Become a Garage Sale Guru

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Become a Garage Sale Guru

I love garage sales!  I currently own 200 garages, and plan to buy more… Hahaha, just kidding ! We all know that a garage sale is actually just a way to get rid of the unwanted items from your garage basement or other storage area, but we couldn’t very well call it a “stuff we don’t want sale”, now could we? I have been to hundreds of garage sales in my lifetime. I know people who own self storage space just to hold the items that they have bought at garage sales  When it comes to garage sales, there are good ones and bad ones. Here are a few tips to help you make sure that yours is a great one!

Don’t Call it a “ Garage Sale” – A garage sale is okay, but doesn’t a yard sale, estate sale, or tag sale, sound more appealing?

Timing is everything – Garage Salers like to get started early, so start your sale at 7 or 8 AM to attract those early birds. Another good tip is to have it around the 15th or the 30th of the month, to attract those folks that get paid bi-weekly .

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Advertise –  Newspapers are great, but don’t forget Craigslist and Facebook for advertising your sale. Make signs for around the neighborhood, but don’t forget to make the print large enough to read from an automobile.,  Be sure to use heavy duty poster board, or even wood, to be sure that they last throughout the day.

Curb appeal  – Yes, presentation matters! Don’t just throw all your stuff in a pile on the front yard or the driveway! Most yard salers do a slow drive-by, before deciding whether or not to stop and shop. Have your items displayed nicely on tables or blankets. Be sure to have some large items visible to passersby –  you may even want to  display a few large items that you don’t really expect to sell, but that will draw attention from the street. you can add to your curb appeal by asking your neighbors if they have anything that they would like to include in your cell. when it comes to yard sales, the bigger the better!

The Price Is Right – If you item to sell!  Sure, that lamp might be worth a lot more than $3, but do you really want it sitting in your garage for another two years?  You carried everything out there with the intention of not having to carry it back in again – try to make sure that that happens! Nothing wrong with an end of day liquidation sale either – many yard salers expect this, and will take their chances and wait.

Little things mean a lot – Having some old newspapers for wrapping, and recycled shopping bags handy is a nice touch. I have even been to some garage sales that have coffee or a cold drink to offer their shoppers!

Be a business owner – It may only be for one or two days, but for this period of time, you are a business owner! Act like one – greet your customers, start conversations, compliment them on their clothes or vehicle.  People like to buy from friendly people!

Fun Fact –  An average of 690,000 people buy at garage sales every week, with weekly revenue from garage sales totaling about $4.2 million

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and get your share of that 4.2 million dollars, And don’t forget to say hello if you see me. I’ll be the guy wearing the $2 Hawaiian shirt, and the 50 cent sunglasses – Happy Selling!

Storing your Historic Documents and Other Files in a Local Self Storage Facility

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Storing your Historic Documents & Other Files in Local Self Storage

Happy Birthday America! Independence Day is here, along with hot dogs, hamburgers, the beach, cold beer, and fireworks  –  but what is this holiday really about?  To find out, let’s do what all proud Americans would do to answer this question – Google it!  According to Google, July 4th, or Independence Day  is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, by the Continental Congress declaring that the thirteen American colonies regarded themselves as a new nation. So where is the original Declaration of Independence stored now?  Let’s start with where it’s been.

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During the Revolutionary War, the Declaration of Independence was rolled up like an old road map, and toted around from town to town for the people of this great country to view – (these guys could have used a lesson in document storage). Less understandable is the haphazard way in which it was stored after the Revolutionary War. Water was spilled on it while it was being copied in 1823. It was even tacked up on the wall at the U.S. Patent Office for about 40 years, where it was subjected to a strong northern light causing it to fade permanently. In 1903 it’s curators finally decided that maybe it  would be a good idea to get it out of the sunlight. It wasn’t until 1951 that the first modern preservation efforts began.

Today the Declaration of Independence is displayed in a case made of titanium and bullet proof, light filtering glass, filled with inert argon gas.

