Category Archives: Uncategorized

 
When you know your belongings and possessions will be in storage for a while, it’s a good idea to take a few precautions while packing them. A little extra attention during the packing stage will ensure your items remain undamaged and easy to get to when you need them. Here are a few tips for good storage packing:
 

Check the Weight

 
It’s tempting to use over-sized boxes or totes and fill them to the brim with as much as possible, especially when you know these boxes and totes will be sitting in storage. However, it’s important to remember that boxes still need to be lifted by a human being! Also, after sitting for a long period of time, some storage containers begin to lose their strength, which could lead to spills and falls.
 

Wrap With Care

 
If you are planning on storing fragile or delicate items, be sure you take the time to protect them by wrapping them in appropriate material. It’s best to wrap dishes individually and to pack them lightly into a box. These boxes will need a “fragile” sticker for sure!
 

Use Lids

 
Lids are essential when it comes to storage for a couple of reasons. First, an open box with no lid is sure to collect dust and other debris. Items stored in a box or other storage container with no lid can be easily damaged if something should fall. Secondly, storage containers with lids are easier to stack. This allows you to use the space in your storage unit more efficiently.
 

It’s Good to Use Labels!

 
Good labeling as you ready your possessions for storage is a very important step if you’re planning on holding onto your sanity down the road. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to figure out where things are in a storage unit filled with unlabeled boxes. Yes, labeling can add time to the packing process, but it is definitely worth it.
 

Books and Other Heavy Items

 
Lots of books to pack? Remember that it’s best to pack books flat to avoid damaging their spines. Also, be careful not to pack too many books or other heavy items into one box, as this will make it tough to lift and store. You may end up creating a situation where the box can’t hold the weight of the books and end up breaking through the bottom of the box.
 

Take Beds Apart

 
When storing bed frames in a storage unit, it’s best to disassemble them as much as possible. You might think that keeping the bed frame together will make things easier when moving in or out of your home, but it can actually create a nightmare in your storage unit and take up way too much space.
 
For more ideas and tips on good storing practices, be sure to talk to the experts at Deer Valley II Self Storage. Our on-site managers are always willing to share their expertise and insight based on their experience. Give us a call at 480-386-6022.
 

 
So you’ve made the decision to use a self-storage unit to house the personal or business related items you don’t have space for at home or at the office. The next question is, which storage facility will you use? While there are plenty of locations to choose from in the Phoenix area, you’ll want to be sure to find one that is convenient to where you live and has the amenities you are looking for.
 
Most storage facilities offer a range of benefits and extras to entice you to choose their location, however, there are some amenities that are more important than others. Here are 3 must-haves your next storage facility should offer:
 

1. Extended Hours

 
One of the biggest advantages of storing your possessions in a storage unit is being able to access those items whenever you need them. Make sure that your storage facility offers generous hours of access so that you can get to your unit when you need to. You’ll want to be sure they are open 7 days a week and that you can get to your unit past normal office hours. It doesn’t do you much good to store your stuff at a place that shuts down at 5:00pm everyday. If you work until 5:00, you have no chance to get into your storage unit until the weekend. You can avoid this by making sure your storage facility offers extended hours.
 

2. Climate Control Options

 
Depending on what you will be storing and what time of the year you will be accessing your storage unit, you may want to consider a facility that offers climate control units. These units are kept at an average temperature that is not too hot in the summer and not too cold in the winter. Temperature control in your storage unit can be a huge benefit if you are storing items that may be affected by extreme heat or cold. The summer months here in Phoenix can get very hot. If you will be moving your possessions in or out of your storage unit during the summer, a climate-controlled unit will help you to avoid the overwhelming heat. While you may not always need an indoor storage unit with temperature control, but it’s definitely nice to have the option.
 

3. Solid Security

 
Most of the storage facilities in the Phoenix area are equipped with at least some security measures to keep your possessions safe. Be sure to ask questions about the extent of the security at whichever storage facility you are considering so you feel confident storing your items there. Some of the most important security features would be computerized gate controls, digital video surveillance, alarms on all units, good lighting, and daily lock checks by on-site resident managers. You shouldn’t have to worry about any of your items going missing or lost when you store them at a secure storage facility.
 
