How Storing Seasonal Items Can Free Up Space in Your Home

As the seasons are starting to change, it’s perfect timing to discuss the benefits of putting away seasonal clothing and swapping out everyday decor for seasonal decor. Self storage can help tremendously to keep your home organized, especially during transitional seasons. 

Whether you’re hosting holidays parties or having family gatherings, you’ll probably want to take advantage of any additional space you can find. Freeing up space around your home can make it easier to host large groups of people, and navigate daily tasks easier. Utilizing self storage allows you to manage the belongings around your home easier, and make room for activities most important to you.

Storage for Every Season

Each season brings different holidays, traditions, and activities. When you’re limited on storage space, personal self storage provides a secure spot for items that you won’t be using for a few months. Having a dedicated space for items you don’t want to get rid of, but simply need out of the way for the time-being, can provide peace of mind. Plus, having clutter around your home can cause undue stress that can be avoided. There are many different decorations and accessories that come with the holidays and seasons, and having an order for them can make each season more enjoyable.

Storing Seasonal Décor

Storing seasonal décor is easily manageable with self storage. Instead of cramming seasonal decorations in your garage or spare room, a storage unit allows you to better organize your decorations according to season and keep them sorted. Keeping your decor organized allows you to easily find your belongings, and seamlessly swap them out as the next season rolls around.

The last thing you probably want to do is search for your kid’s Halloween costume the night before and not be able to easily find it. Categorizing your seasonal items by holiday or theme can help you stay organized. Storage organizers are great for sorting out your belongings, and labeling each box can help you find items easier when you go to look for them.

Storing Recreational Equipment

Many people enjoy partaking in various outdoor activities, depending on the time of year. Whether you’re an athlete or occasionally bike with the family, you most likely have some form of equipment that you keep in your garage at home. However, it is likely that your bike or snow sled is taking up valuable space in your garage. Easily store your recreational equipment such as fishing poles, camping gear, sport balls, golf bags, or bikes in a storage unit. 

At Storage of America, many of our storage facilities are located near parks and recreational areas. Conveniently store your recreational equipment at one of our storage facilities and stop by our storage facility on the way to the park or golf course and pick up your bike or golf bag. Plus, many of our storage facilities have gated access, allowing you to visit your storage facility during extended hours. Easily visit your storage unit when you need to, based on your schedule.

Storing Seasonal Clothing

If you have limited closet space or have to share a closet with a significant other or roommate, it can be tricky finding space for all of your clothing items and shoes. At Storage of America, we have a variety of storage units to accommodate your storage needs. Free up room in your closet and swap out your wardrobe as the season changes. Winter clothing can be bulky, so during the summer months, it may be beneficial to keep winter coats, boots, and sweaters in storage. 

Storing and Hiding Gifts 

Coffee mug up against holiday décor and lights

As you start shopping for the holidays, you might not have a place to hide the presents you bought to surprise loved ones. However, with a storage unit you have a place to hide presents without the chance of your surprise being ruined. Additionally, storage units provide a secure place for your items, giving you peace of mind. With safety features like digital video recording and gated access, you can be sure your items are protected.

Store Seasonal Items With Storage of America

Easily manage your seasonal clothing or décor with Storage of America. Our storage unit sizes range from 5’ x 5’ to 10’ x 30’, allowing you to find the right storage unit for you. The smaller storage units are comparable to a small closet, perfect for storing a few boxes of seasonal décor or clothing. Unsure what size of storage unit would be best for you? We have a unit size guide available to provide a recommendation. Rent or reserve your storage unit today!

How To Store Out-of-Season Clothes in a Storage Unit

It’s crucial to store out-of-season clothing properly so it’s ready for use in the future. Many people do this by stowing away winter clothes to make room for lighter summer clothes. But you must ensure they’re stored properly to maintain their quality for next season. Here are some packing and storage tips on how to store clothes in a storage unit and how to pack clothes for storage.

1. Use Plastic Bins

Plastic bins are a great choice for keeping your out-of-season clothes in good shape until they’re back in rotation.

In contrast to cardboard boxes and plastic bags, plastic bins provide better moisture and pest protection, keeping your clothes looking good for a long time. Plastic bins are a practical choice that contributes to the longevity of your wardrobe, facilitating seamless transitions between seasons and upholding the integrity of your clothes.