 

So how do you store your important documents?  Well, good news – You don’t need a titanium, bulletproof, argon filled case. All you need is a file cabinet!  And for those files that you need to keep handy for years to come, such as tax returns, bank and credit card statements,and medical and Insurance records, you may want to consider renting some space at your local self storage facility. A small rented storage space can provide you with a clean secure space to store your document for easy retrieval when needed.   Document storage tip  –  organize and place your documents in file folders, inside a cardboard file box. Place the cardboard file box inside of a sealed plastic tub with the contents clearly labeled on the side of the container. They’re not The Declaration of Independence, but they may be important some day. Gotta go – the fireworks are starting! 

Self-Storage and Furniture

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Self-Storage and Furniture

Whether you’re moving or downsizing, you may find yourself left with extra furniture that you do not want to part with. Your local self storage facility may be the answer.  Here are some tips to help you store that extra furniture.

1 –  Ask your  self-storage manager if they can provide pallets to put down on the floor of the storage unit.  You may even want to cover those pallets with plastic sheeting to create a moisture barrier.

2 – Cover furniture with sheets or canvas tarps ( not plastic)  to allow for airflow.

3 – If you recently used furniture polish or oils  on any items, allow them to dry thoroughly before storing  to avoid mold or mildew.

4 – Avoid completely sealing any items in plastic – trapped moisture can cause mold and mildew. you may want to consider  placing moisture reduction products, such as Damp Rid in the corners of your unit.

5 – Disassemble Furniture items when possible to save space.  Place chairs upside down on a sturdy surface –  Place table tops face down on a soft blanket.

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6 – Stand couches and mattresses on end to maximize storage space. Stack lightweight boxes on dresser tops, and place small items inside dresser drawers. Bags specifically designed to cover bedding and couches can usually be purchased at your self storage facility’s office.  Many  self storage facilities also sell packaging specifically designed for glasses, dishes,  mirrors, lamps, and even flat screen TVs.

Hopefully these tips will help you with your furniture Self Storage needs, but don’t be afraid to stop into the office of your local self storage facility with questions.  I’m sure that they will be happy to help you out!

 

Why do we keep stuff?

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Why do we keep stuff?

Americans love to keep stuff. As the manager at a local self storage facility, this is something that I can attest to firsthand. We love  to keep things that we will probably never need, or use again – but why?  A recent survey asked just that , and surprisingly, 94% of the people asked had an answer.
Here are the 5 top reasons that people say that they keep too much stuff…..

“I might need it sometime”

I have a friend that has a storage unit that includes a box of size 30 jeans. He is currently a 36 inch waist. He is in his 50’s, and does not exercise.  He will never need those jeans again.

“Sentimental Value”

This one I get to some extent – Photos, awards, etc., kept in storage – but Grandma’s old tattered armchair is just going to sit there – I guess sometimes we feel that we are discarding part of our family history.  A photo of grandma  sitting in that armchair, might be the better thing to keep.

“I’m going to sell it “

A friend of mine has a pile of stuff stored in one corner of his garage, that he has kept for years, with the intention of selling. These items include a punch bowl set,  a VHS tape rewinder, and a rooftop TV antenna .The best salesman in the world could not sell these items – ‘nuff said.

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“Feeling guilty”

This is a tough one. Some people just feel guilty discarding anything that is not complete and utter trash, even though they know that they will never ever use it. This is one of the biggest reasons that people become hoarders.

“I can use it as a gift “

This is a great one!  These are new or unopened items that you have no desire to keep for yourself, but somehow think that a friend, or family member would be thrilled to receive as a gift. All I can say is that if you have a family member or friend, who receives a punch bowl set, or a VHS tape rewinder, as an anniversary gift , you will know what happened.

When One Garage isn’t Enough

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When One Garage isn’t Enough: Extra Storage Space

I have a neighbor named Joe. Joe is a nice guy, who has a nice family, and a nice house with a one car garage. The problem is that Joe has a car, his wife has a car, his teenage daughter has a car, and he has his toys – a motorcycle and a WaveRunner. His usual spring ritual is to open his garage, and reorganize the clutter that has accumulated over the winter,  just enough to fit his wife’s car in the garage. He then goes to the side of his house, where his toys have been in a makeshift outdoor storage space all winter, and begins the process of removing the tarps, bungee cords and canvas covers. You might say to yourself, why doesn’t Joe just build a storage shed?  Surprise! – Joe has a storage shed, but it’s filled with tools, yard equipment and bicycles – like I said, Joe has a problem … but this year I noticed something different.

