Basements are notorious for being a catch all for plastic storage bins filled with holiday decorations, old papers or seasonal clothing. They’re usually stacked one on top of the other, taking up valuable space. But, you should consider your basement to be another room and treat it as such…even if it’s unfinished. What better place to set up an arts and crafts table than in a room that doesn’t have carpeting or nice hardwood floors? A basement is a diamond in the rough and can provide a place for kids to play, hang out and burn off all that extra pent up energy that’s usually spent playing outside. Here are some tips to clear your clutter and make an oasis for your kids this winter.

Admit it, most of the boxes in your basement are filled with things that you simply do not need on a day to day basis. So the very first thing you should do is gather up all of the items that you’ve stored in your basement and move them to your Lock Up Self Storage unit. Every new customer of The Lock Up is provided free access to a move in truck that makes this step a breeze.

Once you’ve cleared out the basement, you need to get it set up for your kids. A sturdy table can serve as an art station. Provide paper, paints, brushes, cups, pens, crayons, scissors, glue and stickers. If you have any furniture that you are thinking of getting rid of, move it downstairs. An old couch or some comfy chairs are great places for kids to sit and hang out with friends or play games on their computers. But, you want to make sure they’re not always sedentary, so have an area that’s still open. Since it’s a basement, if kids jump around, they won’t be bothering anyone below them. Place some rubber floor mats on the ground and encourage physical activity by providing hula hoops or speakers to hook up an MP3 player so they can dance to their little heart’s content.

Have any other ideas for a great winter oasis in the basement? Share them with us here!

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• Everyone wants to either achieve or maintain good health. But sometimes life gets in the way of taking time to get to and from the gym. Why not cut the commute and set up a workout space in your home? Rearrange your furniture to make room. You can store the easy chair from the corner of your living room with The Lock Up and replace it with an exercise bike. This way you can watch your favorite shows on TV guilt free while riding off the calories.
• Nothing hampers happiness more than clutter and piles of unattended to papers. And we all know that organization equals productivity. Don’t let clutter prevent you from being the best you can be. Take the time to go through all of the stacks and decide what goes in the garbage and what you need to keep. Once you’ve done this, box up all the stuff you need but obviously don’t have room for, and move it into a Lock Up Self Storage unit. Imagine how good it will feel to be organized, know all your important items have a safe home with the Lock Up, and be able to see your counters and floors again.
• Spending quality time with loved ones is a surefire way to ensure happiness. But it’s not often we gather together in meaningful ways. There’s usually a computer or TV on that diverts everyone’s attention away from each other. Being creative with your kids or friends is an ideal way to spend time together. Why not make room for a crafting/projects table in your basement or spare room? All you have to do is let The Lock Up store a few spare boxes and/or some furniture for you. Once you have an area big enough for a table, you’re good to go. Pull out your crafty goodies, a board game or a jigsaw puzzle, pull up some chairs, put on some tunes and enjoy some good, wholesome quality time with your friends and family.

Don’t forget that The Lock Up is having a limited time Rate Match special. Use it to help make your resolutions become reality!
The Lock Up wishes you and yours a healthy, happy and productive 2012!

To find The Lock Up Self Storage facility nearest you, go to: www.thelockup.com

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Ornaments
There are specially made containers for ornament storage. They are flat boxes, often with tray divider inserts that protect individual ornaments. The containers stack for easy storage. If you don’t have ornament storage trays, you can use plastic storage bins that are meant to go under beds. You want to cushion each ornament with tissue paper (don’t use newspaper – the ink could rub onto your ornaments) and pack them in snugly but not too tight.

Light Strands
You want to make sure to store strands of lights in an orderly manner so that they don’t break or get tangled. The worst thing you could do is just throw them into a box in a big jumble. Not only can that break bulbs, but it could also compromise the integrity of the electrical wire, creating a potential fire hazard. There are special spools available that will hold lights. If you can’t get access to one, you can always simply coil the strand evenly and twist tie it in a couple of spots. Be sure to store in a separate box of only lights so they don’t get crushed by heavier items.

Artificial Tree Storage
Now that you’ve removed and packed away your ornaments and lights, carefully compress all the little branches around each main branch of your tree. Pull the tree apart and place all parts (including the base) inside the bag it came with. If you do not have that bag anymore, a large duffle bag can be used. You want to prevent dust from gathering on the branches. A Lock Up storage unit is the ideal location to store your tree.

Holiday Collectibles
Quickly dust all of the decorations that sit on shelving or tables so they’ll be clean and ready for next year. For bigger, bulkier items like holiday villages, nativity scenes and train sets, try to use the original packaging to store them away. If those aren’t available, just be sure to use plenty of padding around breakable parts. Use large plastic bins to keep boxes of items in order.

