10 Ways Decluttering Can Improve Your Life

Storage Basics


We've all been there – stepping into our homes, only to be greeted by a chaotic mess that instantly triggers feelings of overwhelm and anxiety. We recognize the need to declutter, yet finding the time to tackle it can be challenging. But remember, sometimes the rewards far surpass the effort. Here are 10 compelling ways in which decluttering can transform your life. Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Clutter can be visually overwhelming and create a sense of chaos. Decluttering can help create a more organized and calming environment, reducing stress and anxiety. Increased Focus and Productivity: A clutter-free space minimizes distractions and helps you stay focused and productive. Enhanced Mood: A clean and organized environment can have a positive impact on your mood and can promote feelings of contentment and satisfaction. Improved Relationships: A clutter-free home can create a more harmonious and welcoming atmosphere for family and guests, potentially improving your relationships. Greater Sense of Control: Decluttering can give you the feeling of control over your surroundings and life as you make intentional choices about what you keep and let go of. Boosted Self-Esteem: Decluttering can boost your self-esteem and self-confidence. It's a tangible achievement that you can be proud of. Reduced Allergens and Health Benefits: A clutter-free environment is easier to clean and maintain, reducing the buildup of dust, allergens, and potential health hazards. Enhanced Creativity: A tidy space can stimulate creativity and innovation. It provides room for new ideas to flourish without the distractions of clutter. Better Sleep: A clutter-free bedroom can lead to better sleep quality. A peaceful and organized sleep environment can help you relax and unwind more effectively. Greater Energy and Vitality: A decluttered space can give you a sense of renewed energy and vitality. It can make your home a more inviting and inspiring place to be. Remember, decluttering is a personal process, and what may feel cluttered to one person might not be the same for another. The benefits of decluttering can vary from ...



November 30th, 2023


How to Keep Your Children’s Mementos without the Clutter

Storage Basics


Children grow up so fast, and as they do, they create a treasure trove of memories along the way. Artwork. School projects. School pictures. School projects. Test papers. Recital programs. Sports rosters. The list goes on and on and on. As parents, we cherish these keepsakes because they are snapshots of milestones – things we never want to forget. However, keep it all, and you will find your home bursting at the seams with cherished children’s items. How can we strike a balance between holding onto these precious memories and avoiding clutter? We have some creative solutions just for you: 1. Digital Storage: Scan and Preserve In this digital age, there's no need to keep every physical piece of artwork or school project. Using a scanner or even the camera on your phone, you can: Scan or photograph each piece. Organize digital copies in folders by year or grade. Store them in cloud storage or an external hard drive so you don’t lose them if (or when) your computer crashes. This method saves physical space, keeps everything organized, and ensures these memories are preserved and protected from aging when exposed to the elements. 2. Create an Art Keepsake Book It’s simple to turn your child's artwork and projects into a beautifully bound book by using online services that specialize in custom photo or memory books. Select a favorite piece of artwork for each year and highlight it. Add in pictures of your child from that year. Include special friends or teachers. Create captions with special moments or milestones from the year. Not only are you minimizing clutter, but you are also creating a cherished book for your children to flip through now and later with their families. 3. Design a Rotating Gallery Wall Dedicate a wall in your home to display your child’s latest creations: Use frames that allow for easy swapping of contents. Rotate the artwork regularly, showcasing new pieces as they come in. Every few months, select one or two to save long-term and switch out the rest. It’s fun for your children to share ...



