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!
Remodeling some or all of your home or business is no small project. If nothing else, it’s disruptive, to say the least. In order to remodel a room, you pretty much have to clear it out entirely. During a home remodel, that means you’ll have to clear out furniture, anything hanging on the walls, rugs, window treatments, you name it. For a business, you could have to empty part of the retail floor, the back office, storerooms, or warehouse space.
In either case, everything has to go somewhere else before the remodel can begin. It probably comes as no surprise that self storage in Oklahoma has become a convenient resource for both home and business remodelers, but you may be surprised at some of the reasons why. Let’s take a look.
You Can Stash Your Stuff in Self Storage. The most obvious way to make use of self storage in Oklahoma during your remodeling project is simply to use it as a place to keep all that furniture, art, and other things that need to be moved out of the way until the project is done. Odds are, you don’t have space in the other rooms of your house for all the stuff that was in this one, and you don’t want your guest room, living room, or bedroom stacked to the rafters with all kinds of extra furniture, boxes, or who knows what. Self storage is easy, it’s convenient, and it’ll keep everything out of sight and out of mind while you do the work that needs to be done.
It’s a Place for Bulky Remodeling Supplies. Of course, self storage isn’t just the perfect out-of-the-way spot for all the furniture and other belongings that had to be moved out of the room you’re working on. It’s also an ideal place to store some of the building materials and supplies that go with a typical remodel project. From stacks of sheetrock or new flooring material to bundles of crown molding, gallons of paint, buckets of nails, and all the tools you need to the job, there’s a lot that goes into a typical remodel, and you may not have room for all of it in your house or garage. Self storage lets you stage everything just how you’ll need it so that it’s easy to get when you’re ready for it.
It Holds Everything That’s Going into the Finished Room. We already mentioned things like sheetrock, lumber, tools, and paint, but you probably have even more items that you’ll need toward the end of your remodel! When you’re finished, you’ll probably be putting some stuff in the room that wasn’t there before. If you’re remodeling the kitchen, that may mean new kitchen appliances or cabinets. If you’re working elsewhere, you might be hanging new light fixtures or replacing windows and doors. Just like the stuff that was already in the room, all that stuff needs to stay out of the way during the remodel, but it can take up an awful lot of space. Fortunately, you can stage it all in self storage until you’re ready for it, so that it’s organized, easy to access, and out of the way until the day finally comes.
Self Storage Helps Avoid Property Damage. A good remodel will leave your home or business looking better than when you started, but the process isn’t exactly quiet or clean. The typical remodel project involves a lot of people, a lot of power tools, and a lot of dust. All that can be hard on your furniture and other belongings—even stuff that isn’t in the room that you’re working on. If you’ve got furniture, artwork, or other things that you’d rather not see damaged, it’s best to get them out of harm’s way and into someplace safe like climate controlled self storage in Oklahoma, at least until the job is done.
It Can Even Help You Meet Your Deadlines! Believe it or not, self storage can actually help make your remodel more efficient so that you meet whatever deadline you’ve set. Think about it. You can save so much time and energy by not constantly shifting things from one side of the room to the other or otherwise trying to work around them. Whether you’re dealing with furniture or remodeling materials and tools, putting them all into self storage can help keep your workspace clean and efficient so that all you have to focus on is the project in front of you.
Other Remodeling Tips. Now you know some of the perhaps less-obvious benefits that self storage in Oklahoma can offer during a home or business remodel. But you should keep a few more tips in mind to get the most of your self storage unit, regardless of what you’re using it for. You’re going to want to keep your storage unit well-organized, label all of the boxes correctly so that you know what’s where, and stage it so that the items you’ll need first are closest to the front. Keep like items together so that all the flooring for the kitchen is in the same spot, for example. All of this will help ensure that your self storage unit is as efficient as possible. That will translate into a faster, smoother, and more successful remodel, so that your home or business will be looking better than new in no time!
Whether you’re looking for a place to stage the contents of a room while you do a remodel, you’re in need of a climate-controlled space for items that might be damaged by heat, cold, or humidity, or you’re just wanting a safe and secure spot to keep your belongings while you move, Storage ‘R’ Us in Oklahoma has you covered. With convenient locations in Lawton, Chickasha, Duncan, Moore, Newcastle, and Norman, there’s bound to be a Storage ‘R’ Us near you, ready to provide you with the very best self storage in Oklahoma!
Sure, by now we all know that self storage is one of the easiest ways to keep items that we don’t really have room for out of the way until we need them. A self storage environment is always safe, secure, and easily accessible, and it can even be climate-controlled. In fact, climate-controlled self storage has become a go-to resource that’s popular with homeowners, businesses, and more all over the world, whether they’re storing collectibles, vehicles, or seasonal items.
As simple as it may seem to pack some stuff in a box and put it into a storage unit, though, we still encounter a lot of questions when it comes to how to properly pack and prepare certain items for storage. From books and computers to refrigerators and couches, some household items require special consideration before they go into storage. We’ve scoured the web for quick and useful tips on how to prepare some of these most-asked-about items for short- or long-term storage.
