Changes Coming for Florida’s Construction Industry

Photo courtesy of Lennar Communities

Photo courtesy of Lennar Communities

After posting dismal numbers over the past half-decade, the construction industry in Florida is hoping to take some small steps forward over the next few years. According to experts within the state’s Department of Economic Opportunity, the construction industry is expected to grow 3.6% annually in the state this decade, tops among all other sectors.

Future Looks Bright

Although the housing market will likely not reach the levels it saw prior to the crash in 2006, it is expected to grow by 25% within the next few years which means more jobs for an industry workforce that has seen a 56% decrease over the last seven years. In fact, as the market continues to rebound thanks to rising home prices and the reduction of foreclosure surplus, the industry is expected to see a 30% increase in construction jobs. After nearly a decade of doom and gloom, the future seems a bit brighter in the Sunshine State.

ATR is the Perfect Partner

American Trailer RentalsLocated in Polk County, American Trailer Rentals has provided secure on-site storage and mobile office rentals and sales since 1986. Servicing private contractors and sub-contractors, as well as farmers, retailers, wholesalers, schools, hotels, and residential customers, American Trailer Rentals also offers custom built containers and container modification services to meet the specialized needs of their clients.

Storage Containers

Please click the image for detailed listing information

All of the company’s custom designed container buildings are professionally finished and built standard with several quality construction features including steel exterior walls, central air and heat, finished flooring, electrical outlets and phone jacks, and commercial grade windows, doors, and locks.

For more information on American Trailer Rentals, please visit their company page here on Rent It Today, where we make renting your storage containers simple!

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Edmonton Portable Storage Container Rental in Alberta

Shipping Container Rental in Edmonton, AB, Canada

Portable Storage Solutions in Edmonton, AB, Canada

You’ve got a significant amount of material to store on-site and you know you’ll need to lease or rent a portable storage container in Edmonton or locations in Alberta, Canada. This article will share important factors to consider when renting a used shipping container as a mobile storage solution.Portable Container rental services throughout Alberta, Canada

Alberta storage container services are available for any individual or business need. Containers used for shipping and storage are also called cargo containers, conex containers, portable containers, sea containers, freight containers, intermodal containers and sea cans. Because the vast majority are made from heavy duty steel, they are also known as steel containers.

A container is not much good if it is not what is known in the lingo as ‘wind and water tight’. This means not only the container will not leak, it also means high wind will be unable to blow water inside the container. A big part of accomplishing this involves two considerations.

Two Mobile Storage Considerations

The first is ensuring the door seals are not compromised. Most container doors have external as well as secondary internal seals. Both must be functional to protect your contents.

The second is making 100% sure there are no holes anywhere in the storage unit, particularly the floor. Holes in the floor are an open invitation to rodent and insect infestation; never a good thing for any material stored.

Many bulk commodities from edible goods to fragile components are moved in containers over long distances and overseas. It is not unusual for these containers to start their journey in warm temperatures and arrive at a destination where the temperature is below freezing, and vice versa. This is especially true in Canada.

Avoid Water Damage When Using Portable Containers

Edmonton AB 40' Mobile Storage Container RentalsTo ensure materials in these containers are not damaged by condensation, a vent system is part of container design. Make sure your rental container vents are unobstructed. A container typically will have from 2 to 8 vents. The vents should have adequate screening to allow proper ventilation and prevent insect and animal entry.

If you are planning to keep your container on the ground outdoors, be aware the container could become a significant obstacle to water drainage. This could cause diversion of the flow of water on your property, and pose potential problems.

In addition, you want to prevent water from pooling under your container. A container can be elevated and leveled or placed on a specially designed chassis which has wheels to mobilize it. Supports placed at the back, middle and front of the container will inhibit the sinking of one corner, preventing twisting the container and making the doors difficult to open.

Keep in mind most container rental businesses understand your possible lack of experience in renting their product, and are happy to consult with you regarding your situation in order to recommend the best solution. This is a win-win as it benefits both parties.

