Category Archives: Storage Tips!

Spring Cleaning!

Spring Cleaning Tips For Your Storage Spaces!

Storage Sheds and a Good Spring Cleaning

Spring has sprung and the grass is growin’. Time for spring cleanin’ and a little yard mowin’!

That’s right folks, the spring weather has certainly arrived and everyone and everything is gettin’ busy doin’ it’s thing, including the grass! Yep, it’s time to pull out the mower and get’er going. But, when many of us open the door to the storage garage sometimes it’s not quite so easy to do. The mower is in there somewhere, but it’s gonna take some time to find it! Instead of pushing this and that out of the way. Get organized. Take a little time to give the shed a good spring cleaning. Let’s face it, you have a lot of weeks ahead that you’ll be needing easy access to this storage space. So put some of that spring zing and pep in your step to good use; let’s give the storage shed a good spring cleaning.

Everything out!
If you’ve got a mess, pull it all out. Sort your items into piles of like items. Set aside any items that you no longer need and decide if they are trash or yard sale merchandise! Now if an item doesn’t belong in the storage shed, simply decide where it needs to be and put it back in it’s rightful home.

Self Storage Solutions

Clean Up Time
Time to sweep the floor and wipe down the shelves and work bench areas. You may also want to inspect the items that you’re storing to see if they need to be wiped off or hosed down before returning them to the shed. A clean and neat storage space will make your gardening and yard work life so much more enjoyable and easy to do!

Re-group and Replace
Now that everything’s out, and your space is clean, it’s time to reorganize and place your items back into the shed. Store the items that will be used most often toward the front of the storage space. Items that get used less frequently can be stored further back. Leave yourself a path to reach all of your warm weather items when needed. Hanging tools on walls or pegboard, as well as keeping smaller items in cans or plastic containers can also free up additional storage space. If you find yourself still in need of more storage space for items, such as your autumn fire pit or those Christmas decorations that you finally found, you may want to consider a small self-storage space. Your local self-storage facility will be happy to assist!

Now that you’ve put everything back into your clean storage space, you can stand back and admire your great work. Organized and ready, it’s time to enjoy all that fun lawn mowing, weed whacking, weed pulling, painting, gutter cleaning, hedge trimming, and the list goes on and on and on…. and oh well, hopefully you’ll get to use those sparkling bicycles and tidy beach chairs once or twice before winter returns!

Prepping your Motorcycle for Spring
Chuck’s Checklist

Well it’s a balmy 70 degrees in February, and there are plenty of motorcycles cruising past our office at The Storage Inn Self Storage facility here in Egg Harbor Township in South Jersey. I’ve also noticed a few of our storage space customers getting their bikes out  – who could blame them on a day like this? As I was making my rounds, I came upon one of our long time motorcycle storage customers, Chuck, who had his storage unit door open, and appeared to be staring intently at the inner workings of his Harley Road King.” Headed out?” I yelled to him. “ Not until I do my Spring safety check “  he shouted back at me. Upon further investigation, I found that Chuck actually had a checklist that he follows every spring – things to check prior to getting the old two wheeler on the road for the season. Being a rider myself, I was curious to see what his list included.

Here is Chuck’s checklist…..

