Archive for month: May 2019

Do you ever feel that your home is overrun with too many toys? It can be surprising to see just how quickly the amount of toys can accumulate whether you have just one child or several. What’s even more alarming is to see how many of those toys are barely touched at all. What might have seemed at the time like the perfect birthday present now sits at the bottom of the toy chest collecting dust.
 
Even when the number toys in our homes begin to become a problem, it’s not always easy to know which toys to get rid of and which ones to keep. When it comes down to it, each toy seems to represent an amount of money that is not easy to part with. At other times, you might find yourself completely overwhelmed with toys and want to get rid of all of them at once.
 
The next time you go through a toy purge, consider the following ideas on toys that should stay out of the “Donate” pile:
 

Educational Toys

 
For the most part, toys are meant to be fun and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. Some parents have found that having a healthy balance of fun toys and educational toys makes them feel better about the total amount of toys their children have. Educational toys that help develop math and grammar skills are good to keep around.
 

Quality Over Quantity

 
Let’s face it…some of the toys our children have just aren’t made very well. When it’s time to choose which toys should go and which should stay, you’re better off choosing quality over quantity. Toys that are well constructed and designed for a long lifetime are much more likely to be used down the road. Too many toys can become distracting and a nuisance.
 

What Do You Have Space For?

 
Another important consideration when deciding which toys should stay and which should go is how much designated space you have for them. When this space begins to fill up and overflow with toys, it may be a good time for a purge. We tend to think that larger is better and with toys this is sometimes true. But take a look at the larger toys in your child’s collection and decide if they are worth the space they take up.
 
If you find that choosing toys to get rid of is simply too difficult, fill a couple of boxes full of toys and store them in your storage unit. Then you have the option of rotating toys every few months. You’ll be amazed at how excited children will get when they see an old toy that they haven’t played with in a while. It can breathe new life into the toy.
 
For information on clean and secure storage units, call Arizona Storage Centers today at 480-386-6022.
 

As seasons come and go, you can actually save yourself quite a bit of closet and drawer space by storing seasonal clothing until you need them again. This is especially true for those living here in the Phoenix, Arizona area, where heavy coats and other winter clothing are used very seldom.
 
It’s important to pay attention to how you are storing your clothing to ensure they are ready for use when you need them again. Here we share some tips on how to consider the next time you begin packing clothes away:
 

Avoiding Mildew

 
The last thing you want is to begin unpacking your winter clothes the next time you need them only to find that they have been destroyed by mildew. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to keep prevent this from happening such as:
 
· Be sure your storage area is well ventilated
· Store garments loosely so they can breathe and receive adequate air circulation
· Avoid using fabric finish or starch on garments that will be stored
· Use a chemical desiccant, such as calcium chloride or silica gel
 

Clean Your Clothes Before Storing

 
It’s always a good idea to wash your clothing before storing them. Critters and insects can be drawn to even the tiniest amount of food, drink or even perspiration. You should also try to store clothing in dark, clean containers, as light tends to fade colors and attract insects. Also, be aware that storing your clothes in extreme hot or cold temperatures can cause damage.
 

Storage for Specific Types of Clothing

 
There are some specific tips and ideas for storing certain types of clothing that can make a big difference in protecting them and extending their usability. Here are just a few ideas:
 
· Leather and suede clothing should be stored somewhere cool and well ventilated. If you can, cover your leather items with white muslin that’s been washed.
· Linen garments are best stored rolled. If left stored for too long with a fold, it is likely that the fold will become permanent.
· Wool should be thoroughly cleaned and then carefully wrapped in tissue paper. It’s also a good idea to add mothballs to the area or container where wool is stored to prevent moth damage.
· Knit and silk fabrics will retain their shape better if stored flat. Hanging these items for too long can lead to the garments stretching or losing their shape.
 
It’s usually better to store clothing in boxes or trunks rather than plastic bags or bins, as this allows for better air circulation.
 
Arizona Storage Centers offers climate controlled storage units if you are planning on storing clothing for long periods of time. To learn more or for answers to your questions about storing clothing, feel free to give us a call at 480-386-6022.
 

When it comes time to choose a storage unit, there are a few important decisions you will need to make, such as how big of a unit you will need and how long you will need it. You’ll also need to decide if you want to use a climate-controlled unit or not. In some cases, the items to be stored will do much better in a climate controlled storage unit, especially here in the desert of Phoenix, Arizona.
 
