With new Kindles and e-readers, your big collection of books might start to get in the way around the house, but you’re not alone if you don’t want to get rid of your books. There’s just something about opening up a book that these modern e-readers don’t do.
However, storing books can be more difficult than it seems because books are very susceptible to humidity, dust and dirt, moths, and water damage. Keep reading to explore some tips for the most optimal book storage.
While it may sound bizarre, cleaning your books prior to putting them in your storage unit will help protect from future soiling or staining. Using a soft chemical-free wipe or a nonmagnetic cloth, simply wipe down the outside covers and spine. This will keep your books protected from damage in your storage unit.
For some extra protection, pack your books with dividers in between to avoid any covers sticking together. You can use any type of divider, but we recommend using something that doesn’t have words on it so it doesn’t transfer to the book.
For rare or antique books, consider wrapping them to protect them from any damage. We recommend wrapping them in an acid-free archival paper to prevent any yellowing and provide for the most protection.
Pack with spine down or flatBooks are fragile and the pages are easily ripped, so when you’re packing your books up make sure they are packed spine down or just flat stacked on each other. Packing them sideways allows the larger surface area to carry the weight of the books to help distribute the weight better.
We also recommend packing by size and weight by packing the heavy books on the bottom with lighter ones on top and remembering to use dividers, not packing a single box too heavy, and using plastic bins not cardboard boxes.
Another packing tip is alternating the spines of the books when you’re packing them to maximize the storage space and fit as many books as you can. It will give you more space as well as preventing spine damage.
Here at Ample Storage, we want to match your personal and business needs with the best units in Northern Nevada. With various storage unit sizes and 24/7 security, we hope that we will strive to meet your needs. Please feel free to contact us today to get started!
When storing your clothes it may seem as easy as packing them up and tossing them into the storage unit. However, that is not the case if you want your clothes to stay in good shape for years to come. From baby clothes to seasonal clothing, it’s necessary to store them in the proper way when it comes to folding, the type of container, and ideal storage conditions. This blog from Ample Storage is here to offer some expert advice on how to store clothes in a storage unit.
When you’re getting ready to store clothing, it’s obvious that the clothes you are going to store aren’t going to be used in the near future, but there may also be some that you definitely will not be needing anymore. Look for those clothes you know you haven’t worn in months and throw them in a pile to sell or donate at your local Goodwill. Keep an eye for anything ripped, stained, or clothes that don’t fit anymore to reduce the amount that will eventually be put in the storage unit.
Before you even start packing up your clothes make sure that everything is washed and properly dried. Dirty and damp clothes can allow mildew and mold to grow and start to smell awful if left untreated. Stains from food can also attract rodents and insects that can destroy your clothes if they happen to get in.
While it may be easier to use old cardboard boxes or plastic bags, it’s not ideal for storing clothes. Cardboard and plastic are vulnerable to water damage, bacteria, mold, or pests that will ruin your clothes. We recommend using plastic bins that can be closed shut for protection.
Mothballs have been the most popular choice to deter pests and insects from storage units, but there are a few different less toxic and less pungent alternatives to use as mothballs are very toxic. Try a few of these mothball alternatives:
If your clothes will be left in your storage unit for multiple years, it’s a good idea to go back through and repack and refold them every year or so. Over multiple years, your clothes are prone to permanent creasing and wrinkling. You can also use this chance to check for any water damage, insects, or pests in your unit or clothes.
Here at Ample Storage, we take pride in being able to spread our knowledge to our customers, and hopefully, this blog has offered some insight into how to store your clothes in a storage unit for your clothes to last. As usual, don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns!
When storing sensitive and important documents, we want our customers to have the peace of mind that they will be safe and secure. Even in this increasingly digital age, secure document storage for businesses is essential.
It’s necessary to keep important information, but often the boss’ office and the extra storage closet just isn’t enough. Keep reading this blog to explore information about document storage for businesses and our tips and tricks for organization.
When looking for a good storage unit for your important documents, security should be your number one priority. Ample Storage is equipped with many security features that will keep you and your storage unit safe.
Our safety features include:
In addition to our security features, customers are able to use their own lock and use a safe or locked file cabinet to store their documents.
Here at Ample Storage, we offer a multitude of different unit sizes. For document storage for businesses, we recommend our 5’x5’ unit. It’s our smallest unit that’s about the size of a closet. It can hold small furniture, a large tool chest, a small quad and several boxes—which should be more than enough for your documents.
