Home Office Organisation Ideas

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Office organisation skills are crucial to having a functional workspace where you can be both productive and of course, neat and tidy. Whether your office is tucked in a corner of your house or has its own separate room. You can create a space that’s clutter free by choosing the right storage solutions. 

However, office organisation can be done in many ways. From adding extra storage space such as shelving and wall mounts. To changing the way you file documents and maybe even considering throwing unused items out? In addition, here are some practical tips to help you declutter your home office!

Keep your desk space organised

Keeping your desk space organised can be as simple as following a few DIY tips.

Cable Management

Cables running from your computer, your phone, chargers, speakers and etc can become very messy. Along with this they can also be a tripping hazard and take up needed space. Simply, purchase some cable tie wraps form your local Bunnings and wrap your cables all into one. Problem solved!

Magazine Racks

Quite often your home office may have magazines and books lying around in no particular order. A great way to store these is to purchase some chalkboard magazine holders. This will allow you to store your magazines and books in certain holders with labels written on the front. Making it both neat and easier to find.

If chalks not your thing, purchase some plastic magazine holders and label them with customised labels.

Organise your office supplies

There’s nothing worse than having pens, pencils and other stationary items rolling around on your desk or in your desk draws. Or when your misplacing important stationary.

A great office organisation tip when it comes to stationary is to have a designated pot/holder for your items. Have a pot for pens, pencils and permanent markers. Then have a separate pot for your scissors, ruler, whiteout, rubber etc. 

If you don’t want to spend money on a pot, simply opt for a DIY solution. You could use anything from an old coffee jar, tin, old glass or even a mug. Anything that will hold your stationary in the one spot will do the job!

Filing

Filing paper documents can become a messy task, especially if it isn’t necessary to do so. If documents are required to be filed in paper form, make sure you do this asap. But, if you don’t need to file the paper version, simply scan the document and store it in digital form on your computer. If you have files that you don’t have to keep, shred, discard or recycle them. That way you’re not storing documents that you’ll probably never look at again and you’re creating extra space for other files.

Declutter

A key step to office organisation is to declutter. Throw away or shred anything that you don’t need or no longer use. This could be anything from; old office furniture, damaged stationary, old magazines, loose papers and more.

Alternatively, if you have old office furniture that is still usable, and you don’t want to throw it away. Look at renting a self storage unit and storing it there. This way you can store your unused items and maybe even consider decluttering the rest of your home now that you have extra storage space! 

Invest in Storage Options

You may be finding yourself putting items in random spaces. Which is probably due to lack of storage and shelving options, right? Adding additional storage space can be easy and affordable. Depending on how you want to go about it. 

If you have the space, adding some filing cabinets or extra draws can be a great way to store the things you don’t necessarily always need. Whereas open shelving can be a great option for storing things that are often used.

Keep it up!

Now that you know all the tips and tricks to office organisation and storage, you’re ready to be productive in your space! In order to keep your organisation habits in check, ensure you continue with your good habits. Clean and declutter regularly. And remember to throw away unwanted and unused things. In addition, if you’re running out of space to store paper files, why not move them into a self storage unit. It’s an easy an affordable alternative and you can utilise your storage space for many other things. 

Organising your office is that easy! Once you’re done, you’ll feel much more comfortable and productive in your new, clean space. 

How to maximise your storage space

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When hiring out a storage unit, you should always try to maximise your storage space the best you can. This will help you get the best value for money as you’re able to fit more things in and avoid renting multiple storage units. Therefore, allowing you to choose a smaller unit size and saving yourself money!

Quite often people will just throw (not literally) their belongings into a storage unit and leave it at that. Meaning there’s a lot more space to be utilised, but poor organisation results in clutter and wasted space.

Utilising your storage space can be an easy task. So, read on for some great tips and information on how to best utilise your storage space.

Where to start

Firstly, maximising your storage space can be approached in many ways. From the way you stack boxes, the size of the boxes, shelving, vacuum bags and so much more. There are a wide range of things you can do to create more storage space – so get sorting! 