Container King A PAC-VAN Inc. Company

Container King, a Pac-Van Inc. Company, is a great resource for expert advice on shipping containers and Edmonton portable storage container rentals. Their associates can offer you the experience gained from over 30 years in the portable shipping container business.  Container King has built a worldwide network of contacts, so they can provide you with world class service. If your need is common or obscure, they have seen it and love to help your business learn how to tackle it.

Container King rents 20 foot portable storage container, 40 foot standard containers, and hi-cube containers. Standard storage container height is 8’6” and hi-cube is 9’6″. In addition they lease mobile offices. Request a Quote.

Engaging Self Storage Users Online Key to Extra Space Growth

Extra Space Storage company continues to grow

Extra Space Storage Stands Tall in the Stock Reports

On Tuesday, September 18, 2012, Extra Space Storage CEO Spencer Kirk was interviewed by TheStreet.com. The company stock has recently shown significant growth in value.

Three Reasons Cited

When asked why shares of Extra Space (NYSE: EXR) have risen by 40% in 2012, Kirk attributed the stock price increase to three factors. Kirk said self storage has weathered the recession well. Self storage rental space is a demand based product that does well in good economies as well as bad. Whatever the state of the economy may be at any given time, life events including birth, death, moving, marriage, divorce, and attending college all are among many factors which drive demand for self storage, Kirk shared. These activities tend to remain fairly stable in good and bad economies.

New Construction Has Stalled

Second, the supply of new storage units for rent has remained stagnant since the end of a self storage construction boom which concluded in 2007. Since then, new self storage construction has stalled and virtually none was built in 2012, Kirk related.

Larger Players Adapt More Quickly

Third, Kirk said the internet, once thought to be the great equalizer among self storage competitors, has in reality become the great divider as the ability to quickly adapt to rapid changes in paid internet search and search engine optimization has swung to the larger players in the market.

Kirk went on to explain Extra Space differentiates itself from other large players in the self storage market by having the largest percentage of properties in the top 20 metropolitan markets, as well as focusing on giving self storage shoppers a unique internet experience with Extra Space compared to their larger competitors.Self Storage Facilities Growth

Striving For An Engaging Online Experience

It is this competency in attracting and then engaging self storage customers on the internet combined with projected flat growth in new self storage unit construction which has Extra Space well positioned to continue its stellar performance into 2013 and beyond, Kirk said.

Kirk also emphasized that 90% of the self storage businesses in the United States are still mom and pop operations. As these smaller operations seek to sell, Extra Space will continue to buy them, even though prices for existing enterprises are rising due to a combination of demand and lack of new storage business construction.

Storage Auction Popularity is Bittersweet For Operators

Kirk confided the popularity of television shows featuring auctions of abandoned property from self storage units has driven attendance at these auctions. More bidders mean in higher prices and thus profits from these sales, but companies like Extra Space view this as an unfortunate part of their business.

The big picture, Kirk said, is these auctions mean a former customer is losing their assets and their possessions which they had stored away. Like a divorce, it’s something neither party wanted as an end result of the relationship.

Rent Self Storage in a Secure Boston Fortress

 

Boston Massachussetts Personal Storage Fortress

Self Storage Fortress in Waltham, Ma.

 

Protection From Unwanted Intrusion

Boston, Massachusetts is a harbor town, and as such was protected by several forts during its early days. Prominent among these posts were Fort Independence and Fort Warren. Both provided protection to the occupants inside and guarded Boston Harbor from unwanted intrusion.

The word fort is shortened from the word fortress. When one thinks of a fortress, the image of a heavily protected and impenetrable structure comes to mind. They are designed and built for protection.

Protect Your Valuable Items in a Boston Bastion

Waltham Ma. Business Inventory Storage Facility

So, if you wanted to securely protect your important possessions or documents, what better personal Boston area rental storage place could you choose than a self storage facility which resembles a fortress with its forbidding high walls and guarded entrances?

