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  • How to Choose the Right Storage Boxes for You

    When you’re packing your things in storage, you’ll want to pack them carefully. This means choosing the right storage unit and using the right packing materials, but what about the boxes? Does the type of box really matter? It does, and the type of box you choose will depend largely on what you intend to store in it. Let’s take a look at different types of storage boxes and how they are best used.

    • Cardboard is useful but not the best option for long-term storage. Cardboard boxes are often the go-to for packing, and certainly for moving, and with good reason. They’re lightweight, inexpensive, easy to label, stackable, and they can be easily reused or recycled. However, if you’re going to be storing your items for an extended period of time, cardboard may not be your best option. Cardboard boxes are easily damaged, attract vermin, and will quickly allow mold and mildew growth if they get wet. If you are storing items for several months and your unit is not climate controlled, steer clear of carboard boxes.
    • Plastic boxes are perfect for storage. Easily stackable, impervious to water, and nearly indestructible, plastic bins are the perfect option for storing things safely. They don’t require packing tape, because they are self-sealing, and they’ll last a long time. However, they are much more expensive than cardboard, so if you are only storing things for a short time, they may not be worth the expense.
    • Some items require specialty boxes. If you are storing something like dishes, art, or electronics, it’s worth finding specialty boxes designed to hold these items. Typically, these boxes will have inserts that keep things from shifting in transit and make them easier to pack. While they can be more expensive than traditional boxes, they give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your items are safe and secure.
    • It’s important to choose the right sized boxes. Small boxes are good for small, heavy things like books, because you don’t want a large box to contain too much weight. You can also pack fragile things like dishes in small boxes, to help keep them protected. Medium boxes are good for larger items that don’t need to be tightly packed, like clothing, toys, or cookware. Large boxes can be filled with lightweight things like linens and blankets, and extra large boxes can hold things that don’t fit in smaller boxes, like comforters, coats, and larger kitchen appliances. Try to keep small boxes under 50 pounds, medium and large under 65, and extra large under 70 pounds, so that they will not be too cumbersome to move. Wardrobe boxes are handy for storing hanging items, and you can use the bottom for things like shoes and purses.

    No matter what type of boxes you choose, there are a few good practices to remember. First, choose high-quality boxes so that they will be less likely to allow your items to be damaged. Label everything clearly so that you know exactly what’s inside, and stack your boxes with the heavier things on the bottom. When you pack a box, be sure to fill in gaps between items with packing materials, and when you stack your boxes, do the same thing. This way, the items inside the boxes are less likely to shift and sustain damage, and the boxes themselves are also less likely to shift.

    Choosing the right boxes is important, and so is choosing the right storage facility. When you’re seeking a place to store your things in Southern California, you owe it to yourself to check out Pouch Self Storage. We’ve been operating mini-storage facilities since 1979 and we’re 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. For more information, call (800) 378-4598 or contact us through our website.

  • When it’s Time to Consider Choosing Long-Term Storage

    Sometimes, you need storage for a little while. Maybe you’re moving, changing offices, or just holding on to some furniture for someone. There are times, though, when short-term storage is not sufficient. Here, we look at some reasons you might need long term storage, as well as offering some tips for choosing a storage unit and preparing your things to be stored for an extended period of time.

    What is long-term storage? It’s the kind of storage you need if you’ll be keeping things in a storage unit for more than three months. It’s important to find a clean storage unit near your home, but climate control is not as important for short-term storage as it is when you’ll be storing things for several months or even years. Without a space that regulates the temperature and humidity, you will be risking damage to your belongings from mold and mildew. You’ll also want to cover your furniture in long-term storage to protect them, while this is not necessary for short-term storage.

    If you are storing seasonal items, like Christmas decorations, it’s unlikely that you will need them within 10 to 12 months. In that case, it’s smart to choose a storage unit appropriate for long-term storage. The same holds true for sporting equipment you only need once a year. A military family might need to store their things when they’re taking an overseas assignment, and those who winter in other states might want to store some of their furniture or a vehicle while they’re away.

    No matter how long your things will be in storage, there are a few factors you should consider. Look for a storage unit that’s the right size to store all of your things, so you don’t end up in a bind when you try to pack it. Consider how much access you’ll need to your belongings and make sure the facility you choose will be convenient for you. Look into the facility’s policies and reputation so that you can be sure your items will be well-protected while you’re away. Make sure the cost of the unit won’t overtax your budget in the long run, and consider storage insurance to protect your belongings from damage or theft.