In no order, these are some of the best ways to make the most of your storage unit:

1. Put heavier items on the bottom

Obviously, you’re not going to want to damage your valuables in the process of storing them. You should always store the heaviest items on the bottom. Also avoid stacking piles too high or too heavy. Your bottom item may be the heaviest, but that doesn’t mean it can comfortably hold 6 other boxes on top. 

2. Store larger items first

Make sure you stack larger items in first. This will make it easier to organise your storage space as you won’t be needing to constantly move around large items. Plus, it’s easier to fill the gaps with smaller items once the larger items are there.

3. Keep items you’ll access frequently at the front

Rather than having to shift through everything and dig up a box from the back. Try packing the items that you’ll need to access frequently at the front. This will help to ensure that your storage unit stays neat and tidy as you won’t be rummaging through it all the time.

4. Use boxes instead of bags

A number one storage tip is to use boxes instead of bags. Using boxes allows you to stack your storage unit as well as protect more valuable/breakable items. Bags are flimsy, can rip and are not ideal to use.

5. Use portable shelving racks

Using portable shelving racks is a great way to maximise your storage space. Shelving allows you to stack multiple items, both heavy and light. It’s a great way to avoid stacking boxes on boxes and running the risk of squashing/breaking valuables. 

In addition, there are many different types of portable shelving to choose from. This being; size, weight capabilities, width, style and more. Your local hardware store will no doubt have the perfect storage solution for you!

6. Use vacuum storage bags for clothing 

Clothing can take up lots of space and be hard to fit into a storage box. If you have a lot of clothing to store, you’ll probably be needing more than 3 boxes. In addition, a great way to store your clothes and keep them protected at the same time is to use vacuum storage bags. Vacuum bags will compact your clothing and allow for you to fit much more into a box.

7. Make an inventory

Making sure you pack your storage unit the best you can is important. However, knowing where certain things are is just as important. When storing things away it’s great to label boxes and items, as well as take photos of the items in those boxes.

As you begin the packing process, create a list of all the items within the storage unit. If you want to be extra organised, also list where those items are stored. Doing this will help to ensure you know where everything is. Making it easy to just read the inventory and find things first go.

Ready to rent a storage unit?

Once you’re ready to move into your storage unit, simply follow all of the tips provided and use your storage space efficiently and effectively. The tips mentioned will both save you money and time. Ensuring you utilise your space and keep it organised.

Now that you know how to best use your storage space, it’s time to find a storage unit! Check out the range of storage options Store Ur Stuff have to offer. From smaller units to larger units that could fit furniture from a 4 bedroom home plus more. 

Lastly, check out the blogs page for more great storage tips and tricks.

Easter Long Weekend – National Park Camping Spots in SA

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It’s almost Easter, which means a four day long weekend and an excuse to grab your caravan and head out camping. However, you may not have had enough time to look for the best campsites to stay at. Additionally, camping can be a fun activity for the whole family to get away and spend some quality time together. But what makes a camping trip even more fun?

Read more

Caravan Storage – How to prepare

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Purchasing a caravan is a great investment and fun for the whole family to jump in for a little getaway. However, failing to prepare for caravan storage during the off season can lead to costly damage. We have previously looked at vehicle and caravan storage options while it is not in use. Now lets look at how to prepare your caravan for storage and the steps you should take to protect it.

Clean Inside the Caravan

Empty the contents for caravan storage

Empty all personal and food items from the caravan. Closely check all of the cupboards, drawers, under furniture and beds to ensure you have completely emptied the caravan. Remove used tea towels, bed sheets and towels to wash so they are clean and fresh for next time. Store expensive items like a TV, laptop or other appliances in a locked cupboard, or alternatively take them out. This will prevent your caravan from being a target for break ins whilst in self storage. Remove any food items in the cupboards that may leave mouldy smells or attract unwanted pests. Make a list of everything you have removed or need to replace to ensure you don’t forget anything on your next trip.

