When it comes to the items that clutter our homes and quickly fill up our living spaces, furniture tops the list. It’s the biggest thing you’re likely to have in the house, and adding a new couch or dining table usually means finding a new home for the old one. What if you’re not ready to part with it? That’s where self storage in Oklahoma comes in handy. It offers a space to keep your valued pieces safe so they’re there when you need them.
However, some folks are hesitant when it comes to storing furniture in self storage units, especially antique furniture, heirloom pieces, wood furniture, and anything with upholstery. Is it safe to keep furniture in self storage? The answer is yes, but only if you know how to do it right.
Certain types of furniture can be sensitive to fluctuations in temperature and humidity. This includes all the types we mentioned above, especially wood and upholstered furniture. Furniture like this needs to be stored in a climate-controlled environment, and all furniture that’s going into self storage should be properly prepared, covered, and stacked so it’s not damaged over time.
Ultimately, storing furniture is the same as storing anything else. You’ll need to take the right approach to keep your items in great condition over time. Fortunately, Storage ‘R’ Us self storage in Lawton offers everything that you’ll need to keep your furniture in great shape year after year. We’ll walk you through some essential steps for preparing your furniture for storage and explain how to strategically place your furniture in your unit so that it stays protected and organized until you need it again.
Clean your furniture first! The first step of placing just about anything into self storage is to make sure it’s clean. This not only helps to maintain the condition of the item over time—dirt and grime can do damage as it sits—it also ensures that the piece is ready for you whenever you come to claim it. Furniture, in particular, should be cleaned and treated with the appropriate measures for whatever the furniture is made of, from wood polish to upholstery cleaner to leather conditioner. It’s also important to let everything dry before you cover your furniture and put it into storage. You don’t want to trap moisture, which can lead to mildew and other problems.
Transport your furniture safely! Once your furniture is cleaned and ready to go, it’s just as important that you transport it to your storage unit with care. You may be surprised to learn that most damage to furniture that is being stored happens when it’s on its way to or from the storage unit. The simplest and most important way to avoid damage is to transport your furniture carefully and safely, and always use a team lift to move anything heavy.
Wrap your furniture for long-term storage. Furniture is pretty sturdy stuff. After all, it survives us sitting on it, climbing on it, you name it. When it comes to long-term furniture storage, however, wrapping it is crucial to keeping it protected. This protects it not from the day-to-day use for which furniture was designed, but against slow threats such as dust, moisture, and scratches. Fortunately, a variety of excellent resources are available to help protect your furniture, from larger furniture pads and drop cloths to something as simple as bubble wrap, which is perfect for providing cushioning for delicate parts of your furniture, including glass and decorative woodwork. Be careful when using anything plastic on your furniture, however, as it can trap moisture. You’ll want to cover the relevant area completely but not too tightly. Your furniture still needs a little air circulation to prevent mold and mildew.
Place your stored furniture with care. Just as when you’re arranging furniture in your home, placing large items like furniture into self storage requires a little careful planning. Anything that you place into self storage should be kept up off the floor. It’s also good to avoid overcrowding your storage unit, which can help to promote that air circulation we mentioned. Plus, it makes it easier for you to access the items that you need when you need them. Like any other space, a storage unit utilizes both vertical and horizontal square footage, but you should be particularly cautious when stacking, especially when it comes to furniture.
Don’t stack heavy furniture. Let’s examine that a little more closely. It might seem like a good space-saving solution, but stacking furniture (or anything else that’s particularly heavy) on top of other furniture can lead to structural stress over time. This can, in turn, encourage everything from fabric impressions in upholstered furniture to warping or even cracking of wood. Ultimately, it’s best to avoid stacking anything heavy on your stored furniture. If you do have to stack anything, always make sure that it’s level and that the pressure exerted on lower pieces is distributed as evenly as possible.
Maybe the most important thing that you can do to preserve furniture that you’re placing into self storage is to opt for a climate-controlled storage unit. Climate-controlled storage helps to protect furniture from extremes of heat, cold, and humidity, which can be particularly damaging to wood, upholstered, or leather furniture. If you’re unsure whether you need a climate-controlled unit, ask the friendly pros at Storage ‘R’ Us. We’ll be happy to help you find the storage solution that’s perfect for you.
As you can see, there’s a lot more to moving your furniture into Oklahoma self storage than picking it up and putting it into a storage unit. In order to preserve the condition of your furniture, you’ll want to take a few simple steps to get the most out of your self storage experience. Once you do, though, you’ll be surprised at the difference it can make.
From the biggest and most fragile pieces of furniture to the smallest everyday items, here at Storage ‘R’ Us, we have a storage solution for every need, and we’re happy to help you find the one you’re looking for. We’ve been serving the community since 1972, so come see us today at one of our handy self storage locations in Lawton, Moore, Duncan, Chickasha, Newcastle, or Norman.
