Ojai Self Storage

Every day, more and more people are discovering the benefits of self-storage units. Now, more than ever, storage units are affordable and accessible. The industry has come a long way in recent years. Modern storage facilities are safer and come with more features for renters. They are also likely closer than before. Most neighborhoods are in striking distance to a quality storage facility where you can keep valuables long-term or stow your bikes for when you need them on the weekend.

Choosing the right storage unit will save you money and make a real positive impact on your quality of life. If it’s too far, you won’t go as often. If it costs too much, you’ll regret the purchase and may not keep it as long. If it’s not the right facility, you open yourself to mismanagement or security concerns.

Finding a great storage unit isn’t hard, but it takes a bit of work. There are things you should consider before renting that will get you the most for your money and make your storage unit a value-add for your life.

Here’s a guide to renting a storage unit so you can make the best possible decision.

Picking a Location

Location, along with price, is probably the most important consideration for your storage unit. Traditionally, people used storage units to keep things they didn’t know what to do with. It’s where we put antiques, grandma’s winter clothes, and other items we weren’t ready to get rid of just yet.

These days, however, storage units are way more versatile. People use them to stage businesses. They house inventory and equipment for all sorts of businesses. A close storage unit is a perfect place to keep recreational toys and vehicles. If you live in an apartment, for example, you can keep your bikes or water sports equipment, and other recreational items. In the right location, grabbing what you need for a ride in the park or grabbing some balls to play with your kids on the weekend is super easy.

The closer your storage unit is, especially if you live in a crowded area, the more you’ll probably pay for it. Storage units of comparable size will become more affordable the further out of town they get. Depending on your budget, you can choose something close or far that fits your lifestyle.

Consider Security Features

A lot of people are using storage units. However, some of them still harbor reservations over security. They worry that putting things in storage units is unsafe and it leaves them exposed to theft or property damage.

It’s certainly a concern, particularly when you can’t be close to your property all of the time. But most quality storage facilities go the extra mile to keep their tenants’ property safe. They have a lot on the line, so typically they invest in cameras, gates, and access cards for customers who want them. Many have on-site security guards to conduct regular patrols and inspections around the clock.

Not every storage facility is the same when it comes to security, so you should take a hard look at any potential units and make sure there is appropriate security for what you want to store there. When in doubt, talk to the management about the best way forward.

Be Clear on the Rules

Different storage units place restrictions on what can and can’t be stored on-premises. Before you sign a contract, you need to make sure that whatever it is that you want to store is allowed. The last thing you want is to sign a year’s contract and then find out you can’t put your stuff there. Ask before you sign as well as read anything you sign carefully.

What Do You Need to Know as a First Timer Renting a Storage Unit?

If you’ve never rented a storage unit before, there are things you should check for to make sure you don’t end up in a bad situation. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Read Reviews

These days, it’s fairly easy to check on whether a business is reputable. Posting online reviews is very easy, so a lot of people do it. And it’s not just those who are dissatisfied with service. Of course, you should probably avoid any storage facility that has a lot of negative reviews. It’s a huge red flag. Go with highly-rated storage facilities instead.

Understand the Seasons

Storage unit prices fluctuate based on local conditions. If you’re in a college town, for instance, prices will be higher in the summer and the winter between terms when everyone’s moving in and out. If you’re trying to get a better deal, you’ll want to sign a contract off-season.

Ask for a Deal

It never hurts to ask for a discount. A lot of storage unit facilities can discount rates for new customers. They often run promotions to attract new customers as well. At least mention it on the phone or in an email and see what the response is.

You Can Always Move Up

Don’t rent the largest storage unit available at first. Go with something smaller. You can always move up, often without signing a new lease. You just pay the difference for however many months remain on your contract. If you rent something too large, you’ll end up regretting it and it will end up costing you more than you should pay.

Walk Through the Facility

Before you sign a contract, visit the storage units and walk through the facility. Take a look at whether there is trash on the ground or if the paint is peeling everywhere. Check out the condition of the doors and what the front office looks like. The condition of the facility indicates how much management is investing and how much the employees in charge of taking care of your property care about what they’re doing. Rent from companies that take pride in the product they’re selling.

Renting a storage unit makes life easier when done right. Do your research and find something that fits your lifestyle. It will free up space at home and keep your things safe.

If you’re looking for a storage facility to store your belongings, Ojai Self Storage has got you covered in this department. Here at Ojai Self Storage, we offer a wide range of unit selections and top-notch security. To learn more about our self-storage facility, please check out our website at https://ojaiselfstorage.com.

A storage unit is a helpful way to store your items to make room in your house. A storage unit is an extension of your home with your valuable belongings safely tucked away. 

So it is important to organize your storage unit in a neat and orderly manner. With a little bit of planning, you can turn your storage units into an organized space instead of messy stacks of boxes. 

Creating a layout for your storage unit helps in organizing your storage unit space, utilizing every space for your items. It also helps in making it easier to find your things whenever you need something from your storage unit without actually making a huge mess. 

There are various possible layouts you can do to your storage unit. With smart packing and efficient organization, you’ll surely have a neat, clean and a well-organized storage unit. 

Here, we provide you with some tips on how to organize and maximize your space as well as some possible layouts for your storage unit. 

Tips for Organizing and Maximizing Space in Your Storage Unit 

Survey the Unit 

Check out the storage unit you’ll be renting. This will give you an idea on how to maximize your space and how to layout your unit in an efficient manner before moving in. 

Also this is a good way to check if the storage unit size would be the perfect fit for all your items you need to store and the extra space you might need.

