Posts Tagged ‘Car Storage’

Garage Storage Ideas 101

Posted by on Sunday, March 7, 2010. Leave a Comment

One of the most notoriously unorganized areas of the house is undoubtedly the dreaded garage. Here are a few tips for keeping your garage organized.

1. To be or not to be a pack rat! If you don’t use it, or it’s broken either throw it away or give it away. This must be the era of hording because all that one seems to see in garages across North America is stuff, and more stuff. When cleaning out the garage with the intention of actually using it for the car, practice the three pile method. One pile is to keep, one pile is to throw out, and one pile is to give away. Make sure the most of the stuff ends up either in the give away pile or the trash pile as the whole point is to re-introduce your car to it’s home.

2. Decide on a storage method. Shop around, depending on the size of your garage and what needs to be kept in it will depend on which storage method you choose. The over head racks are great for storing bins that you rarely need to get to like those pesky Christmas lights. Also using Rubbermaid bins with lids provides safer and cleaner storage. Boxes can weaken over time running the risk of the items stored in them crashing to the garage floor or worse on the car. Rubber made bins will stay strong, and keep bugs and dirt out while preserving what’s inside.

Other Storage Options

Wall storage: Another means of storage are wall hangers. These can be placed along the walls of the garage. You can hang step ladders, hoses, rakes, shovels etc.. This keeps them out of the way and yet easily accessible.

Lifts: There is a great product on the market called the Loft-it-King. It is basically a lift. It is sturdy enough to hold a car and simple enough to load boxes. It’s great for those that enjoy doing at home maintenance and for those single car garages, you can literally pile two cars in a single garage.

Wall Cabinets: For those that are going to use their garages for other means rather than car storage you can optimize space with wall to wall cabinets. These are great for crafters, carpenters, and just plain storage.

Garages are one of the most useful parts of our homes. They provide both convenience and practicality. The key to having a great garage experience is to stay organized and optimize the space for the best storage results.

Interested in fiberglass garage doors? Visit My Fiberglass garage door site today!

Author: Terry Coal
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Smart cooker

Garage Storage Ideas 101

Posted by on Sunday, March 7, 2010. Leave a Comment

One of the most notoriously unorganized areas of the house is undoubtedly the dreaded garage. Here are a few tips for keeping your garage organized.

1. To be or not to be a pack rat! If you don’t use it, or it’s broken either throw it away or give it away. This must be the era of hording because all that one seems to see in garages across North America is stuff, and more stuff. When cleaning out the garage with the intention of actually using it for the car, practice the three pile method. One pile is to keep, one pile is to throw out, and one pile is to give away. Make sure the most of the stuff ends up either in the give away pile or the trash pile as the whole point is to re-introduce your car to it’s home.

2. Decide on a storage method. Shop around, depending on the size of your garage and what needs to be kept in it will depend on which storage method you choose. The over head racks are great for storing bins that you rarely need to get to like those pesky Christmas lights. Also using Rubbermaid bins with lids provides safer and cleaner storage. Boxes can weaken over time running the risk of the items stored in them crashing to the garage floor or worse on the car. Rubber made bins will stay strong, and keep bugs and dirt out while preserving what’s inside.

Other Storage Options

Wall storage: Another means of storage are wall hangers. These can be placed along the walls of the garage. You can hang step ladders, hoses, rakes, shovels etc.. This keeps them out of the way and yet easily accessible.

Lifts: There is a great product on the market called the Loft-it-King. It is basically a lift. It is sturdy enough to hold a car and simple enough to load boxes. It’s great for those that enjoy doing at home maintenance and for those single car garages, you can literally pile two cars in a single garage.

Wall Cabinets: For those that are going to use their garages for other means rather than car storage you can optimize space with wall to wall cabinets. These are great for crafters, carpenters, and just plain storage.

Garages are one of the most useful parts of our homes. They provide both convenience and practicality. The key to having a great garage experience is to stay organized and optimize the space for the best storage results.

Interested in fiberglass garage doors? Visit My Fiberglass garage door site today!