Scrub and vacuum interior for caravan storage

Thoroughly clean inside your caravan from top to bottom prior to putting it in self storage. Scrub and wipe down any surfaces and empty cupboards. Vacuum the carpets, couches and any corners to eliminate dust build up and traces of food. Food will attract rodents and pests which can cause damage to your caravan. Cleaning the interior of your caravan will ensure that it stays in great condition whilst in caravan storage and is always ready to go for the next trip.

Clean the fridge and freezer

Defrost the fridge and freezer and empty the contents from both. Give them a good clean to ensure they don’t smell of last nights dinner. Ensure the interior is dry after cleaning and leave both the fridge and the freezer doors ajar to avoid any mould build up. Additionally, place a box of baking soda or dry sac in the fridge to draw out excess moisture.

Close windows, vents and blinds

Protect your caravan from letting any unwanted weather in. Just like water damage, direct sunlight can damage the interior of your caravan during storage. So it’s just as important to close blinds as it is to make sure all windows are closed and locked. To prevent mould forming from excess moisture make sure all caravan awnings are dry and rolled up tightly. This is also a great opportunity to check your caravans seals to ensure that they are 100% weather proof, especially when it comes to washing the outside of your caravan.

Clean the Outside of your Caravan

Clean and dry exterior

Time to give the outside some TCL. Invest in a soft-bristle brush attached to a long broom handle so it is easy to reach the high and awkward spots. Clean the outside of the caravan with your preferred washing solution. Retreat Caravans say that using dish soap can strip the paint of wax and protective coatings, leaving it vulnerable to scratching and sun damage. For best results wash your caravan with a car washing detergent. Use a small step ladder to get access to the roof of your caravan to get any tough spots like dried bird droppings. Simply rinse off with a hose or bucket. High pressure cleaners may cause damage to the paint work. 

Cover your caravan

The minimum step you should take to protect your caravan whilst in outdoor storage is to invest in a caravan cover. This will not only make sure the exterior is protected from the weather but it will also keep your caravan looking good for longer. Again, make sure your caravan is completely dry before covering to prevent moisture build up. Also, ensure the cover is breathable, this too helps prevent condensation.

Keep air circulating

Leave air vents in your caravan uncovered so air can circulate inside the caravan. This will ensure your caravan is not stuffy and stale when you take it out again. Circulation of air will filter your air or clean the air. It will also help diffuse or spread any pollutants added to the air, like any food smells.

Mechanical Checks Before Storing your Caravan

Disconnect the battery

Caravans have batteries to power the appliances when your caravan is not plugged into an electrical source. Having your battery disconnected whilst in storage will save your electrical items from draining the battery whilst it is not being used. The last thing you need is to get to your destination and find out the fridge or lights are not working because the battery has been drained.

Only disconnect the battery once it has been fully charged. Never leave it fully drained. It is also important that your check the battery every couple of months whilst it is in storage. This will ensure the battery does not drain. A fully charged battery can prevent deterioration and will ensure your house on wheels is ready when you are.

Check the tyres before and after caravan storage

A quick trip to the service station to check your tyre pressure before storing. This will save you time in the long run. Depending on how long your caravan will be sitting in storage, it is a good idea to pump the tyres to the optimum pressure. Your tyres will naturally lose pressure while it’s in caravan storage. Alternatively, if you know your caravan will be in storage for an extended period of time, jack it up to take the pressure off the tyres. Cover the tyres to protect them from the elements and to avoid deterioration.

Grease trailer hitches

Trailer hitches will need to be lubricated before storage and again when you pick it up after being in caravan storage. Apart from the general wear and tear this will prevent, it will also eliminate the awful sound of metal scrapping on metal when you turn a corner and any friction this can cause. Once you have lubricated the hitch ball cover it. Now that your caravan is ready to be rested and stored after it’s big trip don’t forget to check on it every now and again. This will assist in picking up any issues well before your next caravan getaway.

New Secure Vehicle Storage Area… NOW OPEN!