If you have a question about something that we don’t cover here, the self storage managers and staff at Storage ‘R’ Us are always ready to answer your questions and offer sage advice on the best way to pack and store just about anything.
How to store your books – Whether you collect priceless first editions, old magazines, comic books, or anything else printed on paper – or if you just want a place to put all those paperbacks in your to-read pile until you get to them – you can help minimize the damage that may come to your books while they’re in long-term storage. It’s most important to put them into containers that will prevent physical damage and use climate-controlled self storage to avoid the perils of humidity and pests. It’s also a good idea to pack books tightly. Under-packing allows books to “slouch” over time and can lead to bending and other damage. And never put your boxes of books directly onto the floor. Keep them up off the ground with a pallet or shelving.
How to store a computer – The same tips that you use to properly store a computer can be used to safely store just about any electronics, from TVs to video game systems. Naturally, you’ll want to go with climate-controlled self storage, as humidity and excess heat can be extremely bad for electronics. It’s also best to keep electronics stored inside airtight containers to keep out dust. Before you store your computer, back up anything on it that you want to keep. When you’re storing any electronics, keep all the parts together, and put cords and any other peripherals in labeled plastic bags.
How to store a mattress – Conveniently enough, you store a mattress in self storage much the same way that you keep it at home: flat. Storing a mattress on its side may take up less space, but it can also cause the mattress to sag out of shape over time. Besides storing it flat, you should wrap your mattress in breathable plastic and keep it in a climate-controlled storage unit to guard against dampness and mold. Finally, don’t store anything on top of your mattress. If something is left there over a long period of time, it can permanently alter the shape and support of the mattress. Store your mattress flat, wrapped in breathable plastic with nothing on top of it.
How to store clothes – Whether you’re putting away seasonal clothes until you need them again or simply looking for a place to expand your closet without throwing anything out, storing clothes in climate-controlled self storage is surprisingly easy. To get them ready, simply launder everything that’s going to go into storage, and then either fold it up or hang it so that it retains its natural shape. Some clothes may require more specialized approaches, but as a general rule, natural and synthetic fibers can be stored folded, so long as they’re kept clean and dry. Climate-controlled storage will help with that.
How to store a couch – A couch is one of the biggest and most unwieldy items in your home, so if you need to get one out of your living space but aren’t yet ready to let it go, it can be tricky to store. Fortunately, storing a couch is a little like storing a mattress. It should be kept horizontal, rather than on its side, and convenient sofa storage bags can help protect the upholstery. It’s also vitally important that you clean and disassemble your couch prior to putting it into storage. This means vacuuming all the nooks and crannies and taking apart any sectional pieces. Finally, before you move your couch, make sure that you have plenty of help. Those things are heavy!
How to store a refrigerator – The first step to safely and efficiently storing a refrigerator is to clean it out and defrost it. Then, carefully dry and wipe out the interior. Before a refrigerator goes into self storage, it should be as clean and as dry as you can get it. Finally, vacuum out the compressor coils and everything underneath the refrigerator. Once that’s all done, your refrigerator is ready to go into storage!
Whether you’re storing a priceless collection or simply some big furniture items that won’t fit in your new place, if you’ve got something that’s worth storing, it’s probably worth insuring, too. At Storage ‘R’ Us, we make the safety of your items our top priority, but there’s only so much that even we can do in the face of natural disasters like tornados or floods. In those events, you’ll want insurance.
Again, if there’s something you want to store that we didn’t cover on this list, odds are we know exactly how you should do it. Don’t hesitate to visit or call any of our convenient self storage locations in Lawton, Chickasha, Duncan, Moore, Newcastle, or Norman, Oklahoma and ask one of our friendly self storage specialists. We’re happy to answer any of your questions or help you get set up with climate-controlled self storage for all your most treasured belongings today!
Have you ever stopped to think about how many of the things in your house are seasonal? If you really think about it, you’ll find that a surprising amount of stuff occupies valuable real estate in your home, garage, basement, or attic from season to season when it really doesn’t need to be there for most of the year. It doesn’t really serve a purpose except for a few months of the year, and often it doesn’t even see the light of day until you’re ready for that special use.
Sure, this means holiday decorations—which, in the average American home, consume as much space as two typical closets—but it also covers seasonal things like snow shovels, inflatable swimming pools, leaf blowers, gardening equipment, winter coats, heavy blankets, and certain kitchen utensils. The list goes on and on. All that stuff takes up a lot of space, and that’s space that you could reclaim today with a little help from self storage in Lawton. To that end, we’ve scoured the web and compiled some great tips to help you store seasonal items all year round!
Brief Yourself on Best Practices. When it comes to holiday decorations, you’ll be packing and storing a lot of oddly shaped and often fragile items. Fortunately, we have a lot of experience storing items like these, and you can find plenty of handy tips online that can help you keep everything safe and sound. Don’t think that holiday décor only applies to Christmas, either. If you like to go all-out for Halloween—whether that means running a haunt at home or just investing in a bunch of those light-up inflatable lawn decorations—we’ve got tips for you, too.
