Most people only look for packing tips for moving when they’re planning to relocate to a new home an hour or more away from their present one, but even local moves need to be handled correctly to avoid damage to person or property. For example, it only takes one bump to overturn a precariously balanced crystal bowl and shatter it into a thousand pieces.

With that in mind, here are some things to guide you when you’re moving to a new place that’s still within the San Antonio area.

• Make sure you have all the supplies you’ll need. These include containers to hold your stuff, packing or duct tape, labels, scissors, and something to cushion fragile items with, such as bubble wrap or newspaper. If you use cardboard boxes, make sure they’re constructed of corrugated paper, which has a ridge-shaped layer in between two flat ones.
• Set aside a part of your home and make it your packing area. When putting items in containers, be careful not to over-pack. Even if the boxes don’t come apart while you’re moving them, their weight can still cause strained muscle or back pain. A perfect example of this is what movers often do with books. They fill a large box with volumes, then realize after they’ve sealed it up that the contents are too heavy to lift. If you have a large scale, then place moving containers on it and stop filling them when they reach the maximum weight you can safely and comfortably carry.
• Know what’s in each box. This will allow you to unpack in an organized way when you reach your new home. Pack on a room-by-room basis: bedroom stuff should go together, as should living room stuff, kitchen stuff, etc. When each container is full, write its contents on the outside, in large letters with a permanent marker.
• Make sure each container is sealed properly. Some people use packing tape; others swear by duct tape. Still others rely on string and tight knots. Whichever method you use, make sure the lid won’t open during the trip. Also, if you’re using corrugated cardboard boxes, then reinforce them along the glued seams, especially if they’re holding heavy or valuable items.
• Set one box aside for things you’ll need when you first arrive in your new home. Some items to put in it include: bar soap, shampoo, deodorant, razors, medications, and anything else essential to health and hygiene. This will save you endless aggravation when you arrive at your destination sweaty and unkempt and want nothing more than a hot shower or bath. You might also want to include pet supplies, paper plates, plastic cutlery, and canned food, so everyone can get a bite to eat. This may be one of the most important packing tips for moving.
• Move all your containers as close to the front door as possible. That way you won’t be running all over the house on moving day looking for things.
• Some things shouldn’t make the trip with you. These include: perishable foods, canned goods, and furnishings that are in poor shape and unlikely to survive the trip. Give these items away if you can. Food banks are always in need of donations, and handymen and women love to make over old items.
• When everything has been loaded and you’re ready to go, make one more sweep through the home to make sure you didn’t leave anything of value behind.

Following these packing tips for moving will ensure that you handle your move in a thoughtful, organized way. Your efforts will save you endless hassle as you settle into your new San Antonio home. If you have more belongings than you would like to or can move into your new home, keep in mind that Handy Space Mini Storage can make accommodations for just about anything that you would like to store. Stop by, and let us show you what our facility has to offer.

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Short term self storage is a term that we use a lot in our industry. It refers to the fact that most people use our units for a year or less, to help them through transitory periods in their lives. However, life doesn’t always turn out exactly as we plan. When the unexpected occurs, then what was intended to be short term storage turns into long term warehousing of one’s belongings. Here are some of the circumstances that make this the case:

• When a move to a smaller home becomes permanent. People often relocate to a new residence that has less space than their last one, and they put many of their possessions in storage as a result. They may fully intend to move to a larger place within a few months, only to find that they’re quite comfortable where they are currently. Yet, despite this, they want to hold on to all of their belongings. When this happens, storage unit rental may go on for many years.
• When kids in college decide not to come home for the summer. Every fall, millions of recent high school graduates leave home to pursue higher education with the intention of returning for several months when the weather turns warm again, but things don’t always work out this way. College students get summer jobs in their new location, make friends in the area, or take on internships or social service projects that keep them away from home. When this occurs, their possessions stay in storage for much longer than first intended.
• When the storage unit turns out to be more useful than the renter first thought. This frequently happens in cases where business owners rent units to store extra supplies, equipment, or merchandise. They intend to use the building for just a short period of time until their storage needs decrease or they make room in their garage or warehouse. They quickly realize, however, that the small monthly rental fee is well worth paying in exchange for having a secure, weatherproof, convenient place to keep items until they’re needed. When this happens, then a short term self storage arrangement becomes a long-term business relationship with Handy Space.
• When items are held onto for future use or resale unexpectedly. For example, imagine a renter named Joe who has some old furniture he inherited from a distant relative. He doesn’t know what to do with it, so he puts it in storage until he can donate it or have a yard sale. Then, one day, he’s watching one of those antique shows on TV and realizes that his “old furniture” is actually worth tens of thousands of dollars. Joe decides to cancel the yard sale and old onto the furniture, letting it continue to grow in value over time until he’s ready to retire. When this happens, storage rentals can go on for decades.