Classify Your Items 

Divide your items in categories and classify them according to their priority and importance. Sort out items which you would need access to frequently and items that you won’t be needing anytime soon. 

Place items you need frequently in an area which is easier to access and long-term storable items at the back and bottom stack. 

Label Boxes and Containers

Label all of your boxes, bins and containers and keep labels faced out to be seen clearly for quick identification. Use white label stickers and write on black permanent markers for the labels to be more visible.  

Keep an Inventory 

Keeping an inventory will give you a knowledge of everything you’ve stored and will help you find your items quickly. It is easy to forget things you kept away if you don’t have a list. 

For your inventory list, use a spreadsheet or a lined notebook and list your items per box. Label each of your boxes and take note of groups of items inside the box and any important items in that specific box. 

This will be very helpful in navigating your storage unit and helps you to quickly identify your boxes. You can also draw a map of your whole storage unit to know where the specific box you are looking for is. 

If you’re not into writing things down, you can opt to take a photo of the items inside each box. This way, you can easily identify where specific items are. 

Choose the Right Storage Containers 

To have an organized storage unit, choose a good container for your items which are easy to stack and fit together in a neatly organized grid. Select one size for every box to help with packing, stacking and accessibility. 

Clear plastic containers can help you easily navigate and identify the items on your unit. Organize your boxes and create an aisle between them. When stacking boxes, make sure to keep the heavy boxes on the bottom to create a stable base. 

The use of shelves is also very helpful to organize your space better. It also helps box failure from stacking too many boxes on each other and is easier to access boxes which are on the bottom. 

Disassemble Your Furnitures

Disassembling large furniture maximizes space inside your unit. Arranging them effectively is a top space saving solution. Furniture should also be stored upright except for mattresses as they should be laid flat. 

For furnitures who couldn’t be dismantled like a dining room table, you can use this as an additional shelving to your boxes and containers. 

Possible Layout of a Storage Unit 

Small Storage Units 

A small storage unit can fit several small to medium sized boxes and mid-sized bedroom furnishings. Stack boxes vertically to the ceiling to make use of your small storage unit. 

If you have furniture you won’t be needing anytime soon, place them at the back of the unit and place the boxes nearer the door. 

If storing only boxes, you can line up the boxes on one side of the wall to clear a path in the middle for you to get inside your storage unit and access the boxes you need. 

Medium Storage Units 

For a medium sized storage unit, line up your items against the walls of your unit creating a space in the middle for you to navigate to. Make sure that the labels of the boxes are facing you. 

If you have furniture, you can store the furniture against one wall and have the stack of boxes on the opposite wall. This allows you to create a space in the middle for you to be able to access your items with ease. 

If you do need the space in the middle, you can put your movable items there so you can remove them easily whenever you access your unit. 

Large Storage Unit 

A bigger storage unit will give you enough space to navigate around your unit and make an aisle or walking lanes. It gives you more layout choices for your storage unit where you can properly organize your containers and storage boxes. 

You can line up all your items against the wall and add a middle section, creating two aisles. Use shelves for better access to your boxes. 

If you have furniture you need to store, you can place them in the middle of your storage unit leaving a space on all sides for you to access the stacked boxes which are placed against the walls. 

If your furniture is a dining table, a dresser or a coffee table that you couldn’t dismantle, you can place it in the middle and you can also put some lighter boxes on top of it for an additional shelving. 

If your storage unit is high and you can stack your boxes vertically on shelves, keep a step stool or a small ladder for you to access items on the top more easily. 

If you’re looking for a storage facility to store your belongings, Ojai Self Storage has got you covered in this department. Here at Ojai Self Storage, we offer a wide range of unit selections and top-notch security. To learn more about our self-storage facility, please check out our website at https://ojaiselfstorage.com.

If you’re fortunate enough to be able to work from home, then you know that finding space to focus and get into a flow isn’t always easy. Over the past year, more people are working from home than ever. It’s a nice benefit, having a flexible working environment, but it also comes with unique challenges. Working from the dining room table for a month or two is fine, but is it a good permanent solution?

A lot of people are discovering that their work from home arrangements will become a larger part of their career. For some people it’s permanent. There is no more office to go into. Everything’s got to be set up and maintained in your living space.

Carving out a workspace in your home takes a lot of work. Even more importantly, creating a place where you can focus and work efficiently requires careful planning and more than just a card table in the basement. People are repurposing bedrooms, separating off places for offices in the living room, and getting rid of the home gym to make way for a home office.

If you’re looking for creative ways to manage small spaces and make room for your new reality that has shifted to something more virtual, then you may want to consider using a storage unit. With the right self-storage solution, you can manage your things and free up much-needed space at home. It can become an extension of your home that you use as a staging area to keep things more efficient.

Self-Storage as a Staging Area

A lot of homeowners use places like their garage, attic, or basement for storage. It’s where we keep things like skis, bikes, balls, workout equipment, winter clothes, and a ton of other things we don’t use all year. We also need places to put all of our keepsakes. Photo albums, clothing for kids, antiques, and other family heirlooms also need somewhere that’s safe for the long haul.

With a storage unit, you get extra space that’s not in your house. You can clear out cluttered places where you’ve traditionally kept boxes and storage bins and create spaces where kids can play or you can shift into work mode.

Shift as the Seasons Change

People also can take advantage of the flexibility that storage units provide. You no longer have to keep winter jackets or snowboards in your home all winter. Also, you can keep your bikes in the storage unit when things get cold outside and take them out again when spring and summer come around.

This constant rotation of seasonal toys, recreational items, and clothing will save you a great deal of space in your house or apartment. People typically keep seasonal items in labeled boxes that are easy to spot and pull out from your storage unit.

