Author: Amanda Chambers

How To Effectively Store Home Appliances

Posted on July 30, 2015 by - Lifestyle, Storage

appliance storage

Image Via: KLGreenNYC

Storing your home appliances in a safe and efficient manner can be quite the challenge. If you’re about to move, or are trying to downsize, yet don’t want to part with your home appliances, then self-storage might be a great option for you.

However, home appliances require a lot of additional prep work to ensure they’re ready to be stored and won’t incur any added damage. The last thing you want is to remove your appliances from storage only to realize they’re no longer functional.

Below you’ll find a few tips that will ensure your items are effectively prepped and ready to be stored in your Woodbridge self storage unit.

1. Storing Your Refrigerator

Before you begin the packing process you’ll want to take the necessary precautions to ensure your fridge is ready for long-term storage.

To get started empty out your refrigerator and start the defrost process. If you’re trying to speed up the defrost process you can put a hot bowl of water inside the freezer. After the defrost process is complete remove all the shelving units, and clean the interior of the fridge.

After cleaning thoroughly dry the refrigerator and freezer, and tape the door shut, so it won’t swing open during the moving process. Lastly, your fridge should be stored upright and stay upright throughout the duration of the move.

2. Carefully Pack Your Electronic Devices

Your electronics are going to be stored most effectively in their original boxes. If you don’t have access to the original box, then make sure you use a box that is very study and can hold you electronics without too much extra space.

It can also be helpful to label all of your cords and store them in the same box as the device. This will save you a lot of trouble when the time comes to unpack all of your boxes.

3. Safely Storing Your Washer and Dryer

Washer and dryer units do very well in storage. However, if you want to keep them in good condition you’ll need to ensure they’ve been sufficiently dried and cleaned before moving them.

Placing them into a storage unit while they’re still moist can cause mildew or mold to form. Also, ensure all of the pipes and tubes are taped to the back of the washer and dryer, otherwise they run of risk of getting trampled or lost.

Lastly, before you move forward with transporting your items into your storage unit you’ll want to make sure your unit is actually large enough to hold your items. There’s always a chance you can upgrade, but it’s much easier to ensure your unit is ready to go from the start.

If you’re interested in storing your home appliances for the short or long-term we hope you consider Gateway Storage. We love assisting our customers across the Alexandria, Woodbridge, Springfield, and Northern Virginia areas.

How Self-Storage Is Beneficial For College Students

Posted on July 30, 2015 by - Storage

alexandria college self storage

College marks a large period of transition for many young people. When you’re transition to a new school, or need a place to store your goods for the summer months renting a storage unit can definitely come in handy. Even with all of the planning you do, it’s easy to end up with a surplus of extra items on your hands when the school year is over, with no place to store them.

Below you’ll find our best tips for choosing the right storage unit for your college student, when extra storage space is needed.

1. Find The Right Facility

If you’re a student there’s a good chance you’re on a budget. For this reason you’ll want to give yourself time to do your research and shop around for the perfect unit for your needs.

Some Alexandria self-storage facilities end up offering discounts during the summer months, which will help to make your decision easier.

If possible, it’s always a good idea to book your unit ahead of time. This will make the packing and moving transition much easier, and will ensure you have a secure spot for your belongings.

2. Choose The Right Sized Unit

What size storage unit are you going to need for all of your goods?

Most students opt for the smallest possible size, but it’s important that you take note of all of your items you’d like to store. After all, you’d hate to run out of space just as you’re finished loading your unit.

In some cases you can share your storage unit with friends, but often you can only have one name on the lease, so you’ll need to trust every party involved. Another great benefit to students are the flexible lease dates that most Alexandria self storage companies offer.

Whether you need your unit for one-month, six-months, or longer most facilities are willing to accommodate.

3. Effectively Preparing Your Items

Some of the items you own will require extensive preparation before they can be stored for a long period of time.

For instance if you have a mini-fridge you’ll need to de-frost, clean, and dry your fridge before storage to prevent mildew buildup.

Any musical instruments also need to undergo prep work, along with any other wooden furniture you might own.

If you’re storing any textbook or paper products it’s a good idea to store these in boxes, or plastic containers that will prevent them from being damaged.

Depending on the weather in your area it might be a good idea to opt for a climate controlled storage unit, if possible, as these will ensure your items don’t become damaged from inclement weather.

We love serving our clients and for customers across the Alexandria, Woodbridge, Springfield, and Northern Virginia areas. Get in touch for a free quote.

