Author: Amanda Chambers

How To Effectively Prep Your Summer Vehicles For Storage

Posted on September 21, 2014 by Amanda Chambers - Parking, Storage

Photo Credit: smerikal

When it comes time to store your summer vehicles away for the fall and winter months, you’ll need to make sure you store them properly so they stay in the best possible condition. If you simply store away your car without taking any necessary precautions you could come back to a dead battery, or something much worse.

The steps below will help to ensure your car remains in optimal condition until it’s time to remove your car from Woodbridge storage once more.

1. Wash The Inside And Out

Any stains that get left on the vehicle can end up leaving stains or doing other long-term damage. As a precaution you should wash your car, so there won’t be any long-term damage to the paint.

Also, make sure you wash the rims, underside and interior of the car as well.

2. Change The Oil

If you’re only storing your vehicle short-term then you could probably get away with not changing the oil. However, if you’re storing the vehicle for longer than 30 days, then getting your oil changed is an absolute necessity.

Some used engine oils contain contaminants, which can end up doing long-term damage to your engine.

3. Fill Up The Tank

Filling up your gas tank helps to prevent any excess moisture from accumulating inside the tank, and also prevents the seals from drying out. You can also use a fuel stabilizer which will help prevent the buildup of ethanol, and protect the engine from, rust and varnish.

4. Charge The Battery

If you leave your battery unattended it will eventually lose the charge. There are a few different options you have available at your disposal if you’re trying to keep the battery charged up.

The first is to take the car out of storage every few weeks for a little 15 minute drive. This will help to make sure the battery stays charged and it will also ensure the other elements of the engine stay lubricated.

The second option is to disconnect the negative side of the battery cable, which will cause certain technological components of your car to reset, namely, the clock and radio.

The third option is to purchase a trickle charger, which plugs into the wall and gives your battery just enough of a charge to keep it from draining.

5. Avoid Flat Spots

Make sure that your tires are inflated to the optimum pressure. If your tires are too low they could develop flat spots. This is more likely to occur if you’re in colder climates, or have lower profile tires.

This can be remedied by taking the car out for a drive every once in a while. Or, for longer Woodbridge car storage circumstances you could actually remove the tires and store your vehicle on jack stands.

6. Watch Out For Squirrels

Lastly, you’ll want to do what you can to prevent squirrels and other critters from taking up refuge inside of your vehicle. Since, your car is going to be stored in a nice warm and dry environment, there are little animals that are looking for that exact same kind of environment.

The best way to keep your car safe is by stuffing steel wool into any openings, such as, the tailpipe.

By following the steps above you’ll ensure your car remains in great condition even after sitting in storage for months on end.

If you’re interested in storing your summer vehicles then get in touch with Gateway Storage today. We love to serve our customers and veterans across Alexandria, Woodbridge, and Springfield counties, as well as most of Northern Virginia

How Gateway Storage Can Help Ease Your Transition Into Fall

Posted on September 7, 2014 by Amanda Chambers - Lifestyle, Parking, Storage

storage can ease your transition into fall

Photo Credit: Micky**

With the change in seasons comes a change in storage needs. With the shift into fall the time comes to put away your summer goods and begin preparation for winter. Often, the changing weather can sometimes force us to make storage upgrades or changes sooner than we’d like.

In this article we’re going to look at how Gateway Storage can help you with the seasonal changes that take place in your life, and the associated Alexandria storage needs that are bundled with.

1. Seasonal Weather Changes

The shift into fall is usually marked with changes in the weather. Usually, they’re more subtle, like, feeling a drop in temperature or witnessing the changing of the leaves. There is a certain sense of beauty that fall brings, but it also often brings a new sense of responsibility.

For most of us, fall means it’s time to get back to work, and put away the summer fun. It usually means the kids are going back to school, and it’s time for all of us to get our lives back on track.

A lot of these things happen naturally, but the last thing you want to happen is to get left out in the cold with your summer goods. If you don’t take the time to properly store your summer goods, they could either end up getting ruined, or cause a whole bunch of unneeded stress once winter comes along.

Gateway storage can help solve any storage problem that might arise. We offer creative Alexandria storage solutions that can help you find a temporary home for your summer goods. Make sure you invest in extra storage before the weather turns, your stress-free future self will thank you.

2. Shifting Business Needs

You may operate a type of business that has an increased workload during the summer months, but you need added storage once the summer comes to a close. If your businesses utilizes a lot of extra equipment, but doesn’t have the space to store all of your equipment onsite, then consider using our flexible storage lots.

