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Moving

PACKING & MOVING HOMES WITH KIDS

Moving is stressful and exhausting. Add kids to mix and the level of tension and fatigue is multiplied. If the daunting take of juggling between packing chores and parenting responsibilities a must this summer while school is out, follow these tips to help keep summer vacation fun and the move entertaining for those little ones full of curiosity and energy.

Learning Through Packing packing-toys-for-children

Kids are hands-on learners. Moving offers a teaching opportunity for kids of any age. Keeping kids actively involved in the moving process not only teaches them skills they will use later on as adults, but will also keep them occupied as they help the family in moving.

Smaller Moving Boxes for Smaller Movers

Show your child how to properly pack using smaller boxes based on the size of their belongings. This encourages them to be active participants as they pack their own boxes with their favorite toys and carry them to the moving truck. Smaller boxes can include old shoe boxes which your child can easily place their action figures or Barbie’s into. If the small boxes can be made as light as possible, you can also have your child carry their own boxes from their rooms to the moving truck or garage. This experience teaches your child to have responsibility for their toys and makes them feel part of the moving team!

The Game of Moving

Who hasn’t played (or at least heard about) the game TETRIS? The goal of the game is to fit different sized pieces together without leaving gaps and without allowing the area to overflow. Add a timer to it and the challenge has been heightened! Moving is a lot like TETRIS. Have your child figure out how to make all their toys fit in a small box. This will encourage him/her to organize all those toys better. For older kids, have them time themselves to see how fast they can finish packing up their toy room! Encourage them to maximize the space of the box by utilizing their TETRIS skills. Congratulate them when they show you that they are applying their game skills and reward them for jobs well-done with treats during breaks. Using games to engage your children during the relocation process makes the task of packing more enjoyable for kids and very helpful for you.

Creating Art on Moving Boxes with Children

After your child is done packing a small box with their toys or clothes have them note what is in the box by writing or drawing at the sides of the boxes. This teaches them to organize and help find that specific toy there are sure to need as soon as you go to your new home. Creating art on the boxes is a fun experience that will keep them both productive and occupied. When it comes time to unpacking the boxes in your new home, have your kids help by having them seek out the boxes based on their own labeling. Ask them to find a specific toy to show them how their organizing and labeling helped you out!

KEEPING NERVES AT BAY FOR KIDS DURING RELOCATIONS reading-kids-new-home-moves

Moving is hard on kids not only because their caregivers are preoccupied with packing, but also because they are nervous about the change. Make them feel comfortable by keeping their favorite toys and activities accessible to them throughout the relocation. A backpack for them to keep around them is a convenient way of not losing track of these items and an easy place for your child to store their items.

Keep Them Reading!

Marvel comic books, bed-time fairytales, or the latest magical series, keep kids occupied with learning. Before the hectic packing and moving period starts, make a visit to the book store or library and have them pick out books specifically for that week. While their minds escape to the far and wide adventures, you can focus on the moving chaos.

Coloring & Activity Books

Keep your child’s creative juices flowing! Coloring & activity books will keep their minds engaged and is a stress-reliever for them. Have them get a head start on the summer homework or make birthday cards for any upcoming celebrations. The best part of having coloring and activity books for them is they are easy to carry and don’t take up much space. Your child can work on them in the car or even at the self-storage unit while you’re busy working in your unit.

Electronics & Learning Apps

With the ever-changing options on electronic devices these days, learning apps that entertain your children while teaching them math, reading or creative thinking, are life-savers during home moving! Managing screen time when you’re busy is difficult, setting up screen time parental controls on iPhones and tablets will help control what they are doing and for how long they are on the device. Don’t forget to fully-charge the devices in case you need it at the self-storage unit or on the long drive to your new home.

Pack for a 3-Day Vacation

Moving to a new home is certainly not anything like a vacation. But, when it comes to the first few nights in your new residence, packing for a three-day trip will make those transition days much easier. Packing, loading, unloading and unpacking rarely come without any hiccups: misplaced phone, forget to empty out the fridge or don’t know who has the new apartment keys. When 9 PM hits, the last thing you want to worry about is where the tooth brushes and favorite blankets are. Have each person’s essentials packed up in their individual luggage and alleviate the night and morning frustrations of a “just-moved in” unorganized home.