Climate controlled units can make a huge difference when you’re dealing with excessive temperatures. They provide protection for your possessions from the elements by maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the year regardless of what the weather is like outside.
 
Here are just some of the many different items that are better protected in a climate controlled storage unit:
 

Furniture

If you have high-end furniture that you are storing temporarily as you move from one home to another, a climate controlled unit will help protect it from heat warp, cracks or even mold.
 

Artwork

Paintings, photographs, and some ceramic art should be stored in an environment that is climate controlled. Even if the piece of art itself is able to withstand high temperatures, the frames that hold them may not.
 

Electronics

When storing electronics such as computers, stereos, or any other video or audio components, choose a climate controlled unit to ensure they function properly at the end of their time in storage.
 

Holiday Decorations

Let’s face it, holiday and seasonal decorations are not necessarily cheap these days. When you spend money on beautiful decorations, you’ll want to enjoy them year after year without worrying about them getting ruined while in storage. A climate controlled storage unit is your best bet for keeping holiday decorations looking good each time you need them.
 

Musical Instruments

As one of the most temperature sensitive items we might own, musical instruments need to be kept in a climate controlled environment where they will be safe from the heat or cold. Even short term exposure to fluctuating temperature can ruin an instrument forever.
 
One thing that you need to ask yourself is “How often will I need to access the storage unit?” For some, a storage unit can be used in conjunction with a business to store inventory. Whether or not you have a business, however, if you plan on using your storage unit on a regular basis you might choose a climate controlled unit simply to make your visits more comfortable. Loading and unloading items in the heat during the summer or in the cold of winter can be miserable.
 
If you still have questions about whether you need a climate controlled unit or not for your storage needs, give Arizona Storage Centers a call at 480-386-6022. We’re happy to discuss your needs and offer our advice.
 

At Cactus Self Storage, we continue to see an increase in the amount of businesses that are using self-storage units for storing everything from inventory to excess office equipment and supplies.
 
While there are many reasons why a business would find using a storage unit beneficial, perhaps the biggest reason is simply to declutter their working environment. This makes a huge difference when you are trying to create or maintain an organized and professional workspace for yourself or employees. Often times it’s easy for a business to accumulate quite a bit of “stuff” over the years without realizing just how crowded the office has become.
 
That’s why for many businesses, a storage unit is the perfect solution for storing seasonal items that are only needed at certain times of the year. This can include inventory as well as holiday decorations. Instead of trying to overload your already crowded storage closet or having to lease additional office space to hold these seasonal items, a quality storage unit is often a much simpler and inexpensive option.
 

Seasonal Inventory

 
Whether you are simply planning ahead for an upcoming season by ordering a shipment, or you need a place to store leftover inventory for next year, a storage unit might be just the right solution. This gives you the option to order in bulk, which can save you money and there is often a drop in shipping costs when more supplies are ordered at one time. Also keep in mind the fact that larger orders would mean that you wouldn’t have to place as many orders throughout the year, giving you more time to spend in other areas of your business.
 

Seasonal Decorations

 
Many businesses find that decorating for seasons and holidays is a great way to attract more customers or at least add to the customer experience. If you own a restaurant, for example, and change the decorations frequently, you may soon run out of space to store these decorative items. By placing them in a storage unit, you can keep your decorations more organized and easier to access. They will also be better protected so you can continue to use them for years to come.
 

Seasonal Office Supplies

 
Seasonal businesses are busier at certain times of the year depending on the market demand for their product or service. During those busy seasons, as they staff up to meet higher demands, they may need additional office equipment and supplies. Rather than waiting for a shortage to order new supplies, buy in bulk ahead of time and keep them in a storage unit so that you can increase your sales while these items are still hot.
 
These are just a few of the many reasons more and more businesses are using self-storage units at Arizona Storage Centers. Remember that we do offer climate-controlled units as well for any items that might be sensitive to temperature.
 
To learn more about your storage options, give us a call today at 480-386-6022.
 

Unloading a moving truck in the middle of an Arizona summer can be quite a challenge. If you’ve never lived in the Phoenix area before, this is one move that you will probably never forget. Here are a few tips for a smooth moving truck unloading in the summer:
 

Do Your Best to Avoid the Heat

 
There are certain times of the summer when it may seem like it is impossible to avoid the heat altogether. Still, there are times of the day that are at least a few degrees cooler than the middle of the day. Plan your unloading for either the early morning hours or after the sun goes down. Look for shade to park in whenever possible; you might be surprised at what a difference it can make. Also, be sure to have a cooler of cold water close by as it’s extremely important to stay hydrated.
 