Store UR Stuff has extended! We are excited to announce the development of our new vehicle storage area is now open. With 24 hour security monitoring and recorded surveillance. As well as security fencing, PIN coded access and security lighting, you can rest assured your caravan will be safe and secure. To find out how to protect your caravan from theft and break ins contact Store UR Stuff  and reserve your spot today.

Locations for a Caravan Getaway

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When the season is right, what better excuse to head down and pick up your caravan from storage, gather the family and hit the road. Are you thinking about your next location for a caravan getaway? We have looked at vehicle storage options and how to prepare your caravan for storage. Now, let’s look at some top locations in South Australia for your next caravan holiday!

Family friendly caravan getaway to Renmark

Only 254km from Adelaide. This small town in South Australia’s riverland area is the ultimate location for your next caravan getaway. Stay at the BIG4 Holiday Park, Renmark and enjoy activities suitable for you and the family. This Big 4 caravan park features a waterpark, multiple playgrounds, games room, and powered waterfront sites for your caravan. Additionally, while you’re there visit Australia’s largest rose garden, Renmark Club and canoe the riverland. Further to this Renmark is home to Wilkadene Brewery, Twenty Third Street Distillery and many surrounding wineries.

Camp beachfront in Port Elliot

Located only 84km from Adelaide. Port Elliot sits on the scenic Horseshoe Bay located on the South Coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula. Famous for it’s coastal beaches and walking trails, as well as the Cockle train and Pt Elliot Bakery. In addition, it’s only a short 15 minute drive to Victor Harbor featuring the Granite Island recreation park and the Bluff viewpoint. BIG4 Holiday Park wins again, but this time in Port Elliot of course. This is the best holiday park to stay with your caravan and can be a cheap holiday option if you’re from Adelaide. Furthermore, stay in a beachfront powered site where you are within walking distance to Horseshoe Bay!

Jump on the ferry and head to Kangaroo Island

Feel like venturing just a bit further on your next caravan holiday? Jump on the SeaLink Ferry to South Australia’s iconic Kangaroo Island. SeaLink Ferry accept online bookings of caravans with a maximum length of 4m and 2.3m high. But if your caravan is longer and higher than that you can make a reservation by calling directly. Depending on what area of KI appeals to you, there are quite a few caravan parks to choose from. Kangaroo Island Shores – Caravan Park & Camping is located close to the SeaLink ferry terminal at Penneshaw, overlooking Hog Bay beach. Kingscote Tourist Park and Family units is located 3km from the largest town on Kangaroo Island. In addition to this, Parndana Hotel Caravan Park & Cabins is located in central Kangaroo Island. This location gives you easy access to some of the main attractions such as; Seal Bay and Flinders Chase National Park. Furthermore, all of these holiday parks provide powered camping sites for your caravan getaway.

Storage for your caravan

Once you return from your perfect caravan getaway, you don’t want to take up your driveway with your caravan. Ever considered self storage? Store Ur Stuff is extending it’s parking bays for vehicle storage. These bays are ideal for caravans, trucks, cars, boats and trailer storage. Featuring competitive pricing and secured PIN coded gates. As well as a one way drive and park system and 24/7 recorded CCTV. Ultimately providing safe and secure self storage options. Want to secure a spot or want to know more? Give the team a call on 08 8371 0000.

Lastly, do you have a favourite caravan getaway location in South Australia? Leave a reply below to let us know what it is.

Photo credit: Port Elliot Holiday Park

Car Storage – How to prepare

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Car Storage

Not everyone has the luxury of a fully enclosed garage to store their car and protect it from the elements. Like caravan owners, you may require a car storage facility to store your car.  We have already explored vehicle storage options previously and discussed ideas on how to prepare a caravan for storage. Here we will look at what steps you should take to protect a car that is stored outside.