Sleeping Bags

Sleeping bags are a crucial must when moving, especially when you have disassembled and packed away the bed. You may not be able to re-assemble the bed frames in the new bedrooms. Keep this in mind and anticipate that there may be a possibility of sleeping on the floors on the first night. Having the sleeping bags and pillows accessible will allow for a quick setup for the night.

Bedtime Stories night-light-new-home-bedroom

If reading bedtime stories is a nightly routine on a normal (non-moving) day, stick to the routine and provide comfort through stability. Have the kids choose a few books to pack in their luggage so you can read during bedtime as you help them fall asleep. For older children, ask them about their week and talk to them about how the move went. Spending some time with them will help them feel at ease as they try to wrap their minds around the big move.

Teddy Bear & Night Lights

Moving can be scary for younger children. The unfamiliarity of the new home can be frightening especially during the dark night hours. Pack your child’s comfort toys in the luggage along with some night lights throughout the new place. This will also minimize bumps in to moving boxes as you try to get to the restroom in the unfamiliar home in the middle of the night.

Take a Break & Explore your new Neighborhood with the Family!new-neighborhood-moving-tips

Soon after your family is moved in, the focus is on unpacking and settling your things into the new spaces. But, it’s also important to settle into your neighborhood. Take a break from the packing for an hour or two and explore the neighborhood. Take a family stroll to the nearby parks or the local store. You and your kids will enjoy the break together as you meet your new neighbors and get familiar with your surroundings. After all, the task of moving may not be fun but a new beginning in a new neighborhood is exciting!

If moving to Ojai neighborhoods near Ojai Self Storage, visit the following links for helpful family-friendly activities and resources:

Travel Ojai–list of local events and things to do in Ojai.

Kids Activities in Ojai— list of kids activities to do with your kids in Ojai.

 

For Self-Storage in Ojai, CA

Call Ojai Self Storage: (805) 646-8742 or visit us on our website.

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self storage

Tips To Get You Moving Into Your Storage Space!

Making sure your items are organized yet protected requires a mixture of creativity and detail: stacking boxes to keep fragile items on top; keeping things you may need sooner than later in the front; figuring out how to maximize your unit space with large appliances. Packing and moving is stressful enough without having to think about how best to secure your stuff and plan your storage unit move-in!

7 Quick Tips To Keep In Mind When Packing For Your Move To Ojai Self Storage

1. Boxes are better at living in Storage Units than plastic bags.

Sturdy & stack well, taking up less space, boxes are just better at keeping those photos from curling at the edges. Plus, sealed plastic bags can trap humidity. Damaging mildew is the last thing you want to worry about when returning to your belongings.

2. Baking Soda makes Appliances feel good.

3. Tag ‘em, Mark ‘em, Label ‘em. Boxes Need Names!

A sharpie pen will be your favorite gizmo during your home or business move. Remember to label them with helpful content references on every side of the box. Locating that can’t-do-without fairy cap will be so much faster. Plus when it’s time for your moving crew to work those heavy boxes into your new place, they can help you out by placing them in the appropriate room.

4. Bubble Wrap saves things from cracking up.

Carefully swaddle fragile dinnerware, wine glasses, holiday ornaments, picture frames with bubble wrap individually to ensure protection. Next, pack them tightly into strong reinforced boxes such as plastic bins. Fill the gaps with scrunched paper, left over bubble wrap, air pillows or Styrofoam peanuts. You can even recycle old newspapers and old clothes as filler to add cushion support for your delicate artifacts.

5. Books are meant to be flat

Those precious pages to distant adventures have delicate spines. Once the binding is damaged, the pages unravel swiftly. Older, antique books especially need extra care during packing. Lay your favorite books flat in moving boxes to prevent page bending and wear on book spines.

6. Make it an easy walk down the Aisle

7. Metal & Oil can work together Tips on Storing Appliances in Storage Units

To stop rusting, grease your metal items like toaster ovens by wiping the metal areas with a bit of oil. This will keep them still usable when you’re ready to shift them out of storage.

Serving Ojai, California:
Ojai Self Storage has a range of unit sizes

Whether or not you have the time (or energy!) to use these unit organizing and packing tips, our team is here to help you find the right storage space. Visit us to tour your options and our professional staff will help you budget and advise on your move-in plans.

