It’s no secret that organizing your storage units in Reno can be a major stressor if you have a lot of items. Space can be a precious thing to save nowadays, whether it’s in your home or in your storage unit.
Rather than fill up your home and apartment with items that don’t quite fit, consider renting a short term storage unit. Your local storage facility will help you figure out what size is best for you. Of course, your self storage unit can still get messy if you don’t know how to organize it. Here are six quick tips from the team at Ample Storage to help you out.
Load from the back forward. The door to your storage unit is your entry way. If you block it, you may find it difficult to get in.
Place larger items in the back. The bigger an item is, the farther back it should be placed in your storage unit. This storage unit below is in the process of being organized, but follows the tip because the mattresses have been placed in the back. As for other bulky items like bed frames or tables, take the time to disassemble them for additional space. Keeping pieces together and labeled will help during reassembly.
Play Tetris. Stacking is the name of the game with any storage unit sizes. Our 24 hour storage units in Reno NV are built with plenty of vertical space, so use it. Stack flat items on top of flat items to create a stable tower of items. It’s important to be careful when stacking too high, in case the boxes topple over. Also, make sure not to strain your back when lifting heavy items without a partner or dolly.
Boxes go on top. Put the boxes on top of your stack, since cardboard has a tendency to bend with pressure over long periods of time. Also, you are more likely to need something out of a box, so keeping them nearby and labeled helps keep your storage unit organized.
As an alternative to cardboard boxes, clear plastic bins are long-lasting and high quality. They also can be used for home storage once you no longer need a self storage unit. When covering large pieces of furniture like couches or lounge chairs, use a blanket instead of plastic as a way to prevent mold growth from trapped moisture.
Leave yourself an aisle so you don’t block access to anything from any angle. If you organize to leave yourself a small aisle, you can go into your storage unit and grab what you need.
Important items go closer to the door. Once your storage unit is loaded and you live in Reno, you might be heading back and forth to grab things from time to time. When you put important items closer to the door, they are easier to get to when you need them from our Reno NV storage facility.
For more advice on what to store or important tools you might need for moving, check out our page here. If you follow these storage tips for storage units, you will be in and out in no time when visiting Ample Storage.
Did you know that one in five households move to a new place every year? If you’re planning to settle down in a brand new home, you might be curious about when is the best time to do so.
Peak moving season is typically described as the time between the months of June and August but can begin as early as April or end in late October. This timeframe is usually when college students are moving out of their dorms and apartments and potentially finding new ones. Additionally, many families with K-12-aged children want to make sure they’re fully settled in and familiar with the area by the time the new school year starts.
The spring through fall seasons makes for a much better time to move than the winter and holiday season. Who wants to stress about major holidays and family gatherings in addition to moving or looking for long term storage?
Moving is not going to be easy, but it doesn’t need to be a miserable time either. So many things need to be accounted for during the moving process, whether it’s hiring movers, making lists, planning ahead for utilities or schools, and closing on your house. Getting a plan in place has worked wonders for a lot of people when it comes to leaving your old home and settling into the new one. By avoiding these common moving mistakes and planning ahead, you can prepare better for the unexpected and make things run more smoothly.
At Ample Storage, we’ve been helping Northern Nevadans store their valuables since 1987 and have considered your convenience and security first. This also applies to the packing process too, because we’ve been around long enough to know what works and what doesn’t!
Here are some additional tips on moving:
Downsizing when moving is important, and if you’re looking to move some items into storage until you’re ready to use them at your new home, consider using our storage services to keep them safe. Ample Storage has a variety of storage unit sizes with sizes ranging from 5x5 and 20x20.
Free up space in the moving truck and get organized today. Our team looks forward to being a part of your new journey!
Contact Ample Storage to Learn More Today
Our Reno self-storage facility constantly gets asked what items can be stored in a storage unit and what shouldn’t be put in a storage unit. Generally, you can put a whole host of things in a storage unit, but there are limits. A self-storage facility is a great place to store unused household items, appliances, keepsakes, clothes, and even vehicles. However, some items are not accepted either due to the safety risk and sanitary implications they pose. So, what can you put in a storage unit and what should you not put in a storage unit? Find out below.
