Planning Your Move Into a New Home? Reserve a Self-Storage Facility near San Mateo

Planning Your Move Into a New Home?

Reserve a Self-Storage Facility near San Mateo

You are taking advantage of the lower interest rates and great deals on California homes, but before you can officially move into the new house, you need to sell your existing home. While you could opt for a longer escrow period, more buyers want short escrows - 30 days or less. This leaves you little time to purchase a new home and complete the sale of your existing one. The best solution for these situations is to reserve a unit at a self-storage facility near San Mateo.

Tips for Renting a Storage Unit

Whether you are storing your stuff while waiting for the new house to close, staging your existing home for a quicker sale, or you have a few improvements to make before officially moving into your new home, you want to ensure you get maximum space, safety and of course, a storage solution that is friendly on the budget.

Some ways to make finding the perfect self-storage facility near San Mateo easier include:

• Rent for Temporary Needs - Make sure the storage facility offers short-term rentals; even if it is just one or two months. Not all facilities will accommodate temporary storage and may require longer contract periods.
• Secure the Right Size - Storage units are designed for specific cubic footage. While you are most likely purging unwanted belongings, you still need the right size unit. Renting something too small could force you to pay for additional space later, while renting something too large is a waste of money. Explain to the storage facility manager what you plan to store. Take advantage of their experience, they have the knowledge on how much you can fit into a storage unit.
• Store Near the New House - The closer you are to the new house, the easier the process will be. While you are coordinating the move out of your current home, you need a storage unit that you will be able to drive up to and pick up your belongings to take to the new house with ease.
• Move In Services - Some storage facilities offer a free move in service. They will move your things in their van, which saves you the cost of renting a moving van and having to drive it yourself.

Purchasing a new home is exciting and while you may feel displaced for a few months, remember that it is only temporary. By finding the right storage facility near your new residence, you can make the process of transitioning from one home to another much easier.

Call 5A Rent-A-Space at 650-341-2964 to inquire about our self-storage facility near San Mateo. Read our FAQs to learn more about self-storage. You can also reserve your unit online now. If you are not sure how much space you will need for your items, use our online “Space Calculator”.

Store Files, Records and Documents - Rent a Self-Storage Unit near West Maui

Store Files, Records and Documents - Rent a Self-Storage Unit near West Maui

Record storage is a valuable asset when it comes to protecting and preserving your documents and personal information; but only if you take the right steps beforehand. When you are planning to archive private or business files, records and documents in a record storage facility, you need to prepare those documents first.

How to Store Documents Safely

Record storage units near West Maui are perfect for storing your private documents and records. This keeps these documents out of your home or office, away from the risk of flood or fire, and offers you the opportunity to increase your available living space in your home or working space at your business.

Some steps you must take before storing your documents include:

• Examine the Security at the Record Storage Facility - You want a storage facility that has been properly gated and features security cameras. The office should be open throughout the week (or at least six days), and access to the facility should be restricted to employees and paying customers only. You should also look for keypad entry systems, perimeter fencing and adequate lighting throughout the facility. 
• Pack Documents with Safety in Mind - You should take extra precautions to protect the documents and records you are storing. Make backup copies of all documents and records and store those in a separate location. Your backup can be digital or even cloud-based to save on space. Use locked containers or fireproof safes for sensitive documents (such as those with social security numbers). Your file boxes should be packed tightly to prevent any movement during transportation. To make lifting easier, keep boxes under 30 pounds each.
• Preserve Paper and Digital Documents - Regardless of how secure the record storage facility is, you should take precautions to protect the integrity of your documents. The Record Storage Facility on Maui’s West Side, has a climate controlled building, thus moisture and mold are eliminated. The file boxes you want stored are bar coded, stored onto bar coded shelves, entered into the Record Storage Facility’s computer system, and are retrievable during business hours. They can be delivered or you can come to the facility and request your box(s). For any DVDs or CDs being stored, use anti-static packaging. Never use newspaper to wrap your documents as the ink may transfer. Lastly, label all boxes clearly and stack your boxes with the older information on the bottom. Keeping a digital list or a document showing what you have stored in each box is very valuable for when you need to have items or files returned to you.

