Mayflower Properties Blog

The Rise of Self-Storage: Trends and Innovations

Storage


The self-storage industry has experienced significant growth and transformation in recent years, driven by evolving consumer needs and technological advancements. Whether you’re a homeowner seeking extra space, an entrepreneur needing storage solutions, a college student managing transitions, or a mover looking for temporary storage, understanding the latest trends and innovations in self-storage can help you make more informed decisions.Let's delve into the key trends and innovations shaping this dynamic sector. 1. Technology Integration Smart Storage Solutions Gone are the days when self-storage was merely locking your items in a unit and hoping for the best. Today, technology plays a crucial role in elevating the self-storage experience. From mobile apps that allow you to manage your storage unit remotely to advanced security systems featuring biometric access and 24/7 surveillance, technology is making self-storage more convenient and secure than ever. Automated Facilities Automation is another game-changer in the self-storage industry. Some facilities offer automatic gates, contactless entry, and digital payment systems. Imagine booking a storage unit online, receiving a digital code for entry, and managing your account—all without setting foot in a physical office. This level of convenience is particularly appealing to busy homeowners and entrepreneurs. 2. Climate-Controlled Units Protecting Valuables As the demand for self-storage units has grown, so has need for specialized storage solutions. Climate-controlled units are becoming increasingly popular, offering a controlled environment that protects sensitive items from extreme temperatures and humidity. This is particularly beneficial for storing electronics, artwork, and vintage furniture, which can be easily damaged by fluctuating weather conditions. Health and Safety Climate-controlled units aren't just about preserving your belongings; they also contribute to a healthier storage environment. These units can help prevent mold, mildew, and pest infestations, making them an ideal choice for long-term storage. 3. Sustainable Practices Eco-Friendly Facilities Sustainability is a growing concern across all industries, and self-storage is no exception. Many facilities are now incorporating eco-friendly practices to reduce their environmental footprint. This includes using solar panels, LED lighting, and energy-efficient HVAC systems. Choosing a facility committed to sustainability can make you feel good ...


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June 7th, 2024

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Storage Unit Size

Storage


Are you feeling overwhelmed with clutter, in the midst of moving, or simply trying to find a place for items you’re not ready to part with? Selecting the right storage unit is a strategic decision that can save you from headaches down the road. Homeowners, first-time homebuyers, and spring cleaners alike face the challenge of finding the perfect storage solution. Fear not! We're here to demystify the process and guide you through selecting the ideal storage unit size for your needs. Understanding Storage Unit Sizes Storage units come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different storage needs. From compact units perfect for a few boxes to expansive spaces designed for whole-house storage, there’s an option for almost every situation. Below is a brief overview of typical storage unit sizes and what they’re best used for: 5’x5’ Units: These units are akin to a small closet. Ideal for personal items, small furniture, business documents, or seasonal decorations. 5’x10’ Units: Think of this as a walk-in closet. It's suitable for storing a room's worth of furniture, boxes, or a motorcycle. 10’x10’ Units: Comparable to a small bedroom, these units can house the contents of a one-bedroom apartment, including major appliances. 10’x15’ Units: Offering a bit more space, these units can fit the furnishings of a two-bedroom apartment or small house. 10’x20’ Units: Equivalent to a standard one-car garage, this size is perfect for a three-bedroom house or a vehicle. 10’x30’ Units: The ultimate storage solution, these units are capable of holding a fully furnished five-bedroom house or a car plus some household items. We know that choosing a storage unit size can seem confusing, but we are here to help! Use our storage calculator to find your perfect storage unit. Making the Right Choice Understanding your storage needs is critical before making a decision. Here are some steps to ensure you choose the right size storage unit: Inventory Your Items: Make a detailed list of items you plan to store. This will give you a visual understanding of the amount of space needed. Consider ...