Flammable and combustible materials pose a severe safety risk in storage facilities and are therefore not allowed. To prevent the possibility of fire, all flammable materials should not be stored in a self-storage unit. These materials may include paint, thinners, household or commercial cleaners, and fuel (gas or diesel). Other combustible or flammable materials that should not be placed in storage include:
Hazardous MaterialsLike flammable materials, hazardous items should be kept out of storage units for safety purposes. Most hazardous materials have the potential to catch fire, explode, or put others at risk of danger. All of the following items are prohibited from storage facilities:
It’s important that storage facilities maintain health and safety standards to keep storage renters’ belongings safe. Pests and rodents may easily find their way into a storage unit, causing damage to your property. In an effort to prevent this from happening, all items that attract pests are not allowed to be kept in storage units. This includes garbage and perishable foods.
Items that are wet or damp should either be thoroughly dried out prior to storage or kept out of a storage unit entirely. Water attracts mold and mildew which thrive in dark locations and can easily spread to other items in your unit leading to damaged goods and unflattering smells. Because of this, all items that are placed in storage need to be completely dry. Things like umbrellas and even certain appliances such as a washing machine need to be wiped clean and dried before being stored for any amount of time.
This one is pretty self-explanatory, but living things such as animals, plants, and people cannot be stored in a storage facility. It is also against the law to reside or work in a storage unit.
Appliances are commonly stored in a storage facility to clear up space at home or in the garage. Storage units are great for appliances as they keep them safe from the elements and can be easily put away and taken out. You may put microwaves, dishwashers, washers and dryers, refrigerators, and more in a storage unit. Just be sure to thoroughly clean the appliances before storing them, and ensure they are completely dry.
If you rent a large enough storage unit, you are more than welcome to store your motor vehicles inside. Cars, boats, jet skis, snowmobiles, RVs, motorcycles, and lawnmowers may be stored. However, some facilities will require that the vehicle is operable, so the classic vehicle that you’re trying to get up and running may not be accepted. Check with your local self-storage facilities to see what their policy on storing non-operable vehicles is.
When it comes to storing clothes and linen, it’s important to keep them in an airtight container to prevent pests and humidity from getting a hold of them. Clothes, bedding, towels, blankets, outerwear, and even shoes may be kept in a storage unit.
Just about any home good or household item that isn’t flammable, hazardous, or a living thing is acceptable to be kept in a storage facility. Common home goods that are placed in storage units consist of memorabilia, keepsakes, trophies, antiques, photos, books, and even electronics. Just be sure to protect your delicate items such as electronics by putting them in airtight containers.
Furniture is one of the most common items to be kept in a storage facility. All outdoor and indoor furniture including sofas, tables, chairs, shelves, and bed frames may be stored. Mattresses are also acceptable, but they should be properly wrapped in plastic and covered for the duration of their stay. All furniture should also be cleaned and properly protected prior to being stored.
Seasonal items are also commonly stored in storage facilities. As long as the materials are not flammable or hazardous, they can be stored. Things such as lights, signs, inflatables, and other holiday or seasonal decor may be kept in a storage unit.
Declutter Your Home with Reno Ample Storage Here at Ample Storage in Reno, NV, we understand that you want to hang on to the belongings that we’re storing for you. To that end, our safe and secure Reno storage facility is equipped with security features that will keep you and your stored possessions safe as a bug in a rug! Whether you’re looking for short or long-term storage, a large or small unit, and affordable pricing, Reno Ample Storage provides you with all you need to keep your property safe and secure. Connect with us today!
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 it comes to long term storage, utilizing Reno storage facilities will be your best option. Self-storage units are an efficient and safe way to keep personal items that you don’t want to part with, while also freeing up space in your home. Here are the benefits to long term storage using Reno storage facilities and some tips for planning and preparing your storage unit for long term use.
There are many benefits to using a self-storage unit to keep your special belongings. Whether you’re looking for a storage unit to declutter your home, or you just need a space to put things for a while, a storage unit can be extremely convenient.
