What You Can’t Store in Self-Storage

Self-storage is convenient, creating extra space for your belongings. A storage unit is a great place to store seasonal items or to keep your things temporarily while you’re relocating. There are some things, however, that should absolutely never be kept in self-storage.

There are some crazy stories out there of people storing outlandish items that would never occur to most of us. A doctor storing brains in jars, a man storing his amputated leg, and another man who kept his deceased grandmother in a coffin in his storage unit are just a few of the wilder tales of misused storage space. There have also been stolen goods found in storage unit, and one man decided to store his aquarium full of fish, with predictably disastrous results. In most cases, however, people store the wrong items because they simply didn’t realize they weren’t permitted to do so. How well do you know the rules? Check your knowledge against this list of self-storage “don’ts.”

• Don’t store anything that can catch fire or explode. Seriously, please don’t. Gasoline, propane, oil, grease, chemicals, cleaners, and paint can all catch fire, destroying your belongings as well as things that belong to other people. Fireworks, explosives, and dangerous chemicals are absolutely prohibited from self-storage.
• Don’t store anything toxic. Chemicals, fertilizers, and cleaning products can all cause problems when their fumes mix. Don’t store anything poisonous or contagious, either, and absolutely no bioweapons.
• Don’t store non-operational, unregistered, or uninsured vehicles. You’re only allowed to store vehicles that are registered, insured, and functional. If you move your boat, RV, trailer, motorcycle, car, or truck into storage, you’ll be asked to present proof of registration and your driver’s license.
• Don’t store anything illegal. This includes stolen goods and illegal drugs. We have security cameras recording video evidence of the things you place in your storage unit. Why wouldn’t we turn you in and get the reward? Also, it’s easy for law enforcement to obtain a search warrant for your storage unit. Just don’t do it.
• Don’t store anything weapon-related. Well, if you want to store your back issues of Guns and Ammo magazine, that’s ok, but weapons, ammunition, and bombs are definitely not. Don’t store your flame throwers, hand grenades, land mines, mortar shells, bazookas- well, you get the picture. Don’t store anything that might lead the FBI or ATF to believe you’re up to no good.
• Don’t store perishable items. Food items that require refrigeration obviously don’t belong in a storage unit. Neither do food items in bags and improperly-sealed containers. All of these things can cause trouble with mold and bacteria, as well as attracting vermin. What might surprise you is that canned goods cannot be kept in storage units. Especially in units that aren’t climate controlled, they can explode.
• Don’t store live plants in your storage unit. Not only is this a great way to attract bugs to the storage unit, but it’s also a terribly unkind thing to do to a plant! Plants need sunlight to live, so if you can’t take them with you, give them to someone who will care for them.
• Don’t store anything wet or even damp in self-storage. You’re welcome to store your beach toys, surfboards, and even scuba gear, excluding the tanks because, as stated previously, you can’t store things that might explode. The catch is that you have to dry all these things thoroughly before you put them away. Storing anything with moisture in a storage unit invites the growth of mold and mildew, which no one wants.
• Don’t store yourself or your pets. This may seem obvious and like something you’d never do, but people have been known to try living in a storage unit from time to time. This isn’t a great idea for many reasons, but one reason is that we have security cameras everywhere! Your things will be safe and secure, but a storage space is a terrible place to hide out.

Now that you know what you shouldn’t put in self-storage, bring the things you do want to store to Pouch Self Storage. We’ve been operating mini-storage facilities since 1979 and we’re committed to keeping our clients’ belongings safe. Founded by John Yelland, who hails from Australia, Pouch Self Storage is named in honor of the kangaroo’s pouch- nature’s safe and secure storage spot. We’re an industry leader in design, building, and maintenance of self-storage facilities, and we strive to give our occupants the most advanced security systems available. At our nine Southern California facilities, you’ll find state-of-the-art computer monitoring systems that allow our self-storage managers to monitor the opening and closing of every storage unit door, 24 hours a day. For more information, call (800) 378-4598 or contact us through our website.

How Can You Organize your Storage Unit for Frequent Access?

A storage unit is a convenient place to store things you have no room for at your home. If you need to access your items frequently, though, you’ll have to spend some time organizing it. Here, we offer some tips for keeping your storage unit organized, functional, and easily accessible.

