Secure Self Storage For Businesses in Peoria, Arizona

Peoria, AZ Cactus with Finch on itLocated just 10 miles northwest of Phoenix, the thriving city of Peoria, Arizona was listed at number 55 in the July 2008 issue of Money Magazine’s Top 100 Places to Live in America. Self storage units are rented by many residents and businesses in the area to securely store their possessions while freeing up space in their homes and commercial establishments.

Peoria’s current economic plan focuses on establishing the new Loop 303 Freeway Corridor for industrial, commercial, and mixed development use, so more businesses will be drawn to the area. This will only serve to increase the demand for clean, well run and secure self storage facilities in Peoria, AZ as businesses use them for their off site storage needs.

Using A Self Storage Unit Clears Clutter

A Cluttered Office and Wasted SpaceAn office cluttered with stored records makes it harder to efficiently function at work. To address this, many businesses have adopted an electronic filing system, but either do not plan to discard accumulated records and paper documentation, or are required by law to maintain them for tax, accounting and other legal purposes. In order to free up valuable office space, many businesses use self storage as a solution for record management.

It is important to store business items and records in a secure and organized manner. Records stored in cartons should be visibly labeled for quick and easy reference and retrieval if necessary. This way, even after years of storage, records can be retrieved by an authorized employee so you need not worry if any member of your staff no longer works for you.

Important Business Records Deserve Climate Controlled Storage

Self Storage for Business Records and DocumentsAn important consideration when using self storage for business related needs is if the stored items or records will be subjected to temperature extremes or high humidity. If this is the case, it would be prudent to use climate controlled storage as this will offer a much greater degree of protection. Prime examples of documents which are candidates for climate controlled self storage are contracts, leases, old photos and patient records. Furniture and electronics also benefit from climate controlled storage.

Founded by settlers from Illinois in 1886, Peoria, Arizona continues to be a dynamic desert community with more than 154,000 residents. The city adjoins Arizona’s second largest lake and the Peoria Sports Complex,spring training home of Major League Baseball’s San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners. If you are an existing business, a startup, or growing or relocating your business to the Peoria area, rest assured that clean and secure self storage facilities are in place to serve your business storage needs.

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.

Satisfied Self Storage Customers Speak Out in Irvine, Ca.

If you live in Irvine, California, you know the city has good schools, jobs, and housing. These are among many reasons why Irvine has been recognized as a desirable place to call home by several noteworthy publications.

Self Storage For Rent To The Public in Irvine, California

16242 Construction Circle, Irvine, CA 92606

For example, Irvine was chosen in 2008 by CNNMoney.com as the fourth best place to live in the United States. Business Week followed in September of 2011with an article naming Irvine as the 5th best city in the US.

Irvine is also one of the safest cities in the country. In June 2010, the Federal Bureau of Investigation reported that Irvine had the lowest violent crime rate among cities in the United States having populations exceeding 100,000.

Irvine has gotten some good reviews, and if you’re moving to the metro Irvine area, remodeling, cleaning up clutter, going through a relationship change, organizing, moving inventory off site or undertaking any of the myriad tasks which call for individuals and businesses to consider renting a storage unit in the Irvine, CA area, you would be wise to take reviews of Irvine storage facilities into account when evaluating a storage provider to store your belongings.

The Extra Space Self Storage facility centrally located at 16242 Construction Circle in Irvine is not only operated by one of the most recognized and respected names in the industry, it has received some impressive reviews from those who have trusted their possessions to the secure self storage units offered for rent there.

The location is easily accessed from I-405 near the intersection of Barrance Parkway and Jamboree Road.

“This storage is very convenient. It is secured gated. Right now offer first month free. The cheapest price around neighborhood.”

The Best Value In Irvine

“Pros…Best Value In Irvine! Almost half the price of the surrounding storage facilities. The gate hours are open later than the rest. The office staff is friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. It’s clean and quiet. Cons…It’s not the best location for appeal, but it’s still Irvine and safe. “

The staff is professional and focused on your storage requirements.

“I love this place! When I first came here, Lucy gave me a great tour of the facility and offered so much help. I knew that my stuff would be safe here and the payment options are so convenient. The managers are extremely friendly and remembered my name when I come in, making me feel like more than just a simple customer to them. I highly recommend this place for anyone looking for a storage facility.”