Using a self-storage unit is an effective way to remove excess stuff from your home that you don’t want to get rid of. We all have sentimental items that we keep because of the memories we have with them. But sometimes there just isn’t enough room in your home to keep these items that you most likely aren’t using. The same goes for holiday decorations and seasonal items. Obviously you don’t want to get rid of your Christmas lights just because they’re not being used, so where do you put them? A storage unit is a great place to store these seasonal or sentimental items that you don’t want to get rid of, but also don’t want cluttering up your home.
Home renovations can be unpredictable. Instead of moving your things to another room in the house and cluttering up your home, use a storage unit during the renovation. By using short term or even long term storage, your items will be out of the way and allow you to focus on your big project.
If you’re in the process of preparing for a new baby, or having a friend or family member move in then using a self storage unit is a great option for you. You can easily clear out any furniture or other items from the room to open it up for someone else. Your furniture and keepsakes will be safe and secure, and the best part is, you don’t have to get rid of anything. And if you’re getting new furniture but can’t part with your old stuff, storing those belongings in a secure unit can provide a great solution.
Most storage units are well protected by added security that you may not have at home. Keeping important items that aren’t used often in a storage unit is a great way to keep them safe. The guards, gates, and padlocked units make it difficult for theft to occur, making your items very secure.
Preparing for long term storage should be done thoughtfully. The last thing you want is to find out later that your things have been damaged due to poor planning and improper packing. Here are some tips to help you pack up your things for a long term stay.
Decide what items you would like to store and rent a unit that will accommodate all of them. If you’re only packing away a few boxes, then you won’t need a very large unit. And if you’re packing away an entire room, make sure you have enough space in your unit to fit everything comfortably.
Some of your items will be harder to pack away than others, You should keep in mind the materials you're storing and the condition they’ll be in during their stay. For example, leather couches should be cleaned beforehand using a leather cleaning solution, and then properly protected with an old sheet or even a sofa cover. Your items should be in the same condition when you pull them out of storage as they were when you put them in.
Be sure to pack breakable items with plenty of cushioning so they don’t break, and be extra cautious with your more valuable items. Also, when storing household appliances, they should be thoroughly cleaned out before hand, and left open to prevent mildew from growing. You can also take a look at our Storage Unit Tips to help you pack.
Climate controlled storage units are necessary for storing certain items. Electronics and wood furniture for example, should be stored in climate controlled units. This is because extreme heat and extreme cold can negatively affect these items.
Some self-storage companies require that their tenants get insurance, but usually this is optional. Having the added insurance can provide peace of mind, and will protect you and your belongings in case of an accident or incident.
Ample Storage is the perfect place to keep important items for long term storage. There are many Reno storage facilities in the area, but we offer a wide range of storage sizes all the way from 5x5 to 20x20. We also understand how important the security of your items is, which is why we provide around the clock security 24 hours a day. Contact us today for unit availability and sizing options.
Finding the perfect Reno storage facilities takes a bit of research. Regardless of whether you are looking for short term or long term storage, you should use a storage company that will be convenient for you and a safe place for your valued belongings. How do you find the right storage facility? We came up with 10 questions to ask before renting a storage unit to ease your search and hopefully help you find the best storage option.
This is one of the most important questions to ask before renting a storage unit. The office at most Reno storage facilities are open during normal business hours (from 9am to 5pm), but allow access to storage units for longer periods of time. Keep in mind that if you’re needing to get in contact with someone in the office that they may not be there at the same time that you access your storage unit. And if you’re needing a storage unit with longer hours because of your schedule, then you’ll want to make sure the storage facility you choose can accommodate that. There are 24 hour Reno storage facilities which may be convenient for people with unconventional schedules.
Most storage units offer climate controlled units. If you are considering long term storage but have items that are sensitive to extreme weather conditions then you’re going to want to seek out Reno storage facilities with climate control. This will ensure that your belongings won’t suffer damage caused by extreme heat, cold, or high humidity.