“Now what?”

You may find one day that your need for our services will go on longer than you originally planned. Here are some storage unit tips to keep in mind when this occurs:

• Items in storage need to be checked on periodically. So open up your unit and give everything a good visual inspection.
• Make sure that the contents have been properly prepared for long-term storage. Furniture should be covered to keep dust from settling on it. Paintings should be stacked vertically, not horizontally. Check the other posts on this blog for specific recommendations about prepping items for long-term storage.

Give us a call here at Handy Space if we can answer questions or assist in any way. Also, if you’re in need of a storage unit and don’t currently have one, then drop by soon and let us give you a quick tour of our facility. You’ll be glad you did.

The post When Short Term Self Storage Becomes Long Term appeared first on Mini Storage San Antonio.

Good news! Americans are living longer than ever before in our history. However, with increased life spans come increased needs for medical care and other support services. One way many families deal with these challenges is for adult children to help care for their parents during mom and dad’s later years. Part of this responsibility is ensuring that their parents’ possessions are kept safe and sound, so in this post, we’ll focus on storage unit tips for those with dependent parents.

Lots and Lots of Stuff

That’s usually what we end up with as we near our golden years. Let’s face it: Americans love to buy things, which is great. Spending is what helps to keep our economy healthy, but it also creates a need for storage space; that need grows as we get older. By the time they’re in their 60s or 70s, many people have accumulated enough possessions to fill a large home, or maybe two large homes.

Add to this the fact that it’s not unusual for folks to develop feelings for many of their belongings. We’ve all heard about the guy who has a recliner sitting in his living room, with duct tape covering the holes and stuffing leaking out of the seams. He just can’t bear to part with it. Other people hold on to shoes, clothing items, furnishings, books, pictures, and even cars, long after these items are no longer useful. The emotional attachment is simply too great for the owner to bear parting with them.

This may very well be the case with older parents, which presents a dilemma for their kids. How can grown children respect mom and dad’s feelings while keeping their possessions from becoming burdensome clutter? Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Respectful yet honest communication always helps. Consider talking to your parents about the belongings they’ve acquired over the years. Let them know that you respect and appreciate their emotional bond with these items that have such cherished memories attached to them. At the same time, gently express your concern that caring for so many things may be more than they can handle during the later stages of life.
• You may want to do an item-by-item inventory of your parents’ possessions, with their assistance and participation of course. You might want to divide these things into three categories: those that should be sold, donated, or thrown away; those that should stay in the home with the parents; and those that should be placed in storage for safekeeping.
• Once you’ve made this list, then follow through on it, while showing respect for your parents’ input and feelings.
• After you’ve reached an agreement with mom and dad about what items should be placed in storage, then visit us here at Handy Space to see our units and choose the right one for your storage needs. Bring the list of items you need to store with you, so we can get a feel for what size unit you’ll need. Bring your parents along if at all possible, so they can see how well their possessions will be protected from theft and damage.
• After you’ve decided on a unit, start getting your parents’ belongings ready for storage. You’ll find plenty of tips for how to do this in other posts on this blog. Be sure to list everything that will be kept in the unit. Many renters also take pictures of each item as well. This will prevent anxious moments in the future, when you’re trying to find something but can’t remember where it is.

At Handy Space, we take customer service seriously. So, whether you need short term self storage, a place to keep a recreational vehicle during the off-season, or just information about how to store certain items, we invite you to get in touch with us.

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One of the advantages of using a storage space rental from Handy Space is the degree of security your belongings will have. Our facility is surrounded by tall, chain-link fencing, is brightly lit at night, and is protected by a coded access gate. Of course, there’s one more theft deterrent that’s part of the package – the lock that secures the steel sliding door. This purchase is left up to your own judgment, but we have a few suggestions for you.

If you visit your local department or hardware store, you’ll see that there are dozens of locks on the market, and each claims to offer excellent protection. As with all products, some locks are better than others. When a top-quality one is only a few dollars more, why even take the chance on a cheap lock? Here’s what we recommend you look for:

• A lock with a stainless steel case, so it will hold up to rain and humidity without rusting.
• A hardened steel shackle that makes it difficult for would-be thieves to cut through.
• A minimum of two keys, one for your home and one for your vehicle. The last thing you want is to drive to our facility and not be able to open your unit!
• A solid brass pin tumbler cylinder, for durability and strength.
• A circular, disc-shaped lock, that offers little surface area on the shackle for intruders to cut through.

