Blog | Lockaway Self Storage

5 Questions to Ask Before Renting a Storage Unit

Renting a storage unit is a simple and effective way to create extra space, whether you're moving, downsizing, or just looking to declutter. However, not all storage units are created equal, and finding the right one for your needs requires asking the right questions. Here are five essential questions to guide your decision and ensure you choose a storage solution that fits your needs. 1. What Size Storage Unit Do I Need? Storage units come in a variety of sizes, from small lockers to large garage-like spaces. Choosing the right size depends on what you plan to store: Small Unit (5x5 or 5x10): Ideal for boxes, small furniture, and seasonal items. Medium Unit (10x10 or 10x15): Perfect for furniture from a 1-2 bedroom apartment. Large Unit (10x20 or larger): Best for storing an entire household’s belongings or large items like appliances. Ask the facility staff for guidance and, if possible, visit the unit in person to visualize the space. You don’t want to pay for space you won’t use—or end up needing a second unit because you underestimated your storage needs. 2. Is the Facility Secure? Security should be a top priority when choosing a storage facility. You’re trusting this space to keep your belongings safe, so ask about the measures in place to prevent theft or damage. Key security features to look for include: 24/7 video surveillance. Gated access with personalized entry codes. Well-lit areas to deter intruders and improve visibility. Secure locks or the option to use your own high-quality lock. Knowing your items are in a secure environment provides peace of mind. 3. Are There Climate-Controlled Units Available? Certain items, such as wooden furniture, electronics, artwork, and photographs, are sensitive to extreme temperatures and humidity. If you plan to store valuable or delicate belongings, climate-controlled units are essential.Ask if the facility offers these units and whether they maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels. While climate-controlled storage may cost a bit more, it’s worth the investment to protect your valuables. 4. What Are the Lease Terms and Fees? Understanding the financial side of renting a ...

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December 11th, 2024

How Realtors Use Self-Storage to Sell Homes Faster

With a competitive real estate market, every detail matters when it comes to selling a home. A well-staged and clutter-free space can mean the difference between a quick sale and a property that lingers on the market. Realtors know this better than anyone, and that’s why many turn to self-storage as a powerful tool in their home-selling arsenal. By offering homeowners a convenient way to declutter and depersonalize, self-storage can transform a property into an irresistible dream home for potential buyers.Here’s how self-storage helps realtors sell homes faster and why it’s an essential resource for any staging strategy. The Importance of First Impressions in Real Estate When buyers walk into a home, their first impression often determines whether they see it as “the one” or move on to the next listing. A cluttered, overly personal, or crowded space can make it difficult for buyers to visualize their life in the home. On the other hand, a clean, organized, and neutral space allows the home’s best features to shine.Statistics show that staged homes sell faster and often for a higher price than their unstaged counterparts. A clutter-free home creates a sense of spaciousness and makes rooms feel larger and more inviting. Self-storage gives realtors and homeowners the flexibility to achieve that polished, move-in-ready look that buyers are searching for. How Self-Storage Helps Realtors and Homeowners 1. Decluttering for a Spacious Feel Excess furniture and personal belongings can make rooms feel cramped. By moving these items into a storage unit, homeowners can open up their spaces and highlight the home’s natural flow. Decluttering creates a blank slate, allowing buyers to focus on the property rather than the stuff inside it. 2. Staging Flexibility Staging often involves rearranging or swapping out furniture to present the home in its best light. With self-storage, homeowners can temporarily remove their furniture to make space for professional staging pieces. This flexibility helps realtors create an inviting, neutral aesthetic that appeals to a broader audience. 3. Depersonalizing the Space Personal items like family photos, collectibles, and hobby ...

