Columbia Self Storage Blog

Get Ahead of Spring Cleaning: How Self Storage Can Help You Declutter & Organize

Even though it’s still February, now is the perfect time to get a head start on spring cleaning. Instead of waiting until warmer weather arrives, tackling organization early can save time and make the transition into spring much smoother. One of the best ways to declutter efficiently is by using self storage. Whether you're clearing out your garage, making space for home projects, or organizing business inventory, a storage unit can help keep your space neat while holding onto the things you still need. Here’s how self storage can make spring cleaning easier and more effective: 1. Declutter Now, Enjoy Spring Later Spring cleaning isn’t just about dusting and vacuuming—it’s about creating a fresh, organized space. The sooner you start, the more time you’ll have to enjoy the warmer months ahead. How Self Storage Can Help: Store Seasonal Items: Pack away winter coats, holiday decorations, and snow gear to free up space at home. Declutter Without Letting Go: Not ready to part with certain items? A storage unit keeps them secure while you decide. Prepare for Home Projects: Planning renovations this spring? Use storage to temporarily clear out furniture and belongings. Pro Tip: Label boxes clearly and keep an inventory list so you can easily find items later. 2. Organizing for Tax Season? Store Important Documents Safely Tax season means dealing with paperwork—lots of it. Instead of cluttering your home office or filing cabinets, consider a secure storage unit to keep records organized and protected. Why Store Tax Documents in a Storage Unit? Security & Protection: Avoid misplacing important records by keeping them in a dedicated storage space. Temperature-Control Matters: Prevent damage to paperwork from moisture, heat, or pests. Easy Access: Store past years' returns while keeping only what you need at home. 3. College Students: Plan Ahead for Spring Break & Summer Storage College students may be focused on spring break now, but summer will be here before you know it! If you’re moving out of a dorm or apartment soon, renting a storage unit is a stress-free way to keep belongings safe until ...

Columbia Self Storage
February 19th, 2025

The Ultimate Guide to Packing and Storing Holiday Decorations

Self Storage

The holiday season is a magical time of year, but when the celebrations end, the task of packing away decorations can feel overwhelming. Properly organizing and storing your holiday items not only saves time next year but also protects your cherished decorations. Here are some tips to ensure your holiday décor stays safe and in great condition for seasons to come. Sort and Declutter Before you start packing, take inventory of your holiday decorations. Discard broken items or donate decorations you no longer use. This step helps you avoid storing unnecessary clutter and makes unpacking easier next year. Invest in Proper Storage Containers Specialized storage containers designed for holiday decorations can make a big difference: Ornament Storage Boxes: These boxes have dividers to prevent fragile ornaments from touching each other. Wreath Storage Bags: Protect wreaths from dust and damage with specially designed bags. Clear Bins: Transparent bins make it easy to see what's inside without opening multiple boxes. Label Everything Clearly label each box with its contents, such as “Tree Ornaments,” “Outdoor Lights,” or “Gift Wrapping Supplies.” For even more efficiency, create an inventory list and store it in a notebook or on your phone. Wrap Fragile Items Carefully Fragile decorations require extra care. Use bubble wrap, tissue paper, or soft cloths to cushion delicate items. Avoid using newspaper, as the ink can transfer onto decorations. Avoid Tangling Lights Tangled holiday lights can be frustrating to untangle next year. Here’s how to avoid the hassle: Use Light Reels: Wrap string lights around a dedicated light reel or a piece of sturdy cardboard. Bundle by Strand: Secure each strand with twist ties or rubber bands to keep them from shifting. Store in Bags: Place each bundled strand in a resealable bag to prevent them from getting mixed up. Taking these steps now will save you time and effort when decorating next season. Store Items by Category Organize decorations by type, such as ornaments, lights, and tabletop displays. Alternatively, you can group items by room or holiday theme. Keeping related items together simplifies decorating next year. Choose the Right Storage Location Store your ...

