Whether you’ve recently inherited family heirlooms, are downsizing, or need a safe place for your precious antiques, proper storage is essential. Without the right precautions, your exquisite collectibles could lose their value or sustain irreparable damage. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure your antiques stay in pristine condition during moving and storage.

Choosing the Right Storage Space

Selecting the best storage unit for your antiques involves careful consideration:

1. Climate Control
   • Keep the temperature between 50-80°F to prevent damage caused by heat or cold.
   • Use a dehumidifier in high-humidity environments to prevent mold, mildew, paper rot, or metal corrosion.
2. Accessibility
   • If you plan to rotate antiques or sell items, choose an easily accessible storage space.
   • Ground-floor or drive-up units reduce the risk of damage during transportation. However, note that these may limit climate control options.
3. Security
   • Opt for facilities with surveillance cameras, keypad entry, and proper lighting.
   • For high-value items, consider units with advanced security features like fingerprint readers.
4. Cost Consideration
   • While high-security, climate-controlled units might be more expensive, they’re worth the investment to protect irreplaceable items.

Packing Antiques for Storage

Proper packing can make all the difference in preserving your antiques:

1. Protective Measures
   • Leather Items: Apply leather conditioner to prevent drying or cracking.
   • Metals: Coat lightly with oil to prevent rust.
   • Wood Furniture: Use furniture polish to maintain moisture and shine.
   • Upholstery: Cover with plastic or fabric sheets to prevent dust buildup.
2. Disassembly
   • Take apart large items (e.g., beds or armoires) and label small parts to avoid misplacement.
3. Fragile Items
   • Wrap dishes, glassware, and lamp bases individually. Use bubble wrap or foam pellets in boxes for added protection.
   • Remove light bulbs from lamps to avoid breakage.
4. Books
   • Use acid-free book covers to prevent page wear and humidity damage.
5. Framed Art and Mirrors
   • For double-sided pieces, encapsulate them with polyester film.
   • For single-sided pieces, use mat boards or storage boxes designed for delicate frames.
   • Store framed items upright, never flat, to avoid collapse.
6. Air Circulation
   • Place items on pallets to allow airflow and protect them from potential water damage.

Insurance

If your antiques are valuable enough to store, they’re valuable enough to insure.

• Check if your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance covers items in storage.
• If not, consider an additional endorsement or a self-storage insurance policy.
• Keep a detailed inventory, including photos and appraisals, for easy reference and claims.

Why Proper Storage Matters

Taking the time to properly store your antiques ensures they’ll retain their value, condition, and sentimental significance. Although Big Box Storage doesn’t specialize in antique storage, we’re here to help with your other storage needs.

Need advice or assistance? Contact Big Box Storage today, and let us help you protect your valuables!

Storing electronics doesn’t have to be stressful! With a little planning, you can keep your devices safe and in great condition, whether moving or storing them long-term. Here’s an easy guide to help you out:

1. Give Everything a Quick Clean
   Dust and dirt might seem harmless, but they can damage your electronics by clogging vents or causing scratches. Wipe down your devices before packing them to avoid these issues. Dust can also create static electricity that could fry your equipment, so cleaning is a must.
2. Unplug and Organize Cords
   Before packing, disconnect all cables and cords. Tangled or yanked wires can damage sockets and ports. Wrap each cord neatly, label them, and store them in a small bag or container. Don’t forget to remove batteries from devices since they can leak and cause serious damage over time.
3. Pack Like a Pro
   If you still have the original box, use it. Those boxes are designed to protect your electronics perfectly. If you don’t have the original packaging, wrap devices in soft materials like cotton towels or sheets to prevent scratches. Use bubble wrap or crumpled paper to fill gaps in boxes so everything stays snug. Avoid plastic wrapping because it traps moisture and can lead to mold.
4. Pick the Perfect Spot for Storage
   Electronics need to be stored in a space with a stable temperature between 50 and 80°F. Extreme cold or heat can cause damage, and moisture is a big problem. If you don’t have access to climate-controlled storage, use a dehumidifier to keep things dry.
5. Handle with Care
   When moving electronics, try to transport them in your car instead of a moving truck. Your car offers a smoother ride and a more stable temperature, keeping your gadgets safe and sound.
6. Label and Stack Smartly
   Before you start stacking boxes, take a few extra minutes to label them. Write down what’s inside each box so you don’t have to dig through everything later. Stack heavier boxes at the bottom and lighter ones on top to avoid any accidents.