And even better than the forts of old, this fortress incorporates what are known as climate controlled storage units designed to securely protect items which are vulnerable to temperature extremes and humidity, like furniture, musical instruments, electronics, or business records, to name a few.

Entrances Are Protected By Coded Security KeypadsJust west of Boston in the town of Waltham, Massachusetts, is a public self storage business which fits this description. Not just fences surround this facility. Visitors are greeted by massive brick walls which can only be penetrated at entrances which are protected by security coded access. The place looks like a fort and is nearly as impenetrable. And this is backed up by motion detection cameras providing 24-hour video surveillance of the entire bastion.

Self Storage Units to Fit Your Personal or Business Need

Besides offering climate controlled units in a variety of sizes to suit your storage needs, the facility also offers indoor heated units as well as outdoor storage spaces for boats, cars, campers and other vehicles. Indoor heated units mean comfortable access during those cold New England winters, allowing you to leave the shivers outside. Businesses and individuals of the surrounding Waltham area find options for the storage of anything from a few boxes, to a room full of furniture, to an RV.

As if that weren’t enough, the location is easily accessible from and is actually bordered on one side by I-95. That convenient freeway access also makes it attractive for rental of small office spaces, which are also available.

Pros Hold Down This Fort

So if storing your personal goods or business inventory in a Boston area fortress sounds like your cup of tea, check out a self storage facility that’s sure to make you feel warm and protected. Visit their self storage rental store in Waltham, MA, or stop by or call to set up a tour. The knowledgeable, professional staff who hold down this fort will be happy to show you around. Sharing with potential customers all they have to offer is one of the rare instances where they enthusiastically let their guard down.

Talk to Storage and Organizing Experts Live on Facebook May 17th

Live Chat with Extra Space Storage Organizational Experts on Facebook

You’ve been kicking around the idea to organize your home, your room, your business, or maybe your closet and just don’t know where to start. The experience, skills and knowledge of a professional organizer would surely come in handy, but so far you have put off contacting one.

Whatever your reason for procrastinating, an opportunity exists at 5pm EST on Thursday, May 17th to get the ball rolling by taking advantage of a free 30 minute seminar and live chat session hosted by not one but two highly respected professional organizers.

All you have to do is log into your Facebook account to attend. It’s that simple. If you don’t have a Facebook account, you can create one easily and get ready to learn from two accomplished professional organizers selected by sponsor company Extra Space Self Storage. As the second largest self storage unit rental provider in the USA, they know a lot about getting organized.

Extra Space Storage Professional Organizers LIVE CHAT on Facebook at 5pm EST, May 17th

For thirty minutes, Josh Zerkel and Lisa Zaslow will team up to field questions related to getting your life, home or office organized. Feel free to stop in now at the chat site to submit any suggestions on whatever you’d like to discuss with them. By stopping in early, you can also see what organizing topics interest other participants. You can also submit questions by tweeting @extraspace, or writing on the Extra Space Facebook event wall.

Letting clutter build up can quickly become a seemingly overwhelming problem. Organizational experts are trained to help people put effective plans together for eliminating clutter, getting organized, and/or maximizing available storage space. Don’t miss this exciting learning opportunity. It’s totally free and we can all afford that price tag. Mark your calendar for Thursday, May 17th at 5 pm EST and get a leg up on getting productive and being organized. See you there!

Joshua Zerkel Organizational expert working with Extra Space StorageJosh Zerkel is a Certified Professional Organizer® and owns Custom Living Solutions, a renowned productivity and organizing consulting firm based in San Francisco. His focus is bridging the gap between the way clients currently live, and the way they want to live. Follow Josh on Twitter @joshuazerkel.

Lisa Zaslow Organization expertLisa Zaslow is a recognized organization expert in New York City. She is the founder of Gotham Organizers and for ten years has helped thousands of people save space, time and effort by getting organized. She strives to offer practical advice and simple solutions that make productivity easy, fast, and even fun! Follow Lisa on Twitter @gothamorganizer.

