More Motivation, Less Distraction: How To Pack For Temporary Storage

17 August 2021

You’re among one of the thousands of Americans who find themselves faced with packing for temporary storage. You’re not alone… Maybe you’re staging your home for a quicker sale, making room for a home office or a temporary classroom amid the Pandemic, or desire the peace of mind that comes from a space that is free of clutter.

With so many changes in the worldwide landscape, self-storage has become an asset to homeowners and apartment dwellers. Temporary storage offers flexibility while creating room in your home and free space in your mind.

All of those distractions not only lead to lower productivity but also lead to feelings of overwhelm that disempower us from reaching our goals. Feeling encumbered by stuff is a growing trend since so many of us are faced with how many things we actually have during a shelter in place! The good news is that by utilizing temporary storage, you don’t have to wait for a bigger home to create that spacious feeling.

Whether you’re packing for temporary storage due to a transition in your personal life, or just want to free up some space in your home in you home, it can feel overwhelming to do the research necessary to begin the process.

How To Pack For Temporary Storage?

Here is a full-step guide to pack for temporary storage. read the points below to know everything about it in detail. Clearing some space in your home would also help you concentrate on doing something meaningful to your life.

Step 1: Assess the space you have

Create a flow in your home. Your things should fit neatly into the space you have. Although it may be tough to decide what you need, storing things offsite means that your stuff is not gone forever!

Get Rid of the clutter! Clutter can be overwhelming to deal with when starting to pack your belongings for storage. Once it’s out of the way, it makes the packing process so much easier. Even a few hours of decluttering can make things run a lot smoother. Try getting the family involved, and make it a game!

Step 2: Categorize & Inventory

Making lists as you categorize your items for temporary storage will make it easier for you to find them as you need them. As you gather items from each category, make a list, or take a photo of what you pack in each box. Label your boxes with a number, and mark your photograph or list with the same number for a visual index. Having a list and documentation is also an asset in the event that an unfortunate or unexpected event should occur and you need to file an insurance claim.

Things you use seasonally

Your surfboard, your kid’s inflatable pool, or your Bermuda shorts won’t be of much use when it’s snowing outside! Group all seasonal items by season, including decorations, clothing, and footwear together. When these items are packed together, and labeled, it’s so simple to swap out a few boxes at the change of season.

Sentimental Items You Don’t Need Right Away

High School Yearbooks, Stacks of your kid’s artwork, and other items that have value but are rarely used in daily life can be prepared for temporary storage, so you can access them when you need them!

Things You Need, Just Not Right Now

Heirloom furniture, boxes of books, or clothes -you’re saving for the next baby can all be stored off-site!

Step 3: Gather Materials and Pack

Following your inventory, pack items of each category together following these instructions for the safekeeping of your items.

When packing, it is important to consider that life changes quickly, and although you are packing for temporary storage, you may enjoy the spaciousness this brings and decide to keep your items packed away longer than 3-4 months! Packing items to be stored indefinitely not only safeguards your items but can offer you peace of mind in the event that plans change. Since things often take longer than expected, you can rest assured knowing that your valuable items are safe.

Be sure to use sturdy boxes, and always, always make sure the bottom is taped securely shut! Don’t overpack boxes, and make sure boxes can be comfortably lifted and moved. Pack lighter items on the top so they do not crush the contents beneath them. Fill any empty space in the box so it does not collapse.

Furniture

Clean each piece of furniture, removing any dust, debris, or food remnants. Condition any wood or leather items, and be sure to vacuum all upholstery.

Disassemble any furniture. Often the assembly instructions are long gone, so it is helpful to take photos of each step along the way, documenting hardware as you go. When it comes time to reassemble, you can review your photos in reverse, making reassembly a breeze!

Use a drop cloth, or moving blankets, wrap your items carefully for transport and storage. While bubble wrap is useful for protecting mirrors and glass, avoid using plastic coverings directly on your furniture. Plastic can trap moisture, which can cause wood to warp and upholstery to mold or mildew. Use only white drop cloths to cover wood or upholstery, as the dyes can bleed in humid environments leading to discoloration of your furniture.

Electronics

Remove any dust or debris from the item using a dry cloth. If you are storing an electronic device that stores data, be sure to back up any important information before packing it away.

Secure packing of electronics is so important! In the event of any bumps or drops, you can be at ease knowing your electronics are secure in their packaging. Remove all cords, and wind them into a circle, securing with a tie.