We have a few unit organization tips that will help you maximize your storage space to ensure everything is easily accessible and safe.
Inventory
Before you even start packing things up, we recommend taking a full inventory of what you will be storing in your unit. Create an inventory list, and make copies so you will know exactly what you will have in there.
Label
After you have tabs on your full inventory, be sure to label. This can save loads of time digging through your unit looking for one specific document. Whether you’re using boxes, storage containers or file cabinets be sure to put labels on what is going in.
Create backups
If possible, create digital backups of every document you will be storing. We do guarantee that your items will be secure, but having backups could save you in the long run.
Pack light, tight and efficiently
Now for the fun part, the actual packing! You can use just about anything to store your documents—boxes, plastic containers, binders, etc—but we recommend using locking, fire retardant safes or filing cabinets.
While packing try to keep it light and store similar documents together. When loading your unit pay close attention to how it’s organized because eventually you’ll have to get things out. Put the documents you will probably never need in the back, and the ones you could possibly need in the front. Locating your documents will never be easier!
Hopefully this blog has aided you in your process of document storage for businesses. We want to keep our customers fully informed about our features and continue to add storage tips straight from the experts! Contact us today for any questions or to secure your unit.
When most people think of self-storage units, they usually think of moving storage, or storage from downsizing. But there are countless creative ways to use your storage unit—we've got five great ideas to get you started:
Storing expensive collections when you’re going to be gone for an extended period
Avoid tempting savvy thieves with the siren song of your collection of handcrafted, mosaic-encrusted Turkish guitars. When you’re off to an island vacation or another long business trip to Singapore, trust your most prized possessions to a secure self-storage unit, like Ample Storage in south Reno.
Set up a recording studio, or form a garage band
If you’re tired of editing barking dogs or bickering children out of your podcasts every week, or the neighbors have complained about band practice so many times that local police have set up a pop-up station at the end of your street, move your studio into a mini self storage unit. Ample Self-Storage units offer privacy, low prices, and great acoustics. You’ll be playing The Knit in no time.
Holding a garage sale AFTER your move
Oh, intentions—how we love you, if just for a little while. As most anyone who has moved knows, the pre-move garage sale is one of the most stressful parts of moving. There’s all the sorting, all the labeling and pricing, all the setting-out, all the attending. All while you’re trying to schedule the movers and get the kids to work on their closets and get your utilities turned on across town.
Shuttle everything you’ve earmarked for a garage sale into a mini self-storage unit at Ample Storage in south Reno for safe-keeping until the move is done, then hold the garage sale right from the storage unit. Moving out of town? Have friends or family sign on to help hold the garage sale from the storage unit, and let them keep part of the profits.
Turn your college-bound child's room into that studio you've been dreaming about
The last of your kids has left for college, and each time you pass that pristinely-preserved room, you feel the pang of possibility: What if? You feel it in your bones that in that room awaits a masterpiece. A painting, a novel, a set of hand-crafted voodoo dolls. But no, you couldn't! If you cleared out and took over that room, not-so-little Danielle or Daniel would never forgive you. And what would you do with all their music equipment and band posters and that dreadful daybed, anyway?
Do you see where we're going with this? Move your college-age child's room into a small, affordable unit at Ample Self-Storage until they're ready to come home. They never have to know.
Burning Man storage!
Reno is ground zero for Burning Man preparations, and many out-of-towners maintain a mini self-storage unit in Reno all year for their Burning Man gear, structures, and supplies. If you’re a local and a regular Burner, you probably have a garage or a room in your house that’s overrun with playa material, maybe even bits of art car. Set your space free and let Ample Self-Storage in south Reno keep your precious playa possessions safe and ready for your next burn.
Like it or not, Christmas often seems to be mostly about stuff, and more stuff! Even when we haven’t asked for much, or anything at all, people love to give us stuff. Stuff for the kitchen, stuff for the bedroom, stuff for the kids, stuff for the lawn. Some of this stuff is nice to have, and some of it we probably need. But this time of year, all that stuff turns to clutter, and clutter can quickly get overwhelming when we’re busy with other things. Pretty soon, the holidays and their aftermath feel like just one more chore to be tackled.
We’ve got a few ideas to help you keep your Christmas clutter-free. 