November 6th, 2023


Tips and Tricks for Storing Holiday Decorations

Storage Basics


Holidays come and go, and so do the decorations! Walk through any home store, and you will see that seasonal décor has increased drastically in scale. Decorations that can quickly or easily be packed away in your closet or garage now compete for storage space with 48-inch light-up ornaments. So, when you pack up your 12-foot skeleton, 15-foot inflatable Santa sleigh, or life-sized nativity, don’t forget that a storage unit is a fantastic solution for those once-a-year items. We have developed several tips and tricks to help you prepare for storing these cherished keepsakes. 1. Choose the Right Storage Unit Before anything else, it's essential to pick a storage unit that suits your needs. Consider how much you need to store to find the right-sized unit. If your decorations are sensitive to temperature or humidity, consider a climate-controlled unit to protect your items from extreme temperature fluctuations. 2. Invest in Shelving Using sturdy shelves in your storage unit can make a world of difference. They help you utilize vertical space and keep your decorations organized and easily accessible. 3. Organize by Holiday If you celebrate multiple holidays throughout the year, it's a good idea to label boxes by holiday names like Christmas, Halloween, Easter, and so on. You can also purchase bins in colors for each season. Orange is Halloween and Fall. Red and green are Christmas. Red is Valentine’s Day, etc. This way, you can quickly grab the right boxes when the next holiday season rolls around. 4. Use The Right Containers Plastic containers with tight-fitting lids are perfect for storing holiday decorations as they offer protection against dust, moisture, and pests. 5. Wrap Fragile Items Bubble wrap, tissue paper, or old newspaper can wrap delicate items like glass ornaments or ceramic figurines. This added layer of protection ensures that they remain undamaged. 6. Keep Lights Tangle-Free Wrap string lights around cardboard pieces or invest in light storage reels. This simple step prevents the nightmare of untangling them the following ...



October 9th, 2023


Finding the Right Storage Unit for Your Summer Toys

Storage Basics


Ah, summer! The season of barbecues, beach trips, and breaking out those larger-than-life toys: RVs, boats, and jet skis. But as the warm weather fades, the question is: where do I store these items? A dedicated storage unit could be an ideal solution. Let's explore what to look for when choosing the perfect storage space for your summer treasures. 1. Storage Unit Size Matters The first thing to consider is the size of the storage unit. Your summer toys are often large, and you'll need a space that accommodates them comfortably. Here are some suggestions for larger recreational vehicles, boats, or personal watercraft: For RVs, look for facilities offering RV storage spaces for large RVs. For boats, ensure the unit has enough height and width for the vehicle and the trailer you’re storing it on. For jet skis, still look for ample storage space, especially if you have more than one. 2. Security When storing expensive items like these, security should be top of mind. Find a unit that offers: 24/7 video cameras that cover all angles of the facility. Gated Access that prevents unwanted guests. Disc locks provide the highest level of security. 3. Accessibility Finding the right storage unit to store your vehicles is one thing, but accessing them should also be considered. Make sure they have: Wide Drive Aisles so you can maneuver large vehicles comfortably. Ample Access to prevent thwarting a spontaneous trip. All seven locations of Alamo Mini-Storage are open for access 7 days a week from 7 am-9 pm. Ground-Level Access for ease of loading and unloading. 4. Insurance and Liability Ensure your summer toys are covered while they're in storage. Your storage facility does not insure your items in storage so consider additional coverage if necessary. Make sure to document the condition of your vehicles before storage by taking photos as you store them so you have a record of their condition. 5. Prep Before Storing Before you place your vehicles in storage: Clean and dry water toys to prevent mold and mildew. Empty fuel and other ...



August 18th, 2023


How Long Must A Storage Unit Be Abandoned or Delinquent to Be Auctioned Off?


This blog is written to serve mini-storage customers nationwide. However, the specific answer to this question depends on state law, company policy, and your specific lease terms. Please check with your storage company for a specific answer to your situation. In Alamo Mini-Storage’s policy, the word "abandoned" is defined as a unit being unpaid, unlocked, and nothing of significant value to a regular person is in the unit. Storage units provide a convenient solution for people who need extra space to store business inventory or personal property. When rental payments are neglected or unit contents are unclaimed, storage facility owners face the dilemma of what to do with these delinquent or unclaimed units. What are the legal considerations and timelines surrounding delinquent or unclaimed storage units and when can they be auctioned? What Does the Rental Agreement for the Storage Unit Say About Delinquent, Unclaimed, or Abandoned Units? Before anything else, we need to review the rental agreement. When renting a storage unit, individuals typically sign a rental agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of the rental period. This agreement includes provisions related to rental fees, due dates, and consequences for non-payment. Reviewing the rental agreement carefully to understand the storage facility's policies regarding delinquency and the timeline for auctioning unclaimed units is crucial. What Is the Local Notification Period for Delinquent Storage Unit Payments? Storage facility owners must provide a reasonable notification period to tenants before declaring a unit unclaimed or abandoned. The duration may vary depending on local regulations and the specific terms of the rental agreement. Typically, it ranges from 30 to 90 days, allowing tenants ample time to rectify any outstanding payment issues or to retrieve their belongings. What is the Delinquency and Lien Process for Storage Units in Your Jurisdiction? Storage facility owners can proceed with the delinquency and lien process if a tenant fails to respond to the notice or rectify the situation within the notification period. This involves legally taking possession of the unit's contents as collateral against the ...