    The way you pack your storage unit will vary based on how long you plan to store your things. No matter how long they’ll be there, your items should be carefully labelled and packed to protect them from harm. You should make sure you can retrieve things from your unit easily and keep a detailed inventory of what is in the unit. If you’re packing for short term storage, try to leave a pathway in the center of the unit so that you can easily move things in and out. Try to arrange your things against the walls, using vertical space to save on floor space. If you’re storing things long term, invest in high-quality boxes or vacuum sealed bags. This will help protect your items from humidity and other causes of damage. It’s a good idea to stack your things on pallets if you can, to allow better airflow through the unit and protect against condensation and water damage.

    Whether you need long or short-term storage, you can rely on Pouch Self Storage. We’ve been operating mini-storage facilities since 1979 and we’re 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. For more information, call (800) 378-4598 or contact us through our website.

  • Storage Guide for a College Student

    If you’re in college, it’s likely that you’ve hauled quite a bit of stuff from home into your new dorm or apartment. When the school year is over and it’s time to head out for the summer, you probably won’t want to have to take all of those things with you. What’s the solution? Get a storage unit for the summer! Using self-storage is the perfect way to minimize what you have to take back and forth, while making sure you have what you need when school starts back up in the fall.

    What kind of storage unit will you need? Storage units can typically hold at least one room full of furniture. For students living in two or three-bedroom apartments, a larger unit may be a better option. Which size unit will you need? A 5’ by 5’ storage space is perfect for holding a loveseat, boxes, and home décor, while a 5’ by 10’ unit will hold a sofa or twin bed, along with some smaller furnishings and décor. You should also consider a climate-controlled storage unit, especially if you’re storing clothing, papers, or furniture. This will protect your furniture from the elements, as well as mold and mildew.

    No matter what you are storing while you’re away, make sure it’s packed correctly.

    • Furniture: Disassemble what you can, and pack small things in larger things when you can’t. For instance, take apart a bed frame, but store small objects in your dresser drawers. When storing a mattress, wrap it in two fitted sheets or store it in a plastic mattress bag to protect it.
    • Kitchen items: If you have pots and pans, glass or plastic storage containers, dishes, glasses, and silverware, there’s no need for you to bring those things back home with you. Instead, store your kitchen for the summer. Put fragile items in boxes lined with bubble wrap or packing paper, wrapping breakables carefully and storing heavier items on the bottom. Put extra filling material in the tops of the boxes, so that you can stack them without the risk of breaking any of their contents.
    • Bedding: You probably have bedding that was purchased specifically for your room at college, especially if you live in the dorm. There’s no need to carry those things home and try to find a place for them in your parents’ house over the summer. Instead, pack your comforters, sheets, blankets, and extra pillows in large boxes and store them while you’re away. Don’t pack anything made of cloth in plastic bags, because moisture can become trapped in the bags and cause mildew.
    • Books and school supplies: These supplies can be bulky, so they’re best left behind when you leave campus. Consider selling any books you won’t need in the future, but keep everything you will need next year in a self-storage unit. Use small, sturdy boxes to pack books, and place them in the box horizontally, never vertically, because storing them vertically can damage their spines.
    • Seasonal clothing: Heavy winter coats, gloves, and hats will be of no use to you over your summer vacation. Instead of weighing yourself down with unnecessary clothing, wash or dry clean it carefully and pack it up until you need it again. Clear, plastic boxes are great for preventing damage to your clothing while it’s stored, or you can use wardrobe boxes, designed specifically for hanging clothes.
    • Sports equipment: If you play a winter sport and will need your gear at school, you can leave it when you go home for the summer. Sporting goods can be expensive, so pack everything carefully, making sure not to damage breakable items and securing everything in appropriate containers. As with all the other things you store, take care to clean your sports equipment before you pack it away for the summer.

    Especially if your hometown is far from where you go to school, leaving things in self-storage can help lighten your load and make moving off and back onto campus go more smoothly. When you’re ready to find a great self-storage facility, choose Pouch Self Storage. We’ve been operating mini-storage facilities since 1979 and we’re 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. For more information, call (800) 378-4598 or contact us through our website.

  • Things to Consider Before Renting a Storage Unit

     

    Have you ever rented a storage unit? They’re an excellent solution for storing things either short or long-term, and they’re secure and convenient. If this is your first time renting one, there are some things you should know.