Author: Terry Coal
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Pressure cooker

Winter Car Storage: Get Your Car Ready

Posted by on Monday, January 11, 2010. Leave a Comment

As the winter begins to set in it along with a fall in temperature many car owners in cold countries tend to store away their cars for the winter. It is very important to see that the cars are stored away carefully as even a small mistake can cause tremendous damage to the cars. There are a number of points on which car owners should pay attention before putting away their cars for winter car storage.

Just before putting away your car for winter car storage, you should make sure that the oil in the car has been changed. Oil tends to become acidic with time so if any amount of oil is left in the engine of the car it may get damaged. Another reason for which the oil needs to be removed is due to the absorption of moisture that is done by oil. If the car is stored away along with oil in the engine the moisture in the oil will soon evaporate and cause corrosion in the engine. Due to this reasons it is suggested that before putting away a car for winter car storage, the old oil in the car should be changed with new oil and after starting the engine for a few minutes the car can be safely put for storage.

The spark plugs in the car should be loosened and a little bit of oil should be dropped into the spark plug holes. Doing this before winter car storage prevents the corrosion of the rings and they do not get stuck on the cylinder walls during the winter. Failure to remember this could lead to expensive spark plug replacements in the spring. Often when you least expect and cannot afford them.

The pressure of the tires should be increased to prevent the tires from becoming flat and also developing leaks. The tires can also be filled with nitrogen which would help in the prevention of dry rot. Only attempt to fill tires with nitrogen if you have experience with this and are serious about saving your tires. Consider getting a professional to come by and help you with this if the option is available. Also, the car can be raised up to get the tires off of the ground.

Desiccants should be put on the front and back floors of the car preventing the growth of mildews and keeping the leather in the car safe from moisture. A car cover should be put on the car for added protection from moisture. Mildew and mold can lead to sickness when the car is used later and the owner has not noticed the mold. Mildew and mold can be extremely hard on individuals, especially the elderly and children, suffering from asthma.

During winter car storage the car should be washed regularly to prevent tree sap and pollution from affecting the paint in the car. Remember, this only applies to individuals that are keeping their vehicles outdoors and uncovered. Covered vehicles and vehicles indoors are usually safe but an occasional wash won’t hurt them.

The car battery should be removed and put in the interiors where there should be enough ventilation to see that hydrogen does not build up in the battery. Never place the battery near any sleeping areas. If someone is sleeping near the battery for any reason simply remember the battery to a new location.

While keeping the cars for winter car storage it should be seen that the car is put on a vinyl sheet to prevent the moisture that gets collected on the floor of the garage from causing any corrosion on the underside of the car. Good vinyl or even heavy duty tarp can often be found at a local hardware store or online.

The gas tank should be fully filled up with good quality oil, and it should be ensured that there is no blank space in the tank where moisture can get in and cause corrosion. If you have forgotten to fill the gas tank you can always run to the local gas station with a canister, fill it, and fill your gas tank at home.

Care should also be taken to see that the anti-freeze fluid used in the car is suitable for the temperature conditions in the area. Read your car ownership manual for advice and discuss your issues with your local auto mechanic.

Following all the above mentioned tips would help in getting good winter car storage for your car. Even if you keep your car in storage for a long duration during the winter months, you can stay assured of the car performance. If you are not able to properly winterize your car for storage contact a local mobile mechanic. There are many mechanics that now offer door to door services that include all of the things you need to take care of when winterizing your vehicle.

Simply Self Storage – What Could be Easier than Simply?


Simply Self Storage is the largest privately owned self storage company in the United States and Puerto Rico. We own and/or operate over 228 facilities with over 16.1 million square feet of storage space.

Protecting Your Extra Vehicle in a Self Storage Unit

Posted by on Friday, January 8, 2010. Leave a Comment

Having to decide where you will store a car can be a real headache for many. You may ask a friend or someone in your family but maybe you can tell that they agreed even though they didn’t want to or maybe now you will owe someone a favor that you really do not want to subject yourself to. You would really rather handle the situation alone but maybe you haven’t explored your options quite yet. There are many reasons why one might need to store a car. Perhaps storage is needed for an extended vacation, a leave in the military, or maybe it is a classic car that needs special care. Whatever the reason is, there are many options for you. Leaving your car in the driveway is not longer a wise choice because it is vulnerable. Car storage has become increasingly popular and as technology continues to advance so do the options.