We offer storage lots that can be used to safely and easily store your business goods for the fall and winter months. As an added bonus our storage facility is located right off I-95, so if you did need to access any of your goods or equipment at the last minute, you could easily do that.

3. Summer Vehicle Storage

You may be the type of person who has a car or two they use primarily for summer driving. Your car may not be able to withstand any of the fall and winter weather, so you prefer to put this vehicle into storage, so it stays in good condition.

We offer a wide array of Alexandria car storage and parking options to cater to your diverse needs. We’d recommend to put your car in storage as soon as possible, as you never know when the weather is going to shift. It’s better to avoid the rush and stress and utilize our flexible storage options the moment you have your first inkling it’s not quite summer anymore.

We hope this has been helpful and pushed you towards considering your storage options now that fall is upon us, get in touch today! We love serving our clients across the Alexandria, Woodbridge, and Springfield counties, as well as most of Northern Virginia.

Has Your Summer Camping Season Come To An End? Consider Us For Trailer Storage

Posted on August 25, 2014 by Amanda Chambers - Parking, Storage

Photo Credit: Homini:)

If you’re anything like us, then you love to take camping trips in the summertime. Camping can take many forms, whether you’re driving your RV, using a trailer, or going old-fashioned and using a tent.

One of the biggest objections people have about investing in a trailer or RV has to do with storage space. Most people simply don’t have the space to store their camping or road trip equipment once the season comes to an end.

If this sounds like you then we can help. We offer a variety of flexible Alexandria storage options for both RVs and camping trailers.

Keep reading for the slew of benefits that utilizing our Alexandria trailer storage services can bring into your life.

Benefits Of Using Trailer Storage

Some people just don’t have space around their properties to store their trailers. Strict parking regulations around Northern Virginia also make it very difficult to park your trailer without incurring extra fines and tickets. The benefits our storage facility can bring may end up making us your first choice.

1. Flexible Storage Choices

We know that all camping trailers aren’t made the same, nor do they have the same dimensions. This is why we offer flexible storage options. We’re willing to be as creative as you need in order to serve you effectively.

We have extra-wide aisles and large storage spaces that can handle the largest RVs and trailers. The zone surrounding your trailer is also kept very clean and free of debris.

2. Increased Storage Safety

Our facility offers 24/7 surveillance and is fenced. We also have unique gate codes that make it very difficult for unauthorized entry. Simply put, your goods are safe with us.

You can rest easy knowing your camping trailer is safe and ready for any last minute trip you’re thinking of taking.

3. Easy Access For The Spur Of The Moment Trip

You may have the grand idea of taking your camping trailer out for a weekend getaway. Some storage facilities make this a little more difficult, but not Gateway Storage. Our location right off I-95 makes it very easy to access.

If you have an early morning departure or late night arrival, then this won’t be a problem. We have well-lighted spaces to ensure you can access your camping trailer no matter the time of day.

Never again should you let lack of storage put a damper on your ability to take a camping trip. We want to make the process of storing your camping trailer as easy and painless for you as possible.

Hopefully, through using our Alexandria storage services we can encourage you to take even more trips into the great outdoors.

We love to serve our customers and veterans across Alexandria, Woodbridge, and Springfield counties, as well as most of Northern Virginia. If you’re in need of a facility to store your camping trailer look no further than Gateway Storage.

Why You Should Consider Storage As The Summer Season Comes To An End

Posted on August 25, 2014 by Amanda Chambers - Parking, Storage

summer coming to an end consider gateway storage

Photo Credit: johnnytakespictures

As the summer comes to an end the time comes to start thinking about what you’re going to do with the rest of your summer goods. You could attempt to stuff them into the cracks and corners of your home, or store them away in your garage to be forgotten forever.

However, there is also another way. We offer Woodbridge self storage services that can help you handle the influx of summer goods. Who knows, this could have been the summer you decided to finally purchase the boat of your dreams.

Whatever extra goods you’ve acquired during the summer we can help you store them in a beneficial and efficient manner. Keep reading to figure out if you need to consider our Woodbridge storage facility for the fast approaching fall.

You’ve Acquired Extra Goods Over The Summer Months

Sometimes the good times of summer tend to lead to implies purchases. Or at the very least, justification to finally purchase a big ticket item you’ve been wanting to buy for a long time.

This may mean this year was the year you decided to purchase your dream boat, without thinking about where it’s going to be stored when the temperature start to drop.

Or, you may have decided to buy a classic car so you could cruise around Northern Virginia during the summer months, but you don’t have a place to store it once summer is over.

If any of the above sound familiar, then we can help. We specialize in storage services for a variety of circumstances, including extra overflow goods, classic cars, and powerboats.

