storage tips – TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®

February 13, 2023March 6, 2023 Movers Who Blog Organizing, Tips and Tricks

Top 5 items you’ll want to avoid putting into storage

There’s never a bad time to look into purchasing a storage unit or space for storage, as it gives you somewhere else that isn’t your home or business to safely keep your belongings.

Storage can free up other much-needed space which can be extremely helpful during home renovations, moving, staging your home to sell, office cleanouts or renovations – really anything! However, it can be a little easier said than done with finding a storage space, and there’s a lot to consider before you decide.

Many storage facilities have set regulations and rules specific to their operation, but there is also a general list of items which cannot be held in storage units everywhere. It’s important to know what these are so you can plan accordingly.

Firearms or ammunition

The first bullet point on this list is a bit subjective, because some storage facilities may have different rules or interpretations of what can be stored when it comes to firearms and ammunition. With firearms, some may allow it, but check with the facility to see what is and isn’t allowed.

With ammunition, more often than not, you’ll find it isn’t allowed due to its combustibility and flammability. Simply put: they can be a hazard.

Combustible or flammable items

Speaking of being combustible and flammable – you’ll want to avoid storing anything else that fits this description in your storage unit, too. These types of items are dangerous and can put both your belongings and the belongings of all other storage units at the facility in danger should they catch fire.

Medical supplies

Some medical supplies contain radioactive material, which can’t be kept in storage. This is an area where you want to be extremely cautious and also ask questions to find out what is and isn’t acceptable.

One thing worth considering: you don’t want to find yourself needing a certain medical supply when it’s packed away in storage, so it’s best to find somewhere else to keep these items.

Scented candles and soap

It might not seem like a big deal, but it can be more of an issue than you realize when keeping soaps and candles in storage. These can attract mice or rats, which would be a huge problem for you. Anything that gives off a smell like perfume or lotion should also be stored with caution.

Unregistered vehicles

Vehicle storage is extremely popular, but vehicles must be up to date on their registration and meet the necessary guidelines for storage in your particular state. Some states classify unregistered vehicles as an abandoned vehicle.

All five of the topics listed above should be kept in consideration when getting ready to place items in storage. Are you looking for a storage plan in the near future? Select TWO MEN AND A TRUCK locations offer safe and secure onsite storage! Click here to learn more.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the United States. Let us help move you forward! For more helpful tips and information on moving services subscribe to our blog and like us on Facebook.

May 16, 2022 Movers Who Blog Uncategorized

Avoid these 5 items when preparing to store items in a storage unit

If you have a move on the horizon or are in the process of relocation, one service which can really lessen the burden is storage for extra belongings.

In the midst of these situations, you’re often just looking for a place to put things – regardless of what they are. Having them out of the way will create more space, which in turn will eliminate some of the stress you might be feeling. However, finding a storage unit isn’t as easy as it sounds, and there are many things to consider when packing and getting ready to put our items into a unit.

Storage facilities all have their own set of regulations and guidelines specific to their business, but there are also many things which cannot be put into storage, and it’s important to know what these are. We’ll go over a few of them below!

Combustible or flammable items

You’re probably reading this first one and thinking “obviously”, but it’s still worth mentioning. Anything which is combustible or flammable shouldn’t be kept in a storage unit, as it puts both your belongings and the rest of the storage facility in danger should it catch fire.

Firearms or ammunition

This area can get a bit tricky. With firearms, some storage facilities may allow it, but it’s best to check with them before hand so you don’t run into any issues.

As for ammunition – this is generally never allowed in storage, mostly for the same reasons mentioned above with combustible or flammable items. It can be a hazard.

Unregistered vehicles

Medical supplies

Be sure to take extra caution and ask your storage unit about their rules with medical supplies. Some medical equipment contains radioactive material, which isn’t legally allowed to be kept in storage.

Also – you don’t want to find yourself needing something related to medical supplies when it’s packed away in a storage unit somewhere.

Soaps and scented candles

While it initially might seem like a big deal when you see this, it actually can be. These types of materials often attract mice or rats, which can become a huge problem for your storage until. Anything giving off a smell like perfume or lotion should be stored with caution.

These are all very important things to keep in mind as you find the best storage solution for you. If you’re in the process of looking for storage, select TWO MEN AND A TRUCK locations offer storage options! Click here to learn more.

April 5, 2021April 26, 2021 Movers Who Blog Moving

Utilizing a storage unit? Here are 5 items you’ll want to avoid packing into your storage unit.

Storage can really take stress off your plate, whether you’re in the middle of relocating, undergoing home renovations, or you just need somewhere to keep a few belongings that are in the way.