  1. Check your battery – This the heart of your ride’s electrical system. Chuck says that any biker worth his salt will have already been connected to a trickle charger, and should be good to go, but if you don’t have your battery on a charger, the first thing to make your motorcycle ride-ready is to charge your battery.
  2. Change the oil & filter – It’s best to change your bike’s oil before you store it for the winter, but if not, now’s the time to do it. Swap that stale lubricant for fresh clean oil and a new filter. If you don’t do the work on your bike, make arrangements with your favorite cycle shop to get it done.
  3. Kick the Tires : We don’t really want you to kick them, but you should do a full 360 degree check on each tire for any cracking or punctures. Also, check for wear. On many tires, tread wear indicator bars signal a need for replacement, but another easy check – if you can see the top of Lincoln’s head on a penny when inserted in the tire tread, Lincoln’s head facing down, it’s time for a new tire. If your tires pass the wear test, inflate them to manufacturer’s inflation specs and your rubber is ready to go!
  4. Fuel up  – Ideally, you should have stabilized the fuel in your motorcycle during the winterization process before you placed it into storage. If you didn’t winterize, and also didn’t fill the tank before storing, check the fuel tank for rust, which may have formed due to water condensation. If the tank is clean, fill it and ‘ride-on’. If there are signs of rust, you’ll live with the consequences – fouled carburetor, clogged fuel filter, etc. – until you replace the tank.
  5. Check your Connections – A Spring tune up of cables, plugs, and pivot points is time well spent. Check all electrical connections, cables, and all moving parts that might require lubrication. Things tend to dry out over the winter, so take the time to make sure that the moving parts are kept moving!
  6. Lights! Camera! Action! Turn on your motorcycle’s power and check all the lights for any that have inoperative bulbs and replace them. (i.e.  brake lights, turn signals, headlights, etc.) Often, replacement bulbs come in twos, so save extras for the next time you need one. If a new bulb does not light, it’s time to check the fuse box. If that doesn’t work, it’s time to visit your local cycle shop. electrical problems are best left to the experts.
  7. Ready, Set, Stop! Stopping your motorcycle safely is just as important as insuring your bike can accelerate. Before you hit the road, thoroughly check all the components of your brake system – lever adjustment, cables, calipers, brake pads, etc. If things don’t seem right and you’re not comfortable making adjustments, seek professional help. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
  8. Stay Hydrated – Check all of the motorcycle’s fluid levels – brake, clutch, oil, coolant. Top them off as needed. Look for any leaks on the floor where your motorcycle’s been stored. Another way to check for leaks is to start and warm your bike up to running temperature, then turn it off and check for leaks.
  9. Keep it Clean – The old adage, “Cleanliness is next to Godliness” is true – especially for your motorcycle. When you’ve taken all the steps to prepare your motorcycle mechanically, thoroughly clean the exterior. Your bike will look as good as it runs and you’ll look good riding it!!!

So there’s Chuck’s checklist, so get ready, get that bike out of storage and get ridin’! With 70 degrees in February, you’d better do it now while it’s warm – could be snowing next week!

 

Baby It's Cold Outside

A Few Tips for Surviving Winter

Baby It’s Cold Outside!

The start of January here at The Storage Inn in Egg Harbor Township came with a lot of snow! When it was first starting to fall a few days ago, it had made for a pretty quiet morning here at the office, but then a car pulled into the parking lot. I recognized the young lady that got out as Jen, one of our newer customers, who as I recall, had just moved here from sunny Florida.

“Ooooh boy” I thought as she threw open the office door.

“ How do you folks deal with this?!?” she exclaimed. “I own one jacket and it’s in my storage unit! You got any tips?”  

I couldn’t help but notice she was wearing lightweight clothes, canvas shoes and a pair of gardening gloves. “Why don’t you go get your jacket out of your storage unit, and I’ll make you a winter survival list!” She smiled and said she would really appreciate the help.

When she got back from grabbing her coat I gave her my tips…

brrr-cold-outside-4079614

Winter is a Good Excuse to Buy a New Sweater!

You certainly need the appropriate clothing for cold weather.
A warm winter coat is top of the list. – You can’t go anywhere in a cold-weather state without one.
Sweaters and sweatshirts and long johns. – Creating layers under that coat is a priority.
A warm hat, scarf, and gloves  – Think Thinsulate or furry Russian hat!
A good pair of insulated weather-proof boots and warm winter socks – Nothing else matters if your feet are freezing and your toes are icicles.

Find a Toasty Cabin in the Woods (or book a flight to Hawaii)

No matter what you’re wearing, nothing beats the cozy comfort of a well heated home or apartment during the winter. So if you’re a homeowner or landlord be sure to have your heating system checked out before it becomes a problem. If you have a wood stove, stock up on seasoned logs. If you’re into oil heat, many oil delivery companies offer a little discount if you’re on a scheduled delivery plan. And no matter what type of system you have, most HVAC companies offer a yearly check up that is relatively inexpensive to catch issues before they become problems.

victoria-secret-model-lindsay-ellingson-barely-recognizable

 

When Dashing Through the Snow Make Sure You Don’t Get Stuck

Whether it’s to and from work, shopping, or going out to eat, living in a cold-weather state means traveling in a cold-weather state.  Here are some ways to prepare.