If possible, pack electronic items in their original packaging. If that is long gone, use a box slightly larger than your item, and create a shock-absorbing buffer firmly around the item using packing peanuts or styrofoam. Avoid using any plastics that will trap moisture, and be sure to include several silica packs to absorb any humidity.

Always keep your electronics upright. Mark an arrow on the box with the correct direction to ensure that your item is stored and transported safely.

Once your device is placed securely in the box, you can place the corresponding cords on top of the packing, and tape your box closed securely.

Clothing & Specialty Worn Items

Books, Papers, and Photographs

Since mold is a common issue when storing books, and papers, it’s recommended to ensure they are totally dry. If you live in a humid climate. Paper objects can be stored in smaller, opaque plastic totes to ensure they are kept free from moisture and light, and rodents.

Pack larger books lying flat, and store smaller books upright, as you would on your bookshelf. Never store a book on its spine, as it can cause damage to the structural integrity of the book and damage it.

Protect your photographs by storing them in an archival album before storing to ensure your photos will be around for generations. To store larger photographs, carefully place them between layers of cardboard, and lie flat.

Instruments, Art, and Other Delicate Objects

To properly store delicate objects, it is important to have a facility tha is climate controlled, even for temporary storage. Make sure all packing is secure, keeping packing materials out of direct contact with any painted areas, wood accents, or delicate features.

You May Also Like: Small Kitchen Storage Ideas

Step 4: Finding A Storage Space

It can be difficult to conceptualize how much storage space you actually need. Many self-storage websites offer guides that can help you visualize how your things will fit in the space. Some storage units are multi-level, so be sure to ask about accessibility if you need a space that is on the ground level.

If you are storing any sensitive items like instruments, electronics, or antiques, be sure to rent a climate-controlled unit.

When people think of storage, the image that comes to mind is often a traditional storage facility. While traditional storage is an excellent option for many, there are alternatives that can offer some flexibility, convenience, or some sizable savings. Maybe you have a spare vehicle that never gets used sitting in your garage. Consider storing your vehicle, renting extra space from someone in your neighborhood, or asking a family member or friend to store belongings for you.

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6 Types Of Signs Every Apartment Resident Should Know About