Located in many cities you will find storage facilities everywhere, they are never hard to locate. Some people for their own personal reasons need to have discreet storage for their car and that is never a problem either. You can surrender all of your worries when your vehicle is in storage. Some facilities offer features that many never dreamed of such as dehumidifiers that offer superior environments for cars as they help them remain dry and by eliminating the dampness from the environment there is less residual build up on your vehicle.

The days of self storage unit’s being strictly for people that were moving and needed to store their belongings has long been gone. The self storage arena is so far past that! They have opened niches that never seemed possible and it is working! What about those who have the swooped up muscle cars, especially retiring baby boomers. They have the money to restore and to store their new toys so they are safe from elements but also vandalism. Others have decided that car storage is a viable option because city ordinances have become so strict about where, when and how people can park their cars on city streets. It created more demand for storage needs.

There are many factors that play a substantial role in people no longer using their yards or driveways or even garages for that matter for their car storage needs. Populations are more congested and therefore people have to use alternate means of doing things and one of those things is how they store their vehicles. Plus, vandalism is much higher so it is simply not safe to leave vehicles anywhere where they are not secure anymore.

Military personnel that are being deployed often are looking for car storage solutions. Not knowing the length of their deployment can cause upset enough without having to worry about your car and what it might look like when you return from your mission. Regardless of the reason involved, most car owners do believe that storage facilities offer the best bang for their buck in terms of their cars. Plus the advantage of knowing that you have access to your vehicle all day, every day is also most assuring too. There are plenty of security features available at these storage facilities so there is no worry about vandalism. Your car and its contents will be safe.

Many people are engaging in businesses these days and often require the use of multiple vehicles including trailers, trucks and other vehicles. They surely can not start parking these vehicles all around their homes so they too opt for storage facilities for their vehicles. For the safety of everyone involved, if you are storing a vehicle then it must be registered in your name or the name of whomever places it in storage and it must be a functioning vehicle as no car repairs are permitted on most facility properties.

So now you know that there are plenty of options open to you if you find that you need car storage one day. This might have even opened up some ideas for you to consider for a while. Most of the time it is well worth the money to just place your car in its own private storage facility rather than to spend the energy asking around in a futile attempt to save a few bucks, especially if they storage will be extended. Regardless of the reason know that the options are open and that they are very beneficial to those who take advantage of them.

Simply Self Storage – What Could be Easier than Simply?
Simply Self Storage is the largest privately owned self storage company in the United States and Puerto Rico. We own and/or operate over 228 facilities with over 16.1 million square feet of storage space.

The Storage Unit Defined

Posted by on Thursday, January 7, 2010. Leave a Comment

As the name suggests, Storage Unit is a unit that can work effectively in storing of items. It is a unit that is semi-permanent in nature and one can use it to store his or her belongings. Storage unit does not refer to any particular type, but it refers to a vast range of storage options that can be used in order to store as well as save space.

As stated above, there are various types of storage option which varies according to the circumstances. The chosen storage unit depends on the requirements of the renter and what they intend to store. For instance, some people may make use of tanks for storing water but the same tank may be used for storage of petroleum in a gas station. It all depends on the purpose and requirement of a person or the organization. A particular storage item may be used for various persons for different purposes.

It is not always the case of storing items; we may also term our very own Computer as a storage unit as it also stores data, various programs and a huge amount of information.

One of the most popular storage units is the refrigerator. It acts as an excellent storing unit and not only does it simply store, it also keeps food items fresh as before and cool. Refrigerators have proved its worth so much that it is nowadays found in each and every household.

The importance of a storage unit is such that wherever you look, you see storage units like outside every house you find a garage space and that too acts effectively in storing your car. Like archival storage is used for preserving the value and quality of books and various printed materials.

If you observe everything in a proper manner you would find the amount of storage units you have in your surrounding. It is valuable for everybody in order to store thing in a proper way and in an organized way. Today’s world is such where everything has a solution and companies are making storage options tailor made according to customer’s requirement.

