Towne Storage

3 ways Towne Storage can help you protect your business assets and important documents

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 17:25:57 GMT

At Towne Storage , we understand that running a business means managing risk, responsibility, and valuable assets—often all at once. But everything from sensitive documents to expensive equipment deserves more than convenient access—it also deserves real protection.

The good news is that quality self-storage can be a smart, convenient, and strategic safeguard and option for your business in three key ways:

1. Secure what matters most

At Towne Storage, we understand that your business assets aren’t just valuable—they’re often irreplaceable. Financial records, client files, contracts, and specialized equipment all require proper protection beyond an office, garage, or shared space.

A professionally managed self-storage facility can help by providing a dedicated, controlled environment designed to keep them safe and adds an extra layer of security with features like 24/7 surveillance, gated access, and individual unit locks.

2. Preservation and protection against damage and loss

Unexpected events—floods, fires, leaks, or even everyday clutter—can put your assets at risk. But a self-storage unit can get these items out of the way. Our c limate-controlled storage units can also help protect sensitive items like documents, electronics, and inventory from temperature fluctuations, humidity, and environmental damage.

And for businesses that rely on long-term recordkeeping or maintain extra inventory, this level of protection is especially essential because you’re not just storing your items—you’re preserving them.

3. Stay organized and prepared

A cluttered workspace doesn’t just slow you down—it increases the risk of losing or damaging important materials. Self-storage helps you create a more efficient, streamlined operation by moving non-essential (but still important) items off-site.

It also helps you archive older documents, rotate seasonal inventory, and store backup equipment safely out of the way.

Protecting your business also goes beyond insurance policies and digital backups. It means making proactive decisions about your physical assets, too.

Bottom line:

Towne Storage offers the security, pricing transparency, flexibility, and peace of mind that your most important items are safe, accessible, and preserved for the long haul.

Because when your business is protected, you’re free to focus on what matters most: managing it growing it.

Flexible Business Storage Options for Growing Companies

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 02:56:00 GMT

At Towne Storage , we know how exciting business growth can be—until you realize you’re running out of room.

One day it’s a few extra boxes of inventory; the next it’s stacks of supplies in the hallway, equipment in the breakroom, and no clear space left to work.

If this sounds like you and your business is expanding but your square footage isn’t, flexible storage can help.

Flexible storage means having month-to-month space that adjusts with your business—without committing to a long-term commercial lease. It gives you scalable, affordable room to operate, without locking you into more space (or expense) than you actually need.

Doing so has several advantages and can help you:

Create a More Productive Workspace

Clearing out overflow inventory can instantly improve how your business functions. After all, when offices, stockrooms, and back areas aren’t crowded with surplus materials, your team can focus on serving customers, streamlining operations, and increasing revenue.

This is especially valuable for seasonal businesses. During peak months, you can store additional inventory and supplies, but during slower seasons, you can scale back. No scrambling. No chaos. Just a system that works year-round.

Protect Your Bottom Line

Expanding into larger commercial space often also means long-term leases, higher utility bills, maintenance costs, and increased overhead.

By contrast, a storage unit offers a practical, budget-friendly alternative. You pay only for the space you need today, with the freedom to scale up or down as your business evolves. That flexibility allows you to invest more of your resources into marketing, staffing, equipment, or inventory instead of unnecessary square footage.

Keep Your Assets Secure

Security matters as well—especially when you’re storing sensitive materials , tools, documents, or valuable equipment.

This is why our storage facilities offer gated access, video surveillance, well-lit grounds, and climate-controlled units to help protect your sensitive materials and inventory from environmental damage and unauthorized access so your business assets stay safe, organized, and accessible whenever you need them.

Grow Without the Growing Pains

In short, as your company evolves, flexible business storage allows you to expand confidently—without sacrificing organization, productivity, or profitability. Because growth should feel exciting, not overwhelming.

The post Flexible Business Storage Options for Growing Companies appeared first on Towne Storage .

How to Store Furniture in a Storage Unit the Right Way

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 20:55:00 GMT

Furniture is one of the most expensive categories of household items to replace, and it is also one of the easiest to damage in storage when rushed. Scratches, warped wood, crushed cushions, and moisture damage usually come down to poor preparation and tight packing.

Storing furniture correctly is less about how much you can fit and more about how well items are protected while they sit.

Start With Preparation, Not the Unit

Before thinking about layout or stacking, furniture needs to be ready for storage.

Clean every surface thoroughly. Dust and debris can scratch finishes, while oils and residue can discolor upholstery over time. Upholstered pieces should be vacuumed completely, including seams and undersides.

Furniture should be fully dry before it enters the unit. Even small amounts of moisture can lead to odors or mildew during long storage periods.

Break Down What You Can Safely Take Apart

Large furniture stores better when it is not fully assembled.

Beds, dining tables, desks, shelving units, and modular furniture should be disassembled where possible. This reduces pressure on joints and makes pieces easier to position without forcing them into tight spaces.

Hardware should be placed in labeled bags and secured directly to the furniture it belongs to.

Use Protection That Matches the Material

Different materials require different protection.

Wood furniture benefits from padded blankets or furniture pads that prevent scratches while allowing airflow. Upholstered furniture should be covered with breathable materials like cotton sheets or moving blankets.

Avoid placing plastic directly against fabric or wood. Plastic traps moisture and can cause long term damage when used incorrectly.

Hot weather adds another layer of risk, especially for finishes and adhesives. Many people take extra precautions during summer storage, similar to those used when protecting belongings in extreme heat, which is why 6 ways to protect your self storage belongings during hot summer months resonates with so many furniture owners.

Build the Unit From the Walls In

Furniture should form the foundation of the unit layout.

Place heavier items like dressers, tables, and sofas along the walls to create stability. Lighter furniture and boxed items can be layered inward, but never stacked in ways that apply pressure to fragile surfaces.

Leave small gaps between large items to allow airflow and reduce moisture buildup.

Elevate and Isolate From the Floor

Concrete floors can transfer moisture and temperature changes into furniture over time. Elevating items even a few inches reduces that exposure.

Use pallets, shelving, or boards to lift furniture off the ground. This is especially important for wood furniture, upholstered pieces, and anything stored long term.

Choose a Unit That Allows Proper Spacing

Furniture storage fails most often when the unit is too small.

Forcing items into tight spaces increases the risk of scratches, warped frames, and crushed arms or legs. A unit should allow room to walk, reposition items, and access furniture without shifting everything.

For residents storing furniture during moves, renovations, or apartment transitions, the Towne Storage West Valley City location offers unit sizes that support safe layout and easy access.

Furniture storage is especially common during apartment changes, when layouts shrink or roommates change. Storage often becomes part of making smaller living spaces work, which is why self storage is the best solution for apartment living continues to resonate with renters navigating limited square footage.

Plan for Access, Not Just Storage

Think ahead about what you may need to retrieve.

The post How to Store Furniture in a Storage Unit the Right Way appeared first on Towne Storage .

How to Store a Couch in a Storage Unit Without Damaging It

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 20:44:00 GMT

A couch is one of the most difficult furniture pieces to store well. It is large, upholstered, and easy to damage if it is rushed into a unit without preparation. Cushions lose shape, fabric traps moisture, and frames take stress when a couch is stored incorrectly.

Couches often end up in storage during apartment moves, roommate changes, or temporary downsizing, especially when square footage feels tight. In those situations, storage is less about excess and more about keeping furniture you still plan to use. Many renters rely on storage as part of everyday apartment living, particularly when layouts change or leases overlap, which is why self storage is the best solution for apartment living for so many people navigating smaller spaces.

Whether you are between leases, downsizing, or clearing space during a move, taking the time to store a couch properly keeps it usable when you need it again.

Clean and Dry the Couch Completely

Always clean a couch before storage. Vacuum the entire surface, including seams and underneath cushions. Spot clean stains and allow the couch to dry fully before wrapping it.

Moisture left in fabric is one of the most common causes of mildew and odor in storage. Even a slightly damp cushion can create problems over time.

Disassemble What You Can

If the couch has removable legs, arms, or sectional pieces, take them off. Disassembly reduces stress on joints and makes the couch easier to position inside the unit.

Place hardware in labeled bags and tape them securely to the frame so nothing gets lost.

Use Breathable Protection

Wrap the couch with moving blankets, furniture pads, or cotton sheets. These materials protect fabric while allowing airflow. Avoid wrapping fabric couches directly in plastic, which can trap moisture.

If plastic is used, it should only be an outer layer, never the first layer touching the couch.

Store the Couch Upright and Elevated

The safest position for a couch is upright on its end, not laid flat. This helps preserve cushion shape and prevents uneven pressure on the frame.

Keep the couch slightly off the floor using pallets or boards. Concrete floors can transfer moisture and temperature changes into furniture over time.

Many people end up storing couches during apartment changes, especially when square footage tightens or move-in dates do not line up. Situations like that are common in West Valley City, where flexible living arrangements are part of everyday life and storage often bridges the gap, especially for those navigating moving to West Valley City .

Choose the Right Storage Space

A couch should never be forced into a unit that is too small. Tight fits increase the risk of fabric rubbing, bent frames, and crushed arms.

A properly sized unit at the West Valley City location gives you enough room to store furniture safely and access it without shifting heavy items around.

Check on the Couch Occasionally

If the couch will be stored for several months, check on it periodically. Look for moisture, shifting, or signs of pests.

Storing a couch is not about clearing space fast. It is about protecting comfort and structure so it is ready to use again.

The post How to Store a Couch in a Storage Unit Without Damaging It appeared first on Towne Storage .

A Helpful Guide for Students at Salt Lake Community College

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 20:19:00 GMT

Salt Lake Community College brings together students from every background, each with their own rhythm, responsibilities, and plans for the future. Some arrive straight from high school. Others are returning to finish a degree or explore a new career path. Many are balancing school with work, family, or a long commute. With so much happening at once, it helps to have a clear idea of what student life actually looks like at SLCC and what resources can make the journey smoother.

Life in Salt Lake County moves quickly, which also means students tend to accumulate more things than their living spaces can comfortably hold. Textbooks, winter gear, dorm supplies, apartment essentials, and the extras that come with college living can fill up a small room fast. That is why so many SLCC students rely on the Town Storage facility on Glen Eagle Drive . It gives them a bit of breathing room and keeps their homes organized while they focus on school.

Salt Lake Community College has several campuses throughout the valley, and each offers something different. No matter where your classes are, having the right housing, transportation, and everyday support can make a big difference in how you experience your time here.

Housing Tips for SLCC Students

SLCC does not offer on campus housing, which means most students rent apartments or share homes across Salt Lake County. The average rent in Salt Lake City is about $1,660 per month. Competition increases during the fall as students from nearby schools like the University of Utah and Westminster College also enter the rental market.

Look for housing near the campus you visit most

SLCC courses are spread across campuses like Taylorsville Redwood, South City, and Jordan. Living close to the campus where your core classes are held can save significant commute time. Students who rely on TRAX often choose areas near Blue or Red Line stations to keep transportation simple.

Consider shared housing

Roommates are extremely common among SLCC students. Areas such as Taylorsville, West Valley, and Murray offer more affordable rental options compared to downtown Salt Lake. Sharing rent and utilities keeps costs manageable and often provides access to larger, more comfortable apartments.

Use storage to simplify small spaces

Apartments around Salt Lake County tend to be compact, especially those in student friendly neighborhoods. Storing winter gear, textbooks from previous semesters, or bulkier items you do not use daily can help keep a small room uncluttered. Many students use storage to make their space feel more livable throughout the year.

Getting Around Salt Lake Community College

Transportation is a big part of SLCC life. With multiple campuses spread across the valley, planning your commute matters.

TRAX and UTA

SLCC students often rely on public transit. With TRAX lines running through central Salt Lake and bus routes serving the remaining areas, it is easy to reach most campuses without a car.

Driving and parking

If you drive, plan ahead. Parking can be limited during peak hours, and certain campuses fill quickly. Leave room in your schedule to find a spot and make it to class without rushing.

Biking in Salt Lake

Many students bike between home, campus, and work. Salt Lake County continues to add more bike lanes, making this a popular and affordable option.

Balancing College, Work, and Daily Life

SLCC students are known for juggling busy schedules. Many work part time or full time while earning their degree. Others support families, manage long commutes, or take accelerated classes.

Make use of campus resources

SLCC offers tutoring, writing help, advising, and academic workshops. These services are built to help students stay on track and find extra support when things get overwhelming.

Create a study routine

With so much movement between campuses, it helps to have a consistent place to study. The libraries and student centers provide quiet spaces where you can focus.

Keep your home life simple

When you are balancing school and work, clutter adds stress. Many students keep their living spaces manageable by storing extra belongings, seasonal items, or older class materials offsite until they need them again.

Finding Community at SLCC

SLCC offers dozens of clubs, student groups, and cultural organizations that help people connect socially and academically. Joining a club or attending events is one of the best ways to build friendships and settle into college life.

Students who are new to the area also spend time exploring surrounding cities to find the right neighborhood fit. Many start by reading about moving to West Valley City , especially if they expect to take most of their classes at the Taylorsville Redwood Campus

Storage Tips for SLCC Students

Shared apartments and dorm style living can fill up fast. Many students store items they do not use daily so their living space stays comfortable and easy to manage. Common storage items include:

Seasonal clothing
Outdoor and sports gear
Furniture between moves
Textbooks and class supplies
Dorm or apartment overflow

Students often mention how helpful the support and staff are at Towne Storage, something reflected in stories like People Make the Difference . Having a reliable place to store belongings can make it easier to stay organized while keeping busy with classes and work.

The Town Storage facility on Glen Eagle Drive offers flexible options for students who need extra room during busy semesters.

Setting Yourself Up for Success

Salt Lake Community College offers a supportive environment where students can grow, learn, and move toward their next chapter. With the right housing, transportation, and organization in place, juggling school and everyday life becomes much more manageable. If you need extra space to keep life organized during the school year, the Town Storage facility in West Valley City is here to help.

The post A Helpful Guide for Students at Salt Lake Community College appeared first on Towne Storage .

The Pros and Cons of Living in West Valley, Utah

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 20:06:00 GMT

West Valley City continues to attract new residents thanks to its location, diversity, and steady development across the area. This fast growing community sits in the heart of Salt Lake County, which makes it appealing for families, young professionals, and anyone who wants easy access to Salt Lake City without living downtown. The city has seen more restaurants, more retail, and more housing options in the last decade, which is why many newcomers start by learning about what moving to West Valley City actually involves.

Life in West Valley tends to come with a steady stream of sports gear, outdoor equipment, seasonal items, and everything else that defines Utah living. Locals know this well, which is why the Town Storage facility on Glen Eagle Drive has become a go to spot for staying organized and keeping homes comfortable.

Now let’s break down what makes West Valley City a standout place to live, along with the challenges that come with it.

Pros of Living in West Valley City

1. Strong Location Near Salt Lake City

West Valley sits only a short drive from downtown Salt Lake City. Residents enjoy suburban neighborhoods while staying close to major employers, universities, and entertainment. The light rail system, interstate access, and nearby commercial centers make commuting simple and convenient for most people.

2. More Affordable Housing than Surrounding Cities

Housing costs in Utah have been rising, but West Valley City still offers more attainable pricing compared to much of Salt Lake County. According to recent data from Zillow , the typical home value in West Valley City sits around $380,000, while Salt Lake City’s average is closer to 564,000 dollars. Rents follow the same pattern, with West Valley’s median rent generally lower than central Salt Lake. These differences make the area one of the more accessible places for first time buyers or students looking for reasonable rent.

3. One of the Most Diverse Cities in Utah

West Valley stands out for its cultural diversity. You can find a wide mix of food, languages, celebrations, and community programs throughout the city. Many residents appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and the range of backgrounds represented in local schools and neighborhoods. The city hosts events throughout the year that bring people together and highlight the cultural mix that makes the community unique.

This sense of community is something residents often talk about, and it is reflected in the experience people have with local businesses and services. The People Make the Difference piece captures the type of customer focused care many locals value, especially when settling into a new routine or neighborhood.

4. Plenty of Local Entertainment and Recreation

There is no shortage of things to do in West Valley. The Maverik Center brings concerts, hockey games, and major events. The Utah Cultural Celebration Center offers performances, art shows, and community programs. You also have parks like Centennial Park, movie theaters, shopping centers, and restaurants close by. It is easy to stay busy without driving across the valley.

5. Convenient Access to Major Job Hubs

Job access is one of West Valley’s strongest advantages. Large employers like Discover Financial Services, Teleperformance, the Jordan School District, and multiple healthcare facilities operate in or near the city. With major highways running through the area, residents can reach central Salt Lake City, the airport, and west side industrial parks in a short amount of time. This convenience is a major draw for people who want fewer complications in their daily commute.

Cons of Living in West Valley City

1. Higher Crime Rates Compared to Nearby Suburbs

Crime is one of the most commonly discussed concerns in West Valley City. According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer , West Valley City reports roughly 4,300 property crimes per 100,000 residents, which is noticeably higher than the national average of about 1,954 per 100,000.

Nearby cities such as West Jordan and Taylorsville report lower property crime levels, which is why many people take the time to compare neighborhoods before making a decision. These numbers can vary within the city, so checking local crime maps and researching specific areas can give you a clearer picture of what to expect.

2. Congestion During Peak Commute Hours

Traffic can be heavy in parts of West Valley, especially around Redwood Road, 3500 South, and key freeway access points. As the valley continues to grow, these routes carry more daily traffic than they were originally designed for. According to the U.S. Census American Community Survey , the average commute time for West Valley residents is about 26.3 minutes, slightly higher than the national average of 25.6 minutes. The experience can feel slower during peak hours, and bottlenecks are common near major commercial corridors and freeway interchanges.

3. Older Neighborhoods in Some Parts of the City

Some areas of West Valley were developed decades ago. You may find older homes, aging roads, and limited walkability in certain neighborhoods. The city continues to improve infrastructure, but updates happen at different speeds depending on the area.

4. Limited Nightlife Options

West Valley offers plenty of family friendly entertainment, but nightlife is more limited compared to downtown Salt Lake City. People who want bars, late night dining, or more entertainment variety often head into the city for those experiences.

5. Seasonal Air Quality Issues

During winter, the Salt Lake Valley experiences inversion, which traps cold air and pollution. This affects visibility and air quality for several days at a time. Residents with respiratory sensitivities usually keep an eye on local air reports during those months.

Is West Valley City the Right Fit for You?

West Valley City offers strong advantages. You get affordability, location, diversity, and convenient access to the entire Salt Lake Valley. At the same time, crime rates, traffic, and older infrastructure may influence your decision depending on your lifestyle and priorities. Taking the time to explore neighborhoods, learn about the community, and compare commuting distances will help you determine if it is the right place for you.

If you are preparing for a move or need extra storage space while getting settled, our West Valley City storage facility is here to help. You can also explore additional blogs on life in the area to get a deeper understanding of the community.

The post The Pros and Cons of Living in West Valley, Utah appeared first on Towne Storage .

What Items Need Climate-Controlled Storage (and Why)

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 23:30:00 GMT

During the cold winter months like we’re experiencing now—or the hot summer months just around the corner—we’re often asked why climate-controlled units matter and what items actually need to go in them. It’s a great question, because many people don’t realize how quickly temperature swings and humidity can damage their most valued belongings.

Climate-controlled storage helps by maintaining a consistent temperature and stable humidity year-round. It’s a balance that protects items from cracking, warping, freezing, rusting, and mold growth—problems that usually go unnoticed until the damage is already done.

At the same time, not all items benefit equally from climate-controlled storage . Here are the ones that truly do:

Wooden Furniture & Antiques

Solid wood expands and contracts with temperature and moisture changes. Over time, this can cause cracking, splitting, and loose joints—bad news for heirloom furniture and items or antique pieces you want to preserve for generations.

Artwork & Photos

Paper, canvas, and photographic prints are extremely sensitive to heat and humidity. Without stable conditions, colors can fade, frames can warp, and mold can develop. Climate control helps preserve both the beauty and value of your art.

Leather & Fabric Upholstery

These materials “breathe,” so changes in humidity can cause mildew and overly dry air can cause cracking and stiffness. Temperature control helps by keeping leather soft and fabrics fresh.

Books, Records & Important Documents

Paper and vinyl are easily damaged by temperature extremes as heat accelerates deterioration, cold makes items brittle, and humidity invites mold. Stable conditions like those in climate-controlled storage units protect irreplaceable records, paperwork, and collections.

Musical Instruments

Guitars, violins, pianos, and other instruments are especially vulnerable as wood can warp, strings can weaken, and sound quality can suffer when exposed to fluctuating temperatures.

Wine & Other Collectibles

Even a small wine collection benefits from consistent temperatures not only in terms of preventing the collection from going bad, but also in preserving flavor, quality, and long-term value. The same applies to trading cards, coins, stamps, and other collectibles.

Electronics & Appliances

Extreme heat and cold can damage internal components, shorten battery life, and lead to condensation. Climate control helps extend the life of these units by preventing these issues and by protecting sensitive circuitry.

Clothing & Seasonal Items

Wedding dresses, winter coats, and special-occasion clothing can yellow, mildew, or deteriorate without proper conditions. Climate-controlled storage helps by keeping fabrics clean and wearable.

No matter which of these (or other) items you’re storing, it can be helpful not to think of climate control is a luxury—but rather as a necessity and as peace of mind. After all, the right environment can make all the difference in how well your items stand the test of time.

Let Towne Storage accommodate your climate-controlled storage needs by checking availability and reaching out today!

The post What Items Need Climate-Controlled Storage (and Why) appeared first on Towne Storage .

8 Reasons Self Storage Is the Best Solution for Apartment Living

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 22:01:00 GMT

Living in an apartment or condo has plenty of perks that include central locations, low maintenance, and usually plenty of community amenities. But one challenge nearly every apartment dweller faces is limited space. That’s because, whether it’s a studio in the city or a cozy two-bedroom near the suburbs, apartments simply lack the storage square footage to hold everything most people own without feeling cramped—especially when hosting groups during special occasions or the holidays.

That’s where Towne Storage comes in as a smart, flexible solution to make apartment living easier and more enjoyable.

Here are 8 of the most compelling reasons why:

1. Create More Breathing Room in Your Home

One of the biggest struggles with apartment living is fitting all your belongings into a smaller footprint. Closets fill up fast, under-bed space gets taken over, and soon your living room doubles as a storage zone. By renting a self-storage unit, you gain extra space to keep the items you don’t need every day—like seasonal gear, holiday decor, extra furniture, or bulky equipment—outside your apartment, helping every room feel larger and more functional.

2. Stay Organized and Clutter-Free

Clutter isn’t just a visual nuisance—it can make your apartment feel chaotic and stressful. But when everything has a designated place in an off-site storage unit, it becomes easier to keep the space you live in clean, organized, and inviting. Apartment dwellers especially benefit from decluttering because even small reductions in visual noise can significantly enhance comfort and flow.

3. Enjoy Flexible Lease Options That Match Your Lifestyle

Unlike typical apartment leases that lock you in for six months or longer, Towne Storage facilities offer month-to-month rentals with transparent rate locks that are guaranteed not to go up for at least a year. That means you can downsize, store temporarily during a transition, or keep your unit long-term with flexibility that fits your life and lifestyle—whether you’re a young professional, student, or a downsizing resident.

4. Better Protection For Your Valuables

Self-storage isn’t just about space—it’s about peace of mind. Towne Storage facilities come with security features like gated access, surveillance cameras, climate controls , and individual locks that give apartment residents an added layer of protection for items that don’t fit in their home but still matter—whether it’s heirlooms, seasonal gear, or hobby equipment.

5. Make Room for Your Hobbies and Lifestyle

Your apartment should be a space you enjoy—not a storage closet. Maybe you want room for a home gym, an art corner, a craft station, or a reading nook. Instead of letting boxes of off-season clothes or extra furniture take up this precious space, stow them in Towne Storage storage unit and dedicate your apartment’s square footage to the things you love.