Finding a storage unit to fit your needs can be a challenge – here are some helpful tips for those who are interested in storage – but it’s also important to know the items you can’t put into storage. All storage facilities have their own guidelines and regulations for the facility, so it’s important to work with them before purchasing storage space to determine what can and cannot go into your storage unit.

There are some basic items which should never be placed into storage – we’ll cover these below!

Medical supplies

Also – you don’t want to find yourself needing something related to medical supplies when it’s packed away in a storage unit somewhere.

Combustible or flammable items

This seems like common sense, but it’s still worth pointing out. Items which are combustible or flammable shouldn’t be kept in a storage unit for any reason, as it brings an element of danger for both your belongings and other storage units in the facility.

Firearms and ammunition

When it comes to firearms, be sure to check with the storage unit facility on their policies regarding these items – some prohibit the types of firearms allowed in storage, while others ban it entirely.

Ammunition, on the other hand, is not allowed in storage unit for the same reasons mentioned above: it falls in line with what’s considered to be combustible and presents a hazard to the storage facility.

Unregistered vehicles

Vehicle storage is still one of the top types of storage options that people seek out, but you want to make sure your vehicle registration is up-to-date and meets the guidelines within your particular state. Some states will classify unregistered vehicles as an abandoned vehicle.

Soaps and scented candles

Keep all of this in mind before you start taking belongings to be kept at a storage facility. If you’re looking for storage needs, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK offers storage options at select franchises around the country. Click here to learn more!

February 8, 2021March 1, 2021 Movers Who Blog TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

Determining a storage solution to fit your needs: 6 important tips to know

You never know when the need for storage options might come into play, but it’s important to do your research and find the best solution for you before making a decision.

Storing your belongings is a great option for short or long term when you need to get items out of the way. This could be when you’re moving, completing home renovations, or if you’re a business who is undergoing changes at the office or moving from one building to the next.

There are many places that offer storage, And select TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® franchises across the country offer customers multiple storage plans for those who just need storage, or for those who plan to add it to their moves.

Contact your local franchise today to see what storage plans they offer and how they can assist with your storage needs. In the meantime, here are a few helpful storage tips we’ve come up with for you!

Determine your specific need for storage

Generally, there are two main types of storage: standard and climate-controlled. What you’ll need depends on what type of items you’ll be putting into storage.

Factors like cold, heat, or moisture that can cause damage – as well as items like documents, electronics, or clothing – might require climate-controlled storage.

Do some research

Be sure to do extensive research and see what others are saying about a company before you decided to pay for storage with them. Company reviews online can be very telling, and you’ll be able to get a sense for how they treat their customers and their customers’ belongings based on what has been said in the past about service options.

What size storage unit will you need?

Figure out everything you’re going to be placing in storage and make an assessment of how much it is to help you determine what size storage unit you’ll need. A helpful reminder: always get a storage unit slightly bigger than the amount of belongings you have so you are able to navigate through it if needed.

Ask about accessibility

Some facilities offer 24-hour access, and others operate on set schedules based on their hours of operation. Be sure to ask about this and then determine how important this is to you when deciding on a storage plan. It’s also important to remember some storage facilities charge access fees if you need to get into the unit.

Purchase insurance

As it is with most situations involving your personal belongings, it’s always a good idea to get insurance to protect your items in case of damages or an accident. If your storage facility doesn’t offer insurance plans, check with your home owner’s insurance company to see if they can offer protection.

Things that shouldn’t be kept in a storage unit

Not everything is meant to go into storage, and it’s important to know what items you should avoid putting into your storage unit.

Common items that cannot be kept in a unit include but are not limited to:

-Medical supplies

-Firearms and ammunition

-Unregistered vehicles

-Perishable food items

-Candles or soaps

-Combustible or flammable materials

It’s best to contact the company you select for storage to find out if they have any additional or specific items that can’t be kept in their facilities to avoid any issues.

January 4, 2021January 25, 2021 Movers Who Blog Uncategorized

Holiday décor still on display? Use these 4 helpful packing tips to safely pack them away for the season.

Just like that, the holidays have somehow passed us by and now we’re gearing up for the rest of the winter months as we head into 2021.

Although the holidays were a bit different than most years, there’s still a good chance that some decorations and other holiday items were brought out around the home to bring some holiday cheer. Whether it’s decorations, furniture that needs to be rearranged, or just determining what to do with old items you’re replacing with new gifts – packing away the holiday season can be tiresome.

Thankfully, we’re here to point you in the right direction with a few packing and storage tips to make the process a little more manageable.

Develop a plan

When completing a packing job, it’s always best to come up with a plan that you can follow and execute. Packing is a process, and not always a quick endeavor. It’s important to keep this in mind as you go along.