You’re Downsizing Into A New Home In The Fall

On some occasions the fall season means it’s time to downsize into a smaller home or apartment. When this need arises it can be hard to get rid of goods and household items you’ve had for a very long time. Many of these items hold sentimental value.

Instead of disposing with them you can store them in our Woodbridge storage facilities for as short or as long as you’d like. We offer many flexible storage options to cater to your needs. Our location right off of I-95 makes it easy to pick up and drop off your goods whenever the need arises.

Remember, just because you don’t have room for your current goods doesn’t mean you have to throw them away. By using our Woodbridge storage services you’ll be able to keep your favorite stuff with room to spare.

We love to serve our customers and veterans across the Alexandria, Woodbridge, and Springfield counties, as well as most of Northern Virginia. Get in touch if you’re in need of some extra storage space.

Are You After Short-Term, Flexible Storage For The Remainder Of The Summer?

Posted on August 25, 2014 by Amanda Chambers - Storage

Photo Credit: sonicimac

What’s your immediate thought when you think of self-storage centers. Most people think of long-term contracts, locked in rates, inflexible terms and steep prices. Although this is actually true in some cases we do whatever can to make sure you have an experience different from the rest.

No longer do you have to get locked into long-term lease terms that don’t end up solving all of your needs. Below you’ll find more details about our flexible Springfield self storage options.

Flexibility Is A Necessity

I’m sure you’ve tried other storage companies in the past the were completely against offering you any flexible contract terms. From the people we’ve talked to it’s either a year or more of storage, or nothing. We don’t think this is fair.

Sometimes, you just need self-storage for a couple months here and there. We believe that storing goods shouldn’t be something you have to think twice about. As a result, we offer both flexible storage lengths, and a wide variety of sizes and storage options.

If you need to store more goods at the end of the summertime than you do during the rest of the year then our flexible storage spaces will suit you perfectly.

We go beyond car storage and self-storage and even offer combination spots.

Short-Term, Long-Term, Or Something In-Between

If you’re a contractor who has extra goods or vehicles that only need storage at the end of the summer, then we can help you out. We believe working with us shouldn’t be limited by the amount of time you spend with us.

We believe that if we offer flexible Springfield self storage options you’ll come back to us time and time again. Even if the space you need will change every month of so, we can accommodate this.

Putting The Pieces Together

Store whatever goods you need, for however long or short you’d like. You might just have some goods you’ll need to store until the summer ends. If this sounds like you, then we can help here as well.

Some small businesses get an influx of goods during the summer months that they can’t store onsite. We can cater to your inventory needs and help your business succeed. We love to work with small local businesses. No matter your differing needs we can help.

We love to serve our customers and veterans across the Alexandria, Woodbridge, and Springfield counties, as well as most of Northern Virginia. If your summer is coming to an end and you’re in need of some extra storage space we hope that you’ll consider Gateway Storage.

Does Your Business Have Increased Storage Needs In The Summer? We Can Help

Posted on July 22, 2014 by Amanda Chambers - Parking, Storage

Photo Credit: Zepfanman.com

You may have a service based business that increases its storage needs in the summer months. This is actually very common, and we serve a lot of companies with very similar needs. Sometimes your equipment may even be sensitive to the elemnets and you’d hate to damage valuable equipment, just because you don’t have room within your current storage setting.

We’re going to explore the benefits that working with our storage company can bring to your company over the summer months.

Too Much Equipment

In some types of business you may actually end up using less equipment during the summer months than you do during the rest of the year. If this sounds like your business, then using a Springfield storage facility may be your best option.

As your business grows you need a storage solution that can grow with you. If your storage needs change during the summertime, you need to work with a storage company that can keep up. Sometimes you have an overflow of vehicles and need to safely store them for a period of time. Gateway storage can help.

Temperature Sensitive Goods

Sometimes you may have certain equipment that can’t stand very hot temperatures, or direct exposure to sunlight. If you have certain goods or equipment your company needs to operate, yet they can’t quite stand the summer temperatures, then storage might be a great option for you.

We offer flexible storage options that can suit all of your business needs. For instance, if you need to have some of your good covered while others stored away into a container, we can do that for you.

Decreased Workflow

You may run a type of business that does decreased business in the summer months. As a result you’ll need to find place to store all of your equipment.

You could simply leave the equipment locked outside your facility, but that increases the chance of theft or damage to your equipment. As a business owner I’m sure you’ll want to protect your assets.

By working with Gateway Storage you can ensure your equipment is safe and protected, 24/7. Our Springfield small business storage facilities will ensure all of your storage needs are taken care of.