Signage plays a crucial role in communicating important information and guiding residents and visitors at apartment complexes. From practical wayfinding signs to eye-catching banners advertising available units, the right signs can make all the difference. This blog explores the array of sign options that apartment managers have at their disposal to effectively convey messages, improve accessibility, and enhance curb appeal. We’ll look at everything from illuminated “Vacancy” signs to inform potential renters of availability to parking designation signs that help maintain order in lots. Metal laser cut signage like building and unit number markers also make it easier for emergency responders, delivery drivers, and visitors to navigate complexes. Plus, promotional banners can attract interest from passersby. With a thoughtful signage strategy, managers can ensure their apartment community puts its best face forward while helping residents and guests seamlessly get where they need to go. Effective Safety Signage for Apartment Complexes Strategic safety signs are a must for any apartment community, helping to mitigate risk and give residents peace of mind. Required by law in many cases, these symbols and warnings serve an important function by alerting residents and visitors to potential hazards, emergency resources, and proper protocols. Exit signs with directional arrows provide critical guidance in the event of a fire or other emergency evacuation. Highly visible hazard signs denoting slippery floors or wet paint caution people to avoid dangerous conditions. Signs indicating the locations of safety equipment like fire extinguishers and defibrillators can save critical seconds in an emergency. Parking and traffic signs help maintain order in complex lots and garages. Warning symbols for loud noises, falling objects, or other construction hazards around work zones keep passersby safe. When properly placed around an apartment community, these simple but essential signs convey a message of preparedness and attention to safety that gives residents confidence in their building management. Contemporary Signage for an Inviting Apartment Atmosphere An apartment community's signage makes a strong first impression on prospective residents. To keep pace in a competitive market, modern, stylish signs are a must in showcasing an up-to-date, inviting atmosphere. Sleek, backlit LED signs at a complex's entrance identify the property while seamlessly blending contemporary aesthetics. Likewise, stylish building IDs with minimalist lettering and colors that pop evoke modern tastes. Parking signs with clean lines and high-visibility reflective vinyl or thermoplastic lettering also exude a contemporary vibe. Inside leasing offices, wayfinding signage with intuitive pictograms, sans-serif fonts, and bright accent colors speaks to today's sensibilities. Outdoor banners sporting vibrant images, short impactful phrases, and a distinctive modern style attract the gaze of passersby. Signs with polished, contemporary finishes appeal aesthetically and communicate professionalism and quality. By partnering with an innovative sign company, apartments can keep their image fresh, memorable, and inviting for new generations of renters. Promotional Signage for Apartment Events Special events help apartment communities build a sense of togetherness and camaraderie among residents. To generate buzz and boost participation, targeted signage is an invaluable promotional tool. Eye-catching vinyl banners prominently displayed at a complex's entrance build anticipation and awareness of upcoming holiday parties, poolside barbecues, and other resident events. Sandwich boards stationed in high-traffic common areas like mailrooms spread the word on everything from movie nights to fitness classes. For events like trick-or-treating or a pet parade that will draw outside visitors, roadside signs posted nearby grab attention from passersby. Temporary signage like corrugated yard signs, A-frame sidewalk signs, and posters hung in common spaces ensure residents receive frequent reminders leading up to each event. The vibrant, festive designs set a fun tone. After an event concludes, a thoughtful "Thank You" sign shows appreciation for those who participated. With the right signage strategy, apartment managers can generate buzz and bring their community together around special activities and gatherings year-round. Clear Identification Signs for Apartment Buildings A clear signage strategy is essential in any apartment community to help residents and guests easily identify buildings, units, and common spaces. Proper identification guides traffic, minimizes confusion, and improves the overall living experience. Illuminated building numbers and address signs ensure emergency responders can quickly locate the correct structures. Unit number signs on floors and doors give each residence a sense of identity. Room ID signs labeled with easy-to-read text and icons help differentiate laundries, fitness centers, lobbies, and other shared amenities. Custom room name signs add personality to spaces like game rooms or theaters. Well-designed identification signage also reinforces security. Authorized access signs for private lobbies or gated garages deter unwanted visitors. And placards labeling restricted areas like electrical rooms or roof access help keep people safe. Finally, a clear wayfinding signage strategy with directionals pointing to different building exits or parking areas simplifies navigation. With thoughtful placement and durable materials, identification signage provides clarity, security, and convenience for years of daily use. Accessible Signage for ADA Apartment Compliance In apartment complexes, proper ADA-compliant signage is a legal requirement to accommodate residents and guests with disabilities. Following ADA guidelines help ensure equal access and inclusion for all. Signs must have high visual contrast between lettering and background without glare or shadows. Grade 2 braille placed below the text provides accessibility for the blind and visually impaired. Raised characters and pictograms allow signs to be interpreted non-visually by touch. Accessible signs use simple, intuitive icons that transcend language barriers. Directional signs assist with wayfinding. Room signs identify amenities. Informational signs indicate accessible routes, entrances, exits, and areas of rescue assistance. Stairway signs guide users towards ramps. By law, permanent spaces like unit entrances and common rooms require ADA signs. Temporary signs like parking warnings should also follow recommendations. With a thoughtful sign plan incorporating contrast, braille-raised characters, and icons, apartment complexes demonstrate their commitment to creating a welcoming, navigable environment for all residents and visitors. Intuitive Wayfinding Signage for Apartment Complexes A clear wayfinding signage strategy is essential for any apartment community, allowing residents and guests to seamlessly navigate between buildings, amenities, and parking areas. Intuitive signs reduce frustration and reflect thoughtful management. Directional signs posted at complex entrances and key intersections point visitors toward leasing offices, guest parking, and specific buildings. Trailblazer signs on main walkways provide ongoing orientation. Arrows, international symbols, and maps further aid navigation at junctions. Building directories found in main lobbies centralize location information for amenities like fitness centers, pools, and business centers. Illuminated unit number signs outside stairwells and elevators confirm users are on the correct floor. Parking signs with color coding and space numbers help distinguish lots and spaces. With thoughtful placement and highly visible reflective materials, wayfinding signage ensures visitors quickly find their destination. This cuts down on circling, enhances first impressions, and communicates a resident-focused environment. Simply put, good wayfinding equals good management. Conclusion An effective signage plan is invaluable for any apartment community, serving practical and aesthetic purposes. From illuminating building numbers that assist emergency response to wayfinding signage guiding foot traffic, signage provides orientation, security, accessibility, and visual appeal. Managers must consider permanent signage needs like room IDs and ADA compliance and options for changeable messaging to promote leasing availability or resident events. The finishes and design details of all signs should align with the complex's contemporary style and branding. Utilizing sign types from digital displays to sidewalk A-frames provides flexibility. With the help of an experienced sign company, managers can develop a comprehensive signage strategy tailored to their complex's specific spaces, needs, and aspirations. From influencing first impressions to sustaining long-term functionality, signage positively impacts apartments in countless ways. When thoughtfully designed, fabricated, and placed, signage cements an apartment community's identity as an inviting, navigable place residents are proud to call home. Read Also: How to Make Your Student Apartment Feel Like Your Own House? Things You Can Do to Your Apartment to Raise Its Value 5 Interior House Painting Tips

How To Clean Evaporator Coil Without Removing?