Arizona Storage Centers offers all 3 of these must-haves at our Glendale location, Cactus Self Storage. It’s our goal to convince you that we care as much about your belongings as you do.
 
To learn more about our rates and availability, call us at 480-386-6022.
 

 
Do you have antique items or other highly valuable possessions to store? It’s important to take the extra precautions to keep these items safe and secure. Here are some tips for storing different antiques and valuables so that they stay protected and in good shape:
 

Old Rare Books

 
Believe it or not, the shelves on which books are stacked can often cause the worst damage. Be sure you keep your books on rust-free metal shelves or wood shelves that have been treated with the right varnish. It’s also a good idea to keep these books in an area that is well ventilated to prevent mold.
 

Clothing – Wedding Dresses

 
When it comes to storing clothing, elegant gowns or wedding dresses, it’s a good idea to check the label for any specific care instructions. It’s best to avoid storing clothing in plastic dry cleaning bags for an extended period of time. Look for acid-free clothing storage boxes to keep your valuable clothing in.
 

Documents

 
If you have old documents or files that you need to store, it’s best to use file cabinets or display cases. For very rare or valuable documents, it’s best to use storage solutions that are designed to be fireproof, waterproof and airtight. It’s always a good idea to keep documents flat or separated by dividers to prevent folds or bends.
 

Musical Instruments

 
Storing any type of musical instrument requires some preparation and planning. Most musical instruments are highly sensitive to extreme temperatures and should be stored in an area that is climate-controlled. Instruments made of more than one type of material, like wood and metal, will require extra protection and care.
 

Paintings

 
While storing art in plastic for short periods of time is acceptable, it’s never a good idea to keep a painting in plastic for the long-term. This can trap moisture and humidity that can wreak havoc on the painting. Avoid storing artwork on concrete floors as this can cause moisture damage. Also, leaning a painting against a wall can actually damage the canvas.
 

Vintage Cars

 
We always suggest that you store your vintage or antique car in a climate-controlled unit if possible. This will help protect it from moisture and humidity that can cause rust and corrosion. Storing a vintage care inside a unit also protects it from outside dust and accidents. For long-term car storage you should speak with your mechanic and see what they recommend regarding removing the fluids in the car so that they don’t gum up over time. You may also want to consider something like a trickle charger which will help keep your batter from going flat so that it is easier to start your car when the time comes to move it.
 
If you have a specific valuable or antique that you need to store, give us a call. We’re happy to share our insight and advice with you. We have many different storage solutions available, including indoor, climate-controlled units. Call Cactus Self Storage at 480-386-6022.
 

 
It’s not uncommon for someone to have a car, boat or RV that they simply do not have room for at home. It could be a vintage car they are working to restore, a boat that they only use during the summer months or an RV used a few times a year for vacation. These vehicles need a place to call home when they aren’t being used or worked on.
 
There are many options available for storing these kinds of vehicles, including renting space at Deer Valley II Self Storage in Deer Valley. We offer vehicle storage options that are safe and secure and allow you to access them when you need them.
 
In order for your vehicle to come out of storage the same way it went in, there are some things you can do to prepare. Here are a few ideas on how to get your car, boat or RV ready for storage:
 

Cars

 
It’s important to remember to keep your car neat and clean before it goes into storage. This includes doing a thorough cleaning of the interior. Check under the seats and in other nooks or crannies for anything that could cause damage to the car over a long period of time. Even a small amount of food can rot and cause a nasty smell in your car if it’s sitting in storage. Make sure there are no leaks or drips that could not only damage the vehicle, but the surface it is parked on.
 
A thorough wash and wax may be a good idea to ensure your car retains its looks while in storage. If you’re worried about exposure to the elements, be sure to get a heavy-duty cover or look into an enclosed storage unit that is big enough for your car.
 

