature. Additionally, self storage facilities such as Storage ‘R’ Us make every effort to combat humidity through air conditioning as well, but sometimes even that is not enough. Dehumidifiers are often employed to help combat humidity, but it is often difficult to regulate.
What are the benefits of climate controlled self storage? The benefits are numerous, but the biggest one is the one that we already mentioned. Climate controlled units are heated in the winter and cooled in the summer, helping to protect your belongings from extreme fluctuations in temperature that could damage everything from wood furniture and artwork to papers, books, electronics, and collectibles of any kind. Climate controlled storage also protects against dust and keeps out pests that can damage your belongings. Climate controlled units are also more comfortable for you if you visit your unit frequently.
What types of items require climate controlled self storage? We already mentioned a few, but when you get right down to it, anything that you wouldn’t feel comfortable storing in your garage, attic, or backyard shed should go into climate controlled self storage. All sorts of items can be harmed by fluctuations in temperature or by prolonged exposure to high heat or humidity. Wood furniture may warp or crack, electronics can be damaged by excessive moisture, artwork can mold or otherwise degrade, photos can peel or curl, fine wines may turn to vinegar, and even paper may become damaged over long periods of time. All of these items and more can be damaged by improper storage.
What is the temperature of a climate controlled storage unit? Because the systems that operate a climate controlled storage unit are so similar to a home HVAC system, many people assume that climate controlled storage will have a temperature similar to what you enjoy in your home. However, the temperatures needed for a person to be comfortable living day-to-day are different than what is needed to keep items safe from the ravages of the elements. Climate controlled storage units in Oklahoma are more likely to be kept around 85 degrees in the summer and around 55 degrees in the winter. The temperature in your unit is probably a little hotter and colder, respectively, than you like your home, but it’s adequate to protect your stored items.
Is climate controlled self storage worth the cost? This is one of the top questions we hear when people are looking at their self storage options. When you get right down to it, the price difference between climate controlled self storage and standard storage is not that great, while the peace of mind you’ll enjoy knowing that your belongings are better protected from fluctuations in temperature is priceless. How much does it cost for climate controlled self storage? In general, you can expect to pay around $20 to $25 more for a climate controlled storage unit in Oklahoma than you would for a non-climate controlled equivalent. That doesn’t sound like much, and it isn’t! This low difference in cost can be accomplished thanks to the fact that climate controlled facilities operate their systems at scale, heating and cooling numerous units all at once to save on costs. Considering the value of the items that you’re probably storing in your climate controlled unit, the difference in price is a no-brainer.
Are there climate controlled storage units near me? If we’ve now convinced you that climate controlled self storage is the way to go for storing some of your most valuable (and most fragile) belongings, your next question is probably, “Where can I find climate controlled storage?” The good news is that many self storage facilities offer this incredibly versatile storage option. Here in Oklahoma, Storage ‘R’ Us has eight convenient locations in Lawton, Moore, Duncan, Chickasha, Newcastle, and Norman. Wherever you are and whatever you need to store, there’s bound to be a Storage ‘R’ Us location near you.
Of course, if you’re planning to store valuable items—or items that are priceless to you—it’s also a good idea to invest in some insurance. After all, climate controlled self storage can protect against many of the extremes of an Oklahoma summer or winter, but there’s not much it can do in the face of a natural disaster such as a tornado or flood.
If you want to learn more about climate controlled self storage or you’re ready to reserve your space to protect your belongings from the hot Oklahoma summer and cold winter, contact us today or come visit Storage ‘R’ Us at one of our eight convenient self storage locations in Oklahoma. Let us help you find the storage solution that’s perfect for you.
At the time of this writing, summer is not technically here quite yet, but you wouldn’t know it by stepping outside in Oklahoma right now. The weather is already hot and humid, and much of the country is in the grips of an unseasonable heat wave. We thought it would be a good idea to tackle what you can do to protect your belongings in self storage during the hot and humid summer months. We’ll explain all of the benefits of climate-controlled self storage, and we’ll let you know what to store and how.