Is Retirement Right Around The Corner? Consider Self-Storage To Help The Transition

Posted on July 30, 2015 by - Lifestyle, Storage

springfield retirement storage

If you’re considering retirement and looking to downsize your home, then self-storage might be a great option for you. If retirement is coming up soon for you, then you may want to consider downsizing and storing certain goods while your begin your new home search. Or, if you’re planning on traveling for a while, but don’t want to part with certain goods you can rent a Springfield storage unit to store your items while you’re gone.

Below you’ll find how self-storage can be beneficial for those planning on retiring in the near future.

The Benefits of Downsizing For Retirees

Once your kids have left the nest, and you’re planning for retirement, it can be difficult to justify staying in your large home. Thus, downsizing can become a necessity for you to start enjoying your newfound freedom.

1. Lowered Cost Of Living

By having a smaller home it can be much easier to lower your costs. Smaller homes will not only cost less, but so will the utilities and other bills. By lowering your costs you’ll be able to make your retirement fund last much longer.

2. Space For A New Chapter

Retirement is a new chapter in your life. It’s a time in your life when you have ultimate freedom to make your own decisions again. By choosing a new smaller home you’ll be able to start fresh at this new juncture in your life.

3. Less Work Around The Home

Smaller homes require less overall maintenance and upkeep to keep them looking nice. Maintaining the appearance of a larger home takes a lot of work. You’d hate to spend your precious years of retirement dedicated towards home maintenance.

By downsizing you’ll give yourself more time to do things you truly enjoy.

Tips For Downsizing and Storage

Downsizing can take much longer than expected. After all, if you’re downsizing a family home it can be hard to part with older items that hold a lot of memories.

1. Take Stock and Sort Your Goods

Begin your sorting by going through old storage areas in your home, such as, your closets, garage, and storage shed. Once you’ve gone through items that are easy to part with it’s time to move onto more sentimental items throughout your home.

2. Find A Self-Storage Facility Close By

When deciding which storage unit facility to use for your valuables it’s important to think about the location. You’ll want the facility to be near your new residence if you’re planning on using your unit during the moving process. Luckily for you Gateway Storage has a very easy-to-access location right off I-95.

3. Pack and Organize Your Unit

When packing your unit you’ll want to keep organizational principles in mind. Sort your boxes by different rooms in your home, and make sure all of your items have the necessary padding and protection.

Also, if you’re planning on removing items out of the unit rather quickly, place the items you’re planning on moving near the front, so you don’t have to re-arrange the entire unit.

If you’re looking for the perfect storage facility for your downsizing process we hope you consider Gateway Storage, the premier storage facility across the Alexandria, Woodbridge, Springfield, and Northern Virginia areas.

5 Easy-To-Implement Home Organization Tips

Posted on June 23, 2015 by - Lifestyle

alexandria home organization

If you have a cluttered and disorganized home then chances are this is adding to your daily stress levels. However, organization doesn’t have to be difficult. By implementing a few simple tips and shortcuts you can be on your way towards an organized and clutter free home.

Below you’ll find five tips that will simplify the home organization process and allow you to easily keep your home organized into the future.

1. Clear Out Your Bedroom Drawers

Most of our bedroom drawers are filled to the brim with clothes and other bedroom goods. It’s important to start here, as having a clean bedroom can bring motivation to organize other parts of your home.

Your bedroom should be a sacred space. A place where you can unwind and relax.

Start by emptying out all of your bedroom drawers and organizing your clothes into piles of items to keep and items to donate. Once you’ve separated them into piles make sure to fold your clothes and store them in your drawers, with the items you wear the most on top. 

2. Think About Placement Before You Buy

Whenever you’re considering buying a new item for your home you should think about where it’s going to go. It’s easy to fill up your home with items you don’t need simply by buying things on impulse.

Before you buy anything for your home make sure you consider getting rid of any older items to make room for the new piece. If you want to keep older items, yet keep your home organized, you could consider storing them in an Alexandria self-storage unit. 

3. Group Like Items Together

If you have items scattered all over your home, it can be hard to find things you’re looking for. By storing like items with each other you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for every time. You’ll also be able to tell when it’s time to re-stock certain items in your home, like toiletries and other household goods.

For instance, you could store all of your craft items in the same bin, instead of having them spread throughout your home.

4. Keep Your Workspace Simple

If you have an at-home office it’s easy for items and papers to pile up. This is why it’s important to have an organizational system in place. If you work from home, but don’t have a dedicated workspace it can be helpful to have a small desk or area of the house you use solely for work.

This will help keep your work documents from spilling into other areas of your home.