Even though Halloween is just around the corner, stores across Oklahoma are already stocking their aisles with Thanksgiving and Christmas décor. This hurried transition as stores compete to be “first to market” reminds us that the holiday season is already in full swing. This festive period between Halloween and New Year’s Day is always busy and fun, but it can also be a little overwhelming. With all the decorations going up and coming down and visitors arriving from out of town, your home can feel pretty packed. While it may be tough to find space for everything, there’s an easy solution: Oklahoma self storage from Storage ‘R’ Us. With a little help from your friendly neighborhood self storage facility, you’ll be able to enjoy the holidays without all the mess and clutter. Here’s how self storage in Oklahoma can help you with every one of the big holidays coming up!
HALLOWEEN:
The spookiest time of year doesn’t have to be too scary when it comes to clutter. Here are a few of the things you can keep safely out of the way in your storage unit:
THANKSGIVING:
Thanksgiving is a time when families often come together and enjoy big, sumptuous meals around the dinner table. Of course, if you’re hosting all those guests, you’re going to need a lot of extra space. Self storage to the rescue!
CHRISTMAS:
For many households in Oklahoma, Christmas is the biggest celebration of the year. This may mean celebrating with folks who come in from out of town, or it may mean only your closest family is gathering around the Christmas tree. In either case, Oklahoma self storage can help you find a little extra space in the homestead by storing items like these:
NEW YEAR’S EVE:
As one year draws to a close and a new one begins, we all gather to ring in the new and see off the old. New Year’s Eve is a time of parties and celebrations, and these come with their own accessories that can be kept out of the way in Oklahoma self storage.
Those are just a few of the ways that Oklahoma self storage can help you enjoy the holiday season and be ready for the next one! Here are a few quick storage tips and tricks that will help you get the most out of your self storage unit, too:
Whatever you’re storing this holiday season, Storage ‘R’ Us has the solution you need and the expertise to help you get the best from your Oklahoma self storage units. Come on down to one of our convenient locations today and let us help you get started!
Fall is finally on its way! Now that the nights are growing cooler and the days are becoming shorter, everyone across Oklahoma recognizes the signs: The holiday season is fast approaching.
Halloween kicks off the holiday season, and many people already have their skeletons, ghosts, tombstones, and cobwebs ready to go for the spookiest night of the year. From there, we quickly transition to Thanksgiving, the winter holidays and Christmas, and then finally New Year’s Eve! All these wonderful festivities are a lot of fun, but they also bring with them a sea of inevitable clutter in the form of decorations, costumes, ornaments, gifts, wrapping paper, and all the stuff you need to have on hand when you have guests over. Fortunately, this is where self-storage in Oklahoma can save the day, ensuring that each celebration is seamless, joyous, and clutter-free!
Why Self-Storage is the Holiday Gift You Need
Imagine the holidays without the clutter. You’ll no longer experience the stress that comes with finding that one box of special ornaments or the frustration of trying to untangle that knot of holiday lights. You’ll have plenty of space for everything with room left over to host guests and prepare holiday feasts. You can have all that and more with a little help from Storage ‘R’ Us!
As we head into the busy holiday season, Oklahoma self-storage offers you the perfect solution. Think of it as a holiday haven—a place to organize and store your cherished seasonal items until their time in the spotlight arrives. As the bats and witches come down and the trees and tinsel go up, you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips, always right where you need it, and always out of the way.
Anticipate the Arrival of Guests
The holidays mean more than decorations and gifts. They mean family gatherings, often with friends and loved ones flocking together from all over the country to join the festivities. With everyone coming over, though, our homes need to be guest-ready, both inside and out.
For starters, this means ensuring that there’s ample parking space, especially when wintry weather looms. Shifting the boat, jet skis, garden equipment, and pool paraphernalia from the garage may be essential, and you can put all that and more in Oklahoma self-storage, ensuring your guests have space and your belongings remain protected from the elements. But parking is only the first step of preparing for holiday guests. You may also want to clear out that guest room or open up space in the hall closet for winter coats. Not to worry! Self-storage can help with that, too!
Secret Santa’s Workshop
Do your kids always manage to find all their presents, no matter how well you hide them? Not anymore! While you’re at it, say goodbye to those last-minute gift-wrapping sessions and say hello to organized, stress-free preparations. Sure, they still might happen after midnight on Christmas Eve, but we don’t judge.
A climate-controlled storage unit can not only help keep surprise gifts safe from prying eyes, but it can also act as a personal gift-wrapping headquarters. Making gifts for some of the folks on your list? You can use your storage unit as Santa’s workshop to craft to your heart’s content—all without your prospective recipients being any the wiser.
Factors to Consider for Seasonal Storage
Self-storage in Oklahoma can be a lifesaver in so many ways, but like most things, you get out of it what you put into it. You’ll want to consider certain factors to help optimize your seasonal self-storage experience. Here are a few:
We Can Also Help Clean It All Up
Just because the holidays are over and all the guests have gone home doesn’t mean that you no longer need a little help from self-storage in Oklahoma. Whether you’re packing away all those holiday decorations or you need an out-of-the-way spot to keep the gifts you received that you don’t have room for around the house, self-storage has got you covered.
