Protect Your Self Storage Unit with the Right Lock

October 30, 2016 | posted by admin | in Tips

When placing items into a self storage unit, you will need to secure it with a lock. Choosing the right lock is an important decision that many people take too lightly. Grabbing the first lock you see at the hardware store, or the cheapest one, may leave your valuable belongings vulnerable to theft. To maximize the security of your self storage unit, take the time to do your homework and invest in a good, high-quality lock. (more…)

The Best Way to Store Photographs

September 20, 2016 | posted by admin | in Tips

Of all the personal items you own, your photographs are easily the most valuable. Unlike furniture, clothing, and appliances, photographs are irreplaceable and can cause serious heartache if damaged or lost. You want to protect your photographs at all costs, and the proper storage techniques are a big factor in taking care of your precious memories. (more…)

Proper Packing Will Keep Your Items Save in Storage

May 5, 2015 | posted by admin | in Tips

Self storage is a great solution for both short-term and long-term storage, freeing up space at home while keeping your belongings safe and accessible. But before you put your possessions into storage, be sure to pack them the right way to ensure they’re protected.

Start by assembling the supplies you’ll need to properly pack all of your belongings. Most of the packing items you need can be found at AAA Self Storage. (more…)

Organize Your Storage Unit for Maximum Storage and Convenience

January 16, 2015 | posted by admin | in Storage, Tips

Self storage units are a great solution for storing items you don’t have room for at home or that you don’t need access to frequently. It can also be a great place to store product inventory or documents for a home-based business. But like any space, without good organization it can quickly become cluttered and disorganized, making it difficult to find what you need when you need it. Some careful planning and organization will not only make it easier to locate items quickly but will also help you maximize your storage space.

The first step in your organizational plan is to take inventory of everything you intend to store in your self storage unit. This will help you determine what size of storage unit you will need. Make sure you choose one that has ample space so that you don’t have to cram everything in or dig through stacks of boxes when you need something. AAA Self Storage of Topeka has several sizes of self storage units to meet any needs and we offer month-to-month leases, allowing you to upsize or downsize your unit as needed.

Before you begin packing your items, make sure you have plenty of sturdy boxes, labels, markers, tape, and bubble wrap on hand. Plastic containers are a great option. They’re durable and will protect your belongings from moisture. Clear containers will allow you to see what’s in each box. Fill the boxes to capacity but don’t make them too heavy and make sure to distribute the weight evenly within the boxes. Wrap any delicate or breakable items with bubble wrap before putting them into the boxes. Be sure to put a detailed label on each box to make it easier to find items when you need them. AAA Self Storage of Topeka offers a large variety of packing supplies; boxes of all sizes, bubble wrap and packing paper, and tape to label and secure your boxes.

Next, draw a diagram of your storage unit and label where specific items will be placed. You may find that you need to make adjustments to your diagram as you move items into your storage unit, but having a diagram before you move will give you a good starting point. Keep the following in mind as you create your diagram:

• Consider using shelves to maximize your storage space and make it easier to access boxes placed down low.
• Place items you need to access frequently in the front of your unit and put items you use less often at the back.
• Furniture and appliances should be placed in the back and along the sides of your storage unit.
• Heavy items should be placed on the floor or on lower shelves.
• Put breakable items on high shelves or on the top of stacks.
• Arrange boxes so that like items are together.
• If you’re storing furniture with drawers or cabinets, fill them with smaller items.
• Create an aisle, or two if you have a large storage unit, to provide easier access to items in the back of the storage unit.

Once you have everything moved into your storage unit, make any necessary changes to your diagram and tape it to the wall near the door. You may also want to create an itemized list of everything in your storage unit to keep at home. Any time you add or remove something from your storage unit, be sure to also note the change on your diagram and inventory list.

Get Organized for Fall with a Self Storage Unit

September 20, 2014 | posted by admin | in Storage, Tips

Organizing and cleaning shouldn’t be reserved only for spring. As kids go back to school and students head off to college, fall is a great time to take inventory of the contents of your home and look for way to reduce the clutter and get organized for the new school year. A self storage unit is a great way to help organize some of the clutter and clear out space in your home for more useful purposes. (more…)

Don’t Forget Storage Insurance!

July 20, 2014 | posted by admin | in Tips

One factor you need to consider carefully when renting a self storage unit is self storage insurance. Most self storage facilities, like AAA Self Storage of Topeka, offer good security features, like gates with security codes, on-site personnel, good lighting, and security cameras, which will help reduce the risk of theft. But even with these security measures in place, theft can still occur. And even the best security precautions cannot prevent damage from natural disasters, like fire, floods, and storms. Self storage facilities do not cover damage to or theft of items stored in a self storage unit as part of the standard storage rental fee. For this reason, self storage insurance is a necessity. Without insurance, you will be left high and dry if the worst case scenario becomes reality. (more…)

Self Storage is a Great Solution for All Types of Businesses

July 5, 2014 | posted by admin | in Self Storage, Storage, Tips

Just as with homes, businesses can quickly become cluttered with paperwork, equipment, supplies, and excess inventory, taking up valuable space in your business or office. If you have a new business, a growing business, or are just looking for a way to free up space in your existing location, self storage is the perfect solution. (more…)

It’s Time to Spring Clean Your Home and Self Storage Unit

March 20, 2014 | posted by admin | in Storage, Tips

Spring is right around the corner. And with it comes warmer weather and longer daylight hours, making it the perfect time to clean, declutter and organize your home and your self storage unit. This changing of seasons is also a great opportunity to pack away all of your winter and holiday items, like sleds, snow blowers, and holiday decorations, and pull out the warm weather clothing and tools, like lawn furniture and mowers. (more…)

Help Keep Your Self Storage Facility Safe

March 10, 2014 | posted by admin | in Tips

Self storage facilities are much like small communities. When residents work together, safety and security are greatly improved.

Keeping the storage units safe and secure is a shared responsibility between AAA Self Storage of Topeka and the tenants. For our part, AAA Self Storage includes a computerized security gate that requires a code, security cameras, and ample lighting. In addition, our manager lives on-site. But tenants also need to be proactive about preventing theft and crime in our self storage community. (more…)

Reclaim Your Garage for Your Cars with a Storage Unit in Topeka KS

January 20, 2014 | posted by admin | in Storage, Tips

Winter is on its way. And with it comes the brutal Kansas weather, which often includes freezing rain, sleet, ice, and snow, not to mention the bitterly cold temperatures. If your car is parked outdoors, that means starting your day by bundling up and braving the cold to scrape the ice and snow off your windshield and allowing extra time to your already hurried schedule to let it warm up. A garage is the perfect solution, but if your garage is too cluttered to even consider parking a car in it, you’re not alone. According to a report by the U.S. Department of Energy, 25 percent of homeowners with two-car garages don’t park any cars in them and 32 percent parked one car. While some people don’t use their garage for parking their cars because they have dedicated the space to other endeavors, like using it as a home office or workshop, the vast majority simply can’t squeeze their cars in due to clutter. Thankfully, AAA Self Storage in Topeka, KS can help. (more…)