6. A Smart Seasonal Solution—Especially During the Holidays

Apartment space constraints become even more noticeable during the holiday season. Decorations, gifts, entertaining supplies, and seasonal cookware can quickly overwhelm closets and cabinets. And trying to juggle your everyday items with holiday overflow can leave your home feeling especially chaotic and cramped. By putting holiday décor and other seasonal items in a storage unit until you’re ready to use them, you keep your apartment festive and comfortable.

7. Ideal for Transition Periods

Whether you’re moving to a new place, downsizing, returning home from college , traveling, or navigating a life change, Towne Storage provides a stable place for your belongings while you get settled. That’s helpful to know because apartment moves can be stressful enough, but having an off-site storage unit lets you sort, organize, and move at your pace without squeezing everything into temporary living space.

8. Cost-Effective Compared to Larger Apartments

It might be tempting to think the solution to cramped apartment living is simply renting a bigger place—but larger apartments and condos often come with significantly higher rent. Self storage offers a cost-effective alternative: you keep your preferred apartment size while renting an affordable storage unit for excess items.

In the end, condo or apartment living doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort or space. Whether you’re decluttering for peace of mind, storing seasonal items like holiday décor, or making room for your hobbies, Towne Storage gives you the extra space you need without losing the convenience, affordability, and everything else you love about your apartment.

If you’re ready to make your apartment feel more spacious and organized, we have the perfect solution for you. Call and ask about your many options today!

The post 8 Reasons Self Storage Is the Best Solution for Apartment Living appeared first on Towne Storage .

West Valley Storage That Feels Like Home at Towne Storage Colt Plaza

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 20:24:00 GMT

Most people don’t expect storage to feel personal. They expect concrete aisles, a quick contract, and a simple place to drop off their things. And yes, storage is practical, but that doesn’t mean it has to feel cold or transactional.

If you’ve ever walked into Towne Storage Colt Plaza here in West Valley City, you know exactly what we mean.

There’s a warmth you notice right away. Someone looks up and greets you, not because they have to, but because they want to. Questions get answered without being brushed aside. You feel like your day just got a little easier, even if you walked in with a lot on your mind.

That feeling is something our customers mention again and again. And for our team, it’s the heart of what we do.

A Team That Treats You Like a Neighbor

People often imagine storage employees as folks who sit behind a counter, call out a unit number, and send you on your way. That’s not what happens here.

Our Colt Plaza team takes the time to get to know people, because every move-in has a story behind it. Maybe someone’s preparing for a remodel. Maybe they’re in between homes. Maybe the garage finally reached its breaking point. Whatever brings them in, we’re here to walk through it with them.

One customer recently told us that they had been nervous about coming in because they didn’t know what size they needed. Instead of guessing, our team talked it through with them, asked a few questions, and walked them to a couple of units so they could see the difference for themselves.

By the time they left, what started as stress had turned into a small sense of relief. That’s the kind of help we want everyone to feel.

Clean Units and Consistent Care

It’s easy to overlook the importance of a clean storage unit until the moment you open the door. A swept floor and a neat, ready-to-use space show that we care about people’s belongings and about their experience.

Our staff walks the property daily, checking doors, making sure units are prepared, and keeping everything tidy. It’s the kind of behind-the-scenes work that most customers never see, but they feel the impact instantly.

When someone moves in and says, “This looks spotless,” we know we did things the right way.

Listening Matters And It Changes Things

One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned at Colt Plaza is how important it is to listen. Storage isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. People come in with unique needs, unique timelines, and unique concerns.

That’s why we encourage honest conversations. If someone says they’re unsure about something, we pause and talk it through. If someone feels frustrated about a past experience at a different facility, we take that seriously too.

Good service doesn’t start with policies. Good service starts with people feeling heard.

And yes, we’ve made improvements here because of what our customers have shared. Real feedback helps us shape a better experience, and we appreciate every single person who takes the time to tell us what’s working and what could be better.

Storage Meant to Make Your Life Easier

With all the personal touches our team brings, the facility itself is built to hold up its end of the deal too.

Drive-up access makes loading simple.
Spacious aisles mean less squeezing around corners.
Security features help you feel confident leaving your belongings with us.
A range of unit sizes gives you options whether you need a little extra room or a lot.
And with online bill pay, your storage fits into your life instead of the other way around.

We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive to the moment you lock your unit, whether you’re here for a short time or staying with us for years.

The Difference You Can Feel

There’s something special about a place where people genuinely like their work and care about the community they serve. That energy is what makes Towne Storage Colt Plaza different.

Our customers notice it. They talk about the friendly atmosphere, the patience, the extra help, the little things that make a stressful time feel manageable. Those are the moments that keep us going.

Storage may start with a unit, but it doesn’t end there. It ends with people feeling supported, understood, and confident that their belongings are in good hands.

If you’re looking for storage in West Valley that goes beyond the basics, we’d love to meet you. Stop by, take a look around, and see for yourself how a simple errand can turn into a surprisingly positive experience.

The post West Valley Storage That Feels Like Home at Towne Storage Colt Plaza appeared first on Towne Storage .

5 Ways Auto Storage Helps

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 21:36:00 GMT

Whether you’re protecting a classic car, clearing up driveway space, or keeping a spare vehicle, RV, boat, or ATV ready for seasonal use, auto storage offers far more benefits than most drivers realize.

A well-secured and appropriately-sized storage unit gives you peace of mind, protects your investment, and keeps your vehicle in better condition year-round.

Here are five ways Towne Storage has found our auto storage options making life easier for our valued customers:

It keeps your vehicle out of the cold.
It’s no secret that winter weather is tough on cars. Freezing temperatures can drain batteries, thicken fluids, crack hoses, and speed up wear on tires and exterior finishes.

Storing your vehicle in a dedicated auto storage unit shields it from snow, ice, and cold snaps—helping it start up more reliably and stay in better shape through the winter months.

It frees up valuable space at home.
Driveways and garages fill up fast. Auto storage gives homeowners and renters the extra breathing room they need—whether to get organized , park daily-use vehicles, set up a workshop, or simply keep their property looking clean.

It helps protect your car from theft and vandalism.
A secure storage facility adds an extra layer of protection with our gated access, surveillance, and monitored grounds—keeping your vehicle locked up and out of sight. This greatly reduces the risk of break-ins or damage.

It preserves the long-term condition of seasonal or collectible vehicles.
Cars that aren’t driven year-round—like convertibles, classic cars, project cars, or RV tow-behind vehicles—especially benefit from climate-controlled or indoor storage. It protects finishes, prevents rust, reduces sun exposure, and keeps dust and debris from settling.

It supports travel, transitions, and life changes.
Whether you’re deployed, traveling long-term, moving between homes , or juggling multiple vehicles in a busy household, auto storage makes it easy to keep your car safe until you need it again. No more scrambling for street parking or worrying about tickets, fines, or HOA rules.

Ready to free up space and protect your vehicle?
Reserve an auto storage unit with Towne Storage today and keep your car safe, secure, and ready whenever you need it. Reach out in person at any of our storage locations , by phone at 800-716-8917, or contact us here and we’ll happily help you find the perfect fit.

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West Valley Storage Units – People Make the Difference

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 16:29:00 GMT

We’ll admit something right up front. Most storage facilities look the same. Rows of metal doors, long hallways, a keypad or two. From the outside, it’s easy to think one place is just like the next. But if you’ve ever stopped by Towne Storage on Glen Eagle Drive in West Valley City , you know we’re not like the others.

What sets us apart isn’t a fancy gate or a shiny floor. It’s the people who show up here every day. The folks behind the counter. The ones who take your call. The ones who remember your name and ask how your week is going. Around here, it’s our team that makes all the difference.

And we’re not the only ones saying that. Our customers have said it better than we ever could. These quotes are taken from our Google Business Profile from real customers.

Julie said, “ Tom is the best. Always very friendly and very helpful. ”

Alyce said, “ Staff was very helpful, units clean.”

Alex said, “ Never thought I would need a storage until now. Amber at Towne Storage was such a treat on how amazing she took care of me, and showing me the different storage sizes and prices to each. Gave me a tour on which storage best fit my situation. Thank you for being such a wonderful happy presence. We need more people like Amber. ”

Linda said, “ Amber is very nice n professional.”

And Samantha said, “ New management has been amazing thus far! Super nice and helpful!! I hated this place but I think I got a change of heart.”

We’ll be honest. That last one means the world to us. Because it tells a story we’re proud of.

Listening First, Then Making Things Right

Not every story starts perfectly. We know that. There was a time when this facility wasn’t at its best. We had things to fix and customers who weren’t happy. Instead of brushing that off, we listened. We read every review, took every call, and made real changes.

Samantha’s review captures exactly what we’ve worked hard to accomplish. When she said she “hated this place but got a change of heart,” that was a moment of truth for us. It meant we had earned back trust. It meant the work we put in was worth it.

So we invested in a stronger team. We focused on communication, honesty, and consistency. We trained with care. We hired people who genuinely like helping others. And day by day, we turned things around.

Now when customers walk through our doors, they don’t just see clean units and sturdy locks. They see friendly faces and feel like they’re in good hands. That’s the difference we’ve built.

Meet our Amazing Staff

Every great team needs people who set the tone, and for us, that’s Tom. Julie wasn’t kidding when she said, “Tom is the best.” He’s the kind of person who can make a tough moving day a little easier just by being himself.

He doesn’t rush people. He doesn’t hide behind the counter. He listens, helps, and makes sure every renter leaves feeling confident. Whether it’s explaining how the gate code works or helping you figure out what size unit will fit that mountain of boxes you swore you’d sort through months ago, Tom’s got your back.

Customers love him because he’s real. No scripts. No pressure. Just kindness, patience, and a good sense of humor. In a world full of automated systems and hold music, that kind of service never goes out of style.

Now, let’s talk about Amber. If you’ve read our reviews, you’ve seen her name more than once. She’s the reason people walk in nervous and walk out smiling.

Alex shared his story in detail. He said, “Amber at Towne Storage was such a treat on how amazing she took care of me, and showing me the different storage sizes and prices to each. Gave me a tour on which storage best fit my situation. Thank you for being such a wonderful happy presence. We need more people like Amber.”

Amber brings energy and positivity to everything she does. She knows that renting storage isn’t just about square footage. It’s about helping people through big life transitions. Sometimes it’s a move. Sometimes it’s a business project. Sometimes it’s just too much stuff in one garage. She listens, she understands, and she finds the right fit every time.

Linda said it simply: “ Amber is very nice n professional. ”

Professionalism is underrated, but when you pair it with heart, it becomes powerful. That’s what Amber brings to our team.

Clean Units, Clear Communication, and Everyday Care

Alyce reminded us of something we take great pride in: “Staff was very helpful, units clean.”

Cleanliness might sound like a small thing, but for us, it’s a reflection of who we are. Every clean unit shows that we care about the details. When you rent with us, you can trust that your space will be ready for move-in and that everything works the way it should.

We don’t just keep things tidy for appearances. We do it because we respect our customers’ belongings. If it matters enough for you to store it, it matters enough for us to protect it.

New Management, New Energy

Change can be hard, but it can also be the best thing that ever happens to a business. Our new management team came in determined to create something better. We wanted to build a facility that feels safe, reliable, and friendly from the moment you arrive.

We knew we couldn’t do that by hiding behind policies or paperwork. We had to do it through people. That meant supporting our staff, communicating clearly with our customers, and actually listening to feedback.

When Samantha said our “new management has been amazing,” it was validation that the work we’ve put in is making a difference. We’re proud of that. It’s proof that when a team leads with care, it shows.

People Before Property

Here’s what we’ve learned after years in this business. Storage isn’t just about stuff. It’s about people and the stories behind that stuff. Every box, bin, and sofa has meaning.

People store the things that represent life’s chapters. College dorm furniture. Small business inventory. Holiday decorations. Family keepsakes. It’s personal, and it deserves to be treated that way.

That’s why we put people first in everything we do. You’ll always get honesty from us. We’ll never try to upsell you into a unit you don’t need. We’ll walk you through your options, explain the prices, and even help you figure out what might fit best. We want you to feel confident about your decision and comfortable trusting us with your belongings.

A Facility That Works As Hard As We Do

Our people make the biggest difference, but our facility holds its own too. Towne Storage West Valley offers modern features that make storing easy and convenient.

We’ve got drive-up access so you can load or unload without breaking a sweat. Our gated entry and security cameras provide peace of mind around the clock. The aisles are wide enough for moving trucks, and the property is designed to make maneuvering simple.

We offer a variety of unit sizes, so whether you’re storing a few boxes or a whole household, we’ve got space for you. And with online bill pay and account management, handling your rental is as simple as checking your phone.

You’ll find us at 2938 South Glen Eagle Drive , right in the heart of West Valley City, and convenient to nearby neighborhoods like Taylorsville and Kearns. We’re easy to find and even easier to work with.

Storage with Heart

So if you’re looking for a storage facility that’s more than just a place to stash your things, come visit us at our West Valley storage units facility. We’ll help you find the right size unit, answer every question, and make the process easier than you thought it could be.

Julie was right when she said Tom is the best. Alyce was right too about our helpful staff and clean units. Alex captured our spirit perfectly when he described Amber as a happy presence. Linda saw our professionalism. And Samantha’s change of heart reminds us every day why we do what we do.

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Moving to West Valley City, Utah: What to Expect When You Make the Move

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 16:23:00 GMT

If you’re getting ready to move to West Valley City, you’re in for a good surprise. The city has grown into one of the most livable areas in Utah, with affordable homes, mountain views, and a lot of local pride. You can enjoy quiet neighborhoods without giving up access to Salt Lake City. And if your move involves more boxes than you expected, Towne Storage West Valley is right here to make things easier.

First Impressions

West Valley City sits just west of Salt Lake City, close enough for an easy commute but far enough to feel like its own place. The neighborhoods have a mix of older homes with big yards and newer developments filled with young families. The streets are lined with parks and schools, and the city is always adding something new — a shopping center here, a restaurant there.

It’s a growing community with around 133,000 residents. People take pride in the city’s diversity, energy, and friendliness. There’s a good mix of local businesses, family-run restaurants, and events that bring people together. With the University of Utah building a new hospital and medical campus in West Valley, the area is becoming one of the region’s strongest economic centers.

Cost of Living

If you’re moving from downtown Salt Lake City, the difference in cost will be noticeable. A one-bedroom apartment downtown often rents for around $1,600 to $1,700 per month , according to RentCafe’s 2024 Downtown Salt Lake City market report ( RentCafe ). In West Valley City, the average rent sits closer to $1,400 to $1,500 , based on current averages from Wasatch Moving Company’s 2024 relocation guide ( Wasatch Moving Co. ). That difference can easily cover utilities or a few extra dinners at your favorite restaurant.

Buying a home in West Valley is also more affordable. Median home prices hover around $459,000 , compared with $490,000 in central Salt Lake City, depending on the neighborhood ( Livability and Momentum Virtual Tours ). Many homes in West Valley come with garages, fenced yards, or mountain views, features that cost considerably more closer to downtown.

Overall, West Valley’s cost of living is about 10% lower than downtown Salt Lake City, according to comparisons from AreaVibes and Flyhomes (AreaVibes and Flyhomes ).

The biggest difference comes from housing. That’s the main reason people are moving west. They’re trading compact downtown apartments for homes with more space and privacy while staying close to work and entertainment.

Commuting and Getting Around

The commute between West Valley and downtown Salt Lake is short enough to be manageable. Most days, you can drive to the city in 15 to 20 minutes using I-215 or SR-201.

Public transportation is another plus. The UTA TRAX Green Line runs through West Valley and connects directly to downtown. It’s a simple option for people who don’t want to deal with parking or traffic.

And when it’s time to move, a little extra space goes a long way. Our drive-up storage units in West Valley at Towne Storage let you unload right from your vehicle, which makes those first few days a lot less hectic.

What Life Feels Like Here

There are great outdoor spaces like Centennial Park and Woodgate Park, along with easy access to the Oquirrh Mountains for hiking or biking. The Utah Cultural Celebration Center is a local favorite, hosting concerts, art exhibits, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

West Valley’s restaurant scene is also underrated. You’ll find authentic Mexican food, Vietnamese noodle shops, cozy diners, and bakeries that locals swear by.

Jobs and Opportunity

The average household income sits around $88,000 , slightly above the Utah state average ( World Population Review ). Unemployment is low, and new jobs continue to appear each year in healthcare, finance, and skilled trades. The city’s central location makes commuting throughout the Salt Lake Valley easy for anyone who works in the region.

The Balance of Everyday Life

For entertainment, the Maverik Center hosts concerts, hockey games, and family shows. If you enjoy being outside, the mountains are close enough for weekend skiing or hiking. On clear days, you can see the snow-capped peaks of the Wasatch Mountains right from your driveway.

Like any city that’s growing quickly, West Valley has areas that need improvement. But the overall trend is positive. The city invests in community projects, focuses on safety, and continues to attract families who want a more affordable lifestyle without sacrificing quality of life.

Moving Made Easier

Moving rarely goes as smoothly as planned. You think you’ve got it all under control until you realize you packed the coffee maker at the bottom of the box labeled “random stuff.”

That’s why storage helps. At Towne Storage West Valley , we’ve helped hundreds of people through their move-in process. Our facility at 2938 South Glen Eagle Driv e has clean, well-lit units and a secure gated entrance. We have cameras on-site and wide aisles for moving trucks. Everything is designed to make your move as simple as possible.

You can rent online, pay online, and move in on your own schedule. Not sure what size unit you need? We’ll help you figure it out. Our team has seen every kind of move imaginable, and we’ll make sure you get exactly what you need.

West Valley vs. Downtown Salt Lake

Salt Lake City has its appeal. It’s lively, walkable, and full of nightlife. But West Valley offers something that’s harder to find: space.

You can park in front of your house without paying for a permit. You can have a garden or even a workshop in the garage. Rent is lower, traffic is lighter, and life feels more personal. You’re still close enough to enjoy downtown concerts, restaurants, and shopping whenever you want, but you get to come home to peace and quiet afterward.

Settling Into Your New Home

Once the moving boxes are gone and the furniture is in place, West Valley starts to feel like home faster than you expect. You’ll find your favorite grocery store, figure out which café makes your coffee just right, and learn that the sunsets over the Oquirrh Mountains are the best in the valley.

This is a city that rewards people who put down roots. It’s affordable, practical, and surrounded by natural beauty. The pace is comfortable, and the people are welcoming.

And when you need a little help during your move, Towne Storage West Valley is here for you. We’ll keep your belongings safe, your move organized, and your transition smooth.

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Towne Storage Is Providing More Space For The Goodbyes That Take Time

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 05:23:00 GMT

After losing a loved one, sorting through their belongings can feel like one of the hardest tasks a person will ever face. After all, every photo, letter, and keepsake carries priceless memories that bring both comfort and pain, making it difficult for people to decide what to hold onto and what to let go of. Some days, one might feel ready to make progress. Other days, even opening a single box can feel too heavy of a burden to bear.

Both are okay, of course, because grief doesn’t follow a schedule — and no one should feel like they have to either.

At Towne Storage, we understand that healing takes time and that every journey through loss looks different. That’s why we offer flexible, secure, climate-controlled storage options that allow families to move at their own pace.

Whether someone needs a short-term space to safely hold a loved one’s belongings while final arrangements are made, or a long-term unit to safeguard the most treasured items they aren’t yet ready to part with, our facilities are designed to meet our clients’ needs with comfort, convenience, quick availability, privacy, and care.

And our team takes pride in maintaining clean, well-lit units with convenient access hours — so our valued customers can visit when they are ready, not when a clock says they should. Every Towne Storage location also includes 24-hour security, gated entry, and temperature-regulated spaces to protect especially meaningful or fragile possessions such as photos, clothing and bedding, furniture, keepsakes, and heirlooms from heat, humidity, and time itself.

Because at Towne Storage, we know that self-storage isn’t just about having somewhere to store things — it’s about giving each person the space to breathe, reflect, and heal—no matter how long it takes.

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Towne Storage Opens New State-of-the-Art Facility in Logan, Utah

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 20:24:00 GMT

Towne Storage is proud to announce the grand opening of our newest location in Logan, Utah. Conveniently located at 3939 S 1200 W, Logan, UT , our South Cache modern facility is now open and ready to serve the self-storage needs of the Logan community.

At Towne Storage, we believe in more than just offering storage units—we believe in supporting the communities where we operate. We’re honored to now serve Logan and its surrounding areas, and we look forward to becoming a trusted resource for individuals, families, and businesses in need of extra space. We’re also excited to bring our professionalism, care, and trusted services to Cache Valley and to provide residents with the secure, innovative storage solutions they deserve.

To celebrate our opening, we’re offering a special promotion: 50% off for the first three months . This is a limited-time opportunity to experience all the convenience, security, and innovation Towne Storage has to offer at an unbeatable value.

As with all of our facilities, the Logan location features the same high-level security measures our customers have come to expect, including 24/7 security cameras, on-site managers, electronic gate access, reinforced concrete, and secure perimeter fencing. But what sets Logan apart are its special, first-in-the-nation security features that raise the bar for the self-storage industry.

Units at this location are equipped with a Nokē Ion Smart Latch , which can be electronically opened and closed directly from a tenant’s phone. No keys or padlocks are required, and the advanced latch includes an additional locking feature that makes forced entry significantly more difficult. Tenants can also share and manage access with others directly from the app, making storage more convenient and secure than ever before.

Beyond smart latches, the unit doors themselves are designed and mounted in a way that makes them exceptionally resistant to forced entry. Each door is reinforced at the bottom to prevent bending or prying, and the handle—traditionally centered—has been relocated to the right side. This allows for stronger edge clips that lock into the track, while the tracks themselves are mounted more securely and bolted directly into the concrete floor to prevent failure. These innovations are first-of-their-kind in the nation, make Towne Storage South Cache one of the most secure storage facilities nationwide.

Our South Cache team is ready to assist you. To learn more or speak with one of our representatives, call us at 435-755-5052 .

Towne Storage is committed to redefining what self-storage can be by offering modern, secure, and convenient solutions, and we look forward to becoming a bigger part of this vibrant and caring community.

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Towne Storage Is Clearing The Way For Game Day For Its Customers

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 23:44:00 GMT

With football season officially upon us, many households are doing more than just watching the big plays. For them, the season brings with it rituals of viewing parties, tailgates, and weekend gatherings filled with food spreads, drink coolers, grills, sports décor, and bins of team gear. For some fans, that excitement can also translate into crowded living rooms, overstuffed garages, and backyards struggling to pull double duty as both storage space and party central.

That’s where Towne Storage customers are finding some relief. With clean, secure, climate-controlled units, our customer are using the extra space to move out-of-season items, bulky décor, and overflow gear—thereby clearing the way for the game-day fun that matters most.

The impact is easy to see. Living rooms that once had to accommodate too much furniture or stacks of clutter are now being opened up for extra seating and big-screen viewing areas. Garages that were jammed with summer gear are now ready to hold coolers, tables, party supplies, and even game-day furniture for semi-covered outdoor viewing parties. And backyards are transforming into true tailgate headquarters, with room for grills, tables full of food, outdoor television projections, and plenty of cheering fans.

For football fans, it’s all one more way Towne Storage helps the community celebrate the season. And yes, it even makes room for that inevitable touchdown dance.

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6 Ways to Protect Your Self-Storage Belongings During Hot Summer Months

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 20:02:00 GMT

Summer heat can be great for backyard barbecues and playing on the lake, but it can also pose serious risks to some of the items people store in self-storage units.

At Towne Storage, we want to help you make sure your belongings stay in great shape—no matter how high the mercury climbs. Whether you’re storing household goods, business inventory, or personal keepsakes, here are 6 tips to protect your items during the hottest months of the year.

Opt for a Climate-Controlled Unit

Let’s start with the most effective and often overlooked option: opting for a climate-controlled storage unit. These units maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level year-round, making them ideal for heat-sensitive items like electronics, wooden furniture, family heirlooms, musical instruments, vinyl records, photographs, and anything else that could warp, crack, or degrade in extreme conditions. If you’re storing anything you’d be uncomfortable leaving in a hot attic or garage, climate control is probably the way to go.