Each storage facility has different rules regarding locks. Some Reno storage facilities require that you purchase a lock from them, others allow you to bring your own as long as it’s a certain size or type of lock, and others let you choose your own. Be sure to call ahead and see if you need to provide a lock, if they have any for purchase, and what their lock regulations are like.
The last thing you want is for your storage unit to be invaded by bugs or rodents. They can damage your belongings and make storing items in a storage facility useless. Good Reno storage facilities will ensure the safety of your items by spraying the property with pest and bug repellents. If necessary, they will set up traps and take other precautions to keep rodents and insects out of your stuff.
It can be difficult to get yourself down to your storage facility to pay your rent before their office closes. As stated earlier, most storage offices stick to normal business hours. And even if you do have time to pay in person, it’s not always convenient. This is why you should find a storage facility that offers online bill pay, or even auto pay.
Security is a vital quality to look for when finding the right storage facility for you. You want your belongings to be safe so the facility you choose should ensure your trust in them by having a great approach to security. Some basic security features to look for include gated access, surveillance cameras, and good lighting. More advanced security features may include things such as alarmed units, and a security guard on duty at all times.
Just like you would buy health or car insurance, there is also storage insurance. Storage insurance, also called tenant insurance, covers property that is kept in the storage unit in case of theft, damage, or loss. Some facilities require this in order for you to use their storage units, and others offer it as a precaution to you. Check with the storage facility before you sign your rental agreement.
#8 Are there any fees I need to pay in addition to rent? And, will the price increase over time?Being prepared for additional fees and charges will ensure that no confusions occur later on. You want to ask these questions so that later down the road you aren’t surprised by an admin fee you weren’t expecting to have to pay.
Asking this question will help you narrow down the most affordable storage facility. You may see pricing on the company’s website, but calling to ask for specials or discounts will help you determine the best price possible.
Seeing firsthand what the facility looks like, the layout, the size of the storage units, whether they’re indoors or outdoors, will really help you decide which facility will be the best for you. You can determine if the 5x5 storage unit you were looking at online will actually fit all of your belongings, and you’ll get to experience the companies customer service. Don’t be afraid to call and ask for a tour if it’ll help you choose the best facility to use.
Now that you know what questions to ask before renting a storage unit, give us a call and see if we're the right fit for you! We offer a variety of Reno storage unit sizes ranging from 5x5 all the way to 20x20. Our facility takes great pride in our security and we have on-site staff available during our accessible hours. If you're looking for a great long term storage facility in Reno, connect with us and we'll get you set up with a Reno storage unit today!
If you live in a house that’s limited on storage space, decorating for the holidays may cause unnecessary stress. Where are you going to store the tree? How can you keep ornaments from breaking? Tis’ the season for holiday storage containers! And we’ve got just the ones for you.
Getting the right storage containers can make all the difference this holiday season, especially if you’re using a storage unit. Check out some of our favorites:
Storing a fake tree can be a hassle. They take up a lot of space and often are a lot of work to assemble. Neatly packing your tree into a storage container can help keep the branches looking new. If you’re tree stays assembled all year round, you can cover it and store it upright in your storage unit, or buy a special bag for even easier storage.
Zober Christmas Tree Bag $13.99
A few handy storage containers can make packing up holiday decorations a breeze. Creating a good organization system will keep delicate ornaments from breaking, and also easy to find the following year. Try this container for easy storage:
Snapware Seasonal Ornament Storage Container $19
Keep left-over holiday gift-wrap, tags, bows, and bags stored away in a neat container. Although these items are only used seasonally, it’ll save you money to hang onto them. The following year, you can pull them out of storage and begin wrapping your gifts!
Master Craft Gift Wrap Storage Bag $25
Storage Tip: To make holiday decorating a breeze, schedule a day on your calendar to pick up all your holiday décor from your storage unit.
After the holidays, write on your calendar a day to take everything down and take it back to storage. Your house will remain clutter free, and you can start the New Year off right.