Undercover and Covered Under a Mobile Storage Container

Portable Storage Container Rental in Los Angeles, CA

A recent trip to my favorite local department store had me ready to flash my personally bestowed detective’s badge. When I pulled into the parking lot, I noted a section had been taped off, and was now filled with what looked like oversized tool sheds. What were these rectangular wonders, and what in the world was inside of them? I put my sunglasses on, pulled my ball cap down, and slowly drove closer to inspect the situation, ready to conduct an all night stake out if necessary. One of the items in question was open, so I took a quick peek, as not to draw any bystander attention. To my surprise, it was full of evidence…aka: clothing. Upon my discovery, I was prepared to go inside the store and complete an interrogation. I fastened my trenchcoat, and slowly entered the building, quietly humming “Bad Boys” to myself. It was right about then the puzzle pieces were put together, saving me from what would have probably been a very embarrassing question and answer session. I’ve decided to share my findings to save you similar speculation.

Chino, CA portable storage container rentalThe store was very obviously undergoing renovation. The so-called evidence I had located was actually a portion of the store’s inventory. And what I had observed outside were actually used shipping containers being used as storage units. Further research led me to determine they are specifically called mobile storage units, conex boxes, or portable storage containers. Everything made sense now. By utilizing mobile storage container rentals, the establishment was able to protect their items and keep the inventory onsite, therefore allowing business to continue as usual without having to post any “closed for renovations” signs.

As a lover of knowledge, I immediately went home and began researching these fascinating and ingenious units. It turns out, the portable storage units/mobile storage containers are weather resistant, come in 10’, 20’, and 40’ lengths, are customizable, and can be rented with pick-up/delivery. Renting portable storage containers is the perfect solution for many commercial, retail, or residential storing needs.

If you are in a situation where you need to store items on-site, safely and securely mobile storage companies like Pac Van Inc. have you covered with numerous mobile containers or portable storage unit options available for rent today.

Offbeat Rental Report: Self Storage As Ultimate Man Cave

Self Storage Rental

Self Storage Units - The Ultimate "Man Cave"

Self Storage Company Evolves The Man Cave

Every successful concept evolves from a basic form to its ultimate expression. The Model T led to the Ferrari, and the most plush private jet can trace its roots to the Wright brother’s wood and canvas flyer.

According to a January 20th story in the The Daytona Beach News Journal,  Charlotte,  N.C. based Hyde Park Storage Suites has taken two concepts, the man cave and self storage, to new heights simultaneously.

Self Storage client rents unit makes man cave

Mancaveology from Facebook.com/storagesuites

The self storage company offers large units that can be leased and customized. Purchase is also an option. And the customization can only be characterized as over the top.  For starters, the storage units are climate-controlled spaces with electrical hook-ups, and plumbing can be installed. From there, only the imagination and budget of the customer limit what can be developed in the creation of the ultimate personal space. Standard equipment can include a big screen TV and refrigerator, and the driving theme is to ‘have it all’ in your own space. Virtually any creature comfort can be incorporated. Pool tables, poker tables, pinball machines, and video games are not uncommon additions.

In addition to the luxury of designing and customizing a personal man cave, the facility customers also have access to an onsite clubhouse. The clubhouse is in keeping with the luxury culture of the complex and includes maintained restrooms, a furnished lounge with plush couches, large screen TV, a bar, and kitchenette.

One of the major draws of the complex is the camaraderie which develops between the participants. Most of the tribe not only store their motorcycles, classic cars, and even motor homes in their units, they also work on them there. Vehicle restoration is also a favorite hobby. The opportunity to learn from each other and share ideas, concepts, and even tools and resources creates an environment not unlike a fraternity.

Are Self Storage Units the Ultimate Man Cave?