Use Breathable Storage and Packing Materials

Avoid plastic bags and shrink wrap in the summer heat as they trap moisture and can cause mildew and mold to develop. Instead, opt for cotton sheets, canvas covers, or acid-free tissue paper. And cardboard boxes are fine for short-term storage, but for long-term use, consider plastic bins with rubber seals that allow for some airflow while also keeping dust out.

Be Mindful About Which Items You Store and How

Not all items respond to heat the same way. Be especially mindful when packing:

Electronics: Remove batteries, which can leak or corrode. Wrap electronic devices in anti-static bubble wrap and store them off the floor.
Candles and wax items: Store these in sealed plastic containers and keep them in the lowest, coolest part of your unit.
Photos and documents: Use archival-quality boxes or folders—and always keep them out of direct sunlight.

Elevate Your Belongings

Heat rises, and the floor of your unit can get surprisingly warm—especially if it’s concrete. Using pallets, shelves, or even a layer of cardboard to elevate boxes and furniture a few inches off the ground allows for better air circulation and reduces heat transfer from the floor.

Consider Using Moisture Absorbers

Even in dry climates, summer humidity can sneak into storage units. Pick up a few silica gel packets, moisture absorbers, or charcoal dehumidifiers and tuck them inside boxes and bins. This simple trick also helps reduce musty smells and discourages mold. Tucking fabric softener sheets into boxes of clothes or linens before placing them in storage can also help keep them smelling fresh—even in extreme heat.

Check In Regularly

Make it a habit to stop by your unit at least once a month during the summer. Look for any signs of warping, mildew, or strange odors. A quick visual check can help you catch issues early and save your valuables from long-term damage.

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Make Room For College Kids Returning Home

Thu, 01 May 2025 12:50:00 GMT

As colleges and universities across the country start sending students back home for summer break, parents often scramble to find the space needed in their home to provide a comfortable place where their child and their belongings can stay. This is especially true for parents who have recently downsized.

Many turn to Towne Storage for help because we’re able to provide affordable, secure, convenient, and well-located self-storage units quickly and often without requiring advance notice. And we have many units specifically designed to hold the belongings of a single small room.

These units not only provide enough space to store everything you need to safeguard when freeing up the space you want to comfortably house your child over the summer, but they also provide a place where college kids can store excess belongings when they’re back on campus in the fall and don’t have enough space in their cramped dorm room for everything.

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Towne Storage Makes Spring Cleaning Easy

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 12:49:00 GMT

Spring cleaning can be overwhelming to some people, but it doesn’t have to be. At Towne Storage, we’re always offering our customers great tips on how to streamline the process, including many of the ideas below.

– Label everything! It’s amazing what a difference having a place for things can make. This includes bins, shelves, baskets, cabinet drawers, storage containers, and anything else that’s small enough to go somewhere. Even if you only make these labels temporary, identifying a place for each thing makes it easy to always be in the habit of getting things where they need to be.

– Discard or donate clutter away. Every room you deep clean should have a donate and discard pile as you go to make sure you’re not holding onto items you don’t actually need.

– Break your home down by room, and tackle each one with a “top to bottom” approach. This means you organize things on higher shelves and in higher drawers before working down until an entire room is finished. This gives you a clear starting and ending point and a way to mark your progress as you go.

– Follow a checklist. Whether you’re deep cleaning or organizing or both, make a list of objectives you want to achieve in each room that includes things like sorting, dusting, cleaning under pieces of furniture, washing fabrics, cleaning wallboards, and beyond.

- Deodorize rugs by sprinkling baking soda over them, then vacuum everything up 20 to 30 minutes later. A light water-and-vinegar mist spray that you let air dry can also do the trick.

– Wash your windows on a cloudy day instead of a bright, hot day as direct sunshine can cause newly washed windows to streak.

Along with such tips, when our clients have accumulated a pile of things they neither use regularly nor want to let go, they choose to store them with Towne Storage to help free up more organizational space throughout their homes and garages.

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Space-Saving Solutions For Apartments

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 12:42:00 GMT

A decade ago, fewer than a quarter of Utah households were renting. Now, more than a third are. The number of renters is increasing at similar rates across Arizona, Idaho, Texas, and Oregon—and Nevada now ranks among the top 5 states for renters.

The data shows that most of the people who rent either live in apartment buildings, condos, or basements. These cozy spaces can be great because they mean less maintenance and their reduced size also means they cost less a month than a home mortgage. But they usually come with the downside of limited storage space.

At Towne Storage, we understand the need to maximize such space without compromising comfort or style, which is why we’re big on providing storage tips to help our customers better utilize the space they have.

One tip is to buy ottomans, couches, or coffee tables that come with hidden built-in storage space. We also recommend using tall bookcases to gain an extra shelf or two, maximizing bathroom and kitchen cabinet space with extra shelves or especially deep drawers, and utilizing functional under-bed storage containers.

Using wall-mounted hooks can free up front closet space otherwise used for jackets and coats—and using over-the-door shoe racks or adjustable baskets to make available more bedroom closet space is another favorite tip. Finally, a clever use of mirrors throughout the home creates the illusion of there being more space in an area than there actually is while also enhancing natural light.

After our customers have followed tips like these to maximize the space they have, they can safeguard whatever’s left at any of our conveniently located self-storage facilities.

Doing so helps them enjoy all the perks of living in a smaller space while also not having to part with any of their treasured belongings.

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Towne Storage Pushes Back on Aggressive Rate Increases

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 12:38:00 GMT

As a handful of businesses in the self-storage industry have engaged in the practice of aggressively and frequently raising rate costs on existing customers, more and more customers are feeling misled by contracts and advertised rates. A customer of a Texas-based self-storage company, for instance, recently complained that her $45 monthly fee for a 10’x10′ unit had jumped all the way to $220 in only 9 months.

She talked of her experience in an article published this week by Slate magazine titled “ Some Self-Storage Operators Are Sounding the Alarm on Sneaky Policies Sweeping the Industry .” Towne Storage president Burke Bradshaw was one of the industry operators who spoke out against such practices in the news story.

He noted that a majority of the facility operators in the industry are “embarrassed and disgusted” when other self-storage companies treat their customers that way and talked about the efforts Towne Storage has taken to warn customers how to look out for such practices and vowed that Towne Storage would never treat their customers that way.

For added peace of mind, Towne Storage even offers a 12-month price-lock guarantee, so its customers know their monthly rates won’t sneak up on them for any reason.

It’s just one more way we try to show our customers that they really do come first.

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How Storage Saves Money Everyday

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT

With the holidays upon us, most people are more money-conscious than usual and are looking for ways to save a buck or two where they can. Towne Storage is already helping countless customers do this in their everyday lives.

One way we accomplish this is by helping our customers downsize their current living space – especially those who’ve had kids move out and wanted to capitalize on the hot housing market. They’ve been able to get into a smaller living space without having to sell off their valued belongings because they can still access them frequently and at their convenience at one of our facilities.

We also help clients save money on their businesses by nixing the need for a warehouse to store inventory and we provide snow removal or landscaping businesses places to securely keep their equipment between jobs so they don’t need to lease office or garage space elsewhere.

We also help our clients save money by boosting their productivity by reducing the amount of clutter around the house and by helping them store boats and RVs at far less expensive rates than charged by marinas and most RV parks.

Our customers can avoid costly gym memberships as well by storing seasonal fitness equipment with us in the summer that can be used when it’s too cold to keep exercising outside.

We also offer state-of-the-art climate-controlled units that are ideal for storing collectibles that investors like to keep safe for years on end while their value increases.

Many other money-saving tips are suggested often in each of our facilities as they are customized to fit the needs of each customer we serve.

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Towne Storage Aims To Help People Live Clutter Free

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT

A significant body of peer-reviewed research shows that living in a state of clutter can negatively impact a person’s mental health a number of different ways.

These include impaired decision-making abilities, memory issues, poorer sleep quality, increased stress and anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and potential physical dangers such as an increased risk of tripping, falling, or experiencing respiratory or allergy-related symptoms or conditions as a result of trapped dust or the presence of allergens that frequently exist in cluttered environments.

Towne Storage is proud to help make the experience of living clutter-free something more people can enjoy. We accomplish this by providing secure, conveniently-located, and affordable self-storage options we make readily available to people across Utah, Arizona, and Nevada.

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Storage Expansion For Small Business Needs

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT

As rent and operation costs soar, more and more businesses are turning to self storage to help with their equipment, data, product inventory, and document storage needs.

Doing so may not only save you a bundle in fees but can also provide a larger and more secure storage space than provided by most commercial buildings.

Having a storage unit is especially helpful for seasonal companies or e-commerce entities that need help managing and storing product inventory in the off season while also providing quick and convenient access when demand returns.

And while many companies traditionally use our facilities to house files, data and small business equipment, we’re also equipped to store large pieces of equipment such as carpet cleaning machines, disaster restoration equipment, landscaping machinery, construction equipment and tools, snow removal machines, and larger inventory items such as carpet rolls, recreational vehicles, painting or cleaning supplies, and bicycles.

Self storage also offers the flexibility of seamlessly increasing or downsizing your storage capacity needs as they change over time.

For example, companies turn to us for help with relocation or renovation support as we provide a convenient and secure location to temporarily house furnishings, equipment, and other business assets. Our numerous moving boxes and packing supplies can make the transition even more smooth.

No matter what services your business provides or what your company storage needs may be, Towne Storage is here to support you.

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Grand Openings & Free Fiiz

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Mark your calendars! Our new Towne Storage location will be opened in Clinton, Utah. It’s a grand opening so BIG, we want to celebrate with some FREE offers and SWAG!

Join us at our newest Towne Storage location in Clinton, UT, and receive a FREE* Fiiz gift card on us!

WHEN: June 24 – June 29, 2024

WHERE: 2196 W 1800 N | Clinton, UT 84015

Don’t forget to ask about FREE rent and other special deals here !

The first 50 people* will receive a FREE , large YETI straw mug!

*One Yeti per group, while supplies last. No purchase is necessary. Fiiz Drink gift cards expire 7/7/2024.

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Transparency in Self-Storage Pricing

Thu, 30 May 2024 00:00:00 GMT

In our last blog post, we discussed the concerning trend of some self-storage companies offering unrealistically low introductory rates, followed by swift and significant rent increases. While this practice may not be illegal, it’s certainly unethical and can leave customers feeling frustrated and financially strapped.

At Towne Storage, we believe in building trust with our customers. That’s why we’re continuing the conversation around transparent pricing practices in the self-storage industry.

Beyond Introductory Rates: Uncovering Hidden Fees

While eye-catching introductory rates might grab your attention, it’s crucial to look beyond the initial price tag. Some of the storage companies are offering incredibly low prices. Because of the month-to-month agreement, they can increase rent as soon as one month after moving in. In many cases these companies do not wait more than a few months before hitting their customers with rate increases that double, triple, and even quadruple the initial price.

Here are some additional hidden fees to be aware of:

Administrative Fees: Most companies charge one-time administrative fees; these fees can vary and some companies will not disclose these until you are already committed.
Move-in/Move-out Fees: Be sure to inquire about any fees associated with moving your belongings in or out of your unit.
Transfer Fees: Some companies will charge you a fee to move from one unit to another that is more convenient or better meets your needs.
Late Fees: Understand the late payment policy and associated fees to avoid any surprises. Some states will mandate what fees can be charged.
Technology Fees: While technology is important and helps keep storage items safe there is a wide range of fees than can be charged.
Insurance: While self-storage facilities offer insurance, it is good to look at the coverage and the cost. Carefully assess your needs and compare options before selecting a company to work with.

Shop Around and Ask Questions

Don’t be afraid to compare prices and features offered by different storage facilities. Here are some key questions to ask:

What is the total monthly cost, including all fees?
How often do you raise rents, and by what percentage?
How do you notify customers of rent increases?
What is the late payment policy and associated fees?
Are there any move-in/move-out fees?
What other fees are charged like a Technology Fee or Transfer Fee?
Insurance, what do you get for what you are paying?

By asking these questions and comparing options, you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs and budget.

Towne Storage: Your Partner in Storage Solutions

At Towne Storage, we’re committed to providing our customers with a transparent and hassle-free storage experience. Here’s what sets us apart:

12-Month Price-Lock Guarantee: We guarantee no rent increases for the first twelve months.
No Hidden Fees: All fees are clearly listed and can be explained by our team members.
Month-to-Month Leases: Enjoy the flexibility of renting for as long as you need, with no long-term commitment.
Customer Service: Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is here to answer your questions and help you find the perfect storage solution.

We understand that choosing a self-storage facility is an important decision. By being an informed consumer and partnering with a company that prioritizes transparency, you can avoid the pitfalls of unethical pricing practices and ensure a smooth and stress-free storage experience.

Visit your local Towne Storage today and experience the difference!

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When Storage Is a Part of the Solution

Fri, 03 May 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Towne Storage’s president was recently quoted in USA Today’s article Here’s the truth about hoarding disorder – and how to help someone . Building on that article, we wanted to give tips for using a storage unit to help those struggling with hoarding and the loved ones who support them.

The Key is Month-To-Month

Renting a unit on a month-by-month basis, ensuring the facility does not have rent increases every few months, is a great starting point to clearing clutter from the home. This allows the renter to keep costs low and removes unnecessary items from the environment.

Feeling Freedom

Removing unnecessary items from the home will give the homeowner that peaceful, free feeling that comes from no longer being weighed down by an excess of stuff. The saying out of sight, out of mind especially applies to giving those who struggle with hoarding peace of mind.

Letting Go

By using a storage unit month-by-month, homeowners will know what they actively need on a day-to-day basis. It also helps break down the emotional attachment to things that many people have. If the owner cannot use or remember what is in the storage unit by the end of 60 days, they will find that letting go of unwanted and unused items is a little easier.

At Towne Storage, we offer month-to-month rental units as well as a 12-month price lock guarantee on your rent rate, giving you peace of mind during the stress of decluttering.

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Celebrate with FREE Tacos!

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT

With the completion of construction on the new Sunset Road, we are excited to invite you to our Grand Re-opening! Bring your family for a meal. Food provided by Somethin’ to Taco ‘Bout.

Limited-time specials during this event!

Join us

Friday, April 19th, 2024

Somethin’ to Taco ‘Bout from 11am – 4pm

655 E Sunset Rd, Henderson, NV 89011

Towne Storage – Sunset is professionally managed and fully equipped with great features like flexible month-to-month rentals, climate-controlled storage, and ground-floor units. Whether you’re looking for a small unit to fit a few boxes or a space big enough to keep all the contents of your home, Towne Storage – Sunset in Henderson has the perfect unit for you!

For a limited time, you can get your first month’s rent for only $1 when you purchase a second month! And with our 12-month price lock guarantee, your sweet rate won’t change anytime soon!

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Self-Storage Price Wars

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

You’ve probably heard the adage, “If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.” This has applied to investment opportunities, car sales, and even those emails from a desperate princess from another country who needs help getting gold into a bank account you own. But silly as that last situation is, millions of people are scammed into losing billions of dollars each year.

So why do people fall for these scams? Social scientists believe that it can be for any number of reasons including inexperience with scams, financial difficulties, pressure to act quickly or the offer will be gone (often referred to as FOMO or fear of missing out), or the hope to change your own life while helping someone else out with theirs.

What isn’t so easily quantifiable with statistics is the impact that some businesses in the self-storage industry are starting to put into practice which negatively affects customer trust and money. This blog post will discuss what is happening and how to watch out for it.

Incredibly Low Introductory Pricing

Have you recently been searching for a storage unit or seen a marketing campaign that offers introductory rates that are much lower than the competition? The offer looks great, the reviews online are flooded with five stars in a short amount of time, and the savings would give your budget much-needed padding.

Some storage companies are now offering incredibly low rates to incentivize quick move-ins, knowing that they are offering a month-to-month rental agreement. Those fantastic rates don’t last long, and customers have reported several quick and steep rent increases within the first six months. One customer reported that they began paying $99 for a storage unit, only to end up paying $350 a month for that same unit months later. That’s a 350% increase in rent!

Why Swift Rent Increases Happen

Like any business, storage companies have many expenses to meet before profit is made. When they offer unsustainable introductory rates, the business cannot continue accepting those rates or they will quickly go under. The solution is to gather as many tenants as possible in the shortest amount of time (hence the low rate) then radically increase the price multiple times so the revenue generated meets expenses and helps recover lost revenue from the previous low rates.

At Towne Storage, we know it’s important to be secure when storing.

That is why we now guarantee not to raise rent within 12 months of your signed rental agreement.

If there is a rate increase after that year, we promise that it will align with the market and will notify you ahead of time so that you are not surprised.

How Is This Legal?

There is a difference between illegal and unethical. Because the government has not declared the practice of price hiking to be illegal in this case, some storage companies get away with unethical practices like this. Many customers don’t even realize that their rent has been inflated if they are not readily monitoring their bank and credit card statements. However, some states like Texas and New York are beginning to talk about imposing limits on rent increases.

How to Protect Yourself

What makes adages memorable is the way they express truth. As we started this blog post with one, it’s appropriate to reference it again. The following tips will assist in protecting yourself from any predatory practice (not just for the examples presented in this article) where “if it sounds too good to be true it probably is.”

Slow down. Modern culture moves at a breakneck speed and tells us that we must keep up with it or we’ll be left behind. Recognize that this is a lie. If an offer expires before you can read the fine print, it’s better to walk away than regret putting your signature to terms you haven’t read.
Read the fine print. Never sign a document until you have completely read it. Because rental agreements are legal documents, signing one without understanding the terms will not protect you in court. Don’t understand what certain terms and conditions mean? Ask someone to explain them to you. But don’t let yourself be pressured into a “quick sale” just because the sales agent puts on the pressure.
Ask, then ask again. Before you begin the rental process, ask basic questions to understand how the business operates. For our self-storage example, ask how often and how much rent increases are and how they notify customers of an increase. What happens if a payment is late? What fees are there and how do they accrue? If an answer doesn’t seem clear, don’t hesitate to let them know and, if needed, ask the question again.
Understand your rights. Customers and renters have certain rights. While these are not always spelled out in contracts, a quick Google search can give you the basics for your state.
Do your research. As you search for storage, make sure to check out the competition. Are most competitors in a similar price range for similar quality and features? That is a good sign that the business is ethically offering good deals to customers there is less risk of quick and large rate increases.

Our 12-Month Price-Lock Guarantee

When you rent with Towne Storage, you can trust that you will not be surprised. Our 12-month price-lock guarantee provides our customers with the best storage experience and consistent pricing. To rent a unit, contact your local Towne Storage facility today!

The post Self-Storage Price Wars appeared first on Towne Storage .

Creative Ways to Repurpose or Reuse Items in Your Storage Unit

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Being environmentally conscious is smart from a financial standpoint and economical for the planet’s resources and living species. Repurposing items can be a fun and engaging experience for your creative muscles. In this blog article, we will look at how ordinary things from your storage unit can be transformed into useful, and sometimes beautiful, objects.

Furniture

Upcycling furniture has been a trending topic for DIYers all over the world. There are projects for people of all experience levels, from simple repaints to complete overhauls.

Here, Nancy from Artsy Chick Rules (artsychickrules.com) demonstrates the amazing transformation a little sanding and paint can make to two side tables. The handles just needed a little cleaning, dry brushing, and sealing. Most furniture DIYers already possess most of the key items to redo their items, but if you are just starting, good paint, stains, and sealants will be inexpensive and last you multiple projects.

In the photo above, furniture upcycler Zelmaak transforms an old dresser into a charming day bench – complete with drawers for some extra storage space. In addition to painting, you will want a basic knowledge of power tool safety to pull off this look. But don’t be discouraged: DIYers often advocate for starting small and working toward more complex projects as you gain skills. And as they say, measure twice cut once!

Clothing

Whether you have clothing that will end up in the trash or just need to downsize your wardrobe, there are many creative and useful ways to repurpose clothing. These include:

Worn-out jeans into fashionable denim bags
Old t-shirts into rag rugs
Oversized shirts into fitted dresses
Create an heirloom quilt from the familiar clothing of relatives
Use old clothing as rags

Electronics

Recycling electronics is usually what happens to our old phones, televisions, and computers. While this is a great idea, if your items still have life in them, you can help reduce landfill waste by repurposing them. For example, old smartphones are a great option for security cameras. It can be as simple as installing a security camera app and placing the phone where you want to record.

Old tablets and monitors can be turned into digital photo frames or cookbooks. Make an old computer into a DIY server – which will require some computer knowledge to make but is a great skill to have when you acquire it. Not to mention saving you money by not paying for monthly cloud storage services!

An old television monitor can even be turned into a cat bed – making an interesting conversation piece as well as a useful piece of furniture for your furry friend!

Kitchen Items and Home Decor

Old mason jars can turn into beautiful hanging pendant lights or other lamps and light fixtures. Eating utensils can be molded into fashionable bracelets and other jewelry items. If you have some cardboard and extra fabric, you can make stylish storage bins. Old picture frames become fun whiteboards for game night with just a piece of white paper and some dry-erase markers. Vintage doorknobs become unique wall hooks. The options are only limited by your imagination!

Whatever you store, we have the space for you! Stop by one of our many offices in Arizona, Nevada, and Utah, or visit us at www.townestorage.com to reserve your unit today.

The post Creative Ways to Repurpose or Reuse Items in Your Storage Unit appeared first on Towne Storage .

Home Maintenance for Winter

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Our blog post for Autumn home maintenance listed out many of the ways homeowners can prepare their properties for the season change. In this post, we will continue to discuss the remaining things that homeowners can do to prepare for Winter.

Pipe Insulation

To prevent frozen pipes, which can burst and damage your home, use insulation to wrap the pipes up. You can find insulation at your local home improvement stores.

Furnace and Heating System Check

Although the Autumn maintenance list covered checking your heater and air conditioning unit, it is advisable to do this step again for winter. This can include changing filters, keeping the area around your furnace clear of debris, and lightly dusting the unit.

Window and Door Sealing

Winter weather can quickly reveal drafts that allow heat to escape your home. It is important to check all windows and doors for cracks or leaks in the seals and replace as needed.

Emergency Preparedness Kit

While some emergency kits are for times when you must leave your house (like 72-hour kits, evacuation kits, etc.), a winter emergency kit is essential for when you are remaining home, but the power is out. You should include items like blankets, food that doesn’t require cooking, candles, light sources (flashlights or emergency lanterns), and water. Since you will be at home, you may also want to include activities like books, games, and puzzles.

Snow Removal

Should you live in a state where snow is common, you will want to prepare your stores of ice melt. Be sure to watch the weather forecasts, so you are never surprised by a storm. Remove excess snow from your roof to prevent damage caused from the weight.

Don’t Forget Your Car

Clear out space in your garage for your car. Not only will this help keep your car from the harsh cold weather, but it will also help to keep your garage clutter free. Consider a storage unit from Towne Storage to help make space.

Regular, seasonal home maintenance will help prolong the life of your home. Doing small things now will save expensive repair costs in the future.

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Buying vs. Building a Home

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT

In 2022, the United States experienced a rise in demand for housing. As 2023 is ending and 2024 is quickly approaching, housing market predictions say that housing prices will soon be going down. This will hopefully make home ownership a little more affordable when in conjunction with higher pay rates and availability.

You may be wondering whether it will be better to build a home or buy an existing one. To assist in that decision, we will be discussing the benefits and disadvantages of each option.

Existing Homes

One of the biggest benefits of purchasing an existing home is cost. This budget-friendly option is perfect for those who would like to move in on a shorter timeline and generally have established communities. Interest rates are also significantly lower when purchasing an existing home.

Existing homes also have some drawbacks, though these are not necessarily a deal breaker. The ability for customization in your home will be limited to the existing building layout. There may be potentially hidden issues and needed repairs for older homes. It is highly recommended to have a detailed inspection completed before making a final offer. Depending on the home’s condition, you may also want to factor in maintenance and renovation costs.

Building a Home

Building a custom home can be an amazing experience. The ability to fully customize will open a wide variety of energy-efficient designs with the latest technology. With everything being new, you will know that repairs and renovations will be unnecessary. You will also have more control over the process of what materials will be used.