Go through closets in advance
Spring cleaning may be the traditional time we throw open the windows and go through the house with a fine-toothed comb to see what we can still use and what can be recycled, re-gifted, donated, or thrown away. But we think the space between Thanksgiving and Christmas is the perfect time for purging, big and small, because we tend to more readily part with old things when we’re anticipating the new things that will soon be taking their place. Bonus: Less to clean for Christmas company!
Get kids on board with cleaning by with an “If you want it, make room for it” rule
If an extra 25 pounds of toys and trinkets to trip over, look for, or otherwise wrangle in the kids’ rooms doesn’t sound like fun, get the kids sweeping through their rooms for things to sacrifice to the donation pile by instituting the rule that no new stuff comes in until an equal or greater number of old stuff goes out.
Get a temporary self-storage unit
Mini self-storage units can be the perfect way to get a “stuff” situation under control until you have a chance to devote some time and thinking to what’s going where, and when. Sometimes, the holidays just get too busy before we’ve had a chance to sit down and sort everything from mismatched chairs to overrun toolboxes to overflowing bookshelves. But there are relatives to make room for, and potentially more incoming furniture, tools, books, and other things. A self-storage unit like the roomy, secure, and affordable storage units at Ample Storage in south Reno can keep your in-flux stuff organized, safe, and out of your way until after you’ve enjoyed (and recovered from) the festivities.
Ask for intangibles this year
Don’t want any more stuff? Consider letting friends and family know you want to do Christmas differently this year. Instead of more stuff, point to experiences you’d like to have, places you’d like to go, charities you’d like a donation sent to in your name. Better yet, suggest pooling all your money and going somewhere amazing or having a great experience together as a family. No stuff required!
Here at Ample Storage we encourage our customers to stay informed and educated about our processes. Today we will be exploring some of the frequently asked questions about self-storage units.
1. How much is a storage unit?When it comes to self-storage unit pricing it usually depends on the size and location of the storage unit. Contact our office today for pricing information.
The short answer to this question is no. For starters, storage unit facilities are businesses, and authorities stress the fact that living in an area that’s not zoned for residential use is illegal.
In addition, storage units pose a number of health concerns that would be incredibly tough to deal with, including no windows, no running water, limited space and usually management will do rounds before closing to make sure everything is locked up—meaning there’s a chance you can get locked in your unit.
Determining what size storage unit you will need will depend on how much gear you decide to store. At Ample Storage, we have a wide selection of units ranging from 5’x5’ to 20’x20’.
The smaller 5’x5’ units can hold roughly the contents of an average one bed apartment. This includes a bed, a sofa, miscellaneous appliances and other small items.
Our two largest units come in 10’x40’ to 20’x20’. These two are about the size of a two car garage with plenty of room for a couple cars, several bed sets, sofas and other furniture. Check out our storage unit sizes to discover which size will fit your needs best.
Generally—yes. However, it usually comes at a lower protection rate, usually around 10% of your total personal property amount.
Renter’s insurance will usually cover stored items like clothing, furniture, electronics and appliances from theft, fires, tornados or water leak damage from the unit. On the other hand it doesn’t protect pest damage, floods and earthquakes—unless your renter’s insurance is upgraded.
The best way to tackle this situation is plan out exactly what you’ll be storing away in your unit. After you know what will be in there, you should map out where you will put your items. Start with heavier items you won’t plan on needing in the back, and stack boxes high to make sure everything fits.
Also, be sure to label everything to be more efficient when you need to find a specific item. Pay close attention to fragile items, electronics, books or magazines that could be prone to water damage on the floor.
For more information on how to organize your storage unit check out our storage unit tips or our How to Maximize Storage Space blog post.
When it comes to deciding to rent a storage unit it depends on your specific needs and situation at the time. Many renters use units for extra gear that doesn’t fit in the garage, and that is not often used.
Another common use for a self-storage unit is during the moving process. It’s great for holding your belongings for a month or two, a college student who’s going home for the summer or if you plan on moving away for just a few months.
Climate-controlled storage units are usually only necessary for certain situations and items, or if you are willing to pay the extra price. They’re great for specialty items that can deteriorate severely over time like artwork, old photographs, collectibles, antiques, important documents or musical instruments.
Climate-controlled units are also great if you plan to leave your belongings for an extended period of time, or if you live in a severely hot or cold climate.
At Ample Storage we provide a number of benefits to accommodate your storage needs. We offer numerous sizes, competitive prices and specials, no deposit or contracts, ground units and 24/7 security. Give us a call today to get started!
