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  • 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.

  • Boat Storage 101

    Proper storage is one of the most important parts of maintaining your boat. In addition to finding storage facilities that allow for boat storage, prepping your boat to be put away is also essential. Here’s what boat owners need to know about safe storage.

    Avoid Storing Your Boat in Water
    Although many docks offer storage, the water is not a good choice for long-term boat storage. It may seem counterintuitive, but your boat should only be in water when it is in use. Otherwise, the water will constantly put pressure on your boat, which increases the wear and tear and makes more frequent repairs necessary. Storing your boat at a storage facility is not only cheaper than dock storage but also safer for your boat.

    Clean Your Boat Before Storing
    Cleaning may sound like the last thing you want to do after a day on the water, but putting a dirty boat into storage can cause damage. Further, you’ll be glad your boat is clean when you get it out for use. Scrub the deck, topsides, cockpit, hull, and all other compartments. After washing the boat, fill up the tank to prevent condensation from forming, and charge all your batteries or disconnect them from their cables. After a thorough cleaning, dry the boat completely before storing it, so that moisture damage doesn’t occur.

    Invest in a Cover
    Although people often store boats without covers, covering the boat is the best way to protect it from the elements. Covers also keep your boat safe from debris and dirt buildup. Ideally, get a custom-fitted cover to give your boat the best possible protection. Your boat cover should have supports so that you can prop it up. This will reduce the risk of water settling around the bottom of your boat.

    Store your boat with confidence at POUCH Self Storage. Our storage facilities have 24-hour video surveillance and keypad entry for the utmost security for all of your belongings. Find out how to rent boat storage in Lake Forest by calling (800) 378-4598.

  • Comparing Covered and Open RV Storage

    RV storage is an issue most owners will have to deal with eventually. There are multiple ways to store your RV, but two of the most popular are covered and open. Here is a look at how these two kinds of RV storage compare.

    Open RV storage is essentially a large parking lot within a storage facility. It gives you the benefit of vehicle storage within a secured environment, but open storage does not provide any protection from the elements. Covered storage allows you to park your RV on a secured lot underneath a roof that provides protection from the sun, rain, and winter weather. Covered storage is not fully enclosed. Depending on the climate in which you are storing your RV, both kinds of storage can be acceptable.

    POUCH Self Storage offers both types of RV storage and is happy to answer your questions so you can select the right option for your RV. Learn more about vehicle storage in Rancho Cucamonga and Fountain Valley by calling (800) 378-4598.

  • The Do’s and Don’ts of RV Storage

    Storing your RV

    Driving across the country in your RV visiting great destinations is a great way to see America. Although most people would love to vacation like this year-round, it is not always possible. At some point your RV will have to be packed up and stored away in RV storage in Orange County , Los Angles County and San Bernardino County. Keeping your RV safe when it is not in use is important to ensure you and your family can head out on the road again. Continue reading to know how to properly store your RV so you can enjoy your next vacation.

    The Don’ts of RV Storage
    Keeping your RV safe is the key to storing your RV properly. Unfortunately, many RV owners are storing their RVs in ways that can cause them to be broken into or harmed. Storing your RV in an open area near one’s home is not good for safety, as it is still susceptible to break-ins. Also, when storing your RV it is important you don’t leave it uncovered.

    The Do’s of RV Storage
    Now that you know what not to do when storing your RV, here are some great ways to keep your RV in tip-top shape while storing it. Storing in a storage facility is a wonderful way to ensure its safety. Plus, your neighbors will be happy they do not have to look at it all the time. Also, be sure to unplug all of your appliances so your battery will be fully charged when you get ready to go on your next trip. Finally, investing in a cover is a great way to keep your RV safe from daily elements that can cause wear and tear on your vehicle.

    If you are looking to store your RV safely, call POUCH Self Storage and speak to one of our Self Storage Specialists at (800) 378-4598. We have been storing RVs for more than 30 years. Keeping your property safe is a top priority so you and your family can continue to enjoy wonderful vacations on the road.

  • The Steps of Preparing Your Vehicle for Long-Term Storage

    You want to ensure your vehicle is in the same condition when it comes out of self-storage in San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and Orange County as it was when you originally stored it, so it is important to follow the appropriate steps to prepare it. Here is a brief overview of the steps when preparing your vehicle for long-term storage.

    Go For a Spin
    When you store a vehicle for a substantial amount of time, it helps to take it for a short drive every few weeks and/or start it a minimum of once a week. An occasional 15-minute spin will help keep the battery from dying , and it can also help the various components of your car stay properly lubricated. Run the air conditioner during your drive to refresh the air inside your car. If no one can take your car out for a drive during its time in storage, consider disconnecting the negative battery cable.

    Cover the Exterior
    A vehicle that will not be in use for some time can typically benefit from a car cover. Although this tends to be more important when you store your vehicle in a garage or parking lot, covering the exterior of your car while it stays in a self-storage unit can still help to protect it from dust accumulation.

    Prevent Flat Spots
    Nobody wants to take a vehicle out of storage only to find flat spots on the tires; fortunately, this is entirely preventable. Avoid flat spots on your tires by keeping them properly inflated while they remain in storage. Some individuals choose to take their tires off completely so they are not subjected to the weight of the vehicle, and thus are protected from flat spots.

    If you are looking for a safe place to store your vehicle for a long period of time, contact a POUCH Self Storage Specialist at POUCH Self Storage or visit our website. We are an Orange, Los Angeles and San Bernardino County storage company that offers records management, on-site document shredding, personal and business storage services, and more. Please do not hesitate to call us at (800) 378-4598 if you would like to learn more about any of our storage services.