Columbia Self Storage
January 3rd, 2025

Getting Ready for the Holidays: How Columbia Self Storage Can Help You Prepare

Self Storage

The holiday season is officially here, and with it comes the excitement of festive gatherings, gift-giving, and all the joy that comes with the season. At Columbia Self Storage, we understand how important it is to stay organized and make the most of your space during this busy time of year. Whether you’re hosting family, preparing for a big holiday sale, or simply need extra room for your seasonal items, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how Columbia Self Storage can help you stay organized and stress-free this holiday season: Declutter Your Home for Holiday Guests The holidays are the perfect time to invite family and friends into your home, but more guests often means more clutter. A self-storage unit can provide a simple solution for clearing out extra furniture, seasonal items, or anything that might be taking up space. Store away what you don't need right now and free up room for guests to relax and enjoy the festivities. Store Your Holiday Decorations and Seasonal Items Once the holidays are over, packing away decorations can feel overwhelming. With Columbia Self Storage, you can easily store your holiday décor, leaving your attic or garage free from seasonal clutter. For easy access next year, consider storing decorations in green and red bins—traditional colors that will make your items easy to spot and organize. When the next holiday season rolls around, your decorations will be waiting for you, neatly packed and ready to go. Organize Seasonal Inventory for Your Business For many businesses, the holiday season means an influx of inventory and additional supplies. Columbia Self Storage offers flexible, secure storage solutions to help you stay organized. Whether you're storing seasonal products, extra merchandise, or business equipment, our storage units can help you manage the increased demand. We even offer drive-up units, making it easier to load and unload large amounts of inventory or supplies with minimal hassle. And with the option for 24-hour access, you can retrieve or add inventory at any time, making it incredibly convenient for businesses ...

Columbia Self Storage
December 3rd, 2024

Moving to South Plainfield, NJ: A Guide to Your New Home and Local Attractions

Moving

Nestled in Middlesex County, South Plainfield, New Jersey, offers a welcoming blend of suburban charm and modern conveniences, making it an ideal place to call home. Whether you're relocating for work, education, or simply a fresh start, South Plainfield has plenty to offer. Its central location provides easy access to major highways like I-287, Route 22, and the Garden State Parkway, making commutes to nearby cities like New York and Philadelphia a breeze. Residents enjoy a strong sense of community, excellent schools, and diverse dining and shopping options, creating a balance of small-town warmth and urban accessibility. Before making the move, it’s helpful to know a few key details about the area. The cost of living in South Plainfield is relatively affordable compared to nearby cities, with housing options ranging from single-family homes to apartments. While the town doesn’t have its own train station, nearby Edison and Plainfield provide NJ Transit access to major hubs, which is convenient for commuters. South Plainfield experiences all four seasons, so prepare for warm, humid summers and snowy winters. For families, the South Plainfield Public School District offers strong educational programs, and community activities like the annual Labor Day Parade contribute to the town’s vibrant atmosphere. Once you’re settled in, you’ll find plenty of things to do. Outdoor enthusiasts will love Spring Lake Park, a local favorite with walking trails, a serene lake, and picnic areas. During the summer, the South Plainfield Community Pool is a popular spot for families to cool off. For shopping and entertainment, Middlesex Mall offers a variety of retail stores and dining options, while nearby Edison features the Menlo Park Mall and AMC Dine-In Theatres. Food lovers can enjoy everything from casual chains to hidden gems, including the Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet, located right in town. South Plainfield’s central location also makes it a great base for day trips to New York City, the Jersey Shore, and other regional attractions. When moving, finding storage solutions for your belongings can be essential, ...