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December 6th, 2024

The Dos and Don’ts of Storing Electronics in Self-Storage

Electronics have become an essential part of our daily lives, from the television that brings us our favorite shows to the laptops and tablets that keep us connected and productive. But when it’s time to put these valuable gadgets in storage—whether due to a move, downsizing, or simply making space—proper handling is crucial to ensure they remain in working condition.Improper storage can lead to serious damage, like cracked screens, fried circuits, or rusted connectors. To help you keep your electronics safe and sound, here’s a guide on the dos and don’ts of storing electronics in self-storage. The Dos of Storing Electronics Do Use Climate-Controlled Storage Temperature and humidity can wreak havoc on electronics. Extreme heat can melt internal components, while moisture can lead to corrosion and permanent damage. Always opt for a climate-controlled storage unit to maintain a stable environment and protect your devices. Do Clean Your Electronics Before Storing Dust and dirt can cause components to deteriorate over time. Before storing your electronics, wipe them down with a soft, dry cloth and make sure all vents and crevices are dust-free. For more delicate parts, like camera lenses, use appropriate cleaning tools to ensure nothing is left behind. Do Remove Batteries Batteries can corrode and leak, causing damage to your devices and nearby items. Remove all batteries from your electronics before placing them in storage. Consider storing the batteries separately or disposing of them safely. Do Use Proper Packing Materials Protect your electronics by using original boxes and packaging whenever possible, as they are designed to fit perfectly. If you don’t have the original packaging, use anti-static bubble wrap to cushion your devices, and place them in sturdy, labeled boxes. Avoid using regular bubble wrap, as it can generate static electricity that may damage your electronics. Do Label All Cables and Accessories It’s easy to get cables mixed up, especially when you have multiple devices in storage. Use twist ties or Velcro straps to keep cables organized and label each one so you know exactly which ...

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November 27th, 2024

Storing Kids’ Items as They Grow

Parenthood comes with a never-ending cycle of things: cribs, strollers, toys, clothes, school projects, sports equipment, and eventually, those all-important dorm room essentials. As your children grow, so does the mountain of items that they outgrow or no longer need. But what should you do with all these belongings? Self-storage offers a simple solution to keep your home organized and clutter-free while holding onto items you may need again or want to keep for sentimental reasons.Here’s how to make the most of self-storage as your kids grow from babies to college students. 1. Baby Gear: Cribs, Strollers, and High Chairs The early years come with a lot of big, bulky items that are only used for a short period. Once your child outgrows them, these items can take up precious space in your home. If you’re planning to expand your family or want to save these items for future use, consider placing them in a storage unit.Storage Tip: Clean and thoroughly dry baby gear before storing it to prevent mold or odors. Disassemble items like cribs and label all parts for easy reassembly. 2. Toddler Toys and Clothes As your child grows, they’ll quickly outgrow toys and clothes. If you want to keep certain items for younger siblings or as keepsakes, self-storage can be a great way to hold onto them without cluttering your living space.Organization Hack: Use clear plastic bins to store clothes by size and label them accordingly. For toys, consider donating items that are in good condition but no longer loved before storing the rest. 3. Elementary School Projects and Sports Equipment Once your kids are in school, you’ll likely accumulate art projects, science fair displays, and sports gear. While some items are easy to part with, others may hold sentimental value or need to be stored for the next season.Pro Tip: Create a keepsake bin for art projects and awards that are especially meaningful. For sports gear, use sturdy, labeled bins and store seasonal items together to make them easy to find ...

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November 21st, 2024

When Is the Right Time to Rent a Self-Storage Unit?

Life is full of transitions, both planned and unexpected. Sometimes, these changes bring about an overwhelming amount of stuff that needs a temporary (or permanent) home. So how do you know when it’s time to invest in a self-storage unit? Let’s break down the situations where renting storage could make your life significantly easier and more organized. 1. You’re Moving to a New Home Moving is one of the most common reasons people turn to self-storage. Whether you’re downsizing, upsizing, or waiting for your new place to be ready, a storage unit can take the stress out of the moving process. It gives you the flexibility to store furniture, boxes, and other belongings temporarily, making your transition smoother. No more living out of boxes while trying to unpack in a hurry!Tip: Label your boxes clearly and store essentials near the front of your unit so you can access them easily if needed. 2. You’re Downsizing Your Living Space Maybe the kids have moved out, or perhaps you’re trading in that spacious house for a cozy apartment in Brooklyn. Downsizing often means you have more belongings than space. Self-storage can help bridge the gap, allowing you to keep sentimental items, heirlooms, or seasonal gear without cluttering your new, smaller home.Pro Tip: Consider using climate-controlled storage for valuable or sensitive items, like antique furniture or important documents. 3. You Need Space for Seasonal Items From holiday decorations to summer sports equipment, some items only see the light of day for a few months out of the year. Rather than letting them take up precious space in your home, consider storing them in a self-storage unit. This way, you can easily swap out seasonal items and keep your home organized year-round. 4. You’re Remodeling or Renovating Your Home A home renovation can be exciting but also chaotic. Dust, debris, and workers coming in and out can make it nearly impossible to protect your furniture and belongings. Renting a storage unit ensures your items stay safe and out of the way until ...

