Archive for month: May 2019

Thinking about putting your house on the market? It’s an exciting time for you and your family, but it also probably means a good deal of work ahead. Not only is there the work of moving everything that you own into a new home, but you also have to prepare your current home to sell. And, you want to do everything you can to make sure it sells quickly, and at a price that is fairly close to your asking price.

So what are some of these things you can do to help move things along? There are plenty of small things, like making sure the house is very clean before opening it up for showings, putting a good amount of thought and care into your listing and the pictures that accompany it, and following best practices for staging your home. But there are a few bigger projects that you’ll want to tackle before you even list your home for sale.

Here are the projects we recommend getting done before selling your home.

1. Get rid of (a lot of) clutter.

You might be tempted to think this doesn’t qualify as a “bigger” project. Well, think again. Most of us have more “stuff” than we realize, and a move usually makes this glaringly apparent. If you take the time to clear out a lot of your stuff before you list your home, you’ll accomplish two things. First, you’ll make your move much easier, since you are already half-packed. Second, it will be much easier to give your home the clean, “blank slate” feeling that many buyers are looking for when choosing a home. So rent a storage unit, and pack up and clear out anything that you don’t absolutely need. It will make your life easier, and your home easier to sell.

2. Repair broken windows and doors.

Windows or doors that creak, stick, jam, or otherwise don’t function well, do not leave a good impression on potential buyers. If you have windows and doors that require a little attention, especially if the problem is visible, take some time to make these repairs before listing the home. All it takes is for a buyer to notice one broken thing to make them wonder what other problems the home is hiding.

3. Re-paint.

If there’s one thing you can do that will have a big impact on your home’s appeal, it’s updating the paint. Not only will you be able to say that the home has been freshly painted, you’ll also be creating a clean feeling throughout the house that will appeal to buyers. Choose a paint in a light, neutral color (consider asking at the hardware or paint supply store for popular options); this will lighten up the home and give it a fresh, updated look. If you’re unable to repaint your entire house, you should at least repaint rooms where the paint is noticeably bad. Or, if even that isn’t an option, touch up the worst places and wash or dust the rest. Remember: you’re going for a clean, bright appearance.

4. Give your landscaping some love.

Not only is the front of the house the first thing potential buyers will see, but the backyard will create a backdrop for everything they see once they’re inside. As such, it’s important that both the front and back of your house are well-kept and as clean as possible before listing. Clear out any trash, junk, or other debris from the yard, and make sure any toys or play equipment are in good, clean condition. Cut the grass, trim the hedges, and plant flowers or trees to show that you’ve taken pride of ownership in your yard (and by extension, your house). If you have a pool, fountain, or other water feature, make sure it is clean, clear, and functional before showing or taking pictures of the home. These projects can go a long way when it comes to selling your home successfully.

You’ll have plenty of work to occupy your time once the selling, buying, and moving process is underway, so get these large projects out of the way before the other chaos starts. These projects will pay off in the end as your home photographs well, shows well, and hopefully, sells well.

If you’re looking for a storage unit in the Phoenix area to help you with your upcoming move, look no further than Arizona Storage Centers. We have facilities throughout the Valley, in Glendale, Phoenix, Deer Valley, Chandler, and Gilbert, that offer flexible and convenient storage solutions for secure keeping of all your belongings. Give us a call at 480-386-6022 to learn more about our storage options, or visit one of our centers to talk with a friendly associate today. We look forward to helping you!

 
Keeping a small stockpile of food is a good idea for many reasons. For one, having a decent stock of foods you commonly eat can help you save on your grocery bill, should the need to pinch pennies ever arise. For another, if your area is ever affected by a natural disaster, food and supplies at your local store may be hard to come by, making it crucial to have easy access to food. Other families simply like to be prepared at all times, for any situation that might make it difficult for them to otherwise find or buy food.
 
Whatever the reason, storing food is a smart idea, but it’s also an overwhelming one. How do you know what to store? Where will you keep it? How do you make sure it doesn’t go bad? Today, we won’t dive too deeply into the topic, but we will give you some surface level information that can help you get started with your own stockpile of food.
 

