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Living Independently After Graduation

Congratulations on your college graduation! If you’ve just recently graduated or you’re about to finish up with school, no doubt you have a lot on your plate.

graduates throwing their hats up in the sky

Like most new grads, you’ve probably been engaged in a lot of different important life choices, including what job to take, whether to go to grad school and if you should break up with the person you’re seeing or go long-distance. Finally, there is the all-important question of whether to move back in with the parents or strike out on your own.

Living independently after graduation is a path a lot of new graduates make. If you’re lucky, your university has a good network of employers who come to your school to recruit or advertise on your campus job board.

These jobs aren’t local. Most of them will require you to pick up and move somewhere new. That can be intimidating, and moving to a new state, meeting new people, and starting a new job can be a lot to digest.

Life after school away from home doesn’t have to mean living alone. In fact, living alone is probably not the best way to go if you want to meet people and stay active socially. Taking on roommates or joining a house with an open room is a great way to ease into an independent, “grown-up” life without all of the responsibility of managing a plan by yourself.

Planning for a successful start in a new location takes work. Here are some things you can do to make sure you set yourself up well from the start.

happy graduate sorting here clothes on what to bring to her new place

Sorting Out What’s Yours

Most parents hate the idea of kids moving out of the house. While it’s a nice milestone in any family’s journey, your parents probably get nostalgic thinking of the days when you were all under the same roof. When you go off to school, they probably kept a lot of the stuff you accumulated over the years. Sports trophies, posters, yearbooks, and your old bed.

One of the first things you should do to prep for the big move is to sort through your old stuff and decide what’s coming with you. Only take what you’ll use and enjoy in the new spot. Of course, not everything that doesn’t make the cut should be thrown out. There are old keepsakes you’ll want to look back on years from now.

A nice way to bridge your journey into independent living is to book a storage unit where you can keep your things for an affordable cost. Local storage facilities can offer leases for a bargain, and now that you’re making a paycheck, paying for one shouldn’t be too much of a hassle.

Having a storage unit also takes the stress off of taking too much stuff to your new place. New beginnings are best done uncluttered by a bunch of possessions. Start with the bare essentials and start buying higher-quality items you’ll use for years.

indoor storage units

Think About a Storage Unit Near Your New Place

If you’re pressed for time and won’t have the days you need to sort through all of your things, then think about getting a storage unit in your new location. Shifting everything into a storage unit will be a lot less stressful than moving everything you own into a small apartment or a room in a house.

A lot of people are surprised to learn just how affordable a self-storage unit is, and how convenient they are. Chances are you’ll be able to find a storage facility within a few minute’s drive from where you live, and you can go back and forth and outfit your new place in your spare time. It’s great to hold seasonal things as well so you don’t clutter up closets or a garage with things like skis or winter jackets.

stack of plastic storage boxes

What You Should Buy First

One of the biggest issues with moving into your first place will be what you need to buy. As a fresh grad, it’s probably a long list. We advise opting for quality because these can be things that you will use for years. You’re going to need:

  • Kitchen supplies
  • A good bed
  • Shelves
  • Containers
  • Bathroom supplies
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Sheets/Covers/Pillowcases
  • New towels
  • A TV
  • A desk
  • Laundry supplies

The list goes on and on. Yes, you’ll probably have some things you used in college, but when you’re starting fresh, make a good impression on whoever comes over by having nice things around the house.

You may even have to act extra grown up and buy things like rugs and area lamps for your new place, depending on how big it is and how much of the decorating burden is on you.

If you’re up for decorating, living independently can be a lot of fun because you have more space and more money to decorate with. Buy some nice art and spend a little extra on your sofa and chairs. You won’t regret it.

girl-on-the-phone-while-resting-after-cleaning-her-place

Stay on Top of the Chores

One of the things that will get you a good return on your time is staying on top of household chores. Keeping a clean space will go a long way to help you feel confident about living away from school and without your parents.

In the current climate, odds are you’ll likely be working remotely to some extent. Most companies and other organizations have adjusted work policies during the pandemic to allow most employees to work from home completely or on certain days of the week.

That can be a big adjustment for some people because work is where a lot of us get the social interactions we need to feel connected to other people. Sometimes working from home can get lonely.

Buy a nice desk and create a work-from-home space that you’ll love being in. A nice desk and chair are the building blocks of any home office. You also can buy nice lighting as well as all the tech and other accessories you need to be successful in your new job.

SuperStorage San Diego | 4773 Home Ave. San Diego, California 92105 United States
SuperStorage San Diego | 4773 Home Ave. San Diego, California 92105 United States

If you’re looking for a storage facility to store your belongings, SuperStorage San Diego has got you covered in this department. Here at SuperStorage San Diego, we offer a wide range of unit selections and top-notch security. To learn more about our self-storage facility, please check out our website at https://superstoragesandiego.com/.

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How to Maximize Small Living Space When you Have a Toddler

Going from two to three people, or two to one if you’re parenting alone, is one of the hardest transitions to make when it comes to managing living space. Having a child is difficult for many reasons, but adding a new person to the family has a huge impact on how you live at home.

mom and dad sitting in the kitchen counter with their cute toddler sitting in an open space of the cabinet

When a child becomes a toddler, their curiosity and high energy tend to get them into everything. Parents have to constantly be on the watch as well as make sure they have a safe place to grow and play. Life will never be the same. Not only does having a small child affect how you’ll spend your time and what you prioritize.