Winterize your vehicle.
Check the tires to be sure the tread is sufficient for snowy travel.
Check your antifreeze to be sure that it’s full and fresh. Flush and change it if need be.
Fill your car with freeze-proof window washer fluid – available at any auto store.
Make sure you have an ice scraper and lock de-icer in your car.
Be sure that your phone is fully charged before leaving on a winter road trip.

Now I’m sure I could have thought of more tips for Jen, but it was about that time that she walked back through the office door with her lovely spring! jacket on. Shivering, she thanked me for my list and went on her way.

All this talk about cold weather has put me in the mood to go home, turn up the heat to 80, get comfy with shorts and a t-shirt, and have a nice piña colada. I think I’ll watch a travel video about the islands. Aloha!

Storage Units - What size do I need?

Storage Units – What size do I need?

Self-Storage – Getting the right size for you!

So, your backyard shed is full, the attic is packed, and you can barely walk through the garage, let alone park a car in it – It’s time to rent some self storage space ! “The local storage facility down the road looks nice, but what size do I need?” you ask yourself. Luckily I can help. My name is Jerry, and I’m a manager at The Storage Inn Self Storage in Egg Harbor Township, NJ. Here are some tips to help you get the right size storage space.

Organize and Inventory

Don’t worry about storage unit sizes until you’re sure of what items you’re actually going to need to store. Take an inventory of everything that will be going into the storage unit, including the dimensions of any larger items to be stored.  Measure the height, width, and depth as you may need to turn some items on end. Also note the number of boxes and totes that you need to store, including their dimensions. Using similar size boxes and totes will make this task much easier. Now that you have a pretty good idea of what you will actually be storing, it’s time to head on down to your local self storage facility, talk to the experts, and get the perfect storage space to suit your needs!

The Perfect Size Storage Unit

Okay, time to choose the right storage unit size for all your stuff. There are approximately six standard storage unit sizes in the storage industry. These are sizes that will be found it almost any self-storage facility. Here is a description of those basic sizes.

 

size-guide


At the Storage Inn of Egg Harbor Township New Jersey  we offer over 45 different storage unit sizes, most of which have extra high ceilings, giving our customers 20% more storage space than the industry standard. These sizes include unique configurations such as long narrow spaces making them perfect for storing items like ladders or surfboards;  and we also have smaller spaces with high ceilings great for items like couches and mattresses since they can be turned on end to maximize the cubic footage of the unit. We even have outdoor spaces for boat storage, car storage and RV storage! And if you’re looking for climate controlled units, yep, we have those too. 

Let us Help

Although this may be a daunting task for you, the professionals at your local storage facility deal with these moving and packing issues on a daily basis. We would be happy to answer any questions you have about storing your belongings and we’ll certainly assist you in finding the right sized storage space.

And keep in mind that here at The Storage Inn moving and packing supply store, we sell everything for your storage needs including cardboard moving boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and mattress covers. And if you have a lot to move check out our affordable truck rental offer to help make your move a breeze! 

Storage Inn Tips For Reorganizing Your Storage Stuff

Storage Inn Tips For Reorganizing Your Storage Stuff

Time to organize your storage unit

Today is the day!  You cleared the afternoon schedule, took the key out of the junk drawer, and you’re ready to head to the local self storage facility to finally clean out and reorganize your storage unit. You’ve been meaning to do this for months, but are finally getting around to it today… So you hop in the car, drive to the storage facility, throw open the door, and think “OMG –  I can’t believe that I left it like this!” Boxes torn open and left half empty, sweat shirts hanging from old lamps, and a pile of something that you don’t even recognize shoved in the corner.
How did our storage unit end up like this? At this point you’re saying to yourself “I’m sure I had everything organized when I moved in, and I’m pretty sure I invested in a storage place to AVOID clutter.” Well, it’s time to get back on track, and get organized with a storage plan!  

The Storage Inn of Egg Harbor Township and Ocean City has put together some tried and true planning tips for organizing your storage space. 