Columbia Self Storage
November 25th, 2024

5 Fall Storage Hacks to Keep Your Home Clutter-Free

Self Storage

As the vibrant fall colors take over and cooler temperatures settle in, it’s the perfect time to declutter and organize your space. Fall brings many seasonal changes—packing away summer gear, pulling out warmer clothing, and prepping for the holidays. But instead of letting these transitions add to your clutter, let’s talk about some clever storage hacks to keep your home tidy and stress-free this season. Here are five smart storage tips to help you make the most of fall: 1. Pack Away Summer Gear to Free Up Space With the end of summer comes the need to store all your warm-weather essentials—think patio furniture, pool floats, and garden tools. Instead of crowding your garage or backyard, pack these items up and bring them to your self-storage unit for the season. By clearing out these bulky items, you’re creating more space for fall decor and seasonal activities. Pro tip: Before storing, clean and dry everything thoroughly to prevent mold or rust from forming over the winter. 2. Store Seasonal Clothing Smartly Now’s the time to swap out your summer wardrobe for cozy fall layers. Use this opportunity to store away shorts, sundresses, and sandals in storage bins or vacuum-sealed bags. This method not only saves space but also protects your clothing from dust and moisture.When packing up your clothes: Sort by item type and label each container. Use clear bins for easy visibility or color-code your storage totes for quick identification. Add a dryer sheet to each bin to keep clothes smelling fresh. You’ll appreciate having quick access to your sweaters and jackets when the cold weather really kicks in! 3. Organize Fall Decorations for Easy Access Fall decorations bring a cozy, festive vibe to your home, but they can also become a source of clutter if not stored properly. Whether it’s Halloween props, fall wreaths, or Thanksgiving decor, having a dedicated storage space for seasonal items can save you a headache when next year rolls around. Hack: Store decor in clear, labeled bins and keep them easily accessible at the front of your ...

Columbia Self Storage
October 15th, 2024

What to Do If Your Unit is Overlocked

Facility Options & Features

If your unit has been overlocked with a round Columbia lock due to a late payment, follow these steps to regain access: Make Your Payment in Full Ensure your outstanding balance is paid in full. Visit the Overlock Release Website Go to https://columbia.overlockrelease.com/ Select Your Facility Choose the Columbia Self Storage location where your unit is located. Enter Your Account Information Provide the email or phone number associated with your account. You’ll receive a text message with the unlock code. Remove the Overlock Use the code to unlock and remove the Columbia lock. Secure your unit with your own lock. Return the Columbia Lock Please follow the posted signs around the property and return the Columbia lock to one of the designated drop boxes. Failure to return the lock will result in a one-time fee. If you continue to be a tenant and the lock remains unreturned, a monthly lock rental fee will be charged until the lock is returned. ...

Columbia Self Storage
September 30th, 2024

Moving Out of Your Unit

Facility Options & Features

Your time with us at Columbia Self Storage is coming to an end. As you embark on a new journey, we want to make your move-out process as smooth as possible. While we’re sad to see you go, we understand that life moves on. Notify Our Office Please let our office know of your planned move-out date, ideally 10 days in advance. You can contact us via email, through the Contact Us page on our website, or by phone during our regular business hours. Empty Your Unit When it's time to say goodbye to your storage unit, please leave it looking as clean and tidy as it was when you first moved in. This includes sweeping the floor to ensure it's free of debris. We want to make sure the next tenant feels right at home! Remove Lock Before you leave, please remove your lock and let our manager know that your unit has been completely cleaned out. We appreciate you storing with Columbia Self Storage and hope to have you back with us in the future. ...

Columbia Self Storage
September 30th, 2024

New Facility Coming to Cottonwood, AZ

News

We're excited to announce that our new self storage facility in Cottonwood, Arizona, is nearing completion and will be opening its doors in late fall! Located at 54 N Alamos Drive, our facility is designed to cater to the diverse storage needs of the local community, offering a range of convenient amenities and flexible storage options. Key Features: Temperature-Controlled Storage: Keep your valuable belongings safe and protected from extreme temperatures with our temperature-controlled units. Drive-Up Storage: Enjoy easy access to your belongings with our drive-up units, perfect for loading and unloading large items. RV and Boat Parking: Securely store your recreational vehicles in our covered or uncovered parking spaces, designed to accommodate both types of vehicles. Members Lounge: Relax and unwind in our exclusive members lounge, available to tenants storing RVs and boats, equipped with amenities for your convenience. Flex Units (Contractor Units): Combine office space and warehouse space in our versatile flex units, ideal for contractors and small businesses. Grand Opening Specials and Promotions: Get ready for exciting grand opening specials and promotions! Be one of the first 100 customers to reserve a unit and enjoy exclusive discounts and offers. Pricing will be available as we get closer to our official opening in November. Stay tuned for more information on our grand opening date and special promotions. About Columbia Self Storage: Columbia Self Storage is a leading provider of self storage solutions with locations across New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Our Cottonwood facility marks our fourth location in Arizona, and we have ambitious plans for further expansion in the state. With a commitment to exceptional customer service and top-quality facilities, we strive to provide the best storage experience possible. If you're interested in finding out more about Columbia Self Storage or our new Cottonwood facility, please give us a call or reach out on our contact page. ...