If you’re living in a small apartment or townhome, one thing you’ll quickly learn is that toddlers need a lot of space. Keeping a small child entertained, educated, and safe requires a lot of gear, and places to put that gear.

That’s especially relevant these days, when schools are virtuals and children of all ages are spending more time at home in virtual school. Parents have limited options when it comes to things like daycare.

So, you’ve got a toddler at home, and you’re likely also working from home. How do you maximize the space before it’s time to upgrade to a larger home and apartment?

The past year has forced people to adapt like never before. It’s been challenging, but there have been some upsides. One of them is that people have come up with some creative ways to get more functionality out of their living areas. That matters a great deal when you have a toddler.

Here are some ingenious ways you can maximize small living space with a toddler.

white vertical cabinet beside the toy storage drawers

Go Vertical Whenever Possible (and Safe)

Vertical storage is critical when you’re living in small spaces. Most traditional storage bins are short. They sit on the ground and come up to knee-level or waist-high.

Think of your run-of-the-mill chest of drawers or storage bins for toys. They don’t take full advantage of floor-to-ceiling space. A way to get more space in a toy room or a toddler bedroom is to find ways to use the full vertical space.

Now, before you start installing shelving units or run to the store to buy a tall storage container, you must consider safety issues. Toddlers can be surprisingly strong, and they love to climb.

Don’t use anything that has even the smallest chance of falling on top of your child. Luckily, most new tall shelving units and drawers come with wall attachments that make them much safer.

hanging net with a toy

Think About Hanging Storage

Hanging storage is a fun way to give your toddler’s bedroom or a playroom a stylish twist. Online you can find hanging nets where you can store stuffed animals and other toys. Rather than store the toys in drawers, you can toss them in the net where they’re easy to get to when your toddler wants to play with them.

wooden bed with a pull out drawer

Consider a Bed with Drawers

When your toddler graduates out of the crib, you should think about buying a bed with drawers installed in it. The drawers are a wonderful place to store clothes, small toys, or things you want to give your toddler free reign with.

If you don’t have the money to buy a bed with drawers or you already have a bed lined up for your toddler, then explore some simple storage options to utilize the space underneath the bed.

See-through storage bins with wheels on them are a great place to start. They can be pulled out from under the bed and stowed easily, so a toy party of cleanup never takes long to get going.

toddler's dresses hangs in the cabinet

Hang More Toddler Clothes

Kids generally have lots of clothing. Buying new clothes for a toddler is just so much fun. There are so many cute things to buy. And you get a lot of hand-me-downs from friends and family. What ends up happening, though, is that your drawers and what little storage space you have in a playroom or bedroom get taken up quickly.

Instead, explore installing another hanging bar in a closet to hang up more of your toddler’s clothes. Putting them in the closet will free up space in the room to the point where you could even get rid of a set of drawers and make more room for fun.

a preschool girl holding a brush painting the wooden table with white paint

Remove Closet Doors

If you’re having trouble finding space to store books, cars, dolls, or whatever else your toddler plays with, then think about taking off the closet doors in the room and installing some shelves inside. What used to be a place where things were jammed in out of sight can become a neat, organized shelf where your child can go for learning or fun.

couple in a storage facility bringing some boxes of different stuff to store

Think About a Storage Unit

Every year, more people are discovering how useful self-storage units can be in managing what’s inside of our homes. Storage units can be very affordable, and most of the time you’ll be able to find a storage facility within a few minutes’ drive from your place.

It’s a great place to keep things you don’t always use like winter clothing for your toddler. You can also keep toys, books, and other items that your toddler isn’t quite ready for yet but that you want to keep down the road. Likewise, you can store all of the things they grow out of for when (if) you have another kid!

a toddler exploring the cubbies

Cubbies are Always Fun

Cubbies are always fun to have in a room because they’re easy to access and keep things organized. Cubbies are easy for your toddler to understand as well. They’ll quickly catch on to what belongs in which place. There’s also usually a flat surface on top of the cubbies where your child can play, store those completed toy sets, or color.

These are just some of the ideas you can use to maximize small living space with a toddler. The most important thing is creating a safe space where they can play and learn that’s also functional for your family and what you need to accomplish.

SuperStorage San Diego | 4773 Home Ave. San Diego, California 92105 United States
SuperStorage San Diego | 4773 Home Ave. San Diego, California 92105 United States

If you’re looking for a storage facility to store your belongings, SuperStorage San Diego has got you covered in this department. Here at SuperStorage San Diego, we offer a wide range of unit selections and top-notch security. To learn more about our self-storage facility, please check out our website at https://superstoragesandiego.com/.

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11 Reasons Why Every Retiree Should Have a Storage Unit

When most of us are in the middle of a decades’ long career, we often wonder what retirement will look like. Will it be like the movies where everything is peaceful and relaxing? Will we have the time and freedom to pursue passions that we’ve put off for so long? A lot of people have lists that they plan on tackling once they stop working and enter the golden age of life.

cute senior couple smiling at each other while sitting on the kitchen floor

That’s the dream. However, at some point, most retirees discover that reality is much different. People still have obligations, relaxing all day can quickly become boring, and there’s stuff, so much stuff.

We spend a lifetime saving money and buying nice things. What’s funny is that these “things” are what often end holding us back. People who always said they’d travel or downsize into a smaller place to have more financial flexibility find themselves trapped in a house full of “things”.