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November 13th, 2024

Moving in Brooklyn? Here’s How Self-Storage Can Make It Stress-Free

Moving in Brooklyn is not for the faint of heart. If you’ve ever experienced the chaos of navigating narrow streets, finding parking, or trying to fit a sectional sofa up a three-story walk-up, you know that moving here is an adventure all its own. Whether you're transitioning to a new neighborhood like Williamsburg, Park Slope, or Bushwick, or just relocating down the block, one thing is certain: the process can be stressful, exhausting, and downright overwhelming.But what if we told you there’s a way to simplify the madness and even enjoy the experience a bit more? Enter self-storage, the unsung hero of urban relocations. Here’s how self-storage can be your secret weapon for a seamless, stress-free move. 1. Declutter Before You Pack One of the biggest moving mistakes is trying to haul everything you own to your new place. Do you really need that old coffee table or the boxes of magazines you haven't touched in years? Before you even think about packing, take the time to declutter your belongings. Self-storage is the perfect place to keep those "maybe later" items—things you aren't quite ready to part with but don’t want cluttering your new space.Not only does this make packing easier, but it also gives you time to thoughtfully decide what you really want to bring into your fresh new home. 2. Stagger Your Move at Your Own Pace Brooklyn’s unpredictable traffic and tight timelines can make moving day feel like a high-stakes race. With self-storage, you have the freedom to stagger your move. Store non-essential items in your unit ahead of time so you can focus on moving the essentials in one go. Once you’re settled in, you can retrieve your stored items bit by bit, making the whole process far more manageable.Think of it as moving on your schedule, not Brooklyn’s. 3. Create Breathing Space During Unpredictable Delays We’ve all been there: a delayed closing date or a last-minute hiccup that turns your moving plans upside down. Self-storage provides a safety net, giving you ...

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November 6th, 2024

Safely Storing Your Brooklyn Cycling Gear

As the weather starts to cool down in Brooklyn, many cyclists are swapping daily rides for indoor activities. While cycling through the borough’s busy streets or along Prospect Park is a favorite pastime for many, the colder months mean it’s time to store your bike and gear until spring rolls around. But simply leaving your bike in a corner of your apartment or cramming your gear into a closet can lead to damage that shortens the lifespan of your equipment. Let’s explore how to properly store your cycling gear and ensure it’s ready to go when the weather warms up again. Why Proper Storage Matters for Your Gear Storing your cycling gear properly isn’t just about saving space; it’s about protecting your investment. Brooklyn’s harsh winters, fluctuating temperatures, and high humidity can wreak havoc on bicycles if left unattended or improperly stored. Rust can develop on the chain and frame, tires can lose their shape, and accessories like helmets and gloves can become damaged by moisture. Proper storage ensures that your bike and gear will be in top shape when you're ready to hit the road again. Preparing Your Bike for Storage Before tucking your bike away for the winter, take some time to prepare it for storage. Start by giving it a good cleaning—remove any dirt, grime, or road salt that could cause corrosion during the off-season. Pay extra attention to the chain and gears; lubricating these parts will help prevent rust.Once your bike is clean and dry, slightly deflate the tires. This helps prevent flat spots from forming if the bike will be sitting in one position for an extended period. It's also a good idea to keep the bike on a rack or stand to avoid pressure on the tires. Finally, remove any electronic accessories, like bike lights or GPS units, to avoid battery corrosion during the months they aren’t in use. Storing Other Cycling Gear Your bike isn’t the only thing that needs some care before storage—don’t forget about your other cycling ...