Happy Customers Share Their Experiences

And those who do their homework researching Irvine Self Storage facilities have this to say:

“After a few minutes of online research for nearby self storage places, Extra Space in Irvine seemed like the best available choice; a phone call to the office followed by a visit at the facility confirmed my findings. They have low prices, good units available in different sizes, and they are close to the I-405 and major streets for easy access. The place is clean and secure, with good access times every day of the week, and a manager in residence. Aside from all that, the customer service you’ll receive there is top notch, believe me! I’ve been to other storage facilities, and quite frankly, the service I received at Extra Space was the best. Their employee showed me around the facility, explained to me everything that I needed to know, and patiently answered all my questions. What I got from Extra Space was a great price for a good size unit, the first month for free, and two follow up calls prior to my move-in date to make sure I won’t miss it. I’d definitely recommend this place.”

Extra Space Self Storage is worth a look. Call them or stop by for a tour and learn why this facility is top notch when it comes to providing clean, secure, well managed and affordably priced public self storage units for rent in Irvine, CA.

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How Can Self Storage Benefit Students in Pittsburgh, PA?

Self Storage Benefits Students Returning To School

Pittsburgh is home to several well known colleges and universities like Pitt and Carnegie Mellon, as well as numerous other institutions of higher education. Many schools begin Fall classes in late August, bringing an influx of students into Metro Pittsburgh from outside the local area.

For many of these students, setting up housing in an apartment or dorm room can present challenges with space management, and self storage units offer Pittsburgh area college students an economical solution to these challenges. One of the attractive benefits self storage facilities offer is rental on a month-to-month basis, making it convenient to store possessions on an as needed basis without long term commitments. Storage units come in sizes ranging from a small closet, to spaces large enough to store the contents of an entire apartment.

Self Storage Offers Greater Security

Self Storage Can Offer Greater Security Than a Dorm or ApartmentSelf storage is a great alternative to storing valuable and important items in a dorm room or apartment building. Many self storage facilities offer 24 hour camera surveillance, as well as other security measures to protect your belongings like gated access requiring a secure code for entry, and high fences surrounding well lit property. Some self storage complexes feature individually alarmed units for higher security, and on site resident managers to keep an eye on the storage business and your unit.

Storing winter or summer clothes is one of the most cited reasons by students for renting a self storage unit because doing so frees up limited closet space. In addition, many students, especially from out of state, use convenient self storage to alleviate the need to move items back and forth between the end of a school year and the start of a new one. Self storage can also be handy to securely store your belongings when transitioning from a dorm to an apartment.

Students Find Offbeat But Practical Uses For Storage Units

The practical and economical uses for storage implemented by college students are a tribute to their imaginations. Some art students rent storage units to house art supplies, and have converted self storage units into temporary studios. Students have been known to turn storage spaces into martial arts practice studios, and even incubators for small business start-ups. It is always wise to consult with your self storage manager to make sure your prospective use will fit into the facility guidelines and policies.

Don’t be hesitant to inquire about your idea for using a self storage unit. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no.

So whatever college, university, or post high school educational institution draws you or your family member to the Pittsburgh area, local self storage businesses invite you to explore the practical, secure, and economical ways that self storage can be used for your benefit.

Self Storage and Recycling Packing Peanuts in Miami, FL

Miami FL boxes and packing supplies offered by storage rental companyOne of the prime motivations for renting a self storage unit is to stash valuable items in boxes.  Storing your possessions off site in a rented self storage unit is a great option. Packing in preparation for a move, unpacking after a move, or even getting a box delivered to your door might mean you’ll be faced with a dilemma that confronts many movers and package recipients; what on earth to do with all the leftover packing peanuts.

The most common reaction to the packing peanut proliferation problem is to just throw them all away.  Bear in mind before you do this, white or pink ones are not biodegradable, so taking them to the curb just helps add yet another layer to the landfill.

Styrofoam peanuts are color coded to reflect their origin. If they are green they were manufactured from recycled materials and will break down in the environment after five years or less if exposed to organic material. A white or pink peanut means the materials used to create it were at least 70% raw and not recycled. In addition, pink means that they’ve been treated with chemicals which help lessen static cling.

Other Uses For Those Pesky Peanuts

There are several practical options for use of these little buggers, and if you really don’t want to repurpose them, there is a Going Green way to dispose of them in an environmentally friendly manner.

If you have houseplants or a container garden, you can take the Styrofoam and put it in the base of your pots, or grind it up into small pieces and mix it with the soil. Doing this promotes proper drainage in the pots and is good for your plants. They can also be utilized in flower arrangements to stabilize the display.

If you have a zippered pillow or pet bed which could use some bulking up, throw a passel of packing peanuts inside to make them fluffier and more comfy.

A packing peanut placed on a pointed object can make the likelihood of pricking yourself proportionately smaller than if that point is left unguarded. Scissors and screw drivers are examples of sharp objects which can be selected for the Styrofoam stopper.

