Outdoor and sporting gear can take up a lot of space at home, especially when it’s not in use. Whether you’re storing camping gear, kayaks, bicycles, or seasonal sports equipment, temporary self storage offers a secure and convenient solution to keep your items protected.

Proper storage not only extends the lifespan of your equipment but also ensures it’s ready to go whenever adventure calls. Here are some essential tips to help you store your outdoor gear efficiently and safely.

When Is Temporary Self Storage Beneficial?

Self storage is helpful in a variety of short-term situations thanks to its month-by-month leasing options. Here are some scenarios in which self storage can help you keep your outdoor equipment organized and in excellent condition until you need it again.

• Home Renovations or Remodeling: If you’re remodeling, you may need to clear out your garage, basement, or closets temporarily. Instead of cluttering up your home or leaving your valuable sports gear exposed to dust or damage, a self storage unit offers a secure home-away-from-home for the time being.
• Moving or Downsizing: Having a safe place to hold items that you will not need day to day can help to avoid overcrowding as you are settling into your new space.
• Seasonal Storage: Sports equipment like skis, snowboards, and surfboards are typically only used during certain seasons. During the off-season, a storage unit can keep your gear in top shape, organized, and out of the way until it’s time to get out again.
• Transitioning Between Homes: If you’re in between homes, you may need a place to store your equipment while you finalize your move. A self storage unit is the perfect solution for all of life’s unexpected transitions.

 

Tips for Storing Your Outdoor Equipment in Self Storage

Self storage units are a convenient for temporarily storing your sports gear. Here are some smart tips to organize your storage unit and help you maximize the benefits of your rental.

Ensure Security

When you are weighing your local self storage options, choose a storage facility that prioritizes the security of you and your belongings. Look for security features such as recording cameras and gated access to give you peace of mind.

Double-Check the Measurements of Your Large Items

Look for facilities that offer large storage unit size options if you plan to store big, heavy outdoor equipment. Double-check the sizes of your items, so you do not have to worry about them fitting through your storage unit door. 

Visit our online storage calculator or talk to one of our experts to figure out the best size unit to support your needs. 

Climate Control Matters

Choose a climate-controlled unit if you store sensitive objects such as leather sports gear or electronics. It will protect your items from extreme temperatures, humidity, and potential damage from freezing or excessive heat.

Know What Not to Store in a Storage Unit

• Food or Perishables: Storing food can attract pests and create unpleasant odors.
• Lithium Batteries: These can be hazardous if stored improperly.
• Flammable or Hazardous Materials: Avoid storing items like gasoline, propane, or cleaning chemicals.
• Animals or People: Self storage units are not suitable for living beings. It is illegal and unsafe.
• Appliances with Fluids: Items like washing machines with water inside can lead to mold and mildew growth. Make sure all appliances are properly drained and dried out before storing.

 

Rent A Storage Unit Near You Today!

Temporary storage is an excellent way to organize and protect your outdoor equipment. Whether in between homes, remodeling, or just needing seasonal gear, self storage offers the space you need to keep everything in top condition while staying inside your budget.

Do you need a convenient space for your gear? Visit Stor-U-Self today and explore our available storage units to find the perfect unit for your needs.

Holiday decorations are an important part of creating joyful spirits and lasting memories with loved ones each year. These decorations set the tone for the holiday season. So how do you keep your cherished holiday décor organized and safe in storage once the season is over?

Here are some practical suggestions for making holiday storage easier to put away now and to unpack next year.

Our Top Tips for Handling Holiday Decoration Storage

1. Categorize & Label Everything

One of the easiest ways to improve holiday storage is to categorize your decorations with like objects. Keep them in clear plastic boxes, so you can easily identify whether you are looking for ornaments, wreaths, or other holiday trinkets.

Take the extra step to label each bin with its contents, so you can find more specific items without the need to rummage through your bins.

2. Take Time to Protect Your Fragile Ornaments

To make sure your sentimental ornaments stay in pristine condition until you need them again, cover them in soft fabric or bubble wrap. Use ornament storage containers with built-in dividers or create your own to guarantee that your treasured items remain undamaged for upcoming occasions.

3. Maximize Space with Self Storage for Seasonal Items

Are you working with limited space in your home storage areas? Self storage provides a practical and safe option to keep your items all together without sacrificing security.

At Stor-U-Self, we have climate-controlled storage units that are perfect for your sensitive holiday storage needs. Fabrics, electronics, light fixtures, and other precious memories can benefit from a being stored in a stable environment to protect against damage over time. Use our storage calculator to find the most suitable unit for your collection of décor. 

