Proper storage is one of the most important parts of maintaining your boat. In addition to finding storage facilities that allow for boat storage, prepping your boat to be put away is also essential. Here’s what boat owners need to know about safe storage.

Avoid Storing Your Boat in Water
Although many docks offer storage, the water is not a good choice for long-term boat storage. It may seem counterintuitive, but your boat should only be in water when it is in use. Otherwise, the water will constantly put pressure on your boat, which increases the wear and tear and makes more frequent repairs necessary. Storing your boat at a storage facility is not only cheaper than dock storage but also safer for your boat.

Clean Your Boat Before Storing
Cleaning may sound like the last thing you want to do after a day on the water, but putting a dirty boat into storage can cause damage. Further, you’ll be glad your boat is clean when you get it out for use. Scrub the deck, topsides, cockpit, hull, and all other compartments. After washing the boat, fill up the tank to prevent condensation from forming, and charge all your batteries or disconnect them from their cables. After a thorough cleaning, dry the boat completely before storing it, so that moisture damage doesn’t occur.

Invest in a Cover
Although people often store boats without covers, covering the boat is the best way to protect it from the elements. Covers also keep your boat safe from debris and dirt buildup. Ideally, get a custom-fitted cover to give your boat the best possible protection. Your boat cover should have supports so that you can prop it up. This will reduce the risk of water settling around the bottom of your boat.

Store your boat with confidence at POUCH Self Storage. Our storage facilities have 24-hour video surveillance and keypad entry for the utmost security for all of your belongings. Find out how to rent boat storage in Lake Forest by calling (800) 378-4598.

RV storage is an issue most owners will have to deal with eventually. There are multiple ways to store your RV, but two of the most popular are covered and open. Here is a look at how these two kinds of RV storage compare.

Open RV storage is essentially a large parking lot within a storage facility. It gives you the benefit of vehicle storage within a secured environment, but open storage does not provide any protection from the elements. Covered storage allows you to park your RV on a secured lot underneath a roof that provides protection from the sun, rain, and winter weather. Covered storage is not fully enclosed. Depending on the climate in which you are storing your RV, both kinds of storage can be acceptable.

POUCH Self Storage offers both types of RV storage and is happy to answer your questions so you can select the right option for your RV. Learn more about vehicle storage in Rancho Cucamonga and Fountain Valley by calling (800) 378-4598.

When you’re moving, boxes can either make the process easier or add to the stress of the experience. Whether you’re moving into a new home or transferring items into a storage unit, the quality of the boxes you use matters. Watch this video to learn more.

Forget getting waterlogged, flimsy boxes from the grocery store. It is worth it to invest in some sturdy boxes in a variety of sizes that won’t break on you as you transfer them into a moving truck.

POUCH Self Storage is pleased to offer free use of a moving truck with our storage units and records management services. For more information about renting self storage in Lake Forest or using one of our free moving trucks, please call (800) 378-4598.

Although a storage unit may not seem like an essential part of doing business as a restaurant, it can actually be an invaluable tool for restaurant owners. With multiple size options available, storage units can be an affordable and effective solution for large and small restaurants’ needs. Here are some of the reasons why business storage can be so valuable for restaurant owners.

Stockpile Supplies

Not everything a restaurant purchases is perishable. The reason that many restaurants don’t keep large stocks of nonperishable items is that they simply don’t have space. With a storage unit, you can confidently order supplies of things like aprons, order pads, dishes, silverware, glasses, and nonperishable food staples, including alcohol, without worrying about where you’ll keep it all. Having this backup stock means there are fewer items you need to track daily for ordering and you’ll always be ready for unexpected busy periods.

Make the Workplace Safer

Trying to fit more items into your workplace than it can safely hold is dangerous for your staff. This is especially true in restaurants, where workers are active and moving fast. A pile of boxes in a walkway or stacks of excess supplies in a pantry can easily become injury hazards for your team. A storage unit gives you another place to put back stock, so your employees can do their jobs safely.

Indulge in Changeable Décor

Many restaurant owners would love to change their décor seasonally, but storage issues can make that impossible. With a storage unit, you can hang on to seasonal decorations, patio furniture, and other pieces of décor you only use periodically, so your restaurant will always look fresh and inviting.