• Create a well-organized inventory list. It’s great to diagram your space and document every item in your storage unit, but the most important thing is to find a system that works for you. Consider the things you’ll need to access frequently, and keep an accurate list detailing where those items are located. If you’re storing personal items, things you might need to retrieve easily include seasonal clothing, camping gear, tools, and holiday decorations. If you’re a business storage customer, you may need to access extra inventory, office supplies, documents, or marketing material. Keeping a list on paper or a spreadsheet on your computer will help you keep track of everything you need.
• Carefully plan your layout. Before you put anything in the storage unit, use the exact dimensions of the unit to plan for the best use of the space. Think about how often you’ll visit the unit and which items you’ll need most frequently. Try to create paths to facilitate easy access, with large items like furniture against the walls and the things you’ll access most often facing the path so you can easily retrieve them.
• Use organizational furniture to make the most of your space. Invest in shelving, and you’ll be able to maximize your vertical space. Sturdy metal, wood, or plastic units are extremely useful, and can easily hold large or oddly shaped items that might not fit in boxes. If you use shelves higher than you can easily reach, keep a step ladder in the storage unit.
• Choose clear plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes. Cardboard boxes are cheap and convenient, but for things you need frequently, it’s better to use plastic bins so you can easily identify what’s inside. Clear plastic bins are also easy to stack and store.
• Lift your belongings with pallets. When you use wood or plastic pallets you can keep your boxes and furniture off the ground. This is particularly important if you’re storing items that are vulnerable to moisture.
• Be specific with your labeling. When you are creating your inventory list, make note of where things are stored. List all of the items on the boxes, too, so that you’ll be able to find specific items quickly. It can be helpful to number the boxes on top and at least one side so that you can easily locate the box you need.

When you’re looking for a place to safely store your belongings, choose Pouch Self Storage. We’ve been operating mini-storage facilities since 1979 and we’re committed to keeping our clients’ belongings safe. Founded by John Yelland, who hails from Australia, Pouch Self Storage is named in honor of the kangaroo’s pouch- nature’s safe and secure storage spot. We’re an industry leader in design, building, and maintenance of self-storage facilities, and we strive to give our occupants the most advanced security systems available. At our nine Southern California facilities, you’ll find state-of-the-art computer monitoring systems that allow our self-storage managers to monitor the opening and closing of every storage unit door, 24 hours a day. Currently, we’re abiding by CDC recommendations and implementing social distancing, but you can still reach us by calling (800) 378-4598 or contacting us through our website.

Safety Tips for Self-Storage

When you’re storing your belongings, you want them to be as safe as possible. It’s important to find a storage facility with security measures in place but in reality, security is a team effort. Here are some tips to help ensure your things stay safe while they’re in self-storage.

• Buy the best lock possible. If there is a breach in the security of your storage facility, the thieves will go after cheap locks that are easy to remove. Choose a lock that’s resistant to tampering and bolt cutters, preferably a disk or cylinder lock.
• Know what’s safe to keep in a storage unit. Some items are restricted from a storage unit, like flammable things and food. However, there are other things that common sense dictates you shouldn’t store, like cash and fine jewelry that won’t be covered by insurance in case of a loss. Ask for guidance from the facility’s management as well as your insurance company before storing something questionable.
• Keep an up-to-date inventory list. In the future, you might forget exactly what is in your storage unit and where. Keep a detailed list of what you’re storing, along with clear, well-lit photographs. Update the list if you remove things to keep it accurate, and if there’s ever a theft, you’ll be able to provide details to the insurance company about exactly what was taken.
• Choose an indoor unit for an extra layer of protection. A unit that’s inside a storage building will be better protected than one outside, because the buildings usually require keypad access.
• Don’t share your access card or key. Often, thefts are the result of a friend, family member, or acquaintance accessing your storage unit. Keep the items you’re storing and your access information secret except from those who you trust completely.
• Buy the insurance, even if you’re not required to do so. Some storage facilities require insurance. Even if yours does not, purchasing insurance is the best thing you can do to protect your belongings. Your homeowners or renters policy might cover items in storage; if it doesn’t, you’ll need a storage insurance policy. Review your policy carefully so you’ll understand exactly what is and is not covered.
• Pick the right facility. The best way to keep your things safe is to choose a facility with good security. The facility should have a digital surveillance system that operates 24 hours a day as well as password protected access at the gates and doors. It should also be well-maintained and properly lit, with employees who are well-trained and responsive.