What To Store

 
The most common problem people face when it comes to food storage is trying to decide what foods to store. The best answer is to store foods that your family enjoys and eats regularly. While that may seem difficult, there are many ways to adapt recipes to accommodate easy-to-store foods. Here are some foods that should definitely be included as you build your own stock of food.
 

Water

 
This deserves a top spot on the list, because it is the most important. Not only will water be necessary for drinking (in case of an emergency), but it will also help you cook foods or rehydrate dehydrated foods. Store water in specially outfitted water barrels, or in old soda bottles or water jugs if necessary. If you are stocking up in case of emergency, plan on one gallon of water per person, per day.
 

Pasta and Jarred Sauce

 
Pasta is a food with a long shelf life, making it a good candidate for long term storage. While it does take water and a cooking method to prepare (perhaps making it a less convenient option for emergency situations), pasta is a great thing to store for times of financial difficulty. Jarred pasta sauces will also keep well, so you can have a good stockpile of easy and tasty meals, just from these two things alone.
 

Dehydrated Fruits and Vegetables

 
Fresh produce can be expensive during times of financial hardship, and it may be hard to come by in times of emergency. Since you can’t store fresh vegetables and fruits long-term, it’s a good idea to store them in their dehydrated forms. While this method may alter the taste of the food, it’s better than nothing.
 

Canned Foods

 
Another option for fruits and vegetables is canned goods. Canned foods have a long shelf life and are very easy to prepare. What’s more, there are many options available to you as canned foods, including certain meats (tuna, chicken) and soups, which can be an entire meal.
 

Protein

 
Protein is vital to nutrition, so make sure your food storage includes some protein-rich options. Suggestions might include beef jerky (or jerky from another meat), protein bars, peanut butter, or even protein powders that can be mixed into foods or drinks.
 

How to Store It

 
Most foods require storage in a cool, dry place. Somewhere indoors is usually ideal. Pantry space is the obvious choice, but if you don’t have room in your pantry, try to find space in closets or under beds. If you garage is temperature controlled, you could use that. If not, you can still use the garage if absolutely necessary. A temperature controlled storage unit would work as well.
 
Make sure containers are clean and dry, and that cans aren’t pierced or dented, before adding them to your storage. Also, make sure that expiration dates are clearly visible. Along those same lines, you’ll want to periodically rotate the items in your food storage, using soon-to-be-expired items and replacing them with a fresh stock.
 
If you follow these guidelines, you should be well on your way to having a decent stockpile of food to help you and your family be prepared. Hopefully, the need will never arise, but if it does, you’ll be glad you were ready for it.
 
Arizona Storage Centers offers reliable and secure storage throughout the Phoenix area. We offer temperature controlled units that keep your most precious items (or your stockpile of food) safe. We have facilities located in Gilbert, Chandler, Deer Valley, Phoenix, and Glendale, so your storage unit is never too far away. We’d love to help you with your self-storage needs, so please drop by one of our centers today, or give us a call at 480-386-6022.
 

 
We’ve all seen the pictures of minimalist homes. Whether on Pinterest or in everyone’s favorite Scandinavian catalog, the rooms that are sparsely furnished and decorated somehow stand out. And while part of our brains think, “Ah, that looks nice,” another part is probably thinking, “There’s no way I could ever live like that.”
 
Minimalism is attractive to each of us in one way or another, but it doesn’t seem like an actual possibility. Can people really survive with fewer than one dozen quilts? Can a wall in your home remain standing if it doesn’t have a complicated gallery wall hanging on it? Can a bed even be called a bed if at least 50% of its surface isn’t covered in pillows?
 
Okay, those are extreme examples. But in reality, minimalism in the home brings many benefits with it. And while many of us may not be able to go all in on a minimalist lifestyle, we really could benefit from incorporating just a few elements of minimalism in our homes. Here are five ways minimalism can benefit your home and family.
 