2. Wash Your Clothes

Washing your winter clothes before storing them is a simple step that prevents stains from sticking during storage. If you wash them before storage, accumulated dirt, sweat, or stains won’t attract pests or discolor the fabric.

As a result, thoroughly dried and clean clothes are less likely to mold and mildew, thereby maintaining their quality in storage for longer. This straightforward but vital step maintains the freshness of your clothing and contributes to its longevity so it emerges from storage in optimal condition when the seasons change.

3. Avoid Vacuum Packing

Despite being a convenient space-saving method, vacuum packing can cause fabric compression and damage, especially on knits and delicate fabrics. As a result of the lack of airflow in vacuum-sealed bags, garments get wrinkled and lose shape.

Wool, cashmere, and silk are especially vulnerable to damage. Furthermore, vacuum packing can cause puffer jackets to lose volume, making them less effective. Cotton or canvas garment bags help maintain the form and quality of your clothes during storage, so folding and stacking are the best options.

4. Don’t Mix Fabrics

You must separate different fabrics during storage to prevent odor transfer or damage. When storing wool, keep it separate from cotton. This precaution is crucial for long-term clothing storage, especially since some fabrics, such as cotton, can turn yellow when in contact with acidic materials like wood or cardboard. It’s best to separate natural and synthetic fibers to prevent color transfer.

5. Consider Desiccant Packets

Consider adding desiccant packets to each clothing box to keep moisture levels optimal. These packets prevent mold and mildew from growing, especially in humid places. Your clothing will last much longer if you use desiccant packets in storage to stay fresh, dry, and free from moisture problems.

6. Use Airtight Containers

You can keep your clothes fresh by storing them in airtight containers, which offer numerous advantages. Airtight containers keep the fabric in good shape by preventing odor, discoloration, and deterioration by excluding external elements such as dust, insects, and humidity.

In addition, they’re great for long-term storage, so your clothes stay good until you need them again. You can protect and maintain your wardrobe items by incorporating airtight containers into your storage approach.

Prepare Your Winter Wardrobe for Long-Term Storage With Storage of America

Now that you have your winter wardrobe properly packed, it’s time to put them into storage and usher in lighter fabrics for the warmer months. It’s easy to transition your wardrobe for warmer weather with the right residential storage approach. Storage of America understands the importance of proper clothing storage.

It’s crucial to protect your winter wardrobe as the seasons change. You can keep your winter wardrobe in good shape with our climate-controlled storage units and secure facilities. With us, you’ll get a seamless transition from winter to spring and know your cherished clothes are in good hands. Call or contact us to rent or reserve your storage unit today!

How Self Storage Can Help Seniors Find Affordable Space

Downsizing can be difficult, especially when you are being asked to part with beloved items that hold a lot of memories. Whether it’s the dresser each of your children used or the fine china you brought out for every major holiday, there are many items you will want to find additional storage space for when you make the big move to an apartment, assisted living facility, or nursing home.

With our help, you can figure out exactly how to create the space you need to keep all your precious belongings using self storage. Let us teach you why self storage for seniors is helpful, what you can store in a storage unit, and how to prep your items for long-term storage.

Reasons to Rent Self Storage For Seniors

There are many ways self storage can help those needing to downsize from a large home to a shared living facility or smaller apartment. Reasons to rent self storage for seniors include:

Preserving memories: Renting self storage gives you the ability to hold on to items that hold special memories for you and your family.

Decluttering your living space: Storage units create the additional space you need in your living space by giving you a place to store excess furniture and clothing.

Keeping useful items: Sometimes, decluttering means parting with items that you may end up needing at some point. Self storage allows you to keep those items just in case you need to access them.

Storing seasonal items: One of the best reasons for renting self storage is that it gives you ample space to store seasonal clothing and decorations. Plus, storage units are convenient, so you can access your items whenever you need them.

Items You Can Store in a Self Storage Unit

An older woman posing behind packed boxes.

Self storage units are the perfect place to store many different kinds of items. Not only can you store personal belongings, but you can also create space for business items and inventory from an old business. Examples of items you can store in your storage unit include:

● Furniture

● Clothing

● Seasonal decorations

● Books

● Tax documents

● Vehicles (when available)

● Sports equipment

● Musical instruments

Tips For Preparing Your Items For Long-Term Storage

When it’s time to make your big move, you will want to understand all your options and how to prepare your items for storage. From learning what size and features you need to purchasing materials and figuring out your organizational strategy, you will need to start planning for long-term storage.

