Winter Motorcycle Storage

You can protect your bike for the winter by renting a small storage unit that is just the right size for a motorcycle.  A unit just for your bike will ensure that people and pets aren't passing by it frequently.  Boxes and other equipment won't be in danger of scratching your motorcycle either.

You put your own lock on the unit and no one else has access to it.  A month to month lease will leave you with no long term obligation.

At Beaver Storage in Avoca, AR we have several sizes available for motorcycle storage.  You can find more details at BeaverStorage.com or you can call our on-site manager, Ray at 479-636-9498.  Be sure to ask him about park and ride options.  You can drive to Beaver Storage and leave your car parked inside our security gate while you take a ride!  Afterwards, your bike will be safe and sound inside it's own storage unit.

You can follow Beaver Storage on Facebook and Twitter too!  Ride safe!

Rent a Storage Unit to Help Sell Your House

Beaver Storage can help sell your house!

Real Estate professionals will tell you that you need to clear out clutter from your home to make it appealing to potential buyers.  If your house looks less cluttered, buyers will be more enticed.  So how can our storage facility help?

• We have a wide variety of sizes so renting the smallest size that you possibly need will save you money.
• Our facilities are conveniently located so you can access them easily.  This means you can store items to which you need occasional access.
• You have 24/7 access to your unit when you rent from one of our facilities.
• Our leases are on a month to month basis, so you don't have a long term commitment to storage.  

If you need ideas for clearing out the clutter, we have a few listed here:

Closets will appear roomier if you clear out your seasonal clothing.  Buy a wardrobe box so that your hanging items can be easily swapped out when the weather changes.

If your 2 car garage only holds one car, pack up the extra lawn and garden tools, sporting equipment and seasonal decorations and put them in the unit.

Are your kitchen cupboards overflowing?  Pack up all the extra pots and appliances that you don't regularly use and put those in storage.  If there is space in the cupboards, the potential buyer will be able to imagine their own items in the house.  (It may be obvious, but you shouldn't store food items in a self storage unit.)

Do you have a lot of framed photographs or children's art in your house?  Wrap your more personal items with bubble wrap and store in boxes.  Keep them all together and you'll be ready to make your new house feel like your home when you move in!

If you have a boat or RV in the yard (or driveway) considering renting an outside parking space at the storage facility.  Our outside parking spaces are a great value and they are all inside our security gate.

By de-cluttering your house while it is on the market, you'll be one step ahead when it's time to move!  For more house selling tips, check out the following link:  http://blog.sparefoot.com/2909-5-home-staging-tips-to-win-buyers-votes/

List Your Boat or RV On the Beaver Storage Website!

Summer is winding down and boating and camping days are coming to a close for the season.  If you are a current customer of Beaver Storage in Avoca, AR or of Beaver Lake Storage in Eureka Springs, AR and are thinking about selling your boat or RV, you can list it for free at www.BeaverStorage.com!

All you need to do is email a picture of your rig to the facility manager along with a short description, your asking price and your contact information.  We'll post it on the Classifieds page of our website at no cost to you.

Potential buyers who view the ad will contact you directly either via telephone or email, whatever you prefer.  The facility cannot be responsible for taking calls or showing the boat or RV but you are welcome to meet your potential buyers at the facility.

If you have more questions, just call Ray in Avoca at 479-636-9498 or Mark or Faiza in Eureka Springs at 479-253-2020.  And if you are ready to post, just email your information to beaverstorage@earthlink.net or beaverlakestorage@earthlink.net.

Fruit Fly Trap

This fruit fly trap doesn't have much to do with self storage, but it works so well, I had to share it!

Fruit fly season is in full swing at my house.  If you eat and cook with fresh fruits and vegetables in Northwest Arkansas, you are doing battle with them as well!  This simple to make trap will solve your problem!