There are many examples of storage units that are readily available in the market like cabinets, wardrobes, toy boxes, storage cubes, cupboards and so on. Everything serves the purpose of storing and that too in an effective way. They are excellent at serving their own purposes and they can even bring about drastic changes by making things a lot more organized. Like warehouses can be used to storing items of manufactures, wholesalers it simply makes their business much more organized.

These days large storage units found in facilities specializing in storage have become popular. The companies that own these units have recognized the need we all have to store items and have realized that most homes do not have the amount of space needed to meet the needs of the average working person. There are people who need additional storage because with the change of the economy individuals are purchasing more but throwing away less.

Storage units have also become popular with small business owners. As more people become self employed or start their own business they soon realize that a business needs space. Most people rent their own office spaces but some cannot afford to do anything more than work out of an at home office. When this happens the needs of the business and the needs of the household quickly overlap each other. Renting a storage unit will give you a place to store all of your excess business documents and equipment.

There are various companies that offer you variety of storage unit options that are catered to your requirements. Many have started specializing in storage designed to meet specific personal or business items. These storage units come in a variety of sizes. Some are meant to store an entire household worth of items while others meant to be used only for storing documents and small valuables.

The best way to find out what you need is to visit a few local storage unit facilities and identify he reason why you need to rent a storage unit. Most experienced sales staff members will be able to help you plan accordingly and decide on what to choose. Due to serious competition, companies are always trying to give all they can in their various storage units, they look better they offer you more storage space and that too at excellent rates, you are sure to be impressed.

Simply Self Storage – What Could be Easier than Simply?


Simply Self Storage is the largest privately owned self storage company in the United States and Puerto Rico. We own and/or operate over 228 facilities with over 16.1 million square feet of storage space.

Vehicle Storage

Posted by on Wednesday, December 30, 2009. Leave a Comment

No matter what type of vehicle you own, when you need storage for that vehicle, you need some choices when it comes to storing it. Whether it is a classic car or one you tinker with under the hood it deserves to be protected. Many living scenarios don’t afford a place to store your vehicle or have partial storage such as an overhead shelter that does not completely protect your vehicle from the elements. When this is the case, you need some options for where to store your vehicle either for an entire season, a few weeks or whatever length of time you determine.

Warehouses are also great places for vehicle storage of your classic car. Many warehouses provide a safe place that is climate-controlled, secured by keyed or gated access only and large enough to ensure that your classic car is not bumped, damaged or disturbed by other people who also have storage space there. Some warehouses even have special options they offer to people who are planning to store cars of all types for an entire season such as all winter or summer or even the whole year. These features include winterizing such as oil changes or periodic vehicle starts to keep engines from remaining idle too long.

Another way to keep your car safe with vehicle storage is to store it in an underground parking facility. Underground parking is an excellent place to store your car when you are not driving it and want it to be safe from the elements. One of the main advantages of underground storage is that your car is not on the street but safely parked in a designed space underground. Underground parking facilities are comparable in cost to enclosed parking structures but sometimes are not manned by 24-hour security. Underground security can also be a risk for flooding damage if applicable.

Storage sheds are another way to store your vehicle. Unlike your garage, a storage shed can be constructed exclusively for your vehicle or if you are renting storage shed space, your car may be the only car in the shed. The nice thing about storage sheds is they can be designated just for your car and not other items that might damage your classic car like paint, tools or other objects.

Keeping your car safe with vehicle storage is the best way to take care of your car when you do not have space in your garage and you need to protect your car from the elements such as rain and snow. Vehicle storage comes in a variety of options but one of the most popular vehicle storage options is to store your vehicle in an enclosed parking structure.

Enclosing parking structures that offer vehicle storage for your car can be expensive for the length of time that you use them but they are a worthwhile investment for many reasons. First, enclosed parking structures are usually maintained by 24-hour security or completed secured by gate with access available only to those who pay to store their vehicles in the structure. Enclosed parking structures keep your car safe from the weather, theft and accidental damage that can result from being parked on the street or even in your garage.

