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Renting a storage unit is a smart way to keep your belongings safe, organized, and out of the way. Whether you're moving, decluttering, or storing seasonal items, it's important to make the most of your storage space. At United Storage, we want your storage experience to be as smooth as possible—so we’ve rounded up five common storage mistakes and how to avoid them. 1. Not Labeling Your Boxes The Mistake: Packing everything into boxes and bins without labeling them seems faster in the moment, but it can quickly turn into a headache when you're looking for a specific item weeks or months later. The Fix: Label every box clearly on multiple sides with the contents inside. Use color-coded labels or a simple numbering system with a master list so you always know what’s where. 2. Storing Items You Don’t Really Need The Mistake: Renting a unit full of items you’re never going to use again wastes both space and money. The Fix: Take time to sort through your items before storing them. Donate, sell, or toss anything you haven’t used in over a year unless it has sentimental value or is truly seasonal. 3. Using the Wrong Packing Materials The Mistake: Tossing items into old boxes or plastic bags can lead to damage from dust, pests, or moisture. The Fix: Use sturdy boxes with lids, plastic bins, or totes. Wrap fragile items with bubble wrap or packing paper, and store everything off the floor on pallets or shelving to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of damage. 4. Blocking Access to Items You’ll Need Soon The Mistake: Packing your unit from floor to ceiling without leaving space to walk or access frequently used items. The Fix: Plan ahead and store commonly used items near the front. Leave a small aisle down the middle so you can reach boxes in the back without unpacking the entire unit. 5. Not Taking Advantage of Vertical Space The Mistake: Stacking items randomly or wasting overhead space can lead to a disorganized and cramped unit. The Fix: Place heavier, sturdy items on the bottom and lighter boxes on top. Use shelving units to create layers and maximize the vertical space inside your unit. Store Smarter with United Storage Avoiding these common mistakes can save you time, space, and stress. At United Storage, we offer clean, secure, and accessible storage options designed to make your life easier. Whether you're storing a few boxes or the contents of an entire home, we’re here to help you store with confidence. Ready to rent a unit? Contact our team today to get started!

If you’ve been thinking about clearing out the clutter in your home but aren’t sure where to start—or where to put everything—self storage can be your secret weapon. Whether you're preparing to sell your home, tackling spring cleaning, or just looking to simplify your space, a storage unit at United Storage gives you the flexibility and extra room you need to make it happen. Why Declutter? Clutter has a way of sneaking up on all of us. Over time, items pile up in closets, garages, spare rooms, and attics. While a little mess might not seem like a big deal, clutter can affect your day-to-day life more than you realize. Studies show that a cleaner, more organized home can improve mental clarity, reduce stress, and even boost productivity. Whether your goal is to create a more relaxing living environment or just make room for new furniture or hobbies, decluttering is a great first step—and United Storage is here to help you see it through. Common Reasons to Declutter Preparing for a move Selling a home and staging for showings Welcoming a new baby or roommate Transitioning to remote work or setting up a home office Downsizing after kids leave home or retiring Seasonal cleanups or lifestyle changes How a Storage Unit Helps You don’t have to make tough decisions about what to keep, donate, or throw away all at once. With self storage, you can clear your space without giving everything up. Here’s how renting a unit from United Storage can simplify your decluttering process: 1. Create Breathing Room As you start sorting through items, you’ll need space to work. A storage unit lets you temporarily move out boxes, furniture, and décor while you reorganize your home. This extra room helps you avoid making a bigger mess in the process. 2. Sort and Decide at Your Own Pace Decluttering takes time, and rushing through it can lead to regret. By moving items into a storage unit, you can keep things you’re unsure about while you decide what to do with them. It’s a low-pressure way to reduce your belongings gradually. 3. Protect Items You’re Not Ready to Part With Some items aren’t used every day but still have sentimental or future value. Seasonal decorations, furniture, photo albums, or childhood keepsakes can be safely stored offsite until you need them again. 4. Make Your Home More Marketable If you're putting your house on the market, less clutter makes rooms look bigger and more inviting to potential buyers. Store personal items and excess furniture in a secure unit at United Storage while your home is on display. Decluttering Tips to Get Started Start small: Focus on one room, closet, or drawer at a time. Use the four-box method: Label boxes “Keep,” “Donate,” “Trash,” and “Store.” Be honest about usage: If you haven’t used it in a year, you probably don’t need it every day. Use clear bins or label everything: Whether it’s at home or in storage, labeled containers make finding things easier later. Make it a habit: Set aside 15–30 minutes a day to tackle different areas over time. Why Choose United Storage? At United Storage, we make decluttering easier from start to finish. We offer: A variety of unit sizes so you don’t pay for more space than you need Drive-up access for fast and easy loading and unloading Secure, clean facilities with surveillance and gated access Flexible month-to-month leases with no long-term commitment Friendly staff available to help you find the perfect unit Whether you're storing a few boxes or the contents of an entire room, we’ve got a storage solution that fits your lifestyle and budget. Take Back Your Space Decluttering your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the help of United Storage, you can reclaim your space, reduce stress, and enjoy a more organized life—one box at a time. Ready to get started? Contact United Storage today to find the right storage unit for your needs and start your decluttering journey with confidence.