Of course, the post-holiday cleanup isn’t just about getting the holiday things out of sight, either. As the holidays wind down and a new year dawns, it’s a perfect time to look into decluttering your life and your living space, and Storage ‘R’ Us is here to help. It’s never too early to start thinking about next year. If you’re going to be picking up gifts or holiday décor items during all the after-Christmas sales, you can always keep them in Oklahoma self-storage until the holiday season rolls back around.
Whatever you’re storing this holiday season, Storage ‘R’ Us in Oklahoma has the solutions that you need. With our wide range of storage options, we’re committed to ensuring your holidays remain joyful and clutter-free. Sometimes, the best way to prepare your home for the holidays is to prepare for the after-party, too!
As summer winds down and autumn approaches, the campuses at the University of Oklahoma in Norman and Oklahoma State University in Stillwater come alive with students returning for classes. The beginning of a new college semester is always an exciting time, but it also brings the challenge of finding someplace to store all your belongings, especially when space is limited in dorm rooms, shared apartments, and on-campus housing. This is where self-storage in Oklahoma can be a lifesaver for students heading back to classes at OU, OSU, or anyplace else!
The Challenges of Limited Space
Whether you’re a Sooner at the University of Oklahoma or a Cowboy at OSU, dormitory and apartment space can be restrictive. College housing tends to be optimized for fitting the most students into the smallest space, meaning that there may be ample room to study and sleep and keep a few of the basic necessities, but there may not be enough room for much else. Naturally, each roommate or housemate brings various items, and a shared living space can quickly become a maze of stacked boxes, mismatched furniture, and more!
Closet space in particular is always in short supply. Most dorms and shared apartments offer limited amounts of storage, usually only a closet or two along with a few cabinets. With multiple people sharing the space, these storage spots fill up quick. You have your day-to-day clothes and the items you use all the time, of course, but then you also have seasonal things like winter coats and sports equipment. These often take up a lot of space, even though you only use them for part of the year or on special occasions.
With such limited space available, it’s important to make every square inch of it count, and that includes making strategic decisions about what you keep in your dorm room or shared apartment and what you simply need to keep someplace nearby. You’ll want to keep it somewhere you can access it easily when you need it, but where it’ll be out of the way the rest of the time.
Why Self-Storage in Oklahoma is the Solution
Self-storage is a perfect out-of-the-way spot for all the things that you need but don’t have room for. There’s a place for just about anything in Oklahoma self-storage, from your summer and winter clothes to that bike you don’t ride as often as you should, and you’ll know that it’s safe, secure, and easily accessible when you need it. Thanks to our fenced and walled perimeters, gated access, 24/7 monitoring, and more, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your items are in good hands.
For college students, Oklahoma self-storage also offers all the flexibility that your busy schedule requires. You never know when you might need to pick up an extra notebook, your soccer cleats, or a pair of dancing shoes, which is why most storage facilities offer 24/7 access to your belongings. And, of course, the Oklahoma weather is nothing if not unpredictable. Even if you have that winter coat packed away, it’ll be easy to grab if we hit an unexpected cold snap.
Self-storage is also a lifesaver for students who commute to and from school. Even if you don’t live on or near campus, you may need someplace nearby to store things so you have access to them between classes.
Some Tips for Using Self-Storage as a Student in Oklahoma!
As you can see, self-storage in Oklahoma can be a huge boon to college students from Oklahoma State University, the University of Oklahoma, and beyond. But how can you get the most out of your storage space? Not to worry! We’ve assembled a few handy tips to help you maximize your self-storage experience and make heading back to school easy!
Find the Space That’s Right for You: Storage units come in all shapes and sizes. Most college students probably need a smaller unit that’s around 5 feet by 5 feet or maybe 5×10. However, one of the great things about storage units is that they come in various sizes so you can scale up or down as needed. If you find that you’re storing furniture or other household items, you may need a bigger space—and there’s one waiting for you!
Label Everything: Packing is important when it comes to getting the most out of your self-storage experience, and one of the ways to optimize your packing is to make sure that you can find what you’re looking for when you need it again. If you’re in the midst of finals week, you don’t have a lot of extra time to spend digging around in your storage unit for something that you know is in there. Packing carefully and creating labels and even spreadsheets to help you find your stuff is a must.
Prioritize: Think hard about what goes into your storage unit—and also think about where it goes. If it’s something that you won’t need until later in the semester, it can go behind stuff that you’ll need more frequently. If it’s something that you won’t need until next summer, it can go farther back yet.
Share the Space: A great way to keep costs down is to share the space and share the load. Chances are, you already have experience with that from roommates or other shared living arrangements. You and your roommate can also share a storage unit just as easily, or you can split one with another friend on campus. Be sure to make it clear what belongs to whom so there’s no confusion.