Storage Units Are Surprisingly Affordable

Most people are pleasantly surprised when they hear how much a storage unit costs every month. It’s a relative steal, and storage unit facilities often run specials for new leases or during low-demand months.

For a bargain, you can get a decent-sized storage unit to fit your things in. They’re also probably closer to your house than you think. In a few minutes’ drive, you can be in your unit to grab what you need. Some people make weekly trips to their storage unit to grab items for a dinner party, take a weekend bike ride, or do whatever else they need to.

With a quick online search, you can likely find several storage unit facilities in your unit with reviews. Talk to some of them and ask questions about what’s involved before taking a visit to check one out.

Great for Kitchen Items

The pandemic has made cooking and working in the kitchen part of most peoples’ lives. For months, it was impossible to buy a bread maker because they were sold out everywhere. If you’re like us, your kitchen now has a lot more in it than a year ago. Whether it’s a waffle maker, a pasta maker, new pans, or recipe books, kitchen storage may have become more challenging.

While we wholeheartedly agree that more time in the kitchen is a lot of fun, there is a better way to manage to store all of your new appliances, dishes, pans, etc. With a nearby storage unit, you can keep everything you need and then run over to get what you want for Sunday brunch at home.

Inventory for Your Home Business

The pandemic left us all with more time to think about priorities, careers, and what we want out of life. For some people, that meant following a lifelong passion that had been left on the backburner. For others, it meant finally starting a business or taking on a side gig to earn some extra cash.

Before you get up to your neck in t-shirts, coffee mugs, or whatever other products you need for your business, arrange a storage unit to help you manage your inventory. They can make organizing and mailing out products a lot simpler. A trip to the storage unit can become part of your daily routine to get work done and make your business run efficiently.

Temporary Furniture Storage

If you’re short on space and want to install a home office, you may have to sacrifice a guest bedroom, a home gym, or some of the kids’ play areas. That can mean that you have to move furniture out to get a desk and chair, computer, and whatever else you need.

You probably aren’t in a rush to get rid of that furniture you’ve taken out because you don’t know how long this virtual work environment will last. Having a storage unit lets you hang on to them affordably and stage your home appropriately without feeling rushed. It will help you avoid making rash decisions and possibly selling something or donating furniture you’ll regret down the road. Instead, keep them in the storage unit until you are sure about what you want to do.

If you’re looking for a storage facility to store your belongings, Ojai Self Storage has got you covered in this department. Here at Ojai Self Storage, we offer a wide range of unit selections and top-notch security. To learn more about our self-storage facility, please check out our website at https://ojaiselfstorage.com.

Storage units are great for storing your personal belongings in a safe and secure place. It’s a convenient way to store your valuable possessions and free up space at home. Although if you don’t maintain and clean it regularly and properly, dirt and dust can accumulate inside the unit during long-term storage. 

It’s best to keep your storage units cleaned, maintained, and organized to ensure your items are in good condition at all times. Keeping your storage unit clean in turn will help keep the items stored within clean and dirt-free as well. Keep your storage units and your belongings clean, tidy and organized with these 9 tips and tricks to keep your storage unit clean. 

1. Clean Items Before Storing

All items that you put inside your storage unit must be cleaned. Dusty and dirty items can potentially get your other things in storage dirty. Give all items a good cleaning first before storing them in your storage unit. 

2. Use Containers for Your Items

To protect your belongings inside the unit, store your items in containers. Containers are perfect tools to organize your belongings and save up space inside the storage unit. Plastic containers create a secure and sealed environment for your things. They are also easy to clean and don’t tear or get damaged as easily as cardboard boxes can. 

Double check your items to be placed in these sealed containers and wipe the containers themselves with a microfiber cloth to make sure that the container is clean and dry before storing your items. This helps to prevent mold and mildew that can build up if there were any moisture in the container. If using plastic containers, you can also easily wipe them down once a month or every few months with a microfiber cloth or wet wipe. 

3. Cover Large Items

Protect large items and furniture by covering with sheets or tarps to prevent any scratches on their fabric or surfaces. Then you can easily stack other items on top of them for neatly packed storage, or if shuffling items around in your storage unit you can temporarily set a box on top of a covered piece of furniture without worrying about causing tears or scratches.

Plastic tarps can wear down and are not advisable to use for long-term storage of wooden furniture. You can also use old blankets you don’t use anymore to cover these items if plastic wraps and canvas tarps are not available. 

4. Do Not Store Perishable Items

Avoid storing items like food or any perishable items inside your unit. Food can cause smells that can attract ants, rats and pests, so most storage facilities have strict policies against storing these perishable items. Even sealed food items might compromise your unit so avoid storing food at all costs. Double check your things to make sure that there is no food included in the things that you will be storing in your unit. 

5. Clean Your Unit and Contents

If you’re a long-term storage renter (maybe you’ve rented the same unit for years), performing a thorough cleaning at least yearly is a good idea for checking on the condition of your belongings and making sure your unit is in the same condition as when you moved in. If you’re in a humid area and haven’t rented a climate controlled unit, examine your furniture and other items for any mold or mildew growth.

If you spot any mold building up on your upholstered furniture or mattresses, it should be removed immediately and should be cleaned by a professional. Maintain cleaning the unit by going back every few weeks or months and wiping down shelves, contents and the exposed floors and walls.

6. Keep Your Things Elevated

Keep your items off the floor by using pallets and shelves. Elevating your items gives good air circulation.  

7. Rotate the Contents

Rotate the contents of your storage unit every now and then. Sweep and clean your items before sorting and re-assembling. Move boxes, re-distribute weight and rotate the contents inside your storage unit. Reposition anything that is stacked, and re-fold items such as rugs or textiles to avoid permanent creases.  

