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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
Disassembly
Take apart large items (e.g., beds or armoires) and label small parts to avoid misplacement.
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.
Books
Use acid-free book covers to prevent page wear and humidity damage.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Get Top Dollar: A well-staged home feels inviting and elicits positive emotions from buyers, making them more likely to pay top dollar.
Sell Faster: Studies show staged homes sell 43% faster than unstaged ones.
Create Space: Removing excess items makes your home appear larger and flow better, creating a more appealing layout.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Self storage may feel like a modern invention — a convenient way to stash extra belongings between moves or during life transitions — but the concept actually stretches back thousands of years. From ancient Egypt and Rome to the digital storage units of today, the history of self storage is a fascinating story of human innovation, economic change, and our timeless need for space. Many of the same needs still shape how people use storage today, similar to what we explore in our guide on storage options in San Diego and how modern solutions continue to adapt.
Let’s look at how storage evolved from primitive grain houses to on-demand mobile solutions like Big Box Storage — and how the industry continues to grow around the world.
1. Ancient Roots: Storage in Early Civilizations
The earliest forms of self storage can be traced to ancient Egypt, where massive granaries held grain and valuables to protect them from theft, pests, and the elements. Storage wasn’t just practical — it represented wealth and stability.
In ancient Rome, public storage buildings called horrea served merchants and citizens alike. These multi-room stone structures held goods such as wine, olive oil, textiles, and even personal items — arguably the first rental storage spaces in recorded history.
Meanwhile, in ancient China, records dating back over 6,000 years describe pottery jars and clay vessels used to secure family possessions. The concept of storing valuables for safekeeping outside the home was well established long before the modern era.From ancient temples to merchant warehouses, humanity has always shared one challenge: too many possessions and not enough space.
2. The Industrial Revolution: Storage Becomes Business
Fast forward to the late 19th century — the age of industrialization and urban migration. Families moved from rural land to crowded cities, and people began to accumulate more household goods than ever before.
In 1891, two brothers — Martin and John Bekins — recognized this need and founded the Bekins Moving & Storage Company in Omaha, Nebraska. By the early 1900s, they expanded into Los Angeles, where they built one of the first reinforced concrete warehouses (1906).
Bekins offered not only moving services but also private household storage rooms — the direct ancestor of today’s self-storage units.This marked the beginning of organized, professional storage as a commercial service.
3. The Birth of Modern Self Storage in America
While Bekins laid the groundwork, self storage as we know it truly began to take shape in the 1960s and 1970s.
In 1964, the first known U.S. self-storage business, A-1 U-Store-It, opened in Odessa, Texas.
The concept caught on rapidly across the Sun Belt as Americans sought more mobility, convenience, and independence.
The 1970s housing boom and increased urbanization fueled explosive demand for flexible, short-term storage solutions.
By the 1980s, storage facilities had become a fixture in nearly every major city in the U.S.
4. Expansion and Mainstream Acceptance (1980s–2000s)
Self storage evolved from a niche service to a household utility. People used it for:
Temporary storage during moves and home remodels
Business inventory and document archives
College students and military deployments
Seasonal items, vehicles, and recreational gear
The Self Storage Association (SSA) reports that the U.S. now has more than 49,000 facilities totaling over 2.3 billion square feet of rentable space — that’s more than Starbucks, McDonald’s, and Subway locations combined.What began as a simple convenience has grown into a $40+ billion annual industry that supports millions of customers nationwide.
5. Global Growth: The Storage Boom Goes Worldwide
The storage revolution didn’t stop in America.
The United Kingdom now has over 2,000 storage facilities.
Australia, Japan, and China are experiencing rapid market growth due to urban density and shrinking living spaces.
Across Europe, portable and containerized storage options are expanding fastest in Germany, France, and Spain.
Worldwide, the self-storage industry has surpassed 70,000 facilities and continues to grow at an annual rate of around 7%, according to Inside Self-Storage data.The need for secure, flexible space is universal — driven by population growth, urban housing constraints, and mobile lifestyles.
6. The Digital Age: Technology Transforms Storage
The last two decades have brought a wave of innovation and digitization that reshaped the storage experience.
Modern advancements include:
Online booking and payment platforms for quick reservations.
24/7 digital access systems and smart locks.
Climate-controlled units that protect delicate items.
Mobile and portable storage solutions that eliminate the need for trucks.
AI and automation, used in facility management and inventory tracking.
Today, many customers book, track, and manage their storage entirely from their phones. Companies like Big Box Storage are at the forefront of this transformation, delivering the unit directly to your home, letting you pack at your pace, and then storing it securely — all with digital tracking and flexible scheduling. This modern approach mirrors the convenience of our residential storage containers, designed for families and homeowners who need flexible, on-demand space during moves, renovations, and transitions.
7. Sustainability and the Future of Storage
As the industry matures, sustainability has become a key focus.
Forward-thinking operators are:
Installing solar panels and LED lighting.
Using eco-friendly materials and construction methods.
Offering electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for moving trucks.