You can always bag them or box them up and store them away for reuse at a later time for your own packingPacking Supplies offered by Self Storage Facility in Miami, FL or shipping needs. They do not eat or drink anything, so will store quite nicely. A final option is just to ask a local shipper if they would like to have them. Many will be happy to accept them for reuse.

Recycling Is A Green and Environmentally Friendly Option

If you just have to get rid of them, Go Green and dispose of them properly.  The Plastic Loose Fill Council was founded in 1991 to develop, promote and implement the recovery, reuse and recycling of packing peanuts. Environmentally friendly folks can drop off their unwanted packing peanuts at over 1,500 collection sites in the USA. Call the Peanut Hotline, 800-828-2214 to learn of a dropoff location near you.

For example, if you live in the metropolitan Miami, Florida area and you’ve just finished packing some boxes for storage and have some leftover packing peanuts, you’ll find six locations that serve the Greater Miami area to properly dispose of them by visiting loosefillpackaging.com. In fact, the site lists over 100 locations in Florida where you can recycle packing peanuts.

So, don’t feel overwhelmed by the packing peanut pile. Reuse them or recycle them and your local landfill will thank you.

Recycling Packing Peanuts

No Landfill For These Pesky Peanuts !

Tax Tips for Job Related Moving Expenses in Aurora, Illinois

Rent Self Storage in Aurora Illinois

As the second most populous city in the state behind neighboring Chicago;  Aurora, Illinois is home to several major employers, including heavy equipment manufacturer Caterpillar Corporation.

As with any city this large there is always a significant number of individuals moving into as well as relocating out of  the area, so Aurora, IL self storage facilities are constantly in use for the benefits they offer to individuals in transition. If you are moving to start a new job or even the same job at a new job location, the IRS offers 10 tax tips on moving expenses you may be able to deduct on your tax return, including those for finding self storage rental.

Moving Related Expenses Eligible For Deduction

1. Expenses must be close to the time you start work. Expenses incurred within one year of the date you first report to work at a new job location can be considered.

2. Distance Test. If your new primary job location is a minimum of 50 miles further from your former home than your previous main job location was from your former home, then your move meets the distance test. For example, if your previous main job location was three miles from your previous home, your new main job location must be at least 53 miles from that former home.

3. Time Test. Once you arrive at your new job location, you are required to work full time for at least 39 weeks during the first year at your new location. Self-employed individuals must meet this test, and they must also work full time for a total of at least 78 weeks during the first 24 months upon arriving in their new job location. If your tax return is due before you have met this requirement, you can still deduct your allowable moving expenses if you expect to meet the time test. There are some special rules and exceptions to these general rules, so see Publication 521, Moving Expenses for more information.

4. Travel. Lodging expenses (but not meals) can be deducted for yourself and household members while relocating from your former home to your new home. You can also deduct transportation expenses, including airfare, vehicle mileage, parking fees and tolls you pay, but only one trip per person is deductible.

5. Household goods. You can deduct the cost of packing, crating and transporting your household goods and personal property, including the cost of shipping household pets. You may be able to include the cost of storing and insuring these items while in transit.

6. Utilities . Expenses associated with the cost of connecting or disconnecting utilities are deductible.

7. Form. You can deduct only those expenses that are reasonable for the circumstances of your move. To figure the amount of your deduction for moving expenses, use Form 3903, Moving Expenses.

8. Nondeductible expenses. You cannot deduct as moving expenses: any part of the purchase price of your new home, car tags, a drivers license renewal, costs of buying or selling a home, expenses of entering into or breaking a lease, or security deposits and storage charges, except those incurred in transit and for foreign moves.

9. Reimbursed expenses. If your employer reimburses you for the costs of a move for which you took a deduction, the reimbursement may have to be included as income on your tax return.

10. Update your address. When you move, be sure to update your address with the IRS and the U.S. Postal Service to ensure you receive mail from the IRS. Use Form 8822, Change of Address, to notify the IRS.

Self Storage location of Extra Space in Aurora, Illinois

Extra Space Storage

So whether you are preparing to call Illinois your new home or are about to list Aurora as your former address, it will be wise to keep track of your moving expenses. Expenses incurred for job related moving self storage unit rental in Aurora, IL within 30 consecutive days after items are moved from your old home, but before they are delivered to your new home are likely eligible for a deduction. As always, it is wise to do your homework or seek the services of a knowledgeable tax professional.

 

For More Information Visit IRS.gov

More details are available in IRS Publication 521 and Form 3903. IRS publications and forms are available on IRS.gov or by calling 800-829-3676.