States like Michigan offer vehicle storage for your traditional or classic vehicle to be kept safe throughout the winter season. This is very important if you want your car to be protected from the winter conditions that are prevalent in Michigan from around Thanksgiving to Easter, sometimes longer. Remember, no matter how you choose to keep your car safe, some form of vehicle storage is the best thing you can do for your car when it isn’t in use. Keeping your car safe maintains a longer life.

If you are looking for quality vehicle storage in Michigan, remember that vehicle storage facilities may fill up quicker as the winter months approach and it would be a good idea to get your vehicle storage unit selected and pay at least a deposit and a month or two of the rent to ensure that you will have a place to put your vehicle before the snow and other in climate weather comes.

Simply Self Storage – What Could be Easier than Simply?
Simply Self Storage is the largest privately owned self storage company in the United States and Puerto Rico. We own and/or operate over 228 facilities with over 16.1 million square feet of storage space.

Keep Your Classic Car Safe With Vehicle Storage

Posted by on Monday, December 28, 2009. Leave a Comment

Owning a classic car is a statement to that world that you have a thing of beauty that is valuable and deserves to be protected. Many classic car owners take pride in showing off their cars in competitions and classic car strolls where many classic car owners get together and parade down the avenue in style. No matter what kind of classic car you own, it’s an investment that you want to protect and keep in tip top shape.

Keeping your classic car safe with vehicle storage is the best way to take care of your classic car when you do not have space in your garage and you need to protect your classic car from the elements such as rain and snow. Vehicle storage comes in a variety of options but one of the most popular vehicle storage options is to store your vehicle in an enclosed parking structure.

Enclosing parking structures that offer vehicle storage for your classic car can be expensive for the length of time that you use them but they are a worthwhile investment for many reasons. First, enclosed parking structures are usually maintained by 24-hour security or completed secured by gate with access available only to those who pay to store their vehicles in the structure. Enclosed parking structures keep your classic car safe from the weather, theft and accidental damage that can result from being parked on the street or even in your garage.

Another way to keep your classic car safe with vehicle storage is to store it in an underground parking facility. Underground parking is an excellent place to store your classic car when you are not driving it and want it to be safe from the elements. One of the main advantages of underground storage is that your classic car is not on the street but safely parked in a designed space underground. Underground parking facilities are comparable in cost to enclosed parking structures but sometimes are not manned by 24-hour security. Underground security can also be a risk for flooding damage if applicable.

No matter what, keeping your classic car safe with vehicle storage is the only way to make sure that your classic car stays in the great shape you have it in. Of course, the free way to store your classic car is in your own garage. This vehicle storage is free and gives you the opportunity to view and drive your classic car at any time. If you decide to use your garage, be sure to get a protective covering for your classic car so that it does not get any accidental damage there also.

Many classic car enthusiasts belong to clubs and groups that are a good source for vehicle storage ideas. Sometimes these clubs can get group discounts for different venues and vehicle storage. Class car clubs are great ways to show off your classic car at local and regional events where classic cars are being showcased. Likewise, these groups can often get a discount on thing such as vehicle storage because they purchase in bulk and pass the savings along to their members.

Storage sheds are another way to store your classic vehicle. Unlike your garage, a storage shed can be constructed exclusively for your classic vehicle or if you are renting storage shed space, your classic car may be the only car in the shed. The nice thing about storage sheds is they can be designated just for your car and not other items that might damage your classic car like paint, tools or other objects.

Warehouses are also great places for vehicle storage of your classic car. Many warehouses provide a safe place that is climate-controlled, secured by keyed or gated access only and large enough to ensure that your classic car is not bumped, damaged or disturbed by other people who also have storage space there. Some warehouses even have special options they offer to people who are planning to store cars of all types for an entire season such as all winter or summer or even the whole year. These features include winterizing such as oil changes or periodic vehicle starts to keep engines from remaining idle too long.

Remember, no matter how you choose to keep your classic car safe, some form of vehicle storage is the best thing you can do for your car when it isn’t in use. Keeping your classic car safe maintains an even longer life.

Simply Self Storage – What Could be Easier than Simply?
Simply Self Storage is the largest privately owned self storage company in the United States and Puerto Rico. We own and/or operate over 228 facilities with over 16.1 million square feet of storage space.