353268104-plan-your-work-670-670

Plan your Work – Work your Plan

The Three Categories of Clutter
Before you begin your work, set up three areas – one for items that you will keep, one for items that you will donate, and one for items that you simply need to throw away. If you’re confined to working within your storage unit or the area immediately outside your unit, you’ll have a space limitation. Instead of pulling all of your belongings out at once, you’ll probably be more successful pulling out a packing box or two at a time and making decisions before moving on.

Repack Smart
As you repack, check to make sure that all of your storage boxes are full. Full boxes stack much more easily than half filled boxes, and are less likely to crush under the weight of the moving boxes above them. Converting your storage solution to plastic tubs can make this process even easier. Label all of the boxes or bins in your storage space clearly, and leave a small area to walk through your unit, if possible, to facilitate access throughout the year. Place the boxes or items that you are most likely to need throughout the year, close to the entrance, or at the top of the stack – planning ahead can really pay off.

cardboard-box-labeled-300x193

Ask the Pros!
Stop in and visit the staff here at The Storage Inn – We’ve probably dealt with the situation you may be dealing with, and would be happy to help you reach an ideal storage solution. Keep in mind, most storage facilities have moving and packing supplies onsite that are designed to make your job easier. And if you’re in need of a few extra boxes, packing tape, or packing material while you’re doing your repacking at your storage unit, just walk on over to the front office to update your packing supplies.  

Patty Ernst, the manager at our Storage Inn self-storage in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, recommends sizing up the items in your unit, and then taking a minute to visit the Storage Inn’s office store. “We carry many items in our store that can help our customers organize, or reorganize their storage space. We carry a wide variety of boxes, bubble wrap, tape, and even have kits specially made for storing dishes and glasses. For the ultimate in organization, we can even provide you with storage unit shelving that will fit against the walls of your storage area, and don’t forget the mattress and furniture covers!”

Hopefully these tips will help you to get your storage unit well organized once again –  remember, a place for everything, and everything in its place. Now go git’er done!

 

Tips for storing your summertime beach gear

Tips for storing your summertime beach gear!

How to Store your Summer!

Well, the Summer seemed to fly by here at The Storage Inn, located at the Jersey Shore, and now it’s Fall! The temperatures are dropping, and it’s time to start thinking about stowing your summer gear for the season. Let’s see… we have beach chairs in the trunks of two cars, a patio full of furniture, an assortment of bicycles, kayaks and canoes, and closets full of summer clothes. It may be time to consider getting some extra space at a self storage unit facility like our Ocean City self storage location or Egg Harbor Township self storage location! – Here are some tips to help you store your summer fun items!

Storing and Packing Beach Items

Shake off the loose sand, and make sure that your items are completely dry before storing them. It is also a good idea to place a moisture inhibitor such as Damp Rid in the storage unit to help avoid mold and mildew. Be sure to allow enough room for air to circulate around items such as beach chairs to prevent them from getting musty. Most importantly, DO NOT place anything into a storage unit that is still wet!

summer-gear

 

Storing and Packing Wheels and Paddles

Be sure to prep your bicycles, canoes and kayaks before placing them into storage. Oil any moving parts, and use the appropriate protectants on the metal, rubber, and plastic areas as needed prior to storing. You should also cover your stored items to protect your prep handywork!

Storing and Packing Patio Items

Make sure that all your patio furniture, grills, cushions,etc., are clean and dry prior to placing them into your self storage unit. Use patio furniture covers to protect your chairs and tables, and sealable plastic bags, or plastic wrap for your furniture cushions. Table cloths, placemats and accessories can be easily stored in an airtight plastic bin. Make sure that your grill is clean and dry, and that the fuel tank has been removed, prior to placing it into your self storage unit. Fuel tanks should always be stored in a secured outdoor area.

Storing and Packing Shorts, Tanks, & Tees

Be sure that all your clothing is clean and dry prior to storage. Use airtight plastic containers that are labeled on the side, so that you can read them when they’re stacked on top of one another. Placing silica packets inside of these containers will help to eliminate any moisture that might be trapped at the time of packing. Try placing a dryer sheet inside each of the containers to leave your clothing smelling clean and fresh when you retrieve them next spring.

Well, there you have it, the perfect plan for storing your Summer away from the self storage experts at The Storage Inn… at least until the temps begin to creep back up come Springtime!