Think about what you’re storing. There are a surprising number of items that can be damaged by extremes of heat, cold, humidity, you name it—and we’ve got all of those things in Oklahoma! Photographs, wood or leather furniture, electronics, books, artwork, even some clothing items can be affected. If you’re worried about the value and condition of the items you put into storage, it’s a good idea to do some research before you store them, and consider investing in climate-controlled self storage for those items that need special care.
Shift the seasonal items. This is less about the wear and tear of the items themselves than it is about getting the most out of your Oklahoma self storage unit—not to mention the stuff you keep in it. When the seasons change, it’s a good idea to move the seasonal items that you’ll need for the summer out of storage, and put the winter items in. This way, the stuff you need is always where you need it to be, and the stuff you won’t need until next January is out of the way.
Wrap it up! Lots of things can be protected from extremes of humidity and other perils by wrapping them in plastic. This includes mattresses, clothing, and furniture items of all kinds. Garment bags can help protect clothing, and you can find special furniture covers and mattress protectors for just this purpose. If you’ve got items that are particularly likely to be affected by extreme heat, consider either moving them into climate-controlled self storage or at least double-wrapping them.
Switch to a climate-controlled self storage unit. We’ve already mentioned this a couple of times, but that’s because climate-controlled self storage is simply the best way to protect your most valuable—and most vulnerable—items from the perils of heat and cold throughout the year. Temperature remains even inside a climate-controlled self storage unit, the way they would inside a home with a HVAC system. A climate-controlled unit isn’t cozy enough that you’d want to live in it (even if that were legal or feasible), but it’s more than enough to help protect many of your most vulnerable belongings.
Visit your belongings from time to time. They miss you! No, seriously, while one of the key benefits of self storage in Oklahoma is being able to keep things in a convenient spot while also keeping them out of sight and out of mind, it’s a good idea to stop by your self storage unit regularly. This way, if there are any problems developing, you’ll catch them before they get too serious.
Protect your stuff from the heat. Ultimately, that’s what a lot of this advice boils down to, but we thought it was important to touch on it again. After all, it can get really hot in Oklahoma in the summertime. The bestway to insulate your belongings against extreme temperatures is to invest in climate-controlled self storage, but if you’ve got questions about how to protect anything you store, ask a helpful self storage specialist!
Employ a little pest control. The summer heat can drive bugs and others pests indoors just as surely as an icy winter, so it’s a good idea to follow a few best practices to help keep pests out of your storage unit and out of your stuff.
Consider plastic and pallets. Much of the time, simple cardboard boxes work great for storing items. But if you’re planning to keep things in self storage for a long time—especially if you’re not investing in climate-controlled storage—then plastic bins might be a better option. After all, cardboard can be susceptible to moisture and other perils. Whatever you’re using to store your belongings, you should keep them off the floor using shelves or wooden pallets. This gives the boxes or bins room to “breathe” and helps to prevent damage from moisture and mildew.
Get insurance. A good self storage company does everything they can to keep your belongings safe and secure. But there’s only so much that anyone can do in the event of a flood, tornado, or other natural disaster. That’s why it’s always a good idea to get some insurance on anything valuable that you’re putting into self storage. Got questions? Just ask one of the friendly self storage experts at Storage ‘R’ Us!
Whatever you do, do it now! Summer heat has already begun here in Oklahoma. Whether you’re planning to upgrade to a climate-controlled Oklahoma self storage unit, are wondering about the stuff you’ve already got in storage, or are thinking about storing items for the first time, now is the time to act. That doesn’t just go for folks who already use self storage in Oklahoma, either. Summer is a peak season for moving to a new home, and self storage can be an awful lot of help in that situation, too!
Whatever you want to store, and however you want to store it, chances are we have a solution for you at Storage ‘R’ Us! We can’t do much about the weather, but with eight convenient locations offering climate-controlled self storage, we can help make your self storage project easy and successful, no matter what the weather does. Be sure to ask us about other options such as DampRid moisture absorber and odor eliminator disks available for sale! If you’re looking for self storage in Oklahoma, look no further than Storage ‘R’ Us!
