Category: Lifestyle

Tips To Safely Store Your Precious Electronics

Posted on October 27, 2014 by Amanda Chambers - Lifestyle, Storage

If you’ve ever moved, or had to move electronic items into Springfield self storage then you know just how difficult it can be. A single lost or broken cord can mean hours upon hours of added frustration and time. When you’re storing or moving your electronics it’s important to take extra precaution to avoid making your life more difficult.

In this article we’re going to take a look at our best tips for storing and transporting your electronics.

1. Always Consult The Owner’s Manual

The owner’s manual will be able to suggest the best storage options for your needs. If you don’t have the original guide you can usually find a free copy available online. The better you can follow the storage instructions the better you’ll be able to transport your electronics effectively.

If you don’t have the box that the original item came in it can be helpful to find a box that will fit the item snugly.

2. Remove And Store Any Loose Pieces

Make sure you remove any item that isn’t directly connected to the main piece of hardware. This includes any wires, batteries, flash drives, DVDs, and anything else. Make sure to tie or tape up any dangling cords to ensure they don’t get tripped on or snagged. Also, keep any smaller electronic elements in a bag to keep them from being lost.

On another note make sure you back up all of your precious data before you move and store your electronics, just in case an accident happens.

3. Label Every Element

It’s important that you take the time to label all of your electronic pieces to ensure that nothing gets mixed up. It’s very easy to mix up cables and wires, so make sure you label them properly so you can get your electronics up and running again.

It doesn’t hurt to use more descriptive words when laying your boxes and bins.

4. Consider The Storage Climate

Most electronics will get ruined if they’re left in extreme heat or cold. Even just a little bit of time in extreme climates will end up making most of your electronics non-functional. If you’re storing electronics for the long-run make sure you store them in an environment that’s between 50 and 80 degrees and not very humid. If you are storing in a humid environment consider using a dehumidifier, which will help to prevent further damage.

You can also use silica gel packets which will help to reduce further moisture in your Springfield self storage container.

5. Transport Safely

When transporting your electronics consider using a smaller vehicle where you can transport your items more securely. You’d hate for your precious electronics to get damaged during a routine trip to the store unit.

Consider Gateway Storage for all of your electronics storage needs. We love to serve our clients across the 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.

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.

What Local Boating Regulations Do You Need To Know?

Posted on May 28, 2014 by Amanda Chambers - Lifestyle

Photo Credit: kevin dooley

If you’re taking your boat out of storage and getting it ready for the sumer months you’ll want to make sure you’re well versed in the boating regulations you’ll need to know to keep safe on the water. You’d hate to get fined or have an accident occur, because you made a mistake or broke the law on the water.

In this article we’re going to cover the local boating regulations that you need to know before you take your boat out of Woodbridge boat storage and onto the lake or the river.

Knowing Where To Boat

Any waterways that allow boating within Woodbridge and other Northern Virginia counties will always be marked. Some waterways also don’t allow motorboats, so make sure you’re complying with all local regulations before you launch your boat out onto the water. By following the links below you’ll be able to decide if the body of water you want to take your boat out on is actually safe.

Staying Safe On The Water

One of the best ways to stay safe on the water is by taking a boater safety course. These courses will help to ensure you know all the local and state regulations, and you know how to operate your boat in a safe manner. Just keep in mind that the certificate you receive from this kind of course is not the same as a boating license and in the future you may need both to boat legally.

Besides an education course, the rules for proper boating are actually very simple. Below you’ll find a short list of recommended steps you can take to ensure your safety and the safety of others in your party.

Lifevests are mandatory for every member of your party
Know the directional rules of the lake before putting your boat in the water.
Ensure your boat is in safe working condition, both internally and externally.
Do not consume alcohol or drugs aboard your boat.
Know the proper procedures for reporting accidents.
This link will provide you with access to your local Woodbridge boating regulations and watercraft knowledge.

Staying safe should be one of your main concerns on the water. Overall, when it comes to knowledge of the law the more you know the better. Take the time to educate yourself.

I hope this article has been valuable and will help you stay safe and ticket free on your boat this summer. Remember, when it comes time to store your boat make sure you get in touch with Gateway Storage. We offer Woodbridge boat storage solutions to residents of Woodbridge, Alexandria, Springfield and all across Northern Virginia. Get in touch with Gateway Storage today to discuss how we can serve your boating storage needs.

