Winter is here in Egg Harbor Township, NJ and it’s time to embrace the snow! But with the change in temperature, it’s important to make sure your belongings are protected from the harsh weather conditions. That’s where self storage comes in! Our climate-controlled units ensure that your items stay safe and sound, no matter the weather outside. Plus, with easy access and flexible rental options, you can enjoy your winter wonderland without any worries. Don’t let the cold ruin your belongings – trust us to keep them in tip-top condition this winter! Stop in the office the next time you are in and leave a review with the managers in our testimonial book! Looking forward to seeing you out and about, in this chilly weather! Stay warm! Our office hours Monday through Friday 8am to 6pm, Saturday 8am to 5pm and Sunday 9am to 3pm. Access hours remain Mon-Sunday 6am to 9pm. 
Category Archives: Winter self storage
Storage Inn Christmas Solutions
It’s that time of year again, and The Storage Inn is ready to help you make space for all your holiday cheer! Whether you need to store your Christmas tree and decorations, or just need some extra room for all those presents, we’ve got you covered. Our secure and climate-controlled units are perfect for keeping your belongings safe and sound during the hectic holiday season. And with our convenient location and friendly staff, you’ll be able to access your unit whenever you need to. So why not give yourself the gift of extra space this Christmas?
– sack full of toys and gifts
Some tips for the final pack up come next week! Proper storage can help extend the life of your holiday decor and make decorating next year a breeze. Here are some tips to help you store your holiday decorations like a pro. First, make sure to clean and dry all decorations before storing them. This will help prevent mold and mildew from forming. Next, invest in sturdy storage containers that are specifically designed for holiday decorations. These containers will protect your decorations from dust, moisture, and pests. Finally, label your containers so you know exactly what’s inside and where it belongs. Taking these steps will help ensure that your holiday decorations are ready to go when the next holiday season rolls around.
We want to thank our customers, new and established alike. Thank you for choosing our facility to store your belongings, we truly appreciate and value your business.
Brrrrrrrrr!
The New Year is here, and we here at The Storage Inn Self Storage in Egg Harbor Township New Jersey, are experiencing some of the coldest weather in recent memory. Luckily for our storage space customers, we’ve unboxed the long johns and stocked up on lock de-icer to help them through this cold snap! I asked one of our rental customers, who also happens to be a police officer, what he found to be the biggest problem during cold weather like this. Without hesitating, he said “fires caused by people trying to keep warm using space heaters, or other inventive methods. We all want to be warm, but we have to be safe too.”
On that note, here are some tips from our local Police and Fire departments on staying safe and warm during extreme cold!
Layers, Layers, Layers!
It might seem obvious, but piling on a few extra layers is a great way to stay warm, especially if you have to be outside. Keeping your core warm is especially important when temperatures dip below freezing. 
Air gets trapped between the layers of clothing, and is heated by your body, allowing you to stay warmer than with one heavy garment..
Eat to Keep the Heat
You already know that eating healthy in the winter can help to fend off colds and the flu, but did you know it might help keep you warm, too? Eating extra healthy fats during the winter can help rev up metabolism, which in turn heats the body.
If your New Year’s resolution was to drop a few pounds, don’t worry – you can always skip the extra fat and try eating warmer foods and drinks including soups, spicy foods, hot coffee and teas to fend off the chill!
It May Seem like a Good Idea, but…..
Although alcoholic beverages might make you feel warm, they actually decrease your core temperature and can be dangerous during winter months.
Alcohol actually reverses some reflexes that control body temperature, especially the body’s ability to shiver. Alcohol can also make you sweat, even when it is cold, which can lower core temperatures even more. Save the cocktail until you’re in for the night!
Keep your Fingers and Toes Toasty
Hypothermia is most likely to begin in extremities like your hands and feet, so keeping your fingers and toes warm is important. Whether you’re walking to work or just around the block, make sure to wear sturdy, insulated shoes that will help prevent slips on slick surfaces and keep your feet dry. Also wear insulated gloves or mittens.
