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

Economical Way to Winterize

   The cold weather means many of you will be storing your boat or RV for the winter.  A great way to keep the refrigerator and other sealed compartments fresh and dry is to fill them with wadded up newspaper.  The newspaper absorbs excess moisture and keeps mold and mildew from growing.  It's easy, free and you can recycle the paper in the spring.
   It's also a good idea to place some mouse bait in your boat or RV this time of year just in case!
  For other tips on storing your big toys call Ray in Avoca, AR at 479-636-9498 or Cesar in Eureka Springs, AR at 479-253-2020.

Why You Need Tenant Insurance

Recently we learned about lightning strikes that resulted in fires at 2 different storage facilities.  The buildings were burned to the ground and the stored property inside was completely destroyed.

We can all learn from others tragedies.  Be sure to check your homeowner's policy to make sure that it covers property that is kept at a self storage facility.  If your policy does not cover property stored at a location other than your home or if you rent and don't have a homeowner's policy, get signed up for tenant insurance at your storage facility.  Most policies are affordable and it's easy to get started.  The policy premium is usually billed out with your monthly rent payment.

If you have any questions or want to get a price quote, call Ray at Beaver Storage in Avoca, AR at 479-636-9498 or Cesar at Beaver Lake Storage in Eureka Springs, AR at 479-253-2020.

Spring Weather in the Ozarks

Well, there is no need to tell you that we've had a lot of rain lately.  Rain, hail and high winds.  Thank goodness we have had no damage to the storage buildings at either Beaver Storage in Avoca or Beaver Lake Storage in Eureka Springs.

Even though all is well, I would encourage everyone to look in on their stored property and double check things.  In weather like this almost anything is possible and if you catch a small water leak early you can avoid damage to your property.  Since storage facility managers don't have access to individual units, the only way they know a problem is brewing is if the tenant catches it and brings it to their attention.

Stored property is the responsibility of the person leasing the storage space.  The storage facility does not insure the items being stored in their buildings.  Find out if your home owner's insurance policy will cover your belongings that are stored in a self storage facility.  If it doesn't, consider purchasing tenant insurance.  We offer a policy that has different coverage limits and is billed out with your montly storage rent.  You can get coverage for almost anything except flooding for as little as $8.00 per month.

Give your storage facility manager a call if you have any questions or find any problems in your unit.  You can reach Beaver Storage at 479-636-9498 and Beaver Lake Storage at 479-253-2020.

Spring Cleaning

Of course a storage space can help with your spring cleaning this year.  As you go through your cluttered garage or crowded spare room, wouldn't it be nice to be able to relocate the boxes and items to which you don't need daily access?  Organizing them neatly in an off-site storage unit will allow you to keep them out of your hair but not out of your life!

But spring cleaning doesn't just apply to your home or garage.  Everyone needs to spring clean their existing storage unit as well.  You may not need to go thoroughly through the boxes each year, but it is wise to check on your unit and it's contents periodically. 

Storage managers do not have access to customers' units.  If there is any problem in a unit, the manager would have no way of knowing unless the customer informed them.  If a unit has a roof leak or a pest problem, it's up to the customer to catch this.  Remember, any damage to the contents of your storage unit is the customer's responsibility!  It's in your best interests to check on your stuff every now and then.

Spring is a great time to evaluate what you are storing and how you are storing it.  You may find boxes and items that you no longer need to keep.  In this case, a quick garage sale or donation to your favorite charity may allow you to size down your storage unit and save a little money.  Purging from your unit could also make room for new items you bring from home.

You may want to look at items that have been stored long term and make sure that the boxes they are in are still in good shape.  Corrugated cardboard does deteriorate over time; especially when things are stacked on top of them.   For longer term storage you may want to consider resealable plastic tubs.

Whatever spring cleaning you do, don't forget self-storage.  We can help!  Call our managers for more ideas:  Beaver Storage in Avoca/Rogers - 479-636-9498 and Beaver Lake Storage in Eureka Springs - 479-253-2020

Job Opening in Eureka Springs

Our self storage facility near Eureka Springs has a job opening for a resident manager. 

Duties of the manager include computer work, office work, customer service, sales collections and light maintenance.  Office hours are M-F 9-5 and Sat 9-1 but actual hours worked are aproximately 3 per day.  The office is connected to the residence.

Compensation for this management position includes a 2BR, 2 bath home, utilities, phone, satelite television and internet.  The position is perfect for someone with a spouse or room mate who works outside the home or for someone with another source of income.

If you are interested in applying for this job, please send a resume to storagejob@live.com.