Ask About Automatic Payments: College life is hectic, to say the least. From classes and homework to sporting events and social activities, you’ve got a lot going on. With all that on your mind, it can be all too easy to miss a monthly lease payment. Don’t put yourself in that situation; ask your Oklahoma self-storage facility about setting up automatic payments and take one more worry off your mind.
As you head back to classes this fall, there’s so much to do and see, to keep track of and remember. Let self-storage in Oklahoma help you to keep your stuff organized and out of the way so that you can have a great college experience! Whether you’re attending classes at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater or at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, self-storage in Oklahoma is here for you!
Minimalism isn’t just a popular buzzword, and it’s not just about owning fewer items. It’s a way of life that’s about appreciating what you do have and making the most of it without burying yourself in clutter. It’s about keeping only what you love and use regularly and enjoying the freedom that comes with clearing the clutter from your home and your daily life. Of course, you probably have some things that you can’t bear to part with, no matter how much you want or need them out of your living spaces. Fortunately, that’s where minimalism and self-storage can help! Self-storage in Oklahoma helps you remove the clutter from your life while still keeping those items you can’t part with safe and sound. Let’s take a closer look at how.
Getting Started. The process of decluttering can seem overwhelming initially. With any lifestyle change, the first step is often the hardest. Overcoming inertia can be difficult, but once you get started, you’ll find that the rest of the process comes more easily, especially if you begin by focusing on why you want to live a more simplified lifestyle.
Understanding Your “Why.” Before you begin the process of decluttering your home, it’s important to understand what you’re trying to accomplish. Your “why” may be anything from wanting more space in your home to spending less of your free time managing your belongings. Whatever your reasons, it’s important to keep them at the forefront of your mind during the decluttering process so that you understand your goals and can keep them in front of you as motivation.
Starting Small. As with any complex process, it’s best to start small so that you don’t become overwhelmed right away. It’s all too easy to get started, only to feel like you have already bitten off more than you can chew. To avoid this, begin the process with a single drawer, shelf, or closet. Starting with a small area allows you to get a feel for the process and will also give you an immediate sense of accomplishment that can help carry you on to the next step. Plus, you can use any of the tricks that you learn from that first small project on the larger ones ahead!
Identifying and Discarding Duplicate Items. The easiest way to begin reducing clutter in your life is to let go of items that you have multiples of. From books to kitchen utensils, many of us accumulate duplicate items, often without even realizing it. Maybe you bought one for yourself and later received another as a gift or just bought a second one because you forgot you had purchased the first. Whatever the case may be, these duplications are obvious targets for decluttering.
Digitizing Whenever Possible. We live in a world where digital storage solutions make it possible to eliminate a lot of physical clutter while still keeping the content that matters to us. This may mean music, books, DVDs, and so on, but it can also be certain documents and even photographs. In fact, using cloud storage options for photographs may be even better than keeping a physical copy. They can be easily shared with friends and family, and many cloud storage solutions offer backup options to help ensure the safety of all your treasured memories.
Incorporating the ‘One In, One Out’ Rule. Once you’ve decluttered your space, though, how do you keep it decluttered? Nothing feels worse than working hard on a project only to find it all undone before you know it. Fortunately, there are ways to keep your newly decluttered home clutter free, and one of these is the “one in, one out” rule. For every new item that you bring into your home, you have to let an older item go. The items don’t need to be commensurate in size or type. It’s simply a way to remind you to keep clutter at the forefront of your mind as you live your life day to day. Before you buy something new, you’ll find yourself asking, “What am I going to get rid of to make room for this?”
The Role of Self Storage in Minimalism. Most people think minimalism means getting rid of things that they already have, but that’s not necessarily true, especially for those who have items that they can’t bear to part with. That’s where minimalism and self-storage come in. With a self-storage unit on your side, you can enjoy a minimalist home without having to say goodbye to all of your stuff. You can put it out of sight and out of mind with some convenient self-storage in Oklahoma.
Remember that minimalism is a journey, not a destination. Decluttering your home has a variety of practical benefits, whether you go for absolute minimalism or simply try to reduce the amount of stuff you have lying around. A clutter-free home has been shown to yield significant psychological benefits, including lower stress, and you’ll have more free time if you spend less of it cleaning and organizing. Plus, it’s something that is within everyone’s reach. It’s just a matter of starting small and setting achievable goals.
Whether you’re embracing minimalism as a lifestyle or just trying to lead a slightly less cluttered existence, you can find the tools you need to help you on your journey at Storage ‘R’ Us. From climate-controlled storage to packing and moving supplies, and from specialty vehicle storage to units sized to fit any need, our convenient self-storage facilities have the solution that’s perfect for you. Plus, our friendly staff can answer any questions you might have or direct you toward the storage solution that will help you achieve your goals. Call or visit one of our convenient locations in Lawton, Duncan, Moore, Chickasha, Newcastle, or Norman today, and let us help you get started on your minimalism journey!