By taking extra precautions, you can maximize what you get out of your Record Storage facility while still protecting your sensitive data.

Call 5A Rent-A-Space at 808-669-5200 to learn more about renting a self-storage unit near West Maui. Read our FAQs to learn more about document and record storage. You can also reserve your unit online now. If you are not sure how much space you will need for your items, use our online “Space Calculator”.

How to Choose a Contractor for Your Home Remodel

How to Choose a Contractor for Your Home Remodel

Making home improvements involve some difficult decisions; what renovations will bring the most value to your home? What color palate do I use in the bedrooms vs the kitchen? Do I use real hardwood or engineered hardwood flooring? Many feel that making the right decision when hiring a contractor is the most important decision. Here are a few tips to help you confidently decide which contractor to hire to complete your home renovation.

1. Always ask for a referral. Word of mouth from people you trust will always give you a few solid leads for finding qualified professionals. You can also check the website for the National Association of Remodeling Industry for a list of contractors in your area.
2. Check contractor’s credentials. Many contractors have websites that list their different licenses and credentials. If they don’t, call them to retrieve those credentials and check them against several state and local municipalities as well as professional associations like the National Association of Remodeling Industry. It’s important to the structural integrity of your home to have someone qualified to complete your desired work.
3. Conduct an interview with each contractor (either by phone or preferably face to face), and ask for references. You want to be able to connect with the contractor person to person as well as find out honest opinions of their work from past clients. It will help inform your decision.
4. Request a written bid from each contractor that clearly outlines each step of the renovation process. The written bid should contain information regarding the agreed upon payment schedule, proof of liability insurance, completion date, materials to be used, etc. When you have the details of the bid clear from the beginning, it ensures that all parties included are clear on expectations. When expectations are clear from the beginning, it helps ensure a successful renovation. 

For more Home Improvement Tips, see our Pinterest Board.

https://www.pinterest.com/5aspace/home-improvement/

To read the articles used as references, click on the links below.

http://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/clean-and-organize/how-to-choose-a-remodeling-contractor

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20539027,00.html

Top 5 Favorite Blogs

Top 5 Favorite Blogs

When looking for information on a specific topic, our current technology allows us to access a variety of resources online. Most of these resources are free and allow us easy and quick access to the information we need. I’ve put together a list of my top 5 current favorite bloggers. Each has their own voice and focus, but provide a wealth of knowledge for the at home consumer.

• Hither & Thither is a fantastic blog written by Ashley Muir Bruhn who lives in Northern California. She has great tips on traveling and home design projects. Each post is beautifully photographed and clearly conveys her brand and style. http://www.hitherandthither.net/


• Social Media Examiner is a wealth of knowledge when looking into social media tools to use for your business. Whether you own a small business or work in Social Media Management for a large company, this website has useful references, podcasts and webinars for everyone. http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/


• Apartment Therapy is a blog written by brothers Maxwell and Oliver Ryan. Their focus on accessible design and DIY projects empowers home and apartment owners to create a space that is uniquely their own. http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/


• Levo.com is an online resource for those folks looking to help advance their careers. It lists articles, videos, job postings, etc. to aid in building your professional toolkit. http://www.levo.com/


• The Better Homes and Gardens blog is my pick for a large scale blog. You can find a variety of decorating, gardening, home DIY projects at every skill level. Their videos and photographs are always visually appealing and their tips are practical and manageable for those new to the DIY world. http://www.bhg.com/


• BONUS: Two more honorable mentions need to go out to Love & Lemons and The Inspired Room. Love & Lemons is a beautifully shot food blog that displays simple, yet healthy recipes for cooks at any level. http://www.loveandlemons.com/. The Inspired Room is beautifully written home blog with a very clear voice and wonderful pictures. http://theinspiredroom.net/

Suggested Top Wine Buys

Suggested Top Wine Buys

As the summer is winding down, many people are looking to squeeze in a last minute party or potluck to celebrate the end of summer. What do you do when the host/hostess asks you to bring the wine? Instead of staring aimlessly at the shelves of wines at your local grocery store or BevMO, check out these Top 5 lists below. They can make for great standouts to impress your guests or host.