1. Less Clutter

 
Close your eyes and imagine that space in your home. You know, the one that collects all the “stuff” that doesn’t really have a home elsewhere. Did you think of only one space…or more like three or four? When we have a lot of stuff, it’s easy for clutter to start taking over our homes and lives. The more clutter that piles up, the less enjoyable our homes are to live in. Cut back on the clutter, and you’ll take more pride in your space and find more peace and joy in your home.
 

2. More Time

 
Minimalists, by definition, only have the things that they need. This means no excess clothes, dishes, toys, linens, and so on. And less stuff is much easier to maintain. Minimalism allows you to spend less time cleaning, picking up, putting away, sorting, organizing, and stuffing things into closets until they’re jam-packed. So go minimalist, and watch your calendar free up a bit.
 

3. Surrounded by Things you Love

 
When you commit to owning less, you can be more sure that you’re only going to buy and keep things that you truly love. That means no more artwork you aren’t sure about, no more scratchy sweaters you never wear staring at you in your closet, and no more extra sets of sheets (that never ever get used) taking up precious space in your linen closet. You’ll only see, use, and interact with things that you really love and are deliberately choosing to keep in your home. If that’s not a recipe for a happier home, I don’t know what is.
 

4. More Money

 
Minimalists own less, so they also buy less. We’d all probably be amazed at how much of our incomes we spend on things that we don’t really need. Our closets alone can probably attest to this (how many things in there still have the tags on? That’s money wasted.) Accumulating less isn’t just going to be good for your home and the environment, it’s going to be good on your wallet.
 

5. Less Stress

 
Our culture is largely one of consumption and comparison. We all seem to be in a race against each other to have the newest versions of the most things, all the time. One of the big benefits of a minimalist lifestyle is that it quickly shows you that you don’t need more stuff to be happy. In fact, as we discussed above, the opposite is often true. Minimalism is a great way to slow down, practice a little gratitude, and enjoy what you have, rather than rushing to get the next thing.
 
If any of these benefits appeal to you, you might want to give minimalism a try! There are plenty of small steps you can take towards becoming more minimalistic, and even those little adjustments can cause big changes in your home environment. This is one case where less really can be more.
 
If you’re not quite ready to get rid of your extra stuff for good, consider putting it in a self storage unit. Arizona Storage Centers offers secure storage units with a variety of features, including temperature controlled units, to safeguard even your most valuable items. With locations in Phoenix, Deer Valley, Glendale, Chandler, and Gilbert, Arizona Storage Centers is easily accessible to help make self storage easier for you. Give us a call at 480-386-6022 for more information. We look forward to serving you!
 

 
A well-organized home is often a beautiful home. Most of us look at the clean homes featured in magazines and drool not only over their beauty, but also over their thoughtful and purposeful organization.
 
Those magazine-worthy homes really are on to something: form and function can go hand in hand. In fact, there are current trends in home decor and design that are actually centered around organization, having a dual purpose that looks great while really “working” for your home and lifestyle.
 
Here are just a few great home trends that are centered around organization.
 

Built-in shelving.

 
Whether it’s a simple set of bookcases or a full-blown entertainment center, it’s hard to beat the beauty and convenience of a great built-in storage option. These units, made specifically to look as though they were “built in” to your home, give a home a unique, custom feel, while also adding a ton of functional storage space in the form of shelves, cabinets, and drawers. While this option may be a little more expensive than some of our other suggestions, it’s a trend that will not only give your home a whole new look, but will always be incredibly useful.
 

Natural/woven baskets.

 
Clutter is the mortal enemy of an organized home, but baskets are the mortal enemy of clutter. These stylish, affordable additions are ultra useful when it comes to corralling items throughout the house. You could use a large, round basket on the floor to hold blankets or toys, or small, rectangular baskets on the countertop to organize mail or other papers. Think a random basket in your room will take away from the decor? Think again! Adding a natural element to a room (like, well, a woven basket) is a big trend right now that brings warmth and texture to any space. So identify your clutter problems, and solve them with a basket.
 

Floating shelves.