Assess the areas where you will be packing stuff away, pick a starting point, and go room-by-room throughout your home or business. This will help you tackle the packing process in chunks, and will help you stay organized.

Pack with efficiency

This is another extremely important thing to keep in mind when packing. Holiday decorations and other items of that nature tend to be a little more fragile, so using care while packing is a must to prevent them from breaking.

Use professional packing supplies to keep everything safe and protected. Packing paper, tissue paper, and bubble wrap go great with quality moving boxes to help keep your items from breaking during packing and when they go into storage. This also makes it even easier for the next holiday season when you’re unpacking and putting out your décor.

Need packing supplies? Give us a call! We offer a full-line of packing supplies to fit any need.

Use professional moving boxes

Building off the point above, high-quality moving boxes are ideal for safety and protection. They stack nicely and ensure your items will be protected as they are stored for the year.

Quality moving boxes – like the ones we offer to customers – will give you the peace of mind that your keepsakes are packed away safely as they’re put into a closest, attic, basement, or storage area. Be sure to label these boxes accurately so that next holiday season, you know where everything is.

Rearranging or putting furniture back into storage

If you displayed extra furniture for more seating during the holidays, that means you’ll need to get it back into storage at some point. Or you might need an extra hand with rearranging it in your home.

Regardless of the type of furniture you have – don’t move more than you can handle. If you have too much or something too heavy to move, give us a call – our movers can come to your home and move whatever you need! This includes moving items around within your home or to a storage facility.

July 20, 2020August 10, 2020 Movers Who Blog Uncategorized

Top 5 tips for determining a storage solution to fit your needs

The need for storage can come at any time, whether you have items you’re trying to move from one place to the next, or just belongings you need moved out of the way while you complete home renovations or cleaning.

Both short-term and long-term storage solutions can help with these scenarios, but before you take your items to a storage facility, it’s best to figure out what type of storage solution fits your needs best.

There are many different types of storage options, including utilizing facilities with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchises. Select franchise locations are able to offer customers a wide-range of storage separately or in addition to your move to make the process even easier!

Below, we’ve assembled a few helpful tips for those looking into storage options.

Do your research

One of the best steps to take when looking at storage options is to look at company reviews. Storage is pretty straightforward, so you’ll be able to get a good feel for how the business operates based on what customers in the past have said and avoid taking your belongings somewhere that isn’t trustworthy, safe, or clean.

Determine the type of storage you need

Depending on the type of items you are putting into storage, factors like cold, heat, dust, or moisture that can damage them might require climate-controlled storage.

Other items like documents, electronics, clothing, and other accessories usually need climate-controlled units.

What size unit do you need for storage?

Take an assessment of what items you’ll be putting into storage to get an idea of the size of storage unit you’ll need.

A helpful tip is to get a storage unit that is a little bigger than what you need so you’re able to enter and navigate around the unit if needed.

Learn how much access your storage provider offers

Some storage facilities offer 24-hour access and others operate on set schedules, so make a decision based on how often you’ll need to be entering your storage unit. It’s also important to remember that in some scenarios, storage facilities charge access fees every time you need to get into your storage unit.

Buy insurance

Like anything that involves your personal possessions, it’s important to get insurance to protect your belongings in the case of damage or an accident. If your storage facility does not provide insurance, contact your renter’s or homeowner’s insurance agent to come up with a plan.

Things that shouldn’t be kept in a storage unit

Not everything is meant to go into storage, and it’s important to know what items you should avoid putting into your storage unit.

Common items that cannot be kept in a unit include but are not limited to:

-Medical supplies

-Firearms and ammunition

-Unregistered vehicles

-Perishable food items

-Candles or soaps

-Combustible or flammable materials

It’s best to contact the company you select for storage to find out if they have any additional or specific items that can’t be kept in their facilities to avoid any issues.

March 23, 2020April 6, 2020 Movers Who Blog Packing

Five items to avoid packing in a storage unit

When it comes to relocation, downsizing, or just finding a place to keep some of your personal belongings for a designated period of time, storage options can be really handy solutions.

There are a few important things you should look for when finding a storage solution that best fits your needs, but also keep in mind what you can’t keep in a storage unit. Each storage unit facility has their own regulations and guidelines for what can and cannot be kept in their units, and it’s important to find out what those are prior to making arrangements.

We’ve highlighted five items you should avoid storing.

Scented soaps and candles

Scented soaps and candles seem harmless, right? On the surface, yes. However, when it comes to keeping them in a storage unit, the strong scent is liable to attract vermin such as mice or rats. Anything with a strong smell like perfume, lotions, etc., should be stored with caution.

