Archive for month: May 2019

 
Whether you recently moved or just want to spruce up your space, buying used furniture can be a great way to furnish a space on the cheap. Many people sell their used furniture at deeply discounted prices, meaning you can get a steal on everything from beds to bookshelves.
 
Of course, special care should be taken when you’re buying anything used—and that goes double for furniture. Here are some of our best tips for buying used furniture.
 

Shop local.

 
Too often, people who want to ship large furniture items are trying to scam you. Keep your search local to avoid any problems. Try Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or Craigslist for localized listings.
 

Read descriptions carefully.

 
The seller should disclose any and all problems with the item in the listing. This should include scratches, dents, missing/broken hardware, paint chips, and more. If these things are missing from the listing, don’t be afraid to ask.
 

Don’t be too picky.

 
When you’re buying used items, you can’t expect them to be in new condition. If you find a piece you love, be willing to forgive a small scratch or other minor imperfection. If you wait around for something “perfect,” you’ll probably never find it!
 

Make an offer…a fair offer.

 
You want a great deal on your furniture (that’s why you’re buying used, after all), so don’t be afraid to make an offer that’s lower than the seller’s initial asking price. That said, make sure your offer is reasonable and fair. “Lowball” offers are usually a turnoff to sellers.
 

Measure twice.

 
Make sure the item is going to fit in your space. Take careful measurements to make sure!
 

Meet in public.

 
When buying used furniture from a private seller, make sure you put safety first. This means you should always meet in a public place where plenty of people will be around. Unless you have a good reason to trust the seller, avoid going to his/her house to make the exchange.
 

Back out if you’re not sure.

 
If you meet the seller, inspect the item, and decide you don’t want the item after all…speak up! You shouldn’t be stuck with a piece of furniture you don’t want just because it’s awkward to tell the seller you’ve changed your mind. Be polite and apologetic, but definitely say something.
 

Transport with care.

 
Make sure you have what you need to transport the piece safely. Whether that’s a borrowed truck, several blankets to pad the corners, or tie downs to keep it secure, make sure that you’ll be able to get your furniture piece home safely.
 
If you follow these tips, you should be able to buy used furniture safely and effectively. Enjoy your new piece!
 
(Looking for tips on selling new furniture? We’ve got those, too.)
 
If you need some storage space during your move or renovation, or just need a place to keep all your extra stuff, check out Arizona Storage Centers. We have safe, secure storage facilities in Phoenix, Deer Valley, Glendale, Gilbert/San Tan, and Chandler, so reliable storage is never too far away. We offer affordable rates and a wide variety of amenities. Stop by one of our centers today, or call us at 480-386-6022.
 

Selling used furniture is a pretty common thing these days. The Internet and social media has made it easier than ever for just about anyone looking to make money by selling used furniture in just about any condition.
 
If you’re looking to sell used furniture, you might be wondering how to best go about it. Here are some of our best tips!

 

Include ALL relevant information in your listing.

 
This includes:
When the item was purchased

Brand and style name (if applicable)
Detailed measurements
The item’s condition (more on that later)
Asking price and whether or not you are open to offers
 

Be upfront about the item’s condition.

 
Being perfectly honest about your item’s condition isn’t just the right thing to do; it will keep you from wasting time with buyers who become uninterested in the item after discovering its flaws. Save everyone the trouble and disclose everything related to the condition of your item, including chips, dings, scratches, faded paint, and dysfunctional or missing hardware.
 

Include pictures.

 
Along those same lines, make sure you take some pictures of the item so your potential buyers get a good look at how awesome it really is. Take pictures in good lighting, from a few different angles. If you can, clear off the furniture before taking the picture, and take the time to dust it or wipe it down if needed. Make sure to include pictures of any flaws or imperfections.
 

Price fairly.

 
Most people shopping for used furniture expect to get a great deal. You might feel like you are selling your items at an incredibly low price compared to what you paid for it, but the truth is, you will have a hard time selling your item if you don’t offer sellers a steep discount. Of course, this will depend on the age and condition of your item, but don’t be surprised if you only recoup about 50% of what you paid in the first place.
 

