COVID-19 Update. Learn More.

View Our Website Email Us

  • What to Do with Leftover Moving Boxes

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

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

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

  • Projects to Tackle At Home this Fall

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

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

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

  • Organizing your Home Office to Make Working from Home Easier

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

    When You Already Have a Home Office

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

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

    Organizing Yourself to Work from Home

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

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

    When There’s No Room for an Office

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

    If You Have to Share Your Space

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

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

  • A Letter To Our Tenants in Response to COVID-19

    To all Pouch Self Storage Customers,
    In response to the Coronavirus outbreak and the resulting mandates from state and federal authorities, Pouch Self Storage Centers is abiding by the CDC recommendations and implementing social distancing.
    We are however going out of our way to help our customers as best as we can. In order to accommodate social distancing due to the COVID-19 virus, the following facility hours have been modified until further notice to 8 am – 5 pm daily.
    We are doing our best to flatten the curve and have limited staff onsite. In order for us to accommodate our customer’s needs, while still maintaining the regulations of safety, all employees are to have ZERO contact with customers while still managing the facility and protecting our customer’s belongings.
    You can see available units and rent through our online portal at Pouchselfstorage.com
    Sincerely,
    Pouch Self Storage
    marketing@pouchselfstorage.com

  • Quick Tips for Book Storage

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

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

    Clean Your Books

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

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

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

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

    Catalog Your Collection

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

    Select the Right Storage Containers

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

    Pack Your Books Correctly

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

    There are three recommended ways to pack books for storage:

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

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

    Choose a Suitable Self Storage Facility

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

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

    Fill Your Storage Unit

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

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

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

  • Examining the Business Benefits of Document Shredding

    The idea of a paperless office is an enviable one, but in reality, it’s hard to achieve. Businesses will always have to deal with reams of printed materials. Many of those printed documents will contain sensitive information, like customer data or financial information. Protect your business and your customers by signing up for secure, onsite document shredding .

    Security and Peace of Mind
    The No. 1 benefit of business document shredding is security. You and your customers can enjoy peace of mind knowing sensitive information won’t fall into the wrong hands. After all, identity theft is among the most common white collar crimes, and it’s growing at an alarming rate. With an onsite document shredding service, you won’t have to worry about criminals stealing information that will cost your customers and ruin your business’ reputation.

    Convenience and Affordability
    Running a business requires long hours at the office. It’s hard work to keep track of everything that needs to be done. And no matter how much revenue your business brings in, overhead is always a consideration when making business decisions. Onsite document shredding won’t require any extra work on your part, and it’s very affordable. All you’ll have to do is place documents to be shredded in the locked storage bin to await destruction.

    Eco-Friendly Disposal
    It’s technically possible to recycle non-shredded documents that contain sensitive information, but doing so wouldn’t be safe. There’s a greater risk that identity thieves will get their hands on it. When you choose onsite document shredding, your safely destroyed documents can be brought to a recycling facility. You’ll be doing your part to help make the Earth a little greener.

    State and Federal Compliance
    Depending on what type of business you have, you may be subject to multiple state and federal regulations regarding document retention and destruction. Law offices and healthcare clinics are just a couple of examples. Professional document shredding will help your business stay in compliance with document destruction requirements.

    Onsite document shredding is available at POUCH Self Storage , along with the secure shredding of data DVDs, CDs, recording tape, and floppy disks. For storage options in Lake Forest and San Juan, call our office at (800) 378-4598.

  • 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.

  • Maximize Your Retail Space by Storing Extra Inventory

    When you have a retail store, every inch of space counts. That means you have to get clever about the way you manage your inventory. Fortunately, business storage can help you keep the items your customers need without making your space unmanageable.

    This video offers advice for maximizing your retail space. Carefully monitoring sales and making sure you’re not wasting space on items that don’t move can help. Using a storage unit to hold extra inventory will also ease your space constraints.

    Get additional space for your inventory by renting a storage unit at POUCH Self Storage . We even offer a FREE moving truck to make transferring your goods easier. Contact our storage facility in Lake Forest by calling (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.

  • 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.