Planning a wedding? Congratulations! It’s going to be a joyous occasion for you and your family! At the same time, the planning process can also be one of the most stressful times you’ll ever experience. Planning and managing a wedding involves coordinating all the people who are going to attend as well as countless other tasks and decisions, each of which has its own complexity.
Besides the guest list and venue, you’re going to have to make choices regarding the florists, menu, entertainment, invitations, decorations, attire, photographer, and much more. Each of those decisions requires careful thought and planning. It’s no small effort. As the big day approaches, things tend to get even more complicated, and you’re bound to have a nagging fear of something important being forgotten. This is when having a well-organized plan can be a life saver, and using resources such as self-storage units near you can play a key role in reducing your stress and helping your wedding go off without a hitch—except, of course, the intended one.
Why consider ‘storage units near me’ for wedding planning?
As your wedding draws closer, having access to “storage units near me” can provide you with several conveniences that will help you save time and reduce stress. You can store a wide array of wedding supplies in your storage unit, from decorations to table settings to the tables themselves, keeping them organized and in perfect condition, ready and waiting for the big day. This can help you assemble and prepare everything in advance so that when your wedding day arrives, you can focus on what’s really important.
Using self-storage as part of your wedding planning strategy is also cost effective. Renting an affordable self-storage unit is likely cheaper than getting extra space at your wedding venue. Even if you’re having your wedding at home, a storage unit will help you save on space and hassle, and you can avoid the risk of damage to decorations or wedding attire by keeping it out of your busy home in the run-up to the wedding.
Weddings are not inexpensive affairs, and even the smallest wedding can find its budget ballooning unexpectedly. Fortunately, affordable self-storage can help you to nip that blossoming budget in the bud, and you can save extra money for other things like catering, photography, or your honeymoon.
Keep climate-controlled self-storage in mind for your wedding prep!
We already discussed the benefits of searching for “storage units near me” in helping you plan for your wedding, but while you’re at it, you might want to consider climate-controlled storage. The reason is simple: So many wedding-related items can be damaged by extremes of temperature or humidity. If you’re keeping wine or champagne for the reception, these are susceptible to fluctuations in temperature. Delicate decorations or wedding attire are often made of fine fabrics or other materials that can be damaged by humidity or heat. You don’t want to store a bunch of candles in a hot storage unit on a summer day, for example.
In Oklahoma, temperatures can vary considerably between seasons. That’s why climate-controlled Oklahoma self-storage facilities are vital for those who are planning a wedding in our great state. Climate-controlled self-storage can help to keep even your most delicate wedding items safe and ready, so they’ll be there waiting when the big day arrives. Storage ‘R’ Us offers climate-controlled units that can give you peace of mind so you can focus on other aspects of your wedding. What, exactly, should you consider putting into climate-controlled self-storage? We’re glad you asked!
Here are the top items you might put in climate-controlled storage before your wedding:
Wedding attire: Everyone knows that weddings come with their own complement of special attire just for the occasion. The wedding dress is the centerpiece, of course, but there’s also the suits for the groom and the groomsmen, bridesmaid dresses, and even outfits for the flower girl and ring bearer. All these and more can be safely stored away, and you won’t have to worry about humidity or other damage.
Bulk wine and champagne: Most wedding receptions serve one or both, and if you’re buying them in advance, they need to be stored at the correct temperature to maintain quality.
Delicate decorations: Many wedding decorations are made of fairly delicate materials, from silk flowers and paper streamers to wax candles that can melt in extreme heat. These items need to be stored in a place with controlled temperature and humidity.
Wedding favors: Similarly, many wedding favors are either made of delicate materials or are perishable. If you’re giving out chocolates, for example, you don’t want to store them in a hot storage unit where they’ll melt before the big day.
Paper goods: More paper than you might expect goes into a wedding. You’ll have invitations, of course, not to mention menus, place cards, and more. All of these can be protected from humidity and kept pristine with a little help from a climate-controlled storage unit.
Furniture: Depending on your venue, both the wedding itself and the wedding reception might require tables, chairs, and other furniture, as well as tableware and decorations. These can take up a lot of space, especially if the venue doesn’t already have them. If they’re purchased or rented in advance of the big day, they can be stored in an affordable self-storage unit leading up to the event. If they’re made out of anything that might be damaged by humidity, you should consider opting for climate-controlled storage.
From the biggest wedding to the smallest, whether you’re getting married at a church, an event space, or at home, any wedding is going to have a lot of moving parts that go into it. You can help to keep all that chaos contained by searching for “storage units near me,” or simply by visiting Storage ‘R’ Us at one of our many convenient Oklahoma self-storage facilities. With locations in Lawton, Moore, Chickasha, Duncan, Newcastle, and Norman, there’s bound to be a Storage ‘R’ Us near your wedding venue, and we’re happy to help make your big day one that you’ll never forget!