Wash and Wax before car storage

There are many car enthusiasts out there that agree washing and waxing your car is the best protection against the elements. The wax acts as a protective barrier between the dust, weather, pollen, bird poo, etc and the cars duco. In the winter, wax is like a raincoat and will protect the car by not allowing the water to come in contact with the paint. Wax will also protect your car in the hotter months with it acting as a sun block. This is important if you are using car storage in Australia’s harsh summer climate. Make sure the product has a UV protectant incorporated in it for best results.

However, washing and waxing it once and then leaving it will not be suffice. Some enthusiasts recommend washing and waxing at least twice a month to every three months. Also, it is best to dry your car by hand instead of air drying. Air drying can leave water droplets on a car. UV rays will magnify these dropletts causing hard water deposits to be etched into the surface of your car.

Most modern cars these days have a clear protective coating over the paint to protect it from the elements. If you are still concerned you can treat your car to a paint sealant to best protect it. Be reminded though, you will still need to wash and wax your car but perhaps not as regularly to ensure the exterior stays in the best possible condition.

To cover or not to cover stored cars

There seems to be mixed reviews on weather covering your car actually protects it. Some believe that it can do more damage than good with the risk of condensation forming in the engine and the underside of the bonnet. However, a cover can provide a good amount of protection for your car from the sun, debris from trees and insects.

There are all sorts of covers on the market ranging from a standard outdoor cover, ones that can protect your car against the sun, hail and storms, automatic car tents and car capsules. Car covers range from just under $100.00 up to $800.00. Avoid using a tarp or a plastic cover. One made from natural material that breathes is better and ensure you invest in one that suits the elements you are storing it in.

If you are going to invest in a cover ensure it fits your car properly. According to streetsideauto.com a poorly fitted car cover can scratch the cars paint when it is windy. A cover should also fully enclose the car to prevent rodents nesting in small spaces.

Service your car before car storage

If you intend on storing your car for a long period of time it is advised to give it a quick service. There are a few things you can check yourself before storing your car. At the end of the storage period it’s a good idea to call in the professionals.

As a minimum for long term storage, the coolant and oil should be changed. Dirty fluids simply sitting stagnate means any contaminants are sitting around too. In time this can cause more wear and tear on your engine. Dirty oil in particular can make it more difficult to restart your car on your return. The brake fluid and transmission fluid should be refreshed as well.

Petrol in the tank can break down. If you are storing your car for 3 months or more, add a stabiliser to prolong fuel life. By filling your tank before storing will reduce air build up in the tank.

Make sure your car battery is fully charged. The battery will still be drained by the vehicles electronics. Batteries can corrode over time, so if your car storage is long term it is best to remove it. Store the battery in a dry cool area off the concrete to prevent it from cracking. Don’t forget to check the users manual for any other precautions.

Air naturally escapes from your cars tyres over time. If storing short term, fully inflate your tyres so they are not too flat when you pick it up from storage. Tyres these days are now engineered to prevent “flat spots” so it is not necessary to jack the car up. It is also suggested that jacking a vehicle up can cause unnecessary strain on the suspension.

Do not store and forget

Check on your car while it is in storage particularly if it is going to be stored long term. Start your car to keep the battery charged. Check with the car storage facility to see if they have jump starter cables or a battery charger you can borrow just in case you need them. They may have a car wash deal with local car wash and detailing shop or organise one to come to you.

Protect your car in storage

Check your cars paperwork to ensure it is up to date before considering car storage. If your registration or insurance is due to expire whilst it is in storage set yourself a reminder to renew. Contact your insurer to inform them your vehicle is being stored in a secure storage facility and confirm it is fully covered whilst it is in car storage.

Car Storage with Store UR Stuff

Store UR Stuff is extending it’s vehicle storage area with our expansion well underway. Our secure area will have generous 10 meter drive through bays to make storing your caravan, truck, mini van or bus easy and stress free. Our well lit vehicle storage area will have 24 hour security monitoring and recorded surveillance, traceable unique PIN coded access 24/7 and security fencing to ensure your vehicle is protected at all times. Call 08 8371 0000 to reserve your spot today.