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Moving self storage Uncategorized

Moving & De-Cluttering: Make It Easy

How To Get Clutter Moved Out Of Your Home

Spring cleaning or summer moving, the task of de-cluttering or packing is dreadful (yet worthwhile) when done right. Planning, timing and organizing helps stay focused.

Plan Your Move

Sometimes just starting the process is challenging. Where to begin cleaning? Which closet should I start organizing? Which items can I start packing before my official moving date? These questions can be overwhelming and easily result in procrastination. What should you do? The answer is simple: start small!

Small Spaces Are Easier To Clean

Set Aside Time Just For Packing

Often times, even with the best of intentions, multitasking ends up being less productive. With daily demands of family, home and work, we are already stretched for time. Adding a home move to that juggle can amount to high levels of anxiety. Additionally, studies have shown that multitasking can cause us to get more tired which is counterproductive to your plan of staying focused and motivated to get through that long packing list. Read more about why Neuroscientists Say Multitasking Literally Drains The Energy Reserves Of Your Brain.

Multitasking Drains Productivity

Organize Your Space

The whole idea of spring cleaning is to freshen up your space by de-cluttering and well…cleaning! Which means: actually clean out your space by removing unnecessary items. Simply shifting items from one place to another without deciding on its need in your home is another form of procrastination. For instance, if you’re packing for a move, think how much time and energy you will save by getting rid of these extra items before you move into your new home. The laborious task of packing and moving items from your old to new place is undoubtedly tiring mentally and physically. By not adding unwanted extras to your boxes will, at the least, save you some time even when it’s time to unpack.

Moving homes or cleaning is not fun (not for most right?). But, managing it by planning, scheduling uninterrupted time and organizing will get you through it. Most importantly, remember that it will get done!

Storage in Ojai CA - Ojai Self Storage

For more options on how to maximize your space, read about storage units in Ojai, California.

Categories
business storage Moving Uncategorized vendors storage

Extra, Extra! Storage Units Offer Spacious Options When You Don’t Have Room At Home

event vendor storage locations

Let’s face it, we all wish we had extra room. To have less clutter at home, to store extra furniture, or to be more efficient by organizing business equipment to make your living space, well, more livable! Until you renovate, get a bigger home or move into an office space, there is a more affordable option to get that extra storage room without having to relocate!

Medium-Sized Storage Unit to Store Content of a One-Bedroom Apartment

organize clutter in storageDid you know that a 10′ x 10′ can fit the entire contents of a typical one-bedroom apartment? And yes, that includes major appliances such as a washer, dryer, refrigerator and furniture like a mattress and a couch! Depending on the size of your furniture and your packing skills, you may
also fit in an heirloom piece like a grandfather clock or couple of antique chests and cabinets.

A generously-sized space, a 10×10 unit is ideal for storing needs in-between moves that will require renting a space for a month or longer. It is also a convenient solution for businesses that have out grown their current storage capacity or are home-based requiring a more efficient way to organize and access their business equipment.

Affordable Storage Solutions for Businesses

Considered a medium-sized option in most facilities, a 10×10 self-storage unit offers a quick and easily accessible option for businesses to store extra supplies, boxes of paperwork, or bulky equipment. From home-based event planners to contractors who service a wide service area, vendors enjoy the convenience of having a centrally located space that is manageable in terms of organizing and rental rates.

Space for Event & Party Supplieswedding supplies storage

Event vendors have to keep up with the latest fads. Which means their list of supplies is always growing. Inflatable fun like bounce houses, Chiavari Chairs, large circular banquet tables, or centerpiece vases with elaborate fillers to decorate a large venue take up a lot of space but are also the key pieces of a party planners business. A good sized storage unit can be used to categorize and better manage the collection of themed decorations. Expensive and fragile items like the versatile glass vases that are used for so many different events can be securely stored without the risk of damage that often worries the budget-conscious planner working with highly sensitive brides. Additionally, a storage facility near their most frequented venues can cut down a lot of time, energy and stress when things don’t go as planned and a quick backup is needed.

vending machine equipment in storageVending Machine Equipment Storage

Local suppliers such as vending machine equipment providers deal with large, heavy equipment. Unsold machines and extra servicing parts can be stored in a 10 by 10 unit and moved easier into trucks for delivery from storage facilities that have drive-up access. There is also the added benefit of peace of mind when choosing a storage facility that is equipped with additional security options like 24/7 video surveillance or individual unit alarms and alerts so that your  expensive machines are not easy vandalism targets.