Boats

 
As you prepare to store your boat after a summer of use at the lake, you’ll want to take some time to prep it so it’s ready to go next year. Perform an oil flush and filter change to ensure no water is left and that damaging acids are washed away.
 
Thoroughly wash the body of your boat and then apply a coat of wax. This helps to prevent rust that may corrode your boat’s body. Find a suitable boat cover that will protect your boat from dust and grime. You’ll also be protecting the interior from the elements.
 

RV’s

 
The next time you need your RV for a trip or vacation, you’ll want it to be in tip-top shape and ready to go. Follow these simple tips to keep in the best shape possible. Remove any food that could potentially spoil or rot. Even small bits of food can attract insects and rodents.
 
Does your RV have a refrigerator? Be sure to completely clean it out and defrost it before leaving it in storage. Closely inspect your RV for tears, cracks and holes that could lead to bigger problems down the road. Give the outside of your RV a good cleaning and find a solid cover for it to protect it from the elements.
 
If you’re looking for vehicle storage options, call Deer Valley II Self Storage today at 480-386-6022 and ask about indoor and outdoor space.
 

 
There’s a reason why “Spring Cleaning” is a thing. It’s the time of the year when many people across the country and throughout the world are making a rotation from colder weather to warmer weather. People are packing up their winter clothing, space heaters and extra blankets and preparing them for storage until next winter. At the same time, they’re bringing out their shorts, t-shirts, sandals and sunglasses as they look forward to warmer weather.
 
With all of this packing, unpacking and moving things in and out of storage, many people decide that this is as good of a time as ever to do some heavy-duty cleaning. The idea has just sort of stuck and now we talk about Spring Cleaning this time every year.
 
This concept of packing up winter clothing and supplies isn’t something that we Arizonans can necessarily relate to – many of us can now make it through the winter with nothing more than a sweatshirt. But there’s still plenty of us who associate the springtime and its warmer weather with a time to freshen up our homes and offices.
 

A Time to De-Clutter

 
The spring-cleaning process is a great time to identify clutter throughout your home office and get rid of it. You may find that your bedroom and hallway closets are stuffed to the brim with items you just don’t use very much anymore. Now is a great time to donate or throw these items away. If you still think there’s a possibility you’ll use some of these things down the road, choose an affordable and simple storage solution.
 

Holiday Supplies

 
Take a look in your garage – do you see boxes of holiday decorations and supplies? Most of the holidays that we decorate for are in the Fall and Winter. It will be months before you will need these items and there’s no sense in letting them take up precious space in your garage. Move these boxes and totes to your storage unit where they will be kept safe, clean and ready for use in the Fall.
 

Files and Paperwork

 
As you look around your office, both at home and at work, you may notice that your files and paperwork are beginning to take up too much space. Some of these files may contain important documents that you simply cannot throw away. Still, there’s no sense in having them clutter up your office. Box your files up safely and store them in your storage unit until you need them.
 
And of course, even though we don’t use them that often here in Arizona, many of us still have a winter coat or two in the closet. Many people here in Arizona head to the mountains during the winter months for skiing and snowboarding. You can save yourself quite a bit of space at home by keeping these items in storage.
 
Arizona Storage Centers has many different options available for storage, including smaller closet sized units for those who only have a small amount of items to store. These units are affordable and easy to access. Learn more about the options we offer by giving us a call at 480-386-6022.
 

 
If you are a parent, you know first hand how expensive it is to provide for child. From proper bedding to toddler toys and all of the many other supplies children need, it’s easy to spend a fortune on just one child. For growing families who are planning on having more than one child, expenses can easily spiral out of control if you’re not careful.
 
Fortunately, many of the supplies you purchased for baby #1 can often be used as other babies enter the family. If you are willing to take good care of the them and store them carefully, you’ll find that the baby products you purchased can be used over and over again. Here are a few tips for storing baby supplies:
 

1. Keep the Crib

 
Cribs are one of the biggest expenses of having a baby. If the cost of a crib surprises you, just wait to see how quickly your baby grows out of it. Once your child is old enough to sleep in a toddler bed, you might be inclined to get rid of the crib. But if you’re planning on having more kids, we suggest carefully dismantling the crib and storing it someplace safe. That crib will come in handy when baby #2 comes along.
 