If you’re a Northern Virginia service based business, then you deserve a storage company that is going to take the time to cater to your unique business needs. Even though, we work with clients in similar industries, we believe in treating each client like an individual.

We serve small businesses in the Alexandria, Woodbridge, and Springfield counties, as well as most of Northern Virginia. If you need more storage or parking during the summer months, then get in touch with Gateway Storage today.

What To Do With Your Boat When You’re Done Boating The Potomac

Posted on July 22, 2014 by Amanda Chambers - Storage

Photo Credit: Long Zheng

You’ve just wrapped up a beautiful day on the water. We know the last thing on your mind is taking care of storing your boat. However, storing your boat is a big decision and there are certain elements of boat storage you may be overlooking.

We’re going to explore the current options you have at your disposal and the positives and negatives of each side. We hope that we can offer you a little guidance on choosing the best option for you and your boat.

On-Water Storage

Storing your boat on the water is one of the best options if you’re looking for ease of use. When you rent a space on the water, you only have to place your boat in the water once a season. However, there are some drawbacks you’ll want to be aware of.

For example, if your boat doesn’t hold a charge very well there’s a good chance your battery could die. When your boat is far away from land this makes it difficult to do any mechanical work on your boat and replace a failing battery.

Often, your boat has less protection from the elements when stored on the water as well. Usually, you’ll have everything locked down on your powerboat, but if the storm is large enough there’s a chance it could end up doing damage to your boat.

Overall, on water storage is a great option if your boat is in perfect mechanical shape, and your looking for the quickest option to store your boat at the end of a long day on the water.

Home Storage

Due to strict parking enforcement laws across Northern Virginia parking your boat at home can be seen as somewhat of a risk. If you have enough storage space on or around your property then storing your boat may be a good, cheap option.

However, if you have to resort to parking your boat on the street you may want to consider other options. The risk of getting a parking ticket is very high in Woodbridge, Fairfax, and Alexandria. Sometimes, it may even be cheaper to pay for a storage spot at a local facility.

Facility Storage

Another great option is to utilize a Woodbridge boat storage facility. Our boat storage facility provides unparalleled protection and unlimited access to your boat.

If your boat requires a charging station we also have a few spots with dedicated charging elements. We also keep the storage areas as clean as possible so your boat will always be in great condition.

Overall, you may perceive a dedicated storage space as the most expensive option, however when you consider everything you’re getting in return it may end up being the best investment.

We love to serve our customers and veterans across Alexandria, Woodbridge, and Springfield, as well as most of Northern Virginia. If boating is your passion you’ll want to make sure you have a storage solution that’s dedicated to keeping your boat safe and secure. Explore our Woodbridge boat storage options or get in touch with our team today.

Summer Storage Woes? Consider Gateway Storage

Posted on July 22, 2014 by Amanda Chambers - Storage

Photo Credit: kevin dooley

Sometimes you may need a little bit of extra storage during the summer months. You may have postponed your Spring clean until now and don’t know what to do with your extra stuff. Or, you may have a business that needs more storage space once the weather starts to heat up. Or, you could be looking for a place to store your winter gear and equipment.

Regardless of your reason we love to help our Northern Virginia customers find the Alexandria self storage solution that’s best for them during the hot summer months.

Need Extra Storage Space?

So, you just decided to do some much needed cleaning around your home and have found yourself with a bunch of extra “stuff”. Of course, you don’t want to throw it out. But, what other options do you have?

At Gateway Storage we offer a slew of flexible Alexandria self storage options to suit your unique needs. If you have extra goods you need to store for the summer months we have flexible lease terms.

Maybe, you have certain goods that need to be kept out of direct sunlight, but you don’t have any room inside your home or garage. This is where we come in. Our easy access, right off I-95 makes it easy to drop off your goods and continue about your day.

We have combination spaces that make it easy to keep your goods out of direct sunlight. If you need to store your jet-skis and the rest of your winter gear we have you covered.

Flexible Storage Options Are Available

Another situation we cater to frequently is shifting inventory and work load for local Virginia service businesses. For instance, your construction company may have extra equipment to store during the summer months. To cater to this need we offer flexible spaces that can increase or decrease based upon your needs at this exact moment.

No longer do you have to worry if your storage needs shift when the temperature starts to rise. The good news is that you aren’t alone. We serve a wide range of service-based companies. For example, cleaning companies, contractors, electricians, moving companies and much more use our flexible Alexandria storage options every summer.

We serve the Alexandria, Woodbridge, and Springfield areas, as well as most of Northern Virginia. If the summer months cause you to need extra storage space then get in touch with Gateway Storage today.