The tug of war between adult children trying to encourage their parents to let go of possessions they no longer need and older retired parents who want to hold on is an old story. It happens all of the time.

Everything doesn’t need to be a struggle, though. More and more retirees are using storage units to manage their possession and get more space and the freedom they need. Here are 11 reasons why every retiree should have a storage unit.

a happy grandpa showing money that he saved while renting on a storage facility

1. They’re Affordable

Most people are surprised at how affordable self-storage units are. For relatively very little each month, you can store the things that you don’t need access to every day. If you want to downsize but don’t know where to put your things, a storage solution is a great option.

2. They’re Close By!

You’re likely living close by without realizing it. A quick online search will show you plenty of storage options close to your home. That’s important for retirees who want quick access to their things. Driving a few minutes can get you to your storage unit and you can pick up and drop off whatever you need.

a retiree enjoying his time fishing

3. It’s a Great Place for Retirement Toys

Retirees use storage units to keep toys like woodworking tools, fishing gear, motorcycles, and whatever else they’re into. Why keep things at home in a cluttered garage when you can have them in a secure location off-site?

4. Make Space for the Grandkids

At some point, retirement means wonderful visits from the family living in other places. A self-storage unit helps to keep your home kid-friendly when the grandkids are in town. YOu can remove all of the fragile things that you’d hate to see broken or damaged. You can also break out the toys and other items that you only use when your family is in town.

storage unit with a lock

5. Storage Units are Safe

If you’re worried about keeping your treasures safe, modern storage unit facilities have made significant security improvements. Now, you can count on CCTVs, locks, and smart features like mobile apps that give you access to the facility. You never have to feel anxious about whether your stuff is secure.

6. They Help You Stay Organized

If you’re already living in a smaller space, organizing a lifetime of things can be quite a challenge. With a storage unit, you have space outside of your home that’s perfect for staging. Organizing is usually much easier when you have a separate place where you can put things. It gives you space to think about whether you want a certain item in the unit or keep it at home.

grandparents with their grandkids at the airport

7. Travel with Peace of Mind

If you’re nervous about leaving all of your things at home alone while you travel, you’re not alone. It would be easy to target retirees while they’re away because it’s easy to count how many people live in the house. Reduce your travel risk by keeping valuables in a storage unit with 24/7 security.

8. You Can Try New Hobbies

Have you ever wanted to try something new but worried about whether you had the space for things? A lot of retirees want to get into a new sport or start crafting, but they need somewhere to put tools and gear. With a storage unit, you have all the space that you need to try new things.

9. They Give You Time to Decide

Throwing stuff away or giving it to someone else is very taxing. A storage unit gives you time to decide instead of feeling rushed to make a decision. Time is important for retirees. You want to know that you’re making the right choice.

beautiful house of an old couple with a sign that is for sale

10. They Help You Sell Your Home

If you’re downsizing in retirement, you’ll get a lot more money selling a home that’s clear of clutter. People who are looking to buy want to envision what it will be like for them to live in the home. They don’t want to see all of your old stuff. With a storage unit, you can pack everything into boxes and clear out the basement and other spaces to get top dollar for your home.

happy senior couple riding a bicycle in the park and enjoying life

11. They Offer More Freedom

Ultimately, a self-storage unit can give retirees more freedom. You have a low-cost solution that is safe and secure, and you can choose from there. Whether you want to travel full-time or finally get to installing that home gym, the options are endless.

Storage units come in all different sizes. Some are temperature-controlled and some offer increased security for high-value items. Once you have your things in the unit, you get to decide what to do with the rest of your life.

If you’re approaching retirement or want to change up the pace with your ongoing retirement, check out how a storage unit can facilitate the life that you want to live.

You’ve worked so hard to get where you are. Now you’ve earned the chance to do things on your terms. Take charge and live a little. Chase after the things you’ve always wanted to do and don’t look back!

SuperStorage San Diego | 4773 Home Ave. San Diego, California 92105 United States
SuperStorage San Diego | 4773 Home Ave. San Diego, California 92105 United States

If you’re looking for a storage facility to store your belongings, SuperStorage San Diego has got you covered in this department. Here at SuperStorage San Diego, we offer a wide range of unit selections and top-notch security. To learn more about our self-storage facility, please check out our website at https://superstoragesandiego.com/.

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8 Tips & Tricks to Maximize Space in Your Storage Unit

Every year, more Americans are discovering the benefits of using self-storage. In the past, a storage unit was where you stored things long-term or to help bridge you through a move. That still happens a lot, but more people are using storage units to supplement their lifestyles and add flexibility to their living spaces.

With a self-storage unit, you essentially have a secure off-site staging area where you can place things you don’t need all year. Small businesses use storage areas to hold inventory and they are a great place to keep recreational clothing, toys, and keepsakes.

If you’ve got a storage unit, you also know that they are usually close to home where it’s very convenient. Most people with storage units can pop over in a few minutes to fetch what they need or deposit new things.

couple with boxes on cart at storage facility

Getting a storage unit frees up more space in your home to use for leisure or to make room for someone who wants their own room. Say goodbye to cluttered garages and basements!

One of the keys to successful storage unit use is maximizing the space inside. After all, you want to make work and keeping things in your storage unit to be simple. It should make life easier, not add more chaos to your life.

