Other Blogs | Store Ur Stuff Self Storage Facility

Vehicle storage options

21/10/2017/4 Comments/in Other/by Jodie Byrne

There are many different options available when looking for vehicle storage. Choosing the best vehicle storage option depends on budget, the length of time the vehicle will be in storage and the value of the vehicle to mention a few. Below is a description of options available to help you make the right decision.

Outdoor Vehicle Storage

Outdoor Vehicle Storage is the cheapest storage option. This is typically a secure car park area containing designated parking bays.

Security features vary from facility to facility, PIN coded gates and security cameras will offer the best protection for your vehicle. PIN coded gates leave a record of who is in the facility; particularly important in shared areas. In addition, some facilities have removable or fold down bollards that are locked for added protection.

Another important aspect of outdoor vehicle storage is the area. Ensure there are no hazards that may cause damage to the vehicle, including falling debris from large trees, poor lighting, adequate drainage and damaged surfaces. Bitchumised areas are better. This prevents the possibility of being bogged or flooded in. The area will need to be large enough for large vehicles to get in and out of easily, with multiple entry and exit points a bonus.

If storing your vehicle outdoors, cover your vehicle to prevent rust and corrosion and to protect it from the elements. Consequently your vehicle will keep clean as well as protected. Ensure that windows, doors and sunroofs close and seals intact.

Undercover Vehicle Storage

Undercover vehicle storage comes in many different forms. The type of undercover vehicle storage will determine the price. These include carports or lean-to’s, warehouses, garages and shipping containers. All of these options offer protection against the elements in varying degrees.

Carports or lean-to’s offer a roof over your vehicle. Large warehouses offer a fully enclosed area. These options are secure and in a shared area. The same considerations need to be taken into account as the outdoor vehicle storage as mentioned above.

Fully enclosed garages offer maximum protection. These can be in the form of a shipping container or a specifically designed garage. These are individual and allow you to put your own lock on the door, with vehicles protected against the elements and other vehicles. The added benefit with this option is the there is usually room to store other small belongings around the vehicle.

General Tips

It is important to make some general checks before storing. Lock all doors and do not leave any valuables in the vehicle. For long term vehicle storage consider disconnecting the battery. If storing a caravan, ensure you have secured it properly to prevent it from theft. Wheel clamps and coupling locks are great deterrents.

Also, talk to the staff at the facility. There may be some additional services available to help. Some storage facilities provide a motorised jockey wheel mover to make parking caravans easier. If storing the vehicle long term they may offer a car washing service. Ask if there are jumper leads available or a battery charger just in case it needs a little help starting when you pick your vehicle up.

Tips for coffee storage

23/08/2017/0 Comments/in Other, Tips and Tricks/by Zachary Ryan

Calling all the coffee lovers out there… I may know a thing or two about self storage but I work in a busy office with people who love coffee. Most of them rely on their morning coffee to kick start their day so I decided to educate myself on how to store coffee beans to keep them fresh for every cup. After some research, I found some of my favourite essential tips on coffee storage.

Coffee Storage locations

Coffee beans are picked from plants and then processed. Once roasted, they have a short shelf life, but correct coffee bean storage will extend it. Coffee beans start to lose freshness as soon as you open the bag. Store your coffee beans in an airtight container suitable for the quantity of your coffee beans unless the bag is resealable. If you reuse a container, make sure you clean and dry it properly to ensure there is no moisture or lasting smells that may affect the quality of your coffee. Purchase your coffee beans in smaller amounts, more often to ensure your coffee stays fresh.

Coffee storage you should avoid

You should avoid storing your coffee beans in the fridge. Moisture inside your fridge will kill the flavour of the coffee bean. There are conflicting opinions about freezing coffee beans. The air in the freezer is dry, not moist. According to Kevin Sinnott who is a nationally recognized coffee expert in America, freezing coffee beans is a good way of maintaining freshness. He also states “If you do freeze the beans, make sure they are in a freezer-safe bag. And when it comes time to grind the beans, put them directly in the grinder, do not defrost them.”

It is advised that you do not store your coffee beans in direct sunlight or locations particularly warm like near your oven or microwave. This will help to avoid the loss of their natural oils and flavours.

Hint: Cool, dark and dry places like your pantry or cupboards are ideal for coffee storage.