When you’re looking for a safe and secure place to store your belongings, choose Pouch Self Storage. We’ve been operating mini-storage facilities since 1979 and we’re committed to keeping our clients’ belongings safe. Founded by John Yelland, who hails from Australia, Pouch Self Storage is named in honor of the kangaroo’s pouch- nature’s safe and secure storage spot. We’re an industry leader in design, building, and maintenance of self-storage facilities, and we strive to give our occupants the most advanced security systems available. At our nine Southern California facilities, you’ll find state-of-the-art computer monitoring systems that allow our self-storage managers to monitor the opening and closing of every storage unit door, 24 hours a day. Currently, we’re abiding by CDC recommendations and implementing social distancing, but you can still reach us by calling (800) 378-4598 or contacting us through our website.

How to Pack Efficiently

A storage unit is a convenient option, especially if you’re moving and need a place to temporarily store some of your things while you unpack. However, if you want your things to be in good condition when you retrieve them, it’s important to be careful about packing them. Follow these tips for packing efficiently and well.

• Know what you can and cannot store. The storage facility is likely to provide you with a list of rules, regulations, and restricted items. If you don’t receive one, ask for it. You won’t be allowed to store dangerous or flammable items, or perishable food, medicine, or plants.
• Decide what you need to store. Don’t store things unnecessarily, because storing a lot of items means you’ll need a large storage unit, which means more money. Before you store, clear the clutter and give away, sell, or donate anything you don’t need to keep.
• Keep a detailed inventory. It’s easy to lose track of what’s in your storage unit if you don’t have an inventory list. It may be helpful to print two lists, keeping one with you and one in the storage unit so you’ll have it on hand when you’re looking for things you need.
• Pack only clean items. It’s disheartening to retrieve items from your storage unit, only to discover they’ve deteriorated because they were put away dirty. Before you pack your things away, wipe everything down with an all-purpose cleaning spray, vacuum upholstered furniture, and clean out appliances. When you get them out of storage later, your items will be in good condition, and they won’t have any unpleasant odors.
• Use clear plastic storage bins. Storing your belongings in clear plastic bins makes it easier to find them when you need them. What’s more, airtight bins will help protect your items.
• Label everything. Labels that clearly describe the contents of boxes make things easier to find, especially if you opt for cardboard boxes over plastic bins. Be specific, listing exactly what’s in the box instead of a generic category like “kitchen items.”
• Protect your items. Especially if your unit isn’t climate controlled, take care to prevent damage to the items you’re storing. Make sure everything is dry, apply protective spray to furniture and leather goods, and seal boxes to keep out moisture. Store electronics and cords in plastic bags, pack clothing in wardrobe boxes or in hanging garment bags, place mattresses in storage bags, and cover furniture with a cotton sheet to keep pests and bad weather from damaging it.
• Prepare large items properly. Take large pieces of furniture apart before storing them, and store box springs and mattresses flat. Leave washers, dishwashers, and refrigerators slightly open to prevent mold and mildew, and wrap small appliances in bubble wrap or foam to protect them.
• Have a plan when placing things into the unit. Pack your unit strategically, placing large and heavy items on the bottom of the unit. Don’t store mattresses under heavy things to prevent damage. Keep things you’ll need to access frequently near the door or somewhere else where you can easily retrieve them. Use good quality packing supplies and the best lock you can afford.

Once your things are packed and you’re looking for a good place to store them, choose Pouch Self Storage. We’ve been operating mini-storage facilities since 1979 and we’re committed to keeping our clients’ belongings safe. Founded by John Yelland, who hails from Australia, Pouch Self Storage is named in honor of the kangaroo’s pouch- nature’s safe and secure storage spot. We’re an industry leader in design, building, and maintenance of self-storage facilities, and we strive to give our occupants the most advanced security systems available. At our nine Southern California facilities, you’ll find state-of-the-art computer monitoring systems that allow our self-storage managers to monitor the opening and closing of every storage unit door, 24 hours a day. Currently, we’re abiding by CDC recommendations and implementing social distancing, but you can still reach us by calling (800) 378-4598 or contacting us through our website.

Tips for Moving with Pets

Moving to a new place can be a fun adventure, but it can also be stressful. When your family includes furry, feathered, or finned friends, it can sometimes get complicated. Here, we offer some tips for keeping your pets safe and calm during your move.