Tips On Getting Your Boat Ready For The Warm Weather

Posted on March 25, 2014 by Amanda Chambers - Lifestyle, Storage

Photo Credit: Chase Lewis

When the weather starts to get warm you’ll want to make sure you’re ready to take your boat out of storage. After all, you’ll want to take your boat out the moment the weather allows you to. It’s important to perform an inspection sooner rather than later, you’d hate to try to take your boat out onto the water and have it not work.

In this article we’re going to highlight the steps you can take to de-winterize your boat and get it ready for warmer weather.

1. Start With Your Engine

Without your engine in proper condition your boat won’t be very effective. De-winterizing your engine will probably be the longest part of the process. If you didn’t change the oil before you brought your boat into Woodbridge car storage you’ll want to do this now. While you’re changing the oil it’s a good idea to also change your oil filter. After the oil change is complete it’s important to flush the cooling system and replace all the fluids.

Finally run an engine test and see where you’re at.

2. Inspect Your Vinyl and Canvas

Spend some time going over your seats, covers and top for any tears, dirt or mildew. Make sure to repair any tears and clean up any mildew or stains with the proper cleaners.

3. Review the Hull

During this phase you’ll want to inspect the hull for any chalky residue, as well as chips or cracks. If any chips or cracks appear you’ll want to repair them before you take your boat out on the water.

If you find the hull is chalky upon inspection, this usually points to oxidation. You’ll want to determine the level of oxidation you’re experiencing, and start a gelcoat plan to restore its luster.

4. Clean and Wax the Hull and Boat

Use a boat cleaner to clean the boats exterior. Once this is done you’ll want to apply a fresh coast of wax.

5. Polish Wood and Metal

Depending on your boat, you may have a combination of wood and metal or simply, one or the other. You’ll want to take time inspecting these materials, to see if, they need any repair or maintenance. Long-term neglect of these elements can lead to an eventual compromise of their integrity.

6. Test All Electronics

The last thing you’ll want to test are the electronics. It’s important that these are working correctly, before you get out onto the water. This includes the radio, depth finder, GPS, and any other electronics you may have.

I hope this article has been valuable and you now know what you need to do to once you take your boat out of Woodbridge car storage. Also, it’s important to do continued maintenance on your boat throughout spring and summer. By keeping up on maintenance and taking care of your boat, you’ll ensure several summers full of boating fun.

We serve our residents and military personnel from Woodbridge, Alexandria, Springfield and all across Northern Virginia. Give us a call today at (703) 339-0009, so we can talk about your needs!

Top RV Accessories For 2014

Posted on February 28, 2014 by Amanda Chambers - Lifestyle, Parking

Via terrybone

As an RV owner you know how fun shopping for accessories can actually be. At times, it can even be as fun as buying the RV itself. That being said there are a few must-have accessories that you’ll want to have in your arsenal before you your beauty out on the road, during the spring. As you pull your beautiful RV out of our Woodbridge car storage facility right off of I95, you’ll want to ensure you have everything to make your trip the best ever.

In this article we’re going to take a look at some of the most popular RV accessories, that people are buying this year. You don’t want to miss out!

1. An awning for privacy, protection and shade

If your RV doesn’t already have an awning you’ll want to ensure you have one installed. An awning is hands down, one of the best choices you can make when it comes to RV accessories. By having an awning for shade, it will greatly improve your quality of life, no matter where you’re camping at.

2. A rearview trailer level

A trailer level is a cheap accessory that will greatly improve your quality of life, and takes a lot of the guesswork and worry out of leveling your trailer. You’ll be able to discern if your fifth wheel trailer is level on every side, all without a spotter.

3. A longer extension cord

Your RV may already have a 25-foot extension cord, and you may think this is good enough. However, what if there’s a circumstance where you need to plug into your campground’s power source and your just a little too far away. A longer extension cord will greatly come in handy. A longer cord will come in handy when you need it the most. Even if you just end up using it once, you’ll be glad you took the time to pick up a longer cord.