Give your Space Heater some Space!
Space heaters are a great way to add extra heat to colder rooms, but always remember to keep flammable items including clothing, rugs, bedding and curtains at least three feet away from the heater at all times. Also remember to place the heater on a hard, non-flammable, stable surface and to turn it off completely before leaving the house. Set a reminder on your phone if you’re afraid you’ll forget.
Don’t Forget our Furry Friends
Always remember to bring pets inside when temperatures begin to drop. 
You might be jealous of your dog or cat’s fur coat when temperatures drop, but they need to be kept warm too. Limit the length of their walks, particularly on snowy or icy surfaces.
Keep an Eye on the Fire
It’s easy to snooze in front of a roaring fire, but always make sure that fireplace embers are completely out before going to bed for the night.
Wood fireplaces should always have a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.
Keep Important Phone Numbers Handy
Heavy snow and ice can settle on power lines and cause power outages. Write down utility numbers and have them handy during a storm in case you need to report an outage or incident.
Check in on Elderly Friends and Neighbors
Here are a few things you can check:
Do they have heat in the home?
Do they have hot water?
Are all their appliances working properly?
Are their pipes, sprinkler system and faucets protected against freezing?
Is their phone operational?
Do they have the phone number of someone they can call for minor emergencies? Yours?
Please don’t wait until something tragic happens. Take a few minutes to help a neighbor. It’s well worth your time.
So, there you are – some great tips to help you deal with the cold weather. From the staff here at The Storage Inn, have a Warm, Safe and Happy New Year!
Favorite Winter Comfort Foods
It’s Mmmmm Mmmmm good in the Winter!
It is the end of January here at The Storage Inn in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, and there have been some very cold days lately, but that doesn’t stop our customers from shuttling in and out of their storage spaces. Lately I’ve noticed people storing holiday decorations, as well as removing exercise equipment, presumably in an effort to renew their commitment to better health in the new year.
Earlier this week, on a particularly cold day, one of our customers, Jodi, stopped Into the office to purchase some moving boxes for the items that she was putting into her eht storage unit. “Cold enough for you?” I asked. “I’m freezing” she answered “I can’t wait to get home and have a nice bowl of hot soup!” she said as she took her boxes and headed to her car. Her soup sounded really good to me, so I decided to do a thoroughly unscientific polling of our customers as to their favorite winter comfort foods. Here some of our Storage Inn customer’s favorites!
Soup – Of course! Who doesn’t love a hot bowl of soup on a cold Winter’s day? The two favorites seem to be chicken noodle, and tomato.
Hot Chocolate – Mmmmmm.. The real chocolaty kind with the tiny little marshmallows floating on top! Not surprisingly, this one was offered up by one of our customer’s children.
Fried Chicken and Mashed Potatoes – Yes please – Make my chicken extra crispy!
Grilled Cheese – Cooked just right, so that the gooey cheese stretches between the two halves when you pull the sandwich apart! These people should get together with the soup people.
Sloppy Joes – Well, a burger is just a burger, but a sloppy joe, with a slice of American cheese – Now that’s comfort food!
Macaroni and Cheese – The cheesier the better – BTW goes well with sloppy joes!
Chicken Pot Pie – One of my favorites! I like mine with salt and pepper and a little bit of butter melted on the crust. Mmmmmm!
Spaghetti and Meatballs – A good choice any time of year, but really goes well at the end of a cold day spent outside.
Chili – There’s nothing like a simmering pot of chili. Whether you like it hot or mild, with meat or without, the combination of beans, onions, peppers, mushrooms and spices are impossible to resist when you’re cozy at home and it’s chilly outside.
Homemade Beef Stew – You know, the type that simmers in the giant stew pot all day long, until the flavors of the beef, vegetables, and spices are mixed just right. Don’t forget the buttered rolls!
Well, there you have it – The official Storage Inn customer’s list of their favorite Winter Comfort Foods. Well, my shift is almost over, and I can’t wait to head home, but first I will be stopping off at the grocery store for Sloppy Joe mix, rolls, and hot chocolate – so much for my New Year’s diet!