At POUCH Self Storage in Fountain Valley and San Juan Capistrano, you’ll find a range of personal and business storage units , allowing you to choose a space that fits your needs and budget. With our free moving truck, we make it easy to move supplies into your new unit without extra costs. Call us at (800) 378-4598 for more information.

Sofas are common items in self-storage units , but keeping them in good condition takes a little bit of preparation. If you plan to put a sofa into storage, follow these tips to ensure it stays looking like new until you’re ready to use it again.

Clean Before Storing

It’s always a good idea to clean your sofa before putting it into storage, even if you don’t see any signs of stains or dirt. Sofas take a lot of abuse, so putting it away without cleaning means you’ll be locking in sweat, germs, and odors. The right method of cleaning your sofa depends on its upholstery materials. Generally, synthetic fabrics can be cleaned with water, while natural fabrics require a solvent-based cleaner. Leather sofas can be cleaned with a few drops of olive oil massaged into the leather using a microfiber cloth. Ensure your sofa is thoroughly dried before moving it to your storage unit.

Choose Climate-Controlled Storage

Climate-controlled storage facilities will reduce the impact of temperature extremes, moisture, and humidity on the wood and upholstery of your sofa. Although climate-controlled units often cost a bit more, they are worth the extra money to protect your investment in your sofa. Be sure to select a unit of adequate size to accommodate your sofa and any protective padding you want to put around it—you shouldn’t have to push the sofa against a wall or the door.

Store the Sofa Off the Ground

One of the easiest and most effective ways you can protect your sofa in storage is to put it on pallets to keep it off the ground. This will protect your furniture piece from dirt and moisture. It will also help air circulate freely around your sofa. Cover the sofa with drop cloths or padded cloths, but avoid plastic, which traps air and moisture and encourages mold growth.

POUCH Self Storage offers a range of storage options, including climate-controlled, personal storage units and jumbo storage units, as well as business storage. Find out more about our storage solutions in San Juan Capistrano by calling (800) 378-4598.

When not in use, putting your RV in vehicle storage at a storage facility will allow you to protect your vehicle without taking up space in your driveway. To ensure that your RV is ready to use the next time you want to hit the open road, there are a few steps you need to take to prepare it for downtime. One critical step is to add fuel stabilizer before putting the vehicle in RV storage.

The longer gas or diesel sits in an unused vehicle, the more it begins to degrade. Gas can degrade and cause problems with corrosion, while diesel can grow microbes known as diesel algae. Fuel stabilizer prevents this from happening, so you can pull your vehicle out of RV storage and get moving right away, without any concerns about engine problems from fuel degradation.

POUCH Self Storage offers RV storage in Lake Forest with onsite security, so you don’t have to worry about the complications of parking your vehicle at your home. Find out how we can make RV storage easy by calling (800) 378-4598.

If you’re an Etsy seller, then inventory is the key to growing your business. When you have adequate inventory, you can deliver on fast shipping times, which will increase customer satisfaction and positive reviews. With a storage unit, it’s easy to keep the inventory you need without cluttering up your home.

Watch this video for advice on stocking up on your Etsy inventory. Once you have the right amount of product for your business, use a storage unit to keep your inventory organized and out of the way at home.

POUCH Self Storage makes it easy to get the storage you need, with a variety of sizes of self-storage units near San Juan, from small, personal storage spaces to jumbo storage units. You can find out more about our storage options by calling (800) 378-4598.

Camping is a great way to shrug off the demands of modern life and get back to nature, but it’s an equipment-heavy hobby. When you’re not in the great outdoors, what do you do with all of your gear? If you’re tired of camping equipment taking up space in your spare room or garage, a storage unit could be the perfect solution. Here is what you need to know about using a self-storage unit for your camping essentials.

Add Shelves

To keep your camping gear organized in storage, add metal shelving units to the space. It’s always a good idea to keep any items in storage off the ground by at least using wooden pallets, but storage shelves are an even better idea for camping gear, since they provide easy access to everything you need, so you can grab the right equipment for whatever kind of trip you have planned easily.

