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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.

  • 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 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.

  • Reserve Your Free Moving Truck Today!

    Renting a storage unit from POUCH means you’ll get a great price on a secure self-storage space that is just right for your needs. Did you know it also means you can move your items with a free moving truck? Our We Move You FREE program makes moving into your storage unit as easy and affordable as possible.

    To reserve a free moving truck, you must have a confirmed reservation for a new storage space. Simply contact your storage facility to set up a date and time for the truck. We provide the truck, driver, and gas free of charge. The driver is not allowed to assist you in moving your items, but the truck comes equipped with an appliance dolly and 10 moving pads at no extra cost.

    Free moving trucks are available within a 15-mile radius of your POUCH Self-Storage facility. To reserve a truck or learn more about storage units in Lake Forest, call (800) 378-4598.

  • Getting Ready to Sublet Your Apartment

    There are lots of great reasons to sublet your apartment, from covering your rent when you’re going to be traveling for a few months to moving to a new place without breaking your current lease. There are plenty of things to consider when you sublet your apartment, including what items you need to move to a storage unit before the new tenant moves in. Keep these things in mind as you prepare for your sublet.

    Check with Your Landlord
    Many people who sublet their apartments try to do it without getting an OK from their landlords. This risky game could be very costly in the end. Some leases prohibit subletting completely, while others require sublet tenants to go through a credit check. It’s a good idea to work with your landlord during subletting, so you don’t open yourself up to expensive fines for violating your lease agreement.

    Pack Up Your Valuables
    When you’re going to have a tenant in your home, it’s a good idea to make sure that your valuables move out with you. Although you should of course remove valuable jewelry and expensive electronics, but don’t overlook items that are simply valuable to you. If you have a set of glasses or some pots and pans you do not want to risk getting damaged or removed, pack them up. Fortunately, you don’t have to cart your good stuff around. A secure storage unit will keep your items safe until you need them again.

    Set Up Clear Lines of Communication
    When you sublet your apartment, you’re still ultimately responsible for what happens there. Prevent communication breakdowns from occurring by setting a schedule for how and when you want to check in with the new tenant. You may want to do weekly calls, ask for a monthly email on a certain date, or request to stop by at period intervals to check the place out. Keeping the lines of communication open will help to make your sublet a success.

    POUCH Self Storage can help you get you get your items out of your home before your sublet with our self-storage units , available in a range of sizes. Find out how to rent a storage unit in Lake Forest by calling (800) 378-4598.

  • All About Moving Boxes

    When you’re moving, boxes can either make the process easier or add to the stress of the experience. Whether you’re moving into a new home or transferring items into a storage unit, the quality of the boxes you use matters. Watch this video to learn more.

    Forget getting waterlogged, flimsy boxes from the grocery store. It is worth it to invest in some sturdy boxes in a variety of sizes that won’t break on you as you transfer them into a moving truck.

    POUCH Self Storage is pleased to offer free use of a moving truck with our storage units and records management services. For more information about renting self storage in Lake Forest or using one of our free moving trucks, please call (800) 378-4598.

  • Keeping Your Stored Sofa Looking Like New

    Sofas are common items in self-storage units , but keeping them in good condition takes a little bit of preparation. If you plan to put a sofa into storage, follow these tips to ensure it stays looking like new until you’re ready to use it again.

    Clean Before Storing

    It’s always a good idea to clean your sofa before putting it into storage, even if you don’t see any signs of stains or dirt. Sofas take a lot of abuse, so putting it away without cleaning means you’ll be locking in sweat, germs, and odors. The right method of cleaning your sofa depends on its upholstery materials. Generally, synthetic fabrics can be cleaned with water, while natural fabrics require a solvent-based cleaner. Leather sofas can be cleaned with a few drops of olive oil massaged into the leather using a microfiber cloth. Ensure your sofa is thoroughly dried before moving it to your storage unit.