Understand Your Size Options

Your first step is to understand what storage unit size you will need for all your items. If you are only storing a few boxes, a 5×5 or 5×10 unit is likely your best option. However, a 10×30 or 15×20 storage unit would be ideal for larger furniture items. Your best bet is check out our unit size guide to figure out exactly how much space you need.

Research Your Facility’s Storage Features

In addition to figuring out the storage unit size you will need, you will also want to research what storage features are offered at your nearest facility. Some features you will want to make note of are:

Climate-controlled storage – This feature provides you with a temperature-regulated environment to store delicate items such as wooden furniture, musical instruments, and paper documents.

● Drive-up access – Storage units with drive-up access allow you to park right at the entrance to your unit upon arrival each time you visit saving you time and energy.

Security features – Ensure your storage facility has high-tech security features such as video recording technology, gated access, and perimeter fencing.

● Month-to-month leasing – This flexible leasing option gives you the opportunity to rent self storage only for as long as you need it.

Online payment options – Pay for your storage unit from anywhere and at any time with access to online payment options.

Purchase the Proper Packing Materials

Once you’ve decided the type of storage unit you want and the size you need, it’s time to start packing your items for storage. First, you will need to purchase the proper materials. Start with purchasing boxes of multiple sizes as well as tape and bubble wrap. You will also want furniture covers and packing peanuts.

Prepare an Organizational Strategy

A room full of boxes and a laptop.

The last step is to prepare your organizational strategy. Start by labeling your boxes, so you always know exactly what they are whenever you visit your storage unit. You will also want to create an inventory of your items in some sort of spreadsheet. This way you will know what is being stored in your unit. Finally, pack your storage unit by placing heavy boxes on the bottom and keeping items you will need immediate access to on a regular basis toward the front.

Rent Storage For Seniors From Your Nearest Storage of America Facility Today

Ready to begin your storage journey? Let Storage of America help you with all your self storage needs as you prepare to downsize. We provide storage units in a variety of sizes and in many areas. Simply browse through our list of locations to find the one closest to you. Then, rent or reserve your storage unit online today!

Using Self Storage to Tackle and Sustain Interior Design Projects 

When the time comes to embark on a home renovation or interior design project, you want to focus your energy on transforming your home rather than worrying about what to do with all your belongings. If you find yourself surrounded by personal items that are in the way but that you can’t part with, making a decision can feel overwhelming.

But fret not! You don’t have to get rid of sentimental and valuable belongings to get the living space you want. No matter your circumstances, there are options available to help you manage your household items during and after your renovation or home update. That’s where Storage of America comes in. We’re here to provide you with self-storage solutions, freeing up valuable space while you tackle your home projects. With our assistance, you can have peace of mind knowing that your items are safely stored away, allowing you to fully focus on creating your dream home. We’ll walk through ways our self storage units can help you tackle your next interior design project, and can help you rent a storage unit at one of our Midwest storage facilities.

How to Transform Your Home Through a Remodel or Redesign

When starting a home renovation project, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start and what areas to tackle first. The key to making these decisions is to prioritize based on your needs, budget, and long-term goals. Start by assessing the overall condition of your home and identifying any areas that require immediate attention, such as areas with structural issues or that pose safety concerns. Next, consider your lifestyle and the functionality of each space. Are there any rooms that are underutilized or don’t meet your current needs? Focus on improving those areas to enhance the function of your home as a whole. Additionally, think about the resale value of your home. Consider renovations that will add the most value and appeal to potential buyers if you plan to sell in the future. Finally, create a realistic budget and timeline for your renovation and allocate resources accordingly.

Once you have decided on the areas to focus on during your home renovation, it’s important to develop a cohesive design plan. This involves considering the aesthetic elements that will bring your vision to life and tie the different spaces of your home together. Factors such as color schemes, materials, and finishes should complement one another and create a harmonious atmosphere throughout your home. Consulting with an interior designer or utilizing online resources can help you refine your design ideas and ensure that your renovation comes together.

If you are considering selling your home sometime in the coming years, you may also want to put some special consideration on using design elements, finishes, and styles that will stand the test of time and appeal to a range of buyers. However, if you’re not intending to sell anytime soon or not particularly concerned about resale value, a renovation can be an exciting opportunity to  totally customize your space. Either way, with a well-thought-out plan in place, you can confidently move forward with the renovation knowing that every aspect has been carefully considered.

