Storage 101: The 5 Kinds of Self Storage

At one point or another, most of us have looked around our homes and felt like we were running out of space. You might be wondering "do I need a climate controlled storage unit?" While that may be the route to go, we want to talk about long term ways to make the most of the climate control in the home you already ownThese tips will help you make the most of your small home and keep your belongings safe and protected from the elements.How to Maximize Your Space With Climate-Controlled Storage Ideas1. Install a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your storage space.If your home is not properly temperature regulated, it could be damaging your stored belongings. Too much heat (and excessive humidity) can cause things like furniture, electronics, and musical instruments to warp and discolor. Excessive humidity if left unchecked can lead to mold and mildew growth. And, if the temperature gets too cold, metal can become brittle and glass can crack.A programmable thermostat is an easy way to maintain a comfortable temperature in your storage space, while also conserving energy. Simply set the thermostat to turn on when you need it and off when you don't, and you'll never have to worry about excess heat or cold damaging your belongings again. Climate-controlled units at South Rock Storage are an excellent option if this sounds like something best handled by someone else.2. Store your clothing in airtight containers to keep them fresh and free of wrinkles. Airtight storage containers will keep your clothing looking its best and prevent it from becoming musty or wrinkled. Plus, airtight storage containers are great for preventing bugs and moths from getting to your clothing.Make sure to find durable clear plastic with a snap-tight lid. You can stack multiple containers on top of each other, making them perfect for small spaces. And when you're ready to take your clothes out of storage, the clear plastic construction makes it easy to see what's inside each container.3. Store out-of-season clothing in vacuum-sealed bags.Seasonal clothing can take up a lot of space, especially if you live in an area with drastic temperature changes. If you want to free up some space, consider storing your out-of-season clothing in vacuum-sealed bags.This will not only save space, but it will also keep your clothing from taking up valuable closet space. Vacuum-sealed bags are airtight, so they will protect your clothing from dust, moisture, and insects. Plus, they are easy to store and transport.4. Place a dehumidifier in your storage area to keep your belongings from becoming damaged.Keeping your storage area dry is important to protect your belongings from moisture damage. A dehumidifier can help to remove excess moisture from the air, keeping your storage area dry and preventing your belongings from becoming damaged.Dehumidifiers come in a variety of sizes, so you can choose one that is appropriate for the size of your storage area. Be sure to empty the water reservoir regularly, as the dehumidifier will not be able to function properly if it becomes full. Alternatively, rent an indoor climate-controlled storage unit at South Rock Storage where temperatures remain consistent all year round without worrying about this step anymore!5. Buy a beverage fridge that can be used as a storage unit.If you are an avid wine collector, then you know how important it is to store your wine in a cool, dark place. But what if you could do more than just store your wine? What if you could also display it in a beautiful, stylish way? That's where a beverage fridge comes in.A beverage fridge is a great addition to any home, and it can be used for much more than just storing wine. With its sleek design and adjustable shelves, a beverage fridge can also be used as a storage unit for other items, such as glassware, liquor, and even cigars. So if you're looking for a versatile piece of furniture that will help you organize your home and display your wine collection in style, then a beverage fridge is the perfect option for you.7. Insulate your attic.Everyone knows they need to insulate their attic but not everyone knows the true cost of not doing it properly. Not only does this protect your belongings from extreme temperatures, but it also helps to keep your home more energy-efficient. The average home loses about 20-30% of its heat through the roof, and uninsulated attics are a major contributor to this heat loss. By insulating your attic, you can help to keep your home more comfortable and reduce your energy costs by about 15%.Other things that happen if the attic is not insulated are as follows:The pipes might freeze during the winterIn the summer, the heat will build up and could potentially cause damage to your belongings.By keeping the heat in during the winter and the cool air in during the summer, you can save money on your energy bills. In addition, insulation can help to reduce noise pollution from outside sources.8. Create an insulated wall. Homeowners who are interested in saving energy and reducing their monthly utility bills should make sure that their homes are well insulated. Insulating walls, attics, and crawlspaces can help to keep heat in during the winter and cool air in during the