Need more tips or help with your storage needs? Contact Big Box Storage. We’re here to make storing your electronics and other belongings as easy as possible. With our best price guarantee, you’ll save money while keeping your items safe.

Filling a self storage unit, may seem like a simple task, but there are a few little tips that may help you out. If you’re considering renting a storage space, these simple tips will help you maximize your storage space, help you properly load your items into the storage unit, provide considerations for accessing items at a later date and provide tips as to what you should or should not store in a self storage locker.

Access

Most people simply load their self storage units without consideration of items that they may need to access at a later date. In fact, most people use storage space because the items that are placed in storage are infrequently used around the house. But of course, we know how life goes, just when you pack it up and store it, you suddenly have a need for it.

If you have items that perhaps you may need to access, load them into the storage locker last, so they’re easily accessible in the locker.

Avoid Plastic

Plastic bags are durable and cheap and are a great alternative to boxes, especially for clothes. Well, although they may have other great uses, plastic bags aren’t so effective for use in storage lockers, especially for storing clothes. Plastic can trap moisture, which can then lead to mold. In many instances, the trapping of moisture occurs before any items are even loaded into the storage unit (moisture is trapped during the packing process).

Leave Space

It’s important to leave a little space between the items you stack into the storage unit and the walls of the storage space. This will ensure proper circulation of air and assist with keeping your items dry.

Use Labels

Labels are a great way of organizing your items. Remember, if you have to access any items at a later date, it’s best to have your self storage unit organized as much as possible. This will ensure a quick in and out, during the access period.

Items of Value

Whether you’re storing an item of great monetary value or an item of great sentimental value, those items of value, should be wrapped up. Wrapping items up that are most important to you, will ensure they look the same as they did before you loaded them into the storage unit. Goods can easily shift and fall if they’re not stacked properly.

Large Glass Items

When storing glass items such as mirrors or glass from a coffee table or dinning room table, always place the glass on it’s side as opposed to laying it flat. Further, avoid stacking any items on the glass. Following these tips should ensure your glass is safe.

Heavier items on the bottom

Another tip is to ensure that heavier items are on the bottom and the lighter items are stacked on top. This seems obvious, but it’s easy to forget this rule if you’re rushing to fill your storage locker.

So if you’re considering renting a self storage unit, follow those simple tips and your items should look the same going in as they do coming out.

Selling your home? Staging is one of the best ways to attract buyers and boost your sale price. But here’s a helpful tip you might not have considered, using portable storage can make the process a whole lot easier.

When you’re staging your home, de-cluttering is often the first step. This means removing personal items, excess furniture, and anything that makes your home look crowded. A clutter-free home not only appears more spacious but also helps buyers envision themselves living in the space.

So where do all your belongings go? That’s where portable storage comes in.

Why Use Portable Storage for Home Staging?

Portable storage offers unmatched convenience during the home staging process. Instead of hauling your items to a traditional self-storage facility and making multiple trips, you can pack everything into a portable storage container right on your property. Once you’re ready, the container is picked up and stored for you. When you sell your home, the container can be delivered directly to your new address—no double handling, no extra trips.

Here’s why portable storage stands out:

• Save Time and Effort: With portable storage, you only load and unload your items once.
• Seamless Moving: Your belongings stay securely in the container, ready to be delivered to your new home.
• Flexibility: Portable storage works on your schedule, making the process stress-free.

Why Stage Your Home?