Before you sign up or get locked into a contract be sure you’re looking out for a couple things first. The top priority is usually security. You don’t want to drive away from your unit wondering if all your belongings will still be there the next time you come back.
Be sure to also do some research on; accessibility (24 hour access, hours, etc.), pricing, availability, location and reviews.
Although our storage unit facilities are monitored 24/7, it is a good idea to insure your belongings. Storage units aren’t totally immune to disaster where arson, flooding and theft aren’t totally unheard of. While your belongings are in very capable hands at Ample Storage, storage unit insurance can give you that extra peace of mind.
When you first open up that storage unit you’ve been desperately needing, it can look like a huge space, but once you get a few pieces of big furniture, space can quickly dwindle away. Maximizing your storage space can be cost-effective, efficient, and overall easier to use. These tips and tricks can help you figure out how to maximize storage space, and make your storage unit feel organized and clutter-free.
This is the easiest, simplest way to make room in your storage unit is to get rid of some things. Go through piece by piece of what you plan to keep in your storage unit, and thoroughly assess if you will need this item or if it will just be collecting dust in the back of the unit. This will help you save space before you even start. Instead of just throwing unwanted items away, you can donate them to your local thrift store.
Chances are, you won’t be able to remember every single item that you put in your storage unit. Creating a list of inventory will make it easier to grab things from your unit when you need them, and you won’t have to dig through a mountain of stuff to get to it.
No matter how tedious this may seem, it is a great way to save storage space. While you’re creating an inventory list you can also start to map out where exactly you’ll be putting things. You could even resolve some problems before you start, realize you could get by with a smaller unit or need to get a size up. Try to think where is the best place for fragile items? Seasonal items? Outdoor gear? These are all important factors that can maximize storage space.
Disassembling large items is a sure-fire way to create some more storage space. Check and see which items you can disassemble, (many new furniture pieces can be quickly disassembled for ideal storage) and refer back to your floor plan on where the best location would be. Be sure to hold on to all the extra pieces!
While this seems intuitive, it can easily be overlooked when you get started filling up your storage unit. You’ll be able to stack lighter items on top, and you won’t have to dig through your heaviest items just to get to those family photos in the back. Once you start putting things away, it’s hard and time-consuming to have to take everything out and start over. So again, refer to your custom floor plan so you don’t forget!
Starting with the heavy items on the ground (of course) stack boxes, crates and storage bins as high as you can. This will enable you to utilize the full capacity of the storage unit. You can even stack furniture like couches and tables upright to make more space. Also, take advantage of extra storage space if you’re storing items like bookcases or shelving.
We hope this blog has provided some insight into how to maximize storage space and taken some of the stress out of the process. Here at Ample Storage, we strive for customer convenience, and we guarantee the safety and security of all our self serve storage units. Feel free to give us a call at 775-851-3535 or pop into our office at 8057 S. Virginia Street to get started!
When you first open up your Ample Storage space you’ve been desperately needing, it can look huge. Once you get a few pieces of big furniture, space can quickly dwindle away. Maximizing your storage space can be cost-effective, efficient, and overall easier to use. These tips and tricks can help you figure out how to maximize your storage unit and make your unit feel organized and clutter-free.
This is the easiest, simplest way to make room in your storage unit is to get rid of some things. Go through piece by piece of what you plan to keep in your storage unit, and thoroughly assess if you will need this item or if it will just be collecting dust in the back of the unit. This will help you save space before you even start. Instead of just throwing unwanted items away, you can donate them to your local thrift store.
Chances are, you won’t be able to remember every single item that you put in your storage unit. Creating a list of inventory will make it easier to grab things from your unit when you need them, and you won’t have to dig through a mountain of stuff to get to it.
No matter how tedious this may seem, it is a great way to save storage space. While you’re creating an inventory list, you can also start to map out where exactly you’ll be putting things. You could even resolve some problems before you start, realize you could get by with a smaller unit or need to get a size up. Try to think where is the best place for fragile items? Seasonal items? Outdoor gear? These are all important factors that can maximize storage space.
Disassembling large items is a sure-fire way to create some more storage space. Check and see which items you can disassemble, (many new furniture pieces can be quickly disassembled for ideal storage) and refer back to your floor plan on where the best location would be. Be sure to hold on to all the extra pieces!