We’ve organized 9 tips and tricks that you can use to get more for your money and make organizing your storage unit a dream. Get more out of your space and get to what you need to easily by following these helpful hints.

cardboard boxes moving supplies

1. Use Container Boxes

If you have to, even basic cardboard boxes are a great help in self-storage units. Even better, though, are stackable organization boxes that are see-through and easy to move around. Some come with wheels on them, so they’re easy to roll in place where you want them.

2. Find Some Racks

Racks are a great open-style way of storing things inside of your self-storage unit. Racks are relatively affordable and can be picked up at your neighborhood home improvement store. If you’re up for a little extra work to save a few bucks, then you can buy racks online that you then have to assemble when they are delivered.

man using storage shelves for office supplies

3. Use Shelves

A lot of passionate readers use storage units to house all of the books that they cherish and just can’t bring themselves to get rid of. Shelves are easy to install and a great way to showcase items that you use frequently. When they’re on display and easy to spot, you can even ask a friend to swing by and grab something if necessary.

4. Keep Similar Items in Different Parts of the Unit

A problem a lot of people have with crowded storage units is that, once a lot of stuff is inside, they don’t remember where they put things or how to get to them. Indeed, if your storage unit is stacked to the brim, it can be hard to move around let alone find a single item that you’re looking for.

Group items like clothing, toys, antiques, picture albums, etc. in designated areas inside your self-storage unit.

person sticking label on box

5. Use Labels

Labels are a great way to make moving through and sorting your self-storage unit easier. With a low-cost label maker, you can put labels on anything, whether it’s boxes that are stacked in a corner, or shelves so you know where to put certain items. Keep the labels updated so you don’t get disorganized.

6. Put What You Need to Get to in the Front

Keep important items near the front of the storage unit. You’ll hate having to go back deep inside of your storage unit every time you want to take a bike out for a ride. Before you start moving in, take note of the things that you’re likely to get out of more often. Hold off on putting them in the storage until there are some other things inside to take up space in the back. That way, you can pop over to your storage unit and grab the china you use when guests come over, beach toys, or whatever else you need.

7. Roll Material Items

Rolling up things like tablecloths, linens, and clothes is a neat trick to save space and maximize your available storage. By rolling up your clothing and other linens, you cut down on the amount of air that gets trapped in between items inside a box or on a shelf. If you want, you can even try storing clothing items in bags to prevent air from getting in. It’s a good long-term storage strategy because it keeps your stuff in good condition for longer.

woman packing boxes and making a list

8. Make a Storage List

Believe it or not, keeping a detailed inventory list of what you have in storage is one of the best ways to maximize space. You’ll know what’s in there and it will help you stay organized. You may have noticed by now a recurring theme of ours that staying organized is the key to getting the most out of your unit’s space.

Keeping an inventory list will make it easier to move things around without getting overwhelmed. You’ll have more confidence to stack things vertically as well, which will boost the amount of stuff you can get in there comfortably.

These are just some of the tips to maximize storage and get the most for your money. Done right, a storage unit is a wonderful way to manage the things you need on a seasonal basis or things you want to hold on to for kids or other family members down the road.

SuperStorage San Diego | 4773 Home Ave. San Diego, California 92105 United States
SuperStorage San Diego | 4773 Home Ave. San Diego, California 92105 United States

If you’re looking for a storage facility to store your belongings, SuperStorage San Diego has got you covered in this department. Here at SuperStorage San Diego, we offer a wide range of unit selections and top-notch security. To learn more about our self-storage facility, please check out our website at https://superstoragesandiego.com/.

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Small Kitchen Pantry Hacks

If you’re living in a smaller place with limited pantry space, there are things you can do to maximize your storage.

white and black small kitchen

A small floor plan isn’t the only reason a lot of people are looking for small kitchen pantry hacks. Even if you have a larger pantry and plenty of cupboard space, odds are you could improve the way your things are kept.

2020 has been an interesting year, to say the least. We’ve all been stuck at home more than any time before in our lives. Like people do in most situations, we’ve tried to make the best of things.

One of the things we’ve seen over the past year is a massive interest in home cooking, baking, and getting back to the basics in our kitchens.

When the pandemic first hit, you couldn’t buy a bread maker anywhere! They were sold out in stores and it was also hard to find things like ice cream makers, pasta makers, and shortages even extended to kitchen utensils and other basic accessories.

It’s been great for passionate home cooks and families across the country, but now, with more “stuff” in your kitchen, you probably could use some tips on how to manage all of your new kitchen items.

Here are some ways you can maximize space and keep all of your kitchen stuff organized.

Use an Old Bookshelf

old bookshelf turned into a pantry

Most people have books sitting on a shelf that they’ll never read again. Unless you’re a massive book junkie or have a sentimental attachment to the books, donate them so someone else can read them!

Then, use the freed bookshelf in your kitchen as an extension of your pantry. Bookshelves work great in rooms or hallways adjacent to kitchens because you can showcase nice kitchen items like a mixer or nice dinner plates. They’re in a spot where they are easy to grab, which makes getting work done in the kitchen a breeze.

Hanging Shelves

two wooden hanging shelves

If you have spare wall space in your kitchen, don’t let it go to waste. Installing hanging shelves or even a new cabinet is something anyone can do at home after a quick trip to the local hardware or home improvement store.

Check online to look at different size and color options and choose shelves that fit your kitchen design. This is a great chance to mix things up style-wise, and it doesn’t take specialized tools. You should be able to do it with the basic tools you’ve already got at home.