8. Keep Cleaning Supplies Inside Your Storage

Keep a small stock of cleaning supplies inside your storage unit such as wet wipes, a duster, paper towels, and a broom. This way, it’ll be easier to clean your unit every time you visit. Try making it a habit and do a routine clean up every time you check on your unit. 

9. Label and Organize

Label your items that you’ll be storing and divide in categories the items in your storage unit to keep it neat and organized. This way, it will be easier for you to find things you need without having to rearrange your unit each time you visit. Items that you’ll need often should be placed in an accessible area near the front.

Organize your boxes and create an aisle between them and keep the labels faced out to be viewed easily. You can even create a map or a layout of your things inside your unit for easy reference.

If you’re looking for a storage facility to store your belongings, Ojai Self Storage has got you covered in this department. Here at Ojai Self Storage, we offer a wide range of unit selections and top-notch security. To learn more about our self-storage facility, please check out our website at https://ojaiselfstorage.com.

Congratulations on your college graduation! If you’ve just recently graduated or you’re about to finish up with school, no doubt you have a lot on your plate.

Like most new grads, you’ve probably been engaged in a lot of different important life choices, including what job to take, whether to go to grad school and if you should break up with the person you’re seeing or go long-distance. Finally, there is the all-important question of whether to move back in with the parents or strike out on your own.

Living independently after graduation is a path a lot of new graduates make. If you’re lucky, your university has a good network of employers who come to your school to recruit or advertise on your campus job board.

These jobs aren’t local. Most of them will require you to pick up and move somewhere new. That can be intimidating, and moving to a new state, meeting new people, and starting a new job can be a lot to digest.

Life after school away from home doesn’t have to mean living alone. In fact, living alone is probably not the best way to go if you want to meet people and stay active socially. Taking on roommates or joining a house with an open room is a great way to ease into an independent, “grown-up” life without all of the responsibility of managing a plan by yourself.

Planning for a successful start in a new location takes work. Here are some things you can do to make sure you set yourself up well from the start.

Sorting Out What’s Yours

Most parents hate the idea of kids moving out of the house. While it’s a nice milestone in any family’s journey, your parents probably get nostalgic thinking of the days when you were all under the same roof. When you go off to school, they probably kept a lot of the stuff you accumulated over the years. Sports trophies, posters, yearbooks, and your old bed.

One of the first things you should do to prep for the big move is to sort through your old stuff and decide what’s coming with you. Only take what you’ll use and enjoy in the new spot. Of course, not everything that doesn’t make the cut should be thrown out. There are old keepsakes you’ll want to look back on years from now.

A nice way to bridge your journey into independent living is to book a storage unit where you can keep your things for an affordable cost. Local storage facilities can offer leases for a bargain, and now that you’re making a paycheck, paying for one shouldn’t be too much of a hassle.

Having a storage unit also takes the stress off of taking too much stuff to your new place. New beginnings are best done uncluttered by a bunch of possessions. Start with the bare essentials and start buying higher-quality items you’ll use for years.

Think About a Storage Unit Near Your New Place

If you’re pressed for time and won’t have the days you need to sort through all of your things, then think about getting a storage unit in your new location. Shifting everything into a storage unit will be a lot less stressful than moving everything you own into a small apartment or a room in a house.

A lot of people are surprised to learn just how affordable a self-storage unit is, and how convenient they are. Chances are you’ll be able to find a storage facility within a few minute’s drive from where you live, and you can go back and forth and outfit your new place in your spare time. It’s great to hold seasonal things as well so you don’t clutter up closets or a garage with things like skis or winter jackets.

What You Should Buy First

One of the biggest issues with moving into your first place will be what you need to buy. As a fresh grad, it’s probably a long list. We advise opting for quality because these can be things that you will use for years. You’re going to need:

• Kitchen supplies
• A good bed
• Shelves
• Containers
• Bathroom supplies
• Cleaning supplies
• Sheets/Covers/Pillowcases
• New towels
• A TV
• A desk
• Laundry supplies

The list goes on and on. Yes, you’ll probably have some things you used in college, but when you’re starting fresh, make a good impression on whoever comes over by having nice things around the house.

You may even have to act extra grown up and buy things like rugs and area lamps for your new place, depending on how big it is and how much of the decorating burden is on you.

If you’re up for decorating, living independently can be a lot of fun because you have more space and more money to decorate with. Buy some nice art and spend a little extra on your sofa and chairs. You won’t regret it.

Stay on Top of the Chores

One of the things that will get you a good return on your time is staying on top of household chores. Keeping a clean space will go a long way to help you feel confident about living away from school and without your parents.

In the current climate, odds are you’ll likely be working remotely to some extent. Most companies and other organizations have adjusted work policies during the pandemic to allow most employees to work from home completely or on certain days of the week.

That can be a big adjustment for some people because work is where a lot of us get the social interactions we need to feel connected to other people. Sometimes working from home can get lonely.

Buy a nice desk and create a work-from-home space that you’ll love being in. A nice desk and chair are the building blocks of any home office. You also can buy nice lighting as well as all the tech and other accessories you need to be successful in your new job.

If you’re looking for a storage facility to store your belongings, Ojai Self Storage has got you covered in this department. Here at Ojai Self Storage, we offer a wide range of unit selections and top-notch security. To learn more about our self-storage facility, please check out our website at https://ojaiselfstorage.com.

Going from two to three people, or two to one if you’re parenting alone, is one of the hardest transitions to make when it comes to managing living space. Having a child is difficult for many reasons, but adding a new person to the family has a huge impact on how you live at home.