4. Use Creative Organization Hacks

With a little imagination and extra effort toward organization in your holiday storage, your decorations can remain in their best shape. Here are some packing tips for holiday-specific items:

• Wrap smaller objects like string lights, around pieces of cardboard to prevent entanglement and make it easier to unroll them. 
• Keep wreaths intact and in shape by hanging them from hooks or storing them in special wreath storage bags.
• Use egg cartons for stacking and protecting fragile ornaments.
• Consider using dividers in your bins to isolate fragile goods and prevent them from moving during storage and transport.

5. Keep Moving Supplies on Hand

When it comes to packing and organizing your holiday decorations, having reliable packing supplies can make all the difference. Supplies like sturdy boxes, a full roll of packing tape, and protective wrapping supplies will help you safely pack your holiday items into storage for another year. 

Stor-U-Self sells packing materials in our storage offices. Visit the location closest to you to stock up and check out your local self storage options. 

 

Stay Organized and Stress-Free with Self Storage

Can self storage be your newest organization hack? Take the stress out of storing by keeping your holiday decorations secure with Stor-U-Self and keeping your home storage areas free for your day-to-day storage needs.

Explore Stor-U-Self’s variety of affordable storage units to see how self storage can support your holiday decoration storage and beyond. Visit one of our Massachusetts locations today.

 

 

Are you thinking about moving to Newbury, MA? Newbury, conveniently located in the North Shore region of Massachusetts, is a coastal paradise with easy access to the metropolitan hub of Boston. Nestled on Massachusetts Bay, this region has endless entertainment opportunities, from lazy beach days to exciting nights in the city. Discover everything North Shore has to offer with Stor-U-Self!

Living on the North Shore of MA

Anywhere in Massachusetts is a great place to either settle down and start a family or check out real estate prospects; however, North Shore, MA is a prime location due to its access to the ocean and Boston. The villages of the North Shore may seem like sleepy summer towns, but they are flourishing all year round. You will be sure to find various activities to enjoy during your free time on the North Shore area all four seasons. What’s even better about Newbury and the surrounding area is its accessibility to Boston, allowing for an easy commute.

Population: 426,943

The Best of New England’s Coastal Charm

When we think of the Massachusetts coastline, we typically think of Cape Cod and the Islands. North Shore, MA offers its unique charm and is also very diverse, making it a completely different experience from Cape Cod living. This region starts from Saugus, MA, and ends in Salisbury, MA on the border of New Hampshire. On this trip up 70 miles of coastline, you will discover day-trip fishing villages, explore vast marshlands, and even find some spooky weekend getaways!

Salem, MA

This North Shore city is also known as “The Witch City.” This city is where the infamous Witch Trials occurred in the 1600s. This small town is the setting of countless books and movies, experience the real thing on the North Shore of Massachusetts.

• The Witch House at Salem: The home of the infamous Jonathan Corwin, the judge during the Salem Witch Trials. In the 1600s, Corwin resided here until his death. Crowin ultimately sent 19 people to their deaths in the 1690s for accusations of witchcraft. Those sent to the gallows were brought to Corwin’s house for close “examinations” (Salem Witch Museum) Being one of the only buildings in Salem that has a direct connection to the historical trials and is a must-see for anyone interested in the paranormal paranoia of our country’s past.
• The House of the Seven Gables: If you are a fan of gothic literature or Nathaniel Hawthorne this is a must-see. This home, once owned
  

  Photo by Kent Kanouse Lic. Flickr

  by Hawthorne’s cousin, is now a museum open for the public to see! (House of the Seven Gables). Experience the wonders of this National Historic Landmark! Take a tour for $25 or enjoy the grounds at your own pace for $12 at peak season and $6 during the off season.

• Peabody Essex Museum: Enjoy the fine arts in the heart of the Witch City. After exploring Massachusetts Bay Colony’s spooky past, enjoy what modern-day Salem has to offer. This museum has a plethora of contemporary and fine art available for viewing. The Tin Yu Tang House is another popular attraction at the Peabody Essex Museum. The Qing Dynasty house was a gift from residents of the Anhui Province. It is the only one of its kind in North America. The museum is free for children under 16, EBT card holders, Salem residents, military, and members (Peabody Essex Museum).
• Pioneer Village: Take a trip to the 1630s at the U.S.’s oldest living museum. This museum captures the early history of British Colonists in early Colonial Massachusetts, as well as the prolific and rich history of the Masachusett nation and other Algonquian indigenous groups. The museum showcased 1630s thatched roof homes and wigwams. What’s even more fun about this museum are its various film locations from the 90’s hit Halloween movie, “Hocus Pocus” (Entertainment Weekly).

