Why to Select a Self-Storage Unit

You may be looking into a self-storage unit to store your personal belongings, but storage units can be used for so much more. We took some time to look into the reasons people use storage units and hopefully it will broaden your perspective.

Businesses may use storage to store excess inventory, it proves to be a much more affordable way to stow their belongings.

When people sell their house, it is always smart to store your belongings away so the house does not feel so cluttered when showing it.

All throughout the year we have holidays, and it is wise to save your decorations so as to save money. It is smart to store your holiday decorations in a secure storage unit for easy access at any point during the year.

Businesses have excess records and especially with people switching to online record keeping, it is smart to save the paper copies in a secure environment until the appropriate time comes to liquidate them.

Downsizing is our economy is a common occurrence and storage units are a great place to store excess belongings until you find the available space or decide to sell them.

Vehicles, Motorcycles, RVs, Boats, etc… are great novelties to own, however, some housing areas prohibit leaving them in certain areas. If you live in an apartment and own a boat, the chance of keeping it on the property is limited.

Collections are a common part of today’s economic situation. People owe things to each other, whether by default, or in terms of trades. If you do not have the space to contain acquired items, it is best to place them under the safe care of a storage you can see, there are multiple reasons why storage facilities can prove effective for your current situation. If you are interested in learning more about your local storage facility, go online to a search engine and type in your cities name, followed by “self-storage”.…

Effective Finance Tips For Your New Business

You may be in a situation where you intend to start a new business venture but do not have the required funds to put you into business. Getting funding, say worth $100000, or more, to jumpstart your new business is quite a challenge, but one you can achieve with the right kind of information and also the right lender. With the right information, you will be able to know how exactly you can get some funding to inject into your new business. Here are a few finance ideas that new business owners can learn:

Keep Track of the InterestWhether you have been doing business for many years or you are just starting out, you need to keep track on the interest rate for your business loans, invoices, credit cards, etc. High interest rates can reduce your cash flow and it will definitely be bad for your small business. Interest rates that are about 8% are fair, but anything above this is not good for your business and can actually lead to the collapse of your business venture.

Keep a Steady Cash FlowAlways make sure that you constantly track your cash flow. Your small business must always have a strong cash flow for it to run smoothly. A weak cash flow will negatively affect your small business and drive you out of business. Having a steady cash flow will also increase your chances of securing a loan from a lender. This is because a good and strong cash flow shows that you are capable of repaying back a loan advanced to you.

Have Multiple Financing SourcesIf you are finding it difficult to secure a loan from lenders, you have plenty of other options which you can make use of, to finance your small business. Rather than using your lenders only, you can also use savings accounts, pension benefits, investors, credit cards and plenty of other options. Getting money from various sources will enable you to get the money you require to start your small business and to also expand it in the future. Whatever the source you opt for, it must be one that will ensure that your business remains viable. You should not have a source of funding that is expensive to repay back because it will bring your business to its knees because of the high repayment cost

SecurityAn easy way to secure some funding for your small business is to provide the money lender with collateral for the business. This security gives the lender a low risk ratio and enables you to get a higher loan term and reduced interest rate. Your best option to ensure that you clinch a loan is to provide some piece of real estate. This will effectively ensure that you get a good loan package that will be of great benefit to your business. However, if you default in your loan repayments, you face a likely risk of losing your collateral, because the lender has to …

Unique Uses Of Storage Units Around the Globe

Self storage units are not just about storing your excess or unwanted things so as to make more space in your homes or offices. There are so many other uses of self storage other than storing your household products. Some of these unusual and unique uses may surprise you!

Workshop

With increasing rent and perhaps unhappiness from the wife, some people utilise self storage as their workshop. You may need to do some large scale projects at home as a freelancer but there isn’t enough space at home and you do not have the financial means to rent a place outside. Self storage units are relatively economical and you have the flexibility to access your unit anytime, making sure that you are able to complete your project within your time frame. You can also move into your self storage unit almost immediately if you wish to and you are able to simply rent it for a couple of months, eliminating the need to be tied down to a lengthy contract.