    • First, let’s talk about how storage units work, because the process is typically similar regardless of your storage company. You find a storage facility near you, and sign a contract to secure a unit within that space for a specified amount of time. Some companies have a three-month minimum requirement, while most others rent units on a month-to-month basis. You’ll need government-issued ID to rent the unit, like a driver’s license, military ID, passport, or state ID. Read your contract thoroughly before you sign it, so you make sure you’re clear on the terms. For instance, you’ll need to know things like when your payments are due and how much notice you’ll need to give before moving out of your unit.
    • Rules for storage units are basically common sense. You can’t live in your storage unit or conduct business there, and you’ll be restricted in terms of what kinds of items you can store. Essentially, nothing hazardous to your unit or the units around you can be stored in a storage unit, nor can anything illegal.
    • There are a few different reasons people rent storage units. Some people need seasonal storage of things like holiday decorations or sports gear. Others need temporary storage, during a move or a renovation. Sometimes, people who are decluttering or downsizing need a place to store things, and sometimes when a family member comes to stay for a while, extra space is needed to store what used to be stored in the guest room. College students often store their dorm room furnishings over the summer, and members of the military use self-storage when they’re deployed. People often choose self-storage for a car, boat, or RV.
    • There are two different types of storage. Full-service storage involves a company that will pick up a customer’s belongings and transport them to the storage unit. Often, customers can request a pickup or a return on a smartphone app, which is very convenient. Full-service storage facilities take pictures to document what you’re storing and create an online inventory list. Self-storage is a more popular option because it’s more affordable but still safe and secure. Self-storage customers take their things to the storage unit themselves, and pick things up when they need them.
    • Before you rent a storage unit, consider your needs carefully. What do you need to store? Do you need climate control? What size unit do you need? Self-storage units typically come in at least five sizes: 5’x5’, 5’x10’, 10’x10’, 10’ by 15’, and 15’ by 20’. The size you need will be based on how much you need to store, and you can find online calculators to help you estimate the appropriate size.
    • Do you need indoor, outdoor, or climate controlled storage? Indoor storage units are sometimes climate-controlled and sometimes not. Outdoor storage units are covered and locked, with drive-up access. They’re good for large items and vehicles, but indoor storage is better for anything valuable or fragile. A climate-controlled storage unit is best for storing clothing, furniture, and anything else you want to protect from extreme temperatures, mold, and mildew.
    • Assess the amenities before deciding on a storage unit. How accessible will your storage unit be? Some facilities offer 24-hour access, while others are closed on certain days, like Sundays or holidays. It’s important to find a facility with hours that are convenient for you. You’ll also want to make sure the facility you choose is secure. Is there in-person surveillance? How safe and secure is the facility? Pay attention to the location and the lighting, and make sure you feel safe on the property.
    • Prepare your things before you store them. Acquaint yourself with the rules and restrictions about what you can store before you pack up your things. Then take the time to create a detailed list of everything you’re storing. Taking inventory can help you remember what you’ve got in storage, and it can be useful if you ever need to file an insurance claim. Clean all items before placing them in storage, and disassemble furniture to make better use of your storage space. Pack everything carefully in high-quality boxes, cushioning it as you would for a move, and label everything clearly. Place items strategically so that you’ll be able to find things easily and nothing will be damaged.
    • Consider insurance. Having your items properly insured will give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you’re protected in case of breakage or theft. This does not necessarily mean, though, that you need to purchase storage insurance. While many storage facilities offer affordable self-storage insurance options, you may already be covered by your homeowners or renters insurance.

    When you’re ready to rent a self-storge unit, choose Pouch Self Storage. We’ve been operating mini-storage facilities since 1979 and we’re 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. For more information, call (800) 378-4598 or contact us through our website.

  • A “Living on the Road” Checklist

    Coming out of the pandemic, many of us are facing a unique and unfamiliar situation. We’ve been in a period of lockdown but have also begun to work remotely. Now that we’re able to move throughout the world more freely, the idea of living on the road seems like an interesting concept. Can you pick up and go, breaking ties with permanent housing in favor of wandering? You might just want to do this for a season, you might want to have an adventure, or you might be considering it as a way of life. No matter how long you intend to do it, the question remains: what will you do with your things?

You might want to give away a lot of your belongings, but there are certainly some things you won’t want to part with. For those items, self-storage is an excellent option. What will you take, and what will you leave behind? Here’s a list of some things you’ll want to bring along on your travels.