2. Baby Hand-Me-Downs

 
While teenagers might despise the idea of wearing hand-me-downs from their older siblings, babies have no idea what they are wearing. When a second, third or fourth child arrives, you’ll be patting yourself on the back when you have a dresser full of lightly used clothes from your first baby. Fortunately, baby clothes are easy to store and can definitely save you some money.
 

3. Some Old Toys are as Good as New Ones

 
It’s easy as a first time parent to go a little overboard when it comes to buying toys for your baby. But most parents are quick to realize that they simply cannot afford an entire new set of toys for each baby that comes along. Instead, thoroughly clean and sanitize your first child’s toys and keep them boxed up for the next baby. You’ll find that your baby will love those old toys just as much as they do new ones.
 

4. High Chairs, Bouncers and Other Baby Supplies

 
There are a number of baby supplies that you may have purchased or received as a gift when you had your first child that were hardly used at all. Play pens, strollers, high chairs and floor loungers are just a few examples of items that still have plenty of wear and tear left in them after your first baby. While these items do take up storage space, they are worth hanging onto rather than having to re-purchase them when your next baby arrives.
 
Are you an expanding family looking for extra storage space for your baby supplies? Call Arizona Storage Centers today to find out about our small 5×5 closet units – the perfect size for storing baby supplies in a clean and safe environment. Call 480-386-6022.
 

 
There’s no doubt that clearing away clutter in your home can help you feel more organized and less cramped. But did you also know that it can also have an impact on your mental health as well? Here are just a few examples:
 

Better Concentration

 
Research conducted at Princeton University shows that people who live in an organized and uncluttered environment are able to concentrate better. When you are surrounded by clutter, your brain gets distracted. You are not able to focus on the task at hand as you should because your brain now has too many other distractions. This can lead to stress and incomplete work.
 
Related: Storage Tips for Growing Families
 

More Creative

 
If you are a creative person, you should do your best to keep your home free from clutter. An organized workspace allows creativity to thrive. You are essentially freeing up your brain from having to worry about the clutter, which allows you to put that brainpower to work related to art, writing or music.
 

Feel Happier

 
It’s been proven that an organized home and lifestyle will affect your personality. If you constantly have to deal with the stress of clutter in your home, it begins to create stress and frustration that spills over to your personal life. On the other hand, when you are able to free your home from clutter, it can reduce stress and allow you, your friends, family and co-workers to see a happier you.
 

Less Stress

 
To understand how a messy or cluttered home can cause stress, just listen to the results of a study of mothers conducted at UCLA. Research completed during this study showed that a mother’s stress level hits an all time high when they are dealing with the organization of their belongings. When belongings in the home are well organized and simplified, the stress levels decrease and allow us all to feel more at peace.
 

Save Money

 
This is a big one! Think about how often you have gone out to purchase something that you know you already have, but can’t find because it’s lost in the garage or in a storage closet. When you take the time to declutter and organize your home, you will be able to keep better track of your possessions and not have to waste money on replacing lost items.
 
Do you need extra storage to help you stay organized and declutter your home? Talk to Arizona Storage Centers about the many options we have. We have units that are both large and small and can help you find the right solution for you. Call us today at 480-386-6022.
 

 
People need and use self-storage units for a variety of reasons. Businesses and restaurants will often keep their seasonal décor and products in storage until they are needed. Families moving from one home into another will use a storage unit to temporarily house their possessions until they are ready to move into their new residence.
 
For others, using a self-storage unit is more of a long-term solution where they can keep their belongings and access them as often as they need to. We have several of these long-term clients here at Arizona Storage Centers. Many of these clients use their storage unit as an extension of their home, storing everything from seasonal clothing, tools and various other important items in a location that is clean, safe and easy to access.
 
