outdoor furniture

Clearing Garage Space with Self Storage

self storage summer

When you got your home or apartment you probably had grand visions for your garage. It was going to be more than a place to store your car. It was going to be a workshop, a place for your lawn care supplies, and maybe even an escape from the everyday world. Over time, however, it has become a catch-all for storage. Now you can barely fit your car in it because of so much stuff, and you haven’t even begun packing up your summer furniture.

Many people turn to self-storage units as a way to clean up the clutter in their garages. Self-storage units are a great place to store bikes, summer furniture grills, and other stuff during the winter so they are out of the way. But how do you pick what stays in the garage and what goes to the storage unit?

Use the Walls and Ceilings

For the items that are staying in the garage thing of the walls and even the ceiling as extra places to store things. Adding cabinets and racks provide additional space for smaller items and keeps them off of the floor. Bike hooks can be hung from the ceiling as a great way to stow bikes. The most important part is organization. As long as things are organized, you know where they are, and they are easier to get to when they are needed.

What Goes in Storage Units?

Storage units are great for large items that need to be stored, but you simply don’t have room for them in your garage. This can be stuff like patio furniture, outdoor games, grills, and more. Basically, they only take up space during the winter. This is why a short-term storage unit is a great option for the cold winter months.

Alternative Vehicle Storage

While you will need access to your primary vehicle, other vehicles like motorcycles, hobby vehicles, or even RVs still need a place. They often are not used much during the winter, anyway. Some self-storage centers have larger units that can even hold vehicles. With these larger items out of the way you can have more room at your home for winter storage.

A self-storage unit is always a great solution for short term and long term storage of items. As you’re cleaning out your garage this fall, consider renting a unit to store your summer items for the winter.

woman shrugging

All You Need to Know About Roommates

roommate agreement

When you’re just starting out on your own money can be tight, especially when it comes to living in cities. That’s why many people opt to live with roommates in order to share costs. It can be a great way to save some money on living expenses, but it can also be fraught with peril due to the ups and downs of interpersonal relationships. If you choose to live with a roommate here are some things you need to know before signing a lease.

What is a Roommate Agreement?

A roommate agreement is basically a written document that puts down the responsibilities of each roommate. It is often made without the landlord present. This can range from financial responsibilities to personal ones. It often outlines how rent and utilities are to be divided, but it can also be modified to include chores, food sharing, quiet times, and the policy on guests.

The three biggest things included in the roommate agreement are rent, security deposit, and utilities. These financial items are critical to any agreement.

Is a Roommate Agreement Legally Binding?

The answer to this can be tricky. A lease with a landlord is legally binding from beginning to end. If there is legal action against a tenant that broke a roommate agreement a judge will likely only hold them responsible for certain items. For example: If the roommate moves out early because they had to take a job elsewhere, leaving you to pay all rent and utilities, the court may order the roommate to pay you back in full.

The court likely won’t get involved if some of the more personal terms are violated like playing the TV too loud. Another important factor is if the roommate files for bankruptcy or has no money. If they don’t have any funds it is unlikely you will be able to collect on any judgment.

The phrase “caveat emptor”, or “buyer beware” is important before agreeing to live with a roommate. Be sure that it is someone you know and trust if it is at all possible. That makes the entire rental experience much more enjoyable for all parties involved. If you are meeting someone for the first time be sure to do your homework and find out more about them. In this day and age of the internet and social media you can learn a lot about a person before living with them.

In the event you do have to go to small claims court for failure to pay rent and utilities a roommate agreement can be a handy tool in your favor. It can help you get the share of the bills the other party agree to pay, but it is by no means a guarantee. By getting to know the person and trusting them you can make sure you have a much better experience, and it will end up as a much better experience for the second party as well, because they likely need a roommate too!

storage box

What to Move to Self Storage in Summer

storage shed

Warmer weather is just around the corner and that can mean it is time to reduce clutter around your home. If you have a self storage unit it can also mean it is time to switch up what gets stored there. Summer patio furniture and more can come out and winter items like that snowblower can go in. The flexibility that self-storage units offer can be very helpful with the change of seasons. Seasonal items are great for that, and as summer approaches here are some items you can consider moving to self-storage so they are not in the way.

Holiday Decorations

Are the Christmas tree and lights taking up space that is needed in the garage? Put them in a storage unit! You’re not going to need them until November anyway.

Winter Clothing

If you already have a storage unit you can put away bulky winter coats and blankets. Just make sure to protect them properly with plastic bins and vacuum sealed bags.

Snow Removal Items

This includes snowshovels, snowblowers, and more. For snowblowers, be sure to drain the tank of any fuel and disconnect the battery. That way it will be ready to go next winter with little maintenance.

Vehicle and Patio Covers

Summer is the time to be outdoors, so don’t let the bulky covers for your outdoor furniture get in the way. Put them in storage with the rest of the cold weather gear.

Snowmobiles

Many people like to store their motorcycles in the winter, and if you have a snowmobile it is a great trade-off. You can bring out the bike while you put the snowmobile away for the summer. Just be sure to drain the gas tank and disconnect the battery before storing.

Space Heaters and Snow Tires

These are both specialty items that just get in the way during warmer weather if you have them. Safely store them in a storage unit and they will be ready to go next winter.

As always, if you have any questions about what can and cannot be stored, feel free to contact your storage professional. They are there to help you with any questions or concerns you may have.

Bathroom decorating

Bathroom Decorating Ideas for Your Apartment

Bathroom decorating

There are certain trade-offs when it comes to apartment life. You know that your space is limited. This is as true for decorating ideas as it is for storage. Both of these factors come into play when it comes to taking care of the bathroom in your apartment. You may never have enough space in your apartment bathroom, but there are tips and tricks that can help you both maximize your space and have the bathroom looking great.

Work on Your Display

If done the right way, the bath products you have in your bathroom can be part of the display itself. The trick is to not have too much on the vanity itself. Most bath products come with their own colorful packaging. Items such as bath salts, cotton swabs, and more can be displayed in mason jars that are both aesthetically pleasing and handy containers. Make sure that your display is also functional. What you leave out can make your bathroom cozy while also being functional.

The Medicine Cabinet

Your main place of storage in the bathroom is the medicine cabinet. It not only holds hygiene products, but it also holds medications, hair accessories, and more. A great way to maximize space is to purchase a stand-alone medicine cabinet that goes over the toilet. Some of these units are quite large and can even hold extra towels, soap, and more. Most hardware stores have dozens of options for stand-alone medicine cabinets.

Add a Plant

It may not seem like m8uch, but if you add a plant such as a fern or cactus it can serve many purposes. First, it adds a splash of color that can be a visual focus in the room. Second, plants can help reduce the moisture levels in a room that is already high in humidity. They help absorb the moisture from a steamy shower and make the room more comfortable. As a bonus, they don’t take up much space, either.

Use Stackable Containers

Whether it is under the sink or in the medicine cabinet, stackable containers help you maximize every square inch of storage. By using vertical storage space you can double or even triplet he area available. Many stores have containers designed to fit into tight spaces in the bathroom such as between the wall and toilet.

Add a Personal Touch with Art

It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but framed prints or other artwork can be a great final touch. Empty wall space is a great area for a piece of art, and it can be anything. Be creative and look at making a collage of photographs. This is a quick and inexpensive way to liven up the room.

These are just a few of the way you can really dress up your small apartment bathroom.