  • Clothing: No matter what kind of weather you expect, it’s smart to keep a few jackets, hoodies, or sweaters with you in case it gets chilly. You’ll also want to take a bathing suit, because you never know when you might get the opportunity to swim. Beyond that, you really only need a few outfits. Streamline your wardrobe, giving away or selling the things you no longer want to keep, and storing what you love but don’t currently need. Travel light and keep the bulk of your wardrobe readily accessible in your storage unit.
  • Medications: Have a plan for managing your prescriptions while you’re away. Take over-the-counter medications with you- in most places it’s illegal to store medication in a storage unit.
  • Money: Managing your money is another thing that requires a plan while you’re away. If you don’t already have online banking, now is the time to set it up. Take some cash along with you on the road, but not enough to attract thieves. There’s no reason to store money in a storage unit, but financial records and other important paperwork can safely be stored.
  • Electronics: For the most part, you can store your electronics in a self-storage unit. Take care to choose a unit that’s climate control if you’re going to go this route. Of course, there are some electronics you’ll need on the road, especially if you plan to work remotely. Make sure you have enough adaptors and chargers to keep your electronics powered up, and check with your storage provider to determine if there are any limitations on things like batteries.
  • Furniture and Linens: It can be tempting, when you’re streamlining your lifestyle, to sell all your furniture. Don’t do it! There will come a time when you’ll need furniture, and you won’t want to have to buy it all again. Give away things you don’t like but store the majority of your pieces. Store much of your bedding and other linens, too, but keep out two of everything so that you can use one and wash one.
  • Entertainment: Less is more in this arena, especially if you’re traveling abroad. Digitize your favorite music and carry it with you but leave the television behind in storage. Instead of bringing books, consider an e-reader. Bring a deck of cards, and if you play an instrument that is portable, bring that too. Part of the adventure is being in the moment, so you don’t need a wealth of distractions.
  • Miscellaneous Must-haves: This will vary from person to person, but a few items that are good to have include a first aid kit, a blanket, and baby wipes. Bring along plastic bags; they’ll serve a variety of purposes. If you’re taking a vehicle, bring spares and tools in case of emergency, and pop a shovel into your trunk. Of course, in the current environment it’s a good idea to bring along hand sanitizer and masks, as well.

Now that you know what you’ll need out on the road, turn to Pouch Self Storage to store the rest of your things. We’ve been operating mini-storage facilities since 1979 and we’re 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.

  • How Can You Organize your Storage Unit for Frequent Access?

    A storage unit is a convenient place to store things you have no room for at your home. If you need to access your items frequently, though, you’ll have to spend some time organizing it. Here, we offer some tips for keeping your storage unit organized, functional, and easily accessible.

    • Create a well-organized inventory list. It’s great to diagram your space and document every item in your storage unit, but the most important thing is to find a system that works for you. Consider the things you’ll need to access frequently, and keep an accurate list detailing where those items are located. If you’re storing personal items, things you might need to retrieve easily include seasonal clothing, camping gear, tools, and holiday decorations. If you’re a business storage customer, you may need to access extra inventory, office supplies, documents, or marketing material. Keeping a list on paper or a spreadsheet on your computer will help you keep track of everything you need.
    • Carefully plan your layout. Before you put anything in the storage unit, use the exact dimensions of the unit to plan for the best use of the space. Think about how often you’ll visit the unit and which items you’ll need most frequently. Try to create paths to facilitate easy access, with large items like furniture against the walls and the things you’ll access most often facing the path so you can easily retrieve them.
    • Use organizational furniture to make the most of your space. Invest in shelving, and you’ll be able to maximize your vertical space. Sturdy metal, wood, or plastic units are extremely useful, and can easily hold large or oddly shaped items that might not fit in boxes. If you use shelves higher than you can easily reach, keep a step ladder in the storage unit.
    • Choose clear plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes. Cardboard boxes are cheap and convenient, but for things you need frequently, it’s better to use plastic bins so you can easily identify what’s inside. Clear plastic bins are also easy to stack and store.
    • Lift your belongings with pallets. When you use wood or plastic pallets you can keep your boxes and furniture off the ground. This is particularly important if you’re storing items that are vulnerable to moisture.
    • Be specific with your labeling. When you are creating your inventory list, make note of where things are stored. List all of the items on the boxes, too, so that you’ll be able to find specific items quickly. It can be helpful to number the boxes on top and at least one side so that you can easily locate the box you need.

    When you’re looking for a place to safely store your belongings, choose Pouch Self Storage. We’ve been operating mini-storage facilities since 1979 and we’re 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.