Columbia Self Storage
September 5th, 2024

Fall into Order: Organize Your Home for the Fall Season

Self Storage

As the leaves change color and the temperature drops, it's time to embrace the cozy vibes of Fall. But before you can curl up with a good book by the fireplace, you'll need to make some space in your home. A thorough fall cleaning can help you declutter your living space and create a more organized and peaceful environment. Start with a deep clean. Dust away the cobwebs, wipe down your fireplace mantel, and clean your outdoor furniture to prepare for the cooler weather. Vacuum and mop floors to remove dirt and grime. Clean windows and mirrors to let the sunshine in. Declutter your belongings. Go through your clothes, books, and kitchen cabinets. Donate or sell anything you haven't used in the past year. This will not only free up space but also help you feel lighter and more organized. Consider storing away your summer clothes and accessories and bringing out your cozy fall wardrobe. Remember, a clean and organized space can have a positive impact on your mental and emotional well-being. So, take the time to declutter your home and your storage unit this Fall. And don't forget to enjoy the beautiful Fall foliage and cozy evenings! Prepare Your Outdoor Space As the crisp autumn air settles in, it's time to give your outdoor space a little TLC. Here are a few tips to get you started: Clean up debris: Remove fallen leaves, twigs, and other debris from your lawn and garden. Trim back plants: Prune any overgrown shrubs or trees to maintain their health and appearance. Protect outdoor furniture: Cover your patio furniture or move it indoors to shield it from the elements. Winterize your plants: If you have any tender plants, take steps to protect them from frost. Prepare your lawn for winter: Rake up fallen leaves and aerate your lawn to promote healthy growth. By following these tips, you can ensure that your outdoor space is ready to enjoy throughout the fall season, whether you're hosting a cozy gathering or simply relaxing in the crisp autumn air. Fall ...

Columbia Self Storage
August 26th, 2024

Back-to-School Storage Solutions for College Students

Self Storage

Heading off to college can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so much to pack and so little space in your dorm room, it's essential to have a smart storage strategy. Here are some back-to-school storage solutions to help you stay organized and make the most of your space: Maximize Your Dorm Room Space: Utilize vertical space: Use shelves, over-the-door organizers, and hanging storage solutions. Invest in under-bed storage containers: Keep seasonal items or bulky belongings out of sight. Use stackable drawers and bins: Keep your clothes and accessories organized. Pack Smartly: Create a packing list: This will help you avoid overpacking and ensure you have everything you need. Roll your clothes: This saves space and helps prevent wrinkles. Use vacuum-sealed bags: Compress bulky items like pillows and blankets. Renting a Storage Unit: Store seasonal items: If you have a lot of seasonal clothing or sports equipment, a storage unit can provide extra space. Keep valuables safe: Store important documents, jewelry, or electronics in a secure storage unit. Avoid clutter: A storage unit can help you declutter your dorm room and keep your belongings organized. Why Rent a Student Storage Unit? Renting a student storage unit can offer several benefits, including: Extra space: If your dorm room is feeling cramped, a storage unit can provide additional space for your belongings. Security: A secure storage facility can protect your valuables from theft or damage. Convenience: A nearby storage unit can make it easy to access your belongings when you need them. Cost-effective: Renting a storage unit can be a cost-effective way to store your belongings, especially if you're only storing items for a short period. Affordable Student Storage Options at Columbia Self Storage Columbia Self Storage offers affordable student storage solutions to help you keep your belongings organized and safe. Our convenient locations and flexible lease options make it easy to find the perfect storage unit for your needs. Contact us today to learn more about our student storage specials. ...

Columbia Self Storage
August 23rd, 2024