Staging your home can make all the difference in selling quickly and for a great price. Here are a few reasons why it’s worth the effort:

1. Get Top Dollar: A well-staged home feels inviting and elicits positive emotions from buyers, making them more likely to pay top dollar.
2. Sell Faster: Studies show staged homes sell 43% faster than unstaged ones.
3. Create Space: Removing excess items makes your home appear larger and flow better, creating a more appealing layout.
4. Make a Great First Impression: You only get one shot at impressing potential buyers. A well-staged home ensures they see it in its best light.

Make Staging Easy with Portable Storage

If you’re preparing to sell your home, consider using portable storage to simplify the staging process. It’s the perfect solution for keeping your items safe, out of the way, and ready to move when you are.

Good luck with your home sale and happy staging!

Looking for a convenient way to handle your next move? Whether you’re moving locally or across the country, portable storage makes the process simpler and less stressful. Here’s what you need to know about using portable storage, also known as mobile storage, for your move.

How Does Portable Storage Moving Work?

Unlike traditional moving methods, portable storage eliminates many of the usual hassles. Here’s how it works:

1. We Deliver the Containers to You
   Portable storage containers, like Big Box containers (8 feet long, 5 feet wide, and 7 feet tall), are delivered directly to your driveway or preferred location.
2. You Pack at Your Own Pace
   Take your time loading your belongings into the container. There’s no rush or tight timeline like with a rental truck.
3. We Handle the Driving
   Once your container is packed, we pick it up and transport it to your new residence. You don’t have to worry about navigating a large truck or dealing with fuel costs.
4. Unload at Your Convenience
   After the container is delivered to your new home, you can unload it on your schedule. Once you’re done, we pick up the empty container.
5. Storage Options Available
   If you’re downsizing or need extra storage, you can load a separate container for items you want to store. We’ll take those to our secure storage facility for safekeeping.

Why Choose Portable Storage for Moving?

• No Driving Required: We handle all the transportation, saving you time and reducing stress.
• Flexible Packing: You can pack and unpack on your schedule, without the time pressure of a rental truck.
• Great for Downsizing: Easily combine moving and storage if you need extra space for belongings you’re not taking to your new home.
• Convenience: With portable storage, you only load and unload once, and no repeated handling of your items.

Simplify Your Move

Portable storage is perfect for both local and long-distance moves. Our team makes the process easy by taking care of the driving and providing secure storage solutions when needed.

To learn more about BigBox’s competitive rates and shipping destinations, check out the Long Distance Moving section on our website. Ready to schedule your move? Contact one of our representatives or use our convenient online scheduling tool today.

Two great services—moving and storage—all from one great company!

How did self-storage begin?

While self-storage is now a staple of American life, its origins can be traced back thousands of years to ancient China. Around 6,000 years ago, the Chinese stored their possessions in clay pots placed in public underground pits. These storage pits were supervised to ensure only owners could access their items, laying the foundation for the secure storage we know today.

Fast forward to the 1850s, when Martin Bekins, the son of a Dutch immigrant, brought the storage concept to the United States. Bekins recognized the need for household goods storage as Americans migrated west. In 1906, he built the first reinforced steel and concrete warehouse in Los Angeles, followed by another in San Francisco. Notably, the San Francisco warehouse survived the devastating 1906 earthquake, proving its durability and utility.

Modern self-storage as we know it began in 1958 with the Collum family in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Around the same time, others in Texas started constructing simple tin garage units that were quickly rented out. As demand grew, more facilities popped up across the country.

By the early 1970s, large national self-storage players like Public Storage, Shurgard, and Storage USA entered the market. The 1970s also saw a cultural shift, with factors like increased divorce rates, transitions between households, and consumer habits driving the demand for self-storage.

The Self-Storage Industry Today

Self-storage has grown into a massive industry in the United States, driven by a variety of factors like urban living, downsizing, and convenience. Here’s where the industry stands today:

• There are over 50,000 self-storage facilities nationwide.
• The average facility has around 566 storage units.
• The typical storage facility spans approximately 51,119 square feet.
• The most common unit size is about 90 square feet.
• Most U.S. self-storage facilities are operated by mom-and-pop businesses.
• The industry employs approximately 172,000 people.
• There are 2.3 billion square feet of rentable storage space in the U.S.
• 1 in 10 Americans uses a self-storage unit.

