MI Mini Storage Blog

How Many Self-Storage Units Do You Need?

Self Storage Tips


Self-Storage units can be a great way to de-clutter your home and keep important items safe. Maybe you are looking for a place to store your off-seasons items or furniture you’ve inherited from a family member or antiques that you have collected throughout the years. How many storage units your need is dependent on what you want to store, and how big the items are. In this blog, you’ll learn how to decide what to keep in a storage facility, what sizes storage units come in, and the importance of organization. A storage unit is one of the most helpful things someone can rent to keep their items safe and in order, but it’s important you learn about these concepts before you rent. How To Decide What To Store In a Storage Facility Begin by having five bins that are labeled as the following, things you want to keep in the unit, things you want to store in your home, items that can be donated, items that can be sold, trash, and things you can recycle or repurpose. You want to begin here because if you think all of your items can’t fit in a single storage unit, it’s most likely because you haven’t gone through them and really considered if you’ll ever be needing the items again. Create an Inventory Being organized and creating an inventory of the items you want to store is the easiest way to figure out how many storage units you need. It may seem overly detailed but you’d be surprised at how useful it is when deciding on your amount of units and unit size, and can save you money in the long run. Measure your items and write them down on inventory before you go to a storage facility. Research Unit Sizes Storage units range in size, from small 3x3 feet to 10x30 feet. They even have storage units that are specifically designed to fit cars and are up to 50 feet long. You may ...


Ryan Moore
October 12th, 2021

How To Secure Your Self-Storage Unit

Self Storage Tips


Storage units are a great way to keep your inherited items, antiques, and valuables safe from destruction, damage, and theft if you know how to secure your unit. Although a storage facility will do its best to keep all items safe for its customers, there are often too many for any one employee to keep an eye on at all times. In this article, you will find the steps you can take to ensure the security of your storage unit, as well as some tips on how to keep it safe from water damage and mold. Start By Finding The Safest Storage Facility Some story facility managers are adamant about keeping their units safe from theft and burglary, while others are not. Call and discuss with the manager the steps they take to protect their customer’s belongings. Don’t be afraid to ask how often thefts occur, generally, a good company will be open and honest. Below are some of the ways to determine if a storage unit is safe. Digitally Monitored Surveillance System Finding a storage unit with a top-of-the-line surveillance system is key for protecting your items. This deters thieves because they know that they are being watched on cameras, and if the worst were to happen and there was a theft, the authorities would know their faces. The Facility is Orderly If the facility you are considering doesn’t look well-maintained, it’s probably vulnerable to theft. Bulgars have a keen eye for sussing out properties that have security breaches, but generally want to stay away from buildings that are well manicured. This is because the nicer a property is, the more people are working there on any given day. Lighting Is Key The way a self-storage unit facility is lit can make all the difference in keeping your belongings safe. Ask if the property has motion censored lights, or if they keep them on all night. If you’re unsure of the property, ...


Ryan Moore
October 12th, 2021

How to Organize Your Self-Storage Unit

Self Storage Tips


When renting a self-storage unit, the organization is key. Some people rent storage units to declutter their lives, only to have a unit that is as clutter as their homes were. Taking the time beforehand to make a plan on how you want to organize your belongings will help you be able to access them when you need them, as well as know what is inside at all times. Here we’ll take you step-by-step on how to organize and make the most out of your self-storage unit so that you can find your de-cluttered bliss. Start By Making A List Of Your Items Creating a list of your inventory of stored items will keep you organized in your unit and know what is inside. Many people recommend making a spreadsheet so you can first name all your items and then put a note of where they are stored in the unit. Consider Your Storage Materials Although your first instinct might be to use the classic brown box, it is easier to see what’s inside if you use clear plastic bins. Along with their organizational use, they are also a safer choice when it comes to protecting your items from mold and water damage. If you have rented a large storage unit, you may consider purchasing steel shelves. This allows you to build vertically without having to move all your boxes every time you need to access the bottom one. Another item you may consider investing in is a label maker, that way you can label each box with its contents. If you wanted to go above and beyond, you should label your boxes with a letter that coordinates in your spreadsheet, and then works alphabetically in your layout, A being towards the front and Z being towards the back. If that sounds like too much, don’t worry, simply knowing what is inside each box will help you to stay organized. ...