    Choose Climate-Controlled Storage

    Climate-controlled storage facilities will reduce the impact of temperature extremes, moisture, and humidity on the wood and upholstery of your sofa. Although climate-controlled units often cost a bit more, they are worth the extra money to protect your investment in your sofa. Be sure to select a unit of adequate size to accommodate your sofa and any protective padding you want to put around it—you shouldn’t have to push the sofa against a wall or the door.

    Store the Sofa Off the Ground

    One of the easiest and most effective ways you can protect your sofa in storage is to put it on pallets to keep it off the ground. This will protect your furniture piece from dirt and moisture. It will also help air circulate freely around your sofa. Cover the sofa with drop cloths or padded cloths, but avoid plastic, which traps air and moisture and encourages mold growth.

    POUCH Self Storage offers a range of storage options, including climate-controlled, personal storage units and jumbo storage units, as well as business storage. Find out more about our storage solutions in San Juan Capistrano by calling (800) 378-4598.

  • How to Move into Your New Home

    Whether you are planning a local move or are moving across the country, you will have many factors to consider during your move. As you are getting ready for your move, there are several steps that you can take to reduce your stress during your move. For example, by organizing your belongings and obtaining boxes for moving before you start to pack, you will be well prepared for moving day. For a closer look at some essential moving tips, check out this video from KTNV Channel 13 Las Vegas.

    At POUCH Self Storage, we can provide you with a free moving truck for your upcoming move. When you store belongings at our storage facility in Rancho Cucamonga, you will be treated to top quality moving services. To learn more about our current storage offers , call us at (800) 378-4598.

  • How to Pack Your Belongings

    Moving the contents of a home can be a daunting endeavor. There is always a lot of work involved. However, following a few simple guidelines can help to make your move more manageable. If you are packing boxes for moving or to put in a storage unit, watch this video for some helpful tips.

    The video suggests the first step is to identify possessions you no longer want or need and gift, donate, or dispose of them. The video also recommends packing electronic goods in their original boxes. The presenter cautions against packing more than 50 pounds of your items into a single box, to avoid the danger of breaking your items. The video advises movers to sort boxes by destination room.

    Here at POUCH Self Storage, we believe that moving the items from your home or office can be a stress-free experience. To discover more about our packing supplies, moving trucks, storage units, and boxes for moving , visit our website, or call one of our Self Storage Specialists (800) 378-4598.

  • Loading Your Moving Truck

    No one likes to move. It can be time-consuming and can be a hassle. However, with the right plan and organization, moving can be a breeze. Whether you are moving items into storage , moving across town or across the country, these tips will help you more effectively load your moving truck.

    Pack Everything Ahead of Time
    Having a plan makes loading up the moving truck much easier. Pack everything into boxes that are clearly labeled by what the contents are and what room they belong in (kitchen, bathroom, etc.). Take apart furniture when possible, such as bed frames, dressers, and bookcases. Wrap larger items with padding, and wrap up fragile items, such as artwork and mirrors, with plastic wrap and padding.

    self storage | orange county Loading the Truck
    Once everything is packed and ready to load into the moving truck, make sure there is a clear path from your home to your truck to make carrying everything easier. Keep in mind that heavier, bulky items, like furniture, should be loaded into the vehicle first. They should be placed around the edges of the walls to distribute the weight. Heavy boxes should be on the bottom, with lighter boxes stacked on top. Items should be packed tightly to prevent shifting in transit. Have one or two people in the truck responsible for packing the truck while others move boxes and other items.

    Practice Safe Loading Procedures
    With so many heavy items moving into the truck, it can be easy to get injured. Always lift by bending your knees, not at your waist, to prevent back injuries. If an item is too heavy, have two people carry it, or use a dolly. Always watch where you are walking to avoid tripping over items. If you are unsure about how to move something, get assistance from another person.

    With POUCH Self Storage, moving your belongings is as easy as ever with our “We Move You Free” program. For more information about this program, and all our services in Orange, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles Counties, including boxes for moving, call (800) 378-4598.