Renters Insurance for Self Storage Units In Lake Elsinore CA

Self Storage in Lake Elsnore, California

Need To Rent A Self Storage Unit in Lake Elsinore, CA?

Lake Elsinore, California is a lovely community located approximately 70 miles southeast of Los Angeles. It is situated along the shore of Southern California’s largest natural freshwater lake and bordered by the Elsinore Mountains, making it a scenic spot to live.

Whether you are a longtime resident or business owner, or moving into or from the area, you may avail yourself of the benefits of renting a self storage unit. There are a variety of reputable storage providers in the area like Extra Space Storage, whom has two facilities in the city nestled in part of the Santa Ana Mountain Range.

If you do utilize or are considering renting a self storage unit in Lake Elsinore, CA, it is important to remember to make sure your possessions or inventory are properly insured while in storage.

Make sure your items in self storage are insuredAre Your Stored Possessions Insured?

A story reported July 11th by the Associated Press serves as a graphic reminder of the importance of renters insurance for individuals who rent public self storage units to store their belongings.

A four alarm fire struck a self storage facility in Auburn, Washington, destroying 14 units and their contents. Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours and were unable to save items stored in the burned storage units.  The fire was later determined to be arson.

Like most businesses, self storage rental companies carry insurance on their property and buildings.  Insuring the contents housed in the storage units is usually the responsibility of the renter.

Ask Your Self Storage Provider About Insurance

Lake Elsinore Storage Units For Rent

Lake Elsinore Storage Units

Many self storage facilities offer renter’s insurance as part of their business model, either as an additional charge incurred monthly in addition to the standard rental fee, or by working with local insurance providers through referrals for which they receive compensation. Of course, individual renters may elect to do their own legwork to procure insurance for their stored possessions. It is prudent to check with your insurance agent to see if your homeowners or general casualty policy will  cover your possessions or inventory while in storage.

Hopefully, all the contents of the self storage facility which were destroyed in the recent fire were covered by renter’s insurance. In the event no insurance was in force, the result would be a total loss for the owners of those contents.

And while it is true that some items which individuals store in self storage units are irreplaceable like works of art, furniture, heirlooms, photos or any other one of a kind item, it still pays to have them insured to alleviate the stress which would accompany a total uncompensated loss.

So if you’re renting a self storage unit in Lake Elsinore to house your boat, your business inventory, or your household possessions and  are not presently insuring any valuable items which you have in self storage, it would be prudent to get a quote from an insurance agent who provides this type of coverage.  You likely will find it is a good value and offers economical peace of mind.

Affordable, Secure Self Storage in Metro Long Beach, CA

Self Storage For Rent In Long Beach, Ca Facility

194 East Artesia Blvd, Long Beach, Ca

Located about twenty miles south of downtown Los Angeles; Long Beach, CA is a top notch location to live and work.  Situated on the Tech Coast and home to the state’s largest and busiest port, Long Beach is a vital area to the economy of Southern California.

Commerce and industry thrive in the region. The metropolitan area is considered the gateway to the Pacific Rim and has attracted a skilled and educated work force which drives business in such diverse fields as aerospace, technology, trade, engineering, petroleum, telecom, and logistics.

Long Beach is also served by a state university, community colleges, and a significant number of technical training institutes.

With the population of the city approaching half a million residents, the market for clean, secure Long Beach area storage units for rent, and well managed self storage facilities serving student, residential and business markets is well established.

Secure, Clean, and Affordable Self Storage

Extra Space (NYSE: EXR) is a renowned and growing self storage company which has built its reputation and current status as the second largest self storage company in the United States by focusing on providing secure, well managed, clean and affordable public self storage facilities to its customers.

Self Storage Facility in Long Beach, CA Managed By Extra Space

Long Beach Storage Units on 2101 E Carson St.

Extra Space serves the self storage needs of the Long Beach metropolitan area with fifteen conveniently located facilities within ten miles of the city center. These facilities offer a wide variety of self storage solutions in unit sizes designed to fit the self storage requirements of virtually any situation. Several of their locations offer climate controlled storage for items which require protection from extremes in temperature and humidity. Secure public self storage for RVs, autos, boats, campers and other vehicles is also available at selected locations in the Long Beach vicinity.

Training and education to staff their facilities with self storage specialists who can help you determine the unit that fits your needs are one of the reasons Extra Space is a respected and growing company.  Extra Space associates realize you might need some help in learning about self storage, and they take the time to show you options to most efficiently meet your situation.