Implementing recycling programs and green packaging materials.
The future of self storage will likely combine automation, sustainability, and personalization. Expect smart facilities with app-based access, motion-sensing lighting, and predictive space management.
8. Self Storage in Everyday Life
Today, self storage isn’t just for people in transition – it’s part of modern living.
Homeowners use it to declutter and stage properties.
Small businesses store inventory and tools.
Families use it between moves or during renovations.
Travelers and military personnel rely on it for flexible, secure storage.
What was once a niche convenience is now a mainstream necessity.
9. How Big Box Storage Fits Into the Evolution
Big Box Storage represents the next generation of self storage — one designed around convenience, flexibility, and control.
Instead of driving to a facility, Big Box brings the storage unit directly to your door.
You pack at your own pace — no rental trucks, no rushed weekends.
Once you’re done, Big Box picks up and stores your unit in a secure, indoor facility.
Need something back? Access your items seven days a week at no extra charge.
This mobile, on-demand model combines the heritage of traditional storage with the efficiency of modern logistics — a true reflection of where the industry is heading.
10. A Look Ahead
From ancient Egyptian granaries to climate-controlled pods and AI-managed facilities, the story of self storage mirrors humanity’s constant drive to simplify life and safeguard possessions.
As we move deeper into the digital and sustainable age, storage will continue to evolve — becoming smarter, greener, and more customer-focused. And as it has for over a century, innovation will keep one goal at its core: giving people more freedom, more flexibility, and more space to live life fully.
Affordable. On Time. Every Time.
Whether you’re downsizing, relocating, or simply reorganizing your space, Big Box Storage brings a modern twist to an ancient idea — making storage simpler, smarter, and stress-free.
At Big Box Storage, a San Diego-based portable storage company, we are stepping up to support local families affected by the devastating fires sweeping through San Diego County. In response to the crisis, the company is offering 30 days of free storage to any individuals or families displaced by the recent wildfires. This initiative is aimed at helping those who have been forced to evacuate their homes or relocate due to the ongoing fires.
In addition to the complimentary storage, Big Box Storage will also provide free delivery and pickup of the storage units to and from the customer’s location, making the process as seamless as possible during this challenging time. This service offers much-needed relief to fire victims by allowing them to safely store their belongings while they focus on recovery and rebuilding.
Commitment to the San Diego Community
As a local business, Big Box Storage remains committed to giving back to the San Diego community, especially in times of crisis. Offering free storage and delivery is just one way the company is extending a helping hand to those impacted by the wildfires, providing critical support when it’s needed most. The company’s swift response underscores its dedication to supporting residents during natural disasters.
How to Access Free Storage Services
If you or someone you know has been displaced by the San Diego fires and could benefit from free storage services, simply contact Big Box Storage. Our team will arrange for the delivery of a portable storage unit directly to your location and coordinate free pickup once it’s no longer needed. Big Box Storage is ready to assist the community during this time of need, helping families safeguard their belongings during their recovery process.
For more information or to schedule a Big Box delivery, please contact us.
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.
$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!
On December 5th and 6th, 2013, San Diego radio DJs John and Tammy from 97.3 KSON took to the airwaves for a remarkable 38-hour live broadcast. This annual event, known as the “radiothon,” aimed to raise funds for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. The community came together to support this worthy cause, and the event was a resounding success, raising over $204,000 for children in need.
Supporting a Worthy Cause
Big Box Storage, Inc. was proud to play a significant role in this event. As a main sponsor, we were excited to contribute to the radiothon and help raise awareness and funds for St. Jude’s mission. In addition to our sponsorship, we committed to matching 100% of all donations made during the last two hours of the event, up to a maximum of $10,000. This initiative was designed to encourage listeners to give generously, knowing that their contributions would be doubled.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of KSON listeners, the donations during those crucial last two hours far exceeded our matching maximum. It was inspiring to see the community come together for such an important cause, showing that when people unite, they can make a significant impact.
About St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital
St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital is dedicated to changing how the world treats children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Founded by entertainer Danny Thomas, the hospital provides specialized treatment and care for children battling life-threatening illnesses. One of the unique aspects of St. Jude’s is that families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food, ensuring that they can focus entirely on their child’s recovery without financial burdens.
The commitment of St. Jude’s to research and treatment has made a profound difference in the lives of countless children and their families. By funding research and treatment for pediatric diseases, the hospital is working tirelessly to improve outcomes for children across the globe.
Join Us in Making a Difference
We encourage everyone to support St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and contribute to their vital mission. If you’re interested in donating or learning more about their work, please visit their website. Every donation, no matter how small, can help bring hope and healing to children in need.
At Big Box Storage, we believe in giving back to the community and supporting causes that make a difference in people’s lives. Our participation in the radiothon was just one way we can help, and we are committed to continuing our support for organizations that align with our values.
Together, we can create a brighter future for children battling cancer and other serious diseases. Thank you for considering how you can contribute to this important cause. Your generosity can help change lives and bring smiles to the faces of children in need.