For those who are planning to use their self-storage unit for the long term, we have some tips and suggestions that will help keep your items in tip-top shape and that will also make packing and unpacking more efficient.
 

1. Keep it Clean

 
When you’re in and out of your storage unit often, it’s easy for things to get messy. Small papers and other trash can begin to build up and before you know it, you’re storing garbage along with your valuables. Keep a broom and maybe even a small trash can in your storage unit for any small messes that may occur.
 

2. Stay Organized

 
No matter how well you may have loaded your storage unit, if you’re not careful, it can become very unorganized in a hurry. For example, you might stop in on a Saturday to look for a specific item you need. You’re in a hurry, so you don’t stop to put boxes and totes back where they came from. It only takes a few visits like this before your entire unit is in disarray. Remember to spend a few extra minutes at each visit reorganizing and cleaning up.
 
One thing that we recommend for our long-term guests is that they create an inventory of all of their items that they are storing along with which box they’re in. It certainly takes more time when you initially put things in storage but When it comes time to find that specific item in a sea of boxes, you’ll be glad you know which box to look for.
 

3. Use Quality Supplies

 
If you’re only planning on keeping things in a box for a short time, then it probably doesn’t matter how good of a box you use. But if your intention is to keep items in storage for years at a time, it would be wise to invest in quality boxes or strong plastic totes. The same can be said for other storage supplies, such as packing tape and shelving. It only takes one cheap box to implode before you have a big mess on your hands.
 

4. Choose the Bigger Option

 
One of the biggest mistakes we see long-term storage clients make is trying to cram too much into a unit that is too small. If you know you will be using your unit for a while, you are probably better off going with a slightly bigger unit. This will give you space to get in and out of your unit and move things around without being too cramped.
 
These are just a few of the ideas and strategies we suggest for long-term storage. To learn more or to see the options we have available, including climate controlled units, call us at 480-386-6022.
 

 
Sooner or later we all reach a point in life where we start to take a good look at all the stuff we’re holding onto. Maybe it happened during your last move, as you were packing up all of your belongings – or maybe when it was when you were trying to create extra storage in a closet or attic. At some point, you have to wonder if the things you are choosing to hang onto are really worth it. You may have to decide which things to keep and what is okay to let go.
 

Photos

 
Pictures are great keepsakes because they give us a visual reminder of a person or place that is hard to replicate in any other way. You might have boxes of old photographs taking up space in your closet or garage. Not only does this take up valuable space in your home, but you also risk damaging photos if they aren’t stored correctly. Consider having your photographs digitally scanned to keep them protected and free up space in your home.
 

Sentimental Clothing

 
If you’re a mother, chances are you have at least an item or 2 of clothing from when your children were younger. It could be a special gown that your son or daughter wore for a religious ceremony or the outfit they wore home from the hospital after they were born. Many people keep other clothing items around long after they have use for them, such as wedding dresses, letterman jackets and boy/girl scout uniforms. These items are difficult to store, but sometimes have too much sentimental value to get rid of. If you feel strongly about keeping these types of clothes, consider storing them in a climate controlled self-storage unit along with other personal treasures and keepsakes.
 

Old Musical Instruments

 
There are many instances where families hang onto an old musical instrument even though they don’t really use it. It could be that they inherited a piano from grandparents or still have the trumpet they used to play in the school band from elementary school. If you’re looking to free up closet or storage space at home, it may be time to think about letting these old instruments go to someone who will get more use out of them. But if you just can’t bear to part with them, consider moving these musical instruments into storage with your other valuables.
 
It’s important to keep in mind however, that many musical instruments, especially those made out of wood, are susceptible to warping in extreme heat. So if you have an old drum set or violin you may want to look at an air conditioned storage unit if you aren’t ready to part ways.

Books

 
The idea of holding onto your favorite story book from when you were a kid isn’t that uncommon, but some people keep so many books that they don’t have any room left to store them. If you’re overloaded with books, choose a handful of favorites and then let the rest go to their new owner. You can feel good about sharing books with others while hanging onto a few that mean the most to you.
 