• First, get them used to the idea of traveling before you do it. Start by acclimating your pets to their crates by putting them into the crates for short periods of time at home. Then move on to the next step, of putting the crates in the car and sitting there without going anywhere. Next, sit with the engine on, then drive around the block so they can get used to the movement of the car. If you’re flying, you clearly won’t be able to practice taking them on a plane. However, practicing with the crates and the car can make them more comfortable once the time comes to travel. You might also consider a professional pet mover who will know how to safely move your pets across the country or even across the world, adhering to any local or regional regulations.
• Keep your pets safe while you pack. Make them a “safe space” in the house, with familiar items and crates or beds so they’ll feel comfortable and protected. Pets notice when their home is being packed up, and they may feel distressed when you are packing, but having a safe place to hide will make them feel safer.
• Communicate with your vet. Schedule an appointment for each of your pets so that you can make sure they’re up to date with vaccines and checkups before you leave. Ask your vet for tips on keeping your pets calm during the move, and if you’re moving to another area, ask for recommendations for a new vet. Get copies of your vet records and fill any prescriptions for your pets before you move.
• Pack an overnight kit for your furry family members. Just as you’ll pack a bag for each of your human family members with things they’ll need in the first few days at the new place, pack for your pets. You’ll need to include dog food, kitty litter, toys, grooming tools, and anything else your pets will need to feel comfortable while you’re unpacking and settling into your new home.
• Make sure your pets are out of the way on moving day. Preferably, have them boarded somewhere or ask a friend to take them for the day. If that’s not possible, close them into a room where they’ll be safe during all the commotion. That’s another time in which their safe space will be helpful. Put a note on the door letting people know which pets are in the room, so that no one opens the door. Pets can be stressed out by all the action of moving day, and they can also get underfoot and potentially be hurt. Worse, a panicky pet could bolt through an open door and get lost.
• Special pets require special care. The above tips primarily apply to cats and dogs, but what about other pets? Small animals require some special care when you’re moving.
  • Guinea Pigs: Guinea pigs are sensitive and don’t do well when they’re jostled around. Their hearts are easily damaged, so if you must transport guinea pigs, make sure they’re carried in something small, warm, and comfortable.
  • Fish: Moving with fish is not a very good idea, because they’re easily traumatized and moving can sometimes be fatally stressful for them. If you’re moving a short distance, you may be able to transport them in bags filled with water from their old tank. However, if you’re moving across the country, you’re better off rehoming your fish, emptying your tank, and getting new fish in your new home.
  • Birds: Even if your bird is normally free-range and sits on your shoulder contentedly, the move is one time for a bird cage. Even the smartest parrot can get jittery and nervous during a move, and you don’t want your feathered pal to fly away.
• Plan a few days off to help your pets adjust. Spend some time helping them get back into their normal routine while adjusting to their new home. Recreate your pets’ safe space in the new home, and keep them contained until you’ve moved all your things into the house. Introduce them to the new environment slowly, giving them plenty of positive attention. Get collar tags with your new address as soon as you can in case a pet slips out of the house.

While you take care of your family and pets, trust Pouch Self Storage to keep your belongings safe. Founded in 1979 by John Yelland, who hails from Australia, Pouch Self Storage is named in honor of the kangaroo’s pouch- nature’s safe and secure storage spot. We’re an industry leader in design, building, and maintenance of self-storage facilities, and we strive to give our occupants the most advanced security systems available. At our nine Southern California facilities, you’ll find state-of-the-art computer monitoring systems that allow our self-storage managers to monitor the opening and closing of every storage unit door, 24 hours a day. Currently, we’re abiding by CDC recommendations and implementing social distancing, but you can still reach us by calling (800) 378-4598 or contacting us through our website.

How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies

Of course, you don’t want any bugs in your home. When it comes to fruit flies, though, it can seem impossible to keep them out! One day your kitchen is fine, and the next day, those insidious little pests are everywhere. What can you do? We’ve got some tips for getting rid of fruit flies.

• First, know what causes them, so you can take preventive measures. Fruit flies like ripe, rotting, decayed produce, especially fruit, as you might guess from their name. They’re also attracted to fermented goods like beer and wine, and can also live in trash cans and garbage disposals. Because female fruit flies lay 500 eggs at a time, those eggs hatch in about 24 hours, and the flies live two to four weeks, they’re nearly impossible to control. To prevent them from infesting your kitchen:
  • Throw out produce that’s too ripe.
  • Keep your fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator.
  • Wash produce promptly to remove potential fruit fly larvae or eggs.
  • Take out the garbage frequently.
  • Clean all spills quickly, particularly fruit juice or alcohol.
• If they’ve already established themselves in your kitchen, you need to know what to do about fruit flies. Some people might think that pouring bleach down the drain will kill them, but in fact, it won’t be sufficient. Bleach might kill some larvae, but it passes through the drain too quickly to make a significant impact.
• A simple vinegar fruit fly trap can be extremely effective. Here’s the basic principle: make a trap with apple cider as the lure. The flies will enter the trap to get the apple cider vinegar but won’t be able to escape. The type of trap can vary in a few ways.
  • Pour some apple cider vinegar into a bottle or glass. Cover with plastic wrap and poke some holes in the plastic to allow them to enter.
  • Put some vinegar and a chunk of overripe fruit into a jar. Roll a piece of paper into a funnel and place it into the mouth of the jar.
  • Set out a bowl of vinegar and add a few drops of dish soap. The flies will be attracted to the vinegar, and the soap decreases the water’s surface tension, so they won’t be able to escape.
• Beer and wine work well as bait, too. Leave a stale bottle of beer open on the counter, for instance, and the fruit flies won’t be able to resist it. Add a few drops of soap to the beer and you’ve got yourself a trap.
• When all else fails, consider commercial products. Fruit flies are so universal that there are tons of products on the market to help you get them under control. If you’re not having success with homemade traps, consider purchasing an insect trap or some eco-friendly fruit fly control spray.