Post a listing in several places.

 
Your listing can’t be successful if no one sees! Post in a variety of places, using special selling apps (like OfferUp and LetGo), social media (Facebook and Instagram), and websites (Craigslist and Ebay). Once you’ve sold a few items, you’ll probably learn which platforms you like best and stick to those, but it’s never a bad idea to give your listing more exposure.
 

Beware of scams.

 
These days, it’s pretty much common sense to be especially careful with people you “meet” online. This is especially true for people responding to your listing when you’re selling something. Make sure you only accept cash (though in very rare circumstances you can use Paypal, which will offer you some protection but charge a fee, or Venmo, which won’t offer any protection but could be a good option if you’re selling to a friend or a friend of a friend). Also, only deal with locals. If someone asks you to ship an item, or offers to pay you with a check, chances are, it’s a scam.
 

Meet in public.

 
Safety first! It’s always wise to meet in a public place where other people will be around. If possible, take a friend or family member with you to the exchange.
 
Following these steps will help you sell your used furniture quickly and safely. Best of luck as you journey into the world of furniture selling! (And stay tuned for another post about buying used furniture, too!)
 
Looking for somewhere to store your furniture while you’re getting ready to sell it? Or just need to free up some storage space in your home? Come check out Arizona Storage Centers. We have storage centers all around the Phoenix valley—in Phoenix, Glendale, Deer Valley, Chandler, and Gilbert. We even offer temperature controlled units to keep sensitive items safe from the heat. Stop by one of our centers today, or give us a call at 480-386-6022 to discuss your self-storage options.
 

 
If you’ve ever experienced Phoenix in July, you’re probably wondering why anyone would even consider moving during the brutal, triple-digit Arizona summer. Unfortunately, some people don’t have a choice. Summer is usually a convenient time to move, with kids out of school and things generally slowing down. The housing market usually picks up in the summer, too, so it’s a popular time to move, no matter where you are.
 
If you’re moving in the summer in Phoenix, though, there are a few extra steps you should take to make sure that you’re comfortable during the move. Being in the area ourselves, we thought we’d share them!
 

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.

 
We hope this goes without saying, but the extreme, dry, Arizona summer heat makes it crucial that you stay hydrated. Dehydration is a real problem in the Phoenix summer, and running around your home, lifting heavy things, and going outside frequently makes getting dehydrated an even more real possibility. Make sure that you and anyone helping you has plenty of water available to drink at all times.
 

Get help.

 
Speaking of those people helping you…make sure you get some! This is not a job you want to tackle yourself. We think that anyone should get help moving, but a move in Arizona, in the summer, calls for extra backup. The more help you have, the less strain you’ll put on everyone else. Make sure you take good care of your helpers, with plenty of snacks and drinks to go around.
 

Plan for utilities.

 
You’ll want to have your electricity turned on at both your old and new home on moving day. If not, you won’t have air conditioning to help manage the heat (and trust us, you don’t want that). As expensive as summer utilities can be in Phoenix, trust us, this is one area you don’t want to skimp on. Make sure you talk to your utility company and that they’ll have your electricity turned on in plenty of time.
 

Use portable fans.

 
Even if your air conditioning is turned on, fans will be a huge blessing to you and your movers. Have a couple set up in strategic places so that anyone who needs to cool down a bit can do so easily. You could even set up some chairs by them to create more of a proper resting station.
 

Sunscreen it up.

 
Anyone (and we mean anyone) who’s going to be outside in Phoenix on a summer day should have plenty of sunscreen on. Sunburn happens fast, and sunscreen is the best way to avoid it. Consider having some sunscreen on hand for any helpers who forgot to apply their own.
 

Avoid midday moves.

 
Moving will probably take up most of your day, but if you can, try to focus your efforts on the early morning and late evening. It will still be warm, but could help you avoid being brutalized by the sun as well as the heat.
A summer move in Arizona might not be ideal, but it’s at least manageable. Hopefully following these tips will help you stay reasonably comfortable, even at the most uncomfortable time of year.
 