If you want your air conditioner to perform well at all times, you will need to ensure that you maintain and clean the parts of the air conditioner on a regular basis. If you schedule your maintenance as per the requirement of the AC, then it is great. However, in some cases, people like to clean their AC themselves. If you are one of them, you might be interested to know how to clean evaporator coil without removing it when you have a dirty evaporator coil. In this article, we will basically talk about why you need to clean your AC's evaporator coil and how to clean evaporator coil without removing the coil from the AC. Before that, you will also know about what happens to the air conditioner when the evaporator gets dirty. What Happens When Your AC Coil Gets Dirty? Image Source If the evaporator coil of your AC is unclean, it puts your AC at risk. It compromises the safety and working efficiency of the AC in general. In the first, an unclean evaporator coil slows down the speed at which the air blows through the AC, as it blocks the flow of the air. If the evaporator coil contains other materials and particles like pollen and dust, it limits the efficiency of the flow of air. The following things happen when there is an unclean evaporator coil inside the air conditioner: 1. If the evaporator coil is dirty or clogged with particles, then it reduces the flow of air into your home. If there is a reduced flow of air inside your home, it will lead to a lowering of the efficiency of the cooling system of the AC. Your room takes a lot of time to cool than it normally takes, probably your evaporator coil needs cleaning. 2. There might be some cases where your room is not achieving a good level of cooling, despite running the AC for hours at a stretch. In such cases, the problem is probably more than a delay in the cooling performance of the AC. Basically, it is a negative effect on the AC's cooling capacity. 3. Another great issue that happens when the evaporator coil of your AC gets dirty is that the operating pressure increases. This increases the temperature level of the AC, as the unit is working at hotter levels. This is not good for the AC as it damages the components of the AC. 4. An unclean evaporator coil creates wear on the AC system. If one important part of the AC fails to work properly, the other parts follow suit. This is because there is more pressure on the other components of the AC. Hence, the other parts are more likely to get damaged due to the failure of one part. Therefore, you will end up with a damaged AC altogether, and repairing it will be quite expensive for you. 5. If your AC’s evaporator coil gets compromised and does not work properly, then it affects the performance of the other parts of the AC. Hence, your AC unit will have a shorter life. If you want your AC unit to perform well and serve your home for a long time, you will need to ensure that every part of your AC is clean, especially the evaporator coil. Why Do You Need Your Air Conditioner Coil Clean? Image Source You will not need to spend a lot on the repairs of the AC. Regular maintenance will keep out the issues from the AC that need repair. Before any problem turns into a bigger one, you can fix it with regular maintenance. Apart from that, if you keep your evaporator coil clean always, it will not accumulate dust and hence will perform better as a result. How To Clean AC Coils? – Things You Need? Image Source The first thing you will obviously need for your AC cleaning is an air conditioner coil cleaner. Apart from that, you will need a cotton cloth for cleaning the coil. For your own protection, wear protective goggles, and wear gloves on your hand for better protection. Furthermore, ensure that you are following the instructions properly while you are cleaning your AC’s evaporator coil. How To Clean Evaporator Coil Without Removing? Image Source The evaporator coil basically captures all the heat present in your home to condition the air inside. Apart from the evaporator coil, there is a condenser coil in the AC, which removes the air from the AC to the outside of the house. This is the way in which the AC works in colling the house. Since an evaporator is an important part of your air conditioner, hence keeping it clean will enable you to keep your air conditioner always efficient. However, if your question is, “How to clean AC evaporator coils inside house?” then you need to read the next subsection of this article. Read More: Here’s What Makes Package Units Better than the Other ACs AC Coil Cleaners - How To Clean Evaporator Coil Without Removing? Image Source The following are the ways in which you can clean the evaporator coil of your AC without removing it from the AC: Step 1: Turn down the power of the AC, and unplug the machine from the electric port. You will not need an electricity risk for yourself while cleaning. Step 2: Remove the access panel from the AC to see the evaporator coil clearly. Go over the manual of the AC, if required. The manual has instructions on where you can find the access panel. Step 3: Take the access panel off, and remove the screws from the AC. Keep the screws in a safe place. Step 4: To blow the unclean particles off, try using a compressed air canister. This will help you to easily loosen the dirt on the evaporator coil. Step 5: Put back the screws, as well as the access panel. Your evaporator coil is clean. Summing Up Hope the article helped you in knowing how to clean evaporator coil without removing it from the AC. Cleaning your AC is a part of the maintenance operation of the AC. If you maintain your AC on a regular basis, it will offer you a lot of benefits. There will be less hassle and issues on your AC as a result of regular maintenance and cleaning. If you clean the parts of your AC, your AC will look and perform as if it is fully new. Read Also: Best Paying Jobs In Electric Utilities Central How to Brew the Best Beer with an Electric Brew System 13 Ways to Maintain the Coolness of Your Air Condition Unit