August 7th, 2023


A Newly Engaged Couple's Guide to Merging Two Households

Storage Basics


You’re engaged. Congratulations! We are so excited for you. It’s time to plan a wedding and create a new home. With marriage comes the challenge of combining two households’ worth of belongings. With some planning, open communication, and a dash of creativity, you can create a harmonious living space that reflects each of you and nurtures your shared life. Keep reading for a few tips on how to combine your space effectively and peacefully. Assess and Sort Your Belongings Before merging your belongings, inventory what you both own. Create three categories: "Keep," "Donate/Sell," and "Discard." Be open-minded and willing to let go of items that are no longer needed or hold little sentimental value. Remember, this is an opportunity to declutter and simplify your lives together. You must also make room for wedding gifts – things you choose together. Communicate Respectfully and Honestly Open and honest communication is vital throughout this process. Discuss your expectations, preferences, and sentimental attachments to specific items. Be willing to compromise and find solutions that work for both of you. Remember, it's not about who gets their way but about creating a home you both love. Do We Really Need Two Coffee Makers? Maybe. Identify duplicate items and decide which ones to keep based on quality, sentimental value, or functionality. For items you both love, consider finding creative ways to incorporate them into your home or repurpose them for a new function. Create a Unified StyleMerge your styles by finding common elements that you both enjoy. Blend your favorite furniture and décor pieces and consider adding new items that represent your shared taste and life together. Maximize Storage SolutionsWhen merging two households, storage becomes crucial. Invest in storage solutions that optimize organization and minimize clutter in your home. Utilize shelves, bins, under-bed storage, and closet organizers to maximize your available space. Remember, an organized home promotes a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere. You may also find that you need additional storage space. Whether it’s a couple of sentimental items or ...



June 13th, 2023


How to Move Big Furniture Without Hurting Yourself

Storage Basics


When moving to a new house, there’s lots of prep work to complete. From scheduling movers to packing boxes, to cleaning surfaces in your old home and your new home, there’s a lot to think about before moving day. So, how is it that when moving day comes, there’s no plan for how to move big pieces of furniture? Sofas, recliners, tables, even safes and armoires are often too big to simply slide out of the front door without some maneuvering, coaxing, and careful lifting. Finally, let’s address what you can do in advance to help reduce the damage that moving big furniture can do to your body, your home and your moving timeline. 1. Don’t Move Big Furniture Alone Maybe you think that it will slide, or that you’re strong enough to move a piece of furniture without lifting it. Trust us, you can’t. Even pushing big furniture across carpet or other flooring can cause injury. Find a friend or a neighbor who can help you lift large furniture, and offer them free pizza and Dr. Pepper. 2. Have the Right Gear for Moving Furniture Wear shoes that cover your toes — no flip-flops on moving day! And invest in work gloves so your hands don’t get scraped when moving around in tight spaces. A week or so ahead of moving day, buy moving straps — like Forearm Forklifts — that slide under furniture and wrap around arms in order to have good leverage and strength for picking up furniture. Plan to buy or borrow a hand truck that you can use to wheel items out to the moving truck. Having furniture sliders on hand will help you move furniture closer to doorways before lifting, tilting, and maneuvering furniture through doorways. 3. Protect doorways and corners Speaking of doorways, remove molding or doors from their hinges to ensure you have enough space on either side of the furniture to get through the doorway. If needed, remove the door’s threshold so as not to trip on your way through. ...



