Get Organized for the Fall Season

Summer is ending, fall is upon us, and if you’re like many of us, you’re ready to shake things up at your house and get organized. Especially if you’ve spent more time than usual staring at your clutter lately, you may be in the mood for a good fall cleaning and overall purge. That’s a great idea! Here, we offer some tips to help you get organized.

• Come up with a plan. Take stock of your surroundings, set goals, and decide on a date by which you want to be done with this project. Determine exactly what you want to organize, then break the process down into manageable steps and set appointments with yourself to follow through. In your home office, for instance, you might start by organizing one desk drawer, and set a time on your calendar to do the next one.
• Start by decluttering. Get rid of the obvious clutter, like piled up mail or old magazines. Then look with a critical eye at your things, deciding what you actually need and use. Sort your things, and determine what you want to keep, then make sure everything has a home before you move on to the next room. Looking at your wardrobe, for instance, think about summer things you didn’t wear this year and start a donation box. Then put the rest of your summer clothes away in well-labeled storage bins.
• Find simple storage solutions. Store your things in ways that make sense to you, so that you can easily find things when you need them. Fall brings a lot of bulky items, from sweaters and overcoats to large sporting goods, so it’s wise to look for space-saving storage. Save closet space by using cascading hangers and look for creative ways to make the most of the rest of the space in your home. Attractive baskets and bins keep necessary items like boots, gloves, paperwork, and bathroom necessities tucked away so that your rooms don’t become cluttered. Installing drawers in your kitchen can help keep things from getting lost in the recesses of your cupboards and cabinets. Sporting goods can hang on brackets or go neatly into bins, and a craft station hung on the wall can keep supplies attractively organized. Don’t forget to look for ways to use vertical space or the hidden areas under furniture, in corners and nooks, or even behind the bed, for clever storage solutions.
• Find creative ways to store your things. Hang hats on the wall, or put shoes on a display shelf, to use your accessories as art. Choose storage that’s aesthetically appealing as well as practical, like interesting hooks, beautiful baskets, or sleek cabinets. Get creative, looking for new ways to use items. A decorative ladder can be a towel rack, a teacart can hold gloves and hats in the mudroom, or a pretty tray can turn bathroom essentials into an attractive display.
• Stash away the summer. The best way to make room for the new season is by packing away the one that’s just passed. Whether it’s swimwear, beach-themed tableware, summer-themed linens and throw pillows, or out-of-season sporting goods, the best thing to do with things you won’t be using for awhile is to store them.
• Make your routines more manageable. Be sure to store things where they’re easily accessible and conveniently located. Create “stations” to make everything from packing a lunch to sorting the mail to getting out the door in the morning simpler.
• Look ahead to the holidays. Fall is a great time to start getting your home ready for the holiday season. If your guest rooms are cluttered, clear them well ahead of company. Look through your kids’ toys, weeding out those that don’t get much play. It might even be smart to take stock of your holiday items, noting what you already have and getting rid of anything broken before the holidays arrive.

If you’re looking for a safe place to store things until you need them again, look no further! Pouch Self Storage has been operating mini-storage facilities since 1979 and is committed to keeping our clients’ belongings safe. Founded by John Yelland, who hails from Australia, Pouch Self Storage is named in honor of the kangaroo’s pouch- nature’s safe and secure storage spot. At our nine Southern California facilities, you’ll find state-of-the-art computer monitoring systems that allow our self-storage managers to monitor the opening and closing of every storage unit door, 24 hours a day. Currently, we’re abiding by CDC recommendations and implementing social distancing, but you can still reach us by calling (800) 378-4598 or contacting us through our website.

What to Do with Leftover Moving Boxes

In the frenzy of moving, it seems like you’ll never have enough boxes to pack all your things. When it’s all over and you’ve unpacked, the pile of empty boxes can seem unbelievably large. What do you do with all that leftover cardboard once you’re settled in your new home? We have a few suggestions.