Wine Storage

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Most of us purchase a bottle of wine to enjoy right away but for those special wines that we want to cellar there are important rules for red and white wine storage to ensure your wines age well and increase in flavour and value.

Wine Storage Environment

Some winemakers have earned a reputation for creating wine worth aging, certain regions and certain type of wine age better than others, but the majority of wines on the market today are manufactured for immediate consumption and are not designed to age.

These wines are still of high quality and can be stored for 8 – 12 months or so without significant loss of quality as long as temperature, humidity and light of the area is considered. Though some wineries have earned a reputation for creating wine worth aging, additionally, certain regions and certain types of wine age better than others.

Temperature for Wine Storage

The ideal temperature to store wine is between 12-14°C. This temperature needs to remain constant all year round for optimal wine storage conditions. It is not recommended to store wine in the kitchen. This is one room in the house where the temperature can vary through out the day. That is when the oven or stove is on the temperature in the kitchen will heat up. If possible, the temperature should not fluctuate more than 2-3°C.

Heat can damage wine with wine show judge, Adam Walls, saying hot temperatures can cook the wine resulting in the wine losing its freshness. Heat can also compromise the seal of the wine which can lead to oxidation. Oxidation allows more air/oxygen into the wine. This can lead to wine evaporating leaving a low fill level and an oxidized flavor. Do not store wine in non insulated sheds or garages due to excessive fluctuations in temperatures. Avoid areas near heat sources such as heaters or electrical items that generate heat. Also high areas, such as on top of a cabinet, where hot air rises.

Wine Storage Humidity

Ideal wine storage conditions would maintain a 50% humidity level. That is humidity below about 50% is getting too dry and levels above 50% too damp. This maybe difficult to achieve. As long as the storage area has relative humidity levels ranging between 60-80% the wine should not spoil.

Dry conditions dry out the cork, causing it to shrink which can lead to oxidation. The majority of wine produced in Australia today are screw cap sealed. This alleviates the risk of the cork drying out. Wine storage areas that are too damp do not necessarily ruin the wine, it can lead to mold and mildew growing. This can ruin the storage area and wine labels.

Moreover, bottles with corks must be stored on their side. Screw caps can be stored in whichever way (standing up or lying down) suits you best.

Wine Storage in the dark

Do not store wine in direct sunlight. According to The Fine Wine Reserve although wine bottles are designed to protect the wine inside, UV light can break down the molecules that create the special flavors of a wine. This occurs more commonly in delicate white wines like Champagne, Pinot Grigio, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Do not store wine on window sills or bench tops. If storing in wine racks ensure they are placed out of direct sunlight. Areas in the house such as under an internal staircase or the bottom shelf of a cupboard or pantry are better.

Wine Self Storage

Your average wine drinker need not be too concerned about climate controlled secure self storage areas for their wine collection if seeking short term storage options. Wine can be stored short term safely in a insulated storage facility. When moving home for example, wine can be stored in wine boxes and placed in your storage unit.

If storage is for an extended period of time, a climate controlled purpose built wine storage facility should be used. This is also the case for collectors and enthusiasts of wine storing and aging fine wines. These places ensure the temperature, humidity and light remain in the optimal range for your special collection.

What does Booze Brothers say about wine storage?

Booze Brothers Bottle Shops are filled with passionate wine enthusiasts and we asked them for some of their top tips on wine storage.

Booze Brothers Manager (at The Duck), Duane says “Wine should be checked and turned regularly. If possible, store red wine in a climate controlled environment like a cellar. Good reds can be stored for up to 10 years, if a wine reaches it’s optimum it will slowly decrease from it’s best potential so remember to drink at special occasions and enjoy the rewards of your cellaring.”

Want to learn more about wine and wine storage?

Hitsa Industry Training and Employment provide a short 2 day course, Provide advice on Australian wines. If you are working in the wine industry, hospitality or just enjoy wine as a personal hobby this course will further your knowledge on handling, storing and evaluating Australian wine products.