Logo for Hyde Park Storage Suites - Contact themHyde Park Storage Suites has operated their original location in Charlotte since 2001, and has recently opened a larger state of the art development in the Daytona Beach market.  It’s no coincidence that both locations are located near NASCAR tracks, as company founders Kevin Mahl and Jamie Rolewicz also own Champion Tire & Wheel, a company that uses 26 tractor-trailers to transport equipment and supplies for NASCAR teams. You can visit Hyde Park Storage Suites on Facebook here and see various “degrees of Mancaveology”.

Every man needs a place to hang out, lay back and decompress. Being able to do so in luxury and style and with like minded friends in a place that allows secure storage of adult toys is a concept in evolution that Darwin could only have dreamed of.

Additional Offbeat Self Storage News:

Rent Climate Controlled Self Storage to Own Peace of Mind

Climate Controlled Storage Units

Climate controlled self storage facilities are a wise storage rental option for many businesses and individuals. In some regions the onset of winter and steady freezing temperatures reinforces the need for a secure climate controlled storage rental. Yet renting self storage units that offer temperature, humidity and/or climate control provide great benefits year round for a variety of applications.

Temperature controlled storage rentals maintain an environment of particular benefit for a business which deals in perishable goods. Climate controlled facilities and heated self storage units will prevent damage which results from exposure to freezing temperatures and dry air which accompanies low temps. Self Storage rentals in Denver CO, New York City and the Boston, MA area are a good example of facilities in areas where cold temperatures are a concern. Even more temperate climates like Cincinnati OH, Self Storage facilities offer temperature controlled storage space.

On the other end of the thermometer, climate control facilities have air conditioned storage space when beating the heat is required to ensure goods and valuables are protected. Self Storage in San Antonio, Houston, Dallas and other Texas cities are examples where demand for climate controlled storage units is high due to the hot climate.  It is important to note there are some perishable items which are unable to be stored in many public self storage facilities like perishable food items, plants, flammables and explosives. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to check with the prospective climate controlled storage provider to see what items are permitted for self storage.

Indoor Acess Self Storage Unit RentalsElectronics are very vulnerable to changes in temperatures and humidity so renting a climate controlled self storage unit is a great idea for those wishing to protect their investment in virtually anything related to electronics. Though you might not think of a vibrating recliner or a pinball machine as a candidate for climate control storage, these are examples of electronic goods subject to damage from swelling and contracting which changes in temperature and humidity can cause.

Musicians who want reliable protection for their instruments are ideal candidates for the benefits which climate control storage rental can provide. While rock bands tend to think of their equipment as more durable than that of a jazz trio or string quartet, most musical instruments, including electric guitars, are subject to alteration from extremes in temperature and humidity. The steady temperature ranges and controlled humidity of climate controlled storage provide protection from the elements, and give the storage space renter security and priceless peace of mind.

Controlled temperatures and humidity are also of great interest to those who store wine. In fact, many self storage facilities now offer wine cellar rental space in various sizes to serve those who lack the room or capital to invest in a wine cellar in their home or business.

Climate Controlled Storage Protects Important DocumentsClimate controlled self storage units are a wise choice to protect and preserve valuable paper products and documents. Humidity is a prime cause of yellowing and warping of paper. Paper and paper products are also known to harbor mold if stored in a facility subject to humidity.

Proper storage space is playing an increasingly crucial role in the ability of business to meet document retention requirements. For this reason climate controlled storage facilities are being utilized as an affordable option to address this often legally required practice. Finding rental self storage for your important documents has become simple at Rent It Today.

A good rule of thumb when determining whether climate-controlled storage or a common drive up access self storage unit can benefit you is to simply ask: would I feel secure in storing these items in my garage in this climate? If the answer raises doubt or is a resounding no, then a rental climate control self storage facility will benefit you.

Kids, This Christmas Meet Your Match: Self Storage

Self Storage Unit Rentals become Santas Closets

Where do you hide your Christmas Presents from the Kids?