• Make some money from your used boxes. You can sell your post-move boxes on BoxCycle or in the garage-sale section of Craigslist. The neighborhood site NextDoor is a good place to offload containers, and some moving companies will also buy your gently used boxes.
• Do a good deed with your leftovers. You can also use NextDoor to find neighbors to whom you can donate your boxes, or you can give them away on Freecycle. There’s also Give Back Box®, the service that allows you to use any cardboard box to ship donated goods to a charity for free.
• Repurpose your boxes. Save some of the smaller boxes for shipping things throughout the year, or making returns to an online retailer. You can also find plenty of ways to use the cardboard from your moving boxes around your house. Let the kids build forts, cars, and rocketships, or make temporary beds for your pets. Big pieces of cardboard are also useful in place of drop cloths when you want to protect your floors during a DIY project. Use cardboard as a weed barrier when you create a garden, and as a knee pad when you’re working in that garden. If you think you or someone close to you is likely to move in the next year or two, you might break down some of the boxes and keep them in your garage or self-storage unit.

Pouch Self Storage has been operating mini-storage facilities since 1979 and is committed to keeping our clients’ belongings safe. Founded by John Yelland, who hails from Australia, Pouch Self Storage is named in honor of the kangaroo’s pouch- nature’s safe and secure storage spot. We’re an industry leader in design, building, and maintenance of self-storage facilities, and we strive to give our occupants the most advanced security systems available. At our nine Southern California facilities, you’ll find state-of-the-art computer monitoring systems that allow our self-storage managers to monitor the opening and closing of every storage unit door, 24 hours a day. Currently, we’re abiding by CDC recommendations and implementing social distancing, but you can still reach us by calling (800) 378-4598 or contacting us through our website.

Projects to Tackle At Home this Fall

The current pandemic has put us all in a unique situation, with most people staying at home right now. While some are working remotely, it’s easy for people to get restless when there’s nowhere to go and not enough to do. While it’s not a great time to do any major renovations, it’s a good idea to make the most of your time by getting some projects accomplished. You can even order most of your supplies online!

• In the house:
  • Consider some crafts. Especially if you have kids, simple crafting is a great way to spend the time. Make things out of duct tape, make your own bath bombs, learn to embroider or knit, or simply color in an adult coloring book.
  • Update your décor. Take a hard look at your shelves and see which knick-knacks need to be removed. Makeover an old piece of furniture or paint an accent wall. Paint your bathroom, redo your kitchen cabinets, replace outdated hardware, upgrade your lighting, or just create a plan for your next project.
  • Get organized. Clean out a closet, or reorganize your kitchen. Go through your pantry, medicine chest, and bathroom cabinets, tossing out anything expired or damaged. Sort through your books and get some ready to donate, or organize your filing cabinets.
  • Clean all the things. Now is the time to polish the silver or the copper-bottomed pans, or waterproof your upholstery. You might want to wash all your windows or give your countertop appliances a thorough cleaning.
  • Catch up on your reading. Those books you never have time to read? Now you do! You can also use this time to share some of your old favorite books with your kids, taking turns reading aloud.
• In the yard:
  • Boost your curb appeal. Paint your front door, your trim, or your mailbox, plant some flowers around the front door, or replace your shutters.
  • Plant a garden. Learn to grow vegetables, or plant your favorite flowers.
  • Update your landscaping. It’s a great time to take out those bushes you’ve always hated, lay down a new walkway, put down some mulch, clean your deck, or refresh your outdoor furniture.
• In the garage:
  • Tackle the mess. If your garage is a catchall, set aside a few days in a row to take on the task of cleaning it out. Enlist the help of your family, and be sure to do it when the weather is dry since you’ll probably have to drag some things outside.
  • Reorganize. Categorize the things you want to store in your garage, and group them into categories. Make sure each item has a logical place so that it can be easily retrieved and stored. Wait until after you’ve organized and determined how you want to store things to purchase storage containers.
  • Install new storage. While you have extra time, you might install built-in cabinets or modular storage. You can also use vertical storage like pegboards and wire grids, and if you have overhead space, consider sturdy shelves that mount to the ceiling.

Pouch Self Storage has been operating mini-storage facilities since 1979 and is committed to keeping our clients’ belongings safe. Founded by John Yelland, who hails from Australia, Pouch Self Storage is named in honor of the kangaroo’s pouch- nature’s safe and secure storage spot. We’re an industry leader in design, building, and maintenance of self-storage facilities, and we strive to give our occupants the most advanced security systems available. At our nine Southern California facilities, you’ll find state-of-the-art computer monitoring systems that allow our self-storage managers to monitor the opening and closing of every storage unit door, 24 hours a day. Currently, we’re abiding by CDC recommendations and implementing social distancing, but you can still reach us by calling (800) 378-4598 or contacting us through our website.