Art gallery

In some expensive cities like London and Tokyo, some aspiring artists rent self storage and convert them into an art gallery to showcase their works and hopefully get spotted and gain fame. Self storage units have moisture and temperature control features that are able to keep the paintings in a pristine condition and the security features make them well received by the aspiring artists.

Photograph studio

Converting a self storage unit into a photography studio is a very common thing in places such as America. The photography equipment such as the camera and lighting is already very expensive and many photographers are unwilling to spend more on their studio. They also want a place that has flexible rental terms and offers decent security features given their valuable equipment. Self storage units are thus able to provide them with what they need.

Online business

Some online business utilise self storage units as a place where they not only keep their goods, but also do photo shoots for their products. They also hire customer service officers who will answer queries about products and this will not only lower business overheads but also allow them to work anytime they want and access their goods anytime they need to.

There are so many unique uses of self storage units around the world and they are not only used as a personal storage means, but they can also be studios, art galleries and even a base for an online business. Self storage offers a whole lot of flexibility that people needs in this age and time.…

10 Reasons Why Self Storage Is A Great Idea

There are plenty of reasons why self storage is a good idea for lots of different people. Perhaps you are moving house and have some precious items that you can’t take with you to your new home but don’t want to throw away then self storage is the perfect solution. This means you don’t have to clutter up your new home, have to go through the trauma of throwing precious items away or have to turn to friends and family to store things on your behalf. Self storage also comes in handy if your family is expanding and you need the extra room, if you don’t have enough room in the office for all of your important documents or if you have a large collection of memorabilia and no room for it at home.

Self storage is the perfect solution for people looking for somewhere to store items. Most self storage areas can be found in residential and office districts so they are extremely convenient.

Here are ten top reasons why self storage is a great alternative:

1. You can choose a self storage unit close to where you live at the moment or near your new home so that access is made easy and convenient.

2. You need only rent as much space as you need; therefore you are not wasting any money. You also will have free access 24/7.

3. Safety is of paramount importance when it comes to self storage. Most units will have security arrangements to make sure that all your precious items are kept safe and out of harms way from moisture and theft. Look out for units that are climate controlled if you want to store expensive antiques and art.

4. Self storage units are cost effective as you can tailor the service to fit in with your needs. Choose the size and the time-frame you want the unit for to ensure that you only pay for what you need.

5. A self storage unit is the perfect solution if you need space to repair your home or carry out any home decorating.

6. If you run a business from home or are struggling to find space to organize all your documents in the office, then self storage is a great place to store all your office supplies or documents that you don’t need to hand but need to keep.

7. If you are a bit of a hoarder then it might be time for a de-clutter at home. If you don’t want to throw things away then putting all of your excess furniture, books and other knick knacks in a self storage unit could be the answer to all your problems.

8. If you’re moving home dates don’t quite line up then a self storage unit could be the ideal place to store your things once you have sold your home and are waiting to move into your new property.

9. For those who …

Self Storage – Your Peace of Mind

So you’ve been with your significant other several years. The kids are out of university and they’re getting ready to start families of their own. So, what’s a grandparent to be to do? After all, you want to help them get started with their new families to the best of your ability-that’s just the way you are. You’re a helper. There’s nothing at all wrong with that.

You have loads of stuff left behind from when your kids were small-what’s the bet that they could use them when they start having them? could be onto something. They really could use all of these only you had some way of getting them out of the attic!

Luckily, with self storage, you’re able to take all of your children’s old things and be assured that they are safe and sound until they need them. Here are some of the pros to self storage.

First of all, you are able to pack everything exactly how you want it. Baby blankets and clothes in one box, bottles and cups in another, toys in a completely different there’s also no chance of the items that you are storing getting completely mixed up or lost. It’s all arranged exactly how you would like.