Kitchenware/Linens
Wash all holiday themed linens such as table runners, table cloths, napkins and towels. Do not bother ironing or starching them as they’ll need to be ironed once you pull them out next year and starch can damage fabrics that are stored for long periods of time by providing food for insects.  Dedicate a box to holiday themed serving platters, cream and sugar containers, dishware and glassware. Use plenty of padding and pack items snugly but not too tightly. Place heavier items on the bottom of the box and more delicate items on top.

Once all of your holiday treasures are securely packed up, The Lock Up will be ready to take it all off your hands until you need it again.

For The Lock Up Self Storage facility nearest you, go to: http://www.thelockup.com/

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Using a Lock Up Self Storage unit to store china, glassware and silverware that only gets used for special occasions is a great solution. Not only is it an easy way to make room in an already space compromised kitchen, but it’s also a safe location, far away from curious (and quite possibly, clumsy) young hands that might like to explore cabinets for fun. But don’t just throw your grandma’s fine China into any old box. Be sure to protect your serving gear for years to come with these quick tips:

• Dishware
  Use quilted dishware packs for your china. If your set didn’t come with these, they’re easy enough to find online and a good investment. They are great because they are padded and fitted to the dimensions of standard dishware. There are cardboard box versions as well that are more affordable.  With either method, just be sure to individually wrap each dish in acid free tissue paper (available at most art supply stores) to avoid scratches and to help prevent discoloration; then place padding between each plate to keep them from chipping. Hint: a paper plate or large coffee filter works in a pinch.
• Specialty items with lids
  Items such as teapots, sugar bowls and tureens all have lids that should be wrapped separately and stored back in the item upside down so that the top hangs inside the vessel.
• Glassware
  Use glassware protection packs. These cardboard boxes have sections for glassware that keep them protected. For long stemmed glasses such as wine glasses, wrap with bubble wrap, but be careful to not wrap too tightly. Pack glasses snug enough so there’s no shifting or tilting but, again, not too tightly.
• Silverware
  Polish your silverware before storing it. That way you won’t have to do much polishing (if any) the next time you have a fancy meal. You want to avoid tarnish and scratches on your silverware when storing. If you don’t have a felt lined box specific to your flatware, then roll your pieces up one by one in a sheet of acid free paper, making sure the pieces don’t have contact. Then place the rolls inside of a soft cotton or felt bag.
• Linens
  Wash all table linens and napkins. Simply fold them and store. Don’t bother starching them before putting them away as the starch can cause yellowing and also provides a tasty meal for moths. When you pull your linens out the next time, then you can iron and starch them.

To save time in the future, be sure to clearly label each box you place your Lock Up storage unit; otherwise you’ll need to unwrap items in each box to figure out what’s inside.

We at The Lock Up hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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Here are some tips for prepping your road warriors for a stay at the Lock Up over the winter:

1. Give her a good wash & wax.
   Applying wax will protect painted surfaces from moisture and rust. A good spray of WD-40 on the engine and mufflers helps too. Doing this step will keep your wheels looking good for the long haul.
2. Change the oil and filter.
   Byproducts created by the engine’s combustion produce acids in the oil and these will harm the inner metal surfaces over time. So, even if you’re not due for an oil change, you’d be wise to change what’s in there…and you might as well change the filter too.
3. Add Fuel Stabilizer.
   Fill the gas tank, then add winterizing fuel conditioner. This will prevent the fuel from going stale. Fuel that’s gone stale has evaporated out certain compounds, making it thicker and sour smelling. If left too long, stale fuel will turn into gum that will clog up all the works. So it’s best to add the fuel stabilizer over winter.
4. Remove the battery.
   When a motorcycle, scooter, or moped is stored for any length of time, you must remove the battery. Even when the ignition switch is in the “off” position, there’s often a small current that will drain your battery. A drained battery has a harder time sustaining a charge and will likely need to be replaced before your first springtime ride next year.
5. Tires.
   Make sure that your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure. FYI, this is a good thing to ensure even when in use.
6. Service all fluids.
   It’s a good idea to change the brake and clutch fluids every two years. If you’re not familiar with these systems and your ride is due for servicing, have a professional help you.
7. Rent a climate controlled Lock Up storage unit.
   A Lock Up climate controlled unit will protect your ride from the ravages of freezing temperatures and moisture. Rust on the metal parts and cracking in the rubber of tires or fluid lines will be averted with a storage unit that keeps the temperature and humidity at moderate levels.

Do you have good tips for winterizing your summer road toys? Tell us here!