Any time you’re storing things, make sure they’re clean and free of any insects before you bring them to the storage facility. Pouch Self Storage has been operating mini-storage facilities since 1979 and is committed to keeping our clients’ belongings safe. Founded by John Yelland, who hails from Australia, Pouch Self Storage is named in honor of the kangaroo’s pouch- nature’s safe and secure storage spot. We’re an industry leader in design, building, and maintenance of self-storage facilities, and we strive to give our occupants the most advanced security systems available. At our nine Southern California facilities, you’ll find state-of-the-art computer monitoring systems that allow our self-storage managers to monitor the opening and closing of every storage unit door, 24 hours a day. Currently, we’re abiding by CDC recommendations and implementing social distancing, but you can still reach us by calling (800) 378-4598 or contacting us through our website.

Sustainable Ways to Get Rid of Old Clothes

Did you know that, on average, Americans throw away about 81 pounds of clothing each year? If that seems like an astonishing statistic, here’s another one for you: most Americans don’t wear about 82% of what’s in their wardrobes. Why are we putting so much clothing into the landfills? Better yet, what are some more sustainable ways to dispose of unwanted clothing?

• Donate it. This is, obviously, everyone’s first thought. Unfortunately, much of the clothing people donate each year still winds up in the landfill. There’s so much donated clothing every year that many retailers can’t keep up with it. Often, it ends up being sent overseas, where it’s shredded and repurposed, or thrown away. That being the case, there are some great places to donate clothing, including nonprofits, schools, churches, or mutual aid groups. Call around to see who can use what you need to discard. You can also look into online groups like freecycle, where you may be able to find people to take the clothing you no longer want.
• Sell it. Consignment stores are good places to sell clothes that are in good shape, but they aren’t the only option. There are also secondhand clothing apps and sites like Poshmark and Thredup, where you can send your unwanted duds to be sold. Of course, there’s also eBay if you’re interested in managing the listings yourself.
• Recycle it. Did you know that many articles of clothing can be recycled? Fabric from worn out clothing can be shredded and used for insulation, furniture stuffing, and many other purposes. Look for textile recycling programs in your area.
• Repurpose it. There are tons of creative ideas for ways to use clothing that’s not nice enough to donate or sell. Some of your old clothing will make great cleaning rags, other items will make a perfect rag rug, or you could make a bag or stuff a pillow with clothing you no longer need.
• Swap it. Clothing swaps can be a fun way to bond with people you know and get some new clothes at no cost. Host a swap party: invite your most fashionable friends, set out some snacks, and start swapping!
• Compost it. Natural fabrics like cotton, linen, hemp, wool, bamboo, silk, and ramie are all biodegradable and can be composted. Make sure they’re not blended with anything like polyester, take out non-compostable parts like zippers and buttons, shred them thinly, and they’ll be perfect for your compost pile. Keep the ratio right, limiting your clothing to 25 percent or less of your composting.

If you need to store some old clothing while you determine the best thing to do with it, we’ve got you covered. Pouch Self Storage has been operating mini-storage facilities since 1979 and is committed to keeping our clients’ belongings safe. Founded by John Yelland, who hails from Australia, Pouch Self Storage is named in honor of the kangaroo’s pouch- nature’s safe and secure storage spot. We’re an industry leader in design, building, and maintenance of self-storage facilities, and we strive to give our occupants the most advanced security systems available. At our nine Southern California facilities, you’ll find state-of-the-art computer monitoring systems that allow our self-storage managers to monitor the opening and closing of every storage unit door, 24 hours a day. Currently, we’re abiding by CDC recommendations and implementing social distancing, but you can still reach us by calling (800) 378-4598 or contacting us through our website.