summer, resulting in significant energy savings.In addition, insulating your home can help to reduce noise pollution and make your home more comfortable overall. There are a variety of insulation materials available on the market, so it's important to consult with a professional to determine which type of insulation is best for your needs. By taking the time to insulate your home properly, you can enjoy substantial savings on your energy bills for years to come. Moreover, it will also help to protect your belongings from damage caused by extreme temperatures.What Are Climate-Controlled Self-Storage Units?Climate-controlled self-storage units are temperature and humidity-controlled. This means that the units maintain a constant temperature and humidity level that protect your belongings from the damaging effects of extreme weather conditions.Some examples of items you can store in climate-controlled self-storage units are:FurnitureElectronicsBooksDocumentsClothingWineTemperature and humidity can damage your belongings, so it's important to store them in a controlled environment. By renting a climate-controlled self-storage unit, you can ensure that your belongings are protected against the elements.What Are the Benefits of Using Climate-Controlled Self-Storage Units?Climate-controlled self-storage units in Wichita, KS offer a number of benefits as follows:These units can protect your belongings from damage caused by extreme weather conditions, such as heat, cold, humidity, and moisture.They can help to prevent the growth of mold and mildew, which can damage your belongings. They can help to keep your belongings organized and easy to find.Climate-controlled self storage units also come in different sizes to accommodate your storage needs. Some of the most popular sizes and what they can fit are:5'x10'x8' - This size can fit the contents of a small closet, such as clothing, linens, and towels.10'x10'x8' - This size can fit the contents of a one-bedroom apartment, such as furniture, appliances, and boxes.Final ThoughtsWhen looking for self-storage, don't forget about the importance of climate control feature. The temperatures in Wichita, Kansas can vary a great deal. The city experiences very hot summers as high as 114 degrees Fahrenheit and very cold winters with temperatures as low as 16 degrees Fahrenheit. These extreme temperature changes can damage your belongings, so it's important to store them in a climate-controlled self-storage unit. By doing so, you can ensure that your belongings are protected against the elements and will stay in good condition. Contact South Rock Storage if you're interested in learning more about climate-controlled self-storage units in Wichita, Kansas. Our team would be happy to answer any questions that you have.

Our 10 ft. by 20 ft. and 10 ft. by 30 ft. units with 9 ft. wide doors are perfect for temporary or long-term storage of your vehicle. As you prepare to bring your vehicle in for storage, follow our helpful guide for proper storage to extend the life of your vehicle, keeping it looking new and running in top condition.Please note that these are our recommendations. Do your research, and consult your owner's manual for specific instructions.Check with your insurance carrierWhether you're storing your car for the winter or long-term, it's essential to check with your insurance carrier first. Many insurance companies offer specific coverage for vehicles in storage, which is often less expensive than on-road coverage.Some carriers even offer comprehensive only coverages that can save you even more money. In addition, be sure to ask about any discounts that may be available.Some insurers offer discounts for storing your car in a secure location, such as a garage or storage unit. Others may give you a break on your premium if you agree to limit the time your car is in storage.By doing your research, you can be sure you're getting the best coverage for your needs.Clean your carWe always recommend that you clean your car, inside and out, thoroughly before storage. Wash the exterior and use your favorite wax over the entire exterior of the car to get rid of all imperfections and offer a protective layer on your paint. This will protect the paint from the possibility of corrosion.After that, remove all trash and debris inside the car. Vacuum thoroughly to remove all pet hair, food crumbs, and dirt. If you have leather seats, condition them with a quality leather conditioner to prevent cracking and fading.Once you've done all that, give your car one final wipe down with a microfiber cloth to pick up any residual dirt or dust. Now you're one step closer to storing your car!Remove all personal belongings from the carMake sure to remove all personal belongings from your car before storage. This includes clothes, garbage, food, and any loose items. If you have a trunk, be sure to clean it out as well. The less there is in your car, the less chance there is for mold or mildew to grow.Not only will this prevent items from getting damaged during storage, but it will also help to keep the car clean and organized.Change the oil and filter‍‍Before storing your car for an extended time, it is crucial to change the oil and filter. Used oil contains acids, moisture, and other byproducts of combustion, which