Ryan Moore
October 12th, 2021

What are the Most Common Items Kept in Storage Units

Self Storage Tips


What are the primary items that are stored in self-storage units? When deciding which items you should keep in your storage unit, there are a few things you should think of, how often you use an item, if an item is sentimental or if it’s an appliance or piece of furniture that you know you’ll use in your next home, but don’t currently have the space for. In this blog, we’ll discuss which items are perfect for a storage unit and how to decide if an item should be kept at home. Off-Season Decorations Holiday decorations including lights, stockings, and fake Christmas trees are perfect for storing in a self-storage unit because they are used so infrequently. Nothing is more frustrating than filling your entire attic or basement with stuff that you only use for one to two months out of the year. A self-storage unit is a perfect place to keep them during summer spring and fall so they don’t clutter up your house. Furniture That You Can’t Part With But Don’t Have Room For Whether you’re downsizing or just want to try out a new style, furniture that’s not in use is a perfect thing to store in a storage facility, particularly if it has sentimental value. Maybe your mother gave you her old wardrobe, or you have a lovely dining room table from your first home but they simply don’t fit in your current living space, and keeping them in a storage unit is a great idea. That way, if you move into a bigger home, or ever want to use it again, you’ll still have it, and you’ll have kept it clean and safe from damage. Appliances Many people who move into a new home have appliances they bring with them. But if your new place already has a perfectly good washer and dryer, you may think about storing your old ones. A self-storage unit gives you peace of mind that your appliances are in ...


Ryan Moore
October 12th, 2021

Is It Safe to Keep My Photos in a Storage Unit

Self Storage Tips


Is it safe to store photos in a self-storage unit? Keeping old photos from your family and your life is a great way to revisit the past and safely store the memories of those who came before. But storing photos in a self-storage unit can be tricky and it requires that you pick out the right storage facility as well as store them properly so that they aren’t damaged. In this blog, we’ll go over how to safely store your photos in a self-storage unit, and what steps you can take to ensure that they remain pristine. Start By Organizing Your Photos Although this isn’t about the safety of the photos per se, it is a vital step in keeping your photos organized so that you can find them when you need them. Have the photos you plan to use or look at the most nearer to the front of your storage unit. This saves you from having to unpack and repack your entire self-storage unit every time you need to get something. Organize them by year or subject and label them so that you know what is in each box. Purchase The Right Storage Supplies You should be able to find the right storage supplies at your local craft store. They will help to keep your photos protected while ensuring that your self-storage unit remains organized. They include acid-free tissue paper, sturdy boxes that have a lid and can close, plastic sleeves, or if the photos are small sandwich bags and silica gel moisture absorbers. These will guarantee the safe storage of your photos within the storage unit. If your photos are in picture frames, keep them in the frames and store them in picture frame boxes. Pack Them Thoughtfully Decide how you are going to store your photos before you get to your unit. There are a few options of how to do this including stacking- which is perfect for loose photos, but be sure to use your acid-free tissue paper ...


Ryan Moore
October 12th, 2021

Items that You Cannot Legally Keep in a Storage Unit

Self Storage Tips


What is illegal to store in self-storage? Although storage units can be an incredibly helpful place to store your unused or off-season items, it’s important to know what you are and are not allowed to store within them. Some items are illegal to store in storage facilities, due to the harm and potential danger they expose the units around them to as well as the building as a whole. In this blog, we’ll go over what is illegal to store in a storage unit, as wells as the rules about self-storage generally. Do the rules vary from self-storage companies as to what is legal to store and what isn’t? Yes! Every storage facility has its own set of rules, and it’s important when renting a unit to figure out what they allow and don’t within their building. However, generally, some restricted items aren’t allowed in most storage facilities. Things You’re Not Allowed To Store In Your Self-Storage Unit Hazardous Materials Materials that if spilled would create damage to the unit and building are classified as hazardous. These materials are not only not allowed but also illegal to store. Anything flammable, corrosive, or explosive is not allowed to be store in your unit, as it could cause harm to the building, the units around you as well as put the people inside your building at risk. Gases, gasoline, propane, oil, cleaning materials, fuel and paint and paint thinner are among some of the materials that are classified as hazardous and therefore not allowed. Any and all power tools that run on oil or fuel need to be drained before your store them. Anything Alive Anything alive is illegal to store in your unit, such as pets, plants, and people. It is absolutely illegal to live in your storage unit, and although you may be thinking that that’s crazy it’s actually more common than you think. Leaving pets in your storage unit is also not allowed and is definitely not a good idea. ...


Ryan Moore
October 12th, 2021

4 Things You Should Never Store in Your Self-Storage Unit

Self Storage


4 Things You Should Never Store in Your Self-Storage Unit When getting a storage unit, it’s easy to feel like you just want to throw everything you’ve ever owned into the unit. But be advised, there are some things that are just not meant to go in a storage unit. Some times thing is for the safety or the storage unit facility and sometimes if for your belongs safety. Perishable Food A safety rule of storage units that many people don’t realize or follow, that food is not allowed in the units. This is not only to keep the storage facility from smelling but also to keep insects and rodents away from the units. The last thing anyone wants is bugs and flies in their storage units. That’s why storage unit facilities enforce this rule the way they do. Be respectful of your space and the other people renting storage units around you and keep the food at home. Hazardous Materials You are not allowed to store hazardous materials in your self-storage unit. Any items that if they spiled would create damage to the storage unit classify as hazardous. Hazardous materials are anything that is flammable, corrosive, or explosive. These materials create a risk to not only your unit but for the units around you. Chemicals, gases, gasoline, propane tanks, lamp oil, cleaning materials, paint thinner and paint, pesticides, and car batteries are among some of the hazardous materials you are not allowed to store in a self-storage unit. When storing leaf blowers, lawnmowers, or chain saws, they need to be drained of oil and duel before you store them in your unit. Damp or Scented Items Self-storage units must be kept dry and scentless for two reasons. One, because as mentioned above, scents in the unit can attract rodents, insects, and other pests to the facility which is why it is not allowed. Two, anything in your storage unit that is damp, even slightly, will produce mold and mildew. ...