Is Your RV Ready For Your Annual Summer Road Trip?

Posted on June 26, 2014 by Amanda Chambers - Lifestyle, Parking

Photo Credit: sensitive-eyes

You’ve just taken your RV out of our Springfield RV Storage facility, and you’re gearing up for your summer road trip. It can be tempting to hit the road as soon as possible, however, you’ll want to make sure your RV is in working order so you can avoid any mishaps on the road.

Taking the time now can reduce a lot of heartache in the future. We’re going to highlight the top things you’ll need to do to make sure your RV is in the best shape possible.

1. Under The Hood Inspection

You’ll need to make sure your engine is running smoothly for any cross the country trip you may be imagining. I’m sure you’ve been in a situation in the past when your RV failed to get you from point A to point B.

Some of the most important elements of your design you’ll want to cover are:

• Checking your fluid levels. This includes oil, transmission, hydraulic and coolant fluids.
• Check your belts, hoses, wiring and engine fans.
• Thoroughly inspect the engine compartment.
• Check the battery charge, and ensure it’s holding a charge.
• Ensure your gauges are running effectively.
• Take a quick five minute run to make sure everything is running smoothly.
• Check your engine for any moisture build up or leaks.
• Make sure all of your lights are operating correctly.

The above steps will help you to get started, however, if anything is beyond your realm of expertise feel free to take your RV to a mechanic.

2. Getting The Outside Nailed Down

You’d hate for their to be any peeling paint, rust or a malfunctioning awning that’s trying to ruin your perfect road trip. Do a thorough inspection of the outside of your vehicle and make note of anything that’s outside of the usual.

If something looks like it may become a problem it’s better to simply invest in taking care of the problem now, rather than having it blow up later.

3. Make Sure The Interior Is Complete

The interior of your RV is going to be your home for your entire trip. You’ll want to make sure it’s not only comfortable, but that everything is also in working order. For instance, you’ll want to check all of your batteries, and bring any extra just in case.

You’ll also want to double-check all of the cabinets and appliances to make sure everything is in working order. You’d hate to take off on your road trip and hear the sounds of things falling of the shelves and cabinets clanging.

I hope you’re now well-versed in the steps you need to take to make sure your RV is literally, ready to roll. When you return from your trip and need a place to store your RV, consider our Springfield RV Storage facility, we serve the Alexandria, Woodbridge or Springfield counties and most other counties within Northern Virginia.

5 Unique Features Of Gateway Storage

Posted on June 20, 2014 by Amanda Chambers - Parking, Storage

Gateway Storage is a unique storage company that offers services most other storage company’s don’t. Some northern Virginia storage companies simply offer self-storage, or car storage and nothing else. In fact, most other storage companies don’t even take the time to craft individual storage solutions.

At Gateway Storage we believe every customer in the Alexandria area has unique storage needs, and we want to cater to each and every individual. In this article, we’re going to highlight a few features of our business you may not know about.

1. We offer flexible parking solutions

Some Northern Virginia storage facilities only offer you a single way to store your vehicles at their facilities. We believe you should have a multitude of options to choose from. For instance, we offer short-term (when available), month-to-month, or long-term storage solutions for our Alexandria car storage customers.

2. Our gates are equipped with access tracking

If you use our storage services to store your vehicles for your contractor company or small business you may want to track when your vehicles have left the facility. Especially, if you’re managing a team who has to visit the facility every single day.

Upon request, we can prepare a report regarding your company’s access.

3. We can store almost anything!

We go above and beyond the services of regular storage companies. Sometimes you may need to store an usual piece of equipment or a car without tags. Or you need an unusually large amount of storage space.

We can help you do all this and more. We offer container storage solutions and equipment storage. We offer our Alexandria logistics services on a case by case basis, so you’re guaranteed to get a unique solution to your self storage needs.

4. We offer lower rates than the rest

Some companies try to charge you as much as possible. Preying on you in your time of need. We believe in providing you with an affordable alternative. That being said, we do have limited storage container spaces, so if you are in need of an inexpensive storage alternative get in touch as soon as possible.

5. Store everything in one place

Only pay for what you use. Sometimes you may need to store your goods in a variety of different ways. For instance, you may need to store vehicles, sailboats and other goods all in one location.

We offer creative and flexible storage options, so you don’t need more than one place to store all of your goods.

I hope you’ve found this article helpful and have a better understanding of how Gateway Storage can serve you in capacities way beyond simple storage. If you’re looking for a unique storage solution all across Northern Virginia or within in the Alexandria, Woodbridge or Springfield counties, then look no further than Gateway Storage. Get in touch today for a free consultation.