  • How to Pack Efficiently

    A storage unit is a convenient option, especially if you’re moving and need a place to temporarily store some of your things while you unpack. However, if you want your things to be in good condition when you retrieve them, it’s important to be careful about packing them. Follow these tips for packing efficiently and well.

    • Know what you can and cannot store. The storage facility is likely to provide you with a list of rules, regulations, and restricted items. If you don’t receive one, ask for it. You won’t be allowed to store dangerous or flammable items, or perishable food, medicine, or plants.
    • Decide what you need to store. Don’t store things unnecessarily, because storing a lot of items means you’ll need a large storage unit, which means more money. Before you store, clear the clutter and give away, sell, or donate anything you don’t need to keep.
    • Keep a detailed inventory. It’s easy to lose track of what’s in your storage unit if you don’t have an inventory list. It may be helpful to print two lists, keeping one with you and one in the storage unit so you’ll have it on hand when you’re looking for things you need.
    • Pack only clean items. It’s disheartening to retrieve items from your storage unit, only to discover they’ve deteriorated because they were put away dirty. Before you pack your things away, wipe everything down with an all-purpose cleaning spray, vacuum upholstered furniture, and clean out appliances. When you get them out of storage later, your items will be in good condition, and they won’t have any unpleasant odors.
    • Use clear plastic storage bins. Storing your belongings in clear plastic bins makes it easier to find them when you need them. What’s more, airtight bins will help protect your items.
    • Label everything. Labels that clearly describe the contents of boxes make things easier to find, especially if you opt for cardboard boxes over plastic bins. Be specific, listing exactly what’s in the box instead of a generic category like “kitchen items.”
    • Protect your items. Especially if your unit isn’t climate controlled, take care to prevent damage to the items you’re storing. Make sure everything is dry, apply protective spray to furniture and leather goods, and seal boxes to keep out moisture. Store electronics and cords in plastic bags, pack clothing in wardrobe boxes or in hanging garment bags, place mattresses in storage bags, and cover furniture with a cotton sheet to keep pests and bad weather from damaging it.
    • Prepare large items properly. Take large pieces of furniture apart before storing them, and store box springs and mattresses flat. Leave washers, dishwashers, and refrigerators slightly open to prevent mold and mildew, and wrap small appliances in bubble wrap or foam to protect them.
    • Have a plan when placing things into the unit. Pack your unit strategically, placing large and heavy items on the bottom of the unit. Don’t store mattresses under heavy things to prevent damage. Keep things you’ll need to access frequently near the door or somewhere else where you can easily retrieve them. Use good quality packing supplies and the best lock you can afford.

    Once your things are packed and you’re looking for a good place to store them, choose Pouch Self Storage. We’ve been operating mini-storage facilities since 1979 and we’re 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.

  • Tips for Moving with Pets

    Moving to a new place can be a fun adventure, but it can also be stressful. When your family includes furry, feathered, or finned friends, it can sometimes get complicated. Here, we offer some tips for keeping your pets safe and calm during your move.