Ryan Moore
October 12th, 2021

Why Self-Storage is a Helpful Solution During Your Divorce

Self Storage


Getting a divorce is one of the most painful things we can go through in life. It can be sad, overwhelming, and lonely. Sometimes the best solution for your things can be getting a self-storage unit so that you can focus on yourself and your happiness and not trying to do everything at once. In this blog, we’ll go over why storage units can be the perfect solution during your divorce. Throughout a Marriage, We Accumulate a Lot of Stuff The first thing you need to do is decide who to take what. Then have a storage unit organize and streamline the separation of items. This helps to keep things clear, avoiding arguments or confusion later on. It also keeps your shared home from turning into a chaotic storm of boxes and items covered in post-its. This is especially important if you’ll be selling your home and need to get it cleaned out quickly and efficiently. Keep Paperwork and Other Important Items Safe and Secure When going through a divorce there often is paperwork you don’t want your former spouse to see or have access to. Getting a storage unit can guarantee that things will be kept safe from wandering eyes and helps you feel you have a private space for important things. It’s tough to go through a divorce, and having a space that is just your own can help not make it worse. Storage is Great For Downsizing Often after a divorce, both parties have to downsize. When moving into your new, perhaps smaller size home your overflow of things can be put into a storage unit. The most important rule in moving into a smaller home than your used to is to not over clutter the place. That way your space looks bigger and more purposeful. Storage Gives You Flexibility In a Time When You Will Likely Be Distracted Divorces are difficult, and you may be distracted when moving. Self-storage units give you ...


Ryan Moore
October 12th, 2021

5 Tips to De-Clutter Your Self-Storage Unit

Self Storage Tips


Everyone who’s used a storage facility knows the feeling of walking into your unit, looking around, and then almost calling AMC’s hoarder to help you declutter. Clutter can happen to anyone, and since storage units are often small, having organization skills is really important. In this blog, we will go over 5 tips that will help you de-clutter and re-organize your self-storage unit. Set Yourself Up For Success Before you go to your storage unit, bring 5 bins or boxes and label them as the following: Keep in the storage unit, bring home, donate, sell, throw out/trash, recycle or repurpose. This helps you when going through the clutter and organizing your things. The reason we say to label the boxes, even if you think it will be obvious, is once you make the decision to donate something often you will look back and try to change your mind. Although this is OK some of the time, mainly if you made the decision to donate something, that’s because you know, even if it’s deep down, that you don’t have a use for it anymore. Sometimes we have emotional connections to things that we really don’t have a use for. And everyone’s been guilty of trying to keep that odd ducky sculpture gift from your mother It’s ok to let things go When trying to decide what to let go of in your storage unit, a good rule of thumb is the longer something has been in storage the more likely it is clutter that you don’t need. So when looking through your unit, if you find a chair that you’ve had in storage for over a year, you probably won’t use it again. Also, remind yourself of the phrase “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” what you don’t need may make someone else very happy and it will see more use from them than it ever would from you. Take a breath and let ...


Ryan Moore
October 12th, 2021

The Best Way to Store Your Motorcycle

Motorcycle Storage


When the weather starts to get a bit colder and you know there’s going to be an end to cruising down the road in your motorcycle, it’s essential to store it properly to maintain its performance. While you may consider keeping your bike in the garage at home or even outside, which would be a bad idea, there is a better option. The best way to store your motorcycle, especially during rainy or cold and snowy seasons, is to use self-storage. Keeping your bike in your garage may make it more accessible to you. Still, it heightens the possibility of the motorcycle getting water damage or experiencing other issues because of environmental changes addition; you most likely won’t ride your bike after it’s been snowing since like is not like a spy movie. So getting a self-storage space is the best way to go because you can guarantee that your bike will be safe. Why spend a great deal of money on a motorcycle without taking the proper care required to make sure your bike continues to ride well? With self-storage like M.I. Mini Storage, you’re able to keep your motorcycle safe and know that once it starts to get warmer, your bike will be ready to take you on a fun ride. Self-storage can be a great way to protect your bike instead of keeping it at home where you can’t prevent a storm or other elements from causing damages to your motorcycle. However, finding the right self-storage near me for your bike requires a few steps to ensure that you maintain your bike’s functionality. Preparing Your Motorcycle for Storage Before taking your motorcycle over to your self-storage unit, it’s essential to prepare it so your bike can reach the ultimate benefits of being in a storage unit during nasty weather. You can first do this by cleaning off the dirt on the bike and making sure it is ...


Ryan Moore
October 12th, 2021

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