Then, you may also be worried about security. It is a very realistic fear-after all, you never know what happens at a storage unit-or do you? It’s not as scary or unsafe to leave your things at a storage unit as you might think. In fact, it is quite a bit safer than you might imagine.

At a self storage, there are cameras. All activity is recorded at all times of the day and night. No one is missed by these cameras. There are also motion detectors and alarms. If someone happens to sneak in, they certainly won’t be sneaking out with your things. There are also security guards on site day and night to ensure that, if they get around the cameras and the motion detectors, they certainly shouldn’t get past them. There are also no windows so that crooks and bandits can’t see into your storage unit. It may not seem like a big deal-but strollers and car seats can go for a pretty penny if you find the right seller and the right buyer.

Now, say that you had some things that could melt. Crayons, for example. Sure they may not need them now, but they’re just taking up space in your house, so you might as well get them ready. On the other hand, they are pretty melt-able. Sure, you could let them melt all into a box and then cut them into new multicolored crayons, but at the same time, when you melt them, they don’t leave quite as much color as before.

Part of the beauty of self storage is that you are able to take your items, determine what temperature would be the best, and you are able to …

Top 4 Ideas of Storage Space for Business Uses

Self storage is an excellent method for your storage alternatives and they are not targeted purely at domestic consumers. Self storage companies can cater to needs of various businesses which different requirements. Self storage is still a maturing sector and the improved range of services provided are able to better meet the needs of businesses and can sometimes provide a complete suite of services for them. Some self storage companies may even purely serve the needs of business customers.

Storing for the future

Those who are in the food and beverage industry are huge fans of self storage mainly due to the huge amount of utensils they have to purchase for the running of their business. Since the prices are cheaper if the purchase is in bulk, most restaurants go for that option. With a need to store the excess brand new utensils, they turn to self storage. This also applies to some other things such as the furniture in the restaurant. Some business also purchase commodities such as salt, sugar and flour in bulk to take advantage of discounts from the supplier. Self storage units come with different options for them such as moisture control to ensure that the commodities do not go bad after prolonged storage.

Alternative to a physical store

With an increasing trend in online business and blog shops, most owners turn to self storage not only to store their clothes which they purchased in bulk, but also to double up as a place for dealing and trying purposes. Most customers are still not comfortable with buying things without seeing them and having a place for customers to touch and feel the clothes as well as to try them on will increase the consumer’s confidence level.

Flexibility to buy goods in bulk

The aim of any business is to generate profits for the company and one of the best way is to purchase goods in bulk so as to lower cost. However, when you import such a huge amount of product, you need to store them in a safe and well equipped place. Self storage allows you to store all of your things for a reasonable cost every month.

No tying down contracts

One good thing about self storage units is that they do not tie you down to a lengthy period of time and you are able to change the terms freely due to the nature of your business. For example, you may have a huge import of goods this month and the storage space you need is large. The following months, the import is slightly lesser and thus the space required reduces. You will not be penalised for that.

Self storage for business works in the same way as for domestic customers. You are able to determine the storage size you require and pay accordingly, with you having the freedom to change the terms when the need arises. It also frees up space in your …

How Self Storage Units Work

The use of self storage units is very popular especially during relocations and for people who need to keep their belongings in a clean and risk-free location. It is now possible for you to conveniently rent mini storage boxes online, even without a credit card or a cash deposit.

A self storage unit is surprisingly easy to use, even if you are unfamiliar with the rental process. It is more convenient to look for mini storage companies online, as some of them allow you to find and reserve a space using their website. By simply entering the state and city where you live, you can be redirected to the nearest facility in your area.

After settling on the location, you can select the size of the space that you will need. Some companies offer different unit types and sizes. These spaces can be small enough to store chest drawers and several boxes, or large enough to accommodate appliances and furniture that would fit in a three-bedroom home. There are even some facilities that can provide climate-control units for temperature-sensitive items or in-house parking for your recreational vehicles.