    • First, get them used to the idea of traveling before you do it. Start by acclimating your pets to their crates by putting them into the crates for short periods of time at home. Then move on to the next step, of putting the crates in the car and sitting there without going anywhere. Next, sit with the engine on, then drive around the block so they can get used to the movement of the car. If you’re flying, you clearly won’t be able to practice taking them on a plane. However, practicing with the crates and the car can make them more comfortable once the time comes to travel. You might also consider a professional pet mover who will know how to safely move your pets across the country or even across the world, adhering to any local or regional regulations.
    • Keep your pets safe while you pack. Make them a “safe space” in the house, with familiar items and crates or beds so they’ll feel comfortable and protected. Pets notice when their home is being packed up, and they may feel distressed when you are packing, but having a safe place to hide will make them feel safer.
    • Communicate with your vet. Schedule an appointment for each of your pets so that you can make sure they’re up to date with vaccines and checkups before you leave. Ask your vet for tips on keeping your pets calm during the move, and if you’re moving to another area, ask for recommendations for a new vet. Get copies of your vet records and fill any prescriptions for your pets before you move.
    • Pack an overnight kit for your furry family members. Just as you’ll pack a bag for each of your human family members with things they’ll need in the first few days at the new place, pack for your pets. You’ll need to include dog food, kitty litter, toys, grooming tools, and anything else your pets will need to feel comfortable while you’re unpacking and settling into your new home.
    • Make sure your pets are out of the way on moving day. Preferably, have them boarded somewhere or ask a friend to take them for the day. If that’s not possible, close them into a room where they’ll be safe during all the commotion. That’s another time in which their safe space will be helpful. Put a note on the door letting people know which pets are in the room, so that no one opens the door. Pets can be stressed out by all the action of moving day, and they can also get underfoot and potentially be hurt. Worse, a panicky pet could bolt through an open door and get lost.
    • Special pets require special care. The above tips primarily apply to cats and dogs, but what about other pets? Small animals require some special care when you’re moving.
      • Guinea Pigs: Guinea pigs are sensitive and don’t do well when they’re jostled around. Their hearts are easily damaged, so if you must transport guinea pigs, make sure they’re carried in something small, warm, and comfortable.
      • Fish: Moving with fish is not a very good idea, because they’re easily traumatized and moving can sometimes be fatally stressful for them. If you’re moving a short distance, you may be able to transport them in bags filled with water from their old tank. However, if you’re moving across the country, you’re better off rehoming your fish, emptying your tank, and getting new fish in your new home.
      • Birds: Even if your bird is normally free-range and sits on your shoulder contentedly, the move is one time for a bird cage. Even the smartest parrot can get jittery and nervous during a move, and you don’t want your feathered pal to fly away.
    • Plan a few days off to help your pets adjust. Spend some time helping them get back into their normal routine while adjusting to their new home. Recreate your pets’ safe space in the new home, and keep them contained until you’ve moved all your things into the house. Introduce them to the new environment slowly, giving them plenty of positive attention. Get collar tags with your new address as soon as you can in case a pet slips out of the house.

    While you take care of your family and pets, trust Pouch Self Storage to keep your belongings safe. Founded in 1979 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.

  • How to Pack Oddly-Shaped Items

    When you think about moving, you probably think of large pieces of furniture and square or rectangular boxes. Boxes are easy to use when you’re packing dishes or books, but what happens when the things you’re packing are oddly-shaped? We’ve got some tips to make packing those less-than-uniformly-shaped objects a breeze.

    • First, think through the whole packing process. Make sure you have the right packing materials on hand, including new, sturdy cardboard boxes, strong packing tape, soft packing paper, bubble wrap, foam sheets, and Styrofoam peanuts. It’s also helpful to have things like old towels, sheets, and blankets, to use as padding. Consider where you’ll pack your oddly shaped things. Will they fit in standard boxes or will you need special containers?
    • Go overboard with your wrapping. Disassemble things as much as you can, then place cushioning material in hollow spaces and nooks, protect anything that sticks out with bubble wrap, wrap the whole thing in packing paper, bubble wrap, old linens, or foam sheeting, and tape it all together with packing tape.
    • Don’t be afraid to waste space in the interest of protecting your treasures. Once you’ve got your specially shaped item wrapped, it’s time to pack it. If it can fit in a box, that’s the best place for it, even if the only box it fits in leaves a lot of extra space around it. That’s fine, just add extra padding into the excess space, after carefully padding the bottom of the box. Make sure the item is completely immobile, and put an additional protective layer of bubble wrap on top before you close the box.
    • Create custom boxes when necessary. If you’ve hired professional movers, they’ll often offer custom crating services. If you’re doing it yourself, though, you might have to use some ingenuity to find the right fit.
      • If you need an extra-tall box, you can put your item in a tall, sturdy box about half its height, raise the lid flaps of the carton and tape them so that you create an open-topped box. Then put another, similarly-sized box over the top of the item, sliding it down over the bottom carton as far as possible and sealing the two boxes together.
      • For an extra-wide box, use a large, rectangular box, with the top taped up. Cut along one of the long sides, removing the cut piece to make an open-sided box. After putting your odd-shaped item into the box, get another box of the same size, tape it shut, cut along a long edge and both shorter edges, creating a flap that can open and close. Sliding the second box over the first will create a wide, sturdy packing container.
      • You can also build a box around your item. Flatten a large cardboard box, put the item on top of it, fold the edges of the cardboard around the item, flatten a second box, put it over the item, fold the boxes together and seal.
      • In some cases, cardboard won’t cut it. For oddly-shaped items that are particularly delicate, it’s better to use custom-built wooden crates.
    • If you’re going to store your items, pay special attention to packing and labeling. You need to be absolutely sure that if your things are stacked in a storage facility, your oddly shaped items will still be protected. Label them clearly with words like “fragile”, “this side up”, and “do not stack” if necessary.

    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.

  • 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.