Vehicle Self Storage in Winter for our Four-Wheel Friends
November is here at The Storage Inn in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, and the phone is ringing constantly with our yearly winter vehicle storage customers, looking for a storage unit to put their car, truck or van to bed for the winter. Most of them are yearly customers – some are snowbirds heading south for the winter where they have another vehicle waiting – and some are classic car owners who only drive their vehicles during the warm sunny months.
One thing that I have learned in my years in the self storage business is that there is more to storing a vehicle for the winter than just rolling it in and pulling the door shut. There is some preparation involved and precautionary steps that should be taken.
Here are some tips courtesy of The Storage Inn…
Clean it up
Clean, dry and preferably waxed is the best condition to have your car in before it goes to sit for months in a vehicle storage facility. Salt and moisture are obvious culprits, so make sure it isn’t just a surface clean either, and make sure there’s a chance to dry before covering things up.
Where to Store Your Car?
For those of us who have no garage, like myself, or have a garage that is packed full of things other than automobiles, Self Storage is the next best thing. Choose a storage facility with good security, that is well-lit, and offers clean, dry units of the appropriate size – 10 x 20 should be your starting point.
Fill it up.
Over the course of a winter, fluctuating temperatures can cause moisture in your fuel tank. With older cars especially, which means rust and a clogged fuel filter come the spring. The simplest way to combat this is to fill up the tank before you park for the winter, particularly with higher-octane, low-ethanol fuel. A smaller volume of empty air in the tank will help prevent moisture buildup, and will dilute contaminants.
The second thing to do is to invest in fuel stabilizer, which will prevent water from separating from the gasoline.
Check the Pressure
Your tires should always be at the correct pressure, but for those who park their car for long periods, pressure is extremely important. Add a few extra pounds of pressure to avoid developing flat spots – and make sure you’re taking pressure readings when cold.
Another method is to take the weight off the tires completely using jack stands. This isn’t necessarily recommended for older vehicles prone to sagging frames, nor for newer vehicles with air-adaptive suspensions.
One last, easy trick is to park the car with a flat section of 2-inch by 10-inch wood boards or similar under each tire. This provides a mild insulating effect if you’re parking on concrete, and will help keep the rubber from hardening up too much.
Oil and water
Change your oil just before parking your car, and then leave it be. Starting your car periodically without letting the engine come to full operating temperature can cause condensation to form in the exhaust system, rusting things out.
Antifreeze is an obvious check, but one that can get overlooked. You want to have this handled before you park the car, as the proper mixture needs to circulate through the engine’s radiator before you shut down for the winter.
Keeping water out of the interior is critical too. Use moisture absorbers such as damp check to keep your storage unit dry as possible.
Cover your baby!
Simply throwing a bed sheet over a car used to be good enough in the old days, and in many ways it’s still pretty effective. Whatever you use, make sure it’s breathable and properly secured. And avoid using a tarp, which can trap moisture!
So now that you’re armed with car and truck self storage tips courtesy of The Storage Inn, you can get down to the business of storing your vehicle for the winter properly. Let’s hope that it goes by quickly – See you in the spring!
October is time to Organize!
Today is the day! The weather is great, you cleared the afternoon schedule, took the key out of the junk drawer, and you’re ready to head to the local self storage facility to finally clean out and reorganize your storage unit. You’ve been meaning to do this for months, but are finally getting around to it today.
You hop in the car, drive to the storage facility, throw open the door, and think “OMG – I can’t believe that I left it like this!” Boxes torn open and half empty, sweat shirts hanging from old lamps, and a pile of something that you don’t even recognize shoved in the corner.
How did our storage unit end up like this? At this point you’re saying to yourself “I’m sure I had everything organized when I moved in, and I’m pretty sure I invested in a storage space to AVOID clutter.” Well, it’s time to get back on track, and get organized with a storage plan!
The Storage Inn of Egg Harbor Township and Ocean City has put together some tried and true planning tips for organizing your storage space.