Use Clear Storage Containers

Many of the things you need for camping are small, such as utensils and tools, so you will need to put multiple items in one container in order to maximize your space and keep things organized. For this purpose, use clear storage containers, so that you can easily see the contents. Keep similar items together and put labels on the outside of the containers so you know exactly what is inside and can reach for it quickly when you need it.

Store Sleeping Bags without Rolling

Rolling up your sleeping bags and putting them in the storage sacks they come with is not ideal for a storage unit. Not only will the storage sack and tight roll prevent air from circulating around the fabric, but it will also cause the sleeping bag’s insulation to break down. Instead, store your sleeping bags by loosely folding them and putting them inside a large cotton or canvas storage bag. Put the bag off the ground on shelves, to reduce the risk of water damage.

POUCH Self Storage has storage units in a range of sizes so you can find the right home for your camping gear and all of the other items that are taking up too much space at home. We’re happy to answer all of your questions about self-storage units in San Juan . Call us today at (800) 378-4598.

When the temperatures get warmer and it’s time to take your boat out of storage for the season, what should you do to make sure you’re ready to hit the water? Hopefully, when you placed your boat in storage , you prepared it for its downtime, so there should be only general maintenance standing between you and a day on the water. Follow these steps to get ready for getting the most enjoyment possible out of your boat.

Clean Your Boat Thoroughly

Your boat was likely clean when you put it into storage, but you will still need to clean it when you get it out, to remove any dirt and debris that have built up. As you clean, inspect the parts of your boat and make any minor repairs that may be necessary. Ensuring that the boat is clean and minor issues are fixed before you get out on the water will help you avoid bigger issues in the future. Check the winches, pumps, tie-down cleats, and other parts of the boat. Consider having your motor professionally inspected before you start boating for the season.

Restock Your Safety Equipment

The worst time to find out that you don’t have the safety equipment that you need is when you’re on the water. Now is the time to check things like life vests and safety rafts and replace them as needed. Check your flares for signs of water damage and other issues, and replace them if you think they could have been compromised. Make sure that your fire extinguisher has not expired or isn’t set to expire during the season. If it is, replace it.

Look for Fuel System Damage

Carefully look for any signs of damage to your fuel system, including worn hoses or corrosion around connection points or on the battery. Make sure there isn’t evidence of leaks. If you see any fuel system damage, get repairs done before you take your boat out to cut the risk of a fire or getting stranded.

You can count on your boat being safe in the off-season when you choose POUCH Self Storage for your storage needs . Find out about all of our storage units in Lake Forest by contacting us at (800) 378-4598.

If you love collecting, then chances are that storage an issue in your household. A self-storage unit can be the perfect place to keep your collection, as long as you prepare things appropriately for storing. Keep your collection in top condition and save space at home with this advice for safe storage for some popular types of collectables.

Antique Furniture

Antique furniture can be a valuable thing to collect, but only if you store it properly. Start by using a protective cover on the furniture, which will help to prevent damage. Avoid using plastic covers, which will trap moisture and make wood and other materials swell. Be sure that you don’t wrap the furniture so tightly that air can’t circulate, which can also lead to problems with moisture control. Store furniture on pallets or cinderblocks instead of directly on the ground.

Trading Cards

Trading cards are easy to store as long as you protect them properly. Because cards are made of paper, moisture is the biggest issue you need to prevent. Top loader display sheets and magnetic display sheets are good for storage, since they protect your cards while allowing you to look at them. Store the sheets inside binders, and put the binders on shelves in the storage unit, rather than on the floor. Avoid stacking the cards loose in boxes, as the cardboard won’t provide adequate protect from dust, moisture, and debris.

Dolls

Doll collections can easily take up too much space in your home. To keep them safe in storage, avoid plastic coverings and instead wrap the dolls in acid-free tissue paper and place them in doll storage boxes. Keeping the boxes off the ground on pallets or shelves will help to protect them from dust and debris.

Don’t give up your collecting hobby. Instead, use a self-storage unit in San Juan at POUCH Self Storage to keep your items protected and out of your home. For more information about renting a storage unit, call us at (800) 378-4598.