Whether you’re about to embark upon your first year of college or you just got your degree and are about the join the workforce, it seems there’s never enough space for all your stuff.
When you’re in college or newly graduated, things tend to get scattered between the dorm or your apartment and your parents’ place. Maybe your family wants to use the space you left behind for other pursuits. Meanwhile, you’re probably living in somewhat cramped quarters as you work your way through college or start your first job after graduation. Fortunately, self storage in Oklahoma can find a home away from home for everything that you don’t have room for, and we have some great summer self storage tips that can help!
Tips for Summer Self Storage in Oklahoma!
Have a Plan – Don’t go putting things into self storage willy-nilly. Know what you want to store and how best to store it. You can find plenty of tips online, or you can ask someone at your friendly Oklahoma self storage location. Once you have this figured out, you can find a unit that matches your needs. It also helps to have the stuff you need for proper storage, such as cardboard boxes or plastic totes, tape, markers, and so on.
Keep Only What You Want – Self storage in Oklahoma is an affordable alternative for your stuff, but there’s still no reason to pay to store things you don’t want to keep. Before you put anything into storage, go through it and throw out, sell, or donate anything that you don’t need or want anymore.
Use a Storage Calculator – Not sure how much space you’ll need? Not to worry! Most self storage locations offer online storage calculators that can give you a quick estimate of how much space you’ll need based on what you’re planning to store! Just input what you’ve got, and it’ll calculate what size unit you need.
Reserve Early – Once you’ve figured out how much space you need and where you want to store your belongings, don’t hesitate to reserve your spot, even if you’re not yet ready to move in. Summer is a busy time for a lot of industries, and self storage is no exception. Once you know what you want, lock it down so that it’s ready and waiting when you’re ready to move in.
Share the Load – In some ways, renting a storage unit can be a lot like renting an apartment or any other space. You shouldn’t try to live in your self storage unit, however. That’s illegal, not to mention uncomfortable. But like an apartment, self storage is cheaper if you have a “roommate.” In this case, that means someone to split costs with you and share the use of the space. In fact, many storage facilities will actually allow you to share the rental agreement, so that one of you doesn’t get stuck with the other’s portion if the worst should happen. Like a roommate, though, you should only split a self storage unit with someone you trust.
Keep it Cool – If you’re storing your stuff over the summer, keep in mind that it can get pretty hot and humid here in Oklahoma. The heat can do a number on certain kinds of belongings, including books, papers, artwork, clothes, wood furniture, electronics, and more. If you’re storing anything that can be damaged by extremes of temperature or humidity, it’s worth investing in climate controlled self storage. If you aren’t sure if your stuff needs protection from the heat, you can ask one of the helpful storage experts at Storage ‘R’ Us for advice.
How Much Self Storage Space Does a College Student Need?
Of course, like anything else in life, the answer varies from college student to college student.
Your average self storage facility in Oklahoma offers a variety of unit sizes to accommodate just about any need, from units around the size of a walk-in closet to specialty vehicle storage and more.
If you’re a college student, odds are you’re dealing with stuff that came out of your dorm room or your bedroom back home, which means you’ll probably be looking at smaller units such as 5 x 10 or 10 x 10 units, both of which are among the more common storage unit sizes. These are available at just about any storage facility.
The smaller of these is roughly the size of a large closet, while the larger can probably hold the full contents of an average dorm room. Again, when in doubt, check with the experts at your Oklahoma self storage facility to see what size unit they recommend, or try out a storage calculator to figure out how much space you’ll need.
Who May Benefit from Oklahoma Self Storage?