 

Yes, Joe still cleaned out his garage enough for his wife’s car, and he still has both his and his daughter’s cars in the driveway, but his motorcycle and Waverunner seemed to have disappeared.  So, being the nosy neighbor that I am, I walked over and inquired, you know, just to make sure that nobody stole his toys. What he told me made a lot of sense.  What Joe realized, as he uncovered his toys, was that he was beginning to see signs of the weather affecting, and possibly damaging his motorcycle and WaveRunner. “ I realized that I was storing $20,000 worth of vehicles, and protecting them with $100 worth of plastic and canvas. At this rate they weren’t going to last another 10 years”. Joe’s solution?….

motorcycle

Joe lives about 2 miles from a very nice, family-owned self-storage facility.  There he was able to rent an indoor storage space just large enough for both his motorcycle, and WaveRunner, at  a very reasonable price. His $20,000  toys are now protected from the weather, and kept in a secure, convenient location. Gone is the unsightly bundle of canvas attached to the side of his house. Now when Joe wants to go for a ride through the country, or spend the day jumping waves on the bay, he just heads down to his storage space, hitches up the trailer, or hops on the bike,  and heads out . Just keep your phone off Joe – your wife might want her bike out of the shed!

Time to get the Jet Ski ready for Summer Fun!

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Time to get the Jet Ski ready for Summer Fun!

So, Summer is almost here, and it’s time to roll the jet skis and Waverunners out of your storage space, and get them ready for the water! Whether you’re headed to the ocean, the bay, or your local lake, you’ll want to be sure that your ride is ready. Here are some things to check before you head out for your wet and wild fun.

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Check the Battery

You probably disconnected the battery prior to putting your PWC into your  Self Storage Space over the winter. It’s time to make sure that it’s fully charged before you head out on the water.

Fresh Gas

After sitting through a long Winter with a full tank and gas stabilizer, it’s time to empty out the gas tank, check for clogs, and refill with fresh gas.

Lines, Wires and Belts

Varying temperatures over the winter can cause fuel and cooling lines to thin and crack, and belts to loosen. These items should be checked along with wiring connections to ensure a safe trip across the waves.

Spark Plugs and Carburetor

Clean carburetor and spark plugs not only ensure smooth operation, but also fuel efficiency.
And last, but not least…

Make it Shine!

Make no mistake about it, a Waverunner is to a personal watercraft enthusiast, what a Harley is to a biker. A good cleaning and wax job, not only makes your ride look great, but also affords  you the opportunity to make a thorough inspection.

So go ahead and pull your jet ski out of the storage space unit, use this checklist to give it a good once-over, and head out for some fun on the water.  Don’t forget to obey all the water safety laws, and have a great summer!

 

Summer Self Storage

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Summer Self Storage

Well, June is almost here, and Summer is right around the corner. If you are in the market for a self storage space that you will be accessing throughout the summer, here are a few tips. You will probably have three unit types to choose from –  inside, outside, or climate controlled. The types of items that you have to store, certainly will help to determine which of these summer self storage unit types you will choose, but don’t forget to consider your own comfort while accessing and sorting through your unit.

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Outside Unit

If you are a sun worshiper, who enjoys basking in the warm weather , an outside storage unit probably will not be an issue. On a hot summer’s day, however,  you may be subjected to hot air and high humidity when you are moving things around and accessing your unit. This can be uncomfortable, and possibly even dangerous if you have any serious medical conditions. If this is the case, maybe you should consider an ….

Inside Unit

While the units that we refer to here are not climate-controlled, they are accessed via an indoor hallway or breezeway, providing shade from Summer’s hot sun.  This type of unit can also come in handy if you need to access your items on a stormy day. Another added bonus is price, as these storage units typically rent for less then drive-up or climate controlled units. The inside of these units however, can still be very warm, as they are exposed to the sun and heat from the exterior. If this is an issue for you, you may want to consider a….