The recent stories about Black Friday shopping, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday are  reminders that the holiday gift buying season is officially in full swing. Visions of folks coming home with a car full of presents or the delivery truck pulling up to the curb to drop off the internet purchases made this writer wax nostalgic about my younger days when every year my three brothers and I engaged in a yearly Yuletide game of hide and seek with our parents.

Every year my parents would hide the holiday gift purchases in a spot they thought was secure, and every year we would find the stash spot. Of course, my kids have inherited this trait and every year they seem to find the spot we have determined just couldn’t be discovered.

Self Storage Unit Rentals Make Great ‘Santa Closets’

Self Storage Space For Rent

Self Storage Units Are Great 'Santa Closets'

Sadly for my gene pool, this fall I drove past a self storage business and had a brainstorm. As I looked upon the neatly organized rows of securely locked storage cubicles I suddenly realized I was looking at the solution to the annual find the gift hiding spot contest. Why not rent a self storage space?

Then I ran the idea past a couple of my friends and was hailed as a genius. It seems I don’t have a patent on this annual game as they too lamented their inability to find a gift hiding spot that couldn’t be discovered in their homes.  A couple of buddies suggested we pool our resources and form a gift hiding conglomerate at a local self storage location.

So now I wonder if I am being cruel as the poor kids will ransack the house once again this year only to come up empty handed.  Will they think they’re being skunked? That mom and dad are bust? Then I fast forward to the morning when they finally see their gifts which have been safely stored off site  and all is well. The fact that the scene will be repeated at my co-conspirators homes just adds to my mirth.

The best thing about the whole experience so far is that I have a bit of extra space in that storage rental unit so I have permanently relocated a few of my personal belongings there for safe keeping and to free up a little room around the castle. Everybody is happy. Except the kids, for now.

Article written by +Bob Schrichte for +RentItToday

Self Storage Rental A Convenient Off Season Choice For Boaters

 Self Storage for Boats and Watercaft

The last warm and sunny days of the year are speeding past and the morning and evening chill air portends the coming of winter. Even the most die hard boaters and jet ski enthusiasts now face the reality of protecting their investment by winterizing their watercraft and moving it into a self storage unit or boat storage facility. The end of daylight savings time brings this reality to the forefront; much like the stroke of midnight on April 15th means the tax return had best be postmarked.

When you’re a boat or jet ski owner you require a secure place to store your craft and if you’re like most boaters, the property around the house or the garage is not a viable option due to space or zoning restrictions. And if you’re selling your boat, do you really want buyers coming to your home? Thus a secure and safe storage facility within reasonable proximity to the home or marina provides an ideal solution. If you’re an old hand at wintering your vessel, or a newbie, the following tips for storing your boat or jet ski are worth reviewing.

Boat Storage Unit Rentals•    A great source for information is often managers of local storage facilities. Tap their experience for advice relevant to your situation. You might be breaking new ground with utilizing self storage space, but they are not and will be glad to assist you.
•    Most facilities discourage or specifically do not permit repairing or extensive maintenance of boats on their premises. So if you need to work on your boat before you put it in storage, check with your self storage provider for their policy.
•    If storing indoors, check fuel lines and gaskets, and consider laying down something to prevent damage to the unit’s floor. Cardboard or old carpet works well for this purpose. To prevent leaks and fire hazards, draining gasoline from the fuel tank is highly recommended.
•    When calculating the storage space required to store your watercraft, be sure to consider room for all the equipment that you may need to store with it, especially if you have added additional equipment during the summer.
•    Just like your car, be sure anything which can freeze is drained or sufficiently protected with antifreeze.
•    Be sure to check your insurance to assure it is sufficient to protect you. Self storage facilities typically do not offer this protection for personal items.
•    Check your license plates to make sure they will not expire. Some self storage facilities require current licensing while using their facilities, as well as proof of registration.
•    Make sure your trailer tires are properly inflated and not showing signs of excessive wear or dry rot.

Following these pointers will help you have a hassle free storage rental experience and when the days start getting longer, you’ll know your boat or jet ski can be launched as soon as you’re ready to go back on the water.