A Kitchen Island on Wheels

kitchen island on wheels

Wheeled kitchen islands are a great addition to smaller kitchens or kitchens with limited pantry space. You can move your wheeled island around whether you’re baking or need to create an impromptu prep station.

They come in different colors and all sizes, so you can easily find one to fit your kitchen dimensions. Wheeled islands are a great place to keep spices, mixing bowls, kitchen towels, and other staples you turn to often.

Put Shelves in Your Shelves

If you’re like most people, you have cans or bottles of oil sitting on shelves all over your kitchen. There’s likely a lot of wasted vertical space. A great way to organize your pantry and maximize space is to install small shelving units inside your kitchen shelves!

You can buy pull-out racks with wheels to make stacking things like sodas or soup cans much easier. It will let you fit a lot more into even the tiniest of spaces.

Use Clear Containers

different types and sizes of clear containers

Most people have been through a few rounds of kitchen organizing in their lifetimes. What happens is we get everything nice and neat, and it stays that way for a few weeks before madness returns.

Clear storage containers are a great workaround because they keep things compartmented and you can see what’s inside. There’s no more wondering what’s lingering in the back of your shelves or that corner cabinet space.

What’s more, you can label clear containers to store similar items. It also helps cut down on trips to the store to buy that one spice you need for a recipe that you can’t remember whether you have or not.

Use a China Hutch for Storage

kitchen hutch and a 6 seater dinning table

Maybe maximizing your kitchen pantry means finding innovative ways to expand your storage options. A kitchen hutch comes in very handy when you need more space to store dry goods.

Think about ditching that nice china set you got as a wedding gift that you rarely use. Be honest with yourself about whether you see yourself suddenly changing and throwing intricate dinner parties. Odds are things will be similar to what your lifestyle is like now. Instead, use the hutch for something more basic and efficient.

Stage Your Kitchen Pantry

clean and organized kitchen

There are millions of cluttered kitchen pantries across the country. But how often do we use what’s inside? Sure, we grab all the snacks that are in there, and there are several kitchen accessories that we simply couldn’t do without. But what about the waffle maker? How regularly are we using the pizza stone?

Instead of shoving everything in your pantry, think about more organized ways that you can store things you don’t use all that often. Put some kitchen items in the kitchen or under the guest bed, or in a self-storage unit that’s close by. You can still break them out when you feel like waffles on Sunday morning or have a hankering for a Neapolitan pizza.

Getting creative with kitchen storage is key to hacking a small pantry. Think about what you use and design your kitchen storage with that in mind. If we’re honest with ourselves, there is a lot in the kitchen that doesn’t get touched enough to warrant a prime storage location.

Better storage doesn’t mean you have to get rid of things, even if you only use them once or twice a year. Just don’t keep them in your pantry where something else would serve a better purpose. With a more thoughtfully-designed kitchen pantry, cooking and cleaning will become a more pleasurable experience.

SuperStorage San Diego | 4773 Home Ave. San Diego, California 92105 United States
SuperStorage San Diego | 4773 Home Ave. San Diego, California 92105 United States

If you’re looking for a storage facility to store your belongings, SuperStorage San Diego has got you covered in this department. Here at SuperStorage San Diego, we offer a wide range of unit selections and top-notch security. To learn more about our self-storage facility, please check out our website at https://superstoragesandiego.com/.

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12 Reasons Why A Storage Unit Would Make A Great Gift

What’s the very first thing that comes to your mind when you hear about storage units? If you’re like most people, you probably think of a storage units as a place for storing the things you don’t have room at home for but also don’t want to part with. But have you ever thought of gifting a storage unit to someone?

storage unit

Why a Storage Unit Makes a Great Gift

A lot of people have the misconception that the storage unit is only used for storing furniture and knick knacks, but there are so many other things you can do with a storage unit. This versatility is part of what makes a storage unit the perfect gift for just about anyone on your list.

If your friend or a relative is ambitious and has a hobby but does not have enough space to execute their plans and devote time towards their hobbies, then self-storage units can be the ultimate gift. And those friends and family members that already have everything or are just hard to shop for? A storage unit can help you give them a unique, intangible gift that can’t be bought off of a store shelf – and something they may be longing for.

Here’s 13 unique and special gifts you can give in the form of a storage unit:

man cutting out leather

1. A Space for Creativity

A storage space makes the perfect gift for the artist or crafter in your life. Gift them a space where they can set up a table and spread out their beads, fabric, or art supplies and without having to pick everything up and put it away each time they take a break.

2. A Quiet Office Space

We all have that friend and wants to start his own business but at the same time does not have enough space at their home to start it or does not have enough budget to buy an office. If this is the case, then you can buy your friend a storage unit.

woman doing yoga

3. A Space to Zen Out

Giving the gift of a storage unit to a friend or family member that loves yoga or meditation (or could use some stress-relief!) is like giving them their own private oasis. The right size storage unit should have ample space for a yoga mat with enough room on for them to also stretch their arms our side-to-side.

gardening tool/equipments

4. A Winter Home for their Gardening Equipment 

A person who loves gardening likely has (or would like to have) a variety of specific and oddly-shaped/bulky tools and supplies on hand so that they have everything they need to tend to their garden or plants. A storage unit will allow them to store all of their equipment in out of the way when they’re not using it.

Or, if they’re an apartment balcony gardener, having a storage space would help them maximize their outdoor space at home while giving them enough room in storage to stock up on flower pots, tools, and extra potting soil.