Dress Appropriately

 
If you know you’re going to be out in the heat for an hour or more at a time, you will definitely want to dress appropriately. Shorts and loose fitting tee shirts might be your best bet. Skip the sandals and flip-flops – you’ll want to wear closed toe shoes for protection. If you find that you will be out under the sun unloading your truck, then be sure to wear protective clothing and sunscreen.
 

What to do with Kids and Pets

 
Unloading a moving truck is not necessarily an easy job and you’ll want to be sure you can give it your full attention. Having kids or pets with you can be a distraction. Be sure to keep your kids occupied someplace safe and cool while you unload the truck. The best idea is to arrange for a sitter who can keep them entertained and out of your way. The same goes for dogs or cats – keep them somewhere safe and out of the heat. Whatever you do, don’t leave them in the cab of the truck while you unload.
 

What to Avoid

 
The temperatures in a moving truck can become extremely high during summer months. It’s a good idea to avoid leaving perishables or things that can melt inside the truck when moving in the heat. You should pack these items separately and focus on getting them inside quickly. Candles, CD’s, videos cassette tapes and various of electronic devices can all warp or melt in the high heat.
 

Keep it Short and Sweet

 
If you can manage it, unload your moving truck quickly and in one place. Placing your items in a storage unit makes the unloading process go fast so you are out in the heat less. You may find that it works better to unload everything in one central location first before separating to different rooms.
 
For information on storage units, call Cactus AZ Storage Centers at 480-386-6022.
 

At Cactus Storage, we’re always on the lookout for helpful tips and ideas to help you use your storage unit more effectively. We realize that a more organized storage unit leads to a much better experience and will help you avoid unnecessary stress.
 
Our customers use their storage units to store a wide variety of items for both personal and business use. We often see people storing items that they think they might use down the road only to find out in the end that it would’ve been better to simply get rid of a long time ago. With that in mind here is a list of 5 things you should stop storing and give to charity now before they end up stressing you out:
 

1. Old Winter Coats

 
We realize that here in Phoenix there are those 2 or 3 days a year that you might actually need a winter coat to stay warm. For those occasions, it’s good to keep winter coats that fit and are also in good condition. However, holding onto old winter coats that no longer fit or are in need of repair simply takes up way too much space in your storage unit. You’d be better off to donate these coats to a charity that can get them to the right people in time for those 2 of 3 cold winter days.
 

2. Baby Clothes

 
If there’s a baby coming soon to the family, then it’s a good idea to hang onto those baby clothes. But some people find themselves storing baby clothes just in case something comes up down the road. There are 2 things to consider when it comes to the long-term storing of baby clothes:
 
· Research shows that more than 16 million children in the United States live in families with incomes below the poverty level – this includes babies that could use the clothes you are hanging onto.
· Just like any other clothing, baby clothes go in and out of style. You might find that you store your baby clothes so long that they are no longer in style when you finally have use for them.
 

3. Old Toys

 
Many parents are finding that the toy situation in their homes can quickly get out of control if they aren’t careful. In fact, most parents would agree that they could probably get rid of half of the toys they currently have without their child even noticing. We realize it’s tough to get rid of toys that you feel you spent so much money on. But unless they are collector’s items, they will end up taking way too much space in your storage unit.
 

4. Blankets

 
Here’s another item that could probably be put to good use by someone else rather than sitting in storage. The tough thing about blankets is that they are tricky to store. They are big and bulky and when you put more than a few into a moving box, they can be heavy as well. Instead of storing old blankets that you have no use for, give them to charity so someone else can enjoy them.
 

5. Old Boots and Shoes

 
When we first start choosing what to keep in storage and what can go, typically we find ourselves hanging onto items that cost the most. This is especially true with boots and shoes. Not only are shoes expensive, but if well designed and constructed, they can last for a long time. If you’re only storing shoes and boots for a short time, it makes sense to keep them. But if you’re simply hanging onto them with the hope that someday they will become useful again, like an old pair of motorcycle boots from your “wild” days, you’re probably smarter to let them go now.
 
For more tips or ideas on storage organization or to find out more about local charities that accept donations, feel free to contact Cactus Storage at 480-386-6022.
 

Moving can be such an overwhelming and challenging task that just thinking about it often can lead to stress. It requires time and energy to not only do the physical work, but also the often more laboring mental work of planning, strategizing and organizing. For many, moving is such a big job that they would rather just pay a professional moving company to do the work for them.
 