can cause corrosion in the engine if left unchanged.We recommend changing your oil and filter a few days before auto storage to prevent this. Once the oil has been changed, drive the car for several miles to allow the new oil to circulate through the entire engine. By following these simple steps, you can help ensure that your car remains in good condition while in storage.Rotate the tiresIf you are planning on storing your car for more than a month, we recommend that you rotate the tires. This will help to prevent flat spots from developing on the tires.To rotate the tires, jack up the car and remove the wheels. Then, switch the position of the front and rear tires. For example, if the front tires are on the left side of the car, move them to the right side.Once the tires have been rotated, lower the car back down and tighten the lug nuts. Check the pressure in all four tires before driving the car again.Fill the gas tank‍As any car owner knows, regular maintenance is essential to keeping your vehicle in good condition. This is especially true if you plan to store your car for an extended time.One crucial step in vehicle storage is filling your gas tank. This will help to prevent moisture and air from entering your tank and damaging your engine. In addition, it will help to keep your car's fuel system in good working order.Moreover, use a fuel stabilizer to keep the fuel from breaking down and forming varnish when it evaporates. This can clog your fuel injectors and carburetor and harm your engine.By taking these simple steps, you can help ensure that your car will be ready to hit the road when you are.Cover your car with a tarpMany aftermarket car tarps available will help prevent the build-up of dust on your vehicle. A waterproof tarp is also a good idea if you live in an area with a lot of rain or snow.We recommend using a tarp designed explicitly for car storage for the best protection. These tarps are made from durable materials and help keep your car clean and dry while in storage.Be sure to roll up your windows before applying the tarp to prevent any bugs or dust from getting inside. These tarps typically hug the vehicle tightly, so there is no risk of them blowing off in high winds.Depending on your climate, you may need to re-apply the tarp every few months to prevent any permanent damage to your car's paint job.These simple steps will help keep your car clean and dust-free.Care for your batteryWhat to do with your car battery when you store your car for the winter is a matter of some controversy among car specialists. However, consulting your owner's manual is always the best action.You may find that the manufacturer has a specific suggestion about what to do with the battery. If not, there are three leading schools of thought on the matter.Some specialists suggest removing the battery and placing it on a wooden block so the battery won't be drained. Others will recommend leaving the battery in the car (but disconnecting the negative (-) terminal of the battery).Finally, other car specialists insist that the battery should be left intact in the car to prevent voltage spikes (which can damage various components).Ultimately, you will need to weigh the pros and cons of each approach and decide what is best for your situation.Use a battery maintainerOne of the most important things you can do to prepare your car for storage is to use a battery maintainer. This device plugs into your car's cigarette lighter and provides a steady stream of electricity to the battery, keeping it charged and preventing it from draining. This is especially important if you plan to store your car for an extended time.Using a battery maintainer can help ensure that your car's battery will be in good working order when you are ready to hit the road again.Put up your convertible topConvertibles are a fun and stylish way to enjoy warmer weather, but they require a bit more care than traditional cars. One crucial tip for convertible owners is to store the vehicle with the top-up. Doing this helps to prevent the formation of large creases in the fabric.If you need to store the car with the top down, treat the fabric with silicone or other lubricants. This will help to keep the material supple and prevent creasing. With a little bit of care, you can enjoy your convertible for many years to come.Choose the right storage facilityNot all storage facilities are created equal. When you're looking for a place to store your car, choosing a facility that offers features like 24-hour security and easy access is crucial.The last thing you want is to worry about your car while it's in storage. By choosing the right storage facility, you can rest assured knowing your vehicle is in good hands.At South Rock Storage, we offer a variety of features to help keep your car safe and secure. Our facility has security cameras and gated access, so you can rest assured knowing your vehicle is in good hands. We have been in the business since 2006, and we offer a variety of storage options to choose from.Please note that the above tips are just recommendations. Different models have different requirements, and what works for one car may not be appropriate for another. Before undertaking any car maintenance, it's essential to consult your owner's manual.