 
If a built-in unit, like we discussed above, isn’t really in the financial cards right now, never fear. There is an inexpensive alternative that will add a great aesthetic to your home while also upping your storage space: floating shelves. These shelves can be purchased from almost any store where home decor is sold, or they can be made if you’re handy with woodworking tools. Essentially, a thick shelf is attached directly to the wall, creating a “floating” effect. Floating shelves are popping up everywhere in home design, from kitchens to offices to bedrooms to bathrooms, and they’re the perfect solution for storing dishes, art supplies, books, knick-knacks, linens, and more. The best part? They don’t take up the precious floor space in your home, so they even work for small spaces.
 

Drop zones/mudrooms.

 
If you believe that “there’s a place for everything,” then you’ll love the idea of a mudroom or drop zone for your home. These areas are seeing a surge in popularity recently, and they happen to be among the most functional spaces a home can have. Depending on the space you have to work with, you may have a full-blown mudroom with cabinets and a storage bench, or you may just have a designated space with some hooks on the wall and a basket or box for shoes. Whatever your situation is, designating a space to keep bags, shoes, umbrellas, keys, and more will not only make your life easier, but it will keep your home more organized and beautiful. Start simple with key, bag, and shoe storage, and then adjust the space to your needs, whether that means a recycling bin for junk mail or a laundry hamper for dirty socks. The important thing is to make it work for you.
 
These four big trends will not only keep your house feeling updated and fresh, but it will also keep it organized and, hopefully, easier to maintain. Why sacrifice form or function, when you can have both?
 
Need more storage space than you can find in your home? Extend your storage space even farther with a self-storage unit at Arizona Storage Centers. We have centers all over the Phoenix area, including Chandler, Gilbert, Phoenix, Glendale, and Deer Valley. Convenient storage, secure facilities, and friendly customer service are all just a phone call away, so call us at 480-386-6022.
 

 
Close your eyes and imagine your dream closet. It probably has plenty of space, clever storage options, and a pair of shoes for every outfit, right? Well, we can’t really help you with the shoes, but we are here to help you make some small tweaks to your current closet to bring it just a little bit closer to the closet of your dreams.
 
Here are some steps you can take to start designing your closet, and ways you can implement those ideas to make your own closet just a little more dreamy.
 

Take Inventory

 
Before you can make any meaningful changes to your closet, you need to know your starting point. Take a look inside your closet and make note of what’s working and what’s not. Try asking yourself these questions:
 

• – Does anything in my closet not have a home or place where it belongs?
• – What is the most annoying thing about getting dressed in the morning?
• – Is there anything you don’t wear often, ONLY because you can’t find or see it?
• – Is there anything you don’t wear often, EVEN THOUGH you can find or see it?
• – How’s the floor space? Are there piles of clothes/shoes?
• – Is there anything in your closet you’d like to keep somewhere else?

 
Be honest, or even brutal, with your answers. This is an important first step when it comes to making changes to your closet.
 

Clear it Out

 
It’s easiest to start with a clean slate, so for this next step, take absolutely everything out of your closet.
 

Sort it Out

 
With everything out of the closet, sort through it all and make a few piles. Use your answers to the above questions to help you get rid of things you don’t want to keep in your closet. Add those to a donate or recycle box. Next, clear out clothing, shoes, and accessories you don’t wear often. Be honest! It will do you (and your closet) no good to keep pieces you never wear. Finally, categorize the remaining items. Your categories might look like this:
 

• – Cold weather clothing
• – Warm weather clothing
• – Shoes
• – Accessories
• – Socks and underwear

 

Add More Storage

 
Use your answers from step 1 to identify possibilities for adding storage to your closet, whether that’s by adding shelves, a shoe rack, another hanging rod (a tension shower curtain rod works well for this), or an over-the-door organizer. You could also try adhesive hooks on the walls to hang bags, scarves, or other accessories; this is a great space-saving hack! Your ultimate goal is to make a place for everything, so base your decisions off of what you have and what you need more room for.
 

Make it Pretty

 
If we like the way a space looks, we are more likely to work to keep it that way. This holds true for closets. Add a little something to your closet to make it visually pleasing. You could paint, add wallpaper, buy matching storage boxes/baskets, or get matching hangers for all your clothes. These small touches will give you a sense of pride in your closet, and help you stay motivated to keep it looking nice.
 