5. A Home-Away-from-Home Gym

Fitness equipment like a treadmill, elliptical, or rowing machine can take up a lot of space – space that your loved one might not have at home. Give them a space to pump iron, stash their pilates equipment, or, if the storage facility allows, plug in and use their larger pieces of fitness equipment.

different colors of luggages

6. Peace of Mind for the Frequent Traveler

Everyone has that friend who is always traveling to someplace or another throughout the year. The frequent traveler may be worried about leaving certain possessions unattended at home while they are away. Or when they are home, they may struggle to find adequate space to store their luggage.

Gifting a storage unit to your friend will allow them to store things offsite while their home is unattended, and provide the perfect place for their suitcases to rest until the next adventure.

7. Storage Space for Sentimental Items

It’s not easy to let go of the things we possess that belong to our loved ones. But if you know someone who has a lot of sentimental items taking up space in their garage, attic etc, a storage unit could be the perfect gift.

a house with a lot of space

8. More Space at Home

These days, people buy and store a lot more than they used to. Maybe you know someone who buys in bulk to get the best deal like it’s a sport! But they might not always have room at home to store all those savings.

If you can’t give your bulk-buying friend the gift of a larger garage, consider gifting them a storage unit to stash their backstock, or anything else taking up room that they don’t immediately need on hand.

9. Room to Breathe During a Renovation

Remodeling a home is stressful can be stressful, and shuffling furniture and belongings out of one room and into another can be one of the most stressful things about it. If you have a friend starting or in the midst of a home renovation, a storage unit is a welcome gift that will help them feel organized and give them a sense of calm in the chaos.

bookshelf shaped like a man's head

10. A Place for More Books

A storage unit can be a great place for avid readers to store their books and magazines to clear space at home for the new ones coming in. It could even become a private library and reading room if your recipient is lacking the appropriate space and solitude at home.

11. A Space for their Side Hustle

We all have that ambitious friend who wants to start their own business or already has one going on the side. When they’re just starting out (or are involved in multiple business ventures), they may not have enough space at home to get started or enough room in their budget to rent an office.

If this is the case, renting a storage unit for your friend will give them some extra space to store their inventory or equipment or file and organize important documents and papers. It will also help them be able to relax at home by having their work space and equipment at a separate location.

storage unit

12. A Secret Hiding Place

Nothing beats a storage unit at Christmas time to hide gifts from would-be peekers. Getting one for yourself is a no-brainer come December, but consider renting a storage unit for the generous people on your gift list who love to shop for others.

SuperStorage San Diego | 4773 Home Ave. San Diego, California 92105 United States
SuperStorage San Diego | 4773 Home Ave. San Diego, California 92105 United States

If you’re looking for a storage facility to store your belongings, SuperStorage San Diego has got you covered in this department. Here at SuperStorage San Diego, we offer a wide range of unit selections and top-notch security. To learn more about our self-storage facility, please check out our website at https://superstoragesandiego.com/.

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13 Top Tips for Organizing Pet Supplies

Fur babies come with so many positives, like unconditional love and great listening skills. But their fur, food, and toys can get out of hand and become one big negative mess without a plan to keep these pet supplies organized.

Having a pet can sometimes make staying organized a challenge. If you’ve tried to organize everything but it always seems to get out of order, or even if you’re planning to organize but don’t have enough ideas, then you’re at the right place. Read on for 13 of the best tips to help you organize pet supplies.

assorted pet accessories

1. Try a Wall-Mounted Pet Accessory Organizer

Having a wall-mounted pet accessory organizer is perfect for outdoor pet accessories like extra collars and leashes, replacement potty bag rolls, and a raincoat if your dog wears one. Having supplies at hand by the door when you come and go can also help keep your floor clear of any debris that fido might track in. In order to avoid muddy paw prints on your floor and furniture, hang a towel on your wall rack too so that you can use it to wipe your dog’s feet after playing in the rain.

a man feeding a dog

2. Designate a Food Station

Designate a cupboard, shelf, or basket for your pet’s food station where you can keep all the food supplies like any bowls and a can opener, their wet or dry food and treats, and any vitamins or medications your pet takes with meals. If you can, set up a placemat or bowl stand on the floor nearby to keep their eating and any resulting mess corralled to one small area of the house.

dog sleeping in a leather couch

3. Make Your Furniture Pet Proof

Spotting pet hair on the sofa or easy chair every time you sit down is something most of us pet owners are familiar with. And if, like most pet owners, you’re sick of picking it off the furniture all the time, then you need to make your furniture pets proof.

There can be various ways to go about this, but one of the best ways is to use covers. The covers can be of various materials, and you should always go for pet friendly materials – which may include leather. Why leather? Because it’s easy to clean and doesn’t attract hair like softer fibers.

dog food on the rack

4. Reserve a Shelf or Cabinet for Everyday Items

In case you do not have enough space near your entry door to place a wall-mounted pet accessory organizer, then you can devote a separate shelf or cabinet at your place to keep all the everyday items that your pet may require at some point or the other. If you already have the wall space for a wall rack or another area where you can keep pet supplies, perhaps use a small section of your cupboard to keep backups. For instance, if you took your dog to the nearby park and forgot one of their favorite toys there, then you can rely on the backup that you have.