Plum Island

Plum Island is known for its beach plum bushes, which is how it earned its namesake. These 11 miles of island have magnificent purple sands at hightide (Flickr). The island is available for lazy days on the beach or outdoor adventures. Here on Plum Island, you will be sure to be transported another world of adventure!

• Bob Lobster: This casual seaside lobster shack opened in 2001 and proudly serves Plum Island locals and visitors every spring to early fall ever since. Get seafood platters for everyone in the group to enjoy! The fresh catches will satisfy the palate of any traveler after a long adventure or a quick trip to the beach! Better yet, it is family owned.
• Parker River Natural Wildlife Refuge: Their enormous Wildlife Refuge is part of both Newbury and Plum Island, MA. Some notable trails on Plum Island are the Hellcat Interpretive Trail and the Pines Trail. These trails are easily accessible with boardwalks, unpaved and paved roadways, and natural trails. People of all ages and hiking levels can visit Parker River Natural Wildlife Refuge. There are many other activities besides hiking. At the nature preserve you can hunt, fish, row, bike, and even attend environmental classes!
• Plum Island Lighthouse: Also known as the Newburyport Harbor Light, built in 1788, still uses its original Fresnel lens, one of the last 5 in the state of Massachusetts. The lighthouse is 44ft tall, and its lens can reach up to 12 miles. It’s an attraction you can’t miss!

Cape Ann

Cape Ann, comprised of the four towns Essex, Rockport, Gloucester, and Manchester-By-The-Sea, provides visitors and residents alike with picturesque views and various nautical activities. People from all over the world come to Cape Ann for its unique atmosphere ad quaintness. Living on the North Shore you can have this unique destination right down the road from your house and enjoy the area all year round.

• Hammond Castle Museum, Gloucester: This museum will leave you wondering if you’re in Gloucester or if you teleported to 19^th-century Europe. This castle serves as a resting place for a private European artifacts collection. Hammond Castle is a common destination for weddings, photo shoots, and other various events. The castle serves the best views of the Cape Ann waterfront and countless curiosities to marvel at.
• Singing Beach, Manchester-By-The-Sea: This beach is most famous for the mysterious noise that emerges when the wind crosses the dry sand. This beach is only ½ a mile from the Boston Commuter rail stop, “Manchester” making it easily accessible for all to enjoy. Manchester-By-The-Sea is now a famous tourist destination because a movie of the same name debuted in 2016.
  

  Photo by PapaDunes Lic. Flickr

• The Mill, Essex: This casual eatery served breakfast, lunch, as well as prepared foods. Its atmosphere will make you feel right at home along with all the comfort food! Whether you’re looking for a sit-down meal or a quick bite to-go, you surely will find something that becomes your new favorite dish.
• Shalin Liu Performance Center, Rockport: Named after the local philanthropist, Shalin Liu, this performing arts center opened in 2010. They host many cultural events such as comedy shows, concerts of varying genres, film screenings, theatre productions, and more. This performing arts center has high cathedral ceilings and a window behind the stage looking directly at the water, giving this theater an ethereal environment.

Newbury and Newburyport

You chose the right place to relocate! Enveloped by beautiful nature and ample coastline, these two Essex County towns are the perfect place to settle in.

• Maudslay State Park: This state park offers more than just pines and meadows. It also offers countless educational opportunities, biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Maudslay State Park also has views of the Merrimack River, making this a perfect place to go birding.
• Tendercrop Farms: Shop fresh produce that is locally grown. These farmers are working hard to reduce their carbon footprint by serving their communities locally and reducing their use of fossil fuels. Another unique feature about this farm is that they have their free-range poultry and meats. This is the ultimate spot to go grocery shopping in the Newbury are.
• MetroRock: Calling all climbers, both indoor and outdoor! This rock-climbing gym offers a fun way to exercise for people of all ages to enjoy. Indoor rock climbing allows for unique workout solutions all year round. Beat the New England cold and still get your climbing in at MetroRock.

Self Storage Your Way, When You Need It!

Now that you know the North Shore better, you are ready to move in! You will not be short of intriguing adventures to embark on. Stor-U-Self is here to help you with your storage adventures when you need solutions. Our temperature-controlled storage units are sure to protect all the mementos of your travels, as well as the memories you will make while living in this dynamic region of Massachusetts. Choose Stor-U-Self for all your storage needs.