While this seems intuitive, it can easily be overlooked when you get started filling up your storage unit. You’ll be able to stack lighter items on top, and you won’t have to dig through your heaviest items just to get to those family photos in the back. Once you start putting things away, it’s hard and time-consuming to have to take everything out and start over. So again, refer to your custom floor plan so you don’t forget!
Starting with the heavy items on the ground (of course) stack boxes, crates and storage bins as high as you can. This will enable you to utilize the full capacity of the storage unit. You can even stack furniture like couches and tables upright to make more space. Also, take advantage of extra storage space if you’re storing items like bookcases or shelving.
We hope this blog has provided some insight into how to maximize storage space and taken some of the stress out of the process. Here at Ample Storage, we strive for customer convenience, and we guarantee the safety and security of all our self serve storage units. Feel free to contact us or pop into our office at 8057 S. Virginia Street to get started!
Is your business space getting cluttered with paperwork that you never use but can’t get rid of? Or maybe your growing business is starting to feel cramped because of all the things you’ve accumulated since opening your doors. Whatever is making your office or workplace feel small and uncomfortable, a Reno storage unit can help get your space back. Not only are they cost-effective, a bonus to any business owner, but they can also help your business grow and prosper more rapidly. Take a look below at all the ways a self-storage unit can benefit your business.
Marketing samples and extra sales materials can take up a lot of space in your office that you could be utilizing for other business needs. Rather than let paperwork and goodies take up an entire corner, or more, in your office, store it away in a business storage unit. Our self-storage units are easily accessible and completely secure. Not only will your important documents and supplies be safe in our units, but you’ll get the space back that you need to run an efficient and productive business.
Most businesses require that official documents are kept for a certain amount of time before they can be disposed of or destroyed. Usually, this paperwork is kept as a precautionary measure and the papers are rarely looked at after their done being used. Paperwork like this can take up huge amounts of space in your office and get in the way of other necessary office supplies. Fortunately, a business storage unit helps keep these important files secure and out of your way. And if you do ever need to access them, our storage units allow you to easily and conveniently get to your documents as often as you need.
If you’re in the process of moving or remodeling, or simply don’t have space for some of your office or work equipment, then a business storage unit may be the solution you need. Ample Storage offers temporary storage to businesses so they can store their belongings securely, without being tied down to a lengthy contract. And with easy access to your equipment, you won’t have to worry about putting commonly used equipment in storage. Reno Storage Unit
We understand the stress that comes with moving to a new building, having a cluttered workspace or unexpected business hardships, and we strive to make that transition as smooth as possible for you. We offer competitive prices and prioritize the safety and security of your belongings. Connect with us to see what business storage unit sizes we have available and get your space back!
There are numerous reasons you might need some temporary storage space. It could be relocation, home staging for a sale, or maybe you’re moving and have a few days in between where you have nowhere to store your belongings. Whatever your situation is there are a few common factors you’ll want to keep in mind during the process, and this blog will offer some short term storage advice and options.
Your definition of short term could be a little different, but it is generally defined as 3 months or less. The temporary storage option you end up making should be determined on your specific needs. While on the hunt for temporary storage try to keep the following things in mind.
Will you be storing a lot or a little? Will you just be storing a few boxes or will you need space for large furniture or possibly a family car? Here at Ample Storage, we have 8 different storage unit sizes ranging from our smallest at 5’ by 5’, which is about the size of a closet, to our most spacious at 20’ by 20’, which is about the size of a two-car garage. Check out our storage unit size page on our website, and we have clear visuals to help you decide how much space you need.
This could prove vital if you are in the process of transitioning living arrangements. When looking for short term storage options it’s best to choose the most accessible if you’ll be needing to access it regularly. At Ample Storage, we are open for access to units 7 days a week from 6 AM to 9 PM for your convenience.
Term flexibility here at Ample Storage isn’t a problem. We offer month by month payments with no contracts or deposits. So if you’re unsure about how long you’ll be needing a space you won’t be locked into a contract. When you are finished with the storage unit, you stop paying. It’s that simple. We also offer seasonal discounts during Christmas and New Year and a summer month special for our most popular times.
We understand the stress that comes with moving, a cluttered house, or unexpected life hardships, and we strive to make that transition as smooth as possible for you. We offer competitive prices and prioritize safety and security. Head to our contact page if you want to learn more or if you’re ready to secure a storage unit!
