Blogs

6 Reasons You Need Self Storage

Self Storage Tips

Self Storage Tips Look around you. See any clutter? If you do, you’re in good company, because more than 50% of Americans admit they have a clutter problem. It’s time for a change. Below, we share some of the top reasons self storage is a necessity to clear your cluttered lifestyle. 1. Seasons Have Reasons Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixen have overstayed their welcome. When the calendar flips, so does your home and business. Seasonal decorations need a new home when their month is up, and self storage is just the place. Keep onsite storage for practical items you use monthly versus annually. Save that spot on your shelf for the popcorn maker you use for movie nights instead of Christmas ornaments that make a one-time appearance. You will be amazed at how much more space you have when your shelves are cleared from overflowing seasonal boxes. 2. Toys Takeover The average 10-year-old owns 238 toys. To make matters worse, they only play with about 12 toys daily. Get your playroom under control by using a self-storage unit to hold toys that haven’t been in the top 12 recently. Putting toys in storage helps prevent meltdowns associated with throwing “favorite” toys away and keeps outgrown toys nearby if there are any new additions to the family. 3. Family Changes Whether you’re grieving the loss of a loved one, going through a divorce or becoming an empty nester, self storage can help with the transition. Certain items, such as awards, photos and personal treasures don’t belong in the trash, but no longer have a space in your home. Self storage is beneficial during short-term transition processes. 4. Furniture Fills Space Furniture is one of the most common items kept in self-storage units, and for good reason. Furniture is big, bulky and often seasonal. If you entertain a few times a year, keeping extra seating and tables in a self-storage unit can make your home feel more spacious day-to-day.   Outdoor furniture is best protected during the winter months if kept in ...

Norm Kotoch
June 25th, 20219

3 Ways to Preserve Artwork in a Self-Storage Unit

Specialty Storage

Specialty Storage Whether you’re a gallery owner with rooms of pieces to show or a casual collector, proper art preservation is key to keeping works on hand for years to come. As you switch out gallery pieces, or give your décor a new and different look, seek a storage solution for items that aren’t currently needed.  Below, we highlight a few ways to prevent damage, and ensure your art collection’s ability to retain or gain value over time. 1. Keep It Packaged and Protected Similar to almost anything else you want to store, first assess the piece’s current state of cleanliness and give it a dust. Ensure it’s completely free of debris, which can only worsen in state or cause unintended residue over time. Next, think about how your artwork was packaged when you brought it home or when it was delivered to your gallery. This will help determine how to best package your art for storage. Additionally, protect edges with cardboard, and consider an investment in acid-free paper to place on both sides of the art piece. Acid-free paper’s make up is built to protect important documents and artwork during long-term storage. Layer front and back with one sheet of acid-free paper and a few layers of cardboard to prevent direct damage or bending, before placing into a cardboard box. 2. Select Climate-Controlled Art requires specific temperature and humidity levels to maintain proper preservation. This will often be around 50% humidity and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, but may vary based on the material type and specific needs of your piece. Make a list of the various elements and materials that make up your artwork prior to selection of a storage unit. Discuss with the facility manager what your best option for storage will be based on this list. 3. Store It Upright and Give it Room Once the item is safely secured to store, you’ve selected an appropriate self-storage solution and transported the item from its former home to its long-term residence, you will need to pay attention to its placement among other items in your unit. While storing your artwork with other items is ...