The dilemma of whether or not to hire movers is a tough one to crack. On the one hand, you’re faced with an additional and not so little expense for something you could do yourself. On the other, you could be facing damaged furniture and injury that might have long-lasting effects.
 
Here are a few things you should consider when deciding whether or not to hire professionals for your next move:
 

Distance

 
How far you will be moving should definitely be taken into consideration when deciding whether or not to use professional movers. If your new home is just a short 30 minute drive across town, you’re probably okay to handle the move on your own. Call a few buddies and some family over to help and have the whole move done before you know it.
 
It’s an entirely different story when you’re moving across the country. Not only will you want to pack your belongings with more care and precision, but you’ll also want to be sure that they are covered in case of damage. Long distance moves require more work and more attention on other things. It’s wise to leave the moving part to the pros.
 

Cost

 
This is most likely the most relevant issue when it comes to hiring a moving company. If you’re in a situation where your employer is paying for the move or you have ample room on a credit card, then hiring a moving company may be a no-brainer. There are even ways to do some of the moving on your own to cut back on costs, such as loading and unloading the truck yourself. If money is really tight, then hiring movers may be out of the question.
 

Organization

 
One thing to think about as you plan your move is who will be responsible for the packing of boxes. Some moving companies offer services that include boxing your items up for you before they load them onto their trucks. This might sound great until you consider the unpacking. Let’s face it, no one knows your stuff like you do and it may not seem so great at the end of a move to be forced to go digging through boxes to find specific items.
 
Whether you work with a moving company or not, it’s always nice to know that the items you want to store will end up in a clean and accessible facility like Cactus Storage Centers. Find out more about the options we offer by calling 480-386-6022 today.
 

Whether you’re moving to Phoenix for a job relocation, retirement or to get out of the cold weather, there are few things you should probably know. Those from the outside often describe Phoenix as a sort of oasis in the desert, the miracle of the southwest where you will find a sprawling and vibrant city amidst the dry and harsh climate.
 
Also known as the Valley of the Sun, Phoenix has much to offer and continues to draw visitors and new residents year after year. To help you better prepare for your move to Phoenix, here are is what you should know:
 

It’s Big!

 
People are often surprised to see just how big Phoenix really is. If you count the several inter-connecting suburbs of Phoenix, you’re looking at over 517 square miles. Not only does Phoenix cover a large area, but the neighborhoods and communities are also very spread out. If you’re coming from a city on the east coast, be prepared to find yourself in need of a car in order to get around conveniently.
 

It’s Hot in the Summer!

 
Temperatures in the summer can reach well above 110 degrees in the Phoenix area. It’s also a very dry heat, meaning there is very little humidity. This can be a bit of a surprise for people who have lived through summers in other cities where it can be very humid. Also, the heat seems to stick around long after the sun goes down so you may want to find a place that has a pool so you can cool off. Knowing that you’ll be dealing with this type of heat, it’s also good to watch the weather forecast and plan your move accordingly to avoid the hottest days if possible.
 

It’s Centrally Located

 
One of the best things about living in Phoenix is that you are never far away from the mountains or the beach. A short drive to the northeast will bring you to the beautiful Tonto National Forest, a great place for hiking, fishing and camping. Just a little bit further and you will reach Sunrise Ski Resort, one of the two major snow skiing areas in Arizona.
 
If you’re looking for something on the ocean, San Diego is a short 5-hour drive to the west. In no time you can be enjoying the beach and the beautiful California weather.
 

No Daylight Savings

 
Phoenix is one of only a handful of cities in the U.S. that does not abide by Daylight Savings Time. For better or for worse, you should be aware of this so you are prepared when moving. Phoenix residents love the fact that there is no need to mess with our clocks once their set.
 
Overall you’ll love living in Phoenix! It truly is a remarkable and unique setting that is never short of experience and culture.
 
If you find yourself in need of storage for the extra items that made their way with you on your move, be sure to contact Cactus Storage at 480-386-6022 and find out about the many options we have available.
 

Amidst all of the excitement and giddiness that comes when a couple decides to move in together, it’s sometimes easy to overlook a very important consideration: how to take the possessions of both people and move it all into one space.
 
In some cases, merging two households can be complicated and messy. But, if both parties are willing to work together and spend some time planning ahead, it doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are a few ideas on how to best combine your stuff when you move in together:
 

Open Communication

 
The best place to start when moving in together is with some good dialog about expectations and concerns. This should be an exciting and happy time, so you don’t want to put a damper on it by getting too serious or argumentative. However, you’ll definitely save yourself from some fights down the road by communicating up front.
 