Want to make your move even easier? Use a self-storage unit to store anything you don’t need right away, keeping it out of the way and safe. Arizona Storage Centers can store any item safely. We even offer temperature-controlled units to keep your most valuable, sensitive possessions out of the heat. All this, plus the best customer service in the business. We have storage centers in Phoenix, Glendale, Deer Valley, Gilbert, and Chandler, for convenient, safe storage wherever you need it. Give us a call at 480-386-6022 to learn more, or just stop by one of our centers. We look forward to hearing from you!
 

 
As we really move into spring, you’re probably finishing up your spring cleaning. Your baseboards have been cleaned, your ceiling fans have been dusted…maybe you even tackled washing your windows. Whatever you’ve done, it’s almost time to pat yourself on the back, sit back, relax, and appreciate a job well done.
 
Yes, we said “almost.” The truth is, even once spring cleaning is done, there are probably still several things in your home you can throw away, donate, or sell. Getting rid of these last twelve items will finish up the spring cleaning process and give you a clean, uncluttered slate for spring and summer.
 

Wire hangers.

 
As part of spring cleaning, you probably got rid of a ton of old clothes. That’s great—now get rid of the old wire hangers, too! These hangers aren’t good for your clothes and they look messy in a closet anyway.
 

Outdated decor.

 
As you were wiping down those display shelves, you probably noticed a few decor items you don’t really like anymore. Donate or sell these items to someone who will really enjoy them!
 

Empty picture frames.

 
Still looking for that perfect picture for that frame you bought three years ago? It’s time to move on.
 

Old makeup.

 
Did your spring cleaning routine include your makeup bag? Give a quick once-over and toss anything you don’t use anymore, or anything that’s really old.
 

Single socks.

 
Socks in the Arizona spring and summer? Who needs ‘em? Stop holding on to those socks without a match. If you can’t find a way to repurpose them, throw them out. It will be cheap and easy to buy new socks if you need them when the weather cools down again.
 

Old jewelry.

 
Jewelry is one of those things we tend to hang on to for no good reason. If you have some jewelry pieces that you haven’t worn in a long time, and that have no sentimental value, donate or sell them—they’re just taking up valuable storage space!
 

Old electronics.

 
Who doesn’t have a circa 2002 point and shoot camera lying around? The truth is, your phone can take a better picture anyway. Look up electronics donation options in your area and dispose of those dinosaurs ASAP.
 

Extra cords and chargers.

 
Got a drawer full of mystery electronic cords and chargers? (Maybe they go with the aforementioned camera.) Only keep the ones that you know what they’re for!
 

Expired medicines.

 
There are many reasons why it’s a bad idea to hang on to expired medications. Make sure you dispose of them properly, as recommended by the FDA.
 

Old cooking spices.

 
Sure, old or expired spices probably aren’t dangerous, but they have likely lost their scent and flavor and won’t add much to your cooking. Thankfully, spices are fairly cheap to buy, so it shouldn’t be too expensive to replace those older bottles.
 

Books.

 
Unless you really love a book and plan on rereading it many times, there isn’t much reason to hang on to it. Books take up a lot of valuable shelf space, so pass them along to someone who has yet to enjoy them.
 

“Broken” board games.

 
Sometimes, we think we have to hang on to board games no matter what—even if they’re missing key pieces or elements. The truth is, games are easy and relatively inexpensive to replace. So if you’re frustrating by that missing piece every single time you play, do yourself a favor and replace the game.
 
You may not have thought to get rid of these things during your regular spring cleaning routine, but ridding your home of them will help your house feel less cluttered and really, truly clean. Spring cleaning: check!
 
Still looking for somewhere to store some of the other stuff you cleaned out during spring cleaning? Check out Arizona Storage Centers, in Chandler, Gilbert, Phoenix, Deer Valley, and Glendale. We offer different unit sizes and features (temperature control, anyone?) along with great customer service and top-notch security. Visit one of our centers today, or call us at 480-386-6022.
 

 
Storage is a tricky problem in any home. Finding the proverbial “place for everything” isn’t always easy, especially when the items you need to store take up a lot of room.
 
Fortunately, we have a few solutions for keeping those bulky belongings at bay. Here are some tips for storing bulky items in your home.
 