What Is The Average Life Span Of A Tile Roof in Albuquerque?

Tiles look pretty appealing to visual, but are they long-lasting or not? There is no doubt that everything starts to damage after a certain period. But when it comes to a house, we must go for the option that looks appealing yet durable at the same time. Tiles on the roof look quite attractive to the sight, but the question is, what is the average life span of a tile roof? Here, we will discuss the lifespan of various types of tile roofs. So, further ado, let's find out all about tiles roof in detail below. What Is The Average Cost And Life Span Of A Tile Roof? The initial installation and up-front expenditures of tile roofs can cost a bit high than other materials. However, tile roofs survive so long before you need to replace them. A tile roof can also save you money in the long term, and you can also save money on roof repairs since you won’t need to hire roof repair contractors in Albuquerque. 1. Concrete Tiles Concrete tiles can range from $4.00 to $9.00 per square foot on average. Concrete tiles are more durable and heavier than clay tiles. Concrete tiles can last for up to 50 years or more on average, depending on how you take care of them. Concrete roof tiles also have an interlocking installation feature which can reduce labor time and installation costs. They are lighter than clay tiles, making installation easier and your property safer in the long term if the roof structure begins to deteriorate. 2. Clay Tiles Clay tiles are less expensive and easier to maintain than other types of tiles. Clay tiles can last for up to 90 years if you keep them properly. Installing clay tiles is more expensive than installing a shingle roof. The price of clay tiles varies between $10 and $17 per square foot. Clay tiles occur in various styles, and you can pick a design as per your choice. However, one must pay attention to the weight of clay tiles, as with other tile roofs. Also, make sure your home's current roofing structure and frame can sustain a relatively heavier roofing material. 3. Slate Tiles These tiles are an environmentally friendly, attractive, and long-lasting roof installation alternative. However, slate tiled roofs can be more costly than concrete or clay. These tiles range from $9 to $16 per square foot. Also, it requires a lot of labor to install due to its weight and construction method. Slate roofing is impenetrable to extreme weather because it is stone. So, you can anticipate a slate tiles roof to endure up to 100 years or even more. 4. Terracotta Tiles Terracotta is a tough material that can survive hundreds of years if you take care of them properly. Terracotta is also waterproof and fire-resistant, providing excellent weather protection. A complete, tiled terracotta roof's durability is also determined by how well it is built and maintained. The terracotta roof tiles installation costs $10 to $25 per square foot. It includes a $5 to $10 per square foot material cost, slightly higher than other materials. Terracotta roof tiles have a life can be of up to 75 years if you maintain them properly. Even with minimal maintenance, these tiles can last up to 50 years. Terracotta is a heavy roofing material, weighing between 600 and 650 pounds per square foot. 5. Solar Tiles Solar tiles are a moderately new roofing option that more people consider while constructing their house roofs. The appearance of solar roof tiles is similar to that of a fresh asphalt shingle roof. Solar tiles are pretty expensive, ranging from $20 to $26 per square foot. These tiles are similar to asphalt in protecting a roof from the elements and durability. Solar tiles can provide electricity for a house directly powered by the sun. Also, solar roofing tiles can provide anywhere from 14 to 64 watts of energy, depending on the number of tiles available on your roof. Conclusion The roof is one of the most important parts of any house. Apart from protecting us from extreme weather, it also plays a significant role in increasing the structure's beauty and aesthetics. A roof constructed with tiles can be the best option that looks visually appealing and has a good lifespan. It costs a bit high initially, but tiles roof can last for up to 100 years if you take care of their maintenance. Read Also: Top Roofing Tips Does Your Flat Roof Need To Be Replaced? Spot The Warning Signs Everything You Need To Know About Metal Roofing: Pros, Cons, And Costs

More Motivation, Less Distraction: How To Pack For Temporary Storage