Planning to store your items for several months—or even longer? Packing properly for long-term storage is essential to keep your belongings safe, clean, and in good condition. At United Self Storage, we’re here to help you protect what matters most with these smart packing tips. 1. Choose Quality Packing Materials Cheap or worn-out boxes can collapse over time, especially under weight. Invest in: Sturdy, uniform boxes Plastic totes for extra moisture protection Bubble wrap and packing paper (avoid newspaper—it can leave stains) Strong packing tape to keep boxes sealed 2. Clean Everything First Before packing, clean and dry items thoroughly. Dirt or moisture left behind can lead to mold, mildew, or unpleasant odors. Wipe down furniture and appliances Wash and dry clothing and linens Polish metal items to help prevent rust 3. Disassemble Furniture When Possible Take apart bed frames, tables, and large items to save space and prevent damage. Be sure to: Label all hardware and tape it to the item Wrap furniture parts in blankets or bubble wrap Store large items vertically to maximize space 4. Pack Smart & Label Clearly Group items by room or category and label each box clearly. Pro tip: create an inventory list for easy reference! Place heavier items on the bottom Use filler (like towels or bubble wrap) to prevent shifting Avoid overfilling boxes—they should close flat 5. Protect Sensitive Items For long-term storage, take extra care with delicate or valuable items: Use climate-stable containers for electronics Cover mattresses and furniture with breathable covers Store artwork and mirrors upright and padded 6. Leave Room for Airflow Stack boxes with a little space in between, and avoid packing right up against walls. This helps reduce moisture buildup and keeps everything better ventilated. 7. Use Pallets or Shelving Keep boxes and furniture off the ground using pallets or shelving. This simple step adds an extra layer of protection against moisture or unexpected pests. Store with Confidence at United Self Storage At United Self Storage, we make long-term storage stress-free with: Clean, secure storage units 24/7 surveillance and gated access A variety of sizes to suit your needs Friendly on-site team ready to help Ready to Reserve Your Unit? Whether you’re storing belongings for a move, deployment, or simply to declutter, we’ve got your back. Contact United Self Storage today to find the perfect long-term storage solution.

When storing fragile items, proper packing and handling are essential to prevent damage. Whether you're storing delicate glassware, antiques, or electronics, taking the right precautions will keep your valuables safe. At United Storage, we offer secure storage units to protect your belongings. Follow these tips to ensure your fragile items remain in perfect condition. 1. Use Quality Packing Materials Invest in sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and foam padding. Avoid using old or weak boxes that might collapse under weight. 2. Wrap Each Item Individually Wrap delicate items like glassware, ceramics, and electronics separately with bubble wrap or packing paper. Secure the wrapping with tape to keep it in place. 3. Use Sturdy Boxes and Label Them Place fragile items in small to medium-sized boxes to prevent excessive weight. Clearly label each box as "FRAGILE" so you and others handle them with care. 4. Pack Boxes Strategically Place heavier items at the bottom of the box and lighter, more delicate items on top. Fill empty spaces with packing peanuts or crumpled paper to prevent shifting. 5. Stack Carefully in the Storage Unit Store fragile boxes on sturdy, flat surfaces. Avoid stacking them too high to prevent accidental falls. Consider using shelving for extra protection. 6. Keep Fragile Items Off the Floor Use pallets or shelving to keep fragile boxes elevated, protecting them from potential moisture or accidental damage. 7. Store Electronics Properly Remove batteries, secure cords, and store electronics in their original packaging if possible. If not, wrap them in anti-static bubble wrap and place them in padded boxes. 8. Avoid Overpacking Boxes Overstuffing boxes can increase the risk of breakage. Leave some space for cushioning materials to absorb shocks. 9. Check on Your Items Periodically Visit your storage unit occasionally to ensure everything remains secure and in good condition. Store with Confidence at United Storage At United Storage, we provide clean, secure, and easily accessible storage units to keep your fragile items safe. Contact us today to find the perfect storage solution for your needs!