When a child becomes a toddler, their curiosity and high energy tend to get them into everything. Parents have to constantly be on the watch as well as make sure they have a safe place to grow and play. Life will never be the same. Not only does having a small child affect how you’ll spend your time and what you prioritize.

If you’re living in a small apartment or townhome, one thing you’ll quickly learn is that toddlers need a lot of space. Keeping a small child entertained, educated, and safe requires a lot of gear, and places to put that gear.

That’s especially relevant these days, when schools are virtuals and children of all ages are spending more time at home in virtual school. Parents have limited options when it comes to things like daycare.

So, you’ve got a toddler at home, and you’re likely also working from home. How do you maximize the space before it’s time to upgrade to a larger home and apartment?

The past year has forced people to adapt like never before. It’s been challenging, but there have been some upsides. One of them is that people have come up with some creative ways to get more functionality out of their living areas. That matters a great deal when you have a toddler.

Here are some ingenious ways you can maximize small living space with a toddler.

Go Vertical Whenever Possible (and Safe)

Vertical storage is critical when you’re living in small spaces. Most traditional storage bins are short. They sit on the ground and come up to knee-level or waist-high.

Think of your run-of-the-mill chest of drawers or storage bins for toys. They don’t take full advantage of floor-to-ceiling space. A way to get more space in a toy room or a toddler bedroom is to find ways to use the full vertical space.

Now, before you start installing shelving units or run to the store to buy a tall storage container, you must consider safety issues. Toddlers can be surprisingly strong, and they love to climb.

Don’t use anything that has even the smallest chance of falling on top of your child. Luckily, most new tall shelving units and drawers come with wall attachments that make them much safer.

Think About Hanging Storage

Hanging storage is a fun way to give your toddler’s bedroom or a playroom a stylish twist. Online you can find hanging nets where you can store stuffed animals and other toys. Rather than store the toys in drawers, you can toss them in the net where they’re easy to get to when your toddler wants to play with them.

Consider a Bed with Drawers

When your toddler graduates out of the crib, you should think about buying a bed with drawers installed in it. The drawers are a wonderful place to store clothes, small toys, or things you want to give your toddler free reign with.

If you don’t have the money to buy a bed with drawers or you already have a bed lined up for your toddler, then explore some simple storage options to utilize the space underneath the bed.

See-through storage bins with wheels on them are a great place to start. They can be pulled out from under the bed and stowed easily, so a toy party of cleanup never takes long to get going.

Hang More Toddler Clothes

Kids generally have lots of clothing. Buying new clothes for a toddler is just so much fun. There are so many cute things to buy. And you get a lot of hand-me-downs from friends and family. What ends up happening, though, is that your drawers and what little storage space you have in a playroom or bedroom get taken up quickly.

Instead, explore installing another hanging bar in a closet to hang up more of your toddler’s clothes. Putting them in the closet will free up space in the room to the point where you could even get rid of a set of drawers and make more room for fun.

Remove Closet Doors

If you’re having trouble finding space to store books, cars, dolls, or whatever else your toddler plays with, then think about taking off the closet doors in the room and installing some shelves inside. What used to be a place where things were jammed in out of sight can become a neat, organized shelf where your child can go for learning or fun.

Think About a Storage Unit

Every year, more people are discovering how useful self-storage units can be in managing what’s inside of our homes. Storage units can be very affordable, and most of the time you’ll be able to find a storage facility within a few minutes’ drive from your place.

It’s a great place to keep things you don’t always use like winter clothing for your toddler. You can also keep toys, books, and other items that your toddler isn’t quite ready for yet but that you want to keep down the road. Likewise, you can store all of the things they grow out of for when (if) you have another kid!

Cubbies are Always Fun

Cubbies are always fun to have in a room because they’re easy to access and keep things organized. Cubbies are easy for your toddler to understand as well. They’ll quickly catch on to what belongs in which place. There’s also usually a flat surface on top of the cubbies where your child can play, store those completed toy sets, or color.

These are just some of the ideas you can use to maximize small living space with a toddler. The most important thing is creating a safe space where they can play and learn that’s also functional for your family and what you need to accomplish.

If you’re looking for a storage facility to store your belongings, Ojai Self Storage has got you covered in this department. Here at Ojai Self Storage, we offer a wide range of unit selections and top-notch security. To learn more about our self-storage facility, please check out our website at https://ojaiselfstorage.com.

When most of us are in the middle of a decades’ long career, we often wonder what retirement will look like. Will it be like the movies where everything is peaceful and relaxing? Will we have the time and freedom to pursue passions that we’ve put off for so long? A lot of people have lists that they plan on tackling once they stop working and enter the golden age of life.

That’s the dream. However, at some point, most retirees discover that reality is much different. People still have obligations, relaxing all day can quickly become boring, and there’s stuff, so much stuff.

We spend a lifetime saving money and buying nice things. What’s funny is that these “things” are what often end holding us back. People who always said they’d travel or downsize into a smaller place to have more financial flexibility find themselves trapped in a house full of “things”.

The tug of war between adult children trying to encourage their parents to let go of possessions they no longer need and older retired parents who want to hold on is an old story. It happens all of the time.

Everything doesn’t need to be a struggle, though. More and more retirees are using storage units to manage their possession and get more space and the freedom they need. Here are 11 reasons why every retiree should have a storage unit.

1. They’re Affordable

Most people are surprised at how affordable self-storage units are. For relatively very little each month, you can store the things that you don’t need access to every day. If you want to downsize but don’t know where to put your things, a storage solution is a great option.