Here at Storage ‘R’ Us, we’ve been providing self-storage in Oklahoma since 1972, when our first location opened on E. Gore Blvd. in Lawton. Over the decades, we’ve pretty much seen and heard it all. There are very few questions that you could possibly ask about how to use your Oklahoma self-storage unit that we haven’t encountered—or so we thought.
A recent search for some of the most unusual questions that self-storage facilities receive turned up some pretty strange requests, and some of them are ones that we’ve never heard ourselves. If any of our readers had similar questions and were afraid to ask, we thought we would go ahead and address some of the most unusual questions about using self-storage. Ready?
1. Can I keep my pet lizard in a self-storage unit? We’re sorry to tell you that this is not a good idea at all. In fact, it’s probably illegal. Animals, including reptiles, need sunlight to live, so keeping any pet (lizard or otherwise) in a dark, closed-up storage unit all day is just plain cruel. Storage units are great for lots of things, but they aren’t made for anyone to live in, whether they’re people or animals. Boarding pets, even temporarily, in your self-storage unit is not allowed at Storage ‘R’ Us.
2. Can I use a self-storage unit as a temporary living space? Sorry, no. For all the same reasons your pet lizard isn’t allowed to make a home here—and plenty more besides—you also can’t live in your storage unit, even temporarily. We’ve actually written a whole article about the reasons you wouldn’t want to live in a self-storage unit, so click the link and read up on the subject. A storage unit is really not a place you would want to live, and it’s against the law as well.
3. Can I store my wedding cake in a self-storage unit before the wedding? Not recommended. For one thing, baked goods are particularly susceptible to odor absorption. While we like to think that our Oklahoma self-storage units are pretty clean, we don’t think your wedding guests would appreciate a self-storage-flavored wedding cake. It’s probably best to leave your cake with the baker until your big day or find space in a commercial refrigerator somewhere until the wedding. Also, congratulations!
4. Can I store my wine collection in self-storage and use my unit as a wine cellar? Here’s the thing: Wine needs to be stored at a consistent temperature and humidity, and even a climate-controlled storage unit isn’t ideal for your wine collection. There are other reasons to keep your favorite wines out of self-storage, too. Sure, at Storage ‘R’ Us, you have 24/7 access to your storage unit, which is pretty convenient, but you probably won’t want to run out to your storage unit if you’re hosting a dinner party and need a couple more bottles of Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
5. Can I use a self-storage unit as a recording studio? This isn’t a great idea for several reasons, but let’s start with the most obvious. A self-storage unit is a relatively small metal box that isn’t soundproofed, meaning that the acoustics are terrible for recording. Also, while your storage unit probably has electricity for lights and such, it isn’t exactly wired for the kind of equipment you’d want for a recording studio.
6. Can I store my collection of antique weapons in a self-storage unit? It depends a bit on the weapons, but in general the answer is no. Definitely nothing that goes “bang” should go into your self-storage unit. That includes firearms, fireworks, munitions, and explosives. If you have those kinds of things, it’s probably a better idea to buy a gun safe that you can keep in your home. If your weapons are even more antique and you’re talking swords, axes, or those spiky balls on the end of a chain, you might be able to put them into climate-controlled self-storage. Anything that old is probably susceptible to changes in temperature and humidity, after all.
7. Can I use a self-storage unit as a secret hideaway for my personal belongings? Sure, we suppose. Nix the “secret” and that’s kind of what all self-storage units are, right? It really depends on the type of belongings you’re wanting to store and why you want them to be secret. We wrote an article about the types of things you should never put in a self-storage unit, so you might want to click the link and read up on things you can’t legally keep there. If your “secret personal belongings” are on the list, it’s probably a good idea to keep those at home.
8. Can I use a self-storage unit to host a small event or party? Not unless we’re invited! No, seriously, a self-storage unit is not a good spot for a party. Even the biggest self-storage unit is not that spacious when you start packing it with a crowd of people, and as we mentioned above when discouraging its use as a recording studio, the acoustics are less than ideal. Plus, your self-storage unit is surrounded by other units, meaning other renters will be around, and it’s not polite to have a party without inviting the neighbors, is it?
9. Can I store my food products in a self-storage unit and use it as a commercial kitchen? Again, no. Food items and self-storage don’t go together. While you can successfully run plenty of small businesses from your self-storage unit, a commercial kitchen is not one of them. As we mentioned, the unit doesn’t have good wiring for a bunch of kitchen appliances and, more to the point, it doesn’t have any real ventilation or fire suppression systems of the kind you’d want in a kitchen.
10. Can I store my collection of live venomous snakes in a self-storage unit? Seriously? No, absolutely not! For the same reason you can’t store your pet lizard in a self-storage unit, you definitely can’t store your collection of live venomous snakes. Although we can only speak for ourselves and not the other fine self-storage facilities around the great state of Oklahoma, we would honestly rather not have your collection of live venomous snakes anywhere near the property. Your snakes may be very nice, but we would prefer to admire them from afar. And another thing: What ever happened to collecting stamps or baseball cards or rare coins? Venomous, snakes? Just wow.