Why Self-Storage Is Here to Stay

As more individuals choose apartment living over homeownership, the demand for self-storage continues to grow. Whether for storing seasonal items, downsizing, or making space during transitions, self-storage offers a flexible and secure solution.

From ancient clay pots to modern facilities, the history of self-storage highlights its timeless relevance and adaptability to changing needs.

This week has been incredibly tough for many families across San Diego. Wildfires have swept through neighborhoods, forcing countless residents to evacuate their homes. Tragically, one of our own employees and their family were among those who had to leave everything behind. While the fires continue to burn, today’s cooler weather and higher humidity are helping firefighters in their brave and tireless efforts to control the flames and protect our communities.

At times like this, we understand how overwhelming it can be to figure out your next steps. If you’ve been affected by the wildfires and are struggling to find a place to store your belongings, we want to help. We’re offering one month of free storage to families displaced by the fires. This includes waiving all delivery and pickup fees for our “Big Box” storage units, no matter where you’re located in San Diego County. We want to make this process as simple and stress-free as possible for you during this difficult time.

Our portable storage units are designed to give you the flexibility and convenience you need right now. Whether your car is packed to the brim with household items or you’ve had to leave your belongings behind, we can bring a storage unit directly to you. Once you’ve packed it, we’ll securely store it for you until you’re ready to have it returned.

To take advantage of this offer, just give us a call at (619) 353-5995. Our team is ready to assist you and help you navigate this challenging time. We understand how important it is to have one less thing to worry about while you focus on your family’s safety and next steps.

Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by these devastating fires. We are incredibly grateful for the firefighters, first responders, and volunteers who are working around the clock to protect our communities. Their bravery and dedication are nothing short of inspiring.

We’re committed to supporting our neighbors and helping San Diego recover. If you or someone you know has been displaced by the wildfires, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can get through this.

Stay safe, San Diego.

Americans Spend Billions on Holiday Decorations

$6 billion dollars. That’s how much Americans are expected to spend on holiday decorations this year, according to the National Retail Federation. While Christmas decorations make up the bulk of this amount, other holidays like Hanukkah, Halloween, the 4th of July, St. Patrick’s Day, and more also add to the total. With so many festive items purchased every year, one challenge stands out: where do you store it all when the holidays are over?

The Problem with Storing Decorations

For many, finding storage space for holiday decorations can be a real hassle. Garages, closets, and other storage areas are often already packed with everyday items, leaving little room for seasonal decor. This is especially frustrating for people who love to decorate but don’t have the space to keep it all organized.

Big Box Storage: The Perfect Solution

Big Box Storage offers a convenient and stress-free way to store your decorations. Here’s how it works:

• Delivery to Your Doorstep: After the holiday season ends, a Big Box storage unit is delivered straight to your home. Each unit measures a spacious 8’ x 5’ (7’ tall), providing plenty of room for your holiday decor—even for the most enthusiastic decorators.
• Pack at Your Convenience: Once the unit arrives, pack your decorations at your own pace.
• Secure Storage: When you’re done, a professional driver will pick up the Big Box and transport it to a secure storage center in San Diego.

Affordable and Hassle-Free

Big Box Storage makes it affordable to keep your holiday items safe and out of the way:

• Free Pickup and Delivery: Both the initial delivery and the pickup are provided at no extra cost.
• Low Monthly Rent: No hidden fees, no surprises. Contact us for pricing!
• Easy Access: When the next holiday season rolls around, simply call Big Box Storage, and they’ll deliver your unit back to you. Once the holidays are over, you can pack it up again, and they’ll return it to storage, all with free delivery and pickup.

Stay Organized This Holiday Season

Big Box Storage makes it easy to keep your decorations organized and accessible, so you can focus on enjoying the holidays. With your seasonal items safely stored, your home can stay clutter-free year-round.

Get Started Today!

Schedule your Big Box delivery online now and save your money instantly. From all of us at Big Box Storage, we wish you a happy and organized holiday season!