Put it Back

 
Now that you’ve maximized your space and minimized your “stuff,” it’s time to put it all back! Be deliberate about where you put things. The things you use most often, you’ll want to be the most accessible. Off-season items can be packed away to save even more space. Put things away nicely to keep things aesthetically pleasing.
 
It may not look exactly like the closet of your dreams, but these steps can help you create a closet that is more functional, more beautiful, and more like the closet you’ve always wanted!
 
Clear out extra space in your closet by keeping off-season or sentimental items in a storage unit at Arizona Storage Centers. We have centers in Phoenix, Glendale, Deer Valley, Chandler, and Gilbert, for convenient, secure storage when and where you need it. Our high-security standards and excellent customer service will help you know you made the right choice. Visit one of our centers today for more information, or call us at 480-386-6022.

 
Staying on top of housework is no small task. It seems like dishes, toys, clothes, and odds and ends appear out of nowhere, cluttering up your floors, counters, and corners. If you had all day to spend picking up and putting away, you might be able to keep up. But chances are, you actually have a life, which means that the housework gets left behind sometimes.
 
If you’re as busy as we are, but still want to keep your house relatively clean, we’re here for you. We’ve come up with a few easy habits that will help you keep your house in order without having to sacrifice a ton of time to do it. These habits are easy to adopt, and while they may seem simple, the effect will add up over time to produce a cleaner, more welcoming home.
 

One in, one out.

 
Every time you add something to your home, take something out. This rule is commonly applied to closets—that is, when you buy a new piece of clothing, choose an old one to get rid of. However, it can really be applied to any category of your belongings: toys, kitchen gadgets, bakeware, spices, linens, toiletries, home decor, etc. This helps you avoid that moment when you look around and wonder, “Where did all this come from?” To keep it even simpler, designate a “donate” box that you can use to keep the things you’re getting rid of until you’re ready to drop them off at a donation center.
 

Throw it away, right away.

 
Papers are a big source of mess and clutter in homes, and junk mail is the biggest source of excess paper. Instead of throwing the junk mail on the counter to deal with later, deal with it right away! It takes just a few seconds to sort the good from the bd and dump the bad in the recycle bin. Better yet, set up a recycle bin just outside your door, so you can throw away the junk on the way inside and it never makes it in the house.
 

5 minute cleanups.

 
Sometimes, getting started is the hardest part when it comes to cleaning. But if you knew you were only going to do it for five minutes, wouldn’t it be a little easier to get started? Set a timer for five minutes, clean as hard as you can for those five minutes, and then stop when the time is up. You’ll be surprised at how much you can get done in a short amount of time. And chances are, you can squeeze a five minute cleaning session into your day.
 

Set a schedule.

 
Are you the calendar type? Schedule your cleaning like you would schedule anything else. Look at your schedule and determine what open blocks of time you have to clean. Then divide the housework up evenly over the week. You might end up folding laundry on Saturday afternoons, or vacuuming carpets every Tuesday morning. Find what works for you and adjust as needed.
 

Try the basket method.

 
Put a basket in each room of your house (hidden away somewhere, if needed). When you come across something in that room that doesn’t belong, put it in the basket. It’s an easy step that will keep your rooms more tidy. When the basket is full, or you have a spare minute, carry it around and put the things away in their proper places.
 
Keeping your home neat and tidy can feel overwhelming, but these simple habits might be able to help. Try them out and let us know what you think!
 
Another way to keep your home cleaner? Get rid of things you aren’t using and keep them in self-storage! Arizona Storage Centers provides reliable storage for the Phoenix area, with facilities in Gilbert, Chandler, Deer Valley, Phoenix, and Glendale, for convenience and accessibility. You can rest easy knowing your items are well taken care of in our secure centers. And with our excellent customer service, you’ll always feel taken care of, too! Stop by one of our centers today for more information, or give us a call at 480-386-6022.