Such locks can be found for under $20.00, and offer premium protection for a reasonable price.

Keys or Combination?

We’re asked this question every now and then. Generally speaking, most people prefer keys. Once a combination is forgotten, the owner is out of options, unless he or she wrote it down and can remember where they put it. This is far from a hard-and-fast rule, however, so use whichever type of lock serves you best.

Of course, the best lock is one you’ll never need. That’s why you should trust Handy Space to keep your property secure. Come by and see us soon, and you’ll agree that there’s no better storage rental facility in the San Antonio area. We look forward to earning your business.

The post Choosing a Lock for your Storage Space Rental appeared first on Mini Storage San Antonio.

After a long, cool winter, spring is once more upon us. It’s time to fire up the grill, get out the patio furniture, and soak up some sunshine. Boatmen have been looking forward to this time of year. Well, it’s time to get your prized possessions out of boat storage, San Antonio watercraft owners, but you should take the time to do the following before you hit the waters:

1. Inspect the battery – You’ve had it stored all winter, and during that time, the connections might have corroded a bit. So give them a good inspection. If you spot any problems, scrub the posts with a wire brush before hooking up the cables. Also, make sure the charge is still strong.
2. Inspect the boat – Give it a thorough going-over from stem to stern. Make sure no mice or other critters found their way into some remote corner, and be on the lookout for mold or mildew, both of which can develop during long months of inactivity. Open any hatches and doors if all looks well, and let the craft air out for an hour or so to remove any musty odors that may have built up. Finally, give your boat a power washing and scrubbing, so it will look pristine for its maiden voyage of the season.
3. Inspect the engine – Make sure all fluids are fresh and up to recommended levels. Install new plugs, add lubricant to connections, and inspect hoses for signs they need to be replaced. Many boaters run the engine “dry” for a few minutes before taking it out. This can help eliminate any deposits that have built up and ensure that it performs at its best while on the water.

Remember that, while it’s not in use, Handy Space makes a great place for boat storage, San Antonio. We offer a secure location and covered areas where your craft will be safe from wind and rain. If you live in or near San Antonio, then we invite you to drop by and let us show you how we can help with all your storage needs.

The post Boat Storage San Antonio: Getting Ready for Boating Season appeared first on Mini Storage San Antonio.

Picking the right packing boxes for moving is tougher than it sounds. Simply stuffing as much as you can in a cardboard container and carrying it out to the truck or van might work out just fine for you. On the other hand, many movers have gotten halfway to their vehicle only to hear a sickening crash as their valuable glassware shatters on the ground at their feet. Lesson learned: cardboard tears, and glued-together bottoms are only so strong.

Moving is something that most people only do a few times in their lives, and it’s easy to forget the particulars in between moves. Just remember that when the big day comes, it makes sense to use containers that are up to the job. These can include:

1. Plastic bins with lids. They can be found at most big-box retailers. They come in many sizes, and stand up well to the usual stresses of moving. The lids are easily secured with duct or packing tape. Be sure to label the outside with the contents, to avoid confusion later.
2. Wooden or metal crates. If you can locate these, then you’ve got the ideal moving containers. The military has long used them to hold all sorts of supplies and equipment, from food rations to guns and ammunition. Of course, the other side of the coin is that they’re heavy. So limit their use to items that need an extra level of protection, such as antique furniture and family china.
3. Heavy-duty corrugated boxes. These are the “Fort Knox” of cardboard containers. They’re easily recognized by the ridge-shaped material sandwiched between the inside and outside layers. They can hold up to a fair amount of use, and are great for such items as books, knick-knacks, clothing, and every-day dinnerware.

If you’re moving to the San Antonio area, then chances are you’ll need storage space rental services for some of your belongings. Drop by Handy Space when you’re in town. We’ll be glad to show you our facility and answer any questions you might have.

The post How to Choose Packing Boxes for Moving appeared first on Mini Storage San Antonio.

So, you’ve decided to use a storage space rental to make your home more organized and less cluttered. Congratulations! You’ve made an excellent decision. Of course, now you face the task of moving your belongings into the unit, but never fear. With a little planning, the job can be quick and easy. Here are some tips to help you along.

Make a List and Check it Twice

We recommend starting out by listing all the things you plan to store. This offers several advantages:

1. It will keep you from saying, “Now, where did I put that…?” in the weeks and months ahead.
2. It will give you an idea of how large a unit you should rent, if you haven’t already chosen one. For help on choosing the right-sized unit, check out this blog post.
3. It will give you an idea of how you should arrange items in the unit, so that you can get to them later if you need them.