Business File Storage 

storage small boxes shelves
Every business has years of records and paperwork that needs to be stored. Even with the expanding need to go paperless, many businesses know how crucial having hard copies of important agreements can be in potential legal proceedings or if their company computers are hacked or infected with a virus. While the need to access these documents is unlikely, if the need does arise, being able to dig up a file in 7 years of storage boxes can become a costly and time consuming task. Storage units are a simple way to place these boxes sorted by year. Businesses can use the space to create a system of discarding older files as they replace them with more recent year documents.

Photographers and Videographers

props studio storage spaceBackdrops, photo booths, set furniture, studio props, lighting equipment and camera stands are all part of the creative workings of a photographer or videographer. For professionals who spend so much time on the road between events or shoots, being able to quickly provide a large selection of options to their clients means a better chance of securing a contract.

Storing Surplus Inventory

Keeping up with demands with on-hand inventory can be daunting, especially with unpredictable customer preferences. Storing additional inventory by stocking up gives owners and managers the leeway to purchase supplies in the off-season (often times at lower prices!) in preparation for their peak season demands.

Storage Units in Ojai, California              

Getting that extra room at home may not be a practical option. Renting a storage unit that is sized comparable to a one bedroom apartment is possible! If you are lookinAll Storage Northwest Indoor Unitsg for a facility centrally located in Ojai, a 10×10 unit at Ojai Self Storage is currently renting at approximately $179 per month. To tour all storage unit options and to check on current space availability, rental rates, and promotions, contact an office manager at
(805) 646-8742 or visit the storage facility website.

Ojai Self Storage units

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Bubble wrap and Padding: A guide to properly packing your fragile items

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For me,  the hugest pain of moving is not attaining boxes and packing all of my worldly possessions, but more so packing delicate items, specifically dishware; those china plates are fragile and will break easily. In order to protect your fragile items, I would suggest:

  • Individually wrapping each plate like a present with a thick layer of bubble wrap
  • Lining your boxes with a towel or a soft material to cushion your items
  • If you do not have a soft towel or soft material, try using wads of crumbled newspaper instead
  • Always place cups and glasses rim down
  • When wrapping glasses, do not only wrap the outside of the glass but the interior as well; you want full protection
  • Place dishes on their side and place smaller items inside of larger items for more storage space within your box
  • Make sure your box is packed evenly and tightly, i.e. no large unfilled spaces within the box, no loose space for your items to slide everywhere
  • Leave an inch or two of space towards the top of the box and then fill in this extra space with more padding (newspaper, foam, bubble wrap, a towel)
  • For extra protection, you can also invest in Dish Pack Dividers. Dish Pack Dividers are exactly that, dividers with multiple columns and rows to isolate your dishes to protect them more. However, please wrap your items even if you’re using a Dish Pack Divider. You can find Dish Pack Dividers online or at your local hardware store.

Furthermore, once you do move your boxes of fragile items into storage, make sure to:

  • Properly mark your boxes; I suggest using a different colored permanent marker for each type of dishware (red for cups, blue for plates, yellow for bowls)
  • Be sure to move boxes you do not need access to, to the back of your unit and place your boxes with fragile items towards the front. If there is not enough space, place the boxes of fragile items on top of other boxes you know you will not need access to anytime soon.

Follow the tips above to successfully store your breakables. Happy wrapping!

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Uncategorized

Spring Cleaning!

It’s spring time once again and you know what that means? It’s time to clear out the remainders of your holiday decorations, dust off the antiques and clean out those odds and ends.  How about getting rid of all your unwanted items with a garage sale?  But wait, that means finding a place for all the junk that’s been collecting in your garage since you’ve been there… but don’t fret! With a wide variety of storage sizing options and affordable pricing, Ojai Self Storage is your number one self storage option!  Visit us at Ojai Self Storage  and check us out!