May 16th, 2023


Your Guide to Packing Materials

Storage Basics


All packing materials are not created equal…or for the same purpose! Many of us grab whatever we can find when packing our belongings for storage or for a move. Newspapers, copy paper, packing peanuts, socks, bubble wrap, even underwear have been used to cushion items in hopes of avoiding damage. And more times than not, the random packing materials we use do the job. However, if there’s one time they don’t work it’ll be when they’re used to wrap something you value, something that is precious and probably irreplaceable. Don’t leave your packing effectiveness to chance, dependent on whatever random packing material is available to you. These are the packing materials you need on hand, along with an explanation of what each does. Bubble Wrap Packing Materials for Protection There’s more to bubble wrap than the satisfaction of popping each bubble between your fingers. Bubble wrap with small pockets of air are great for preventing scratches and scrapes on items, but not so great for cushioning for impact. Large pocket bubble wrap is great for cushioning and impact absorption. Though large pocket bubble wrap adds an inch or two of size to the items they protect, resulting in the loss of space within boxes. But your items will be super safe! Packing Paper for Immobilization While packing paper can be used to wrap items that need protection during a move, they don’t provide cushioning when other items shift or fall. Wrapping items in paper will help prevent scratches, dings or scrapes, however. Primarily, packing paper can be used for filling space between items in a box helping items to remain immobile during a move. Crumpled paper can be stuffed inside glasses or vases to provide additional protection. Packing Peanuts Fill Space in Moving Boxes Even better than packing paper, packing peanuts fill spaces and provide cushioning inside moving boxes. Because of their small size and unique shape, packing peanuts can fill voids better than other products like bubble wrap or crumpled paper. The best use of packing peanuts ...



May 16th, 2023


Easy Ways to Update Your Home This Summer

Storage Basics


Our homes do important work. They protect everything we hold dear — our people, our pets, and our memories. Plus, our homes play an important role in our identity and mindset. That’s why it’s important to care for our homes by updating them and in a way that makes sense for our lifestyles. Now, not everyone can update their home with the addition of a mother-in-law suite, one of the latest popular trends. But you can update your home in a way that livens up your spaces and refreshes your outlook with little effort and little cost. Free Ways to Update Your Home There isn’t much that’s free these days, and if it is free, it could be too good to be true! In this case, these ideas for updating your home really are free — though they’ll take some effort. 1. Redecorating your home can give you a new perspective on your long-lived belongings and the use of your space. Moving furniture to different locations in the same room, or to a new room altogether could help bring new life into your home. Even reorienting the room around a fireplace, or moving the Television will shift perspectives and make a room feel new again. 2. Decluttering your home can free up your living space and your mindset. Start out with four piles: Keep, Give, Trash, Sell. Start with one room, any room, and look carefully at the items on your bookshelves, cabinets, and tables. For each item, place it in one of your four piles. Being honest with yourself is a key part of this process. For many items, you might feel a tug of nostalgia. Ask yourself why you’re keeping the item. It’s okay to let one sentimental item go in favor of keeping another item that has more meaning or embodies a loved one in a stronger way. For those items you wish to sell, holding a yard sale can be an easy solution to earning a few extra dollars. 3. ...



May 1st, 2023


Storage Solutions for Military Families: How Storage Units Can Help


Storage Solutions for Military Families: How Storage Units Can HelpAt Alamo Mini-Storage, we cannot express enough gratitude and appreciation for the men and women who serve in our military to protect and preserve our nation. We also want to thank the families who make an unwavering commitment to support and cover for our military while deployed. You are the unsung heroes who provide the backbone of support for our brave men and women in uniform. Your resilience, strength, and sacrifice are invaluable, and we recognize the hardships of the military lifestyle. You endure long separations, frequent moves, and the emotional toll that comes with the uncertainty of your loved one's safety. We know military families face unique challenges when managing their belongings due to the nature of military life. Frequent moves and deployments can make finding suitable and secure storage for your possessions difficult. Storage units can be a valuable resource for military families, providing benefits that can help make your lives easier. Enjoy the Flexibility a Storage Unit Offers In the military, relocating is inevitable and sometimes comes with little notice. Finding a suitable home for your belongings is difficult. One of the most significant benefits of storage units for military families is flexibility. With storage units, you can easily store your possessions safely and securely while finding a new home. You can also store your belongings during deployments, ensuring your possessions are locked up while you’re away. Save on Expensive Moving and Shipping Services Storage units can also be a cost-effective solution. Instead of paying for expensive moving and shipping services every time you relocate, you can secure your possessions in a storage unit and retrieve them when ready. This can save significant money in the long run, especially if you move frequently and aren’t sure where you will live next. Don’t Worry About the Security of Your Belongings Another benefit of storage units is security. Military families often have valuable possessions to keep safe, such as heirloom furniture, electronics, and other personal belongings. ...



May 1st, 2023


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