Of course, building an original home that perfectly fits your family will cost much more than an existing home – sometimes two to three times more. Construction loans often have higher interest rates, adding to this cost. Another drawback is the potential stress caused by long turnaround times, construction delays, and even supply shortages.

Other Considerations

Regardless of which route you wish to take, it’s important to consider where you would like your home. If you choose to build, is there land available? Zoning restrictions? What future developments are in progress over the next few years? This can be important if you want a rural area that won’t be so rural in the next ten to twenty years. What are your future needs? For older people, you may want to consider how many levels your house needs to be. Discussing factors like family size, work opportunities, and lifestyle preferences are all necessary considerations to take.

Whether you build or buy, know that Towne Storage has the right size unit for any transition into your homeownership. Visit us today at townestorage.com to find a great move-in special!

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Home Repairs: DIY or Professional Job?

Sun, 15 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Do-it-yourself (DIY) projects are a popular way to renovate and repair your own home, furniture, and car. With easy access to an incredible amount of information via the internet, most people do not even have to have much experience with DIY projects to get started. So how do you know when to do a project yourself and when to call the professionals?

Understand Your Warranties

Always check with your home warranties before starting any work. Some homeowner’s insurance will become void if anyone except a licensed professional does the fixing. This can include complex electrical work, major plumbing, and structural problems.

Learn the Basics First

It’s okay to start small to gain some experience with minor repairs before jumping into larger renovations. These may include fixing a leaky faucet, painting a room, replacing a light switch, or installing a new lighting fixture. Be sure to learn the basics! When dealing with light switch replacements, first learn which breakers need to be turned off so that you aren’t electrocuted when making the change. As the saying goes, “measure twice, cut once,” it’s best to go slow and learn to do things correctly.

Safety and Tools

Many minor projects require basic tools like screwdrivers, hammers, and levels. Other larger projects require larger machinery like saws, specialty drills, etc. But small or large, it is always best to understand and use the tools with care. Wear safety goggles and gloves as appropriate and work in well-ventilated areas.

Cost

While it is true that doing the work will save you on labor costs (often adding up into the thousands), it is important to consider exactly what your current skills are and whether you will be physically able to do the job yourself. If not, mistakes may cost you more to fix with a professional undoing the work and making corrections, than just starting with a professional in the first place.

Overall, remember that everyone starts without knowledge of how to do something, so make sure that you are learning the basics and taking your time. As you continue practicing, you will be able to take on larger projects. Always weigh the benefits of doing the work yourself versus having the professionals step in.

Ready to renovate? Whether you do the work yourself or hire a professional, make space in your home with a storage unit from Towne Storage today!

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Seasonal Home Maintenance

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Home maintenance is one of the most important things about owning property. Seasonal maintenance will increase the longevity of the home, as well as cut down on expensive and unexpected repairs. As Autumn gets into full swing, you can prepare your home for winter.

Roof and Chimneys

Before you climb onto your rooftop, it’s wise to begin by inspecting your attic space for any signs of water damage. This will be a good starting point for when you are up on the housetop, checking for damage or leaks. Pay attention to areas that dip, as this may mean a weakening frame or rotted wood.

Prepare your chimney by cleaning it to reduce the risk of unintended fire.

Gutters and Downspouts

Remove any debris that has gathered in the gutters and downspouts. This will help prevent water from getting trapped on the rooftop or overflowing onto porches and other places around the house that can cause flooding.

Heating System

Prepare and test run your furnace. It is normal for a furnace to burn up accumulated dust, which is why furnaces often smell badly when used after a season of inactivity. If the smell continues past two or three runs, inspect the furnace for signs of other debris in the vents.

Weatherproof Doors and Windows

Check the sealing around the doors and windows of your home. Replace weatherstripping as needed. Check caulking and re-seal around windows. Add window film to the windows to assist in keeping heat in and cold out.

Store Away Outdoor Items

Garden hoses, furniture, tools, and outdoor decorations should be cleaned, dried, and covered. Rather than storing the larger items like furniture and lawn care tools in the garage, consider renting a storage unit. This will be beneficial to save valuable home space, as well as being securely kept until needed again in the Spring or Summer.

For great deals on storage, visit Townestorage.com for a location near you!

The post Seasonal Home Maintenance appeared first on Towne Storage .

Storage for Seasonal Items

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT

As we head into the holiday season, it is important to make the transition from holiday to holiday, summer to fall, as seamless as possible. In an August blog post (found here ), we talked about how to overcome common self-storage problems. One solution discussed organization. In this post, we’ll delve a little deeper into this solution for storing seasonal items.

Benefits of Using Self-Storage for Seasonal Items

Though holidays were mentioned above, seasonal items are defined as items that are used only periodically during certain times of the year. This can include camping gear, home décor, sports equipment, and of course, holiday decorations.

So why use self-storage for these items? First, space is a valuable commodity in your home. By keeping seasonal items off-site, you can maximize living and garage space. Second, reducing clutter is a benefit for stress relief. By putting infrequently used items off-site, your home will feel more open and inviting. Third, at Towne Storage, you can still access your items year-round, with locations placed strategically near major roads for easier access. Finally, Towne Storage offers climate-controlled units, which assist in keeping sensitive belongings safe from extreme weather changes.

Effective Storage Strategies

Here are some tips for effectively storing seasonal items:

Use appropriate storage containers that are airtight and clear. This solves two problems: first, preventing dust from settling onto your items, and second, you will be able to see precisely what is in the container at any given time.
Use shelving to utilize vertical space and make inventory rotation easier. By organizing your items on shelves, you will be able to quickly access what you need when you need it.
Store like items together. For example, say that you have holiday décor and a 10×10 unit. You may want to put shelving in the unit, where one shelving unit holds all Halloween decorations, while another holds Christmas. This will prevent having to sort through things over and over to find what you want to take with you.
Don’t store anything scented. Scented items will attract pests like spiders and rodents, even if they are stored in air-tight containers.
Regularly check and maintain the storage space. Though we discussed this in August’s post, it’s important to reiterate that periodically checking on your storage unit, and cleaning it out, is a vital part of storing seasonal items. Doing so will help your things stay dust and pest-free, as well as being a way to remind yourself what you are keeping in storage.

In conclusion, storing seasonal items in an organized, methodical way can be a benefit to you in many ways. Reclaim your space today with a storage unit from Towne Storage!

The post Storage for Seasonal Items appeared first on Towne Storage .

Why Storage Units are a Smart Investment for Homeowners

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT

The first recorded storage units were in caves found in Xi’an, China over 6,000 years ago. Since then, self-storage has been an asset for homeowners, though today’s technology has improved the conditions and security of storage facilities.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the many ways self-storage is an intelligent investment for homeowners.

Decluttering Your Space

Long-time homeowners often accumulate many belongings over time, and without adequate space for every item, your home may feel cluttered and disorganized. Clutter has been shown to increase anxiety and decrease focus, leading to unnecessary stress. By removing and organizing clutter from our homes, we lighten our living environment and thereby reduce stress. Storage units are a great solution for storing items that are used infrequently, seasonal decorations, and other items not used on a day-to-day basis.

Home Renovations

An acquaintance of mine wanted to lay flooring themselves and moved their furniture into their locked backyard. Within a few days, an unexpected storm passed through, drenching their belongings, and ruining some irreplaceable items despite efforts to quickly cover the area.

Remodeling your home can be a necessary but space-consuming task. Most renovations require clearing out the area where the renovation takes place to give workers enough room to work safely. Storage units assist not only in clearing your home but also in keeping your belongings secure and free from outside elements.

The Size You Need for as Long as You Need It

One of the benefits of self-storage is that there are a wide range of units to choose from. From small to large sizes, climate-control, and drive-up units for easier access, homeowners now have more choices when selecting a unit. Unsure what size you might need? Be sure to consult one of our on-site managers to get exactly what you need.

Moving Made Easy

Self-storage is an invaluable asset for those staging their home for sale. Homes are made more attractive when the furniture and décor accentuate the house’s best features. Removing unnecessary items and valuables into a storage unit will go a long way in making your home feel spacious and ready to sell.

Moreover, if you are looking to downsize into a smaller home or looking to relocate, storage is a great option for holding belongings until you have transitioned into your new home.

Cost Effective

Homeowners will find self-storage a cost-effective option. Never pay for more space than you need, with the right-sized unit. In addition, the cost per square foot is much less than renting a larger apartment or commercial space and will include security features unique to self-storage at no additional cost. Low-cost insurance can also be purchased for further protection.

Insurance rates have skyrocketed in 2023. Homeowners using storage units can then utilize rooms in their houses previously cluttered with storage, all without buying a new home.

Interested in investing in improving your home? Visit us at townestorage.com and reserve your unit today!

The post Why Storage Units are a Smart Investment for Homeowners appeared first on Towne Storage .

Dealing with Common Self-Storage Problems and How to Solve Them

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Self-storage has quickly become a go-to solution for individuals, families, and businesses to keep their belongings and inventory safe until needed. Whether on a short- or long-term basis, storage provides more than additional space in a home, it is an investment that can assist people who are moving, accessing seasonal items, and more. Despite the many problems storage solves, storage units can quickly overwhelm new renters with a variety of challenges. In this article, we’ll explore solutions with practical, easy tips for a greater, more efficient experience.

Plan Ahead and Know What to Expect

Storage units are rented similarly to other real estate assets. Customers rent on a month-to-month basis and have certain responsibilities to maintain their unit. Work with the facility manager to determine what size unit will best fit your belongings while staying within your budget. Check the prices and features of several facilities to get an idea of what might work for you. For example, if you need to store art or documents, one facility might charge less for a 10×10 unit, but only because it doesn’t have climate-control features, which are essential for storing delicate items.

If possible, consider future storage needs so that you do not need to change units frequently. If you currently need a 5×5 unit, but know that you will be receiving more inventory, you may want to move ahead with a 5×10 or a 10×10.

Also, research what is and isn’t allowed in a storage unit, as storing something like food could negate your insurance policy if damage occurs due to rodents, as well as being evicted. If you are unsure what is and isn’t authorized to store, check out our blog post HERE .

Organize with Clarity

Keep your unit organized by utilizing shelves and racks to optimize vertical space. Use plastic, air-tight containers for sensitive items and label everything clearly so that you know what is within a box or container without having to open it. Items that are needed more frequently should be placed closer to the entrance of the unit and be sure to plan out walkways so that you don’t have to pull other items out of the way to access items further back.

Security

When selecting a facility, it’s important to consider the security features offered. Does the site have cameras recording 24 hours? Are units individually alarmed? Is there an onsite manager?

Cylinder locks are the most secure of all types of locks, but the facility must have doors to accommodate them. Don’t use a flimsy padlock, as they are too easily broken or cut. Cylinder locks sit within the door and take special – and noisy – tools to remove.

Frequently check your unit for any signs of outside damage or suspicious people and report them to the site manager immediately. Consider purchasing the insurance offered by the storage company to add another level of security.

Maintenance & Inspections

Regularly inspecting your unit and the items stored within will go a long way to preventing damage. Watch for signs of pests and report them to the site manager, as well as any maintenance concerns. Sweep out your unit to prevent dust from building up.

Keep and maintain a photographic and written log of what you are storing. This will help you maintain a useful inventory and update it whenever adding or taking out items. One of my teachers once told me, I’d rather have a dull pencil than a sharp mind. In the rare event that something happens to your belongings, you will have definitive proof of what was stored.

Self-storage is an excellent solution for those needing a place to store personal belongings or business inventory. While storage solves a variety of problems, it can also come with challenges. Setting up a system for your unit will provide peace of mind no matter how long you store.

Looking for a secure unit at a deal you don’t want to miss? Visit townestorage.com for a location near you!

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Emergency Prep and Self-Storage

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMT

According to Forbes, natural disasters are on the rise and costing billions of dollars for recovery. (1) In 2020, America experienced strange shortages in necessary items like toilet paper, food supplies, and even bottled water. These events have prompted an increase of interest in emergency preparedness.

Self-storage units are essential in emergency situations. You can utilize your unit to assist you and your family in unexpected situations, especially if you aren’t able to access your home.

Security and Location are Key to Selecting a Facility

When choosing a self-storage unit be sure to pay attention to the security features of the facility. This should include how the managers monitor the facility, if there are security cameras, individually alarmed units, etc. You will also want to select a location that is far enough from your home to not also be caught in the emergency or disaster, which may make both locations inaccessible.

What to Store

While you should keep some medical supplies and food stored at your home, it is also wise to have supplies stored in your unit. This might include a first aid kit, camping equipment, extra clothing, copies of important documents and family photographs, and other necessary items like toiletries. Be careful not to store food in your unit, as this will attract a variety of pests like rodents and spiders.

Preserving Essential Items

Storage facilities have the advantage of being built from sturdy materials, often required by the city they are in to be built to a higher standard to withstand things like earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters. Regardless, renters should still take the time to organize and properly package their belongings. Documents benefit from climate-controlled units, especially when held in airtight containers. Shelving units can help to keep items off the ground and within reach that also keeps everything stored visible.

Supporting Business Continuity

Businesses can also benefit from storage during emergency situations by storing critical equipment, extra inventory, and hard copies of files. Business owners can resume operations more quickly.

If you are preparing for natural disasters and emergencies, consider storing with Towne Storage. Our facilities have 24-hour digital recording, access 365 days a year, individually alarmed units, and onsite managers who walk the property several times a day. With easy access for larger vehicles, we also offer drive up units, climate-control, and an extra layer of security by only using cylinder locks. Visit townestorage.com today to find a location near you!

Gusner, Penny. Natural Disaster Facts And Statistics 2023 https://www.forbes.com/advisor/homeowners-insurance/natural-disaster-statistics/#:~:text=The%20number%20of%20natural%20disasters,dollar%20climate%20disasters%20per%20year.

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How to Start a Small Business

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT

There are many great reasons to start a small business, especially if you have the necessary experience and skillset to market your services and products. At Towne Storage, we know what it takes to get your business started and growing, as well as the importance that small businesses make on the community. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Conduct Market Research

One of the first steps is to do you research. While this might sound boring, it is essential to making your business stand out. Asking the following questions will be useful in understanding your competition and marketing what makes your business unique.

Who is your competition?
What are they offering customers?
Who is purchasing their product/service? (Also called audience research)
What are they charging for their product/service?
Are there reviews for their product/service? If so, what do the positive ones say they excel at, and the negative ones say needs improvement?
Can you niche down to thin out the competition? (Niching down means to make a product or service specialized. For example, instead of selling “water bottles,” you could market them as “hiking water bottles.”)

Local, State, and Federal Requirements

Laws relating to businesses vary by city, state, and nationally, so it is important to do some research on what’s required in your area, even if you are running an online business from home. You may need permits or licenses, special zoning, or to register your business name both locally and through the state. For example, the Federal government requires each business to have an EIN (Employer Identification Number) even if you are the only employee of your company. States require businesses to have a sales tax number, and your city may require a variety of permits, licenses, etc.

Overwhelmed? Don’t worry. A lot of people can find it difficult to navigate. Remember to do one step at a time, and if needed, you can always get help from the SBA (U.S. Small Business Administration), which specializes in helping new business owners find resources to get started.

Branding and Marketing

Building a recognizable brand is vital to starting and growing your business. Spend some time creating your logo, website, social media icons, and packaging to reflect what your company does best. YouTube has some great tutorials on how to market your product/service. If you are looking for something more in depth, consider taking classes on business at your local college.

Finances and Inventory

Once you have gotten started, it’s important to keep your personal and business finances separate. This includes, but is not limited to separate bank accounts, budget books, cash assets, etc. Sales tax should be kept in a different account from your payroll (even if you are only paying yourself). Keep all receipts and mileage records for business expenses.

Space for inventory can be a problem for any business. If you lack enough room to store your products, consider a storage unit from Towne Storage. W

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Finding the Right Career

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT

2022 ended with a lot of new transitions: remote workers were called back into the office, massive layoffs in certain industries, and a wide variety of hiring opportunities to fit wherever you live. During the pandemic, many people stuck at home began curating new skills that made them valuable in the marketplace. You may be wondering, is it too late to find the right career?

Take a Career Assessment Test

Assessment tests can be useful when pointing you in the right direction for employment. Most tests take into consideration your personality, natural strengths and weaknesses, and match then you with careers where you would be most likely to succeed. It’s important to remember that while this tool is great for starting, its results don’t mean that you are obligated to pursue a career in that direction.

List Your Current Skills and Abilities

Making a list of the skills and abilities that you possess right at this moment. They may include things like your technological knowledge, specialized skills, office abilities, personal skills, etc. Are you good at solving problems? What about working alone or in a team? Be sure when you are listing skills that you can think of examples of when you used those skills successfully.

Look at Job Posts

Even if you are not ready to make a change, it’s always a good idea to keep abreast of what skills employers are looking for. Make a separate list of the qualities and skills you find on job posts and then compare it with your existing skills. This will give you a good idea of how ready you are to start applying for the career you most want.

Never Too Old for School

It’s never too late to attend classes and learn more (Mary Walker learned to read at the age of 116!). There are so many opportunities, like online schools and learning, that weren’t available ten years ago. Stay ahead in your field by checking for free classes to update your knowledge and skills.

New Roads

Sometimes your career may require you to relocate. With over 30 locations in Arizona, Nevada, and Utah, Towne Storage can help remove some of the stress of having to move. From moving supplies to a variety of different-sized storage units, we are your one-stop shop for all things storage. So take opportunities with confidence!

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Learning to Be Patient with Progress

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT

It has been a month and a half since goals were set at New Year’s. How has your progress been? If that question makes you feel you’ve hit a plateau, then it’s time to step back and take a deep breath.

Slow Progress is Still Progress

Walking across a plateau can be discouraging but it’s important to realize you are still moving forward. Learning to push through plateaus is essential in being patient with yourself. James Clear illustrates this principle in his book Atomic Habits when speaking about how ice melts. To summarize: at 30 degrees Fahrenheit, water is still frozen. Even at 31 degrees water remains in a solid state. But at 32 degrees, ice starts to melt. It may only be 1 degree in change, but that 1 degree is what makes all the difference. Too many people give up at 31 degrees, not realizing that they are so close to overcoming their plateau.

Setbacks Are Not Signs to Stop

As discouraging as it may be, setbacks are a normal part of personal growth. The key is to understand what caused the setback and how to correct your course back toward the path you want to be on. At the same time, learn to let go of the expectation that you will achieve perfection with everything you do. In other words, be patient with yourself and with the process.

Motivation vs Persistence

How often have you waited for the motivation to finish a project? Motivation feels good and often jump-starts our efforts to do something. Motivation is not, however, what finishes the job as it is completely based on “feeling.” Instead of waiting for a feeling to guide your actions, focus on the actual action. Consistently taking small actionable steps, day after day, will get you farther in a shorter amount of time than the short bursts of effort over a long period.

Allow Yourself Rest Breaks

Those who exercise religiously understand the importance of rest breaks for their bodies. Breaks for our mental health are equally important. So as you are working toward changing your life, remember to plan rest periods. Research shows that resting does more than help our body and mind refresh. It strengthens our immune system, lowers stress, helps our mood and mood and decision-making, and increases our creativity. Use rest breaks as part of your strategy to meet your goals and maintain the changes you’ve worked so hard to achieve.

Celebrate Your Progress, Not Your “Success”

As you have hopefully found through this article, being patient with progress is also being patient with yourself. It’s important to celebrate along the way. You’ve probably heard the expression “take joy in the journey.” Celebrating large and (more importantly) small victories along the way is essential if you want to maintain the progress you’ve made. Small rewards may include a special movie night, dancing to your favorite song, or visiting a museum you’ve been wanting to go to. The most important thing is to congratulate yourself, so do something fun!

Do you want more space in your home or garage? Towne Storage offers a variety of different-sized units, that will fit within your budget.

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Fun Valentine Activity Ideas on a Budget

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate the ones we love. So, whether you are showing your significant other your appreciation or letting your neighbors know that you care about them, here are some fun activities to consider this Valentine’s Day that won’t break the bank.

Good Ol’ Fashioned Cards

Making homemade or using store-bought cards has been a staple of Valentine’s Day since the 15 ^th century. Sending cards, especially via “snail mail”, is a great way to show people that you are thinking of them.

Door Decorating

Door decorating has been a long-time tradition during Valentine’s. Before home cameras were a thing, people would sneak up and decorate your door with hearts. Nowadays, it’s probably best to warn the head of the house to distract the person you are decorating for until the job is done.

A Visit to the Library

The library is an excellent resource for learning new skills. Want to learn to cook? They have cookbooks for that. Drawing or painting? Yep! The library has you covered. Having a library card opens so many wonderful learning experiences that couples and families can use to grow a skill together. And the very best part is that it’s all free!

Stay in Movie Night

Grab the popcorn, a comfy blanket, and a movie for a simple and cozy night in. Go for a family movie if the kids are attending or a romantic comedy if it’s just the two of you. Either way, this is an easy, laid-back activity to spend time with each other.

Try a New Outdoor Activity

It might be a little chilly but going outdoors can be just the thing for Valentine’s Day. Take a hike and have a picnic (or if you really like to prepare, hike up to a picnic!), play your favorite sport, or even go ice skating.

Self-care

And don’t forget to show yourself a little love with some personal TLC. Take a warm bath, curl up with a good book, watch that show you’ve been putting off – anything to take care of yourself. You’ll be grateful for the rest and relaxation.

Looking for a perfect gift? Give your home and family a little space with a storage unit today! Visit your nearest Towne Storage for great deals for any budget.

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Fighting Fraud – Recognizing Scam Phone Calls

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

In our last blog post, we focused on recognizing scam emails and text messages. While the purpose of all fraud is to bring financial gain to the perpetrator, scams run by phone can be more traumatizing and personal. So how do you recognize and respond to phone calls that are probing for payment or personal information?

Warning Signs

As in our previous post, scammers try to use your emotions against you. They do this by creating a sense of urgency or emergency that creates a catastrophe that can only be prevented by their “services.” Whether this is by impersonating an FBI or IRS agent, or through the claim that they are a relative in need of emergency cash in a foreign country, scammers will say anything to keep your emotions running high. By doing so, they try to keep you vulnerable with fear and anxiety so that you will act without thinking through the situation clearly.

In sum, red flag methods include:

Threats to have you arrested. The so-called agent will escalate their tactics to collect on “unpaid” taxes by threatening legal action if you do not pay a fictitious balance – not to the government, but to the agent directly.
Insistence that you must pay via gift cards or wire transfers. Both of these payment methods are difficult to trace and retract once sent, which is why scammers push so hard for these unorthodox payment methods.
Credit repair that you didn’t request.
Claims that you have won a prize that you have to pay fees in order to receive.
An expiring warranty, usually on a car. One big clue that this is a scam is that they require a call back in order to process a warranty extension.
Request to confirm personal information. Unless you are calling a service provider (such as a bank, credit card company, etc.) to initiate their service, no legitimate institution will ever seek you out to confirm your own account details.

Protect Yourself

Sir Frances Bacon once said, “Knowledge itself is power.” By recognizing the way scammers operate, you can combat their methods to steal from you.

Don’t answer your phone if you receive a call from a number you don’t recognize. Cell phone companies are attempting to assist in fighting fraud by labeling phone calls as “potential scam.”

If you do answer your phone, watch for the red flags listed above. Once you hear one, hang up. Scammers lose power when you’re no longer willing to listen – let alone talk – to them.

Don’t call them back. Should you receive a call from a recording that requests you to press a number or call them back at a specified number, don’t do it.

Sign up for your country’s do not call registry. While this won’t eliminate all calls, it can help lessen the number you receive.

Ask your phone provider for a “no solicitation” filter. This will also help ensure that you’re not receiving an automated call from call centers where a person must press 1 in order to speak with you.

What to Do if I’ve Already Paid

If you find yourself in a situation where the scammer has taken money from you, work quickly. Contact your bank and see how quickly they can cancel the payment. If you paid via gift card, contact the card issuer immediately and notify them of the fraud. While they may not be able to call the money back, they may be able to cancel whatever order the scammer has made. Finally, file a complaint through the FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/ .