5. Make To-Do Lists and Set Goals

Starting the habit of creating a to-do list will help keep you much more organized. By taking the time to write down your goals, even if they’re simple household goals, you’ll be able to track your progress and are much more likely to get things done.

Organizing your home doesn’t have to be a difficult and overwhelming task. By starting small with the tops above you’ll be on your way towards a more organized home.

If you’re looking for a self storage solution as you organize or downsize your home, we hope you consider Gateway Storage. We love serving our customers across the Alexandria, Woodbridge, Springfield, and Northern Virginia areas.

The Best Packing Materials For Keeping Your Valuables Safe

Posted on June 23, 2015 by - Lifestyle, Storage

springfield storage tips

When the time comes to pack up your belongings you’ll need to ensure their safety. A lot of people end up feeling rushed during their move and throw their belongings into boxes. Sometimes, your fragile belongings may make it home safe, but chances are higher they’re going to end up damaged or broken.

The more effective course of action is to take the time to properly wrap and store your goods before you even think about loading up your car, or moving truck. In this post we’re going to cover the essential materials you’ll need to consider buying in order to ensure the safety of your valuables.

1. Sturdy Boxes

It can be beneficial to purchase a wide variety of box sizes. This will ensure you don’t end up storing fragile items with more heavy duty items. If you have the original boxes for any of your fragile goods, these can be the best bet to ensure the safety of your items.

When trying to decide which boxes to purchase it can be helpful to buy boxes with sturdier walls, as these are less likely to be crushed or damaged in the move.

2. Padding

If your boxes are mostly empty there’s a good chance the items are going to shift during the move, and can possibly break. The best forms of extra padding include, styrofoam, bubble wrap, and polystyrene filler. You can find these at your local hardware shop.

3. Extra Cardboard

If you’re transporting fragile china or other glassware it can be beneficial to purchase extra cardboard dividers. This will prevent any glass items from rubbing together. If you can’t find any cardboard dividers try visiting a local liquor store, as their bottles often come shipped with these dividers.

4. Newspaper or Other Lightweight Paper

The more padding you use the better.

It’s always to have extra paper, soft tissue, rags, newspaper and other forms of extra padding.  You can use these to stuff into the gaps of your boxes. When you pick up your boxes you shouldn’t be able to feel the items shift at all. If they do, then you’ll want to add more padding.

5. Markers

It’s important to label your fragile boxes from those that can handle more of a beating. This will ensure you load your moving truck, or vehicle, with a focus on placing your fragile boxes into an area they won’t become damaged.

This can also be valuable if you’re taking your items to a Springfield self storage unit, as the labelling will make it much easier to load and unload the right boxes.

If you’re interested in reserving a self-storage unit for your next move, we hope you consider Gateway Storage, the premier self-storage facility across the Alexandria, Woodbridge, Springfield, and Northern Virginia areas.

3 Ways To Sell Your Goods Before A Big Move

Posted on June 23, 2015 by - Lifestyle

woodbridge storage

When the time comes to make a big move it can be a hassle moving the items you’ve accumulated over the years. Moving can be a simpler process once you pare down the items to ones you truly need. You can always invest in a storage unit to ensure you have ample space to store any leftover items you can’t part with.

Below you’ll find three methods that will help you sell or giveaway your goods, in order to make your move much easier and stress free.

1. Consider Donating To Local Consignment Shops

There are a variety of consignment shops and thrift stores that will take your used items. Most thrift stores won’t end up paying you for your donations, but you can receive a tax credit, and the knowledge that your goods will go to a good home.

On the other hand, consignment shops will give you a certain commission for your goods. It’s not always the highest price, but it’s better than nothing. Some consignment shops are better than others, so make sure you shop around before choosing a place to donate your goods.

2. Host A Garage Sale

Garage sales are a great way to profit from your used goods. However, in order to run a successful garage sale you have to think in a different manner. When most people arrange their goods for garage sales they simply bring everything out of their garage and scatter it around their driveway.

When arranging your goods for sale you need to think like a storefront. You also need to think like a salesperson, don’t be afraid to sell your goods and interact with your customers.

The following tips will help boost the sales at your garage sale:

  • Make sure you have a price on everything, even the smaller items.
  • Consider partnering with a charity where you donate a portion of your revenue to a cause.
  • Group your items that are frequently bought together.

Also, make sure you advertise in advance and put up flyers all around town the days leading up to your garage sale.

3. Use Online Websites

The internet is a great way to get more money for your goods, and reach a more targeted market. When you’re selling your goods locally you only have the customer base of people that live in your town or neighborhood.