2. They’re Close By!

You’re likely living close by without realizing it. A quick online search will show you plenty of storage options close to your home. That’s important for retirees who want quick access to their things. Driving a few minutes can get you to your storage unit and you can pick up and drop off whatever you need.

3. It’s a Great Place for Retirement Toys

Retirees use storage units to keep toys like woodworking tools, fishing gear, motorcycles, and whatever else they’re into. Why keep things at home in a cluttered garage when you can have them in a secure location off-site?

4. Make Space for the Grandkids

At some point, retirement means wonderful visits from the family living in other places. A self-storage unit helps to keep your home kid-friendly when the grandkids are in town. YOu can remove all of the fragile things that you’d hate to see broken or damaged. You can also break out the toys and other items that you only use when your family is in town.

5. Storage Units are Safe

If you’re worried about keeping your treasures safe, modern storage unit facilities have made significant security improvements. Now, you can count on CCTVs, locks, and smart features like mobile apps that give you access to the facility. You never have to feel anxious about whether your stuff is secure.

6. They Help You Stay Organized

If you’re already living in a smaller space, organizing a lifetime of things can be quite a challenge. With a storage unit, you have space outside of your home that’s perfect for staging. Organizing is usually much easier when you have a separate place where you can put things. It gives you space to think about whether you want a certain item in the unit or keep it at home.

7. Travel with Peace of Mind

If you’re nervous about leaving all of your things at home alone while you travel, you’re not alone. It would be easy to target retirees while they’re away because it’s easy to count how many people live in the house. Reduce your travel risk by keeping valuables in a storage unit with 24/7 security.

8. You Can Try New Hobbies

Have you ever wanted to try something new but worried about whether you had the space for things? A lot of retirees want to get into a new sport or start crafting, but they need somewhere to put tools and gear. With a storage unit, you have all the space that you need to try new things.

9. They Give You Time to Decide

Throwing stuff away or giving it to someone else is very taxing. A storage unit gives you time to decide instead of feeling rushed to make a decision. Time is important for retirees. You want to know that you’re making the right choice.

10. They Help You Sell Your Home

If you’re downsizing in retirement, you’ll get a lot more money selling a home that’s clear of clutter. People who are looking to buy want to envision what it will be like for them to live in the home. They don’t want to see all of your old stuff. With a storage unit, you can pack everything into boxes and clear out the basement and other spaces to get top dollar for your home.

11. They Offer More Freedom

Ultimately, a self-storage unit can give retirees more freedom. You have a low-cost solution that is safe and secure, and you can choose from there. Whether you want to travel full-time or finally get to installing that home gym, the options are endless.

Storage units come in all different sizes. Some are temperature-controlled and some offer increased security for high-value items. Once you have your things in the unit, you get to decide what to do with the rest of your life.

If you’re approaching retirement or want to change up the pace with your ongoing retirement, check out how a storage unit can facilitate the life that you want to live.

You’ve worked so hard to get where you are. Now you’ve earned the chance to do things on your terms. Take charge and live a little. Chase after the things you’ve always wanted to do and don’t look back!

If you’re looking for a storage facility to store your belongings, Ojai Self Storage has got you covered in this department. Here at Ojai Self Storage, we offer a wide range of unit selections and top-notch security. To learn more about our self-storage facility, please check out our website at https://ojaiselfstorage.com.

Every year, more Americans are discovering the benefits of using self-storage. In the past, a storage unit was where you stored things long-term or to help bridge you through a move. That still happens a lot, but more people are using storage units to supplement their lifestyles and add flexibility to their living spaces.

With a self-storage unit, you essentially have a secure off-site staging area where you can place things you don’t need all year. Small businesses use storage areas to hold inventory and they are a great place to keep recreational clothing, toys, and keepsakes.

If you’ve got a storage unit, you also know that they are usually close to home where it’s very convenient. Most people with storage units can pop over in a few minutes to fetch what they need or deposit new things.

Getting a storage unit frees up more space in your home to use for leisure or to make room for someone who wants their own room. Say goodbye to cluttered garages and basements!

One of the keys to successful storage unit use is maximizing the space inside. After all, you want to make work and keeping things in your storage unit to be simple. It should make life easier, not add more chaos to your life.

We’ve organized 9 tips and tricks that you can use to get more for your money and make organizing your storage unit a dream. Get more out of your space and get to what you need to easily by following these helpful hints.

1. Use Container Boxes

If you have to, even basic cardboard boxes are a great help in self-storage units. Even better, though, are stackable organization boxes that are see-through and easy to move around. Some come with wheels on them, so they’re easy to roll in place where you want them.

2. Find Some Racks

Racks are a great open-style way of storing things inside of your self-storage unit. Racks are relatively affordable and can be picked up at your neighborhood home improvement store. If you’re up for a little extra work to save a few bucks, then you can buy racks online that you then have to assemble when they are delivered.

3. Use Shelves

A lot of passionate readers use storage units to house all of the books that they cherish and just can’t bring themselves to get rid of. Shelves are easy to install and a great way to showcase items that you use frequently. When they’re on display and easy to spot, you can even ask a friend to swing by and grab something if necessary.

4. Keep Similar Items in Different Parts of the Unit

A problem a lot of people have with crowded storage units is that, once a lot of stuff is inside, they don’t remember where they put things or how to get to them. Indeed, if your storage unit is stacked to the brim, it can be hard to move around let alone find a single item that you’re looking for.

Group items like clothing, toys, antiques, picture albums, etc. in designated areas inside your self-storage unit.

5. Use Labels

Labels are a great way to make moving through and sorting your self-storage unit easier. With a low-cost label maker, you can put labels on anything, whether it’s boxes that are stacked in a corner, or shelves so you know where to put certain items. Keep the labels updated so you don’t get disorganized.