Not sure if self storage is right for you? Ask yourself these questions: Are you sick of a cramped dorm room? Do you have a bunch of books or other off-season supplies that you’ve accumulated throughout the year? Are you planning to travel or even take a year off to study abroad? Are you pursuing a short-term internship or something else that’ll take you away from home this summer? Do you need someplace secure and close to campus to keep your belongings rather than storing them back home? If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, then self storage in Oklahoma might be just what you’re looking for!
Plus, with eight self storage locations across Oklahoma, there’s bound to be a Storage ‘R’ Us not only near you but right where you need it to be! We’re located close to the campuses of several local colleges, and college students are always welcome at any of our convenient facilities, whether they’re storing stuff for one summer or the next few years, and whether they’re just embarking on a college career or watching it draw to a close. We’re here to help, every step of the way!
We know that the cost of housing, even for a single individual, can be pretty steep these days. In fact, roughly 50% of most people’s income goes to housing. Taking on a mortgage is a big expense that you often spend the next few decades paying off, and the upfront costs are still considerable. Even renting a small apartment can be a serious pinch to the monthly budget.
Because housing is so pricey, some people have legitimately considered moving into a self-storage unit. It can sound appealing when you consider the low monthly cost of renting a self-storage unit in Oklahoma or anywhere else for that matter. And while self-storage units are certainly affordable, living in one is not ideal for many reasons. In fact, doing so is actually prohibited by law.
However, since this is a topic that comes up from time to time, we thought it would be a good idea to remind you of some of the reasons why you don’t actually want to live in your self-storage unit—no matter how comfortable we make it.
1. It’s against the law. This is a big one. Simply put, self-storage units aren’t rated for habitation, which means that living in one is actually prohibited by law. Any storage facility is required to evict anyone they find living on the property or else face penalties themselves. Besides, life in one would not be particularly pleasant. Storage units don’t generally have running water or much in the way of air flow for living inhabitants.
2. You could lose custody of your children. Seriously, living in a self-storage unit in Oklahoma is illegal, and Child Protective Services (CPS) or the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) may permanently remove children from your custody if you try to move into a self-storage unit with your kids.
3. You could lose your pets. The same goes for your four-legged kids. Self-storage units are great for lots of things, but they aren’t a good place for animals. Even if you’re not living there yourself, it’s against the law to keep pets in a self-storage unit, and trying to do so could result in the loss of that pet to the Animal Welfare department. Impound and boarding fees add up quickly if they take your pet into their care, too.
4. It violates your lease. There’s a reason tenant rental agreements at self-storage facilities stipulate that you can’t live in the unit. As we mentioned, it’s illegal. This means that not only will living in the unit subject you to eviction and other difficulties, it could also lead to you losing the unit.
5. It’s really not comfortable. Self-storage units are great for what they’re designed for, which is storage. But ultimately, a self-storage unit is nothing more than a metal box with a concrete floor. That’s not exactly an ideal living space. What’s more, while some storage units are climate-controlled, many are not, and conditions inside them can get seriously unhealthy during winter or summer months. Even a climate-controlled self-storage unit in Oklahoma is generally kept at around 80 degrees during the summer.
6. There’s no natural light. Did we mention that it isn’t comfortable? It also isn’t cheery. A self-storage unit has no windows, for obvious reasons, which means the only light will come from the bulb up above. Natural light is important to our health, both mentally and physically. Living in a windowless box is bad for both.
7. It’s noisy. Let’s face it, living in a metal box next to a bunch of other metal boxes in a building with a metal roof is not great if you want a quiet environment. You’ll also hear people coming and going at all hours to access their own storage units. Even if it was legal and permitted to live in a self-storage unit (which it is not) you would never get any sleep.
8. You’re on camera. One of the benefits of any modern self-storage facility is that security cameras are trained on pretty much every square foot of the property, both inside and out. This means that your stuff is safe if you store it there, but it would also mean that everybody in the office would be able to see you 24/7 if you tried to live there. So much for privacy!
9. Parking is limited. Sure, you can rent month-to-month storage for cars, boats, RVs, and all sorts of other vehicles, and outside storage units often have space to pull a car right up to the door for loading and unloading. If you need to park a vehicle day after day, however, you simply won’t have that option. Storage units aren’t designed for that.