At Towne Storage, we know how important security is. Whether you are storing documents or furniture, we have the right sized, safe unit that will work on your budget.

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Fighting Fraud – Recognizing Email and Text Fraud

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

In 2021, the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) received over 2.8 billion consumers filed fraud complaints that resulted in a whopping $5.8 billion in losses*. (ftc.gov) With a massive 70% increase in complaints from 2020, what can consumers do to protect themselves from fraud?

In this blog post, you will learn about the ways to recognize fraudulent email and text messages.

What is phishing & how does it work?

Phishing is when someone sends a message to their victim that appears to be from a reputable source, like a bank, in order to extract personal information. This is done through a link that either leads the victim to a website that mimics the company the phisher claims to represent, or allows the download of malware to your computer. Either way, clicking the link opens the door for your information to be stolen.

Phishing Warning Signs

So how do you tell if you’ve received a legitimate email or text message or if you are the potential victim of a scam? Consider the following:

The email address does not match the official domain of the company. For example, an email from Facebook should end in @facebookmail.com. So, if you receive an email from facebook@gmail.com , you can rest assured that it is not official. Google is a great tool to check the validity of an email address.

You receive a generic greeting at the beginning of the email. “Dear customer” is not an appropriate or proper way to begin an email. When you register for an account with a legitimate business, they will always address you directly.
Bad grammar and spelling errors. Many perpetrators of fraudulent emails and texts don’t bother with understanding the English language. Because of this, you will most like spot multiple grammatical or spelling errors within the message.
An urgent must-act-now message. These can range from missing out on an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime deal to threats to lock you out of your account. Phishers play on your emotions to prevent you from thinking too much about what you’re being asked to do, in the hopes that by keeping your adrenaline going, you will volunteer more information.
Request to update your information. If you receive a request to update personal information via a provided link, don’t do it. You should always be able to go to the web and log in through an official website and update your information, so never click on the link provided.

Other Warning Signs

Not all email scams are phishing based. Remember that not all scammers play on your negative emotions. Some scammers try to tempt you with happiness.

Offer to split a fortune if you help them get money or other liquid assets out of their native country. These ones are a little easier to spot, mostly for their comical aspect. These usually come from the relative of someone rich who has experienced a seizing of assets; a fortune which they are desperate to smuggle out of the country (legally of course!) and into your bank account for safekeeping. The catch? You have to pay a processing fee so that the assets can be released.

Looking for love? There are scams for that too. A long-distance relationship with a beautiful person who, through fate, has found you – their soul mate. They seem perfect: polite, considerate, loving, inclusive into their lonely world … and in need of frequent funds. The requests for money will usually be small, but will end up costing you in the long run.

Congratulations! You’ve won “xyz”. Just send us a shipping and handling fee and the prize is all yours. Sound too good to be true? That’s because it is. No legitimate prize should ever require payment from you.

What To Do If You’re a Victim of Fraud

If you find yourself in a position where your information or money has been stolen, immediately contact your bank to see how quickly they can stop the payment and lock down your account. Have your phone and computer checked to ensure that no malware has been installed, change passwords, and submit a complaint at identitytheft.org.

Ounce of Prevention …

In addition to arming yourself with knowledge of how to recognize fraud when you see it, you may be wondering what other precautions you can take. Consider doing the following to add an extra layer of protection to your personal information.

Activate multi-factor authentication and other security features offered by your service providers

Create frequent back-ups of your computer data to a removeable drive

At Towne Storage, we know how important security is. Whether you are storing documents or furniture, we have the right sized, safe unit that will work on your budget.

The post Fighting Fraud – Recognizing Email and Text Fraud appeared first on Towne Storage .

Request to update your information. If you receive a request to update personal information via a provided link, don’t do it. You should always be able to go to the web and log in through an official website and update your information, so never click on the link provided.

Study Like a Pro – No Matter the Subject

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 00:00:00 GMT

You don’t have to be a full-time student in order to study. In fact, all professionals, regardless of field, should keep their knowledge and skills up to date. You might attend conferences, virtual lectures, or read books to keep yourself ahead of the competition.

But what if you aren’t the best at studying? The ability to study is just that: a skill that is developed and honed over time. Before we get started, it’s important to recognize how you best receive and retain information that will be essential to setting up a realistic study program. The best part? There is no single answer on what will work for you, so you can customize the experience!

Study: What It Is and Isn’t

According to dictionary.com, studying means devoting time and attention to acquiring knowledge and skills, usually through books. We live in an amazing time where information is a click away.

Depending on how you learn, you may find yourself reading books, watching videos, or listening to audiobooks or podcasts in order to gain the most up-to-date information. But none of these great resources will be of long-lasting value if you aren’t recording what you are learning.

In order to study effectively, we must do more than just read, watch, and listen. Simply reading something doesn’t constitute studying any more than attending a ball game constitutes playing in the game. Something more is required of us.

Dr. Frank Christ (1924-2013) developed a system for studying effectively, which he called the Study Cycle. While we won’t go through this cycle in this article, you may want to check it out here . In essence, there are 5 areas of the studying cycle: preview, attend class, review, study, and check. Each step is about preparation, showing up, and returning to the material in small sessions until you are able to recall the information without your notes.

Become Your Own Teacher and Learning Advocate

Focus and organize your notes as though you will be teaching the subject you are studying. Define ideas in your own words, highlight words that are new to you, and connect your topic to your life. For example, if you are learning about ROI, your notes might include this:

ROI: R eturn o n I nvestment

The amount of money someone receives when the cost of investment is subtracted from the profit.

Real Life: Investing in hats costs $500. I sell the hats for $750. My return on investment (ROI) is $250.

Own Your Space

Ideally, you might wish you had a secret library, free from distractions, noise, and the general public. No matter where you study, it’s essential to find a place that is quiet and not too comfortable. Remove all distractions from the area if you can. This includes trying to multitask as you study. Take charge of your schedule and know that saying “no” to some things now will open up so many more “yes” opportunities in the future.

Is your topic boring? Reach out for ways to make the subject come alive. Be proactive in finding videos and outsourcing more information beyond the book. Ultimately, realize that this topic is helping you move toward a goal that will be more rewarding.

Own your schedule and set your study sessions up in shorter pockets throughout the day. These small efforts will build up over the weeks and months until you have gained and retained a vast amount of knowledge. Remember: that six-season show will be there in the years to come – your learning opportunities are only here for a limited time.

Conclusion

As with any other skill you learn and perfect, remember to be kind to yourself. If you make a mistake as you experiment, it’s okay! Enjoy the process and make it your own. Make special snacks, listen to LoFi instrumental music (no lyrics), and give yourself a reward each time you complete a goal. You’ll be amazed by how much you can learn by making your study time more meaningful.

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College Living & Self-Storage

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 00:00:00 GMT

You’ve been accepted to your dream college, signed up for classes, assigned a dorm room, and are ready to start on your education. You show up with your belongings to claim your space and discover that you don’t have as much room as you previously believed. And, worse, you have to vacate your dorm room at the beginning of summer.

Rather than carting around all your belongings between semesters, or overcrowding your space, you may be looking into a self-storage unit. But what should you know as a college student renting your first unit?

Plan Early

Self-storage is in high demand around college campus’ all over the United States. Smaller units, from 5×5 to 5×10, are especially desirable for college students. That is why we recommend calling and reserving a unit two to three months prior to the start of the semester. This is also a great time to ask your facility what specials are available. One month before you begin, contact your self-storage facility and re-confirm your reservation.

Know What You Need

It may be tempting to overpack for your life at college, but resist. College is a fun, however stressful, experience, and having to pack and unpack each semester will only add to the stress. Try to plan ahead with what you will need versus what you want to bring. This will make packing/unpacking easier and will downsize what you need to store in your unit.

Set Up AutoPay

Due dates are nothing new to students. Assignments, projects, and exams all take up space in your mind and schedule. By setting up automatic payments to your storage unit, you never have to worry about accruing various fees or getting locked out when you need your items most.

Purchase Insurance

Whatever you store, be sure that you take advantage of the insurance offered by your facility. Insurance provides peace of mind and protects your belongings should anything unexpected happen, like theft or natural disasters. Visit our post here for more information on what and how to store your items to your best advantage.

In need of a storage unit? Check out www.townestorage.com for a facility near you!

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Communication: Negotiating Skills as a Customer

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 00:00:00 GMT

No matter how young or old you are, the ability to negotiate is a skill everyone needs. But how do you acquire this skill? These tips and techniques can help get you started.

Please note: While the focus of this article is to supply useful tips for customers, these skills can be applied to any situation.

First Rule of Negotiation: Be Kind

The best negotiators recognize the importance of kindness in their interactions with other people. Since humans are incredibly complex beings, the last thing that is helpful to your cause is disregarding that the person across the counter has emotions, feelings, and needs. So, as you approach the employee that is going to help you, reach out and be kind, no matter the tone or attitude of the other person.

Being kind does not mean that you should excuse any bad behavior, but rather, to try to take each approach without escalating the issue. Sometimes it is necessary to call in a manager for problem resolution, but it should only be done as a last resort.

In addition, employees report they are more willing to go above and beyond for customers who are kind than those who are rude, deriding, and threatening. As Baz Gale once said, “Kindness, it costs nothing but means everything…”

Go in with a Plan

There are two parts to this step: first, clearly define the problem that needs to be solved (ie. what you need); and second, how the problem is resolved in a way that is beneficial to both parties. By entering with a well-defined plan, you have something to negotiate with. For example: are you trying to return an item that is past the 90-day return policy? Your plan might be to accept store credit or a discounted return. This way, you receive the benefit of money via a gift card, and the store doesn’t lose money for a return made past the 90-day limit.

Whatever your plan, be sure that it benefits both parties.

Your plan should include tangible information, not generalities. If you are trying to negotiate a debt settlement, use concrete numbers and not a range of what you might be able to afford. If you are requesting a raise at work, know what a person should make with your experience and ask for the amount or percentage increase. By being specific, you can keep the doors of communication open for the other person to agree or to offer another solution.

Understand Possible Objections and How to Overcome Them

A business or employee may have concerns with fulfilling your requests, so communication is vital to keep the negotiations going. This includes three parts:

1- Listen carefully to what they are saying – not how they are saying it.

2- Repeat their objection to make sure that you are understanding what they are saying.

3- Offer a solution to the objection.

Don’t be afraid of silence while you collect your thoughts. There is an inclination to rush everything in life, but resist the urge to rush when negotiating. Silence is your ally so let it work its magic to your advantage.

Accept You May Not Get What You Want

No matter how hard you may work at perfecting your negotiating skills, there is still a chance that you may not accomplish what you wanted. Whatever the case, accept it graciously. People will appreciate your strength of character and be more willing to help you in future situations if you leave each situation with a positive attitude.

Basic Communication Tips

1- Listen with the intent to understand. It can be so easy to think of your next response while someone else is talking. Don’t do this! Paying attention will save a lot of miscommunication and time.

2- Don’t interrupt and ask that you not be interrupted. There is a temptation to jump in when someone says something that we don’t agree with. No argument ever reached a resolution by the participants interrupting one another, so if you want a productive conversation: don’t interrupt! If you are interrupted, get the other person’s attention and politely remind them that you weren’t finished speaking.

3- Ask for clarification if something is not clear to you.

4- Resist knee-jerk reactions. Staying in control of yourself is the best way to enter and leave a conversation.

5- Be willing to walk away. Sometimes those we communicate with are not willing to follow the basic rules of effective communication. Know that it is healthy to set and keep boundaries so that you are not drained emotionally, physically, and mentally. Rather than becoming frustrated, give yourself the gift of walking away.

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Preparing for Future Opportunities

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 00:00:00 GMT

In July, we examined ways to become more independent and budgeting resources for the future. In continuing with that theme, is how to prepare for opportunities that come your way. As you make changes in your life for the better, you should expect better things for your life. But are you prepared for the opportunities that come your way? We can help!

Start with where you are and know where you are going. If you followed the previous blog (found here), you have already taken stock of what resources you have at your disposal. This is also the time to recognize and catalog any skills, abilities, and interests that you have. When you know where you are starting, you can then focus on where you want to be in the future. Once you know where you would like to be in your personal life and occupation, you can then start planning and looking for opportunities that will push you in that direction.

Be a goal achiever . Many people give up early in the process, not because they don’t know how to set goals, but because they don’t know how to achieve them. One way to increase your chances of completing a goal is to break it down into simple steps with due dates and an accountability partner. If you don’t do this important step, it will be nearly impossible to mark your progress.

Should you feel yourself veering off course or feel that your goal wasn’t as detailed as you needed it, you can always adjust. The idea is the measurably move forward. Do not let life become a series of unplanned events in the hope that the random chaos will give you what you most want. This seldom – if ever – happens.

Remember: actions are more powerful than words.

Start immediately. Starting now brings you that much closer to the life you want, so don’t stall. If – and when – you feel overwhelmed, remember the reset method found here. Balance isn’t something you have: it’s what you cultivate, just like any other skill. View each experience as a learning experience and then make changes as necessary. At times, you may need to update your current knowledge at things that you are already good at.

Be wary of getting stuck, especially in the “acquisition” phase. You may feel refreshed and excited to start something new, but that excitement can quickly wain if focused on gaining new and shiny tools. For example, if you want to learn photography, you may feel a thrill from purchasing a camera, tripod, photo editing software, etc. However, you may notice that the excitement from buying isn’t at the same level as doing the actual work of taking pictures, spending hours editing them, and allowing for a learning curve (aka. beginner disappointment). Break down the process into small steps by learning about cameras long before buying one. Take time to read reviews on various camera models, and don’t purchase the most expensive model until you see a substantial return on your investment (then you can upgrade equipment).

Move forward in confidence. Once you start moving forward, keep going, no matter how slow. As you run into obstacles, don’t just cope: create! Keep a reflective journal to record your progress, setbacks, and how you overcome problems. Your journal will become a valuable asset as you gain momentum in your journey. It will be a reference for remembering how you dealt with past issues. You will find greater success in your reflections.

Expect opportunities to come. As you prepare and achieve your goals, opportunities will start showing up. Some of those opportunities may come in unexpected ways. Make sure you don’t overlook something just because it wasn’t presented the way you expected it to be. As Omar Epps once said, “I believe success is preparation, because opportunity is going to knock on your door sooner or later but are you prepared to answer that?” Expect great things to come your way. After all, you’ve planned and worked toward them, don’t be surprised when they show up!

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Resource Budgeting for Beginners

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 00:00:00 GMT

According to dictionary.com, the word budget implies the amount of money needed or available for a purpose. At Towne Storage, we know the importance a budget can make to those with limited funds available. But have you ever considered other non-monetary resources to budget? In this post, we will be continuing with our theme of living providently by exploring the different ways to allocate and budget the different resources in your life.

Tips that Apply to all Areas

Take stock of what you have.
Be realistic about what you can – and can’t – afford to use.
Always save resources for rainy days.

FINANCES

Money is the most obvious resource for budgeting. Hundreds of books, blog articles, and workshops have been dedicated to this topic. So why is this also one area that most people struggle with? One theory is that it is extraordinarily difficult to set limits on yourself. Saying no to yourself can seem like a real punishment. It is important to ask yourself why you have a desire to budget in the first place and remind yourself of this often:

“Budgeting isn’t about limiting yourself – it’s about making the things that excite you possible.” -unknown

One popular way to budget money is called the 50/30/20 method. In short, 50% of your net income should be spent on needs and obligations; 30% should be put into a savings account, and 20% should be used for wants and/or debt payments.

It should be noted, however, that if your debt payment is larger than the 20% allocated in this budget, it is strongly recommended to pay off existing debt before starting the 30% savings. These numbers are not set in stone, and you will know your financial situation better than anyone, so play with the percentages to find what works best for you.

TIME

There is a saying that “time is money,” but time is more than financial currency. Time allows you to work, play, learn, and grow, and unlike money, once spent, cannot be replaced. Here are some tips for saving time.

Plan ahead. Do you have a day set aside for running errands? Or do you prefer to group errands by where you will be that day? You should also consider alternatives to driving, such as grocery delivery. Also, consider planning breaks and leaving space for spontaneous activity.
Weigh your options. As you find things that you need to spend time on, reflect on whether you are looking for the easy now or the better later. For example: learning to use and set up a budget in Excel may take time at first, but maintenance is quick and easy.
Take time to learn. It’s easy to get caught up in day-to-day activities and forget that learning is an important aspect of managing time. How? As you learn you activate your brain in ways that help keep it healthy and young. In addition, you gain valuable insight into making good decisions, problem-solving, and skills that can help you in the future. No matter what you study, the benefits far outweigh a day of watching television.

FOOD

Each of us has heard of a person who can make gourmet meals out of leftovers or a few ingredients. While this is an incredible skill to have, most of us will not have acquired it at the time this blog post goes live. Don’t be disheartened! Here are some tips for managing your food resources.

Clean out your refrigerator often. Knowing what you have can help eliminate food waste.
Plan out well-balanced meals and create a grocery list from those recipes.
Purchase what you and your family will realistically eat. As well-intended as eating Brussel sprouts may seem, if no one will eat them, it’s a waste of time, money, and food.

ENERGY + EMOTIONAL WELLBEING

Managing your resources wouldn’t be complete without managing your self-care. Knowing how far you can push yourself, and not going beyond, is just as important as a well-planned meal and a beautiful Excel budget file.

Make sure to exercise moderately.
Get enough sleep.
Socialize frequently with uplifting people.
Do something you enjoy.
Avoid drugs and alcohol.
Eat healthily.
Focus on the future, not reviewing past hurts.

What tools have helped you manage your resources? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Resource Budgeting for Beginners appeared first on Towne Storage .

Getting Back on Your Feet

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 00:00:00 GMT

A pandemic, job loss, inflation: just one of these things can cause a staggering amount of stress. To have all three at once can be life-altering. Whether you are dealing with financial setbacks or struggling with mental health, you may be wondering how you will get back on your feet again. It’s time to reclaim your power and make small, easy, daily decisions to help you stand up and take charge of your life!

Encouragement Before Beginning

You should know that failing does not mean you are a failure. Inventor Thomas Edison failed 1,000 times when trying to create a light bulb, or rather, in his own words “I didn’t fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps.” So, take courage and look at this experience as just that: an experience. One you can either choose to learn from or choose to get lost in.

Time to RESET

If you are reading this article, chances are that you are ready for a change. Change can, however, be daunting and challenging to maintain. When you find yourself getting overwhelmed, try these simple steps:

R ecover – Take a deep breath and rest a moment to clear your mind. As you create new habits, expect yourself to struggle and make peace with that struggle. Remind yourself that setbacks are a part of life and the next steps in this process will help you move forward again.
E xperience – Allow yourself to feel whatever emotion arises, but remember to not wallow in your feelings. You will be better able to deal with your emotions as you identify them and stay in control of your decision-making by not making decisions while emotionally upset.
S upport – Set up a support system as soon as possible. This can include family, friends, health professionals, and anyone in your network. Be careful in this step: the people in your support system have needs too, so be ready to accept the role of support person in return. The idea is to find people who can help you think of solutions to problems, and hopefully, point you toward resources that can help you. For example: if you have lost your job, reach out to others to see if they know of a company hiring for your skillset.
E ducation – Get the information that you need. If you need help with debt reduction, search online for budgeting insights and debt consolidation. Find out what programs are available in your area to help you with rent, food, and other necessities. If you are feeling stretched thin from taking and picking up your child(ren) from school every day, start a carpool group where you are only responsible for taking kids one to two days a week. If you want to cut down on using gasoline, research what stores offer free delivery to your doorstep, especially for groceries (helpful tip: doing so will prevent last-minute purchases not on your grocery list AND save you time that you would spend on shopping the aisles).
T ackle – Tackle one challenge, one step at a time. Too many tasks can prevent you from completing anything, so focus your attention and energy on a single task until it is completed. You will be amazed at all you can do as you hone in on what needs to be done and then do it without distraction.

Most importantly, don’t give up!

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Do’s (and Don’ts) for Business Self-Storage

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 00:00:00 GMT

If you are a small business owner, you know that growth can be exciting – and maybe even a little overwhelming. Increased business often means a need for more inventory on hand, larger office space, and perhaps even hiring an employee to give you an extra set of hands.

Should you find yourself in need of more space and have decided that a storage unit is something that would benefit you, you may be wondering what is – and what isn’t – legal for businesses that use storage units. Here are a few tips to help you out!

The Do’s

Storing Inventory, Tools, and Larger Equipment: Keeping your workspace clutter-free, no matter how valuable the clutter is, helps increase productivity. Towne Storage makes it possible to access your business assets in a safe, secure environment, 365 days a year. For example, an eBay seller may keep inventory in a unit until sold, or a landscaping company may need a place to keep tools when not on a job.

Other professions, such as artisans and crafters, need safe, dry places to keep stock. Be sure to ask your local facility manager for indoor, climate-controlled units which are best for maintaining an even temperature for sensitive items.

Document Storage: Business documents, such as licenses, EINs, and other tax documents, are not replaceable if lost. We recommend keeping three copies of each document: a physical copy in the office, a digital copy using an online storage system, and another physical copy within your storage unit. Climate-controlled units work best for keeping documents safe, as they lessen the effects of humidity and heat.

Order Fulfillment: Well-organized units make fulfilling orders a breeze. We recommend outfitting your unit with shelving, clear bins (with lids!), and labels where needed. And with packing supplies sold at every site, you’ll have what you need when fulfilling orders.

The Don’ts

Not an Office/Workshop Space: You may already know that it isn’t legal to live in your storage unit (especially if you read our blog post here), but what about office space? The answer is the same: no.

Storage units are not outfitted to accommodate the support or comfort of people (or any other living thing for that matter!). So leave the computers and equipment at home/the office.

Using the Unit as a Storefront: Just like turning your unit into an office space is a no-no, using your unit to sell from is also not allowed. Security is one of our biggest priorities, but we need your help. Each of our locations requires individual access codes that should never be given out to anyone else – especially to your customers who can reenter with your code, with or without your consent.

Storing Hazardous Materials or Scented Items/Food: Storage facilities aren’t equipped to handle hazardous materials, food, or other perishable items. Storing these items also invites pests, like rodents and bugs. Always check your lease for specifics and if you have questions, reach out to the facility manager for help!

In conclusion, renting a storage unit for your growing business is a great option for keeping extra inventory and equipment, as well as being budget-friendly. Visit www.townestorage.com for a location near you and get started today!

The post Do’s (and Don’ts) for Business Self-Storage appeared first on Towne Storage .

Self-Storage for Business

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Are you a small business that is outgrowing your office space? Is inventory taking over your workspace? If either of these questions is answered with a “yes,” then this is the perfect time to reclaim your space with a storage unit! But you may be wondering, how do I go about setting up a unit for my business? Let’s take a look at some simple steps to get started.

Choosing a Facility

The right facility can go a long way in helping you manage your business. Here are some things to consider when selecting a facility:

Is the facility clean?
Is the facility close to major roadways with easy access?
What security features does the facility have? Are there security cameras and a gated entry requiring an access code?
What does the facility allow and not allow to be stored in a unit? (This blog post will help get you started, though you’ll want to check the rental agreement for your facility’s specific limitations.)

Once you have decided on a facility, you will need to choose your unit. We’ve covered how to select the perfect unit on our blog here .

Before signing the lease, we recommend taking a tour of your new unit. Is the unit clean, with all seals intact? If so, those are good signs that the unit is well taken care of.

Insurance or No Insurance

Now that you’ve selected the facility and unit that best fits your needs, you will find yourself considering whether to purchase storage insurance or not. While you may not anticipate anything going wrong when you store, the unexpected can happen. Your inventory is an important asset to your company, so having insurance is highly recommended.

If you do decide to have insurance, be sure to keep a running inventory of what is being stored in your unit, along with its value. This will help if you should ever need to make a claim.

Prepping Your Unit

Once your lease has been signed, it’s time to set your unit up for inventory. Because you will be focusing on inventory management, consider setting up a shelving system with aisles for easier access and to prevent overpacking. More expensive items should be stored toward the back of the unit, and, where possible, covered to prevent dust gathering.