These unusual questions about self-storage in Oklahoma were pretty fun, but they also show that some folks may not quite understand the limits of a self-storage unit. Luckily, the staff and managers at any of the eight Storage ‘R’ Us locations in Oklahoma are happy to answer any questions you may have about how to get the most out of your storage unit. If you feel self-conscious about asking, remember that it’s almost certainly not the weirdest question we’ve ever gotten.
No matter how you want to use your Oklahoma self-storage unit, chances are Storage ‘R’ Us has the solution that’s perfect for you. We’re here to help you find it at any of our convenient self-storage locations.
Babies are tiny, but they need an enormous amount of stuff, and that amount only increases as they grow. As soon as kids join our families, the clothing begins to fill up the closets, the toys start to pile up, and our homes suddenly get awfully cluttered. And that’s just the stuff that’s indoors. We also need to find a way to store the bicycles, tricycles, sand boxes, summer swim gear, winter sports gear, and everything else that seems to be taking up space in the garage, the back yard, the basement, and anywhere else it can be stashed.
Let’s face it: All of that clutter can get to be a bit much for one home. At the same time, most of us are hesitant to do away with all of our kids’ toys, clothes, and other items, even when our kids have outgrown them. Sometimes we keep them around for sentimental value, or we may be saving them for a future child in the family. Fortunately, self storage in Oklahoma may be just the solution you need.
Self storage can help you safely store all that kid stuff.
That’s right! With a little help from Oklahoma self storage, you can find an out-of-the-way place for everything your kids no longer use, wear, or play with. To help you get started, we’ve scoured the web for some of the top tips for how to use self storage to help manage all those children’s toys, games, puzzles, arts-and-crafts supplies, outdoor play gear, stuffed animals, bikes, sporting equipment, unused clothes, and more!
Make a plan. This is honestly good advice before you put anything into storage. When it comes to your kids, chances are you have a lot of stuff to sort through and organize. By making a plan and writing it all out, you’ll know what steps to take in what order, and you’ll have a better shot at keeping things organized so that you can find the things you need when you need them.
Get them to choose for you. Whether your kids are indifferent to their old toys and other belongings or not yet sold on the idea of putting some of them into storage, you can get their buy-in and get a better idea of which items are ready for storage by having them choose which things they want to keep. While some kids may say they want to keep everything, you can usually get them to give you some definitive yes-and-no answers on what should go into storage and what should stay out, which will help them feel like they’re a part of the process.
Make an inventory. Again, this is good advice for any storage project. An inventory helps you know what you have in storage and where it’s located so that it can be easily retrieved at a later date. Apps and other devices can help, or you can simply make a written list or fill in a spreadsheet. However you do it, an inventory helps you to know what’s in every box in your storage unit. Then, when you need to find someone’s collection of Star Wars Lego sets, you’ll know exactly where to look.
Prepare everything for long-term storage. Whether you’re storing toys, games, or clothes, you can take certain steps before you put anything into a box or bin for long-term storage. The first step is to clean everything thoroughly. This not only makes the process of boxing it up more pleasant, but it can help to avoid mold growth on the items and prevent the presence of pests in your storage unit. Be especially vigilant about removing food residue. Then dry the toys—especially anything with fabrics—to avoid mold or mildew growth while they’re stored. Finally, remove batteries from any toys that have them. Batteries corrode over time, and besides, there’s no reason to store perfectly good batteries when you could be using them in something else.
Pack it up. Now you’re finally ready to start packing everything away! Before things go into storage, they should go into boxes or bins. Clear plastic bins are often the best option, especially for smaller things like toys, but small or medium-sized cardboard boxes also work. Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap and be sure that they’re packed in a way that makes them unlikely to shift. Whatever you pack, make sure to record it on your inventory and pack things such that lighter and more fragile items are on top of heavier items. It’s also a good idea to make use of vertical space in your storage unit. Bringing in some shelving can help keep more fragile or valuable items off the ground so they’ll be better protected.
Storing items with sentimental value. Not all the kids’ toys, clothes, and other items that you put into storage are created equal. Some of them are more valuable to you, personally, than others, regardless of their value overall. From favorite stuffed animals to first clothes, some items just have greater sentimental value. These items should be stored with even greater care, probably using climate-controlled self storage. Climate-controlled storage protects items from extremes of temperature and humidity, and it’s ideal for fragile pieces or things that might otherwise decay over time.
Label everything. Your inventory is only half the battle. Knowing that the Pokémon plushies are in the same box isn’t much help if you don’t know which box that is. You can label bins with what’s in them, such as “dolls” or “Legos,” or you can use a number or other key to help reference your inventory. However you do it, you should be able to tell what’s in each box at a glance. And then, of course, make sure that, if things come out of that box (or new things go in), you adjust your inventory accordingly.