Identify Duplicates

 
Next, make a list of any and all duplicate items. Spend some time deciding which of the two items is in the best condition and will last the longest. Some of the most common duplicate items include beds, couches, tables, microwaves, washers, dryers, coffee makers, can openers and blenders.
 

Plan Out Your Rooms

 
Having a plan in place as you begin to combine possessions and living arrangements is always a good idea. This can help you both to have a more realistic idea of what is going to fit and what is actually going to work the best in your new home together. Even if one of you is moving into the other’s home, it will make a difference if you both have a voice in how things will work moving forward.
 

Buy a Few New Things

 
One idea that can help both people feel more comfortable as you merge households is to buy a couple of new items for the home that you choose and decide on together. Consider buying new dishes, a new sofa or even some art that harmonizes and compliments both of your senses’ of style.
 

You Don’t Have to Say Goodbye

 
There will inevitably be some items that you will both want to hang onto even though you don’t have the space or the need for yet. The good news is, you don’t have to get rid of those items. Move them into storage until the time is right. It could be that you eventually move into a bigger home down the road and will be able to incorporate these stored items into your décor.
 
To find out about the storage solutions available to you through Cactus Storage Centers, give us a call at 480-386-6022. We have many different sizes available to accommodate your needs no matter how much you have.
 

Having spent so many years working with people looking for self-storage solutions, we at Cactus Self Storage have picked up on a few things. We’ve not only seen some very ingenious and clever storage techniques, but we’ve also witnessed first hand some of the biggest mistakes people make when using a storage unit.
 
This can apply no matter what the situation, whether you are storing something long-term or short, for business or personal reasons and for both large and small units. Seeing some of these mistakes for ourselves allows us to pass some advice along to new customers. Here are the top 5 mistakes people make when it comes to storage:
 

1. In a Rush – No Organization

 
You could be simply using your storage unit to store your seasonal clothing and décor or you might be keeping your items in storage for the long haul. Either way, it’s important to take your time to plan how you will use your storage unit. Too often, we see people show up in a rush, ready to move in right now. We’re here to tell you that if you rush, you will make mistakes.
 
Save yourself from headaches and stress down the road by taking some time to organize your storage unit by planning on how you will use it and how often you will need to access its contents. You don’t have to spend weeks on this plan – more like an hour or two.
 

2. Storing Food

 
You wouldn’t think that this would be as common as it actually is these days. Believe it or not, we still have customers show up ready to store their food storage or items from their pantry. Even if you have the best intentions, storing food is a bad idea. It will immediately attract insects and rodents no matter how clean and sanitary the site may be.
 
We’re willing to give our customers the benefit of the doubt and say that most of them don’t even realize they are brining food in. It could be an old box of crackers or a candy bar that fell into the bottom of a box. Just take the time to double check so you don’t end up with a box full of insect or rodent waste… or worse!
 

3. Forgetting to Label

 
As you begin to box up your items for storage, be sure to spend a couple of bucks on items that you can use to properly label what is going into each box or tote. You may think that you will only be returning when you’re ready to unload everything from your storage unit. But we see many instances when someone will return soon after moving their possessions into a self-storage unit looking for a very specific item only to leave in pure frustration because they cannot locate the right box. Some labels would definitely make a difference. You might think labels are a waste of time and money, but someday they will prove you wrong.
 

4. Using Newspaper

 
Newspaper probably seems like the most obvious choice when it comes to wrapping material for dishes or other breakable valuables. We’ve all seen newspaper used in this way before, so why shouldn’t we use it too? Here’s the problem – newspaper can easily smudge and bleed onto the items it is wrapped around. You probably spent time cleaning your dishes before packing them. By packing them in newspaper, you are essentially forcing yourself to clean the dishes twice.
 
Instead, keep any eye open for ink-free wrapping paper, which can easily be found at the same place you would go to buy moving boxes and tape.
 

5. Skipping Insurance

 
There is nothing more heart wrenching than watching a customer removing their items from storage only to see that their precious possessions have been broken or damaged during the move. Most storage centers have you sign an agreement stating that they are not responsible for any losses or damages. Protect yourself by checking with your homeowner’s insurance or renter’s insurance to see if items in self-storage are covered.
 
If not, check with the storage facility to see what they have to offer.
 
Cactus Self-Storage is one of the finest storage facilities in Glendale. To learn more about what we have to offer, give us a call at 623-487-1667.