Whole Bean vs Ground coffee storage

Coffee beans start to oxidize as soon as they are grinded which will affect the flavour of each coffee. If you are lucky to have a grinder at home, grind your coffee beans only when you need. Coffee beans will eventually go stale so you should consume them within 2-4 weeks.

Hint: Shiny or oily coffee beans indicate that they are super fresh.

If you prefer convenience and like to save time, ground coffee is the next best thing. It’s advised that you buy a week’s worth at a time to get the best flavour in each cup of brewed coffee.

Learn more at Barista Training

Are you interested in learning more about coffee and perfecting your barista skills? HITsa Industry Training offers an affordable Barista course – Prepare and Serve Espresso Coffee at their newly renovated venue on level one above Store Ur Stuff.

A great tip from HITsa Industry Training professional, Vania – “Store your coffee beans away from strong smelling foods such as onions and garlic”

Did you know, International Coffee Day is on October 1st, 2017?

Tips to declutter clothing storage

10/08/2017/0 Comments/in Other, Recycle, Tips and Tricks/by Zachary Ryan

Why wait until Spring to declutter clothing storage?

Winter is almost over so it’s a great time to declutter clothing storage and make more room by putting your bulky winter items away for next year.

It may not be a one-day job, or even a one-person job, but imagine how much better you will feel looking at your immaculate wardrobe every day and on no occasion wasting time finding your favourite outfit.

Here are some top tips:

Remove everything out of storage and cupboards

It’s easier to start with a clean canvas and you’ll see how much storage space you’ve got in your wardrobe. Sort through each piece of clothing. Ask yourself, do you wear it anymore? Does it make you feel good? Is it just wasting space?
Neatly, fold all your loved items and put them back in their rightful place. If you are unsure about a piece of clothing, make another pile – you can always come back to it.

Take any of your partners, your kids or your winter warmers like coats or thick knitted cardigans that you won’t need anymore and store them in a suitcase for safe keeping until next winter. Keep a few cardigan’s handy just in case you need an outer layer before Summer arrives.

Handy hint- wash or dry clean your items before storing away as any dirt or stains can cause long term damage to your clothes.

Donate or find self storage!

Start a donation box and go through that “unsure” pile again. Nothing will feel better than donating perfectly wearable clothes to others in need. You won’t feel like you’ve wasted your money if it’s going to someone who will get lots of wear out of it. If it’s not suitable to donate, chuck it!

Organise your storage space

Every item needs a designated storage space. Organisation will help your time management. Keep your work clothes in one space and your t-shirts in another. Hang up your dresses or shirts because no one likes to iron. Keep your shoes together and while you’re there, sort through and let go of any worn out, unwearable pairs. If you’re lucky and have walk in or built in clothing storage, have one side for your partners clothes and one side for yours for extra organisation.

Organising family storage

A woman’s got to do, what a woman’s got to do! If you are decluttering your own clothes, you may as well help your partner or your kids (or both!!) while you’re at it. If your partner is unenthused about decluttering get him to sit down and answer a simple “yes or no” game. Hold up each shirt or pair of jeans in front of him and make quick decisions. Maybe promise him a beer when he’s finished.

As for kids, how many toys do they really need? Have they grown out of anything? Keep a few of your favourite items for sentimental reasons and donate the rest. If you don’t want to part with anything, store it all for when you have grandkids!

Don’t get distracted, stay focused on decluttering

Yes, it’s hard, but stay focused – the more you procrastinate, the more time it will take to achieve your goal and you’ll end up living in more mess than when you started. Make it a family joint effort or if you are working solo, grab a glass of wine and pop on your favourite music!

Take a step back and admire your decluttered clothing storage space.

I hope you found these tips helpful in your experience.

If you want to declutter clothing storage but don’t wish to throw items away, Store Ur Stuff can provide you with self-storage, book now.

Please share your feedback, tips or stories.

Tips for Storing Clothes in Self Storage

28/07/2014/97 Comments/in Other, Tips and Tricks/by Jodie Byrne

Self storage tips

Whether you have a shopping obsession, too many clothes or you’re wanting to store your Summer clothes during Winter. Your wardrobe at home can only hold so much and sometimes you’re not ready to let go of certain items. So, why keep them stored at home taking up needed space when you can be storing clothes in self storage?