You can use sites like Craigslist to sell to people in your local community, while sties like eBay and Gumtree can reach customers around the world. When creating your ads make sure you write them from the buyer’s perspective. Also, be creative, a dash of humor can’t hurt.

If you have any goods you can’t imagine parting with you can also store them in one of our Woodbridge storage units. We love serving our customers across the Alexandria, Woodbridge, Springfield, and Northern Virginia areas. Get in touch with Gateway Storage today.

What You Need To Know About Hiring A Mover

Posted on May 18, 2015 by - Storage

alexandria moving company

Image via: TheMuuj

The moving process is already overwhelming enough. However, if you have a lot of bulky or heavy items to move, then you may consider adding hiring a mover to that list as well. Working with a mover can be a stressful experience if you don’t take the necessary precautions. In this post we’re going to dive into a process that will help you select a high-quality mover or moving team.

1. Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Questions

When you’re researching different movers or companies it’s important you ask questions to see if they’re right for your needs. Make sure to ask about their rates and estimates, the time required for the project, if they use subcontractors, if there are any hidden fees, and insurance availability in case something becomes damaged in the move.

The more questions you ask the better picture you’ll get of the total costs and timeline for the move.

2. Uncover Extra or Hidden Fees

Hidden or added fees can surprise you at the end of your move. Make sure you request all extra fees are discussed upfront. Some companies also do a flat rate move, so you know exactly how much you’re paying. We dig into this a little more during the estimate gathering process.

3. Ask For Estimates

By asking for project estimates and price quotes you can filter out companies who quote you too high. This will also help to ensure there are no surprises when it comes to your bill. Some companies also charge more if you’re crossing state lines during your move, or require moving heavier items.

To truly get the most accurate estimate it’s useful to schedule in-home viewings with multiple companies. During these in-home viewings make sure to show the estimator every single item you’re planning on moving.

Only after you’ve gotten all of the estimates should you compare them to find the best bid. Watch out for bids that are significantly lower than the rest, as there could be hidden charges that aren’t mentioned.

4. Do Your Research

It’s not uncommon to contact 2-3 moving companies before settling on one for the move. 

Make sure you do background research that includes screening the company through the Better Business Bureau, and the American Moving and Storage Association. This will help screen out companies that aren’t legit.

If you need to move items into an Alexandria storage unit for the interim of your move we hope you consider Gateway Storage, the premier storage solution in the Northern Virginia area. We love serving our clients across the Alexandria, Woodbridge, Springfield, and Northern Virginia areas.

What To Look For In A Storage Unit Before A Big Move

Posted on May 18, 2015 by - Storage

storage unit

Image via: stocksnap

Finding the perfect storage unit is similar to looking for a new home or apartment to rent. You obviously won’t be occupying your storage unit as often, but you’ll still want to ensure you’re choosing the right storage unit for your needs.

Below you’ll find a process that will take you through the search of finding the perfect Woodbridge storage unit for your needs.

1. Take Stock Of Your Items

Before you even consider looking for a storage unit you’ll need to take complete stock of the items you actually want to store. This will help you decide on how much space you need, and if you require a more flexible storage solution.

Also, don’t make the mistake of going for the smallest storage unit possible. You’d hate to pack your storage unit to the brim, and have to remove every single item just because you want to take out one small box.

If you have more sensitive items, such as, musical instruments or antique wooden furniture, then you’re going to want to look for a temperature controlled storage unit.

Keep all this in mind as you progress through your search.

2. Do Your Research

When you’re researching the perfect storage unit facility there are a few things you’re going to want to keep in mind.

The first is location. Are you going to need to access the unit on a regular basis? If so, then you might want to consider one of the facilities off I-95, like Gateway Storage. 

Second, you’ll want to check out the reviews. Websites like Yelp can end up providing valuable insight into the storage facilities you’re thinking about utilizing. Poor reviews can help to illuminate potential problems you might run into.

Third, look into the facility hours. Some gate hours are 24/7, while others are only open for a set number of hours. Take note of these and make sure they align with your needs.

3. Visit The Facility

Now that you have a few options it’s time to actually visit the facilities to see which one is going to work out best. During these visits there are a few things you’ll need to cover.

  • Visit the unit you might be renting

When you’re browsing for units see if you can take a tour of the exact unit you’re planning on renting. Or, at least try to check out the same style of unit. This will give you insight into storage capacities, as well as the quality of the unit.

  • Ask for discounts

Some facilities provide new renter discounts. But, the only way to receive these discounts is by asking. These discounts will help make the transition into your new storage unit much easier.

  • Look into payment options

Some Woodbridge storage facilities also offer discounts based upon the amount of time you’re planning on renting. Discounts can also be bundled into long-term rental contracts.