If you absolutely need to store these items, take extra precaution and wrap them in an airtight container.

Unregistered vehicles

Firearms and ammunition

Firearms in storage units can vary by facility, and generally there isn’t a single “one size fits all” answer. Some storage facilities prohibit the types of firearms stored, while others don’t allow it at all.

As for ammunition – this is not allowed in a storage facility because ammunition falls in the same line as combustible materials and presents a hazard to the storage facility.

Medical supplies

Use caution and talk with the storage company before deciding to store any medical supplies in your storage unit. Many medical equipment items contain radioactive material that isn’t legally allowed to be kept in a storage unit.

Combustible or flammable materials

It seems like common sense, but it’s still worth mentioning that you should never store flammable or combustible materials in a storage unit. These items are dangerous and prohibited, and put your storage unit belongings and the belongings of others in danger.

February 17, 2020March 9, 2020 Movers Who Blog Uncategorized

What you should be looking for when picking out storage solutions before, during, or after your move

Often times when you have belongings you need to get rid of, move, or just simply move out of the way for something else, it’s hard to find a solution that can fit your needs.

One solution is long or short-term storage, as finding a storage unit to keep your belongings in can assist you in a variety of situations, from creating more space around your home, downsizing, or relocating. The first step is figuring out what storage unit or facility fits you best, then deciding what you need to keep in there and for how long.

With so many different types of storage options available and with select TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchise locations now offering a wide-range of storage options to customers, we decided to compile a few storage tips to steer you in the right direction.

Determine the type of storage unit you need

You might have items that can be affected by different outside factors like heat, cold, dust, or moisture, so you need to find a storage unit that is climate-controlled to help with this.

Other belongings like electronics, documents, clothing, and random accessories also fall in line with items that need to be stored inside a climate-controlled unit.

Research different companies to find the best fit for you

Reading reviews of a storage company online will not only give you a good feel for the company, but it will provide you with some details on how the service is and what you can expect. The last thing you want to do is put your belongings in the hands of a company that isn’t trustworthy.

What size storage unit do you need?

It’s smart to assess what items you will be placing in storage to give you an idea of the size of storage unit you’ll need. It’s always a good plan to get a unit that’s a little bit bigger than you need just so you’re able to get inside and navigate around.

Figure out how much access you’ll have

Some storage facilities provide 24-hour access, while others may only be open during set schedules. Determine the access level you’ll need before making your purchase. Keep in mind, depending on the type of storage you choose, some companies may also charge an access fee each time you need to get to your belongings.

Get insurance

There’s no such thing as being “too safe” when it comes to your personal belongings, so find out if the company who is offering storage provides insurance. If they don’t, contact your renters or home owner’s insurance agent to come up with a plan to keep your belongings protected.

What not to keep in a storage unit

While the tips above are important to keep in mind when deciding on a storage plan that best fits your needs, it’s also important to know what type of items shouldn’t be kept in storage.

Common items that cannot be kept in a unit include but are not limited to:

-Medical supplies

-Firearms and ammunition

-Unregistered vehicles

-Perishable food items

-Candles or soaps

-Combustible or flammable materials

It’s best to contact the company you select for storage to find out if they have any additional or specific items that can’t be kept in their facilities to avoid any issues.

January 21, 2019February 11, 2019 Movers Who Blog Downsizing, Hiring Professional Movers, Home Sweet Home, Moving, Packing, Tips and Tricks, Uncategorized

Use these 4 holiday packing tips to ease your holiday fatigue

With the bustling holiday season now behind us, that means the fun decorations and lights must come down and get packed into storage for the next 11 months until it’s time to do it again!

Although it’s not always an enjoyable task (hence why we still see Christmas lights in February!) but with the proper planning and execution, it doesn’t have to be such a burden.

We’ve put together a few quick and helpful tips to make the holiday season clean up a breeze.

Have a plan

Taking down the holiday decorations and getting everything moved and packed can’t be finished in 20 minutes – it takes time and planning to get the job done right and to get those breakable items stored away safe and sound.

Examine your current situation, pick a place to start, and go room-by-room as you take everything down, carefully and efficiently wrapping and packing them away. This will also help when it comes to organizing your belongings in storage.

Boxes, boxes, boxes

There’s no such thing as “too many” boxes, especially around the holidays, and that’s why it’s important to have an abundance on-hand to ensure everything has a place to go.

Boxes will provide enough space to keep everything, and will also make moving items into a closet or storage that much easier and organized. Be sure to label each box so that when next year comes, you can find exactly what you’re looking for!