Above all Extra Space values their customers’ security. State of the art motion detection cameras providing 24-hour video surveillance, electric gate access and a manager who lives onsite are among the measures taken by Extra Space to ensure complete protection for your belongings.

Finally, Extra Space facilities are designed with user friendly features like drive aisles wide enough for a semi-truck, moving carts for interior units and passenger elevators where appropriate. Each facility also markets packing and moving supplies like boxes, tape and bubble wrap.

Reserve an Extra Space self storage unit in Long Beach, CA and learn from one of their friendly associates the benefits offered by their company and why you deserve Extra Space.

May the Force Be With You When Watching Storage Wars

Storage Wars artwork

Storage Wars art – MeanCarcass

One viewing of an episode of A&E’s Storage Wars, and you will be hooked. Trust me. I am a busy Mom. I don’t have time to shower, but I make time to watch Storage Wars.

For those of you that haven’t seen it yet, Storage Wars is a reality show that follows four “professional buyers” (whatever that means) as they bid on abandoned or foreclosed self-storage units with an ultimate goal of finding valuable items inside.

During the first episode I watched, one of the “warriors” recounted a storage unit he once won at auction that contained comic books worth millions (yes, MILLIONS) of dollars. He apparently didn’t do his research at the time, and let the items go for a mere $130,000. That’s not too shabby, though, considering he bought the unit for $2700. The show continues with the discovery of a box of rap artist Suge Knight’s jeans. I, personally would not pay for the used denim, but apparently they are worth thousands of dollars. I’m assuming, however, that Mr. Knight didn’t pay $29.99 for them in the first place. They were probably worth a couple hundred to begin with. Either way, the buyer of the storage unit made a profit of over $8700. He wins.

So at this point, you are probably wondering what the most expensive find on the show has been. Well, unfortunately that information is inconclusive. During my research, I found numerous responses, with no definitive answer.

Some people don’t even believe the show is real. They think the items are planted. My response to that is, “No way. Reality TV is always real. Nothing is ever scripted or staged…ever….well, maybe sometimes…if the storyline gets boring….which is always.” So I guess maybe, possibly the items are planted. We’ll never know unless a cast member doesn’t get the raise they are demanding to film a third season.What is inside your storage unit

As for REAL life, there actually have been some treasures found in storage units that didn’t make the headline news. Some of the most unique, interesting, strange, or expensive goods found include NASA equipment, the jawbone of a dinosaur, dead bodies, 3,000 year old seeds, a portion of Aretha Franklin’s wardrobe, gold coins, a 1937 Bugatti 57S (that’s a car, Mom) worth an estimated $9,000,000, and Jimmy Hoffa. I’m just kidding about Jimmy Hoffa. Or am I???

If you’ve learned anything from this article, it should be to wash your jeans every time you plan on storing them. You never know if you are going to become famous and if someone will be willing to pay good money for them. You certainly don’t want to be known as the famous guy that spilled salsa on his jeans and was too lazy to wash them.

Self Storage Operator Amsdell Expands Into Cincinnati

Greater Cincinnati and Northern KyAccording to a press release dated June 28th on its web site, The Amsdell family of companies has expanded its self storage business holdings in Ohio by purchasing five self storage properties in the Greater Cincinnati metropolitan area.

First In Southwest Ohio

The acquisitions represent Amsdell’s first move into self storage operations in the Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky markets. Amsdell is based in Cleveland, Oh, and operates self storage businesses under the name Compass Self Storage, LLC with locations in Florida, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania.

The newly acquired storage center locations:

•    3951 Nine Mile Road, Cincinnati, OH 45226
•    10000 Sam Neace Drive, Florence, KY 41042
•    2020 Northside Drive, Hebron, KY 41048
•    9343 Princeton-Glendale Road, Hamilton, OH 45001
•    4700 Wilmer Court, Cincinnati, OH 45226

In total, the five added Cincinnati self storage properties  represent 308,635 in net square feet of space for rent. The facilities offer drive up access, indoor storage, as well as boxes and a full line of packing supplies to help customers with their moving and self storage needs.

Excited To Enter New Geographical Market in Cincinnati, OH

Self Storage Cincinnati, OHIn the press release, Compass Self Storage President Todd Amsdell offers his thoughts on the acquisitions: “We are thrilled to expand our service to the greater Cincinnati market and to offer quality self storage and moving solutions to our customers. We plan to continue to expand our footprint to additional markets and look forward to furthering the growth of the Compass brand.”

Amsdell has its roots in the family owned construction company founded in 1928 and has since been active in several billions of dollars worth of real estate ventures with a primary focus on self storage. The Amsdell team has extensive experience in property acquisition, construction, and property management.