To reserve the perfect unit to store your summer be sure to call or stop into your local self-storage facility, The Storage Inn! Our friendly staff is always available to answer any questions that you may have.

Tips for storing your summertime beach gear

 

Tailgating Storage Tips

So, September is here, along with a brand-spanking-new football season – and what fun would football be without tailgating? There’s nothing like meeting up with your friends, firing up the grill, and getting pumped up before kickoff – but this yearly ritual also comes with a fair amount of work attached. The last thing you want, is to be running around scrambling to find your tailgating gear on game day. Here are some tips to help you stay organized, and make your tailgating  adventure a bit easier.

Keep it Clean

Whether you’re putting it away just until next week, or until next season or packing up for the season and placing your vacation stuff into a storage facility until next year, be sure to thoroughly clean all of your gear before you put it into storage – especially anything that might have food residue on it.The smallest amount of food residue can easily attract insects, and rodents. Consider pressure washing your grill at regular intervals throughout the football season, and especially at the end of the season, when you put it into your storage space.

Tailgating Storage Tips from The Storage Inn

Tailgating Storage Tips from The Storage Inn

Tote It

Typical tailgating gear can include everything from Team Flags, to plastic utensils, table cloths, cups, radios, and more!  This is where plastic tote bins become your best friend. Not only will they hold just about everything that you need, but they’ll also stack nicely in your game day vehicle –  just be sure to distribute the weight evenly so that they’re not too heavy to lift. This also makes for easy placement back into your garage or storage unit after the big game.

Be Safe

Do not store hazardous or flammable materials such as propane tanks, lighter fluid, or any other flammable materials in your garage or self storage unit. Propane tanks should be stored outdoors in an upright position. Other items such as lighter fluid or fire starters should be stored at home in a secure  temperature controlled area.  Also remember to remove batteries from radios, flashlights, etc., while in storage between seasons, to avoid leakage.

Make it Easy

Whether you’re a football-only Tailgater, or a year round Baseball, Soccer, NASCAR kind of crew, part of successful tailgating is having a system that makes it easy.  You will want to be sure that your tailgating items can be easily accessed. If you find that you’re having a hard time doing this at home, you may want to consider a small self storage unit. The ease of driving up, throwing open the door, and loading your vehicle, could make the small monthly investment well worth it! Stop in to your local self-storage facility like The Storage Inn and check it out – We’d be more than happy to help you. Happy Tailgating!

Self-Storage for Military Personnel

Self Storage for Military Personnel

Moving and Storage Tips for Military Families

Moving and Storage Tips for Military Families

Military Families on the Move

Moving is part of everyday life for military personnel. Soldiers and their families may be asked to relocate every 2 to 4 years. These moves often take place with short notice, requiring quick planning.

Military personnel who are about to deploy have a lot of choices to make regarding what items to take with them, and what to place in a storage unit. A self storage unit can be a great option, not only for furniture, electronics, and appliances, but also storing a vehicle such as cars, trucks, motorcycles, and boats. Your local self storage facility will likely offer military discounts for storage units as well as packing supplies, and possibly even the free use of a moving truck or moving van like we offer at The Storage Inn of Egg Harbor Township and The Storage Inn II of Ocean City. Most military bases have self storage facilities located near to them that offer secure gated storage – some even have resident security managers and climate controlled storage units. Many storage facilities also offer your choice of affordable indoor or outdoor space for vehicle storage.

Surface Deployment and Distribution Command are part of relocation departments designed to help military families with their moves. These departments also offer moving check lists like the one below.

Moving Tips for Military Families

Military families are experts movers! Here are some tips for moving with the military that should help make the moving process as smooth as possible!

Have a playbook with the moving orders, important dates and other documentation. Create a detailed list of everything that is to be moved.

Begin decluttering as soon as possible. Sort through items and designate them as sell, donate, and store – having less items to pack and move helps reduce stress on moving day

Have family and friends help with cleaning the old home when it is empty. It is also recommended to pre-clean the bathroom and kitchen in your new home.