Organizing your Home Office to Make Working from Home Easier

One result of the COVID-19 pandemic is that many people currently from home. Some people aren’t used to working from home, while others who usually work remotely are unaccustomed to doing so with their roommates or family sharing their space. Staying organized can help make everything a little easier.

When You Already Have a Home Office

If you’ve already got dedicated office space at your house, you’re ahead of the game. Organizing it and keeping it that way should just take a few simple steps.

• Declutter. If you don’t know where to start, choose three things to throw away. Do you have pens that don’t work? Outdated periodicals? Knick knacks that have outlived their usefulness? Get rid of the things standing in the way of your productivity.
• Clean out your files. Start with one filing drawer, weeding out anything unnecessary or outdated. Once you’ve sorted them, decide how you want to organize them. You might put them in alphabetical order, sort them numerically, or color-code them, but whichever system you choose, make sure it’s one that makes sense to you.
• Tidy your desk. Start with the drawers, and if that seems too daunting, start with just one. Rid if of anything unnecessary and fit it with an organizing tray to keep its contents in line in the future. Moving on to the desktop, clear it completely, even moving electronics elsewhere, then clean it and vacuum around it. Sort through everything that had been on the desktop, and only put back the things with purpose. Commit to keeping it pristine for at least a week.
• Set yourself up for success. Organizing your office won’t any good if you don’t have a plan to keep it that way. Establish a system, with an inbox for assignments, bills, letters, and anything else on your to-do list, a file rack for current projects, a trash can, recycling bin and shredder, and a filing cabinet. Make sure your office has plenty of storage, perhaps using bookshelves or cubbies with bins and baskets. Don’t forget to make the most of vertical space as well, utilizing whiteboards, bulletin boards, file systems, and shelving.

Organizing Yourself to Work from Home

Sometimes it’s not about the space as much as it is the mindset. Use these tips to pull yourself together and get ready to work.

• Design a routine. Get dressed every morning, and keep set business hours. Find ways to mentally transition in and out of work. If you usually listen to a podcast on the way to work, for instance, keep this routine, simply listening to it as you get ready to start your day.
• Create a dedicated office space. You don’t have to have a separate room, but you need an area that’s entirely for work, to put you in the right frame of mind.
• Build flexibility into your schedule. Take breaks when you need them, perhaps taking a walk outside or moving around. Let yourself off the hook from time to time, especially if you aren’t feeling well or have a family member who needs you more than usual. That being said, be careful not to let distractions cause too many interruptions in your day, and set a timer when you take a break to keep yourself on track.
• Take care of yourself. Be mindful of your body, sitting in a supportive chair, and using good posture to keep your neck and back aligned. Communicate with your coworkers, and be aware that most people are dealing with unusual situations right now. Pay attention to your mental health, and don’t forget to have a social life, even if it’s done virtually.

When There’s No Room for an Office

Even if you don’t have a home office, you can find a way to carve out a space that will work for you. You may have to get creative, perhaps setting up shop at the end of a hallway or in a corner of a room, but ultimately you probably don’t need much space. A good chair is non-negotiable, but many things can double as a desk, including shelves, a vanity, or even an armoire. In fact, during the current situation, many people have gotten creative, using things as varied as a ladder, an ironing board, and a highchair as desks. Make sure to incorporate storage into your workspace.

If You Have to Share Your Space

When more than one person is working from home, remember to be considerate of each other. Be mindful of your noise-level and courteous of how you share your common space. If you’re having trouble working at the same time, consider implementing a schedule so that you can use the space at different times. Remember, communication is important when everyone needs to get things done.

Pouch Self Storage has been operating mini-storage facilities since 1979 and is committed to keeping our clients’ belongings safe. Founded by John Yelland, who hails from Australia, Pouch Self Storage is named in honor of the kangaroo’s pouch- nature’s safe and secure storage spot. At our nine Southern California facilities, you’ll find state-of-the-art computer monitoring systems that allow our self-storage managers to monitor the opening and closing of every storage unit door, 24 hours a day. Currently, we’re abiding by CDC recommendations and implementing social distancing, but you can still reach us by calling (800) 378-4598 or contacting us through our website.