Storing clothes in self storage can be a great storage solution. Using self storage for your clothes can help free up needed storage space in your home. And allows you to hold onto some items for longer whilst you decide whether you really need them or not. In addition, renting a self storage unit near you is the best way to go. That way you’re able to access your clothes whenever you want or need.

Furthermore, storing clothes in a self storage unit is great. But, it’s important to know how to correctly store your clothes so that you can ensure they won’t get damaged over time. So, here are some great tips and tricks to help you with all your clothing storage needs!

1. Prepare items before storing clothes in self storage

Wash and iron your clothes before storing them in self storage. Surface stains and dirt will set into the clothing overtime and when you do finally get them out of your storage unit to use again the stain will be difficult to remove. Dirty clothing can also attract vermin and insects which may also damage your clothing. Ensure you wash all items as per their washing instructions. As well as dry clean your dry cleanable items prior to storing them.

Furthermore, follow these instructions when storing clothing in self storage to ensure your items are safe from being damaged. Preparing your clothes for storage correctly will also mean that your clothes are clean and ready to wear when needed next.

2. To vacuum seal or not to vacuum seal

There is a large range of storage bags available that are perfect for clothing storage. For example, vacuum storage bags are great space savers. However, over a long period of time storing your clothing in these bags will lead to damage.

Storing your clothing in vacuum packed bags will not only leave your clothing creased and wrinkled. But also quicken the process of deterioration as natural fibres need air to maintain its structure and integrity.

A better way for storing clothes in self storage is to use plastic storage tubs. This will help to avoid suffocating your items. Ensure you lightly pack them and start with the heavier items on the bottom. In addition, if you need to purchase a storage tub head to your local hardware store.

3. Say no to plastic bags and cardboard boxes

Like mentioned above, airtight plastic containers with a lid are the best options when storing clothing in self storage. This will keep your clothes dry and stop the growth of mould and mildew, in most cases. If using plastic containers, ensure they are clean, dry and line them with old (but clean) cotton sheets. Avoid plastic bags as these can trap moisture and cause mildew to form or cause the yellowing of fabrics.

In addition, packing your clothing in a cardboard storage box will not protect them against vermin or the elements. Your storage unit shouldn’t have pests, but it’s best to be safe than sorry.

Again, depending on the expense and sentimental value of the item, it’s best to use acid free boxes and tissue paper. Especially for heirloom items as not all plastic boxes are safe and some may release chemicals which could have subtle to grossly negative effects on the clothing.

4. Mothballs

Not only do mothballs leave your clothes smelling terrible, they are not 100% effective. They can also be potentially dangerous if found by children or pets. A better alternative is the natural wooden cedar balls. These will protect your clothing from moths, mildew and musty odours. Therefore, when storing clothes in a self storage unit it is always best to add a few cedar balls.

Furthermore, when using wooden cedar balls, make sure that they are not placed directly on the garments. It is best to place them at the top of your storage container for further protection.

5. Clean, cool, dark and dry

When choosing a storage unit for clothing storage, ensure you choose one that will protect your clothes in the best way possible. It’s best to choose a storage unit that is dry, dark and cool.

Ideally it is suggested that clothing should be stored in conditions that do not exceed 23°C and have low humidity. However, this is more of a guideline if you were storing any heirlooms or expensive sentimental items. As long as the storage space is clean, protects items from elements and doesn’t have direct/bright light, your clothing should be safe.

In addition, a climate controlled storage unit would be the best option for long-term clothing storage.

6. Check and do not protect!

It’s important to check on your items in storage, wherever and whatever you are storing. Checking your items at least once a year you will help minimise the risk of them getting damaged. As well as possibly save them before they do get damaged. Items may fall from storage shelving or you may have packed something too heavy/tight. So, checking your storage unit often is important.

Looking for a facility in Adelaide for storing clothes in self storage?

Furthermore, if you’re looking to store your clothes in self storage, Store Ur Stuff if a great choice for this! Store Ur Stuff is an Adelaide storage facility that offers a range of cheap storage options. Whether you’re needing a large storage unit or just something small, we have the perfect storage solution for you.

View our storage options online and make an enquiry today. Or alternatively, call our friendly team on 8371 0000.