Climate Controlled Unit

Ah – the ultimate in self-storage comfort! Climate controlled units are set-up to simulate the temperature of an indoor living area. You typically enter through an air conditioned / heated hallway in a building where the the units are kept at a year-round, preset  temperature and humidity range.  This not only protects your stored items, but makes it very comfortable for you to access and sort through your unit. This type of unit completely removes the daily weather forecast from your summer self storage equation!

So there you have it – no matter if you are a beach bum, who enjoys being in the sun and heat all day, or you are like many of us who head to the indoors and the A.C. the second the thermometer reads 80, there is a summer self storage unit choice that is perfect for you. Just drive on over to your local Self-Storage facility. The folks there will be happy to help!

 

Self Storage through the Ages

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Self Storage through the Ages

Where did self-storage come from? Historians say that the concept came about in ancient China. Legend has it that people in that era would store their valuable items in clay pots, kept in guarded underground pits to protect them from Invaders.

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Modern Self Storage has its roots in the moving and storage industry of the 1950’s. After World War II, Bekins Moving & Storage of Omaha Nebraska built a network of large fireproof warehouses throughout Southern California. They found that they could rent these areas not only  to civilians and military personnel in transition, but also for storing business records, records management, film storage, and office and industrial moving.- and so it began…

The first successful commercial self storage facility was built in Odessa Texas in the early 1960s. The “A-1 U-Store-It U-Lock-It U-Carry-the-Key” facility was built in an industrial area where fishermen could rent storage space for their boats and oil field workers could store equipment for quick access. Eventually the general public caught wind of this idea and by the early 1970s, the first public self storage facilities began to open – the first popping up in El Cajon, California.

What a difference 40 or 50 years can make! There are now nearly 60,000 self-storage facilities across the United States, with enough space available for every man, woman, and child  in the country to stand comfortably within the walls of self-storage

 Where will the self-storage industry go from here? Who knows, but one thing is for sure –  Americans are accumulating more stuff, not less!  

Weddings and Self Storage Space

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Weddings and Self Storage Space

It’s Spring! Love is in the air, along with the buzz of millions of brides making the final plans for their wedding day. Time to deal with guest lists, seating charts, floral arrangements, decorations, and so much more! Most couples don’t think of self-storage when planning a wedding, but it could be very helpful !

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A self storage space can come in handy for items like decorations, centerpieces, extra tables and chairs, linens, and much more. This is a great way to keep everything organized and neatly tucked away until you set up for the big day – A one stop pick up for all of your items to be delivered to your reception hall!

Your storage space could also come in handy immediately after your wedding day. Have your parents, best man or maid of honor collect your gifts from the reception, and take them to your storage space for you to sort through after the honeymoon. You may even want to consider keeping a small storage space permanently for all of your wedding mementos. Considering a climate controlled unit if you plan to store temperature sensitive items such as photographs or your wedding gown.

So head on over to local self storage facility, and take some of the stress out of planning your big day. See you after the honeymoon!

Self Storage and Seniors – Perfect Together!

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nj self storage fopr seniorsLife is good! The kids have grown and moved out, and are starting families of their own. We finally have the house to ourselves – Yay!  The problem is that it’s way too much house for the two of us. It’s time to downsize, possibly with a nice condominium in a senior community. No cutting the grass! No shoveling snow! Uh-0h , we forgot about the limited storage space. Where we once had a house filled with children, we now have a house filled with family photos, children’s books,souvenirs from vacations, scrapbooks, trophies, and stuffed animals. Hmmm…What to do? A self storage space  may be the answer!

08_Moving House

 

Once your family memories have been laughed over, cried over, sorted and boxed, take some time to check out your local Self Storage facility. Your family memories are valuable to you, so be sure to choose one with good security features. Most are security gated with video surveillance – some even offer resident security managers. You may also want to consider a climate controlled unit to minimize the effect of extreme temperatures and moisture  on your stored items . Choosing a location close to your new home can provide a simple, and stress-free solution to your problem. You may however, want to get one with a little extra space. I am sure that once the kids find out that you have a storage space, they will want you to share !