You can make this list anyway you like: as a computer spreadsheet, with good old-fashioned pen and paper, or with this handy app for tablets and smartphones.

Sketch out a Storage Plan

“Storage plan? What storage plan?” We get this reaction sometimes when we mention the importance of planning how the items in your unit will be laid out. The truth is that just dumping your stuff and locking the door shut can come back to haunt you, like when you need something from the unit in a few weeks and have to spend hours searching for it. So take a few minutes to sketch out how your belongings will be organized. Here are some tips to help you out.

1. Shelves can be a huge help in making sense of your organization plan. Remember that shelving need not be costly. Perfectly good shelves can be made with scrap boards and used cinder blocks. You can also take advantage of old bookshelves or cabinets you no longer use. You can also just simply visit your local home improvement center or big-box retailer and buy some low-cost shelving units. Appearances don’t matter; strength does, however, so make sure whatever you use is sturdy enough for the job. Most commercial shelves come with recommended weight limits.
2. As a rule, heavy, bulky items should be stored as close to the ground as possible. Place upper-shelf items as far back as possible. This will keep the shelves from tipping over and damaging your belongings.
3. Before you move anything into your unit, cover the floor with low-cost plastic sheeting or tarps. They will prevent moisture from damaging your belongings and will help to prevent mold and mildew.
4. Note where items will be kept in your unit, so you’ll have no trouble finding them later when you need them.
5. Some things should never be kept in a storage space rental facility. This includes: guns, ammunition, volatile chemicals like acids and paints, fireworks, alcohol, medications, and canned or jarred food.

Use the Right Containers

Over time, cardboard boxes can become soggy and fall apart. We recommend using other types of containers when possible. Most big-box stores sell plastic bins with lids for very reasonable prices. They’re strong, sturdy, and highly resistant to damage. If you go with cardboard boxes, we suggest using heavy-duty corrugated ones, like the ones you’ll find at places that rent moving trucks.

Choose the Right Storage Facility

Handy Space stands head and shoulders over other companies in the storage business. Our units are strong, impervious to bad weather, and located behind high fences. Our location is brightly lit at night and is guarded by a coded access gate. We even have covered spaces for your boat storage San Antonio needs. Come see us soon.

The post How to Move Your Belongings into Your Storage Space Rental appeared first on Mini Storage San Antonio.

If you’re like most of us, you have a lot of things that only get used every now and then. A perfect example is seasonal items. That barbecue grill may see plenty of action from May through September, but the rest of the year, it just takes up space. The same can be said of items like motorcycles, watercraft, lawnmowers, patio furniture, etc. Just think how much extra room you’d have around the house if you kept items like these in a storage space rental. Here are just some of the ways you could benefit:

• You could finally get all that stuff out of your basement or garage, and use the space to create the workshop you’ve always wanted.
• You could have greater peace of mind, knowing that valuable items like tools, recreational equipment, etc., are stored securely behind chained-link fences and security gates.
• If your kids are away at college, you could move their belongings into your storage unit, and turn their old room into a den, sewing area, or into whatever else you’ve always wanted but never had the space for.
• You could get to these items whenever you needed them. If you kept them in a storage facility like Handy Space that has 24/7 customer access, you’ll never have to wait for a “good time” to get your belongings.
• If you own a business, then you could use your storage unit to hold your tools of the trade, extra stock, or equipment and supplies that you use on-and-off, with no worries about thieves or vandals.
• Because most storage facilities rent their units on a monthly basis, you could use one only for as long as you needed with no long-term commitment hassles.

Of course, not all storage space rental facilities are equal in the sense of customer service, security, and accessibility. That’s why we invite you to drop by Handy Space and see how we stand apart from many of our competitors. Here are just some of the advantages we offer:

• Residential managers who live directly on-site.
• 24/7 access to your property.
• Excellent security, with high fencing, plenty of nighttime lighting, and a coded entry gate to keep out undesirables.
• Sturdy, weatherproof units, with sliding steel doors, concrete floors, and roofs that repel the worst Mother Nature can throw at them.
• Clearly-written contracts, with no confusing language or suspicious clauses in small print.
• Friendly, knowledgeable staff members, happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.
• Free use of a trailer to move your belongings into the facility.
• A convenient location here in San Antonio.