Plan your Work – Work your Plan
The Three Categories of Clutter
Before you begin your work, set up three areas – one for items that you will keep, one for items that you will donate, and one for items that you simply need to throw away. If you’re confined to working within your storage unit or the area immediately outside your unit, you’ll have a space limitation. Instead of pulling all of your belongings out at once, you’ll probably be more successful pulling out a packing box or two at a time and making decisions before moving on.
Repack Smart
As you repack, check to make sure that all of your storage boxes are full. Full boxes stack much more easily than half filled boxes, and are less likely to crush under the weight of the moving boxes above them. Converting your storage solution to plastic tubs can make this process even easier.
Label all of the boxes or bins in your storage space clearly, and leave a small area to walk through your unit, if possible, to facilitate access throughout the year. Place the boxes or items that you are most likely to need throughout the year close to the entrance, or at the top of the stack – planning ahead can really pay off.
Ask the Pros!
Stop in and visit the staff here at The Storage Inn – We’ve probably dealt with the situation you’re dealing with, and would be happy to help you reach an ideal storage solution.
Keep in mind, most storage facilities have moving and packing supplies onsite that are designed to make your job easier. And if you’re in need of a few extra boxes, packing tape, or packing material while you’re doing your repacking at your storage unit, just walk on over to the front office to update your packing supplies.
Jerry Brown, the manager at our Storage Inn self-storage in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, recommends sizing up the items in your unit, and then taking a minute to visit the Storage Inn’s office store. “We carry many items in our store that can help our customers organize, or reorganize their storage space. We carry a wide variety of boxes, bubble wrap, tape, and even have kits specially made for storing dishes and glasses. For the ultimate in organization, we can even provide you with storage unit shelving that will fit against the walls of your storage area, and don’t forget the mattress and furniture covers!”
Hopefully these tips will help you to get your storage unit well organized once again – remember, a place for everything, and everything in its place. Now go git’er done!
Winter Weather Driving Tips for Seniors
It’s February here at The Storage Inn in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, and the snow has been falling here and there. This hasn’t slowed down our customers in the least. Good thing our staff is always ready at the crack of dawn to shovel, salt, and plow the entire storage rental property!
In the midst of all this winter wildness, I received an in-office visit from one of our oldest storage rental customers – Beatrice. She pushed open the entrance door, brushed the snow from her hair and exclaimed, “89 years old and I drive better in the snow than most everyone else!”
Beatrice purchased a couple boxes and some packing tape.
”Watch out for those crazy drivers!” I shouted to her as she headed towards her car.
Beatrice’s visit got me thinking about the challenges that seniors face driving in the snow, so I searched for some specific tips to share with everyone.
Check Out the Rubber
Be sure you have the proper tires for winter driving. But unless it’s an emergency, it’s better to stay home during bad weather conditions. Put off non-essential trips for another day.
Keep Calm and Slow Down
As we age our reaction time slows so leave extra distance behind the car you’re following. Be patient and reduce your speed. Many serious incidents happen with just the slightest covering of snow on the road or patches of ice that are impossible to see.
Be Prepared
Seniors can do a number of simple things to be better prepared for harsh winter conditions. Have your car battery tested so that you’re not stranded in the cold with a dead battery. 
Make sure your tires have enough air and adequate tread. In case of emergency, store flashlights, extra batteries, first aid kit, warm clothes, a blanket, and other essentials in the trunk.
Check Your Brakes
Make sure your brakes are working properly. On wet and icy roads avoid abrupt braking, unnecessary lane changes and rapid acceleration to avoid losing tire traction. If your vehicle is equipped with four wheel drive, engage it during wet or icy conditions for better traction and control.
Drive During Daylight
Avoid driving at dusk or in the dark. Driving in bad weather conditions can be very fatiguing. 
Do not drive during heavy winter storms.
Conclusion
Winter weather can certainly present unique challenges for drivers. And I’m sure Beatrice will make it home safely… just after she stops doing those powdery white donuts in our parking lot! – Happy Winter driving everyone!