Extra linens, blankets, and towels.

 
Spare comforters, extra towels, and large, fluffy blankets can be real space hogs. Finding a way to neatly store them could help free up more storage space and help your home feel less cluttered.
 
Take the time to fold your spare linens nicely. Sure, a fitted sheet is notoriously difficult to fold, but you can find detailed instructions on several different web pages (along with instructional videos), and folding them properly will make a big difference, in terms of both space and appearance. Once all the linens are neatly folded, put them in a basket in the linen closet (high up and out of reach if you don’t need them that often), or put them in a bag under the bed if your closet is already full.
 
Extra towels should be kept in the bathroom, so they’re handy when they’re needed. You could add stick-on hooks to the wall or door, creating storage without taking up valuable shelf or cabinet space.
 
Only keep as many blankets as you’ll use on a regular basis. For storage, consider options like a storage ottoman that pulls double duty, a blanket ladder to add a decorative element to your home, or a large, woven basket that looks great and is highly functional.
 

Luggage

 
Luggage is tricky to store, because it can take up a lot of room and most people don’t use it very often. To store your luggage more efficiently, nest smaller pieces inside of larger ones. You could also use a suitcase as a “box,” keeping other items you need to store inside. If space allows, keep suitcases on a shelf inside a closet. If not, slide them under a bed, or store them in the garage.
 

Cleaning appliances

 
Vacuums and mops are pretty bulky, too. Finding a place to keep these items can be difficult if you don’t have a dedicated storage space. Often, a linen closet is a great solution. If that isn’t an option, consider the pantry, laundry room, or garage. Alternatively, some styles of vacuums can be easily mounted to the wall, freeing up the need for dedicated floor space.
 

Large toys

 
While many toys are pretty small and can be kept easily in boxes, baskets, or bins, other toys are rather large and are impossible to store easily. In this case, shelving is your friend. A floating shelf may do the trick, or a storage cabinet with adjustable shelves could work, too. If all else fails, they could be tucked into the corner of the child’s room, as long as they’re not in the way of daily life.
 

Winter clothing and footwear

 
Bulky coats and boots take up a lot of prime real estate in your closet, so you should do your best to clear them out when the season ends. Try to get them out of the way, whether that means tucked into the back of a linen closet, stored in a box in the garage, or kept under the bed in a storage bag. You could also consider a storage unit for these seasonal items, since they could take up a lot of room and won’t be needed for most of the year.
 
Whatever the bulky item is, you can find a storage solution for it. With a little purging and a little planning, your home can be the organized space you want it to be.
 
Need an off-site storage solution that still gives you easy access when you need it? Try Arizona Storage Centers. With centers all around the Valley, including Gilbert, Chandler, Deer Valley, Phoenix, and Glendale, safe, reliable storage is never too far away. And with many different unit sizes and options (temperature control, anyone?), you’ll get the storage that best suits your needs. Call Arizona Storage Centers today at 480-386-6022.
 

 
We all want our homes to be well-organized spaces. Having a clean and tidy house creates a peaceful environment that can affect your mood, efficiency, and quality of life.
 
Of course, we don’t all have thousands (or even hundreds) of dollars to spend on upgrading our homes to add a bigger pantry, built-in bookshelves, or an extra closet. What’s the best way to maximize your storage space while still sticking to a tight budget?
 
We’ve got a few of our favorite wallet-friendly hacks collected right here. Read on to see how any home can get just a little bit more organized with a few cheap fixes.
 

Wall hooks.

 
These handy little tools are very inexpensive, and can be found just about anywhere, from big box stores to home improvement centers. Some stick to the surface you want to mount them to, others have to be attached with nails or screws. They come in many different styles and tons of different sizes, but they all accomplish the same thing: adding way more storage to your home. Where to use them? In closets for jewelry, hats, and scarves; in closets and cabinets for tools, rags, and other small supplies; and near entryways for keys and bags.
 

Small furniture.

 
You may be more limited by space and budget here, but there are plenty of inexpensive furniture pieces that can increase the storage space in your home. Think: end tables with drawers or shelves, an ottoman with storage inside, or an entryway bench with cubbies for shoes. By finding furniture that does double duty, you get the most out of your home while using a little space as possible.
 

