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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.

  • How To Organize a Storage Unit

    When you’re renting a storage unit, you will want to make the most of your allotted space. In addition to maximizing your square footage, however, it’s crucial to keep your belongings not only well protected but also accessible. When you need to retrieve something, you don’t want to have to turn your storage unit upside down looking for it or, even worse, dig through boxes. Here, we offer some organizing tips for storing your things efficiently.

    • Choose the right sized space. How much space do you need for the belongings you intend to store? It’s extremely frustrating to begin packing a storage unit and realize it’s the wrong size, so make sure you do your homework before you rent a unit. Make a list of the items you wish to store and estimate how much space they’ll occupy. You can find storage calculators online to help you with this process. In general, units come in 10 by 10, which is about half the size of a one-car garage, 10 by 20, which will hold the contents of a three bedroom apartment, and 10 by 15, which falls in the middle. Some storage facilities also offer 5 by 5, 5 by 10, and 5 by 15 feet units and, on the other end of the spectrum, 10 by 25 and 10 by 30 units, large enough for a houseful of items. If you’re in doubt about the size you’ll need, it’s usually safer to go one size higher. When you’re choosing a storage unit, consider other factors, too, like whether you need a space that’s climate controlled.
    • Keep a detailed inventory. While you may be able to easily recall which large pieces of furniture you have in storage, you might just as easily forget some of the smaller items. Having an accurate inventory helps you to be able to locate things when you need them, without digging through your boxes. It can also be helpful to have a map of your unit, detailing where items are located.
    • Pack your items carefully. Consider clear storage bins rather than cardboard boxes. These do a better job of protecting your belongings, and they also make it easier to see what’s in the box. Know how to pack each item properly. Store electronics by removing all cords and cables and enclosing them in separate waterproof bags, then covering your equipment to keep out dust and dirt. Store clothes by folding or rolling and placing them loosely into your boxes, with silica packets to keep them dry. You can also hang clothes in garment bags on a rolling cart or in a wardrobe box. Appliances should have the hoses and tanks removed and drained before storage, should be dry before storing, and should be sprayed for pests. If you’re storing a refrigerator, leave the door ajar, and if you’re storing your grill, deep clean it and remove the propane tank before storing. Store delicate items by wrapping them in paper or bubble wrap and packing them in a study box, and store books by wrapping them in acid-free archival paper and packing them flat, not with the spine or binding pointing up.
    • Label everything. Be specific. If you’re looking for a cookbook, you’ll find it much more easily if you have a box labelled “cookbooks” instead of six boxes labelled simply “books.” Label the boxes on more than one side, in case one side is obscured once everything is in storage.
    • Leave space to walk. Leaving at least one pathway through your storage unit will allow you to access the things you need more efficiently, without having to drag things out or climb over things.
    • Store things in a logical arrangement. Disassemble furniture and store these pieces upright, to maximize your space. Store large, heavy items on the bottom, going lighter as you go up, and make as much use of vertical space as you can. It can be helpful to use shelves if you have a number of small items to store, and it’s wise to leave a step ladder in the unit to help you reach things. Store things you’ll need to use more frequently towards the front of the unit, so you can access them more easily.

    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.

  • 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.

  • How to Get Motivated for Spring Cleaning

    Spring is almost upon us, along with all the great things that come along with it. There’s one thing about spring that may not have you excited, though: spring cleaning. How can you get yourself in the mood to clean and stay motivated until the job’s done? We’ve got some helpful tips.

    • Gather inspiration. Go ahead and buy that home décor magazine or build a makeover Pinterest board. Think about the little things you can do to bring the look of your home closer to what you want it to be. Having a vision and some doable mini-projects can make it easier to get excited about cleaning the house.
    • Set realistic goals. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and it’ll take longer than a day to clean your whole house. Identify the tasks you want to accomplish and create a schedule for getting them done. It can be disheartening to spend an entire day cleaning, so consider breaking it into smaller blocks of time over the course of a few days.
    • Enlist some helpers. Whoever lives in the house should participate in cleaning it, so make a plan for everyone to pitch in. Decide ahead of time how to divide the chores, and make sure you have the right tools to accomplish the tasks you need done.
    • Play some energetic tunes. A housecleaning playlist should be fun and upbeat. Creating this playlist isn’t about showing off your highbrow musical tastes, it’s about getting everyone moving! Throw on some disco, some dance party hits, or some bubblegum pop- whatever makes you want to keep going.
    • Don’t be afraid to get rid of things. Clothes that you’re not going to wear, things that are broken, outdated knick-knacks or random electronic components can all be removed from your house. Donate anything that’s still in good shape and throw out anything that’s no longer usable.
    • Plan something that will motivate you to get the job done. If you’ve got a party on the calendar, you’ll be much more determined to get your house sparkling clean for your guests. It might even compel you to do some of those mini-makeover projects!
    • Treat yourself- and your helpers. Plan ahead of time to do something fun as soon as you’re finished. Head out for dinner or ice cream, go to the park, or watch a movie. If you’ve got something to look forward to as soon as you’re finished, the work will go much faster and feel less tedious.
    • Consider storage for helping you declutter. An uncluttered home is easier to keep clean, and you can minimize clutter by renting a storage unit. Pull things like kids’ toys in and out of rotation, and store things you don’t use on a regular basis.