The Business Side

There are some additional benefits to renting a storage unit for your business, aside from the ability to have more space where you work.

Be sure to keep receipts. All rental payments and any fees associated should be considered expenditures to the business and included in your tax documents.

Record mileage whenever you visit the unit on business-related matters. Whether you are picking up inventory or adding more to your unit, be sure to keep a mileage log as part of your tax documents.

To get you started, visit townestorage.com for a Towne Storage facility near you today!

The post Self-Storage for Business appeared first on Towne Storage .

How to Navigate Garage Sales Like a Pro

Tue, 17 May 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Garage sales are part of the fun of spring and summer, so how do you shop like a pro? These tips and tricks just might help you snag that amazing deal found in someone else’s yard.

PLAN YOUR ROUTE FOR FLEXIBILITY

As you do your research for your travel route from sale to sale, make sure to plan for unadvertised yard sales. Unadvertised sales aren’t as heavily picked over, so these can be excellent places to find great bargains. You will also want to prioritize where you want to shop. You may find antiques in older neighborhoods and higher ticket items at estate sales. It’s best to arrive at your highest priority sales within the first 30 minutes of the sale opening, but don’t forget to check back during the last 30 minutes of the sale when items might be significantly marked down to get them to sell.

READY … SET …

Before you head out with your mapped-out route, make sure that you are prepared for the day. Consider cleaning out your car and knowing the size limit of what you can buy so that you don’t have to worry about how you will get the items home.

While this next tip might sound obvious, you will want to wear comfortable clothing and shoes as you will be sitting and walking a lot between the sales. Garage sale pros will often spend hours on their feet, so having comfortable wear can be a lifesaver.

Traveling and shopping can take a lot of energy, so take some water and snacks with you for replenishment.

Finally, though we recommend sellers prepare shopping bags at checkout (in a previous blog post here ), you might want to bring shopping bags or boxes to store purchases in while in your car.

GO!

You’ve got your route, your comfy clothes, and are prepared for actual shopping. Now is the time to start looking for deals!

When you find something that you wish to buy, check how the seller’s price compares with eBay. If the deal is better than what you can find on eBay – great job! You’ve found a bargain! And if the price is higher than eBay (shipping included), be brave and ask the seller if they would be willing to discount the item.

Some sellers may be savvy enough to have card readers at their sales, but be aware that using a credit card may raise the price of the item to cover transaction fees. As the saying goes, “cash is king,” so having smaller bills and change on hand will save you money in the long run!

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for bundle pricing. Do you like a certain blouse with that pair of jeans over there? See if the seller will give you a discount for taking both. Not only will you save a little money, but the seller will make a bigger sale!

Are you a garage sale pro? Did we miss any tips? Let us know in the comment section!

The post How to Navigate Garage Sales Like a Pro appeared first on Towne Storage .

Garage Sale Season: Setting Up to Sell

Tue, 03 May 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Summer is quickly approaching and that means it’s time for garage sales to begin. Now is the perfect time to prepare for a successful garage sale and we hope these tips help you on your way to earning a little extra cash.

Start Early to Skip the Stress

GATHERING INVENTORY

Starting the decluttering process now will give you both inventory to sell and peace of mind. Not sure where to start? We have several articles on our blog here to get you started.

Place similar items in the same pile to save time organizing later.

SET THE DATE

The weekends are considered the best time to hold garage sales. Friday and Saturday from 7 am to 11 am are the peak times that people are out scouting for great bargains. Also, it’s better to plan your sale for the first weekend of the month since most people have more money to shop with.

Consider asking family and neighbors if they are interested in combining their garage sales with yours. This will drive more traffic to your sale as people generally prefer less travel, and larger neighborhood sales will attract more attention.

MAKE DECISIONS AHEAD OF TIME

Someone I look up to once told me that if you make a decision ahead of time, it will save you from a lot of struggle and panic later on. I think this is great advice for many things, including garage sales. Things to consider might be what you will do with items that don’t sell, where you will set up, who will be helping you, and what sort of change you’ll need.

Study the Pros

TREAT YOUR SALE LIKE A BUSINESS

Ever wonder how successful stores make so many sales? A lot has to do with branding, but there is a lot to be said for presentation. Arranging your inventory attractively can do a lot to help your sales. For example, bundle items together. If you are selling clothing, put the items together as an outfit. Not only will people see how the pieces work together, but you are more likely to sell an entire ensemble if it’s all together. If items are dirty or dusty, polish them up to make them more appealing to your customers.

Part of presentation includes where products are placed. People are more willing to buy what’s at eye level, so resist putting smaller items on the ground. Tables are a great way to display items. Have a table reserved for a checkout area, with bags for customers to place their items in once purchased.

In addition, consider selling treats and drinks near your checkout. Grocery stores make a great deal of money on “last-minute” sales, which is why you see so many products in the checkout lanes. And if your sellers have been out and about for a long time, they might want a small pick-me-up before continuing to the next sale.

Selling with the Right Price

PRICE TO MOVE

While it would be so nice to make millions in garage sales, it is not likely that this will happen. Because of this, it’s important to realize that your inventory needs to move or you will not make anything at all.

Of course, this doesn’t mean giving things away for pennies on the dollar, but it could entail selling for 10-20% of the retail price for items in good condition. If you have items that are worth more and you don’t want to lose out on the profit, a garage sale probably won’t be the best market for that item. Realize that the audience of garage sales are usually people looking for fantastic deals and won’t be willing to pay over what the item is worth, so don’t be afraid to lower the price of things just to keep yourself from having to donate the item later.

PRICE AHEAD OF THE SALE

Pricing ahead of time will save you time and money. You won’t be in the awkward situation of trying to come up with a price on the spot – after all, you have more important things to focus on the day of the sale! Make sure your price tags are visible no matter the size of the item. This will also help eliminate confusion and chaos on the day of the sale.

Final Thoughts

A few things to consider:

Don’t place things on hold – even if they are paid for. Too many times items are put on hold and no one comes back for them, so the best way to avoid a future headache is to only make sales to people who come prepared to take the item away at the moment of purchase.

Have a calculator, chair, and pen and paper at hand. Whatever will make the sale run smoothly is worth investing in and these tools are hopefully something you already have in your home.

Finally, be safe. Garage sales invite strangers to your home and safety should still be key. Things like locking your doors, not allowing anyone inside your home that you don’t know, and having multiple people you trust to help you at the sale, can go a long way in helping you have a safe and fun garage sale.

The post Garage Sale Season: Setting Up to Sell appeared first on Towne Storage .

Home Security Tips That Anyone Can Do

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 00:00:00 GMT

On average, a burglary happens every 30 seconds in the United States.* Your home should be your safe space, so with such a high number of break-ins, it’s no wonder that this is the most feared type of property crimes. Most people feel that a security system is enough to deter crime, and while it does help, there are many things that each of us can do to make our home a safe haven.

Judge Your House by Its Cover

Thieves love untidy yards. Shrubs or hedges that are overgrown provide a hiding place. Even something simple like an unkempt lawn could be a sign that you’re on vacation and the house is empty. Consider hiring a landscaping company (or a neighborhood teen looking for a summer job) to keep your yard trimmed and polished.

In addition, don’t leave tools outside if you are not using them. Leaving out a ladder welcomes thieves with access to the upper levels of your home. Try to keep gardening, house, and barbeque tools out of sight when not in use. The less thieves have to work with, the less likely they will be to break in.

Being Away from Home

It isn’t realistic to expect yourself to stay home 24/7 to deter crime. The following tips will help your home seem like it’s occupied, even when you are away.

Set lights on a timer. This tip is especially useful at night by turning lights on and off throughout the house, as though someone is living and moving from room to room.
Use frosted vinyl to cover the windows around your door and on your garage door. Inexpensive and easy to install, thieves will be hard-pressed to know if your car is in the garage.
Ask a trusted neighbor to gather your mail, including any flyers or notes left on the door while you are away. Experienced thieves will scout their targets in advance, and anything left on the porch or yard for more than a day or two signals that no one is home.
Motion lighting will help deter thieves, who prefer to stay in the dark.

Update Your Home in Simple Ways

You don’t need to spend a lot of money to update your own home to make it safer.

Replace your existing door screws with 3” or longer screws. This will allow your screws to reach through the door frame into a much sturdier stud.
Place a thick bar or dowel in the track of a sliding glass door. Sliding doors are notoriously easy to unlock. By jamming the door’s ability to open, thieves will be forced to break the glass to get in; in turn, making a lot of noise.
Add a peephole to your front door and ask for identification from unknown visitors. Many burglars will pose as landscapers, gas company employees, and even police. Once you see their identification, contact the company they claim to represent to confirm their employment.
Many burglars are off-put by dogs, so make it look like you have one even if you don’t. Dog toys, a warning sign about a dog inside, and a leash are great ways to hint that your home is guarded.

If it’s in the Budget

These last suggestions do cost more money and require installers, but they are great investments if you want something a little more.

Get shatterproof glass for your windows.
Invest in door braces (used for doors that swing inward) that make it nearly impossible for anyone to kick in the door.
Get a metal front door.
Invest in a security system, but keep the security box away from windows/doors where people might see you input your code.

For secure self-storage, visit www.townestorage.com for a facility near you!

*https://www.safewise.com/blog/8-surprising-home-burglary-statistics/

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New to Renovation? Here are Tips to Get You Started

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 00:00:00 GMT

If you have ever watched home renovations shows, you might feel inspired to give your own home a good refresh – and that means more than a fresh coat of paint. Whether you trek into your project as a DIY-er or if you are contracting the work out to professionals, here are some tips that can help make the experience a little easier.

Understand Your Local Requirements

Many cities require that you get approval and permits before you start your project, whether you are doing the renovation yourself or not. You will want to contact your local building and permits office, but generally, anything structurally changed requires special permits. Plumbing and electrical are also included in this, even if it’s only replacing what is already there.

Inspections are Vital

To have a final stamp of approval on your renovation, you must pass inspections. Inspections include electrical, structural support (don’t take out a load-bearing wall!), and plumbing and will require a professional to sign off that your new changes are up to building code. Without these, you may find it difficult to sell your house down the road – and it might open up potential lawsuits if you do sell and something goes wrong.

Expect the Unexpected

Expecting problems in your project is especially applicable with older houses, where time has worn down building materials, mold has taken root, and things like lead or asbestos were commonplace in paint and even flooring. But don’t stress! A good rule of thumb is to hold 10-15% of your reno budget aside for unplanned contingencies. And the best part: if you don’t use those funds, you just saved yourself some money!

Be Flexible and Willing to Compromise

Renovations can get expensive. What you think might be a lot of money may not tick all the boxes of what you want to have done in your project. Being flexible doesn’t mean that you can’t have certain things, it just means that you may have to approach that want list with a creative and open mind. For example: do you want a double vanity but the cost for that extra sink and plumbing is over budget? You may want to reflect on why having two sinks is important to you. If it’s a matter of increased counter space, and not necessarily about two places to wash your hands, consider a dry vanity in place of that second sink. You get the space you need at a price you can afford.

Consider Hiring an Interior Designer – Not Decorator

One of the reasons that home renovation shows are so successful is because each big reveal is dressed up by a professional designer. It’s important to note that designers are different from decorators, as designers have been trained to take into consideration human behavior to create both beautiful and functional spaces. Decorators use decorative elements to create a certain style or look.

Clear Things Out

Most renovations will require removing all items from the room(s) where work is being done. That is the perfect time to go through your belongings and declutter. We’ve covered tricks and tips to decluttering in previous blog posts, but to sum up: create “keep”, “donate”, and “trash/recycle” piles. Consider renting a storage unit for the time that your renovations are taking place. With Towne Storage, we offer month-by-month rates so you are never locked into staying a longer time than you need.

The post New to Renovation? Here are Tips to Get You Started appeared first on Towne Storage .

What Type of Storage Unit do I Need?

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMT

One of the most frequent questions our managers get is “What size unit do I need?” While this is easy enough to answer based on the volume of items that you will be bringing to store, a harder question might be “What type of unit do I need?”

In this post, we’ll discuss the various types of storage units and why you do – and don’t – need them.

Drive-Up or Inside Unit

You often have two options to start with: a unit that you can drive up to or one that is inside a building.

Drive-up units are great for those who frequently visit and change out their belongings. This type of unit features a door that is outside, so it makes it easy for you to drive directly up to your unit. People who might want this type of unit are businesses that specialize in a trade and store their tools; people who own outdoor equipment (such as tents, skis, or sporting equipment); and finally, anyone who is storing an automobile or other type of vehicle.

The downside with drive-up units is minimal at best. Because they do directly face the outdoors, dust and dirt can more easily access your belongings. This can be remedied by ensuring that your unit door has the proper seal along the bottom and sides before you rent the unit. Check for gaps when the door is closed. You will also want to check with your facility to ensure whether or not your drive-up unit is climate-controlled. Many facilities strive to be energy efficient and outdoor units take a lot of power to keep cool, which can add to the cost of your unit if it’s included in your rent.

Inside units are the perfect solution for those who have more temperature sensitive items like furniture, documents, collectables, etc. They have the added measure of cleanliness by being separated from the outdoor dust and rain. Customers who might benefit from an indoor unit include those who are moving homes, business owners storing excess inventory, document storage, and collectables.

Some of the drawbacks of an inside unit comes down to ease of access. It takes a little longer to get to your unit than a drive-up one, and you’ll probably need to acquire a dolly for moving items back and forth.

Climate-Control or No Air-Cooling

This might seem like an easy choice and nowadays newer facilities have adapted to include climate-control in most, if not all, of their units. But occasionally, you will find facilities without air-cooling.

Climate-controlled units have the advantage of keeping your items – and yourself – out of the extreme temperatures of winter and summer. This is perfect for anything mentioned above in the pros of inside units. If you visit your unit regularly, you should be keeping your comfort in mind as well. These types of units cost only marginally more than non-climate units, so renting one won’t cost too much either.

So with all these great benefits, why wouldn’t you want a climate-controlled unit? The truth is, they provide a lot of benefits over a unit that doesn’t, so this really comes down to personal preference. If you are storing short-term (<month), you may want to skip the extra expense of climate-control. You may also prefer a drive-up unit; in which case it may not have this feature. Either way, the decision is really yours!

First Floor or Multi-Level

Many facilities offer both first floor units and second (and third!) story units. First floor units are ideal for those who want an inside unit, have heavier items to store, and still want easier access than upper levels offer.

Upper levels have the advantage of less foot traffic – meaning less dust travel. If you have mainly lightweight items to store, and don’t mind using elevators, you’ll also find that they save you money on rent.

Looking for that perfect unit? We can help! Contact your nearest Towne Storage today and ask about our latest deals.

The post What Type of Storage Unit do I Need? appeared first on Towne Storage .

Less Mess: Why Staying Organized Saves You Money

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Do you remember the show Extreme Couponing (2011)? In case you haven’t, this television program showcased people who paid little to no money for their groceries (and sometimes the grocery store ended up paying them!) by using a variety of methods to coupon their way out of a grocery bill. Sounds like something that could be useful in 2022, right?

While you may not want to be a full-time “coupon guru,” there are ways to keep costs down that involves using what you already have and simply organizing your belongings. Hard to believe? Just take a look at these reasons for getting things in order.

Do I Already Have This?

Have you ever been at the store and just can’t remember if you already have the item that is in your hand? In order to save on a trip back to the store in case not, the item is purchased only for you to find the same thing in that safe-place-you-won’t-forget-about-but-do a few months later.

Being organized is a great way to know what you have and where you have it. A lot of waste comes from forgetting what is in your fridge and sometimes, why you bought it. According to usda.gov, 133 billion pounds of food is wasted each year. So, keeping your refrigerator organized, as well as your meal plans, prevents food waste and overbuying.

The Subscription Trap

What goes along with the above section are buy again subscriptions that allow you to order certain products automatically. It is easy to forget that an order is coming up, and if you haven’t used all of your previous products, start building excess products. According to Yahoo.com’s recent survey, around 5% of adults admitted that they don’t even use the products – a whopping average of $348 a year. The solution? Write out a list of all your subscriptions, including non-food items like entertainment fees and what you pay per month and year. Are there ones that you aren’t getting any real value from? If so, drop them.

Time is Money

The saying that “Time is Money” isn’t always wrong when it comes to organization. Did you know that Americans spend about 2.5 days a year looking for lost things? * This same survey states that Americans spend an average of $2.7 billion annually replacing lost items, and looking for those items causes 60% of lateness for work or school, with 49% completely missing an appointment or meeting.

Doing simple things like installing a key rack to hold your keys when at home, putting those remotes in a see-through bin on the couch, will help you keep better track of easily losable items.

Bills and Taxes, Oh My!

Document organization will lessen the chance that important items are forgotten or accidentally discarded. Having a place to keep bills, even if it is a small desk, will help prevent bills from being paid late. Say goodbye to late fees!

Even documents that are only accessed once a year, such as for taxes, will end up saving you a lot of headaches and running around with a little organization assistance.

Save, Donate, or $ell

So far, we’ve talked about organization saving you money, but did you know that organizing can also make you money? It’s true – those five toasters that you got from your wedding, but never even opened the boxes all those years ago can be a great way to create a little extra cash flow. Whether you sell them or donate them for a tax credit, you will be amazed at what you can do with things you no longer need.

Less Mess = Less Stress

Finally, as you declutter and open up time and space into your life, you will benefit from a noticeable decrease in stress levels. And less stress helps your body withstand sickness and illness. With greater health comes fewer medical bills, but even more importantly, you will feel better. And there’s no price that can be put on that.

*Survey via Pixie; getpixie.com

The post Less Mess: Why Staying Organized Saves You Money appeared first on Towne Storage .

Moving to Salt Lake City?

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 00:00:00 GMT

It’s a Desert … Sort of

Utah is considered an arid desert, including hot summers and cold winters. Because of this, people come from all over the world to participate in winter skiing. In 2002, the state hosted the Winter Olympics and unlike many other locations, has kept venues well maintained for tourists to enjoy. Having said this, it is still wise to stick to established ski routes, as the mountains can be subject to avalanches and landslides during wet-winter times.

The summers are really dry, so make sure to have your lotion handy, especially if you are more accustomed to humidity. There are many outdoor activities during the summer, so make sure to keep water on hand if you plan to be out during the day.

Historical Sites & Museums

Utah has a plethora of historical sites to explore. From the “This is the Place” monument to the Salt Palace (not made of salt!) to “Hobbitville,” to Temple Square, there is something for everyone to discover.

There are also several museums up and down the Wasatch Front. Some are more niche, like the John Hutchings Museum, though many are devoted to Utah heritage and ancient history. There are even children’s museums, like the Discovery Gateway which includes tons of hands-on activities encouraging children to explore science, art, and creativity.

One Long Stretch of Urban Landscaping

One of the unique aspects of Utah is that the cities blend together without feeling overpopulated. This is due to larger yard sizes and a grid-like system of streets and roads that keeps everything connected. While this mathematically inspired system is confusing to newcomers, it quickly becomes a great way to track how close you are to a location. If you are planning on moving here, make sure you understand how graphs systems work. It will save you a lot of time and confusion!

Diversified Job Market

Being a mostly urban landscape, the job market in Utah is not only flourishing but is also diverse. Whether you are a recent college graduate or established in a trade, you will be able to find something to suit your career path.

All the Space You Need

Towne Storage has fifteen facility locations in Salt Lake County alone, giving you that extra space you need. Whether that’s a closet space or something larger to fit an automobile, we have what you need to get organized to live a less cluttered life.

Visit www.townestorage.com to find a location near you!

#TowneStorage #Declutter #MovingtoSaltLake #MovingtoUtah #SaltLakeCity #StorageUnit #Moving #MovingTips

The post Moving to Salt Lake City? appeared first on Towne Storage .

Document Organization and Storage

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Organizing Supplies

Here is a list of basic supplies that can help with your filing system.

Places to keep your files
Filing cabinet
Portable file box
Hanging folders
Manila folders
Marker/pen/label maker

Tax Documents

The first thing to figure out is what tax documents you need. H&R Block has an excellent list of documents you need for tax season right here . ( https://www.hrblock.com/tax-prep-checklist/what-do-i-need-to-file-taxes/ )

Once you know what you need, you can start building a folder with all your tax documentation inside. This includes deductible receipts, W-2 forms, rental and retirement income, and other income and losses. As you work on adding to this file year-round, you will not only save yourself time come April, but also the headache of having to search through a year’s worth of paperwork all at once.

Bills & Statements

Whether you want to separate your bills by month or by type, you will want to use manila folders to collate each set. When issues arise, you will love how much easier it is to find your bills when organized this way.

Statements from your bank and investments should also have a place within your filing system. If they are all online, it is advisable to have hard copies printed as a backup.

Legal Documents

Other important documents should also be filed for easy access. Items like birth certificates and social security cards are difficult to replace, so it’s a good idea to have digital and physical copies on hand. Wills and/or trusts, car and home titles, and employment records should also be placed within their respective files.

Storing Files

If you find that your files are starting to stack up, limiting the space for you to add more documents, consider renting a small storage unit to keep documents in. This is especially important for businesses but can apply to personal assets as well. When storing documents, it’s advisable to use plastic-based banker boxes with silica gel packets to prevent moisture gathering. Banker boxes are great for keeping files upright, just like in a filing cabinet, and provide an extra level of security against dust and moisture.

Looking for a storage space to keep your documents safe? Towne Storage has the perfect sized, air-cooled, secure unit for you. Visit www.townestorage.com for a facility near you!

The post Document Organization and Storage appeared first on Towne Storage .

Moving to Las Vegas?

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Las Vegas, Nevada boasts great tourist attractions, but you may be wondering what it would be like to live in the city. Here are a few things about Sin City that you’ll want to consider before moving in.

Great Communities

When you move to Las Vegas, you will be greeted with a fantastic array of community-building activities. Las Vegas has a plethora of year-round events that involve residents. Many of these events are family-friendly.

And speaking of family, the school system does have a reputation for being among the worst in the nation, however, that is quickly changing.

Summers are Hot

This might seem obvious considering that Nevada is mainly a desert, but newcomers to the state might be surprised just how high temperatures can get. Temperatures can jump to a stifling 100-105 degrees Fahrenheit. This is one reason that Towne Storage offers air cooled units.

This arid climate breeds a variety of bugs and creatures. It’s recommended to hire a pest control company to service your home and keep unwanted visitors at bay. As a storage facility, we also employ a pest control company to keep your belongings critter free.

Lower to No Taxes

Since tourism drives a lot of revenue, Las Vegas is one of the rare places where you won’t pay income tax. Residents also pay lower sales tax rates and property taxes. The cost of living is, on average, less than the national average.

Air Quality can be … Bad

On average, Las Vegas is considered one of the worst cities when it comes to ozone pollution. This makes sense considering that the traffic count is extremely high. The city of Las Vegas is currently undergoing plans to help relieve air pollution with green initiatives.

Allergy season is also intense, so you’ll want to be mindful of your allergy symptoms and how to treat them so you can enjoy each day to the fullest.

Traffic

With so many vehicles in the city, it’s no surprise that traffic flow is painfully slow. Make sure to give yourself extra time when traveling through the city, as even side streets can come to a standstill. Because of this, our facilities are located on major roadways, have easy access points in and out of the property, and have early morning and late access hours so that you don’t have to worry about getting to your unit during rush hour.

The Great Outdoors & Entertainment

Las Vegas has a plethora of great outdoor activities. Whether you like to hike or camp, you’ll be able to enjoy the outdoors all year. And if you have allergies, they have outdoor activities that can be done indoors, like skydiving!

Entertainment is not limited to outdoor activities either. Las Vegas hosts a plethora of shows, concerts, and conventions. And you’ll even save on hotel fees since you will live so close to it all!

Do you live in Las Vegas? What do you love most about the city? Do you have any tips to help newcomers?

We’re here for you for your storage and moving needs. Contact your nearest Towne Storage facility for more information how we can help you as you transition to a new city today!