Baskets.

 
There are a few things to love about using baskets for home organization. For one, they can serve many purposes. Use them to store toys, blankets, stuffed animals, books, papers, odds and ends, you name it! You are sure to be able to find a basket that’s the right size and shape for whatever you need. Another thing to love about baskets is that they are actually stylish. A basket will easily fit into the decor of your room, whether it’s just sitting on its own in a corner, or nestled under a table. Finally, baskets are pretty inexpensive. You can even find them at second hand stores!
 

Wall shelves.

 
Wall shelves aren’t just on trend, they’re also super functional. You can utilize wall shelves for many purposes in your home—books, trinkets, souvenirs, holiday decor, etc., and because they’re on the walls, they won’t take up any additional space. They’re fairly easy to install, and will add significantly to your storage space. Plus, you can find them for very cheap at most home decor or furniture stores.
 
If you don’t have a ton of money to spend, but still want to keep your home organized and super functional, we hope this list of cheap buys helps you get started!
 
Want to free up even more space in your home? Move some of that clutter over to a storage unit at Arizona Storage Centers. We have facilities in Chandler, Gilbert, Phoenix, Deer Valley, and Glendale, so reliable, secure storage is never far away. Give us a call at 480-386-6022 today to hear more about our options for self-storage, or stop by one of our centers any time. We look forward to serving you!
 

 
Is your garage an afterthought when it comes to organizing your home? If so, you could be missing out on some valuable storage space, a handy work area, or (gasp!) a place to park your car.
 
If you could use some help getting your garage organized, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some of our best tips for organizing your garage like a pro.
 

Clear out the junk.

 
Ready for some brutal honesty? Your garage probably has some junk in it. Most garages do. Whether it’s the old lawn mower that hasn’t worked in years, the extra gardening equipment that you never use, or that old furniture that is never going to fit in your home, the fact of the matter is, it’s just taking up space.
 
Spend a few hours going through everything in your garage, and be very picky about what you keep. If something is broken, throw it away. If you haven’t used it in so long you forgot you had it, or you simply don’t need it anymore, donate or sell it. Don’t be afraid to let go of the junk; you’ll be amazed at how much space it frees up.
 
If you really can’t bear to part with some of it, rent a storage unit to keep it in. You’ll still have access to it when you need it, but it won’t be taking up valuable real estate in your garage.
 

Get shelves or cabinets.

 
Shelves and cabinets are the best way to store items in your garage. Storage options for the garage range from simple, inexpensive wire shelves to sturdy, custom cabinets, and everything in between. Take a look at your budget, and at the amount of stuff you have to store, and how much space you have to work with in your garage, and you’re sure to find a solution that works perfectly for your needs.
 
If floor space is truly limited, look into getting an overhead shelf. These are relatively easy to install and provide perfect storage for items you don’t use that often.
 

Use wall space.

 
Your garage walls also offer great options for storage. A handy pegboard can keep tools within arm’s reach at all times, while hooks can hold brooms, rakes, hoses and other gardening equipment. Utilizing the wall space will help you make the most of every square inch of storage space you have .
 

Epoxy the floors.

 
We are more inclined to keep spaces neat if we like the way they look, so epoxy coating a garage floor does more than just give your garage a nice, professional look. Adding this coating to your floor will make it much easier to clean, so that you’ll be more motivated to keep your garage orderly in the future.
 

Use labels.

 
Even a super functional elaborate organization system can fall apart if you aren’t able to find what you’re looking for. Label all boxes, bins, and containers so that you can easily locate what you need. As they say, a place for everything, and everything in its place.
 
Your garage doesn’t have to be an abyss of useless junk, maze of stacked boxes, or a disorganized jumble of tools and supplies. With a little planning and work, you can tranform your garage into a space that is organized and functional.
 
Looking for a self-storage option to keep all your extra “stuff?” Arizona Storage Centers provides secure storage at our various centers throughout the Valley. We have locations in Phoenix, Deer Valley, Glendale, Gilbert, and Chandler, so your belongings will never be too far away. Stop by one of our facilities to learn about our many options for self-storage, or give us a call at 480-386-6022. We look forward to serving you!
 