A Letter To Our Tenants in Response to COVID-19

Quick Tips for Book Storage

Are you an avid reader with a personal library collection that has outgrown your apartment? Maybe you’ve inherited some rare first-edition prints that you can’t bring yourself to part with. Or perhaps you’re a book collector looking for a safe, secure place to store your most valuable pieces.

No matter your circumstances, self storage could be the solution you’re looking for. Before you store your books long-term, follow these tips to ensure they come out of storage looking as good as the day they went it.

Clean Your Books

It’s important to prepare anything you plan to put in storage. In the case of books, this means dusting them and letting the pages air out for a bit.

If it’s been a while since you read them, you may notice that a thick, grimy film of dust has gathered on the top edge of your books. Whatever you do, avoid using wet cleaning supplies that could damage the covers, dust jackets, or pages.

The brush attachment on your vacuum is probably the best method of cleaning your book collection. To help prevent debris from falling inside the binding, dust from the spine toward the opening of the book.

Take the time to flip through each book and look for any insect damage or moisture. Vacuum up any bugs or eggs and let damp pages dry out completely to prevent the books from deteriorating any further.

Catalog Your Collection

If you have so many books that you need to put some in storage, it’s wise to take inventory. Write down the titles on a piece of paper or create a spreadsheet for a digital record. This makes it easy to look up which books you kept and which ones you put in storage if you forget later on.

Select the Right Storage Containers

Plastic totes and acid-free storage boxes are your best options for storing books long-term. Plastic is beneficial because it keeps moisture out, and acid-free containers help prevent yellowing and fading of the pages over time. Whatever style of storage containers you choose, keep them small so they don’t get too heavy.

Pack Your Books Correctly

Group your collection by size and binding type (hardback or paperback) to make packing easier and more efficient. If you have any particularly fragile, valuable, or sentimental books, wrap them individually in packing paper or bubble wrap for extra protection.

There are three recommended ways to pack books for storage:

• Pack hardback books upright, as if the bottom of the box was a shelf in a bookcase. Two rows of books should sit spine to spine. If there’s a third row, separate them with crumpled packing paper so the pages don’t touch.
• Lay paperback books flat with packing paper between each one to prevent the covers from touching.
• Pack books with their spines face-down. Never pack books with the spines face-up because this could permanently damage the bindings, especially of hardback books.

Finish each box by filling any empty space with crumpled packing paper to prevent the books from shifting. To make it easier to find specific books in the future, label each box with its contents. Consider organizing your boxes by author or genre, and label them accordingly to avoid needing to list individual titles. You can write directly on the container or tape a printout to the outside.

Choose a Suitable Self Storage Facility

When storing books, climate control is the most important quality to look for in a self storage facility. Books are highly susceptible to changes in temperature and humidity. Climate-controlled storage prevents any extremes that could discolor or deteriorate your books.

Security is also essential to prevent break-ins. A storage facility with surveillance cameras, alarms, indoor access, perimeter fencing, and electronic gate entry provides the best level of protection for your prized book collection. Units locked with a secret digital code are also more secure than those that use a key.

Fill Your Storage Unit

After all your careful preparation, the final step is to load the storage unit properly. Start by laying down a plastic sheet or wooden pallet where you want to stack your boxes. Even in a climate-controlled setting, there’s still a risk of moisture accumulating on the floor. This simple precaution offers a little extra peace of mind.

Stack your boxes no higher than chest-height to reduce the risk of toppling over. Line the wall of the storage unit rather than filling a corner so you can see all the boxes easily if you need to access one later. If you’re putting other personal belongings in storage, keep the book boxes toward the bottom of each stack. They may be on the smaller side, but because they’re so heavy, it’s safer to set book boxes on or near the floor.

Enjoying a good book is one of life’s simple pleasures, and by following these quick tips for book storage, you can ensure your collection lives on for many years to come! To ask about reserving a storage unit for your books and other personal belongings, please contact Pouch Self Storage at (800) 378-4598. We have nine convenient locations around the Anaheim, CA area to better serve you.

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