Put away that extra furniture

Chances are that at some point during the holiday season, you had to get out extra furniture to accommodate for guests during holiday parties and visits. Whether this furniture will be moved into another room, a closet, the garage, or storage – be sure to only move what you can handle.

If there is too much to move or something that is too heavy, give our movers a call – they’re happy to help you move items in your home!

Pack with a purpose

Even more so than normal, packing away holiday items requires extra care and attention to detail, as these are often specialty items that can be fragile or easily broken. Remember to use proper packing supplies like packing paper, tissue paper, and bubble wrap to protect those ornaments and decorations as they go back into boxes. It’s also a good idea to pack ornaments in our specialty dish pack box where there are sections that are perfect for wrapped ornaments.

Always keep in mind, the heavier the items, the smaller the box. Be For additional packing tips from our moving professionals, click here.

April 23, 2018May 7, 2018 Movers Who Blog Downsizing, Organizing, Packing, Tips and Tricks, Uncategorized

Five things you should never keep in your storage unit

This is a guest blog post from Price Self Storage.

Whether you’re relocating, downsizing, or just need a place to hold onto a few of your things, a personal storage unit often serves as the best option. Public storage units offer people a safe place to store most of their belongings. In fact, everything from old clothes and furniture to large cars and boats can be stored at an appropriate storage facility. Still, sometimes you may find yourself in a position where you shouldn’t store some of your things inside your personal storage unit.

One of the best parts about investing in a personal storage unit remains the level of versatility and flexibility they provide. Whenever you find yourself in need of a little extra space around the house or a place to keep some seasonal decorations, you can always rely on your personal storage unit. While this level of flexibility is often one of the key draws of renting a personal storage unit, there are a few things you should always avoid storing inside of them.

#1: Combustible or flammable materials

On the list of items to never store inside of your public storage unit, combustible and flammable materials should be at the top. These items are considered to be “inherently dangerous”, and are usually prohibited from most storage facilities. These items are cause for concern when it comes to public storage facilities because of the dangers that it presents to the entire facility, not just your own personal unit.

#2: Unregistered vehicles

Believe it or not, vehicle storage remains one of the most common reasons that people seek a public storage facility in the first place. When it comes to the specifics of storing a vehicle, these regulations can vary by state. One thing you’ll definitely want to take note of is whether or not stored vehicles in your state require their registration to be up-to-date. When an unregistered vehicle is kept in public storage facility, some states will classify this as an abandoned vehicle.

#3: Scented candles and soaps

Something a lot of people don’t consider when storing certain items is the way they smell. Scented items such as candles and soaps may seem harmless, but they actually pose a threat to your personal storage unit and the entire storage facility.

Items with a strong scent can be stored, but often also attract vermin such as rats and mice. Aside from scented candles and soaps, anything with a strong scent, like makeup, perfume, lotion, etc., should also be stored with caution. If you really must store a scented item inside of your personal storage unit, take the extra time to wrap it up and place it inside an airtight container in order to decrease the odds of attracting vermin.

#4: Medical supplies

Doomsday preppers may think to cram as many medical supplies as they can into their apocalypse cache. While seemingly innocuous in nature, you should always proceed with caution when looking to store medical supplies and equipment. Many of these items contain radioactive material that cannot be legally stored within a self-storage facility.

#5: Firearms and ammunition

When it comes to finding a place to store your firearms and ammunition, there isn’t a one-size fits all approach. Many self-storage facilities prohibit the storage of firearms and beyond that, some states prohibit such behavior all together. In regards to storing ammunition, however, it’s an entirely different story.

Ammunition cannot be stored in a storage unit, regardless of whether or not it is stored with or without firearms. Ammunition, much like other combustibles such as fireworks and gasoline, are considered to be inherently dangerous and cannot be stored within a storage facility. When storing ammunition in your home, be sure to do so in a safe place, out of the reach of children and pets. Additionally, ensure your ammunition is kept in a cool, dry place as extreme heat and can cause a serious issue for stored ammunition.

Addressing concerns over what to store

When moving items into your storage unit, some things may immediately raise red flags with concerns while others might not. The best thing to do if you have concerns about the items you’re planning on moving in is to check with the staff at your storage facility and see what is allowed.

About the Author

Price Self Storage provides reliable self-storage to residents throughout California. With over a dozen different storage facilities across the state, they are one of the most trusted and affordable self-storage facilities around.

Patrons of Price Self Storage rest assured knowing that they’ll always be able to find a storage unit that fits their specific needs. Featuring storage units ranging in sizes from as small as 4 x 5 to as large as 20 x 30, there’s always a storage unit for you whether you’re storing a few old things or your boat or RV.