The post Moving to Las Vegas? appeared first on Towne Storage .

Living Your Dreams in 2022

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Mike Rowe once said, “I’m looking forward to the future, and feeling grateful for the past.” As 2022 begins, you may have been wondering what you can do this year that will make your life more fulfilling. Here are some tips to making the most of this next year, while being grateful for what the past few years has taught us.

Want to Travel? Consider a Road Trip

Road trips are a great way to make new discoveries and experience new places. Whether you stay in-state or go across the country, big trip or small, you will be amazed at all the things you can find and learn from the world around you. Road trips are a great way to enrich your life and provide an alternative to flying. With current flight restrictions, now is the perfect time to slow down and explore.

The 1% Method

Do you ever get overwhelmed when thinking of the word “goals”? You aren’t alone. There are many people who struggle with short-term goals, let alone long-term ones. So how do those who successfully complete their goals do it? The answer may be the 1% method and goes like this: create micro-successes that make you 1% closer to the person you want to be. At the end of the year, you will be 37% better at whatever skill you want to acquire. This can be learning a new language, a skill, or even learning to exercise regularly.

Reach Out to Family & Friends

One of the best ways to enrich this year is by making your relationships more meaningful. With the limited interaction of the past two years, we are feeling grateful for family and friends who’ve helped us through the isolation. Reconnect with family and friends that you haven’t seen in a while with a call, letter, or visit, or reach out to those you have seen and let them know how grateful you are for them.

Give Yourself Space

2022 is the perfect time to give yourself the gift of space. Let go of items that you no longer need by donating, recycling, or throwing things out slowly. If you find that you still need a little more space in your home, consider renting an affordable storage unit with Towne Storage. With 365 days/year access and climate-controlled units, you can keep those belongings in a safe, secure facility conveniently located near you.

Giving yourself space also includes unplugging frequently and allowing yourself to experience quiet and a refreshing recharge that will help you avoid burnout. Take time to appreciate how far you’ve come over the past two years. Many of us have had to make major adjustments to our lifestyles, so as you reflect, make sure to compliment yourself for making it through like the champion you are.

The post Living Your Dreams in 2022 appeared first on Towne Storage .

Christmas Traditions

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Writing letters to Santa, hanging lights on your Christmas tree, gift-giving, and leaving cookies out on Christmas Eve are all traditions recognized and practiced in the United States. Many of us love our family time, exchanging gifts, and carols during this time of year. While we consider these to be common forms of celebrating the season, you may even have some unique traditions in your family.

Here is a list of interesting – and amazing! – Christmas traditions around the world. Do you celebrate any of these?

ITALY – Christmas Witches

Look out Santa! In Italy, it isn’t ol’ St. Nick who delivers presents to children. Instead, the good witch Belfana shimmies down the chimney on the eve of January 5th to leave treats and gifts to children who have behaved well during the year. Children also leave a gift for Belfana – but no cookies! That’s right, Belfana has more refined tastes that are appeased with wine and other delicacies.

NORWAY – The Witches Continue

If you live in Norway, be prepared to hide your brooms on Christmas Eve. The day before Christmas is where mischievous witches fly about playing pranks on unsuspecting folks. Since they prefer brooms to fly on, Norwegians hide theirs until Christmas day.

GERMANY or SPAIN – In a Pickle

This next tradition is debated to come from either Germany or Spain. Either way, the tradition goes like this: on Christmas morning, children rush to the tree to find a hidden pickle there. Why? Whoever finds it gets an extra gift! This is great – and delicious – motivation to get up early on Christmas Day. (Not that most kids need it, of course.)

AUSTRIA – Wait … is it Halloween Again?

You don’t want to make Santa angry. After all, you might get coal in your stocking! Unless you’re in Austria, that is. If you make the naughty list, you should expect a visit from the Krampus, a ghoulish creature who also happens to be an evil friend of the big red man. These scary creatures are played by Christmas enthusiasts during the holiday season, who wander the streets and sneak up on and scare adults and children alike with their spooky costumes/masks. We don’t know about you, but we prefer coal!

PHILIPPINES – Lighting the Way 

Competition is fierce in this Christmas tradition. While we are busy stringing lights along our house and trees, teams from different villages create massive light displays that measure up to 6 meters in diameter! These kaleidoscopic creations are gorgeously designed for the Giant Lantern Festival, which entices globetrotters for an amazing show of light and pattern.

These fun traditions, while different from those in the United States, are wonderful and colorful in their own rights. Do you go crazy for decorations or do you prefer a simpler way to celebrate the season?

Either way, don’t forget that when it’s time to store your holiday décor away until the next year to rent a unit from your local Towne Storage. Not only will they be stored safely in our climate-controlled units, but this will also save space in your home. Visit  www.townestorage.com  and find a facility near you today!

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Storage Living – What’s Legal?

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT

If you are renting a storage unit or looking to rent one soon, there are some things that you need to know about what is – and isn’t – legal to store.
Home Away from Home?
You signed a lease and paid your rent, so does that mean you can treat the storage unit like a tiny apartment? The answer is: no. Not only is it illegal to live in a storage unit, but facilities also are not designed nor equipped to house living beings. Do not leave animals, plants, or children within a storage unit even if it is only “for a minute.” So for everyone’s safety, only store non-hazardous belongings in your unit.
Hazardous Materials
The definition for hazardous materials is any item that can cause death, injury, or damage to the environment. This includes:
Poisonous materials
Tires
Batteries
Fertilizers
Gasoline
Propane
Propane bottles
Taxidermy materials
Paints
Ammunition
Explosives
Compressed air
Compressors with tanks
Asbestos
Corrosives
Pollutants
Unlawful or stolen items
Drugs (illegal and prescription)
Flammable materials

Perishables and Scents

One of the best ways to attract rodents into your unit is to store food, beverages, and other perishable items. As mentioned in a previous post, rodents have more smell receptors in their brains making their sense of smell stronger than a human’s. Even though your food might be stored in an airtight canister, rodents will smell it anyway, and their teeth are strong enough to chew through metal. Avoid storing scented candles, which will also attract rodents into your unit.

Wet/Damp Items

While it’s okay to store your sports equipment when out of season, it’s important to make certain that none of your items are stored wet. Dampness can breed mold, particularly in a storage unit. So after your hose down your tents and scrub your gear clean, make sure to let them have plenty of time to dry.

Unsure if something is okay to store? Feel free to contact us at 1-877-701-3388. One of our friendly managers will be happy to answer your questions.

Find your nearest Towne Storage facility at www.townestorage.com

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Living in a Small Space

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Whether you are moving into an apartment or taking the leap into a tiny home, living in a small space can be tricky. So here are five helpful tips to get you started living the most where even the littlest saved space can make all the difference.

Decluttering

Do you have items that you haven’t used – let alone seen – in years? If so, the chances that you’ll need it in a smaller space are not very good. Taking a cue from Marie Kondo, if the item doesn’t “spark joy,” it might be time to do one of three things:

Donate the item
Recycle the item
Throw away the item

Furniture and Storage

Small spaces do not always accommodate full-size furniture, and certain styles of furniture can make the space seem smaller than it is. So how do you make your space feel larger? Designers suggest couches and tables that have legs that lift the furniture from the floor. In addition, getting furniture that doubles as storage space are an extra plus for small areas.

Think Vertically

Floor space is precious when dealing with limited square footage, so why not take advantage of vertical space? Shelving units or individual shelves are especially helpful when designing a spacious feeling room. Baskets help keep shelves looking clean while holding necessary items. And like in the photo above, even bikes can become display items that can easily be taken down when needed.

Get Outside Often

This tip is applicable to large spaces and small but essential to your mental health. If we’ve learned one thing from the COVID quarantine from 2020, getting out of the house and out into nature is not only vital but fun! Make sure to take a break from your apartment or tiny home and restore your mental and physical health by taking walks, going on hikes, or even having a picnic.

Rent a Storage Unit

Last, but not least, if you find that you have things that are necessary to you, but don’t fit within the confines of your home, consider renting a storage unit from Towne Storage. This will give you a little extra space, while not sacrificing what you need to keep. We offer a variety of differently sized units that span from closet space to vehicle storage.

Unsure what sized unit you need? Give your local facility a call and one of our friendly managers will be happy to assist!

The post Living in a Small Space appeared first on Towne Storage .

Holiday Travel in 2021

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Will you be traveling this holiday season? Whether you are visiting your family or you are this year’s host, starting now to prepare for the holiday weekend can save you from a stressful couple of weeks. Start Early Starting your plans early might seem like an obvious thing to do, but doing so includes more... The post Holiday Travel in 2021 appeared first on Towne Storage.

Winterizing Your Storage

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Now that the leaves are falling and Halloween is approaching, winter weather is just around the corner. With these drastic – and often changing – temperature drops, you can be sure that everyone is seeking warmer spaces, including pests like rodents, spiders, and other invasive visitors.

At Towne Storage, we take cleanliness and pest control seriously. Every day our on-site managers and maintenance crews work to keep things nice and tidy. We employ a pest control company for frequent visits to check for signs of unwanted pests. We also do not permit the storage of food items, which attracts rodents looking for winter food.

Outside of the measures Towne Storage takes, you may wonder how else you can protect your belongings during the colder months. Here are some tips that will help you get your unit ready.

What’s that Smell?

Rodents have up to 1,000 brain receptors for smell alone. To put this in perspective, humans only have about 400.* Candles, lotions, perfumes, and even scented markers can be attractive incentives for a rodent to pursue after, so it’s best to remove any such tempting items from your unit.

Perish the Thought

Food and beverages should never be left in a storage unit, no matter how well-sealed they are. Believe it or not, rodents can chew through all sorts of items, including metal. So even though your food storage may be airtight, it’s no match for a rat’s tiny teeth.

Cover Your Bases

Furniture covers do more than keep dust off your items. They also protect from moisture and dirt. Whether you store for one month or over a year, covers are a great way to ensure that your furniture stays dry and clean.

It’s also advisable to invest in insurance coverage. Insurance may not replace the item, but it can provide compensation in the unforeseeable event that damage does occur. Towne Storage has partnered with an insurance provider at a low monthly cost, or you can purchase insurance independently.

The Eye of the Unit Holder

Towne Storage does not provide keys to employees for access to customer units. While this is a standard security measure, it also prevents us from seeing signs of spiders and other pests behind closed doors. Should you ever see signs like webs, it’s best to notify the on-site manager immediately.

From Ceiling to Sealing

Whether you have an indoor or outdoor storage space, it’s a good idea to check your unit thoroughly before and during the rental period. Your unit door should always have a flush connection with a rubber seal to the floor. The ceiling areas should be free from webs.

Getting your unit ready for winter may take a little work, but it is well worth the effort!

*Live Science, https://www.livescience.com/59070-human-sense-of-smell-sensitive-as-dogs.html

The post Winterizing Your Storage appeared first on Towne Storage .

Calling All Adventurers!

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Those who love the outdoors know the importance of having and maintaining their equipment. Gear is more than a necessity, it’s an investment. Properly stored gear increases its longevity, safety, and enjoyment for seasons to come.

Knowing Where to Store Gear

But knowing how to store equipment can be a challenge. More often than not, equipment ends up in the nooks and crannies of where it will fit, and not necessarily what will keep things safe and easy to access. Places like basements seem ideal with cool temperatures and out of the way spaces, but really can be hotspots for humidity, flooding, and are easily cluttered. Garage and shed space can also seem like great places to keep all your things, though temperatures can fluctuate throughout the year, which can be a big problem for anything that has batteries or is wood or metal based.

Gear should be properly maintained in a cool environment, away from dust, bugs, and moisture. Climate controlled storage units are a perfect solution to year-round gear storage. With access 365 days a year and a variety of sized units, your belongings will be securely organized and ready for any adventure at a moments notice.

Preparing Gear for Storage – Cleaning and Airing Out

Knowing what materials your gear is made of will determine how it must be cleaned. Items like sleeping bags and tents require different cleaning solutions than hiking boots. Even if your product manual has been discarded, companies will usually keep cleaning information on their websites.

It goes without saying that mold breeds in damp environments, so make sure that after cleaning your equipment that you allow it to air out until dry. Likewise, batteries should be removed to prevent acid leaks ruining your gear (and creating additional cleanup). Batteries are stored best in a cool, dry area.

Organizing Gear

It’s best to organize gear by activity type, and then by size. You can even go further and separate by seasonal activity (ex: winter vs summer camping). Smaller items can become easily lost in a large bin so having a variety of different sized bins on hand will make things easier to find. Your bins should be waterproof and sturdy with tight fitting lids. This will prevent dust and bugs from entering into your gear when not in use.

Storing Gear

Can you see the items in your bins? If not, create labels to place on the outside so that you never have to guess where things are. Sturdy shelving units will make it possible to stack items, which in turn saves space and damage to bins. Heavy bins should be on the ground or lower shelves (your back will thank you!) with lighter items on the topmost shelf. Items that are used frequently should be placed in the middle shelves.

Longer items, like oars or skis, can fit vertically in plastic laundry bins. Large blankets, coats, and other items made from cloth fit better and stay fresher in re-sealable vacuum-seal bags.

Unsure what size unit will be a perfect fit for your equipment? Contact your local Towne Storage today and our friendly managers will help you get started!

Best State for Remote Job Seekers

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Long before the pandemic, the prevalence of remote-work arrangements was rising. In fact, the percentage of Americans who worked remotely before the pandemic had climbed by nearly 30% over the past decade .

As it has with everything else, the COVID-19 pandemic upended routines for many companies. Not every occupation can be done from home, but one analysis found that about one in five people could work from home.

CareerCloud.com wanted to understand which states are best for remote workers, both today and tomorrow. According to their analysis, Utah is the best state for remote job growth, while Mississippi is the worst.

Utah took the top overall spot thanks to finishing No. 1 in job growth and No. 3 in broadband access
Utah has experienced the highest population growth rate of any state over the past decade

Utah has an average expansion rate of almost 42% for the study’s selected remote-friendly occupations

Jason McMurray
Sales Professional
801.891.8789
jason.mcmurray@bhhsutah.com
jasonmcmurray.bhhsutah.com/

Spring Cleaning 2021 – Part Three

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Now that you have decluttered and done some deep cleaning, it’s time for the fun: organization! This is the final step in our three-part series on Spring cleaning in 2021, and will really give your home a welcoming feel.

You don’t need fancy containers or labels in order to organize, though they can be helpful for grouping items that are alike and keeping them from becoming a mess later on.

Rank Items

This might seem unusual, but ranking your items by how often they are needed is an important step in organizing your home. Items that get used a lot should be placed in easy to access areas, whereas items that are seasonal or aren’t used frequently can be placed in locations that are more out of reach.

Consider Dividing Areas

This is particularly important with clothing, but can be applied to other items as well. If you are using shelving, a dresser, or a sophisticated closet system, make sure that there isn’t too much space available to stack things. Too much space can lead to stacking, and eventually, another mess that you’ve worked so hard to eliminate.

Use Bins to Keep Similar Items Together

Bins, baskets, or containers are useful when grouping items together. Clear storage is useful for finding what you’re looking for, and color-coded bins are useful for helping children to learn how to tidy up after playing. Whatever you decide, know that this isn’t a one size fits all solution. Take time to figure out a system that works best for you and your family and let it evolve over time.

Be Patient with Yourself

Remember that you’ve made a lot of changes lately – and not all of them are Spring cleaning related. With the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone is learning and doing ordinary things differently. So be patient with yourself as you work to put your home in order. You can do this by doing one section, one item at a time.

Reward Yourself

As you finish up the process started in parts one and two, take the time to reward yourself! Maybe this means curling up with a good book for a few hours or ordering pizza for a movie night, but whatever you choose, make sure that you take time to sit back and enjoy your hard work.

Need boxes or bubble wrap to help you organize fragile items? Visit your local Towne Storage today and get the supplies you need to put your home in order.

#TowneStorage #StorageUnit #StorageDeals #Storage #Decluttering #Declutter #DeclutteredLife #DeclutteredLiving #StorageTips #SpringCleaningTips #SpringCleaning #SpringCleaning2021

Spring Cleaning 2021 – Part Two

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMT

It’s been over a year since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down much of the country and millions of people have been confined to their homes. With all the time spent within the walls of your home, are you feeling the urge to clear away the 2020 dust?

If so, you may find these tips and tricks beneficial for getting your home bright and shiny for this summer.

Always Start at the Top

In order keep from doing a job twice, it’s wisest to start up high and work your way down a room. There’s nothing worse than realizing that dirt and grime has landed where you’ve just cleaned!

All-Natural Cleaner

1 empty spray bottle
2 tbsp white vinegar
½ tsp dish soap
1 tsp baking soda
Water

Place the baking soda and dish soap inside the empty spray bottle. Add the vinegar and wait for foaming to subside. Slowly fill the remainder of the bottle with warm water. Shake gently to evenly mix the solution.

Kitchen Sink Freshening

Run a few lemon rinds through the garbage disposal to freshen up a smelly kitchen sink!

Easy-Clean Dishwasher

Place a mug with vinegar on the top rack of your dishwasher and sprinkle baking soda at the bottom. Run a normal cycle and voila!

Removing Pet Hair

A rubber edged squeegee is a great tool for removing pet hair from furniture and carpet.

Flip Your Mattress

Want to increase the longevity of your mattress by flipping it every year. Take this opportunity to wash sheets, pillows and mattress covers as well!

Use Old Socks to Dust

Cotton socks will gather and keep dust from spreading. Simply put your hand in the sock and wipe down surfaces.

Other things to consider:

Sweep under large appliances
Clean windows inside and out
Clean out heater vents and change filter
Replace fire alarm batteries
Vacuum under beds
Clean your vacuum, microwave, and oven
Clean blinds and curtains

Now that you have decluttered and cleaned up your space, you might find items that you want to keep, but not necessarily at home. Whether it’s holiday decorations or seasonal items, using a storage unit will free up space in your home and with competitive pricing, it’s also a good solution for your wallet!

#TowneStorage #StorageUnit #StorageDeals #Storage #Decluttering #Declutter #DeclutteredLife #DeclutteredLiving #StorageTips #SpringCleaningTips #SpringCleaning #SpringCleaning2021

Spring Cleaning 2021 – Part One

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Is your home feeling a little more cluttered than usual? Spring 2021 is unique from previous years since most of us have been spending a lot more time at home than we usually would. In this three-part series, we’ll give you some tips for removing the household clutter, spring cleaning, and organizing.

Don’t Think Big Picture

Decluttering can be a stressful and overwhelming process, so taking it one step at a time will help lessen the anxiety of knowing what to keep, donate, or throw away. Even starting with just 5 minutes per day can add up quickly. You’ll be surprised how much you can accomplish taking it step by step.

Understanding the “Why”

What is your purpose in decluttering? Are you trying to make clear out space in your home? Or do you simply want to lessen the amount of cleaning that you need to do? Knowing your “why” is vital to decluttering.

The saying “less is more” truly applies to decluttering. You will feel less stress and more satisfaction in keeping only the items that are useful to you. You may notice less debt and more financial freedom as you change your spending and saving habits to only allow those things into your life that bring value.

Take the Challenge

Start with the 1-1-1 challenge: each day select 1 item to keep, 1 item to give away, and 1 item to throw away. When this becomes easy, up the number to 2-2-2, and so on until you have gone through everything in your home.

Take Before and After Photographs

It’s inspiring to see your progress and the best way to do this is to take pictures before and after you have decluttered. You will find a new perspective as you lessen the number of things just taking up space.

When It’s Hard to Let Go

After you have decluttered, if you still find that there are too many items in your home, we recommend putting the items that do not have an immediate use into a storage unit. Why? Once in a storage unit, you will be able to tell what items you really need and which ones you don’t. Make sure to put everything in boxes! When you return a month later, if you can’t remember what’s in the box, it might be a good idea to donate the items at that point. The best part is that Towne Storage offers month to month specials to keep costs down while you try this out!

Visit www.townestorage.com to find a facility near you and start your journey to living a decluttered life today!

#TowneStorage #StorageUnit #StorageDeals #Storage #Decluttering #Declutter #DeclutteredLife #DeclutteredLiving #StorageTips #SpringCleaningTips #SpringCleaning #SpringCleaning2021

Winter Moving Tips and Tricks

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Moving is a stressful process on the best of days. During the winter months it can seem overwhelming with additional challenges like snow, ice, and cold to deal with, not to mention all the holiday shopping and family gatherings.

Needless to say, homeowners have their hands full. So, what can you do to make the moving process easier during this season?

1. Plan ahead where you can

Whether you know you’re moving weeks in advance or just days, take time to plan out your move. With more time to prepare, you can sort, pack and store away items that you will not immediately or frequently be needed. Examples might be: Spring/Summer clothing, furniture, collectables, and more. Remember to label boxes along the way so if you do need something, it will be faster to find!

When possible, store non-essential belongings ahead of time so that the big moving day only has to deal with essential items. This will save time and energy.

2. Watch the weather

You may not have control over the weather, but you can prepare for it. Warm clothing, comfortable shoes, and de-iced pathways can help make moving during bad weather safer. While salting a path works well, it can be tracked indoors where it can damage flooring and leave a bit of a mess. Instead, try no slip mats or laying down cardboard to prevent slipping.

3. Use plastic covers to protect belongings

Some items can be irreparably damaged by the wet, like furniture and mattresses. Cover these pieces with plastic coverings will protect and increase the life of your belongings. Lining boxes with plastic garbage bags add little to no weight yet provides waterproofing benefits.

4. Double pack fragile items

Bubble wrap and tissue paper both help protect fragile items like dishes. If you have access to specific use boxes and inserts (like a dish saver pack at Towne Storage), this can add another layer of protection to your belongings.

Towne Storage is here to help with all your storage needs. We offer a variety of sized units for rent and packing supplies for sale. Contact your local Towne Storage today!

Social Distance Hosting

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMT

To say that 2020 has impacted our way of life is an understatement. Every day seems to bring new triumphs and challenges, hacks and helps. And now that the holidays are quickly approaching, you may be finding yourself in a situation where hosting your family’s Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations while maintaining social distancing recommendations seems impossible.

We at Towne Storage hope that the following tips help you enjoy your family’s company this holiday season!

Clear space to accommodate social distancing

With short term leasing available, a storage unit at Towne Storage can help create extra space at home. Making room for a larger dinner table will be easy as pumpkin pie as you remove excess furniture and clutter.

Virtual hosting for high risk family members

Some family members might not be able to attend due to health concerns. Fortunately, technology makes it easier to stay connected, even during a pandemic.

Shorten the in-person guest list

With the convenience of virtual meetings, shortening your guest list can alleviate some of the holiday stress. Consider individual pre-made meals, outdoor dining, and hand washing stations for those in attendance.

Play socially distanced games

Playing games is one of the best parts of family gatherings, however, many of the games require contact of some sort. Here are some games that can be played from a distance:

Charades
Scavenger Hunt
Pictionary
Bingo

They Stored What? Safe-Cracking Edition

Mon, 24 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMT

A gentleman attending an auction in Southern California paid $500 for an abandoned storage unit. He wasn’t entirely sure what to expect behind the door, but he hoped it would be something interesting.

And interesting it was! Inside the unit, hidden among the contents, was a small safe. When the new owner could not get it open, he called another man to come help him. Between the two of them the safe was finally opened and the contents were far beyond anything that he had imagined.

There was $7.5 million in cash within the safe! This is the most cash that has ever been found within a storage unit to date. Upon discovery, the original owner reached out to reclaim the money, offering the anonymous man $1.2 million as a reward.

We at Towne Storage hope that you have enjoyed this series of amazing and valuable finds in storage units. Thank you to all those who have participated in our Instagram contest and make sure you tune in on Monday for the announcement of our Ultimate Grand Prize Winner this Monday, August 31 ^st .

Don’t forget to follow our Instagram feed for the “They Stored What?” trivia contest based on the articles of this blog! Please submit all answers with your Instagram Tag to contests@townestorage.com . Good luck!

For a list of rules and restrictions, please request our Official Rules via email at contests@townestorage.com .