 
Spring in Arizona is a beautiful time of year. Before it gets too hot, take advantage of the lovely weather to get the exterior of your home looking picture perfect. Here are a few things you can do to spruce up your Arizona landscaping for spring.
 

Get your grass in shape.

 
Many homeowners in Arizona plant different types of grass in the spring and in the fall, so they can have lush, green lawns all year long. Spring is the time for bermuda grass. If you’ve planted bermuda grass before, it has gone dormant over the winter while your rye grass has taken over. In early April or so, stop watering your rye grass for a couple weeks. When it’s gone brown, you can start watering again; this should awaken your bermuda grass.
 

Trim palm trees.

 
Palm trees are a staple of Arizona landscaping, but they can quickly look messy if they aren’t trimmed regularly. As part of your prep for spring, make sure your palm trees are trimmed if needed. If there are dead of dying fronds on your trees, they need to be removed. Depending on the height of your trees and the tools you have available, you may want to hire professionals to take care of this job.
 

Plant flowers.

 
Nothing says “spring” quite like freshly planted flowers. A quick trip to your favorite garden center or nursery will help you decide on some flowers to plant in your lawn. Employees there should be able to answer questions about different flowers, including how much sun and water they need, and what type of soil to plant them in. With just a little time, you’ll add some lovely color and curb appeal to the exterior of your home.
 

Repaint.

 
This certainly won’t apply to every house, but if it’s been a while since your exterior was painted, you might want to look into it. A fresh coat of paint can make all the difference in the look of your home. Make sure you get proper approval from your homeowner’s association, if applicable.
 

Decorate your porch.

 
Whether you have a full porch or just a little space around your front door, there are some things you can do to liven it up a bit. Flower pots give you another chance to add color and greenery. Make sure you get pots that are large enough to fill the space, especially if you’re working with a large area. You could also consider adding a porch swing or some rocking chairs for a little extra charm.
 

Add lighting.

 
Lighting can make a big difference not only in the look of your home, but also to in the functionality as well. An Arizona spring is an especially good time for spending time outdoors in the evenings, and adding some lighting will create a nice ambience. Check out home improvement stores, or do some shopping online, for both overhead and in-the-ground options. You may be surprised at how affordable of an upgrade it is, and how much of a difference it will make!
 
With a few changes, your landscaping will be picture perfect for spring. Enjoy your time outside!
 
Looking for a place to store all those winter decorations? Or looking to clear some space in your garage as part of your spring cleaning routine? Arizona Storage Centers provides safe, reliable, convenient storage to the Phoenix area. We have locations in Phoenix, Glendale, Deer Valley, Gilbert, and Chandler, so we’re never too far away. Drop by one of our centers for more information, or call us at 480-386-6022.
 

 
Moving takes a lot of time, a lot of work, and a lot of planning. The entire process, from finding a new home, to selling your old one, to deciding what to take with you, to packing up, can take weeks, or even months. And yet, it all comes down to one big day: moving day.
 
Moving day can be relatively painless, or it can be extremely stressful. We’re guessing you’d rather keep things on the “painless” side, so here are a few tricks to help you do just that.
 

Pack a suitcase.

 
The first few days in your new home are going to be very busy. You don’t want to overcomplicate matters by having to search through packed boxes for clean clothes or a toothbrush. Instead, pack a suitcase for the first day or two, just like you would if you were going on a trip. It will give you a lot of peace of mind knowing that you’re able to access all the most important things right away.
 

Clear the fragile items.

 
If you’re hiring professional movers, they are probably trained to handle fragile items with special care. As long as your boxes are clearly labeled as “fragile,” they will probably be just fine. However, if you’re just having friends or family help you with your move, your fragile items may not be in the best hands. It may be best to move those boxes aside to handle yourself later. You could even consider renting a storage unit to safely keep them out of the way until you’re ready for them in your new home. If you have valuable or collectible fragile items, this may be the best way to protect them.
 

Get help.