    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.

  • Mental Health Benefits of Decluttering

    Over the past year, have things gotten a little bit cluttered in your house? It’s happened to a lot of us, as we- and our family members- have spent a lot more time at home. If you’re looking for a way to refresh your space, decluttering is a great first step towards improving your décor. What you may not know, though, is that decluttering can be good for your mental health.

    • Clutter can increase your likelihood of depression and anxiety. Our brains are wired to be less anxious when things around us are orderly. In fact, recent research indicates that cluttered spaces create high levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which then causes anxiety and depression. So, when you declutter, you’re alleviating a source of stress.
    • Your sleep may improve in a decluttered bedroom. When your home, and especially your bedroom, are cluttered, your mind can be full of uneasy thoughts. This interrupts your sleeping patterns and can result in poor sleep. If you want a good night of sleep, get rid of the chaotic clutter in your bedroom.
    • A cluttered house can aggravate your allergies. Clutter conceals contaminants of all kinds, from pet hair and dust to mold and mildew. This makes it a breeding ground for harmful allergens. When you declutter and organize, you can improve your indoor ventilation, which helps prevent mold buildup. You’ll also be able to clean more easily where pet dander and dust have gathered, improving your indoor air quality and alleviating allergic symptoms.
    • Getting rid of clutter can improve your relationships. When you share a home, whether with roommates or family members, clutter can put a strain on your communal harmony. Keeping the house clutter-free makes everyone feel happier and prevents fights over messes.
    • The act of decluttering is good for your overall well-being. Physically, decluttering requires you to get moving, so it burns calories and can energize you. Mentally, the decision-making and problem-solving skills required in decluttering create a feeling of confidence in your own competency. When you’re decluttering, your mind has space to wander, and that can lead to lightbulb moments that help you with the rest of what you need to do. One more bonus? While you’re decluttering, you will often find things you didn’t even remember you’d lost. In this way, decluttering can reveal lost treasures and ultimately save you money.

    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. You can still reach us by calling (800) 378-4598 or contacting us through our website.

  • Steps to Decluttering your Closet

    An uncluttered closet makes for an easier life, so why do so many of us find it so hard to declutter our closets? It can be a struggle, but it doesn’t have to be. Follow these simple steps and you’ll soon have a closet that’s neat and organized. Best of all, you can get it done in about fifteen minutes!

    • Start with the right supplies. You’ll need three large bags or boxes and a permanent marker for labeling them. One will be for donations and two will be for removing items from the closet for now. If your closet is low on hangers or needs some reconfiguring, go ahead and get new hangers, organizers, or whatever else you’ll need.
    • Move quickly to pull out things you’re ready to give away. Anything that doesn’t fit, clothes that you don’t really life, and pieces you never wear can all go into the donations bag. Don’t spend too much time on this, just grab the things you absolutely don’t want to keep.
    • Fill the second bag with things that don’t fit, but that you’re not ready to lose just yet. This should be a small amount of clothing, only your favorites among your non-fitting items. Again, don’t get hung up on this. If something feels hard to let go, go ahead and keep it for now. In a few months, go through this bag again and pare it down further.
    • Move special occasion items out of the way. Only keep the pieces you actually need and wear, moving them to the far end of your closet.
    • Fill the third bag with things you haven’t worn in a year. First, lay them on the bed and be honest with yourself about whether or not you’ll ever wear them again. If you can’t see yourself in them, donate them. If there’s a possibility that they can still work for you, put them in the third bag and label it “maybe”. If you’re on the fence, go ahead and put it in the bag. You can revisit the bag later and donate more things.
    • Store the three bags you just filled. Put the donations bag in your car and take it to the thrift store as soon as possible. Don’t hang onto it until you find the perfect recipient, just donate it. Store the other three bags in your closet if there’s room or in a storage area if you don’t.
    • If you have more time, set aside an hour to do a more in-depth declutter. Take everything out of the closet, then make essentially the same decisions you made in the fifteen minute process, just more carefully. Find a place for everything so that you can keep it tidy, installing shelves if necessary, to give yourself more organizational options.
    • Set yourself up for future success. Make some rules for yourself, to keep your closet from getting cluttered again. Only buy things that will fit, look good, and go with things that you already own. Don’t buy things just because they’re on sale, if they’re not going to make a positive contribution to your wardrobe.

    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.

  • Get Organized for the Fall Season

    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.

  • 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.