If you’re looking for the perfect storage solution in the Northern Virginia we hope you check out Gateway Storage. We have customers all over the Alexandria, Woodbridge, Springfield, and Northern Virginia areas.

How To Effectively Store Your Musical Instruments

Posted on April 8, 2015 by - Lifestyle, Storage

musical instrument storage

Photo Credit: frankieleon

Maybe your musical career is a thing of the past, but you can’t bear the thought of parting with your instruments or you have instruments lying around that you want to pass along to your children someday. Whatever your reason, renting a Springfield self-storage unit can help keep your instruments in good condition.

You have to take extra caution when packing and storing your musical instruments, because it’s easy for them to become damaged. Below you’ll find a series of steps that will help you ensure the safety of your precious musical instruments.

1. Be Wary Of Weather

Heat, cold, and moisture are all enemies of your musical instruments. No matter where you’re storing your items all three will pose a threat.

Moisture can potentially warp the wood and extreme fluctuations in heat or cold will cause the wooden instruments to expand or contract. You have to be aware of this, especially if you have any old instruments, as they’re more vulnerable.

The best way to protect against these temperature and humidity fluctuations is to rent a climate controlled storage unit, if available, or use a humidifier in order to maintain a consistent humidity level.

2. Know Thy Instrument

Wooden instruments require more care than electric or brass instruments. As we mentioned above, wood instruments are much more susceptible to hot and humid conditions, as well as cold and dry conditions. Know what your instrument is made out of and adjust accordingly.

Pianos are a very vulnerable instrument, as they are made of a blend wood, metal, and ceramic. So, these components could shrink or expand depending on temperature and end up leaving the instrument unusable.

3. Store And Unpack Correctly

If you have the original cases for your instruments this will help to keep them in the best condition possible. When placing them in the storage unit store them off the ground and away from any doors or drafty areas.

If you have any stringed instruments consider releasing the string tension, this will help to stop the strings from breaking or warping the instrument.

If you’re storing a piano for a prolonged period of time wrap every component in padded material. If you have a baby grand piano they stay in best condition when stored on their sides.

Of course, the longer you store your instrument the more careful you should be when unpacking and removing it from your storage unit. Take your time and be careful. If you already put a lot of time and effort into storing them, then being patient with the unpacking process will ensure you don’t accidentally damage them.

If you’re looking for a Springfield storage unit in the Alexandria, Woodbridge, Springfield, and Northern Virginia areas, consider Gateway Storage. We love serving our local customers, small business owners, and veterans. 

Organize Your Garage Before Summer Hits

Posted on April 8, 2015 by - Lifestyle, Storage

organize garage

Photo Credit: elliottcable

Taking time to organize your garage before summer starts will save you a ton of stress and time. By taking the little bit of extra time now you’ll be able to jump into summer full swing.

The sooner you organize your garage the easier it’ll be to locate and use all of your fun summer toys, gear and anything else you might need. Below you’ll find a series of steps that will get the garage organization process heading in the right direction.

1. Set Designated Zones

Partitioning your garage into designated zones will help you stay organized. When laying out which equipment will go where make sure the items you’ll be using most are the easiest to access.

This will help you keep the garage organized in the long-run. No more guessing where those pool toys, or yard equipment has to go.

If you have a large family, or a lot of people coming and going it can be helpful to actually label these specific areas in the beginning.

2. Invest In Hooks And Bike Racks

You can purchase simple screw in hooks that can hold a lot of weight. This will help you to store any tools, lawn equipment, or summer toys up and out of sight.

Vertical bike racks can also help you conserve a lot of space. You can attach these vertical racks to the walls of your garage, so you have more floor space.

3. Use Storage Bins

If you have a lot of miscellaneous goods lying around it can be helpful to load them into boxes. Make sure you invest in high quality boxes with snap on lids, as this will keep all of your goods safe from damage.

This will also allow you to stack your boxes, which frees up even more space.

4. Dispose Of Old Items

Usually, our garages end up morphing into the dumping ground for all of our extra household items. This can include items like old paint and re-modeling goods, outdated appliances, or old boxes.

Take the time to go through these goods and dispose of what you can. If you notice you have too many older goods you can’t bear to part with it can be helpful to rent an Alexandria self-storage unit.

This will allow you to store anything you won’t be using during the summer months and give you a ton of extra space.

If you’re looking for a storage unit we hope you consider Gateway Storage. We love serving our customers across the Alexandria, Woodbridge, and Springfield areas, as well as most of Northern Virginia.