10. You can’t feed yourself well. Storage units are incredibly convenient for what they were designed for, which is storing things. Were you to try to live in one, though, you’d find that it was missing a lot of the conveniences of home. Storage units have no running water, which means no sink and no way to clean your hands, your dishes, or your utensils. They also have limited access to electricity. In a lot of ways, trying to live in an Oklahoma self-storage unit would be like camping, but without access to the natural resources of the great outdoors.
11. You might get locked in! Unlike your home, which is designed to be locked and unlocked as easily from the inside as from the outside, most storage units boast roll-up metal doors that only lock from without. This might make for an uncomfortable night, and that’s compounded by the fact that good facility managers do regular walkthroughs to ensure that doors are closed and locked. This is great if you want to keep your belongings safe. It’s not so great if you’re trying to live inside a unit and find the door locked behind you.
12. It’s terrible for your social life. Your days of hosting dinner parties are certainly at an end if you move into a self-storage unit in Oklahoma. You can’t even have friends over to watch Netflix. And forget about bringing a date home. If you do, you’re unlikely to get a second date. Simply put, living in a self-storage unit isn’t comfortable for you, and it would be even more uncomfortable for anyone who tried to visit.
Where to Get Help: Sure, some of the reasons we’ve listed here are humorous, but there’s nothing funny about needing a place to live, and no one is very likely to try living in a storage unit if they’re not hard up. If you or someone you know needs a place to stay, we advise you to contact the storage facility staff. They’ll be able to help you find local resources such as food banks or shelters, and they may even help you keep your belongings safe while you find a place for yourself. They won’t let you live in the unit, however, because they can’t. It’s illegal. And hopefully by now, we’ve convinced you that you wouldn’t want to.
While we can’t provide affordable housing, we can provide a home away from home for your belongings. An Oklahoma self-storage unit from Storage ‘R’ Us may not be comfortable to live in, but it is perfect for storing all kinds of things, from antique furniture to specialty vehicles. Just visit one of our convenient locations today!
As we move from the winter months to warmer weather, our thoughts often turn toward spring cleaning. Having spent months cooped up inside, we’re eager to approach spring and summer with a fresh environment and a new outlook. This often means deep cleaning everything, but it can also include decluttering and ridding our house of everything that has been underfoot since December. The best way to do this is to move it into self storage in Oklahoma!
Many of us look forward to yearly spring cleaning in some ways, even while it’s also something we dread. It’s a lot of work, after all. After a long winter of being closed up, it seems like there’s dust all over everything. Then there are windows to be washed, baseboards to be scrubbed, rugs and carpets to be cleaned, floors to be waxed, you name it!
By now, most of us probably already have our spring-cleaning routine down, but it’s always easy to miss something. We decided to scour the web and bring you some of the most overlooked spring-cleaning tips to help you spruce up your home and even your Oklahoma self storage unit this season!
Wipe down the shelving. While you’re getting everything out of the closet, the pantry, the cupboards, and so on, you might as well wipe down all of those shelves. They gather dust and debris over time, too, and the perfect time to give them a good cleaning is when you’ve got everything off them anyway!
Empty the refrigerator and pantry. Speaking of the pantry, spring cleaning is the ideal time to go through it (and the fridge, too) and throw out anything that’s expired. Check the dates on all those condiments, salad dressings, pickles, jellies, and jams. Make a list of what you’re throwing out as you go, so you know what to pick up the next time you’re at the grocery store.
Reconsider the purpose of each room. This can be especially helpful if you’ve recently experienced a life change such as the kids moving out to go to college. Really look at how you’re using each room, and see if you can think of ways to make better use of the space to achieve the goals you have for your life. Maybe this is the time to convert that spare bedroom to a craft room, a workout room, or a home office!