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You don’t want to store your books in an attic or garage because they will be subjected to heat and cold that will cause mold and mildew to grow on their pages. The Lock Up provides the optimal storing conditions for your book collection. A climate controlled storage unit is kept at a consistent temperature using heating and cooling systems. This means that your book collection will be safe from extreme temperature changes that can be so detrimental to their safety. Direct light is also a danger when it comes to storing books. The Lock Up Self Storage is an excellent way to keep your books away from direct sunlight. Another bonus to using a Lock Up Self Storage unit for your collection is that the units are all secure, clean and pest free…all very important factors to consider when storing valuable books.

Here are some more tips for storing your book collection in your Lock Up Self Storage climate controlled unit:

• Remove any items such as bookmarks, papers or photos. These may damage the pages by either leaching ink onto the books’ pages or if the items are too thick, they could even distort the spine of the book.
• Buy book covers for each book’s jacket. The pages within each book have protection via the binding, but the covers need a little extra help. Book covers will provide further protection for the covers of your book that are exposed to the air.
• Do not put books in plastic bags. Book pages need room to allow air to circulate so that moisture does not gather on them. Moisture is a book’s number one enemy.
• Do not pile your books in sealed containers. Doing so may trap moisture, and stacking books flat can damage spines of books from the pressure.
• Purchase a sturdy bookshelf for your Lock Up Self Storage unit. Place books in an upright position with spines facing out. This will remove undue pressure on the bindings as well as allowing you to easily view what each book is.

If you have more tips for storing your book collection, share them here!

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You will want to clean all your furniture whether it will be stored or left in your yard. Lightly scrub all your pieces with water and mild soap to remove all dirt and debris. Thoroughly rinse with a hose and allow the pieces to dry completely before covering or bringing them in for storage.

There are some kinds of outdoor furniture that should always be brought in for the winter. Items made from wicker, steel, fabric (such as pillows and umbrellas), or natural stone are all susceptible to extreme temperature fluctuations that will eventually break down the materials and ruin your furniture. Wicker and natural stone expand and contract with temperatures and that can damage the material, causing it to become brittle and fall apart. Terracotta pots should also be brought in; like natural stone, the winter temps will cause them to crack and crumble before they see next spring. Steel pieces tend to rust. Since you won’t be using them during winter anyway, it’s best to bring anything made of steel inside. Table umbrellas need to be stored for winter. If stored incorrectly, mold and mildew can grow on them and look unsightly come spring. Spray household cleaner on the outside of your umbrella. Use a rag to wipe the dirt off, making sure to rinse the rag often. Dry the umbrella with a towel. Once it’s completely dry, close it up and roll it up in a piece of plastic or a tarp. This will protect it from growing mold or mildew while stored inside.

There are some items that can be left outside, but they should still be prepped for the winter months. Aluminum can stay outside all year. Just be sure to drain any water out of the pieces so that it doesn’t freeze and expand. This could compromise the aluminum. Be sure to cover aluminum furniture with a tarp or specially made cover. Tie the cover to the furniture to keep it from blowing off in strong winds and to keep snow or rain off the furniture’s surface. Wood can also stay outside all year, but unlike aluminum, you should not cover your wood pieces as that will trap moisture and possibly lead to mold and mildew. Although these items can stay outside during winter, they will certainly have a longer life if kept out of harsh elements. The Lock Up Self Storage climate controlled units are the ideal place to store your patio furniture because they keep consistent moderate temperatures and humidity levels which will ensure your patio furniture’s longevity.

Have any suggestions on how to prep your outside room for winter? Tell us here!

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• The first thing you’ll want to do is haul out your winter gear from storage. Go through each item and quickly determine if it’s a keeper or something that you won’t wear anymore and can be donated. Ideally, these items should have been assessed while packing them away last spring, but you’ll have fresh eyes so many months later, so your wardrobe is worth a once over. These items also should have been cleaned before storing them. But on the off chance they haven’t been, or the bug deterrent sachets have scented them too heavily, be sure to wash or dry clean the items before integrating them back into your closet. Once you’ve removed all your winter clothes from their storage containers, make sure the boxes are clean. This is where you’ll put all your summer goodies when they’re ready.
• Go through your closets and dressers, pulling all clothes that you won’t need until next spring. Shorts, dresses, skirts, bathing suits, and summery printed shirts are all prime candidates. Don’t forget about shoes too. You’d be amazed how much closet space you gain by storing sandals, thongs and wedges.
• Assess each item. If you haven’t worn it in a year, or it’s worse for the wear, place it in the donation pile that you started with your winter gear.
• Thoroughly wash &/or dry clean all your items. This will remove any dirt or body odor that attracts bugs. It will also kill any possible hitchhiking larvae, removing all possibility of you opening up your summer clothes next spring only to find they’ve been destroyed.
• Pack your shoes in one box. Pack all your clothes into the rest of your containers, placing heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on top. Try to lay items as flat as possible to protect the fabric. Or, try rolling your clothes so as to eliminate fold creases altogether.
• Place an all natural moth/bug sachet into the boxes. Lavender sachets and cedar oil are effective and not detrimental to your clothes. It’s also a good idea to throw a couple of those desiccant gel packs into the boxes to keep moisture at a minimum. *Tip: if you think you don’t have any desiccant packs on hand, check some of your vitamin bottles and you might be surprised how many you end up with.
• Label your boxes with the season. If you have children, it’s a good idea to also label the boxes with sizes and possibly keep boys and girls separate.