1. Form a sheet of white paper into a cone shape.  Leave the small end open no larger than the size of your pinky finger.  Tape in place.
2. Pour a small amount of wine in a quart jar (1/4 inch deep is more than adequate.)
3. Place the paper cone in the jar.  Be sure the bottom of the cone does not touch the wine and become saturated.
4. Place your trap in the location where you have the most fruit flies.  Flies will be attracted to the bright white paper and the smell of the wine.  When they make their way down through the cone they won't be able to find their way back out and will eventually drown in the liquid.

I think that apple cider vinegar might work as well, but I haven't tried that yet.  Let me know how this tip works for you!

20 Tips for Using Self Storage

If you are new to self storage (or even not so new,) these tips from our new brochure can get you started off on the right foot.

1. Plan your storage space.  Place items that you need to access often in the front and allow for aisle space.

2. Write an inventory of your items and include serial numbers and photos of valuables.

3. Prepare your space by placing a protective cover on the floor.  Use a tarp or place items on paletes to guard against dampness.  Any concrete floor may become cold or damp.

4. Do not store combustible items like paint thinner, gasoline, solvents, paint, etc.

5. Use uniform size boxes to make stacking easy.  Use strong boxes and don’t fill them too full.

6. List the items in each box on all 4 sides.

7. Stack lighter boxes on top of heavier boxes.

8. Dishes and glasses should be wrapped in paper or other padding and placed in sturdy boxes.  Stack them on top of other non-breakable items.  Dish and glass packs have divided compartments to keep breakables separated.

9. Pictures and mirrors should be wrapped in bubble wrap & cardboard.  Mark these “FRAGILE.”  Most should be stacked upright.

10. Furniture with drawers can be used as storage for small, breakable items.  Wrap these in linens, tablecloths and towels that also need to be stored.

11. Large appliances can hold blankets, comforters, pillows and other large items.

12. Long handled garden tools can be stored in empty garbage cans.

13. Tables with removable legs should be broken down to save space.  Place screws and other small pieces in a sealed ziplock and tape it to the underside of furniture.

14. Couches can often be stored on end to save space.  Cushions should be wrapped in plastic or plastic bags and placed on top.

15. Cover upholstered furniture with cardboard, blankets or loosely with plastic to protect against dust.

16. Be sure mattresses are standing straight up so they don’t loose their shape.  Headboards and bedrails can be placed in between mattresses to help keep them straight.  Use a plastic mattress bag for dust protection.

17. Lock your unit with your own personal lock.

18. No food should be stored in your unit.  This could attract bugs or rodents.  Periodically inspect your unit and use rodent bait and bug spray.

19. Cover electronics and televisions with blankets or plastic to keep the dust out.  These can stack on top of dressers and tables that can’t be broken down.

20. Tape curtain rods together and lay flat or prop in a corner.

Padlock Maintenance

Most of us don't think much about the lock on our self storage unit, but over time your lock may be subject to a lot of wear and tear.  If your lock is exposed to the elements, (rain, wind, ice, etc.) you may need to replace the entire unit occasionally.  The get the most mileage out of your lock, give it a little TLC once or twice a year.

• First, give your lock a good visual inspection.  If you see signs of rust, it may not mean you need a new lock.  Be sure that the key slides in and turns easily and test the shackle to make sure it turns and slides smoothly.
• Spray the key hole of the lock with silicone spray.  Be sure to hold the lock so the silicone drips down into the hole.
• Spray the shackle and the hole that the shackle fits into with silicone spray.  Work the shackle by turning it around both directions and up and down to make sure that the silcone is coating all metal parts.
• Give your key a good inspection as well.  Look for any cracks or bending that could cause the key to break off in the lock and replace it with a duplicate if necessary.

Keep your possessions safe and secure with regular lock maintenance!  Be sure to call us if you have any questions.  We have an assortment of locks for sale and our friendly managers can help you with any of your padlock questions.

Beaver Storage in Avoca:  479-636-9498

Beaver Lake Storage in Eureka Springs:  479-253-2020