 
Minimalism is having a moment in the sun when it comes to home decor and organization these days. It seems that every other picture you see on Pinterest or blog post you read on storage and organization mentions the benefits of minimalism in the home. And we have to admit, many of those benefits seem pretty attractive, like ease of cleaning, more space, and a home that’s only full of the things you love.
 
That said, however, true minimalism is a lofty goal. It can be difficult to pare your belongings down to the very basics, especially if the furniture, decor, gadgets, clothing, and more has accumulated over time. But even if your home is far from a minimalist’s dream, there are a few things you can do to take small steps toward a more minimalist lifestyle and bring some of the benefits of minimalism to you and your family.
 

Here are eight baby steps you can take toward minimalism:

1. Look for multiples.

 
Let’s be honest: you don’t need more than one blender. Take a look through your cabinets, drawers, and closets and immediately pull out any multiples, placing them in a box to be donated. It’ll be quick, but it’ll have a big impact.
 

2. Control the paper.

 
Paper is one of those things that can get out of hand, very quickly. Ideally, all of the paper you have to keep should fit in a single drawer, box, folder, or cabinet. Everything else should be discarded (scan it if you think it might be important later). One helpful question while you’re doing this is: can I find this online? If the answer is yes, you don’t need to hold on to the paper copy.
 

3. Sign up for e-bills.

 
This is a way to keep the paper at bay in the future. Sign up to receive your billing and bank statements by email instead of paper mail. You’ll always have a digital copy of them and you won’t have papers cluttering up your house.
 

4. Create a meal list.

 
Yes, even the food you store can be more minimalist. Narrow down your list of meal possibilities to a shorter, more manageable list. This will help you know what pantry and fridge staples you always need to have on hand, and will help you avoid buying an entire bottle of something for one single recipe.
 

5. Try a spending freeze.

 
Set an amount of time (maybe a week, maybe a month) during which you don’t buy anything. No new clothes, toiletries, utensils, odds and ends, etc. You may be surprised to see how much you buy on a regular basis, which might inspire you to buy less in the future (a very minimalist idea).
 

6. Clean out the bathroom cabinet.

 
The bathroom is one of those places where products seem to pile up. Half-full bottles of shampoo, unused bars of soap, old makeup, trial-size perfumes, and more end up taking up a lot of space in your cabinets and drawers. If you haven’t used something in more than three months, chances are, you’re never going to use it. Toss it and enjoy the extra space.
 

7. Have an empty shelf.

 
Many minimalists take pleasure in keeping a designated empty space (or several of them) in their home. Some claim that it gives them a sense of peace, possibility, and freedom, while others say it just helps them be mindful of the fact that there’s limited space in their home to work with. Either way, it’s a simple principle that can help anyone be just a bit more minimalist.
 

8. Clean out the closet.

 
Our wardrobes often end up bigger than we ever intended them to be. Some professionals even say that most people only wear about 20% of their clothes on a regular basis. Not only does having a bloated wardrobe take up physical space, it also takes up mental space—not to mention time—as you’re overwhelmed every morning by the prospect of choosing what to wear. Simplify life a bit by doing a brutal closet clean-out. Donate anything that doesn’t fit or isn’t worn on a regular basis.
 

9. Clear your countertop.

 
Many kitchen counters are littered with toasters, blenders, coffee makers, knife blocks, and more. Since your kitchen is probably a popular room in your home, you’re facing all that clutter on a daily basis. Clear off those counters and give yourself some room to breathe. Store small appliances in your pantry or cabinets, and enjoy having a little extra space and a minimalist look in your kitchen.
 
Minimalism isn’t for everyone, but the benefits make it a very appealing option for a lot of people who want to live simply and with less. By taking these small steps toward minimalism, you can start to see the effect they have on your home, and you might just be inspired to see how else minimalism can better your home and life.
 
Tired of using your home as a storage unit? Clear some space with Arizona Storage Centers. Our storage facilities offer reliable and convenient storage for all of your belongings. We even have temperature controlled units for more delicate items. Stop by one of our facilities today in Gilbert, Chandler, Phoenix, Deer Valley, or Glendale, or give us a call at 480-386-6022. We look forward to helping you clear out your home!
 