Norm Kotoch
March 24th, 2025

4 Ways Your Business Can Benefit from a Self-Storage Unit

Self Storage Tips

Self Storage Tips A majority of office workers believe that being organized improves performance. However, almost half admit to being unorganized, mainly because many don’t know where to start.  Businesses and employees who don’t know where to start when decluttering their workspace can begin by utilizing a self-storage unit. This can help store extra inventory and supplies, free up office space, and archive important documents.  Below we provide four self-storage solutions that can help businesses declutter and improve productivity. 1. Document Storage Businesses are often required to keep sensitive documents on file. However, this can be a security concern if they aren’t stored appropriately and securely. A self-storage unit can provide a secure and cost-effective way for businesses to archive confidential documents, such as employment and tax records. To reduce clutter onsite and ensure files are stored safely, businesses should consider facilities that offer premium security and climate-controlled units. These features create peace of mind for business owners storing important documents and safeguard files from theft and discoloration: 24/7 video surveillance. Appropriate temperature and humidity settings. Pass-code entry gates. Individual locks and alarms. 2. Restaurant Storage Restaurant owners can better organize and manage their business by storing seasonal equipment, furniture and inventory in self-storage units. Oftentimes, there is not enough space on-site to safely and effectively store their seasonal and current items.   To create a spacious and more comfortable environment for employees and patrons, restaurants should store these items when they are not in use: Dishware. Excess inventory. Janitorial supplies. Kitchen supplies. Non-perishable food items. Patio furniture. Seasonal decorations. Additionally, restaurants can utilize a self-storage unit to preserve their wine collection in a premium wine cellar, which provides safety features, including: 24/7 surveillance. A backup generator in the case of a power outage. Individual alarms. Optimal temperature and humidity levels (56 degrees and between 60% to 70% relative humidity). 3. Short-Term Storage Businesses looking to renovate or relocate can utilize a self-storage unit to temporarily store items during the process. These businesses should also select a storage facility that offers professional moving truck valet services to alleviate stress and improve organization.  Specific needs may vary from business to business, so it’s best to select a facility that offers a variety of unit sizes to ...

Norm Kotoch
March 24th, 2025

How Much is Personal Storage? A Cost Breakdown

Self Storage Tips

Self Storage Tips Whether you’re downsizing, decluttering or transitioning your belongings into a self-storage unit, knowing the costs can help you make an informed decision.   Self-storage units offer a variety of amenities and benefits, including size and special features, but it's essential to determine if these features are worth the cost to better plan your budget.  Continue reading to find out how these factors can influence pricing and tips to budget effectively.   >>> Related Resource: Five Factors to Consider Before Renting a Self-Storage Unit Factors that Impact the Cost of a Storage Unit Although there are several diverse factors that can play a role in the cost of renting a storage unit, some of the most common include size, location, and special features.  Some of these special features can be beneficial to your storage needs, and you may want to consider them before finalizing your decision. Here’s a breakdown: Size: One of the most significant factors for a personal storage unit is size. Depending on how large or small your items are, the cost can fluctuate. Common sizing can range from 5 x 5 to 15 x 22 in some instances, making units suitable for a couple of boxes to large vehicles. Location: Depending on where your self-storage facility is located, it may be more expensive to utilize. Look for a company that offers convenient locations without high prices. Security: Premium security is a must when selecting a ...

Norm Kotoch
June 19th, 2024

3 Ways Self-Storage Makes it Easier to Sell Your House

Moving Tips

Moving Tips In the challenging journey of selling your house, every advantage counts. A survey conducted for Zillow found that selling a home is rated as more stressful than buying a new house, planning a wedding, getting fired, becoming a parent, and teaching a teenager to drive. Enter self-storage: a game-changer in simplifying the process and enhancing your home's marketability. In this blog post, we'll explore three pivotal ways self-storage can ease the burden of selling your home, from elevating its appearance to ensuring security and facilitating a smoother transition to your new abode. Let's delve into how self-storage can be the key to a successful and stress-free home sale. 1. Enhancing Your Home’s Appearance Preparing your home for sale involves strategic steps to enhance its appeal to potential buyers. One of the most impactful ways to achieve this is through effective decluttering. Self-storage provides a convenient solution for temporarily relocating excess furniture and personal belongings, creating a sense of spaciousness and tidiness that captivates buyers. Staging your home is another important way to make it appealing to buyers. Staging is the process of selectively removing and storing items that may detract from the desired ambiance, which allows you to showcase each space in the way buyers would most likely use it. With self-storage space to temporarily move items ...