They Stored What? Stolen Edition

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Remember that Action Comic #1 that was found after an abandoned storage unit was sold at auction? With only 100 copies of that comic known to be in existence, a lonely 6 are in the near mint condition. And this one is one of those 6.

Sadly, the comic book was stolen. It was purchased at auction in 1995 for an unreported amount. The theft was reported in January 2000, and after a lengthy investigation, the actor received insurance money for the loss.

It’s difficult to tell if the book is the exact one that was stolen, but detectives and the actor are working with the insurance company to determine ownership. The insurance company keeps records on certain aberrations (unique characteristics) in order to identify valuable objects. Since the edition is so valuable and fragile, solving this mystery isn’t as easy as opening the comic and reading any markings within. How this item ended up in the storage unit is equally a mystery, and one that probably won’t be solved any time soon.

So who did this valuable mint edition belong to? Ironically it was a man who played the part of a treasure seeker in Disney’s National Treasure: Nicholas Cage. A huge fan of the Superman character, Cage even named his son Kal-El, Clark Kent’s Krypton name.

Do you have any interesting memorabilia or favorite Superhero characters? Need them stored in a safe, climate-controlled unit? Reserve your unit now at www.townestorage.com today!

For a list of rules and restrictions, please request our Official Rules via email at contests@townestorage.com .

They Stored What? Fashion Edition

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Ever had to store clothing in a storage unit? Here are some tips to help you along the way:

Wash your clothes before storing.
Place clothing in plastic bins to prevent damage.
Never vacuum pack your clothing as this can damage certain items.
Sort by clothing type – not what will fit.
Keep pests out by tossing in some cedar chips.
Store in a dark, dry place.

The Queen of Soul probably didn’t dream of having to store her beautiful wardrobe outside of her closet, but when a fire started in Aretha Franklin’s home in 2002, she needed a place to hang her clothes along side her hats.

Over time, Aretha forgot what items were stored and abandoned the storage unit. The items were auctioned off from between $10-$2000 to many of her fans. She wasn’t upset at the sale, but was curious what items she had left in there so many years ago.

Have seasonal or infrequently used items that you want out of your closets? Reserve your unit now at www.townestorage.com today!

For a list of rules and restrictions, please request our Official Rules via email at contests@townestorage.com .

They Stored What? Wallet Edition

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMT

On May 11, 2020, a 19-year-old young man found $135,000 in a clear plastic bag near an ATM. Jose Nunez Romaniz from New Mexico noticed the bag when he went to his local Well’s Fargo bank to make a deposit. While he didn’t know if it was a prank or a ploy that kidnappers were using to catch their next victims, Romaniz decided to play it safe and contact the police department. His honesty has been heralded over the past few days, and rightly so.

Sometimes we lose things that mean a great deal to us or to someone we know. While leaving $135,000 in cash by an ATM machine is one of the larger monetary amounts discovered laying around, some items have more sentimental value to their owners than the price tag the item could bring.

Anton Lulgjuraj was cleaning out the abandoned storage locker of Air Force pilot David Parent after the pilot’s death when he stumbled upon the wallet of Diane Hall. Her driver’s license, membership card into the Actor’s Equity Association (which expired in 1968), weathered photographs, and a name change certificate were all found within. Lulgjuraj could not believe what he was holding in his hands, nor could he figure out how this wallet came into the possession of an Air Force pilot. But one thing he did know: Diane Hall is now the famous actress Diane Keaton.

Lulgjuraj reached out to Keaton several times over the internet, with no success. It wasn’t until a news story broke out over the wallet that Keaton realized that he was trying to give it back to her and had no intention of selling it for profit. Grateful, Keaton reached out to Lulgjuraj and was reunited with her lost property.

Have things you don’t want lost in the move of everyday life? Store them safely with us by reserving your unit today at www.townestorage.com!

Compelling Real Estate News

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Buying a Home in the Age of COVID-19

While the U.S. wrestles with social distancing and a disrupted economy, you may not feel it’s the best time to buy a home, but you may be missing a great opportunity. Many buyers prefer to wait and sit on the bench, giving you more access to homes with less competition.

The real estate industry is still very much in business, but there have been many changes in how homes are being bought and sold. Here’s what you can expect.

Higher credit scores/down payments are required . News outlets are reporting that some banks, such as JP Morgan-Chase, are requiring higher credit scores as well as larger down payments to limit risk as people lose jobs and the economy wobbles. If you are in an essential business, that’s good, but you may need to sign a statement to that effect.

Virtual showings are the new normal . Virtual tours have been around for decades, but how they’re different is that your Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network professional may hold the “camera” themselves, helping you zoom in details, features and concerns as you request them to. They can also conduct open houses, thanks to Zoom or other conference software. You can still see homes in person, but this is a great elimination and selection tool.

Inspections, final walk-throughs and closings are social distanced . To protect appraisers, inspectors, real estate personnel, etc., you may have to stay firmly six feet or more away, wear a medical-grade mask, and use sanitizer or wear gloves.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Utah Properties
Jason McMurray

Sales Professional
801.891.8789
jason.mcmurray@bhhsutah.com
jasonm c murray.bhhsutah.com/

They Stored What? Pirate Edition

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMT

You don’t need a fedora and a whip to go treasure hunting nowadays. Mostly you need permits, tools, and a love for history. You might be interested in unearthing ancient relics of bygone days, sunken ships with untold treasures, or you might just happen upon a storage unit with plenty of pirate booty.

Speaking of pirates, some of the earliest date back to 1400-1200 BC. The Lukkans harassed and plundered the Egyptian empire, which is probably why many of the pyramids had false rooms or traps built into them.

Later in the 1200’s (AD), some pirates were hired privateers, charged with the job of looting the ships of rival countries. One such pirate, named the Black Monk, was once secretly hired by both the French and English kings against each other.

But what about that storage unit? Well, a man from San Jose, who wishes to remain anonymous, paid $1100 for an abandoned storage unit that had a collection of rare gold coins and silver bars. The treasure chest that contained the bounty was a blue Rubbermaid container, so heavy that it took three men to move it out of the unit.

The coins and bars were sold for over $500,000.

Did you know that Towne Storage offers safe and secure storage units? Reserve your unit now at www.townestorage.com today!

For a list of rules and restrictions, please request our Official Rules via email at contests@townestorage.com .

They Stored What? Antique Edition

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMT

One of my favorite commercials is the one that Antiques Roadshow put out several years ago. A gentleman brings in a blanket that’s been sitting on the back of his chair for appraisal and the screen changes to many different people trying to guess the worth of this item. The Navajo blanket was appraised at a whopping $500,000 (you can watch the commercial here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91sHDoufhAg ).

Antiques Roadshow is full of history lessons and surprises, and is often very entertaining to watch. Many of the heirlooms were passed down through several generations, while others we purchased at yard sales. And it so happens that some are even found in abandoned storage units too.

John Norris of Washington state collects and sells antiques. He scours the area for rare finds and has gained the title “the Whidbey Picker.” Among his finds include Samurai stirrups, an 1881 Marlin rifle, and most recently, a 17 ^th century ship’s swivel cannon.

The cannon is not very large, coming in at a mere 90 pounds (“mere” compared to a similar cannon weighing in at 900 pounds). This lightweight cannon would be attached to various bases around the ships railing, making it a portable and formidable weapon during a fight at sea.

Do you have antiques that need storing? Check out and reserve your climate-controlled unit today at www.townestorage.com .

For a list of rules and restrictions, please request our Official Rules via email at contests@townestorage.com .

They Stored What? Music Edition

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMT

I grew up in the 80’s and 90’s where listening to music had evolved from records to the all-new, so-cool cassette tape. New artists like Brittney Spears and Mariah Carey, or boy-bands like NSync and Backstreet Boys could be recorded from the radio to make an original, one-of-a-kind mixtape of your favorite songs. They were easily portable (well, more portable than a record player) and could be listened to on the go or in your car. It wasn’t a possibility yet to listen to your favorite artists on the internet, so you had to really pay attention to your local radio stations to record your mixtape.

For those not familiar with this primitive technological era, songs from your favorite artists weren’t as easily accessible as they are today. Most of the time, the only music that was available were polished tracks, and there were no real “behind the scenes” or raw acoustic versions that were readily available for public listening. If you wanted that experience, you had to attend concerts.

Discoveries of lost or incomplete music can be listened to with the click of a mouse. So imagine the surprise Howard Mann of Toronto Canada felt when he opened his newly purchased abandoned storage unit and discovered that over 250 unreleased Michael Jackson tracks inside! This included recordings of duets by the King of Pop and Tina Turner, Jackson 5 recordings, and original songs scores/lyrics.

Since the recordings were done in between contracts, there is no clear line on who owns the copyright – particularly since the unit had been abandoned by Michael Jackson’s father and the contents were legally sold at auction. Still, it makes you wonder what other music we haven’t heard yet.

Did you know that we have climate-controlled units to keep your music collection safe and secure? Reserve your unit now at www.townestorage.com today!

They Stored What? Movie-Wear Edition

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Whether it’s the iconic white dress that belonged to Marilyn Monroe, the hair of Sandy in Grease that really showcased the 1980’s hairdos, or the Bob Mackie curtain rod dress from the Carol Burnett show, fashion has always had a place in movies and pop culture. Sometimes those fashions spur nationwide admiration, while other times they caused more problems than they should have.

Veronica Lake was an actress that worked in Hollywood during the 1940s-1950s. Her iconic style was largely popular, including the keeping of her long hair draped over one eye. But when WWII started, and industrial plants were opened, women following this vintage fashionista kept getting their locks caught in the machinery. Ouch! This prompted Veronica to update her style with her hair swept back and safely out of the way. (If you’re interested in the advertisement she did to announce her new style, see the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80LFNFhcSPM )

You may remember our previous post about Michael Jordan’s memorabilia being found inside a storage locker. Well did you know that in 1985 his shoe, the Air Jordans by Nike, were so wildly popular that they became a symbol of social status? There was such a demand for these shoes that Nike had difficulty keeping up their supply.

When a man found six pairs of Nike Mags in a recently acquired abandoned storage unit, he knew he’d stumbled on something rare. Only 1500 pairs of these shoes were ever produced and were made wildly popular by Marty McFly in Back to the Future Part II . One pair alone sold for $10,000.

What movies inspired your fashion sense? Did you know that Towne Storage can help you with storing your seasonal wardrobe? Declutter your closet and reserve your unit now at www.townestorage.com today!

For a list of rules and restrictions, please request our Official Rules via email at contests@townestorage.com .

They Stored What? Comic Edition

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMT

How’s your superhero knowledge? For example, did you know that Superman is a vegetarian? That the Hulk was supposed to be grey, but since green looked so much better in print, the artist and publishers decided he needed to be the fierce green giant that he is today? What about Wonder Woman being made from clay and brought to life by the gods? Michael Jackson wanted to be cast as Spiderman?

They Stored What? Sports Edition

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Michael Jordan is an amazing athlete. During his 15 seasons and 6 championships, Michael has risen to the top of basketball fame to become a household name. He has had shoes named after him, starred in a 90’s live-action/animation movie Space Jam , purchased and managed a basketball team, broken several world and league records, is the only billionaire athlete, and received the 2016 Presidential medal of Freedom.

And he’s only 57 years old at the time of this blog post.

To say that Michael Jordan has accomplished a lot during 57 years is an understatement.

Much of his memorabilia is among the most sought-after items on the market today. His #23 card sold for over $41,000. Signed basketballs start at $6,000 each. And signed posters? These run anywhere between $4000 – $7000 a piece.

But what about something a little rarer? Say something like recruitment letters from his college days?

That is exactly what a man in North Carolina found when he purchased the contents of an abandoned storage unit. But how did one of the greatest athletes’ papers end up in storage? When a restaurant bearing Michael’s name opened in Chapel Hill, NC in 1999, Jordan gave the restaurant many items associated with his journey to become a professional basketball player. Unfortunately, the restaurant closed down in 2003 and all of the memorabilia went into a storage unit. Each letter holds an estimated value of $25,000 each.

Did you know that businesses use storage units too? Reserve your unit now at www.townestorage.com today!

They Stored What? Spy Edition

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMT

If you’ve seen shows like Storage Wars or Auction Hunters, you are familiar with the blind-auction format: abandoned storage units go up for a blind auction where generic terms are – or in some cases are not – listed. Bidders strategize on what they hope will be a profitable investment of their time, effort and money. While not all auctions are televised, some interesting finds have been made in the purchase of these units.

In 1989, a winning bidder was surprised to find a strange looking car among the contents of his storage unit. The sleek white, wheel-less automobile was later identified as the Lotus Submarine from the 1977 James Bond movie Spy Who Loved Me . The car was dented, but relatively undamaged. The anonymous new owner, who had never seen a James Bond movie, had the car appraised and it sold at auction to Elon Musk for $997,000. Not bad for the $100 investment the Long Island man paid for the storage unit’s contents!

Have a special spy car you want to keep safe from Karl Stromberg’s evil plan to create an underwater society? Reserve your unit now at www.townestorage.com today!

Good luck!

For a list of rules and restrictions, please request our Official Rules via email at contests@townestorage.com .

Black Lives Matter

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMT

We are ever conscious that 2020 has been a difficult and extremely painful year for so many members of our communities across the country.

We have been shocked and overwhelmed by the senseless deaths of so many people such as George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, David Dorn and recently in Salt Lake City, Bernardo Palacios Carbaja. While many may not completely understand the day-to-day discriminations and struggles People of Color endure, our hearts are breaking because of your pain.

Towne Storage is committed to providing equal opportunities for employment. We will continue to learn from our Black communities and support policies that will make a difference for those who are hurting at this time. No one should ever have to face this fight alone and we are committed to standing up against racism and prejudice.

Here are some ways to help to rebuild a better community:

Reach out and serve someone of a different race

Talk with your family members and friends about the issues and what we can do

Contact your government representatives and call them to action for better policies

Speak out against racism when you see/hear it

Listen to the experiences of members of the black community

As Martin Luther King, Jr. once said,

We have before us the glorious opportunity to inject a new dimension of love into the veins of our civilization.

They Stored What? Aviator Edition

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Though airplanes have been around since 1903, only about 5% of the world’s population has ever been on one. A man named Tom Stuker holds the world record for the most consumer miles logged, coming in at over 13,000,000 miles!

The internet is filled with aviation facts and statistics. Some of them are really interesting and some … well, just down right weird. (Who knew taking one olive out of each first-class salad would save an airline $40,000 a year?) Whatever experience you’ve had with flying, whether as a passenger or as a pilot, your opinions and knowledge were probably formed while your feet were still on the ground.

The Wright Brothers first started tinkering with the idea of flying in 1899. Neither brother had High School degrees, but were marked as being people who loved learning and would seek out as much information as they could about any subject that interested them. Their first attempts at designing airplanes failed, but finally in 1903 they were able to launch and fly (albeit limitedly) an aircraft.

Amelia Earhart became the first woman pilot, and the first female pilot to fly across the Atlantic Ocean. Her love of flight is evident in the many books she authored. Unfortunately, she also disappeared during one of her trips in 1937. You can imagine the surprise when one day, Diane Brown was cleaning out her storage unit and found several envelopes with personal and original photographs of Amelia! Each photograph fetched an astounding $1000 each at auction.

Want to declutter your space? Reserve your unit now at www.townestorage.com today!

Good luck!

They Stored What? Ancient Civilization Edition

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMT

From Pharaoh’s pyramids to modern day, climate-controlled storage units, people have been finding ways to securely store their belongings for a very long time. And when it comes to storage, I don’t necessarily picture ancient civilizations as needing storage space outside their homes, however, archeologists have discovered that self-storage has existed for more than 6,000 years. Among the first discoveries of these units are from Xi’an, China.

Granted, the facilities weren’t fancy and were usually set up in caves or underground pits. Security guards patrolled the area to prevent thieves from making off with family goods. Instead of moving boxes, customers placed their belongings in clay pots. Among the items being stored include flip-flops, collectable spear heads, bones, and even jewelry made from jade and teeth.

The earliest known owner of a storage facility was Xiang Lau. His wife, tired of tripping over the collection of the bones of his enemies, made Xiang Lau remove the relics from his warrior days from their home. Xiang Lau even offered customers a free ox rental to bring their possessions to his facility!

While we may not have oxen to rent out to our customers, we do offer free rent! Want to declutter your space? Reserve your unit now at www.townestorage.com today!

Good luck!

For a list of rules and restrictions, please request our Official Rules via email at contests@townestorage.com .

Re-Homing Your Pet Humanely

Tue, 05 May 2020 00:00:00 GMT

You’ve been transferred. You can’t find a rental that allows pets, or the pet deposits are outlandishly high. A close relative passes away and leaves behind a beloved pet. For any number of reasons, you may find yourself facing the sad prospect of re-homing a pet dog or cat. Don’t despair; there are many ways to find a great home that will give your pet the quality of life you want for them.

First, document your pet’s life. Photos, videos, veterinarian records, registrations and a description of your pet’s personality, likes and dislikes. Make a scrapbook as a gift for your pet’s new owners. This will help showcase your pet to advantage, both online and in person.

Ask family and friends if they’re interested and to help spread the word that your pet will be available. Ask your veterinarian if you can advertise your pet on their bulletin board and website. Finding a new home, yourself allows you to learn about the family that wants your pet.

Adoptapet.com partners with the Petco Foundation to guide you through finding a new home, including helping you create a profile for your pet, evaluate potential homes and providing a contract to finalize the adoption. The SPCA.org has a similar service that allows you to keep your pet at home until you find the right home.

You can always surrender your pet to a reputable rehoming center such as Humanesociety.org , where volunteers will take over to find your pet a new home.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Utah Properties
Jason McMurray
Sales Professional
801.891.8789
jason.mcmurray@bhhsutah.com
jas o nmcmurray.bhhsutah.com/

The Best Home Buying Strategy

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT

You don’t want to throw money away on rent anymore, do you? Instead, you can build an asset that can grow large if you handle your money wisely.

Your best strategy? Prepare financially now.

Down-payments. Small down-payments spell risk for lenders. You’ll pay a higher interest rate, and you’ll have to get private mortgage insurance, about 0.5 to 1.0 percent of your mortgage. That’s about $2000 a year on a $200,000 mortgage, which will add about $167 to your monthly bills.

While 20% down is ideal, paying PMI allows you to get into a home faster with less money down. You’ll benefit in a desirable housing market where home equity is rising.

The costs of homeownership. According to The Motley Fool, you should prepare to pay about two to five percent of the transaction in closing costs. Afterward, expect to pay for maintenance and repairs, which average about 1% of your home’s value annually. Property taxes can be reassessed annually by multiplying your home’s value by the mill rate (percentage) for your county. Prepare for utilities to rise in winter and summer.

Debt management. Money guru Dave Ramsey says buying a home when you’re in debt is like running a marathon with weights chained to your legs.

Rutgers University economists suggest your monthly consumer debt service should be no higher than 10% of your net income. At 20% or more, you’re in the danger zone. Divide your monthly consumer debt payments by your total net income to find your percentage.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Utah Properties
Jason McMurray
Sales Professional
801.891.8789
jason.mcmurray@bhhsutah.com
jas o nmcmurray.bhhsutah.com/

Homeowners’ Advice

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT

On the surface, the house looks great – fresh paint, new appliances in the kitchen, new carpet throughout and maybe an updated bath. The colors are modern and appealing and the home has been staged to perfection. That’s the goal of a flipped home – to make you feel like you could move right in without being bogged down with repairs and updates.

But, beware. While some home flippers are good, others are unregulated professionals who buy homes that are undervalued due to poor condition. They move fast to get the home back on the market quickly to minimize their holding costs. They seldom take time or spend the money to address high-cost items, like plumbing, foundations, and electrical replacement.

How do you know whether the home is a flipper-upper? Bankrate.com suggests getting as much information as you can about the home’s history:

• Has the home sold within the last six months or so and for a much lower price than the current asking price?

• Is the home owned by a non-occupying seller?

• Has the seller owned other homes for short periods before reselling them?

• Are the updates largely cosmetic? New sink, old pipes?

• Were permits obtained where necessary?

• Is a detailed seller’s disclosure, recent home inspection, and list of improvements available?

Your Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network professional can help you get vital information about the home so you can look past the dazzle of new décor and evaluate this home fairly compared to other properties in your price range.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Utah Properties
Jason McMurray
Sales Professional
801.891.8789
jason.mcmurray@bhhsutah.com
jas o nmcmurray.bhhsutah.com/

Should You Manage Your Own Rentals?

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT

The nice part about being a landlord/lady is the passive income stream, meaning you don’t have to be present to make money, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of work to be done. You can do all the work, or hire a property manager if you’re willing to pay someone else to do all or part of what you don’t want to do.

So which makes the most sense for you? You should manage your own rental property if you are:

• residing reasonably close to your rental

• financially able to carry the costs of your rental while vacant

• prepared to run your rental as a real business

• able to market your rental

• able to meet potential renters to show the home and negotiate leases

• willing to do background and credit checks on potential renters

• willing to collect the rent and enforce late notices and fees

• willing to address tenants’ complaints in a timely manner

• willing to deal with problems at any hour, day or night

• handy with tools or have a good reliable handyperson on call

• unafraid to deal with and evict bad renters legally

• willing to abide by court decisions in any tenant-landlord dispute

Depending on where you live, how many properties you own, and which services you require, you can expect to pay 5 to 15 percent of your monthly rental fee to a property manager.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Utah Properties
Jason McMurray
Sales Professional
801.891.8789
jason.mcmurray@bhhsutah.com
jasonmcmurray.bhhsutah.com/

May I move now?

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, a customer of mine was just locked out of her house by her real estate agent, many of her possessions still inside. How did this happen? The answer shocked me: she had waited too long to move her things out.

When is the right time to move your belongings out of your house? And what do you do between moving out and moving in? Making changes can be exciting. Things you didn’t plan for can create opportunities, or chaos. More often than not, not knowing will lead to a more defining response such as fight or flight.

In today’s post, we’ll be discussing how to prepare for – and avoid – the pitfalls that come from leaving one house for another.

Who works for whom?

First and foremost, understand who works for whom. Your real estate agent is not employing you, they’re employed by you. As such, they should expect and be open to whatever issues you are running into. Here are some tips for communicating with your agent:

Ask Questions. Always ask questions; especially the ones that seem to have a simple answer. Don’t be embarrassed into silence. Remember: the only “stupid” question is the one not asked. Your real estate agent is being well paid when they close on a house. They should be resourceful and act like they are vested in your successful move. Ask them what advice they have, what local companies they have heard good things about, and what is the best neighborhood restaurant to get a good meal. The movers are taking their sweet time getting things done. Remember, you are the client in this situation. It’s time to get stern with the lead person or call their supervisor.
Write things down. A teacher once told me, “A dull pencil is better than a sharp wit.” Everything that has importance, including deadlines, financial matters, babysitters, appointments, and taxes, should be written down in a place that you will see it. Keep it all in the same notebook, since sticky notes gets lost every 3 seconds. Divide and conquer. Don’t try to do everything on your own. Delegating is a great tool when you have too much to do. For example, there are groups, such as Girl/Boy Scouts, and even some high schools where young adults are required a certain amount of community service hours. Find out if helping someone move or watching the little ones would qualify for them to reach their goals.
Be present. Another important aspect is to be present for final inspections and paperwork. Remember, the inspector is there to protect your biggest asset: your new home. Though they may not check every circuit box and probably won’t spend 3 hours hosing down the roof to check for leaks, they’ll make sure there is a home warranty included to help with these problems should they arise.
Take time to reward yourself. There is always time to take a deep breath and enjoy small and big accomplishments. This could be 15 minutes of quiet meditation, a donut, or a power nap. Any idea that gets you out of your current mind set will create new perspectives and refresh your body.

Once you are all moved in, everything is settled enough to take a day off. This is as important as buying the perfect house. Sit back and relax for one full day. Clear your mind and let your imagination run free. What color will look amazing in the kitchen? What style should the area rug be in the living room? The pictures will get hung and the pool will get cleaned….. but, not today. Congratulations and enjoy.

And remember… if all else fails: you can get a bigger storage unit.