Bring your containers to your Lock Up Self Storage unit and put them in an accessible place. You definitely want to be able to easily get at your summer clothes just in case you book that fantastic trip to Hawaii in the dead of winter. Stay warm!

For more information on climate controlled storage units at The Lock Up Self Storage facility nearest you, call 1-866-327-LOCK.

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Before placing any of your electronics into your Lock Up storage unit, you will need to do some prep work to ensure that your items remain in tip top condition. Here are some packing tips that will save you from ruining your electronics while in storage:

• Purchase silica gel packets to pack in the boxes with your electronics. These act as desiccants and will absorb any moisture that may occur. You can also save up the silica gel packs that come in vitamins or packaged electronics for this purpose.
• Remove all detachable wires and cords to protect the connections from damage. Use twist ties to keep cords tidy. Wrap some painter’s tape around each wire or cord and write what piece of equipment they belong to so that you don’t have to play a game of mix and match when you retrieve your items from storage. Keep all wires and cords in one clearly labeled box.
• Don’t wrap your electronics in plastic! This traps moisture and encourages it to collect inside of your electronics. Instead, wrap them in old sheets or towels. This will also protect them from scratches.
• Be sure to take out any batteries. You don’t want leaking battery acid to ruin your items.
• Remove all media storage items such as CDs, DVDs, tapes, and SD or compact flash cards. Keep these all together in one clearly labeled box. And, be sure to back up any internal hard drives before storage.
• If you’re placing multiple items in one box, be sure to provide extra padding between them to keep items from damaging each other. Packing popcorn or crumpled newspaper works well.
• Inside your storage unit, stack your boxes according to weight. This will protect lighter, more fragile items from being crushed.

While climate controlled storage units provide the best protection to your electronics, be aware that any rapid heating or cooling can create the dreaded condensation that is just as destructive as storing your items in a cold, damp environment. Try to maintain an even temperature while transporting your electronics to or from your Lock Up storage unit. If that’s simply not possible, allow hot items to cool and cold items to warm up before powering them up.

Call 1-866-327-LOCK to find a Lock Up Self Storage facility near you.

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The climate controlled Lock Up Self Storage facilities provide you with the perfect cool, dark, dry, and clean environment to store valuable textiles. However, environment is only part of the recipe for successfully storing heirloom textiles. Here are some procedures that should be followed before placing your items into your Lock Up Self Storage unit:

1. Clean your textile. Dust particles can actually act like abrasives to the delicate fibers in textiles, cutting through them. Washable items should be gently washed, leaving them unironed, unstarched and unblued. If washing is not an option, try to remove as much dust from the item with a weak hand vacuum using a screen to protect the item, or by gently shaking it out.
2. Wrap in clean white cotton. Your textiles should have no direct contact with wood, plastics, tissue or other wrapping paper. These items contain acids that are destructive to textiles. It’s best to use clean white cotton cloths such as bed sheets or pillow cases to gently wrap textiles. Don’t pack them too tightly or place in airtight containers as fibers need air movement to prevent moisture issues.
3. Store your items flat. Folds will compromise fibers over time, causing breakage. If you must fold, be sure to pad any sharp creases with clean cotton strips. When a piece is taken out of storage, care should be taken to re-fold the item differently when returning it to storage so that the fold creases do not deepen over time. For particularly fragile items, cover a cardboard tube with clean muslin and roll your fabric around it. This will effectively prevent destructive creases.
4. Store away from light. Both sunlight and indoor fixture lighting are damaging to natural cellulous fibers (think: linen and cotton) as well as animal fibers (think: wool and silk).

Following these simple steps and storing your heirloom textiles in a climate controlled Lock Up Self Storage facility will keep them safe and sound for future generations.

Have you used a Lock Up Self Storage unit to store any family heirlooms? Please tell us about it! If you would like to use The Lock Up to store family heirloom textiles, call 1-866-327-LOCK.

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