Norm Kotoch
May 16th, 2024

4 Tips to Keep Your Self-Storage Unit Organized When Moving

Moving is undoubtedly a stressful life event. Between the disruption in your routine, to the packing, organizing and actual moving of your belongings, it’s not uncommon to feel unorganized and stressed. That's where a self-storage unit can help. Self-storage units can be a valuable resource during the moving process, providing flexibility and convenience as you transition from one location to another.   But just like any other room in your house, self-storage units can also be cluttered and unorganized without special attention—only adding more stress to your plate when moving. Here are 4 tips to keep your storage unit clean and organized during your move. 1. Plan Ahead Keeping a self-storage unit organized during a move is essential for easy access to your belongings and to maximize the space efficiently.  Before you dive head-first into any packing and moving, consider developing a timeline that outlines important tasks and deadlines leading up to your move. Include tasks such as decluttering, packing, hiring movers, and scheduling utility transfers. Having a timeline will help you stay on track and prioritize tasks effectively.  Once items are decluttered and packed, plan how you'll organize them inside the storage unit. Consider creating a floor plan or sketch to visualize where each category of items will go. 2. Declutter Before Packing Before you start packing, take the time to declutter your belongings. Sort through your items and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. This will reduce the number of items you need to pack and move, saving you time and effort.  Consider making a detailed inventory of all your belongings before packing. This will help you keep track of your items during the move and ensure that nothing gets lost or misplaced in your self-storage unit or once in your home. 3. Choose Packing Supplies Wisely Use sturdy, uniform boxes and containers to store your belongings. This makes stacking easier and maximizes space utilization. Label each box clearly with its contents.  Once it’s time to move your boxes and containers into ...

Norm Kotoch
April 7th, 2024

Top 6 Questions About Wine Storage

Storing wine bottles is a common practice, but how do you know if you’re doing it right?   Below, we answer the top questions we hear about wine storage. After reading this post, you’ll know exactly which types of wine to store for later or drink now. 1. Why do people store wine? Storing wine goes beyond mere preservation—it's about enhancing the drinking experience and even making an investment. Wine enthusiasts store their bottles for several reasons, each contributing to the allure of building a collection. Aging wine can significantly improve its flavor profile and complexity. Certain wines, especially high-quality reds with ample tannins, benefit from extended aging periods. This process allows flavors to integrate, tannins to soften, and aromas to develop, resulting in a more enjoyable tasting experience. Wine storage enables individuals to create curated collections tailored to their preferences and interests. Whether it's exploring specific grape varieties, regions, or vintages, having a diverse selection on hand adds depth to the wine-drinking journey. Additionally, collecting wine can become a passion project, where enthusiasts seek out rare or unique bottles to add to their collection. Storing wine can serve as an investment strategy. Fine wines, particularly those from renowned producers or exceptional vintages, can be appreciate over time. Savvy collectors may purchase wine with the intention of reselling it later, potentially yielding a profit. Wine storage becomes not only a means of preserving quality but also a vehicle for financial growth. 2. Can all types of wine benefit from long-term storage? While the idea of aging wine brings up images of prestigious cellars filled with rare vintages, not all wines are suitable candidates for long-term storage.   Generally, wines with high acidity, robust tannins, and ample fruit concentration have the potential to evolve positively over time. Red wines, in particular, tend to fare better with aging due to their higher tannin content, which acts as a natural preservative. Varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Nebbiolo are renowned for their age-worthiness, often revealing enhanced complexity and refinement with maturity.  Conversely, many ...

Norm Kotoch
March 29th, 2024

Is Climate-Controlled Storage Necessary in Northeast Ohio?

In the heart of Northeast Ohio, residents get to experience all four seasons—ranging from the sun-kissed warmth of summer to the frosty embrace of winter.   When someone in this area decides to move homes or is in need of some additional space to store their belongings, the question arises: Is climate-controlled storage a necessity in Northeast Ohio? The simple answer is yes. Continue reading to learn why climate-controlled storage can preserve your personal items for years to come.  >>> Related Resource: What is a Climate-Controlled Unit? What Does It Look Like? Extreme Weather Conditions Northeast Ohio is no stranger to the whims of Mother Nature. From scorching summers to bone-chilling winters, the region experiences a spectrum of extreme weather conditions that pose unique challenges for storage. Hot Summers: In the midst of summer, Northeast Ohio can feel like a furnace, with temperatures soaring and humidity levels rising—this can risk damage to stored items. Without climate control, electronics, wooden furniture, and fabrics may warp or discolor. Cold Winters: When winter comes along in Northeast Ohio, the landscape transforms into a snowy wonderland. The freezing temperatures can cause materials to become brittle and electronics to malfunction. Liquids can freeze, leading to damage in non-climate-controlled units. Seasonal Variations: Beyond the extremes of summer and winter, Northeast Ohio experiences significant seasonal variations that can impact stored items. Mold growth, corrosion, and deterioration become risks without climate control, leaving belongings vulnerable. Humidity Control The summers in Northeast Ohio not only bring high temperatures but also elevated humidity levels. This combination creates an environment ripe for moisture accumulation, which can seep into storage units and wreak havoc on stored items. Without proper humidity control: Fabrics may develop mold and mildew. Documents can become damp and illegible. Electronics may corrode. In addition to summer humidity, Northeast Ohio experiences periods of heavy rainfall and wet weather throughout the year. Without climate control, water vapor can infiltrate storage units, leading to moisture-related issues such as mold growth, rust on metal items, and damage to sensitive materials like paper and textiles.  Climate-controlled storage units ...