 
Working from home can be extremely convenient. It nixes your commute, allows you to work in your pajamas, and may even help make childcare more manageable. But it’s not always easy to be as productive at home as you would be at an office.
 
If you’re looking to create a productive work space at home, we have six tips that just might help you get there.
 

Designate a Space.

 
Not everyone is lucky enough to have a home “office,” but almost everyone should be able to find some space in their home that they can use for work, and only for work. Setting aside that space will allow you to focus better when you’re in that space. Think about it: if you’re trying to work while sitting on your bed, all your body will want to do is go to sleep! If you’re having trouble finding some room, think outside the box: closets, unused corners, or even a specific stretch of counter space could work.
 

Get a “desk.”

 
You might think you’ll be able to work well without a desk or desk-like surface, but the truth is, you’ll be much more productive if you do have a desk, table, or counter to rest your computer and materials on. A desk also allows you to set up a more ergonomically friendly environment, with your computer closer to eye level and less strain on your wrists.
 

Don’t skimp on seating.

 
Currently using a cheap folding chair in your workspace? No wonder you want to get up for a break every ten minutes. Get a comfortable chair that allows you to sit for longer stretches of time, so you can work more consistently.
 

Light it Up.

 
Good lighting will reduce strain on your eyes, so you won’t get tired as easily while you’re working. The best option is good old fashioned daylight, so set up by a window if possible. If you can’t be by a window, or if you work at night, try a daylight lamp, or simply use a bulb that emits a good amount of bright, pleasant light.
 

Stay organized.

 
While some might say that chaos invites creativity, keeping a well-organized work space is more likely to help you be productive and efficient while you’re working. You’ll be able to find things more easily, and you’ll feel much more at peace and in control.
 

Add inspiring touches.

 
Sometimes, we just don’t feel like working. Try to counteract that resistance by including something in your workspace that inspires and motivates you. Whether it’s a picture of your family, a motivational quote, or a vision board of your goals and dreams, this will help you turn your workspace into a place that you actually want to be, and it will help you push through when things get hard.
 
As long as you have a productive workspace that inspires you to get things done, working from home can be a very convenient and beneficial thing. Follow these tips to create your own workspace, and get ready to be a little more productive.
 
Need to clear some clutter before you can create that workspace? Arizona Self-Storage can help you store any items you don’t need. Self-storage is the perfect way to free up extra space in your home, and Arizona Storage Centers is the answer for the Phoenix area. Our facilities in Phoenix, Deer Valley, Glendale, Chandler, and Gilbert offer secure storage and a variety of options to fit your needs. Call us today at 480-386-6022 for more information.
 

 
Organizing your bathroom is no small chore, and trying to do it on a budget is even trickier. Even if adding a new storage closet to your bathroom isn’t in the financial cards right now, there are still some budget-friendly organization hacks you can do to make your bathroom neater and more efficient. Here are some of our favorites.
 

Declutter

 
This is our number one tip for any organization project. Your space will be so much easier to organize if it isn’t full of things you don’t need. Start by taking everything out of your bathroom cabinets and drawers. As you do so, throw away anything that you haven’t used in a while. Having a hard time? Here’s a hint: if you forgot you even had it, or you bought it more than three months ago and it’s still full, or you’ve bought something else to replace it, you don’t need it anymore. Still struggling to let go? Follow the 20-20 rule: if it’s something you could replace in 20 minutes for $20 or less, toss it. If you change your mind, it’ll be easy to replace.
 

Buy a Secondhand Cabinet or Shelving Unit

 
Buying a brand new furniture piece might not be possible on a budget, but you can probably find something much cheaper secondhand. Make sure you take measurements of your space beforehand (to make sure your new piece will fit). With a good scrubbing (and a coat of paint if you’re the crafty type), an old piece of furniture can work wonders when it comes to adding organization options to your bathroom.
 