6. Put What You Need to Get to in the Front

Keep important items near the front of the storage unit. You’ll hate having to go back deep inside of your storage unit every time you want to take a bike out for a ride. Before you start moving in, take note of the things that you’re likely to get out of more often. Hold off on putting them in the storage until there are some other things inside to take up space in the back. That way, you can pop over to your storage unit and grab the china you use when guests come over, beach toys, or whatever else you need.

7. Roll Material Items

Rolling up things like tablecloths, linens, and clothes is a neat trick to save space and maximize your available storage. By rolling up your clothing and other linens, you cut down on the amount of air that gets trapped in between items inside a box or on a shelf. If you want, you can even try storing clothing items in bags to prevent air from getting in. It’s a good long-term storage strategy because it keeps your stuff in good condition for longer.

8. Make a Storage List

Believe it or not, keeping a detailed inventory list of what you have in storage is one of the best ways to maximize space. You’ll know what’s in there and it will help you stay organized. You may have noticed by now a recurring theme of ours that staying organized is the key to getting the most out of your unit’s space.

Keeping an inventory list will make it easier to move things around without getting overwhelmed. You’ll have more confidence to stack things vertically as well, which will boost the amount of stuff you can get in there comfortably.

These are just some of the tips to maximize storage and get the most for your money. Done right, a storage unit is a wonderful way to manage the things you need on a seasonal basis or things you want to hold on to for kids or other family members down the road.

If you’re looking for a storage facility to store your belongings, Ojai Self Storage has got you covered in this department. Here at Ojai Self Storage, we offer a wide range of unit selections and top-notch security. To learn more about our self-storage facility, please check out our website at https://ojaiselfstorage.com.

If you’re living in a smaller place with limited pantry space, there are things you can do to maximize your storage.

A small floor plan isn’t the only reason a lot of people are looking for small kitchen pantry hacks. Even if you have a larger pantry and plenty of cupboard space, odds are you could improve the way your things are kept.

2020 has been an interesting year, to say the least. We’ve all been stuck at home more than any time before in our lives. Like people do in most situations, we’ve tried to make the best of things.

One of the things we’ve seen over the past year is a massive interest in home cooking, baking, and getting back to the basics in our kitchens.

When the pandemic first hit, you couldn’t buy a bread maker anywhere! They were sold out in stores and it was also hard to find things like ice cream makers, pasta makers, and shortages even extended to kitchen utensils and other basic accessories.

It’s been great for passionate home cooks and families across the country, but now, with more “stuff” in your kitchen, you probably could use some tips on how to manage all of your new kitchen items.

Here are some ways you can maximize space and keep all of your kitchen stuff organized.

Use an Old Bookshelf

Most people have books sitting on a shelf that they’ll never read again. Unless you’re a massive book junkie or have a sentimental attachment to the books, donate them so someone else can read them!

Then, use the freed bookshelf in your kitchen as an extension of your pantry. Bookshelves work great in rooms or hallways adjacent to kitchens because you can showcase nice kitchen items like a mixer or nice dinner plates. They’re in a spot where they are easy to grab, which makes getting work done in the kitchen a breeze.

Hanging Shelves

If you have spare wall space in your kitchen, don’t let it go to waste. Installing hanging shelves or even a new cabinet is something anyone can do at home after a quick trip to the local hardware or home improvement store.

Check online to look at different size and color options and choose shelves that fit your kitchen design. This is a great chance to mix things up style-wise, and it doesn’t take specialized tools. You should be able to do it with the basic tools you’ve already got at home.

A Kitchen Island on Wheels

Wheeled kitchen islands are a great addition to smaller kitchens or kitchens with limited pantry space. You can move your wheeled island around whether you’re baking or need to create an impromptu prep station.

They come in different colors and all sizes, so you can easily find one to fit your kitchen dimensions. Wheeled islands are a great place to keep spices, mixing bowls, kitchen towels, and other staples you turn to often.

Put Shelves in Your Shelves

If you’re like most people, you have cans or bottles of oil sitting on shelves all over your kitchen. There’s likely a lot of wasted vertical space. A great way to organize your pantry and maximize space is to install small shelving units inside your kitchen shelves!

You can buy pull-out racks with wheels to make stacking things like sodas or soup cans much easier. It will let you fit a lot more into even the tiniest of spaces.

Use Clear Containers

Most people have been through a few rounds of kitchen organizing in their lifetimes. What happens is we get everything nice and neat, and it stays that way for a few weeks before madness returns.

Clear storage containers are a great workaround because they keep things compartmented and you can see what’s inside. There’s no more wondering what’s lingering in the back of your shelves or that corner cabinet space.

What’s more, you can label clear containers to store similar items. It also helps cut down on trips to the store to buy that one spice you need for a recipe that you can’t remember whether you have or not.

Use a China Hutch for Storage

Maybe maximizing your kitchen pantry means finding innovative ways to expand your storage options. A kitchen hutch comes in very handy when you need more space to store dry goods.

Think about ditching that nice china set you got as a wedding gift that you rarely use. Be honest with yourself about whether you see yourself suddenly changing and throwing intricate dinner parties. Odds are things will be similar to what your lifestyle is like now. Instead, use the hutch for something more basic and efficient.

Stage Your Kitchen Pantry

There are millions of cluttered kitchen pantries across the country. But how often do we use what’s inside? Sure, we grab all the snacks that are in there, and there are several kitchen accessories that we simply couldn’t do without. But what about the waffle maker? How regularly are we using the pizza stone?