 
Speaking of help, don’t try to convince yourself you can move on your own. It’s a lot of work and a lot of lifting, and chances are, you’ll have some items that are simply too difficult to move alone. Professional movers are great, but they can be expensive. Even if all you can do is ask a few friends, family members, or neighbors for some help, it would probably be in your best interest to do so. Don’t forget: you’ll want help at the house you’re leaving and the one you’re moving into.
 

Keep everyone happy.

 
Happy movers equals a happy move. Make sure you’re creating a pleasant environment for your helpers and yourself. Have snacks readily available, including more substantial options like donuts or pizza, along with plenty of cold drinks. If you can, play music as everyone works to keep spirits lifted and energy high.
 

Be the stage director.

 
When you’re at your new home, you’ll want to unload each box into the right spot (no need for kitchen utensils in your upstairs bathroom!). Your helpers won’t be familiar with your new house yet, so someone will need to direct everyone where to go with each box. If your boxes are already clearly and consistently labeled, you could also simply give everyone a tour before you start, so they know where to put the labeled boxes. Either way, you need to be readily available to answer questions.
 

Send the kids away.

 
For moving day, it’s probably best to not have young children or pets running around, adding to the chaos. See if you can leave them with a friend or family member for the day. It will make things much less stressful for you, and your kids probably wouldn’t enjoy moving day anyway.
 
Moving day will be a big day, but with a little planning, a little organization, and a few deep breaths, you’ll get through it easily.
 
If you’re looking for self-storage in the Phoenix area to help with your move, check out Arizona Storage Centers. Our facilities offer secure on-site storage with many size options, and features such as climate control in some of our units. And with locations around the valley, including Phoenix, Deer Valley, Glendale, Chandler, and Gilbert, you’ll be able to find storage that is as convenient as it is helpful. Give us a call at 480-386-6022 today.
 

 
“Kids” and “organized” may seem like two words that can’t ever be used together. Many parents resign themselves to the fact that their homes will basically be a disaster zone while they have young children. Believe it or not, however, this doesn’t have to be the case!
 
There are some things parents can do to make their home both organized AND kid-friendly. Here are five of our favorites.
 

Set yourself up for success.

 
Before you get started, think about the areas of your home that need to be organized, and think about how to make them easy to organize and maintain. Also think about the things that you want your kids to be able to access, and about the things you’d rather keep well out of their reach. For example, do you want your kids to be able to help themselves to snacks from the pantry? Are they old enough to trust with markers? Be honest about what your kids can handle—and about the messes you’re willing to clean up. This will help set you up for success from the very beginning.
 

Minimize.

 
One of the very best ways to organize your home is to cut back on the things that need organizing. The less you have, the less there is to clean up and keep organized. Simplifying kids’ belongings—everything from clothes to toys—will help kids be able to take care of their things by themselves, without it becoming overwhelming. Cutting back will go a long way towards a organized home with kids. Another tip: use a self-storage unit to keep things out of the way without getting rid of them for good.
 

Use baskets and bins.

 
One great way to keep your home organized with kids is to use different baskets, boxes, or bins to store things in. This makes cleanup exceptionally easy, even for very young children. While some baskets may be decorative enough to simply leave out on their own, other smaller boxes or bins may be better off stored in a cabinet or closet.
 

Use picture labels.

 
When trying to create a “place for everything” in your home, labels can be really helpful. Of course, it isn’t so helpful if your kids are still too young to read. Fix this problem by using labels with picture cues on them instead of words, so even young children know what goes where in the home. This will make cleaning up much easier—and much less frustrating—for both of you.
 

Maintain—a little bit at a time.

 
Getting your home organized is one thing, but keeping your home organized is just as important. As you’re working to keep your home clean and organized, you want to make sure your kids aren’t overwhelmed by the prospect of a huge amount of cleanup. Have them clean up one area at a time, or set a timer so you only clean for short bursts of time. This will help cleaning seem more manageable.
 
Even if you follow this advice, there’s a good chance that your home won’t be perfectly clean and organized all the time. But hopefully, these tips will help your family as your work together to make your home a neat and enjoyable place to be.
 
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