Pack a “Go” bag for the first day at your new home with items such as sheets, towels, shower curtains and soap. Military families may not be able to control what goes where on their moving trucks, making it difficult to find items like laundry soap, brooms, mops, and household cleaners until the truck is completely unpacked. Quick and efficient planning is the key, but then, being quick and efficient is probably second nature to most military family members.

Tips for Moving and Storing Appliances

cleaning refrigerator for storage

Cleaning refrigerator before moving to storage unit.

The Storage Inn – Tips for Moving and Storing Appliances

Throw open the door to any self storage unit at either of our storage facilities in Egg Harbor Township or Ocean City, NJ and you’ll likely find at least one appliance being stored.  Most of us hate to throw out working appliances, so what do we do?  We keep them around until we can sell them or find a friend or relative who can put them to use. Unfortunately, this does not always happen quickly, and if you do not take certain precautions when storing appliances, you could end up with a hunk of metal and plastic that is completely unusable.

We’ve put together a few, tried and true, self storage moving tips for storing and moving your appliances below.

Clean and Dry

Be sure to thoroughly clean all appliances before placing them into a storage unit or storage container, especially refrigerators, freezers, washers, and dryers. Be sure to wipe down the inside completely. Other areas to be aware of are intake vents and lint filters.

Remove and dry moisture from all water lines, reservoirs, holding tanks, and drip pans, etc.  Use a hair dryer if necessary, to make sure that these areas are completely dry. This will help to prevent freezing, and mildew. Some preventive pest control treatments around motors and compressors is also a good idea.

Preparing to Move and Store

Always keep refrigerators and freezers upright during moving to prevent damage to the refrigeration system. The doors of all appliances should also be taped or bungeed shut until you arrive at your destination. You can also prevent cosmetic damage by covering items with furniture blankets or bubble wrap.

Reminder! Keep in mind that when you need moving supplies, we sell packing tape, bubble wrap, and many other moving supply items at all Storage Inn self storage facilities.

Once your items are placed in the storage unit, remove the packing tape and/ or bungees, and store with the doors ajar (removed) to prevent mold and mildew. Placing moisture inhibitors such as “Damp Check” in the storage unit along with your appliances may also help to prevent excess moisture. Be sure to cover your appliances with canvas tarps, or cotton sheets to protect them from dust and allow for air circulation.

Lastly, keep in mind that if you having questions about moving or storing your appliances or other valuables feel free to call one of our Storage Inn self storage managers. They can be a very valuable resource when it comes to moving, packing and storing tips. And don’t be afraid to stop in to a Storage Inn rental office to ask questions, get current storage unit rates, pick up moving supplies, or check out our self storage specials! – We’re always happy to help!

Self-Storage and Small Business

More Small Business’ using Self-Storage

When we think of self storage, most people think of long rows of metal doors that hide boxes, bags, and bins of unneeded household items. What we don’t think of is innovation and entrepreneurship, yet in growing numbers, that’s exactly what you might find.

Self-Storage Benefits for Small Businesses

What attracts small business owners to self-storage spaces? For most it is simply a flexible way to store goods and materials until sold. For many business owners, self storage offers needed space without being tied down, giving them the opportunity to respond quickly to the changing needs of their business’. Storage space can easily be increased as the business grows, eliminating the headaches of being tied down to a retail or warehouse space with expensive multi year leases.

With this lower overhead, the small business owner has more money to invest in his goods and services, and in many cases the cost of  self-storage can even be deducted as a business expense. Most self storage facility today also offer the capacity to accept deliveries for the tenant, eliminating the need for a small business owner to wait around for a shipment to arrive.

Small business self storage

Greg Meckel, Owner of The Storage Inn self-storage in Egg Harbor Township and Ocean City New Jersey offers his thoughts on the subject: “Many of our commercial customers store with us because we accept deliveries on their behalf. We sign for and take the goods into the store while they are out and about running their business, thereby avoiding them wasting their time waiting for deliveries”.

The market for small business self-storage use has boomed dramatically over the last two decades. Savvy self-storage business owners have recognized the desire for affordable storage space, and have turned their attention to this lucrative pool of potential customers. Self Storage experts estimate that 30 – 40% of rented units are now for business purposes. Could a self-storage unit be the answer to your small business needs?

By Jerry Brown
3/3/16