4. Crock Pot

A crockpot can be a delicious addition to your RV trips. Most meals on the road are cooked from the grille, stove or microwave. However, if you really want to cook up some home cooked meals you may want to look into a 12-volt crock pot. That way you can cook up come amazing meals, without having to stay back at the RV all day.

5. An extra sewer hose

An extra sewer hose will definitely come in handy in a time of need. There are many ways your current sewer hose can become damaged and you’ll want to ensure you’re not out of luck when this happens. Pick one up from your local RV supply outlet.

6. Child gates

These gates are for more than keeping your children at bay. You can use them to corral any pets you may have, or even use them to block off your campground from opposing campers’ nosey pets. Among a bunch of other uses.

Most of these accessories aren’t necessarily the funnest, but they’re absolutely crucial, and will make your life much easier if you find yourself in a situation where you’ll need to use one of the above.

We believe it’s better to be prepared than have to scramble for a situation you’re not prepared for. After all this time in Woodbridge car storage you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared and can start driving your RV in style and with confidence knowing you’ll be prepared, no matter what comes up.

We cater to residents and military personnel from Woodbridge, Alexandria, Springfield and all across Northern Virginia. Let’s discuss your situation–give us a call today at (703) 339-0009!

Happy Holidays from Gateway Storage!

Posted on December 25, 2013 by Amanda Chambers - Lifestyle

Here’s wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year! We want to say thank you to our loyal customers, and thanks to the men and women in uniform who continue to serve this great nation and keep us safe each and every day. We are humbly grateful for the sacrifices you and your families make so we can have an enjoyable holiday season.

If after the holidays you find yourself in need of extra storage for all those wonderful gifts you’ve accumulated, give us a call to learn about our affordable self-storage and container storage solutions. We offer flexible terms and affordable rates, providing you with excellent service and the best value. Our container storage solutions are great for personal and household items, either temporarily or long-term, so you can get back your garage. Going on a nice warm vacation to escape the cold and looking for a place to keep your car safe while you’re gone? We provide car storage services to keep your ride safe and secure. Our affordable rates keep more dollars in your pocket so you can enjoy an extra margarita while lounging on the beach, with the peace of mind that nothing will happen to your car while you’re away. Can’t beat that!

Again, have a wonderful time with friends and family. Happy Holidays!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Posted on November 27, 2013 by Amanda Chambers - Lifestyle

One of our favorite holidays (if not the most favorite) is Thanksgiving. Food, family, football…what more could you ask for? We here at Gateway Storage Center have so much to be thankful for: our football teams are doing well (and fingers crossed will continue to do well). But mainly we’re thankful for our amazing customers. We love seeing you guys come and go through our gates, setting off on a new RV adventure trip or going for a relaxing cruise on the water. Some of our customers even stop in and show us their big catch from an early morning fishing trip. Whatever you do with the items we keep safe and secure in between use, we hope you have a great time doing it.

And remember, as you’re starting to think about Christmas presents, especially with Black Friday around the corner, should you finally breakdown and get your honey that sleek new car she’s been hinting at and you need a place to store the old van until your son is old enough to get it as a hand-me-down, Gateway Storage Center is the best value for car storage across Northern Virginia. We offer affordable prices and flexible terms so you get exactly what you want at the right price.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at Gateway Storage Center. Hope you have a great one!

RV Trips: Things to Do on the Road

Posted on October 27, 2013 by Amanda Chambers - Lifestyle

Ahh the wide open road…so much to see and so much to do. There are so many sites to see and things to do, hard to do them all in one trip. Here’s a helpful list of things to do on your next RV trip:

Golf – break out the clubs and check out the links; these are fun to just walk too
Bicycling – mountain biking or just trekking around a quiet town, get out and find your own adventure. Maybe you’ll stumble onto Foamhenge
Hiking – climb a mountain (or a hill), enjoy the great outdoors
Fishing – enough said
Kayaking – maybe save this for the warmer months, but it’s nice to get out on a lake or river and paddle around
Camping – nothing like a nice campfire coupled with the peace and quiet of the woods; cooking some hot dogs and a cold one definitely adds to the picture too!
Line Dancing – find yourself a nice local bar and get to your boot scootin’ boogie on!
RV Park Activities – tons of stuff to do, including tennis, shuffleboard, board games, bingo, card games, pickleball, cornhole, and tons more