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
It’s December here at The Storage Inn self storage in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, and the winter weather officially arrived over the past week! But despite all the white stuff, our storage customers shuttle to and from their storage units, retrieving decorations, and hiding gifts for the holidays in their storage units. Here in Southern New Jersey, we are very lucky (or unlucky if you are a snow lover) that we average just a foot or two of snow annually. Watching the snow melt away today made me wonder, who gets the most snow, and where? Here are some of the biggest snow events in history, and snowiest cities in the USA…
Crazy Snow Events!
Most skiers know about the phenomenal snow year of 1998-1999 in Washington State’s Mt. Baker ski area. 1,140 inches (95 feet) of snow fell to the ground over the course of the ski season. That amount of snow would cover the White House by 25 feet.
In Mount Rainier National Park, at the Paradise Ranger station, 1,224.5 inches (102 feet) of snow fell between February 19, 1971 and February 18, 1972. That’s equal to the height of a 10 story building.
At Thompson Pass in Alaska, they enjoyed or suffered through, depending on your opinion, a great or horrific year in the winter of 1952-1953. That’s when 974.1 inches (81 feet) fell from the heavens. In 1963, that same area saw 78 inches fall in one 24 hour period!
Massive snowfalls are not only found in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest. The coastal town of Valdez, Alaska sees an annual average of 320 inches, and that’s at sea level! The winter of 1989-90 is in the record books as Valdez’s snowiest winter ever, with a total of 560.7 inches (46 feet) of snow.
Silver Lake, Colorado saw 76 inches of snow in a 24 hour period. But the storm did not stop after 24 hours. When it all ended 32.5 hours later, 95 inches lay on the ground. That is an average of 2.9 inches an hour.
In 1982, Mother Nature dropped 186.6 inches on Donner Summit, California. In fact Donner Pass, has topped 775 inches of snow on four separate occasions, making it one of the snowiest places in North America.
Top Ten Snowiest Cities in The United States
- Syracuse, NY – Annual Snowfall 110 inches
- Erie, PA – Annual Snowfall 89 inches
- Rochester, NY – Annual Snowfall 88 inches
- Buffalo, NY – Annual Snowfall 83 inches
- Flagstaff, AZ – Annual Snowfall 82 inches
- Utica, NY – Annual Snowfall 78 inches
- Grand Rapids, MI – Annual Snowfall 66 inches
- Diluth, MN – Annual Snowfall 63 inches
- Cleveland, OH – Annual Snowfall 60.5 inches
- South Bend, IN – Annual Snowfall 60 inches
Well, as the snow continues to melt here at The Storage Inn – I think I’ll have a nice cup of hot chocolate, and be thankful that we didn’t break any records for snowfall! That would be a lot of shoveling! – Happy Winter!
Storage Inn Tips for Storing Your Summer Toys
Summer Fun Toys – Winter Storage
It’s official folks – Fall is here, and for self storage facilities like The Storage Inn in Egg Harbor Township New Jersey, it is the time of the year when the Summer convertibles, Wave Runners, ATVs, and Motorcycles begin to roll in, as preparation for winter storage begins. Whether you’re renting indoor storage space, or an outdoor parking space, there’s more to storing your summer toys then just dropping them off until next Spring. You need to do some preventative maintenance first. Here are some Winter storage tips to keep your toys in top condition and ready to run next summer.
Keeping the Convertible Comfy!
Detail your vehicle prior to storage. This will help to weather the Winter and make it easier to get back on the road in the Spring.
– Use a fuel stabilizer to avoid Spring starting problems.
– Get a fresh oil change and check tire pressure.
– Place a cover over your car to prevent moisture buildup and paint scratching. Fabric covers that breathe are ideal.
Putting the Two Wheeled Baby to Bed!
– Wash your motorcycle to remove dirt and insects.
– Wax and buff your bike to protect the paint.
– Clean and condition any of the bike’s leather.
– Do an oil change and change the oil filter.