Some companies will allow you to reserve a space even without a credit card or cash deposit, so be sure to keep an eye out for such deals. You will just need to provide them with your name and contact details, and a confirmation code will be sent to your e-mail. As soon as you receive this, you can proceed to the self storage location and show the management your reservation code so that you can pay for your rental and transport your belongings.…

Personal Finance Tips – How to Make the Distinction Between Your Needs and Desires

If you start tracking down your expenses to the smallest detail, you will see that it will be much easier to keep track of what you really need to spend money on – like transportation from your home to your work and back – and things you desire, like an energy drink that helps you thorough the day. The difference between your needs and things your desires help you control your spending.

There are situations when the two overlap: maybe you will see some new pants for $70. There would be no arguing you need a pair of new pants, but the price tag would make you think twice. However, there is no point in buying something that is cheap, but you are not entirely happy with: why are you working to make money if you can’t have any joy in it?

There are some questions to ask yourself to see what the difference is between the things you really need and the things you desire. What is the purpose of this purchase? Can it save time, energy or money for you? Will it help you do something you want or must do? When will you use this purchase? What are the pros and cons of buying it now versus waiting?

What are the things you must give up to buy that thing? Do you have to say goodbye to your savings? Will there be any delays in the purchase of other things? Can you make this purchase and stick to your plan to pay down debt? Keep in mind that the real price of a thing you buy can not be defined by its price plus sales tax. If you buy something, you may loose an opportunity to invest that money.

A good trick is setting your own price tag to different things: before you decide to buy something, a lunch, a car or a vacation, ignore its price tag, and decide how much that thing is worth to you. If you do this, it will be less probable you overspend on something you don’t really need.

So if you decide how much a flat screen TV is worth to you and you are not willing to pay more on that, you will see that the yearnings for the things only rich people can afford. You will walk away freely from things that have a price tag that doesn’t match your own price.…

Ways to Ensure Safety of Personal Items in Self Storage Facilities

While many customers believe the personal belongings they keep in self storage units are safe all the time, it’s not always the case. The reality is that many public storage units across the United States have experienced burglaries in the past.

It is, therefore, the responsibility of consumers to make sure their rental units are properly secured. It’s not enough that the facilities are providing the padlocks and other security features. If it’s possible at all, customers can even request that use their own padlocks or add another padlock to the already existing one.

It’s important to understand, though, that not all padlocks are created equal. While most of them look strong, it’s not always the case as some can easily be cut using a bolt cutter. For this reason, police officers to self storage customers to utilize the stronger padlocks. These can be purchased at a higher price from home improvement shops and hardware stores.

But apart from using a high-end padlock, there are other ways to ensure the safety of your valuable inside rental units. One way is by taking photographs of the items inside the storage area including the entrance of the unit. This will help law enforcement authorities in their investigation should a burglary take place in the facility’s premises and in your specific rental unit. Through the photos, police officers will be able to figure out the entry and exit points of the burglars.

Another way to ensure that your personal possessions are intact in their self storage units is to list down the serial numbers of all the products you keep there. These should include electronic devices and other equipment you own. By recording the serial numbers, police authorities will be able to track down the items later on just in case a break-in occurs inside the facility.

It would also be helpful if you as a customer verify first the security systems of the facility you’ve chosen to use. Ask the staff what devices they use, whether they have a CCTV camera inside the units and other alarm systems that will alert them right away in cases when break-ins take place after business hours. Many commercial establishments such as department stores, banks and restaurants use the CCTV camera today because it is a great help in monitoring the activities of people within the area 24 hours every day. This advanced electronic device has also been instrumental in solving numerous fraudulent activities not only in the U.S. but even worldwide especially in progressive urban centers.

Find out as well how many security guards the facility have and if they a manager is present during nighttime. At least when there are people watching over the facility round the clock, criminals will think twice about executing their illegal plans.

So if you’re planning to rent a self storage unit any time soon or are already an existing client, always ensure the safety of your belongings. …