Instead of shoving everything in your pantry, think about more organized ways that you can store things you don’t use all that often. Put some kitchen items in the kitchen or under the guest bed, or in a self-storage unit that’s close by. You can still break them out when you feel like waffles on Sunday morning or have a hankering for a Neapolitan pizza.

Getting creative with kitchen storage is key to hacking a small pantry. Think about what you use and design your kitchen storage with that in mind. If we’re honest with ourselves, there is a lot in the kitchen that doesn’t get touched enough to warrant a prime storage location.

Better storage doesn’t mean you have to get rid of things, even if you only use them once or twice a year. Just don’t keep them in your pantry where something else would serve a better purpose. With a more thoughtfully-designed kitchen pantry, cooking and cleaning will become a more pleasurable experience.

If you’re looking for a storage facility to store your belongings, Ojai Self Storage has got you covered in this department. Here at Ojai Self Storage, we offer a wide range of unit selections and top-notch security. To learn more about our self-storage facility, please check out our website at https://ojaiselfstorage.com.

What’s the very first thing that comes to your mind when you hear about storage units? If you’re like most people, you probably think of a storage units as a place for storing the things you don’t have room at home for but also don’t want to part with. But have you ever thought of gifting a storage unit to someone?

Why a Storage Unit Makes a Great Gift

A lot of people have the misconception that the storage unit is only used for storing furniture and knick knacks, but there are so many other things you can do with a storage unit. This versatility is part of what makes a storage unit the perfect gift for just about anyone on your list.

If your friend or a relative is ambitious and has a hobby but does not have enough space to execute their plans and devote time towards their hobbies, then self-storage units can be the ultimate gift. And those friends and family members that already have everything or are just hard to shop for? A storage unit can help you give them a unique, intangible gift that can’t be bought off of a store shelf – and something they may be longing for.

Here’s 13 unique and special gifts you can give in the form of a storage unit:

1. A Space for Creativity

A storage space makes the perfect gift for the artist or crafter in your life. Gift them a space where they can set up a table and spread out their beads, fabric, or art supplies and without having to pick everything up and put it away each time they take a break.

2. A Quiet Office Space

We all have that friend and wants to start his own business but at the same time does not have enough space at their home to start it or does not have enough budget to buy an office. If this is the case, then you can buy your friend a storage unit.

3. A Space to Zen Out

Giving the gift of a storage unit to a friend or family member that loves yoga or meditation (or could use some stress-relief!) is like giving them their own private oasis. The right size storage unit should have ample space for a yoga mat with enough room on for them to also stretch their arms our side-to-side.

4. A Winter Home for their Gardening Equipment 

A person who loves gardening likely has (or would like to have) a variety of specific and oddly-shaped/bulky tools and supplies on hand so that they have everything they need to tend to their garden or plants. A storage unit will allow them to store all of their equipment in out of the way when they’re not using it.

Or, if they’re an apartment balcony gardener, having a storage space would help them maximize their outdoor space at home while giving them enough room in storage to stock up on flower pots, tools, and extra potting soil.

5. A Home-Away-from-Home Gym

Fitness equipment like a treadmill, elliptical, or rowing machine can take up a lot of space – space that your loved one might not have at home. Give them a space to pump iron, stash their pilates equipment, or, if the storage facility allows, plug in and use their larger pieces of fitness equipment.

6. Peace of Mind for the Frequent Traveler

Everyone has that friend who is always traveling to someplace or another throughout the year. The frequent traveler may be worried about leaving certain possessions unattended at home while they are away. Or when they are home, they may struggle to find adequate space to store their luggage.

Gifting a storage unit to your friend will allow them to store things offsite while their home is unattended, and provide the perfect place for their suitcases to rest until the next adventure.

7. Storage Space for Sentimental Items

It’s not easy to let go of the things we possess that belong to our loved ones. But if you know someone who has a lot of sentimental items taking up space in their garage, attic etc, a storage unit could be the perfect gift.

8. More Space at Home

These days, people buy and store a lot more than they used to. Maybe you know someone who buys in bulk to get the best deal like it’s a sport! But they might not always have room at home to store all those savings.

If you can’t give your bulk-buying friend the gift of a larger garage, consider gifting them a storage unit to stash their backstock, or anything else taking up room that they don’t immediately need on hand.

9. Room to Breathe During a Renovation

Remodeling a home is stressful can be stressful, and shuffling furniture and belongings out of one room and into another can be one of the most stressful things about it. If you have a friend starting or in the midst of a home renovation, a storage unit is a welcome gift that will help them feel organized and give them a sense of calm in the chaos.

10. A Place for More Books

A storage unit can be a great place for avid readers to store their books and magazines to clear space at home for the new ones coming in. It could even become a private library and reading room if your recipient is lacking the appropriate space and solitude at home.

11. A Space for their Side Hustle

We all have that ambitious friend who wants to start their own business or already has one going on the side. When they’re just starting out (or are involved in multiple business ventures), they may not have enough space at home to get started or enough room in their budget to rent an office.

If this is the case, renting a storage unit for your friend will give them some extra space to store their inventory or equipment or file and organize important documents and papers. It will also help them be able to relax at home by having their work space and equipment at a separate location.

12. A Secret Hiding Place

Nothing beats a storage unit at Christmas time to hide gifts from would-be peekers. Getting one for yourself is a no-brainer come December, but consider renting a storage unit for the generous people on your gift list who love to shop for others.

If you’re looking for a storage facility to store your belongings, Ojai Self Storage has got you covered in this department. Here at Ojai Self Storage, we offer a wide range of unit selections and top-notch security. To learn more about our self-storage facility, please check out our website at https://ojaiselfstorage.com.