Norm Kotoch
February 22nd, 2024

4 Tips for Storing Seasonal Items in Self Storage

Ah, the changing seasons—a time for cozy sweaters, beach vacations, and the delightful chaos of holiday decorations.   But as the weather transitions, so does the need to shuffle our belongings to and from storage.  Below, we unlock the secrets to seamlessly stow away and retrieve your seasonal belongings. Continue reading to learn how to choose to perfect storage unit for you during the off seasons. 1. Assess Your Seasonal Items Before diving into the storage process, it's essential to identify the specific types of seasonal items you plan to stow away. These could range from holiday decorations and summer sports gear to winter clothing and outdoor furniture. Creating a comprehensive list will give you a clear overview of what needs to be stored and help in organizing the packing process.  Once you've compiled your list, the next step is to categorize items based on three key factors: Size. Sorting items by size will assist in optimizing space within your storage unit. Fragility. Consider grouping fragile items together to ensure they receive extra care and attention. Frequency of use. Categorizing items by how often you use them can help prioritize accessibility within the storage unit. 2. Evaluate the Storage Needs for Each Category With your categories established, take the time to evaluate the specific storage needs for each category. Consider whether certain items require special conditions, such as a climate-controlled environment.   So, what is climate-controlled storage? Climate-controlled units maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level, providing an environment that safeguards your belongings from extreme weather conditions. The controlled climate helps prevent damage caused by heat, cold, and excess moisture, ensuring your seasonal items remain in optimal condition.  What if I don’t need a climate-controlled unit? Climate-controlled storage is not always necessary. However, moisture is a common adversary in storage spaces, and its presence can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. To counteract this, we recommend incorporating moisture-absorbing products within your storage unit. Desiccant packs Moisture absorbers Silica gel Placing these products strategically among your stored items adds an extra layer of protection against ...

Norm Kotoch
February 1st, 2024

What Can You Store in Self-Storage in Northeast Ohio?

If you are planning on storing your belongings, you have most likely seen several factors that come into play.   Self-storage facilities in Northeast Ohio offer a wide range of storage solutions to suit your needs, whether you're a homeowner looking to declutter, a business owner in need of additional space, or someone going through a transition.   These facilities are convenient and versatile, making it easy for you to store your belongings in a safe and secure environment. Continue reading to find the best solution for your storage needs. Household Items and How to Store Them When it comes to selecting a storage rental in Northeast Ohio, most household items require climate-controlled storage. Climate-controlled units provide a clean and dry space to protect your items from extreme weather conditions. You can also store larger, less frequently used furniture items in storage units to free up space at home. Storing these items off-site creates more space in your home for daily essentials and optimizes your living space.   ⭐️ FYI: All our storage units at Security Self Storage in Solon, Ohio are fully climate-controlled. Business Inventory Storage Entrepreneurs and business owners can benefit greatly from a self-storage rental. Whether you run an ecommerce business or own a physical store, a storage unit can provide additional space for your operations. You can store excess inventory, office furniture, promotional materials, and more in a safe and secure environment, freeing up limited office or retail space. If your business uses excess equipment or machinery, storage is a practical necessity. Sensitive machinery may require specialized storage conditions such as climate-controlled units.  Legal obligations require businesses to retain various documents like financial records, employee files, and legal documentation for a designated period. A storage solution can provide a secure and accessible location for these records. Seasonal and Larger Items Northeast Ohio boasts beautiful landscapes which means there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. However, storing your equipment can be a challenge.   Self-storage units are a practical solution for keeping items such as camping gear, bicycles, fishing equipment, snowboards, and ...

Norm Kotoch
January 28th, 2024