5. Use a Basket to Keep Grooming Supplies Together

Grooming plays a very important role in pet ownership, and can even be therapeutic for both of you. Having everything on hand in one place can make grooming easier for all pets and humans involved. Keeping bows, brushes, and other grooming accessories in one bin will also help corral any stray hairs that stick to these items.

spilled dog food from 3 jars

6. Label Food Jars

If your pet has different kinds of foods in the morning and the evening, or if certain foods are only given on certain days of the week, try grouping these items according to their feeding schedule to make feeding time easy.

If you can label the shelf or bin where you’re keeping each type of food, this helpful extra step will set your mind at ease should someone else need to care for your pet while you’re away.

checklist

7. Create a Shopping Checklist for Your Pet

These checklists can be made according to your schedule and needs, whether you prefer buying pet supplies one a week, once a month, or whenever. Just like when shopping for yourself, using a checklist to shop for your pet’s food and supplies will help you make sure not to forget anything.

Also, by keeping a record of these checklists you can get a rough idea of how long the food you buy usually lasts your pet. This can help you plan your budget or know how much to buy when there’s a good sale.

dog eating

8. Assign Feeding Stations

Have you ever crushed a piece of kitty kibble into the carpet or have land behind the couch instead of in your dog’s mouth? If you answered yes to either of these, then you know that sometimes pets + food = mess.

To keep pet food messes few and far between, try designating a space for a feeding station where your pet can enjoy their meals. The kitchen usually works best since the floor lends itself to easier cleaning.

PRO TIP- Create the feeding station near the place that you use for storing food supplies.

dog inside a travelling bag

9. Keep Supplies for Long Trips In a Ready-To-Go Bag

A relaxing getaway can suddenly become stressful when you realize you forgot Fido’s harness or collapsible water bowl. Keep an extra supply of necessary items in a convenient overnight bag so that you have everything your pet normally needs all ready to go. This way, you don’t have to worry about packing your pet’s everyday items too early or remembering to grab them the morning you leave.

PRO TIP – Trips to unknown places can make pets uneasy. Keep a pouch of their favorite treats on hand in the car in case a little training or comforting is necessary when venturing in unfamiliar territory.

sleeping cat inside a tub with bath accessories

10. Keep Bathing Supplies in the Bathroom

If your pet doesn’t like to take bath and is always looking for chances to escape then this tip is for you! Running here and there looking for shampoos and scrubbers takes time, and leaves plenty of opportunity for wet pets to wriggle out of the tub. Keeping these pet supplies together in a small, waterproof caddy means you’ll have everything at hand so you can keep an eye on your pet at all times.

boy playing with his dog

11. Schedule Some Time for Your Pet

Sometimes we get so engrossed in our everyday chores that we have to cut our pets’ walks or playtime short (or we might even forget!). But as committed pet owners, we value our pets like family. So, in the same way as you would put your child’s after school activities or coffee with your Mom on the calendar, try penciling in some quality time with your pets.

Having a regular playdate with your pet on your schedule will help make sure that you carve out quality time for them. Keeping this regular commitment with your pet also means that you’ll be using the ball chucker, cat stroller, or whatever recreational equipment you and your pet use on a more frequent basis. In doing so, you can get a better idea of what items might be worn and in need of replacement or which ones you may have one too many of.

12. Store All Toys in One Place

From dogs and cats to little kids and adults, everyone loves to play. And just like a toddler, pets get so excited at the first toy they grab, and then drop it anywhere when they get distracted by something else.

As with very small children, keeping all of your pets toys in one basket or toy box will make cleanup easier for you since everything goes back to the same place. And even easier for your pet if you can get them to master the trick of cleaning up after themselves!

clear envelope

13. Keep Your Pet’s Paperwork Organized in Its Own File

Pet paperwork usually includes a record of the dates on which your pet had routine vaccinations, receipts from any other veterinary visits, and their registration papers. Keep these papers organized in their own file folder or separate accordion file so that you can easily reference when their next vaccine is due or have their license on hand should you need it.

SuperStorage San Diego | 4773 Home Ave. San Diego, California 92105 United States
SuperStorage San Diego | 4773 Home Ave. San Diego, California 92105 United States

If you’re looking for a storage facility to store your belongings, SuperStorage San Diego has got you covered in this department. Here at SuperStorage San Diego, we offer a wide range of unit selections and top-notch security. To learn more about our self-storage facility, please check out our website at https://superstoragesandiego.com/.

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9 Tips to Make Profit Flipping Furniture

For those that love the thrill of the hunt, flipping furniture can be a fun way of earning additional income. If you’ve ever thought about flipping furniture, but aren’t sure where to start (or where you would even store your inventory?), then you’re in the right place. Read on for some helpful tips to get you started flipping furniture for cash!

furniture colored moss green

How To Get Started Flipping Furniture

To get started, ask yourself the following questions about the furniture you plan to buy for resale: 

How will you transport it?

Choosing transport depends upon the size of the furniture you plan to buy. This may be limited to the size of the vehicle you have right now. If that’s a small sedan, maybe you get started with chairs, coffee tables, etc.

If you decide that flipping larger pieces of furniture would be more lucrative in your local market, there are plenty of ways to move pieces from where you buy them to where you’re storing them. You can rent a pickup or even a box truck from places like Home Depot or U-Haul, get help from a friend with a truck, or hire help from a service like Task Rabbit.

storage unit for rent

Where will you store it?