Our Free, Helpful Blog

Another way in which we help is by providing this blog, which offers plenty of free advice to anyone who needs tips on storage-related matters. Browse the other entries, and you’ll find information on subjects like these:

• Packing boxes for moving.
• Organizing your storage unit for quick retrieval of your belongings.
• What items should never be put in a storage unit.
• How to get ready to move.
• How to have a successful yard sale.
• How to choose the right storage facility for your needs.
• How to prepare boats, cars, RVs, and motorcycles for storage.
• How to store specialty items like artwork, antiques, and electronics.
• Where to find boxes and other storage containers.
• How to protect your belongings from mice and other pests.

We invite you to browse these articles and benefit from their contents.

The Customer Always Comes First at Handy Space

We have office hours Monday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Drop by our storage space rental facility at your convenience during those times and let us show you how we can meet your storage needs. We look forward to earning your business.

The post How a Storage Space Rental can Improve Your Life appeared first on Mini Storage San Antonio.

Along with the explosive popularity of smartphones and tablets has come a host of apps that enable users to do virtually anything, from playing games to handling their investments. Now, there’s even an app that can help you manage your storage space rental. Known as “My Things”, it’s a free download that works with either Android or iOS-based devices, and it offers plenty of great features. With it you’ll be able to do the following:

• List all your belongings, along with where they’re located.
• Add up to eight photos of each item.
• Take a single picture of your storage unit’s contents. Then, add markers on top of the photo identifying each individual item.
• List specific quantities of multiple items, such as “12 glass jars in storage at Handy Space.”
• Make notes about specific items: “The blue mixing bowl is in storage, but the green one is under the counter at home.”
• Note when items are moved in and out of your storage unit: “Lawnmower removed from storage unit for seasonal use. Snow blower placed in unit until winter.”
• Locate misplaced items easily using the app’s search feature.
• Share your storage database with family members and other users of your unit, so you can always be aware of where everything you own is kept.
• Back up your storage data to either iCloud or Dropbox, so it can never be lost.
• Export lists and other data to CSV files, so they can be used in spreadsheets. This is a particularly handy feature for those who use their unit for business purposes, such as inventory storage.
• Also, it allows users to keep track of items in their house, attic, garage, basement, workplace, vehicle, etc.

This new app is a powerful tool for all those who rent storage units, and if you don’t currently use a storage space rental, why not swing by Handy Space today? We’ll be happy to take you on a tour of our facility, show you our units, and answer any questions. We’re located at 636 SW Loop 410 here in San Antonio and have office hours each week Monday through Saturday. See you soon.

The post Storage Space Rental: There’s an App for that! appeared first on Mini Storage San Antonio.

Small and large warehouse relocations become necessary when companies have to shift their warehouses from their old sites to new facilities. The relocation of all items stored in warehouses is a comprehensive project, and it is understandable why businesses turn to specialist removal companies when they need to shift their warehouses. The benefits of using professional removal companies are obvious for businesses who know the importance of planning and undertaking large-scale activities.

The complex planning should be started early on, to be able to complete the physical removal activities within the time frame that has been set. Removal companies approach such large tasks with the awareness that they have to appoint special staff to organise the planning and carrying out of warehouse removals. The shifting of warehouses can be organised by commissioning a project manager for the specific warehouse removal project; that project manager should work on the spot for a sufficiently long period of time, of the order of several months, before the actual removal can be carried out. The long period of preparation for warehouse removals is needed because the planning should be done on the basis of a detailed understanding of the situation in the warehouse, the functioning of the existing systems, and the need to plan the picking system for the warehouse items. This can help achieve a smooth move of all the items to the new location.

The sizes of containers that accommodate items in the existing warehouse can be various. Therefore, in order to achieve the effective, organised picking of the containers, there may be a need to reduce the number of container sizes to just several standard ones. Then, the preparation and packing of the containers, if necessary, can be carried out quickly and without problems. The containers should be pre-labeled, in order to facilitate their ordering in the new warehouse, and if there are palletized parts, they should also be prepared and organised in such a way as to be promptly dealt with during the move.

It is also important to note that the work of the project manager is carried out without interfering with the normal flow of activities in the warehouse.

When the time comes to transfer the entire stock of items which are stored in a warehouse, the project of removal should be carried out within a specified number of days. At that point, it should be clear that during the move, the warehouse will be non-operational. The preparation of a detailed logistical plan for the removal of the items helps to eliminate the hassles from the transfer process to the new location.

The staff of a removal company that is hired to move the warehouse contents to a new location typically work on the site without interruption, 24 hours a day, in shifts. This enables the business to have minimum interruptions of its activities related to the use of the warehouse. The professional approach is a winning choice for companies that need warehouse relocations.

The post Warehouse Relocations Benefit from Professional Removal Companies appeared first on Mini Storage San Antonio.