Store it all. After all that, it’s finally time to put those toys, clothes, games, bikes, and whatever else into secure self storage! You can get the most out of your storage unit in a variety of ways, including using pallets or shelves to keep things off the floor, giving items room to “breathe,” and never stacking heavier boxes on top of lighter ones. A helpful self storage professional will be able to answer any questions you have and help you pick the storage unit that’s right for your needs.
Ready for self storage in Oklahoma to take some of that clutter off your hands? Whether you’ve gone through all these steps and are ready to put things into storage or you’re stuck with questions somewhere in the process, Storage ‘R’ Us is here to help!
Big or small, serving a broad audience or a niche interest, every business can benefit from improved organization. Whether you need additional office space, a place to store inventory, a temporary workshop to fill seasonal orders, or space for tools and equipment that you’re not using right now, self storage in Oklahoma may be the perfect way to help your business reach its organizational goals this year. Let’s take a look at a few of the things that self storage can do for your business! Counting down!
#10. Self storage in Oklahoma offers your business convenience and flexibility! You can rent as much or as little space as you need for your business, and many self storage facilities offer month-to-month leasing, so you’re not locked into a long-term contract. This means that you can adjust your self storage usage as your business needs change, getting more space when you need it and less when you don’t!
#9. Self storage for businesses can be a lifesaver if you’re renovating your office. It’s best to keep things out of the way while work is being done. You’ll help protect office equipment from becoming filled with dust, furniture from getting scratched up or otherwise damaged, and just about everything from being lost. When the work is done, all of your valuable equipment and furniture will be right where you need it and ready to go!
#8. Self storage can help you save money on supplies. That’s right. With a little help from your self storage unit, you can buy in bulk and shift the excess into storage until it’s needed. This is helpful for businesses of all types, but it can be particularly handy for restaurants and other businesses that use a lot of non-perishable items such as paper goods in large quantities. Buying in bulk helps you get more for your dollar!
#7. Anyone who has ever used self storage in Oklahoma to help them plan a move to a new home can tell you that self storage can help when you’re between offices or locations. Whether you’re planning a move or in the middle of one, moving to a smaller location or a larger office, self storage can give you a place to stage equipment, furniture, and everything else as you transition from one space to the next.
#6. Not every type of business stores heavy equipment or vehicles, but many do, such as businesses that provide lawn and garden services, contractors, and even food truck owners. Self storage can provide a safe, convenient space to put tools, heavy equipment, and even vehicles when they’re not in use. Even restaurant owners may benefit from the ability to store large kitchen appliances, especially ones that are only used for certain dishes or only needed for part of the year.
#5. Removing clutter around the office helps employees to be more productive and makes the workplace safer. What’s more, studies have shown that open, uncluttered workspaces help to make workers happier, and employees who come to work in a clean and uncluttered office typically report a higher rate of satisfaction with their job. Plus, you might even have enough extra space freed up to put in that espresso machine everyone’s been asking for. That’ll make everybody happier!
#4. Self storage can actually help you improve security! How? Think of a secure self storage facility as a sort of external vault. It’s someplace to keep assets, equipment, and documents that need to be retained but that also shouldn’t be left where someone could get at them. Self storage units should be locked and secured by you, and they’ll also be watched 24/7 by the self storage facility itself. Most top-tier facilities offer security measures such as video monitoring, fenced and gated perimeters, and staff on hand, to name a few. To keep items safe from the ravages of temperature fluctuations and humidity, you can also opt for climate controlled self storage.
#3. Self storage can even help you expand and grow your business, especially when you’re hiring new employees. As your business grows, it may experience growing pains, including not having enough space for everything from an expanding inventory to a growing workforce. Self storage in Oklahoma can help with all of that! Sure, you can’t put the new employees in your storage unit, but you can open up space in the office to add more desks, cubicles, or other workspaces by moving other things into self storage. If your business is growing, before you rent out a bigger office space, consider whether self storage can address your needs instead! You can put the money you save back into your business!
#2. A self storage unit can act as the warehouse you’ve always needed. Warehouse space can be pricy and subject to a lot of variation in quality and availability. Self storage from a reputable storage facility gives you all the benefits of a warehouse plus the knowledge that you can always access your merchandise, samples, raw materials, spare parts, and so on day or night. You can even use self storage as a central location for your packing and shipping efforts.
#1. The number-one way that self storage in Oklahoma can benefit your business is simply by providing more space. It doesn’t really matter what you need the space for. Whether you’re storing boxes of files, putting unused office furniture out of the way, expanding your packing and shipping operations, finding a place to park work vehicles during the off-season, adding more office space for new employees, or decluttering the office, every business needs space, from the biggest corporation to the smallest food truck. Any business can benefit from self storage in Oklahoma.
No matter what kind of business you run—or what kind of storage needs your business is facing—we can help you out with the storage solution that’s perfect for you! With locations in Lawton, Duncan, Chickasha, Moore, Newcastle, and Norman, Storage ‘R’ Us has been serving Oklahoma businesses and residents since 1972, and we can help you find the perfect place for all your stuff today!
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!