Storing your Christmas decorations in your personal storage unit will keep it out of sight and out of mind during the rest of the year. It’s a great way to free up closet space, especially if you live in a smaller house or apartment. As an extra bonus, it cuts down on clutter and makes the holidays a “special time” when you get to bring out the décor each year.
So go ahead, poor a glass of egg nog and have fun decking the halls!
Look, you’re storing your items for a reason: they still have value to you, but there’s just not enough room at home. The keyword here is “value.” Whether sentimental or just plain expensive, your items need to be kept in the best possible shape while being stored. And while Ample Storage may be the best option when it comes to self storage in Reno, NV, there are certain things you can do to ensure your stuff stays in great shape. Planning for self storage can might be a great way to protect your items and save you some time later on.
The box isn’t full unless you can’t close the top, right? Wrong! Over-packing your boxes for storage can cause serious damage to the items being crushed at the bottom of the pile, and not to mention, your back! You want to get the job done quickly and easily, that’s totally understandable. But by taking those few extra minutes to fill a few more boxes could be the difference between pristinely kept goods, and a storage unit filled with broken pieces along with a trip to the chiropractor.
You may have had a clear plan in mind when you were packing up all your things for storage, but chances are once you pulled down and locked that steel door, you left all that organization and planning behind, too. So, to safely avoid having to unpack everything to find that one thing, label all sides of your boxes so they are clearly visible and legible. By taking time to label your items, you can be in, out, and on with life in minutes instead of hours.
Moisture is going to be your biggest enemy in storing your items. Moisture-retaining cement floors, paired with the always unpredictable weather patterns of Reno, Nevada, make for an ongoing battle with water damage. One way to avoid having to repurchase your water damaged items is to keep them elevated for the duration of their stay in storage.
Get your hands on some wooden pallets, or repurpose some old furniture to keep things safely off the floor, and save yourself the heartache of having to find new things to replace the old things you were keeping in a dark room for the foreseeable future.
Store electronics in original packaging: One of the benefits of purchasing electronics is that the packaging they come with are specifically designed to protect them from the elements—and the occasional clumsy deliveryman. So do yourself a favor, and be sure to hold on to the boxes, and foam, and bubble wrap, and be assured that your goods will be kept in great condition while being stored.
We hope these planning for self storage tips help with your next move. Happy packing!
If you are planning on moving valuable items into a long term storage unit you should take special consideration in storing them properly to ensure their quality and life. We want to make sure you have all the resources you need to help you appropriately store your items, whether leather boots, handbags, jackets, fur coats, or quality upholstered furniture.
It is very important to know how to store leather, furs, and quality upholstery. Here is a short list of steps to take when storing your special items:
Making sure your leathers are clean will help uphold their quality during storage and treating them with leather conditioner will also help with the quality and life of your leathers.
The absorbency of acid-free paper helps to keep a balanced moisture level.
For items you plan to hang make sure you are using wide, sturdy hangers. Because leather is heavy, you don’t want creases to develop on your items or have the hangers bend and/or break during storage.
Store hanging items in a fabric bag, plastic bags or wraps will hold in unwanted moisture. Suitcase or wooden trunks would be best for non-hanging items. Leather needs to breathe properly to avoid mildew.
If storage unit is too hot leathers can dry out and crack.
Having your leathers cleaned before storage is always good to assure quality is maintained during storage.
As with leather, too much moisture can cause mildew in fur fabrics. It is good to allow them to breathe to make certain all cleaners and any other moisture is completely dried.
The easiest way to ruin furs is by storing them in undesirable climate.
Make sure to clean covers and surfaces well. Fabric disinfectant would be most beneficial here to help further protect from mildews and mold.
To make moving and organizing within your storage unit it is best that all pieces of furniture are broken down as much as they can be.
This helps protect your furniture from dust as well as keeping unwanted moisture out.
This is a very unlikely scenario but if your items are worth storing, they are worth protecting. That means preparing for the worst.
Concrete draws in moisture so creating a barrier between the floor and your items will help keep that moisture out.
If you have any questions about what type of conditions our Reno NV storage units provide or if you are looking for any other long term storage tips please contact us.