Deciding what keepsakes to hold onto and which ones are okay to let go of can be a very difficult task. Remember that there are storage options, such as the self-storage units at Gilbert Self Storage. We have many different sizes to choose from, including temperature controlled units and boat/RV storage too. Find out how we can help you keep your treasured keepsakes safe by giving us a call at 480-386-6022.
 

 
Do you realize that in just a little more than two months, summer begins? For many people, the start of summer break brings a new kind of busy and a new kind of upkeep for your home. Take a look around a home with kids and you’ll likely find left over school supplies, unused winter items, outdoor warm weather toys, and endless summer entertainment projects and toys in the house. All that “stuff” can get overwhelming fast, and with vacations planned and guests coming, your home and your stress levels could use a good refresh and de-cluttering. Don’t worry, we’ll walk you through how to tackle those messes and prep your home for summer so that those sunny days will feel good in and out of your home.
 

Focus

 
Many people stick with the “spring cleaning” concept and clear out everything when the temperatures first begin to rise. However, it wouldn’t hurt to revisit that concept once more toward the end of spring. When you take the time to declutter your house with smaller, more frequent cleaning, it tends to make the entire process a lot more manageable. Try to tackle one room of your house each weekend. This allows you to stay focused on that specific area and really get down to the nitty-gritty.
 

Sort

 
Throw out all of the extras and non-essentials that you know you will not need today, tomorrow, next year, or, let’s face it, any time in the foreseeable future. If you find yourself having to pause when throwing something out because it’s in good condition, but you know you just don’t need it, sell it at a yard sale or donate it to a charity of your choice!
 

Children

 
As we mentioned previously, the end of a school year means loads of papers coming home with your kids. We all have been there before. How do you throw away papers and artwork that your little ones worked so hard to complete? Try to purge all the daily work as it comes home and just keep an eye out for the special projects and extra special art pieces. Designate a specific storage bin to each child, and fill it with those special works of art. This way you won’t have piles upon piles of papers in every corner of your house as you try to decide what to hang onto.
 
Speaking of kids, the idea of decluttering alone can be a difficult for children to get into. They love things – all things. Even as the toys break, or the puzzle pieces turn up missing, many children are not ready to part with their possessions. We suggest involving them in the process. Many kids love the idea of a yard sale, even if it means they make only a few dollars. If you ask them what toys they would like to sell in the “kids section” of the yard sale and get their input, they’ll be more likely to jump on board.
 
Once they clean out the toys they would like to pass on to others, you can sort through any in poor condition and explain why these need to be thrown in the trash instead of making their way to the kid’s “storefront” at the upcoming sale.
 

Winter Items

 
Living here in the valley of the sun, we often find ourselves with two separate wardrobes that just cannot cross over to different seasons. There is no need for sweaters, jackets and boots when temperatures are in the 100s. Or what about those down comforters and extra couch throws? Why not pack up these items and move them out of the way during the summer months? Vacuum-sealed bags are a great way to store these items in a way that takes up as little space as possible.
 

Declutter Phase Complete!

 
Now that you have made your way through the house and have decided what can be thrown out, what can be donated, and what can be placed in appropriate storage containers, you now have to find a place to store all the things you’re keeping, but not currently using. Not everything of course is going to be able to go in the closet, spare room or garage. The lack of space and abundance of stuff in your home is what you were trying to solve in the first place. That’s where Gilbert Self Storage comes to the rescue…
 
Once you have filled the designated bins with little Johnny’s 3rd grade art, and Sally’s freshman year mementos bin is full to the brim, it’s time to consider your storage options. There will always be keepsakes that you don’t want to let go, but there is no need for those items to crowd your everyday space and home life. Whether you are looking to store some items for the season, or would like a more long-term storage and organization options, remember that Gilbert Self Storage has a variety of storage solutions. Find out how we can help you keep your special items safe by giving us a call at 480-899-3224.