– Add fresh fluids to your bike (brake fluid, antifreeze, fuel stabilizer.)
– Ensure your battery is fully charged and then disconnect the negative cable (or connect it to a battery tender).
– Cover your motorcycle with a breathable fabric cover.
Storage Care for the Quad!
– Winterizing your ATV depends on the type of engine. Check your owner’s manual for specific storage instructions.
– For engines with a carburetor, drain the fuel out of the carburetor.
– Hook up a battery tender or unplug the battery before storing.
– For fuel-injection engines: You don’t have to drain the fuel, but a gas additive or fuel stabilizer is often recommended for winter storage.Leave as little fuel in the tank as possible, in case of fire.
TLC for your PWC!
– Drain the fuel or use a fuel stabilizer.
– Disconnect the battery or hook it up to a battery tender.
– Clean and dry your jet ski before you store it to prevent mildew.
– Open any storage hatches and lift the seat so air can flow and dry-out your machine in storage.
Whether you choose an indoor storage space, or an outdoor parking space for your summer toys, the staff here at The Storage Inn will be happy to help. Now is the time to reserve your winter storage space, so stop on in! As for me, I plan to stretch the summer as far into the fall as possible – Happy Motoring!
A Few Tips for Surviving Winter
Baby It’s Cold Outside!
The start of January here at The Storage Inn in Egg Harbor Township came with a lot of snow! When it was first starting to fall a few days ago, it had made for a pretty quiet morning here at the office, but then a car pulled into the parking lot. I recognized the young lady that got out as Jen, one of our newer customers, who as I recall, had just moved here from sunny Florida.
“Ooooh boy” I thought as she threw open the office door.
“ How do you folks deal with this?!?” she exclaimed. “I own one jacket and it’s in my storage unit! You got any tips?”
I couldn’t help but notice she was wearing lightweight clothes, canvas shoes and a pair of gardening gloves. “Why don’t you go get your jacket out of your storage unit, and I’ll make you a winter survival list!” She smiled and said she would really appreciate the help.
When she got back from grabbing her coat I gave her my tips…
Winter is a Good Excuse to Buy a New Sweater!
You certainly need the appropriate clothing for cold weather.
A warm winter coat is top of the list. – You can’t go anywhere in a cold-weather state without one.
Sweaters and sweatshirts and long johns. – Creating layers under that coat is a priority.
A warm hat, scarf, and gloves – Think Thinsulate or furry Russian hat!
A good pair of insulated weather-proof boots and warm winter socks – Nothing else matters if your feet are freezing and your toes are icicles.
Find a Toasty Cabin in the Woods (or book a flight to Hawaii)
No matter what you’re wearing, nothing beats the cozy comfort of a well heated home or apartment during the winter. So if you’re a homeowner or landlord be sure to have your heating system checked out before it becomes a problem. If you have a wood stove, stock up on seasoned logs. If you’re into oil heat, many oil delivery companies offer a little discount if you’re on a scheduled delivery plan. And no matter what type of system you have, most HVAC companies offer a yearly check up that is relatively inexpensive to catch issues before they become problems.
When Dashing Through the Snow Make Sure You Don’t Get Stuck
Whether it’s to and from work, shopping, or going out to eat, living in a cold-weather state means traveling in a cold-weather state. Here are some ways to prepare.
Winterize your vehicle.
Check the tires to be sure the tread is sufficient for snowy travel.
Check your antifreeze to be sure that it’s full and fresh. Flush and change it if need be.
Fill your car with freeze-proof window washer fluid – available at any auto store.
Make sure you have an ice scraper and lock de-icer in your car.
Be sure that your phone is fully charged before leaving on a winter road trip.
Now I’m sure I could have thought of more tips for Jen, but it was about that time that she walked back through the office door with her lovely spring! jacket on. Shivering, she thanked me for my list and went on her way.
All this talk about cold weather has put me in the mood to go home, turn up the heat to 80, get comfy with shorts and a t-shirt, and have a nice piña colada. I think I’ll watch a travel video about the islands. Aloha!