Install Floating Shelves

 
Got unused wall space in your bathroom? Wooden floating shelves can be made relatively cheaply, and can add a lot of storage options to a room. Use your new shelf space to store linens, spare toiletries, or extra rolls of toilet paper.
 

Repurpose a Hanging Shoe Organizer

 
Over the door shoe organizers are great not only for storing shoes in your closet, but for storing a variety of things in your bathroom. One hung over your bathroom door could easily hold a hair dryer, hair straightener, several brushes/combs, hair accessories and products, razors, shaving cream, toothpaste, etc. You could also hang one on your shower rod (between the decorative curtain and the liner) for storing spare soap and shampoo, bath toys, washcloths, or other things.
 

Repurpose Bins, Boxes, and Jars

 
If you’re looking for small storage for your bathroom, you may not have to look any further than your closet, pantry, or garage. It’s easy to repurpose small containers (think: mason jars, shoes boxes, baby food jars, shipping boxes) to house small items in your bathroom, like cotton swabs, makeup and makeup brushes, toothbrushes and toothpaste, medicine, and more.
 

Contain the Clutter

 
For larger items that won’t fit in your small storage solutions, look for larger boxes or baskets to help you contain the mess. If you don’t already have some, they can usually be found at dollar stores or thrift stores to help keep costs down. Make sure you find things that will fit inside your cabinets or closets. Use these storage solutions to keep things looking tidy, even if you’re storing a lot of different items.
 
Organizing your bathroom on a budget can be a fun and fulfilling project. With some creativity, you can create a space that is both functional and beautiful.
 
Need a little extra storage space? Arizona Storage Centers offers secure self-storage units to the Phoenix area, serving Phoenix, Glendale, Deer Valley, Chandler, and Gilbert. We pride ourselves on our excellent customer service, and we have many different unit sizes and features to meet various storage needs. Feel free to drop by one of our centers any time, or call us at 480-386-6022.
 

 
When your family is moving, there are a lot of changes in store, and your new house is just the beginning. Especially if you’re moving to a new city or new part of town, you’ll be dealing with a new area, new stores, and new neighbors. And if you have kids, it’s even trickier, since they’ll be facing a new school and new friends.
 
For some kids, moving can be a very difficult transition. Here are a few things you can do to help the transition be just a little easier.
 

Keep important things at hand.

 
If younger kids have a security blanket or stuffed animal, make sure you don’t pack it away deep in a box somewhere. Keep it close at hand, or let your child pack it in a special bag of their own that they keep with them during the move.
 

Let them help you decorate.

 
Your kids will be more excited about their new room if they’re allowed to help decorate it. Ask for their help as you work to fill their new space.
 

Keep things familiar.

 
Whenever possible, try not to rock their world too much. Keep the same schedule you always have. Enroll them in similar activities. Make their favorite meal for dinner. Kids need stability, and you can provide that for them, even in a new place.
 

Set the example.

 
Express your excitement over your new home. While moving is often a frustrating experience in one way or another, try your best to focus on the positive when you’re talking to your kids. When they see you getting excited and having a good attitude, they’re more likely to do the same.
 

Meet your neighbors.

 
Take the time to introduce your family to your neighbors, and ask about other kids in the area. This might give your kids a head start on making friends, and could help you with arranging playdates in the future.
 

Talk it out.

 
Perhaps the most important thing you can do is also one of the simplest: talk to your kids. Ask them how they’re feeling, what they’re concerned about, and how you can help. Sometimes, just lending them an ear goes a long way.
 

Be patient.

 
Expect your kids to struggle with the move, and be as patient as possible with them and their behavior. Set appropriate rules and boundaries, be encouraging, and give them a little grace as they manage this tough transition.
 
Moving is a major event for parents and kids alike. Help the transition go more smoothly by following these tips, and you and your kids will be enjoying your new home in no time.
 
If you’re moving to or from the Phoenix area and you need a storage unit, check out Arizona Storage Centers. We have centers in Phoenix, Glendale, Deer Valley, Gilbert, and Chandler, with advanced security and exceptional customer service. We look forward to helping you with your move! Stopy by one of our centers or give us a call at 480-386-6022.