Get Colorful. One of the best tips we’ve seen from self storage experts and home organizers is to buy colorful bins for each and every season. You can even theme them around the colors most often associated with the holidays: orange for Halloween, red or green for Christmas, etc. That way, you know at a glance what each bin contains, even in low light conditions.
Make Seasonal Storage a Habit. The changing of the seasons can offer a great reminder for you to make other changes around the house, too. As the seasons begin to change, make a plan to shift the relevant items from home to your Lawton self storage unit, and vice versa. This way, you always have what you need at home, and you’ll always have extra space that would otherwise be taken up by the stuff that’s sitting in self storage instead. It’ll also help maximize your efficiency by reducing the number of trips you make to and from your self storage unit throughout the year.
Store Seasonal Items in Groups. This goes hand-in-hand with the color-coded bins we mentioned earlier. By keeping like items together based on when you use them, you can take ideal advantage of both your own time and your self storage space. Keep all the spring stuff together, all the winter stuff together, and so on. You’ll also want to group holiday items and keep them stored alongside their respective seasons. This means packing and storing items together and then documenting and tracking what’s in each box and what goes where. This method may take a little more time to set up, but it will save you a lot of time and hassle down the road.
Clothing Counts, Too! Sure, there’s obvious seasonal clothing like sweaters and winter coats, but don’t forget that there are other seasonal clothing items that you probably only wear a small part of the year. Halloween costumes and clever Christmas sweaters that you only wear to ugly sweater parties can all go into climate controlled self storage along with your other holiday items.
Hide Stuff from the Family. It’s a little-known fact that self storage in Lawton can be a clever parent’s best resource for keeping a surprise a surprise. If you’ve got little ones at home who are constantly searching under beds and in the backs of closets for Christmas gifts, birthday presents, and Easter baskets, self storage can keep those surprise gifts out of sight and away from prying eyes all year round.
Store Off-Season Purchases. Another great piece of advice from home organization experts, especially those who are mindful of budgets, is that self storage is a great way to pick up off-season items when prices are low and keep them out of the way until they are needed. We all know that wrapping paper gets mighty cheap after the holidays, and artificial, pre-lit Christmas trees are inexpensive if you can find one in July. The problem is, if you pick up something that isn’t in season—even if the price is a steal—where do you put it until it’s needed? Self storage to the rescue!
Clear Out a Room for Guests. Many of us have family who come to visit during the holidays, but self storage can come in handy all year long if you need to make a little extra space for out-of-town visitors. You might have guests coming in for a wedding in June or a vacation in July. Whatever the season, if you’ve got a spare room that’s normally full of stuff, self storage can help you clear it out so that you can spruce it up for guests at a moment’s notice!
Opt for Climate Controlled Self Storage. Why is climate controlled self storage so popular? The short answer is that it can help protect just about anything you store, from seasonal clothing to the contents of a spare bedroom to those fragile holiday decorations we mentioned above. Climate controlled self storage protects whatever you keep in it from the worst ravages of heat, cold, humidity, and outside pests, whether you’re storing seasonal items or family heirlooms that you keep in there year round.
Whatever you’re looking to store, we have a place for it at Storage ‘R’ Us! With convenient locations offering self storage in Lawton, Chickasha, Duncan, Moore, Newcastle, and Norman, there’s bound to be a Storage ‘R’ Us location near you, and our friendly and knowledgeable self storage experts are always happy to help! Come by and see us today!
The “digital nomad” lifestyle has been generating a lot of buzz recently, especially since many of us spent the pandemic coming to realize that we didn’t have to go into the office every day in order to earn a living. As more people take advantage of the ability to work from anywhere, they’re embracing a lifestyle that lets them travel, see the world, and do all the things that they’ve always wanted to do. Whether they’re working from a hotel room, a short-term apartment, an RV, a co-working space, a coffee shop, or a public library, these digital nomads often don’t have a set place to call home.
And yet most of us have things that we can’t necessarily take with us on these kinds of adventures, but we don’t want to let go of them, either. Maybe they have sentimental value, maybe they’re collections or investments that have monetary value, or maybe we just know that one day we’ll tire of life on the road and want to settle back down, and we want our comfy stuff waiting for us when we do.
Whatever the case, you’ll need a place to put everything that you can’t take with you. Maybe you have relatives who don’t mind holding onto it, but odds are they need that space themselves. Your best bet might just be Oklahoma self storage. Considering exploring the lifestyle of a digital nomad? We’ve got some tips that can help.
Here are our top self storage tips for digital nomads:
If you’re planning to hit the road and enjoy the life of the digital nomad, we wish you all the best on your adventures! If you have any questions about how to get ready, contact Storage ‘R’ Us, your friendly local Oklahoma self storage facility, and we’ll be happy to help with everything, from the best ways to store clothing to how to protect furniture if it’s being stored long-term.
