Wrap it up!

Finally ready, got all the supplies and you're ready to get started packing:

• Box up everything that you can. Anything left unboxed in a self-storage facility can get dusty.
• Fill boxes to capacity. The contents in half-empty boxes can shift during transport or lifting. Corners and sides can collapse if there’s nothing to support them. Foam peanuts are handy for filling in the gaps in boxes.
• Distribute the weight in packed boxes evenly. Make sure they are not too heavy for you and others who may be lifting them.
• Wrap all fragile items and breakables such as dishes, glasses, ornaments, etc. separately. Pack these items tightly into strong or reinforced boxes, filling any gaps with paper or filler. Mark “Fragile” on any boxes containing breakable items.
• Clearly label all boxes on more than one side so you can easily identify the contents.
• Pack books flat to avoid damaging their spines.

Prepare, prepare, prepare

Collect your supplies:
Use boxes, not plastic bags. Boxes are sturdier and stack well, taking up less space. Also, plastic bags can trap humidity which can cause damaging mildew.
Invest in good quality, sturdy boxes and packing materials. Boxes should be sturdy enough to hold up for years under the weight of the stack. You may be tempted to get boxes for free from supermarkets and liquor stores; however, organizing is difficult with mismatched boxes. You can buy standard-sized boxes and specialty boxes for items such as TVs, videotapes and pictures.
For wrapping breakables, paper will do, but bubble wrap can be used repeatedly, is cleaner, and because it is transparent, makes identifying contents easier.
Most people end up needing more tape than they thought they would when packing.

Once you have all your supplies collected your job will become much easier and move forward quite a bit faster.

A Plan...kinda like a silver lining

I'm looking for a silver lining to all these clouds. I bet you are too:
Self-storage units can be a real asset. A well organized space that is easily accessible can free up necessary space in your home or office. If you're listing your home your Realtor may suggest de-cluttering to make the best impact on your prospective buyers. Whatever your reasons, even before you load up the truck, it is best to start with a plan. Large or small, here are a few simple steps to help organize your storage space:
Start with a plan:
1) Decide what items will be packed in boxes and stacked.
2) Plan which boxed items you will want to access most frequently (they’ll go closer to the front of the unit).
3) Sort by fragility or weight – heavier, sturdier items should be stored on the bottom of stacked items, fragile items on top.
4) Decide what awkward items need to be stored, including how often you will need to use them, and how heavy they are.
Once you've assessed what you'll be storing you will be more prepared to make educated decisions about your storage needs.

Next you'll learn how to take action on your plan

Weather is Changing

The weather is certainly changing. That statement can bring any number of meanings. Literally, the weather is really changing. Rain, we haven't seen rain in the forecast in months, now it's a weekly reminder that summer is over. Figuratively, Oh My Goodness, is the weather ever changing. Every day I hear news clips heralding how much our lives have changed from years past.
Over the years I've learned: this storm will pass. You and I might have to change a few things, but it will pass. It's just a season (thank goodness).
This service we offer helps out too. If you're moving or consolidating or changing or rearranging we can help. We've helped people expand, reduce or just reorganize. I'll post a couple of ways that can help with peace of mind, and maybe even save you some green-backs in the process.

It's all in how you look at it

So, when the inspector comes in the office and says he won't be able to complete the annual inspection because the vault is full of water and that we'll have to pump it out before it can be completed, my mind swirls with questions. Where did all the water come from? When did the flooding start? All through fall and winter the vault was pleasantly dry, so what happened?

Well, we still are wrestling with the why, where and how's our our abundance of water. What we do know is that we certainly do have an abundance! This particular vault is looking a bit more swimming pool than vault for pipeline controls. A french drain has been installed in case the excess is coming from ground water off the property uphill from the vault. That had no effect, in the mean time we got a pump working on the vault.

Workable solutions are being tried out and worked through even now. What we've come to realize...this water is amazingly clear, it's a shame that it is just going to waste down the drain. But while we manage a permanent solution the pump empties the vault of this beautiful clear assumed spring water. At this time it flows down the pavement to the drain. That seems like a crying shame.

Here it is...clearly, it's all in how you look at it! The dogs love it, fresh clean flowing water. All the little creatures love it too! Their own little river, clean, fresh and cool, perfect for a summer afternoon bath! Perfect for watering the flowers. Outside the whole "can't pass the annual inspection" thing this could be good! After all these ground water issues there is one more good thing to come of it...next year I KNOW where to put the garden, we won't have to water! Hey, it's all in how you look at it!

Ahhh, Spring!

The long wait, the excruciatingly long wait is finally over! It's here...at last! It makes me want to just go outside and soak it all up! Spring has finally made it's appearance.

I enjoy all the seasons, but somehow spring and fall are my favorites for similar and very different reasons. As most people experience spring is fresh...new...awakening and exhilarating, I feel these things too.

This year, I am adding anticipation to the mix. Through out the winter we have been working toward having the storage facility ready for the buzz of activity that spring and summer brings. I am excited to see the puddles of standing water and mud finally give way to growing things. Both plant and animals are growing here!

Recently, while I was moving the courtesy truck to accommodate an incoming semi-truck I startled a momma Killdeer bird sheltering her babies. Actually, I almost ran them over with the truck, but thankfully I saw them before that and I was able to change my direction before disaster. For the last few months we have noticed them (both mom and dad bird) flopping around near us attempting to distract us from finding their nest when we venture too close. I knew they were there...I just didn't expect to see them so close up. And a few days later I have seen the family cruising around the property enjoying spring!

Ahhhh, finally Spring!!!

Honestly...

It's hard to come by. Honesty, sincerity and integrity sometimes feel like forgotten qualities. We all hope to be treated to honesty and sincerity through our daily dealings with people, and yet a good portion of the time we feel used and even sometimes betrayed or lied to. I hope that most of the time being misled is accidental, for example my own assumption leading to misunderstanding. But, there are the times that the bad manners or selfishness is intentional.
I got some uncomfortable news about a friend. And the circumstances behind what happened is very mixed up, but let me say that their poor behavior has hurt me and caused me pain.
And one thing comes to mind: What goes around comes around. At first, I thought, "Ha...you can not behave like that without it coming around to bite you later". And then my consience got the best of me. I felt badly that I was gloating over some else's pain and misfortune. I wondered if I have ever caused someone pain without even knowing I have behaved poorly (I am pretty sure that I have). That realization gave me renewed drive to treat others with the honesty and sincerity that I would desire to be treated with.
I WILL treat others kindly, with honesty and sincerity. And, I hope to earn the label of "integrity", but it seems that you will have to decide that. Honestly...