Top 5 Budget Wine List: 

• Starborough Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand is a go to budget friendly white wine. It’s crisp, zingy and a refreshing selection during the warm summer months. And at $8.99 on sale at Safeway, you can afford to buy a second bottle to keep for yourself at home.
• Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc is another fantastic budget friendly white wine. Similar tasting notes as Starborough, but with more of a stone fruit taste, it is a wonderful option to share with others. Typically you can find it on sale at Safeway for $12.99 a bottle.
• Allegrini Palazzo Della Torre is a fantastic Italian red blend from the Veneto region of Italy. It is a deep ruby red color with an earthy taste. It’s received consistently high ratings from Wine Spectator the past 3 years and is consistently priced well at Safeway. At $18.99 on sale at selected Safeway stores you can’t beat the purchase price.
• La Marca Prosecco is a fantastic Italian sparkling wine that is consistently at a great price. On sale at Safeway for $14.99 it is an ideal choice when you want to create a bubbly bar for a party, or drink it alone on a special occasion.
• Colosi Sicilia Rosso is another fantastic Italian red wine from Sicily. It’s 100% Nero d’Avola grapes and is a fantastic price at $11.00 a bottle.

Top 5 Splurge Wine List: 

• Glorioso Grand Reserva Rioja is a wonderful Spanish red wine. This is worthy of a special occasion with its rich, earthy taste. At $37.99 on sale at selected Safeway stores, you will be glad you spent the money. 
• Gossett Champagne is a crowd pleasing champagne. From the champagne region of France, it generally runs $33 - $38 depending on which store you shop. It’s truly a worthwhile purchase when you want to experience a true French Champagne without spending your whole paycheck. 
• Artemis by Stags Leap Cellars is how Napa Valley Cabernet should taste. It’s a medium bodied wine a great balance of tannins. It is worth the buy in the $40 - $50 range (depending on where you shop). 
• Justification By Justin Wineries is a great red blend of Cab Franc and Merlot. Rich and full bodied with layers of blackberry, plum and cherry, it’s a wonderful wine to enjoy with wine lovers. Generally it’s sold for $50.00 at your local grocery store. 
• Isosceles by Justin generally at $72 is a fantastic red blend (Cab, Merlot, Cab Franc) from the Paso Robles area. It’s a full bodied wine with a balance of berry, spice and earthiness. It is definitely worth the buy.

5 Reasons To Use Self-Storage

5 Reasons To Use Self-Storage

1. Downsizing: People downsize for many reasons (retirement, divorce, empty nesting, etc.). That being said, it can be difficult to fit all of your personal items into your place when you have smaller square footage. A great solution is to look for a nearby self storage facility like 5A Rent-A-Space, to store those items for you. They will be able to guide you on the correct sized unit for those items you aren’t ready to part with.
2. Business Storage: Rent for a physical shop location is often high causing many businesses to use small store front spaces to service their customers. Because of this, businesses are using self storage units for surplus products and inventory that aren’t needed at present. As products in store are used or sold, they can make a trip to their storage unit to replenish what they need.
3. Seasonal Storage: In need of a place to store off-season hobby or sports equipment and holiday decorations? A self storage unit can be a great way to keep these items stored without exposing them to the elements. This will limit wear and tear on the items as well as maintain in home storage for items used consistently throughout the year. Some also storage facilities even offer climate controlled units for any of your items that need protection from extreme heat or cold.
4. Moving or Renovating a Home: If you are in a transitionary period between moving to a new home or renovating your current home, you may need to rent a storage unit to store your current household items. This will be a short term solution to protect your possessions until you can safely place them in your new space. 
5. Travel: If you’re someone who travels extensively for work or pleasure, you realize how costly it can be to maintain a home while you are out of the area. Renting a storage unit can bring you peace of mind by securely storing your items while you are gone. You can let go of your larger home or apartment in exchange for something smaller while your items are protected at a secured facility.

For more information about self storage, please visit our website http://www.5aspace.com/ and our Pinterest page https://www.pinterest.com/5aspace/self-storage/.


For access to the articles used as reference for this blog post, please visit the links below.

http://danielsalas.realtytimes.com/advicefromtheexpert1/item/34899-top-10-reasons-for-using-self-storage-unit

http://blog.roost.com/?p=50