How Can I Update My House Without Remodeling?

Now, you might be wondering, how do I update my home without a full remodel? Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to transform your home without going through a full remodeling process! For example, you can start with smaller interior design upgrades, such as updating the hardware on cabinets in your home, refinishing cabinets and tables, restyling sofas and chairs with pillows and throws, and updating faucets, showerheads, and towel racks. Even something as small as painting a wall or two (or trying out removable wallpaper on an accent wall) can make a big difference.

You can even cost-effectively refresh your space during different seasons through finding and trying out seasonal decor. To keep things affordable, you may want to look at second-hard stores, flea markets, and garage sales for some new pieces. You can also try out local and chain craft stores – be sure to check if they have coupons and sales you can take advantage of while you’re shopping! If you’re a big DIY fan, you might even consider reworking some of your existing decor into seasonal items – think adding a holiday flair to your garden gnome’s outfit, adding a pop of bright spring color to a dull flower vase, or even just putting some cozy new pillowcases out on your sofa cushions when the cooler weather rolls in.

If you choose to swap out your decor seasonally, or just end up with extras throughout the process, self storage can be a great tool for affordable decor storage. Add a few boxes of decor into your general household storage unit, or consider renting a small 5×5 or 5×10 storage unit to stash your favorite pieces!

Utilizing Self Storage for Furniture and Home Decor Storage

A man renovating bathroom tiles and crouching next to a paint-splattered ladder.

The biggest reason to utilize self storage during a home renovation project is to protect your belongings from potential debris, dust, and other damage. Renovations can come with a little collateral damage in the form of splattered paint, saw dust, and other construction materials. If you have electronics or other items lying around that could be affected by being covered in dust or debris, it’s best to remove them from your home to protect them from potential damage.

Bigger renovation projects that involve knocking down walls can also put your belongings at risk.Avoid your items potentially being knocked over and breaking from construction and secure them in a storage unit.

Lastly, having additional space for working on your project can allow you to be more efficient. With more room to plan out your project and lay out your materials, you can be more productive. Plus, with less clutter around, you can access your painting tools and other items you need easier.

How to Use Self Storage While Renovating or Redesigning Your Space

Moving boxes stacked up in a room with furniture covered by plastic.

Now that you’ve determined you need a storage unit, where do you start? Easy! It’s time to organize. Evaluate your personal belongings around your home and determine which you need to place in storage and which may be taking up the most space. Once you have an idea of what items need to be placed in storage, you can make a list.

1. Sort Your Items

Once you have your list of items that are going to self storage, you can start packing up your belongings. To make the process as easy as possible, we suggest sorting your items into similar groups. Categorizing your storage items can help you in the long run, as you’ll be able to keep track of where your items are in the storage unit. For instance, you can either pack up storage items by room in the house, by size, color, or other factors. It can also be helpful to keep items you know you’ll need easy access to towards the front of your storage unit.

2. Pack Up Your Items for Storage

Before packing up your storage items, you’ll want to be sure you have the right materials. Although you may not be traveling far to your storage unit, properly packing your items can help keep your items in mint condition while they’re in storage. Taking steps such as finding out which boxes to use for storage can make a big difference.

Depending on what you’re planning to store, you may use plastic tote boxes instead of cardboard boxes (or vice versa). Both cardboard and tote boxes have different benefits. Plastic boxes can be more durable for holding heavier items, and they can hold more items. On the other hand, cardboard boxes come in a more of a variety of sizes and are more affordable. For more fragile items, you’ll want to be sure to use bubble wrap and packing paper.

3. Find Your Storage Unit from Storage of America

Storage of America operates a number of excellent storage facilities across the Midwest. Additionally, we have a wide selection of storage unit types to choose from, and advanced storage features, including climate-controlled storage, to utilize. Whether you’re searching for home decor storage or furniture storage, we have it! Our storage units range in size from 5×5 to 10×30, allowing you to find the right fit for you.

Our smaller 5×5 storage units are similar to the size of a closet, while our larger 10×30 storage units are comparable to the size of a large garage. Unsure which size of storage unit would be best? Browse our unit size guide for additional sizing information. Once you’re ready to get started, find the nearest storage facility to you to rent or reserve your storage unit today!