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October 23rd, 2024

Preparing for Parenthood: Decluttering with Self-Storage in Brooklyn

As excitement builds for the arrival of a new baby, Brooklyn parents-to-be often face a daunting challenge: finding space for all the baby gear in their already cozy apartments. Between cribs, strollers, and countless onesies, it can feel like you’re quickly running out of room. Plus, many parents are also juggling the need to baby-proof their homes or renovate a space into a nursery. The good news is that decluttering and using self-storage can help create an organized and welcoming environment for your little one. Let’s explore how you can prepare for parenthood by making the most of self-storage solutions in Brooklyn. The Importance of Decluttering Before Baby Arrives Welcoming a new baby means embracing change, and one of the most effective ways to manage this transition is by decluttering your space. A tidy home can help reduce stress and allow you to focus on what truly matters: your growing family. Start by assessing your belongings and deciding what you can part with or store away. This not only makes room for baby essentials but also makes baby-proofing your home easier. After all, the last thing you want is to trip over clutter while carrying your little one! What to Store and What to Keep When preparing for your new arrival, it's helpful to sort your items into categories. Here’s a quick guide: Unused Furniture: If you have furniture that you don’t use regularly, consider storing it. This could be anything from an extra chair to a coffee table that might not fit the new layout of your home. Seasonal Clothing: Your wardrobe will change significantly with a baby. Storing out-of-season clothing or pieces that you won’t wear for a while frees up closet space for baby items and makes organizing your wardrobe easier. Sentimental Items: It’s natural to want to hold on to things with sentimental value, but if they’re taking up precious space, self-storage can be the perfect solution. Consider storing items like old toys, family heirlooms, or memorabilia until you have the room to ...

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October 16th, 2024

Self-Storage Tips for Long-Term Travelers in Brooklyn

If you're a Brooklynite preparing for a long-term trip—whether it’s an extended vacation, a work assignment abroad, or a semester studying in another country—one of the biggest headaches can be figuring out what to do with all your stuff. Apartments in Brooklyn are often small, and leaving your valuables unattended for months isn’t an ideal option. That’s where self-storage comes in. Storing your belongings in a safe, convenient space gives you peace of mind while you're away, knowing everything is secure and well taken care of. Let’s dive into some tips to help you make the most of self-storage before you embark on your adventure. 1. Assess What You Need to Store Before you start packing up your apartment, take a moment to evaluate what really needs to go into storage. For long-term trips, you’re likely not bringing much back with you, so you may need to store everything from furniture and appliances to personal items and seasonal clothing.Make a checklist of the essentials. Consider whether certain items are better left with a trusted friend or family member (like important documents) or if they belong in a secure self-storage facility. Prioritize things that are valuable, hard to replace, or simply don’t fit into your suitcase. 2. Choose the Right Storage Unit Size Once you've got a sense of what you’re storing, the next step is choosing the right-sized unit. The last thing you want is to pay for more space than you need—or worse, not have enough space to fit everything.For example, if you're storing just a few boxes and small items, a 5'x5' unit might be enough. But for larger furniture or multiple boxes, you may need to look at bigger units like 10'x10'. Fortunately, Lockaway Self Storage offers an online storage calculator to help you choose the perfect size based on what you need to store. 3. Pack Your Items Properly for Long-Term Storage Packing for short-term storage is one thing, but when you’re going to be gone for months (or even longer), proper ...

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October 9th, 2024

Storing Vintage Furniture and Antiques in Brooklyn

Living in Brooklyn often means making the most of limited space, and for collectors or homeowners with prized vintage furniture and antiques, finding room for these cherished items can be a challenge. Whether you're downsizing, renovating, or simply trying to declutter, proper storage of these valuable pieces is key to preserving their beauty and integrity for years to come. Self-storage can be the perfect solution, but only if you store your antiques correctly. Here’s a guide to safely storing your vintage furniture and antiques in Brooklyn. Clean and Prepare Your Items Before placing your vintage furniture or antiques into storage, giving them a thorough cleaning is crucial. Dust, dirt, and even oils from your hands can cause damage over time, especially when items are kept in storage for long periods. For wooden furniture, use a mild cleaner and a soft cloth to gently wipe down surfaces. Make sure to remove any grime or dust, and apply a furniture polish to protect the wood. For fabric upholstery, vacuum thoroughly to remove dust and debris, and if needed, have the upholstery professionally cleaned. Avoid storing items while they’re damp, as that can lead to mold or mildew. For metal pieces, wipe them down and consider applying a light coat of wax to prevent oxidation, especially in humid environments. Cleaning ensures that when your items go into storage, they stay in their best condition without the risk of gradual damage from lingering dirt. Disassemble Large Pieces Storing large pieces of vintage furniture, like bed frames, tables, or cabinets, can be tricky. One of the best ways to save space and prevent damage is to disassemble these items when possible. Carefully remove table legs, bed frames, or other detachable components to make them easier to transport and store. Place all screws, bolts, and small hardware in labeled plastic bags, and tape them securely to the corresponding furniture piece so you don’t lose them. For delicate or fragile parts, like glass panes from cabinets or mirrors, make sure to wrap them in protective materials ...

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October 2nd, 2024

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