Once you have decided what sort of transport system you require, the next step is to look for a perfect space to place the furniture. It could be your basement or garage, but even if you have the extra space, renting a storage unit can be the best way to go. The three main benefits to renting a storage unit for your inventory are

1. Privacy & Safety

Keeping furniture at your house until it sells will likely require you to give out your home address so that potential buyers can come to you to view the items they’re interested in. Storing and selling the furniture at a storage facility can provide a neutral, well-lit meeting place to conduct transactions.

2. Added Security

Most secure storage facilities monitor their property with video surveillance. This not only helps ensure the security of your furniture while it’s at the facility, but also gives you the added security of knowing that if you’re conducting transactions at the facility, both parties will be on camera.

3. Space at Home

If you don’t have a garage, basement, or attic at home, then renting a storage unit for flipping furniture may be a necessity. But even if you do have the space, it’s nice to have some separation between your home life and your side hustle.

man making a chair

Will you repair or refinish it?

If you are looking forward to start flipping furniture, you may be thinking of making quick sales by sourcing pieces that are in great, ready-to-sell condition and moving them as quickly as possible.

But if you’re DIY-er that loves a good project, then buying-less-than perfect pieces at a bargain to repair or refinish for a greater profit might be the way you want to go. If that’s the case, the following items are just some of the basic equipment to have in your reseller’s arsenal.

  • Paint strippers for thick and thin paint
  • Power sander
  • Wood glue
  • Painting and staining supplies (brushes, paint thinner/remover, tray, dropcloth)
  • Staple gun
flea market

The Best Places to Find Furniture to Flip

It might take a while to get into the groove and find your favorite places to reliably source great furniture pieces that sell well for you. Great finds are often had where you least expect them, but here’s a few of the top places to start your search. 

Flea markets

Buying furniture from flea markets can be a great place to get a good bargain but at the same time want something that is of good quality. But if you’re after a particular style or furniture from a certain area, be aware that you’ll need to get there early for the best selection.

Most of the sellers at flea markets are there with a goal of selling all the products that they have brought with them that day – the less they have to pack back up at the end of the day the better. So if you care about price over style, try wheeling and dealing later in the afternoon.

Craigslist

Most of the people these days look for Craigslist to red rid of the furniture that they do not want any longer. You can find great pieces of furniture at craigslist and with a lot of profit margin. Don’t forget to take advantage of the listings in the Free section, or search “curb alert” to take something off someone’s hands at no cost to you.

Garage Sales

Sales are being put up weekly at garages and yards everywhere, and if you live in a temperate climate this might be every weekend all year round. Depending on the item and the owner’s sentimentality or attachment to it, it can be difficult to haggle sometimes. But stick with it and you may also find furniture pieces of good quality that you may not find anywhere else. 

2 comfy chair and a drawer

Pricing: How Much To Re-Sell Your Furniture For

Deciding a price for your furniture depends upon various factors like how long have had it in inventory, the time it took you to repair or refurbish it, the cost of any materials used to do so, the cost of storing it, etc.  You’ll also want to research the pieces you’ve just acquired (or are about to buy) to find comparable sales either in your area or a wider market.

eBay can be a great place to look up comps before deciding to make a purchase; search closed auctions to see if a similar furniture item has ever sold in your area. If you don’t mind shipping and plan to sell nationally, set the filters appropriately and see what’s sold and for how much.

eBay is also a helpful tool when it comes to pricing, because you can see what’s currently in the marketplace and how much others are asking for similar items so that you can plan your pricing strategy accordingly.

flea market for old chairs

The Best Places To Sell Your Furniture

Once you have bought the furniture and refurbished it, now it is time for you to look for the platforms where you can sell your furniture. Here are some of the awesome places that you can refer to.

antique store

Antique Stores or Consignment Shops

Check around at your local antique stores. Antique stores are always looking for fresh inventory to sell to the right buyer. If you have the pieces they’re looking for, you could form a great relationship in which they buy from you to resell – a win-win for both of you!

Alternatively, some antique stores may have consignments space where you can sell. You may even have a local co-op in your area, where different vendors have a “booth” space to display and sell their wares. 

Craigslist

Craigslist is still one of the number one places people look for local furniture deals. Selling on Craigslist will give you great exposure to buyers nearby, without having to worry about shipping or even delivery. (But it you’re willing and able to deliver to your local buyers, this could give you a leg up and help to close the sale.)

eBay or Etsy

If you want to reach a wider audience, and don’t mind dealing with shipping, online platforms like eBay or Etsy can be great places to make a profit flipping furniture.

gray chair with a beige throw pillow and blanket

Your Own Garage

You can make it a garage sale as often as you like at your place! Some people make a full-time living by hosting a yard sale every weekend the weather permits.

PRO TIP: Promoting your furniture on multiple platforms can help your items get more exposure, increasing their likelihood of selling. Just don’t forget to remove it from other platforms once it has sold on one!

Hopefully these tips have given you some solid ideas to start flipping furniture for profit. Being a reseller can be challenging, but often rewarding work. Keep at it, keep exploring, and have fun flipping!

SuperStorage San Diego | 4773 Home Ave. San Diego, California 92105 United States
SuperStorage San Diego | 4773 Home Ave. San Diego, California 92105 United States

If you’re looking for a storage facility to store your belongings, SuperStorage San Diego has got you covered in this department. Here at SuperStorage San Diego, we offer a wide range of unit selections and top-notch security. To learn more about our self-storage facility, please check out our website at https://superstoragesandiego.com/.