Flip your mattress. Experts recommend flipping your mattress every season to prolong its life. Before you do, make sure that you have the kind of mattress that’s designed to be flipped. Some mattresses have coils on the bottom and foam on top, for example. Those are not meant to be flipped, and they won’t be very comfortable if they are! Consult your mattress tags for guidance.
Wipe down your lightbulbs. Sure, you may dust just about everything else, but do you ever think about the dust and other gunk that collects on your lightbulbs? Wiping them down will make them seem brighter and can even avoid potential fire hazards. Make sure the power is off first, and never use a damp rag.
Clean out the fireplace. Do you have a traditional wood fireplace in the living room or family room that saw a lot of use over the cold winter months? Now that warmer weather is here, it’s time to remove any burnt logs, clean out the fireplace itself, and clean the glass front doors, if you have them.
Check on your house plants. This is a perfect time to trim dead leaves and stems from your house plants, give the leaves a wipe down with a mild soap solution and a soft cloth, and even repot plants that are growing too big. Plants thrive in the spring and summer, especially if you give them the care they need now!
Clean your electronics. You’ll want to wipe down the outsides of all your electronics, from computers to entertainment systems, but that’s not all. Electronics also have interior areas, vents, and fans that need to be cleaned, too. Some compressed air can usually do the trick. It’s not a bad idea to disinfect “high traffic” areas like your computer keyboards while you’re at it.
Swap out all the batteries. If you haven’t changed the batteries in your smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors, now is the time to do it. The changing seasons are a perfect reminder to change important batteries. This holds true for all kinds of battery-operated items that you may not have thought about in a while, such as garage door openers, flashlights, home security systems, and more!
Add natural air fresheners. Want to put just the right finishing touch on your spring cleaning? Freshen up the air with natural sources of great smells, including fresh flowers, essential oils, and the like. Not only will they help to brighten up your living space, but they’ll make it smell great without a lot of chemicals.
That’s not all, though! We’ve also found some tips to help you supercharge your spring cleaning for your Oklahoma self storage space!
Look and label. Sure, you knew what was in all those boxes when you put them in there, but do you really remember today? Now’s a perfect time to open them up, see what’s actually in there, and re-label them so you can find what you’re looking for at a later date. If you’ve taken something out of a box or put something in, this is the time to set the record straight. Plus, identifying what’s in all of those boxes will help you with the rest of our spring-cleaning list!
Shift those seasonal items! It’s time for all those seasonal items for spring and summer to come out of self storage and for winter items to go in. Break out the pool toys and the gardening gear and put away your winter clothes and your Christmas decorations. Be sure to label them all while you’re at it so they’re easy to find when winter rolls around again.
Re-organize. While you’re going through the stuff in your Oklahoma self storage unit, consider how it’s all organized. Move things around to make better use of your space and make it easier to get what you’re looking for when you need it. This may mean moving the most commonly used items to the front, or it might mean organizing your unit into sections based on seasons, rooms in the house, or members of the family. Do whatever works for your organizational needs!
Give it a clean sweep! Before everything goes back into your unit, it’s a good idea to sweep it out. While you’re at it, why not spray for pests? Once you’ve put everything neatly back in its place, it’s time to get out and enjoy that warm weather!
Of course, if your spring cleaning has left you with more stuff than you have room for around the house, Oklahoma self storage is the perfect home away from home for everything that you want to keep but don’t want kept underfoot. We have locations in Lawton, Moore, Chickasha, Duncan, Newcastle, and Norman, so there’s bound to be a Storage ‘R’ Us near you. Come see us today for all your self storage needs!
No matter how big—or small—your home, apartment, or business may be, it never seems like you have enough space for everything. Even if you move from a small apartment to a larger place, space is always at a premium. Before you know it, your rooms are filling up, and you’re even running out of space in the closets, basement, attic, or garage. Some folks even add a shed to their property, and it’s amazing how quickly that shed fills up!
What do you do when you start running out of space at home or in the office? Decluttering can often seem overwhelming. Of course, we recommend taking advantage of self storage in Lawton and throughout Oklahoma, but that’s not the only thing you can do to free up space around the house. We’ve scoured the web for some of the top tips from storage and decluttering experts to help!
Under-Bed Storage. Whether it’s built into bed frames or simply flat plastic bins that can easily slide under even the lowest bed, under-bed storage is a fantastic way to reduce clutter and make it easy for you to reach common items in the middle of the night. Plus, your bed produces one of the largest footprints of any piece of furniture in your home, so it’s great to be able to put some of that space to use as storage!
Replace Your Nightstands. Most of us have beds with a nightstand on either side. The thing is, those two nightstands take up a lot of space without offering a lot of storage. Try replacing your current nightstands with small, three-drawer dressers. You can still put everything you typically have on your nightstand next to your bed, but you’ve also got three drawers on either side to store extra stuff of all kinds, from socks to medicine to the book that you’re reading before you turn in.
Make Use of Vertical Space. This is one of the best storage tips around for smaller rooms, but really, it works great in rooms of any size. Make the most out of your vertical space, especially if you live somewhere with high ceilings. Sure, this means installing wall shelves as high as you can reach in just about any room you can imagine, but it can also mean hanging bikes or other items from the ceiling in the garage or wherever else you’ve got the space.
Optimize Your Closet. Closets are probably the most common source of storage space in just about every house in America, yet most closets aren’t actually very well optimized for storage. They may boast a single clothing rack and maybe a few shelves if you’re lucky. Fortunately, a variety of closet organizing systems and kits are available at home improvement and hardware stores that can really help you make the most of your closet space without breaking the bank. Doing so will free up space in other rooms, too!
Storage Chests. Sometimes the old ways are the best ways. In days gone by, lots of people used trunks and chests for storage of all kinds. Your grandma and grandpa probably had one at the foot of their bed for years—and may still! These chests are particularly popular in kids’ rooms, where they can hold all kinds of toys that would otherwise be scattered all over the floor, but don’t underestimate their ability to store seasonal clothing, blankets and linens, throw pillows, and much more!
Mudroom Bench. Speaking of storage chests, a variation on the theme is the storage bench that can go in your mudroom, on your patio, or even on your front porch. It’s the perfect place for shoes, hats, gloves, scarves, umbrellas, you name it. It even doubles as a place to sit so that you can grab a seat while you pull off those wet or muddy shoes. Many mudroom benches on the market today offer even more, incorporating a backboard with a rack for hanging coats, hats, and handbags. What a handy piece of furniture!
Multi-Function Furniture. While we’re on the subject of handy furniture, one of the best space-saving storage methods these days is furniture that serves double-duty. This may be an ottoman that opens to reveal hidden storage or seating with magazine or book storage on the sides. Nothing else takes up as much space in your home as furniture does, so making the most of that space will help to ensure that you’ve got the room you need without things feeling too cluttered.
Make Use of Every Inch. As we already mentioned when discussing under-bed storage, you don’t want to let otherwise blank spaces go to waste. Take the basement, for example. Chances are, there’s space under the stairs that can be used for storage, especially for things you don’t need to access very often. The same goes for the backs of corner cabinets. In fact, a variety of space-saving systems and devices are available to help optimize your kitchen cabinets so they’ll hold more and make items easier to grab when you need them.
Try Self Storage in Oklahoma. No matter what you do, no matter how carefully you make use of your space, sometimes there’s just not enough room around the house for everything that you want—or need—to keep. What do you do when you’re trying to de-clutter, shift seasonal items, pack up unused toys and books and other belongings, and otherwise make the most of your home’s space? We recommend one of our handy locations offering self storage in Lawton, Moore, Duncan, Chickasha, Newcastle, and Norman, Oklahoma!
However much space you need, and whatever you need to store, Storage ‘R’ Us has the perfect solution, from climate-controlled self storage to specialty vehicle storage and more. Plus, our knowledgeable self storage specialists are happy to answer any questions or provide more handy tips like these anytime!