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April 30th, 2024

Spring Cleaning Made Easy: Utilizing a Storage Facility for Home Decluttering

Tips And Tricks


Spring is often associated with renewal and revitalization, and one of the most compelling ways to usher in the new season is by decluttering your living space. For many homeowners and DIY enthusiasts, the promise of a clean, organized home is both invigorating and daunting. That's where a storage facility can become your spring-cleaning ally, offering a strategic solution for managing the ebb and flow of your belongings. This post guides you through the process of integrating a storage facility into your spring cleaning regime, creating a sanctuary of order and simplicity in your home. The Importance of Spring Decluttering Before we unveil the wonders of a storage facility for your spring cleaning chores, it's essential to understand the relevance of this annual home care routine. The winter months often see an influx of clutter as we accumulate holiday decorations, cold-weather gear, and indoor pastimes. Spring is the perfect time to reset and restore order, not just because of tradition, but because it contributes to a healthier and more enjoyable living environment. The Benefits of Spring Cleaning with Storage The reach of spring cleaning extends far beyond a mere tidying up. When done right, it can lead to increased living space and functionality, reduced stress, and enhanced mental well-being. Furthermore, an organized home can significantly improve aesthetics, making it a more pleasant space for you and your loved ones to come home to. How a Storage Facility Can Help A storage facility is an invaluable resource to tap into during spring cleaning. It acts as a temporary guardian of your belongings that you may not need immediate access to, allowing for a full-on decluttering of your home without the anxiety of losing treasured items. Additionally, storage spaces offer the flexibility to adapt to different needs over time, from the storage of seasonal items to serving as a stop gap during home renovations or moves. Tips for Efficient Home Decluttering Decluttering efficiently can make the difference between a manageable task and an overwhelming one. In this section, we'll cover ...


K.Michels
April 2nd, 2024

Downsizing Made Easy: How Self-Storage Can Help Simplify Your Life

Storage


how to use a storage unit to store your items that you aren't using

In a world where simplicity is a luxury, finding ways to downsize and declutter our living spaces can have a profound impact on our well-being. If you're amidst the overwhelming task of minimizing your possessions and streamlining your home, you may have overlooked a valuable ally in your downsizing quest: self-storage facilities.This comprehensive guide will not only underscore the benefits of downsizing but also highlight how self-storage can make the process more manageable. We'll provide you with practical tips on utilizing self-storage effectively, and share inspiring stories of successful downsizing ventures. Prepare to unlock the full potential of a simplified living space and the peace of mind that comes with it. Why Downsizing Matters Decluttering for Mental Space The modern lifestyle often encourages the accumulation of material possessions, leading to crowded, chaotic living spaces. These spaces, though, are a reflection of our mental environment. Downsizing and decluttering are not just physical processes; they free up the mental space that clutter once occupied.Reclaiming a more manageable living space can reduce stress and anxiety levels. A study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that women who described their homes as "cluttered" or full of "unfinished projects" were more depressed, fatigued, and displayed higher levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. Conversely, those who were comfortable and satisfied with their living environments reported lower levels of fatigue and depression. Impact on Productivity and Serenity An organized living space is the canvas upon which you can paint the masterpiece of a productive life. Downsizing reduces the time spent searching for misplaced items, allows for easier cleaning routines, and fosters an environment where one accomplishes more with fewer distractions.Imagine starting each day in a serene, well-ordered home. This is the serenity that comes with a thorough declutter – the peaceful morning rituals, the better sleep in an unburdened space, and the overall higher quality of life that simplicity cultivates. Self-Storage as a Solution The Modern Solution to an Age-Old Dilemma Self-storage facilities have emerged as a modern and versatile solution for ...


K.Michels
March 8th, 2024

Advantages to Downsizing

Tips And Tricks


Advantages to Downsizing There are many advantages to downsizing that you may have never considered being important before. As we approach our mid-20’s or early-30’s, buying a home is a typical life-changing event that most of us go through. Sure, a three-bedroom house with a yard, basement, and garage may be necessary for a growing family, but do we have to live in this much space forever? Getting locked into a 30-year mortgage may seem like the only option, but it doesn’t have to be. Continue reading to find out why downsizing might allow you to live the life you’ve always dreamed of living. 1. Smaller homes cost less. This is a no-brainer, but have you ever really thought about the money you could be saving on bills and maintenance? Your mortgage could be cut in half, along with other expenses like home insurance, gas, electricity, and so on. Think realistically about the space in your house that you don’t use. Could you live without that spare bedroom, office, or basement? If any room in your house is being used for storing belongings, remember - renting a storage unit is much cheaper than paying a high mortgage each month for many years! Mayflower Properties is here to help, call us and we can help you find just what you need and where you need it! 2. Save a lot of time cleaning and decluttering! How much time do you spend every week sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, and dusting? The larger your house is, the more hours you spend on maintenance which we all know can be a never-ending headache. Also, for those that get their homes professionally cleaned, think of all the money you could save if you had a smaller space! 3. Smaller homes can be financially freeing. The less stuff you have, the less time you spend worrying about it. Getting rid of household items you never use or old clothes that are simply taking up space can feel SO refreshing! This ...


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February 3rd, 2023

Storing your appliances!

Tips And Tricks


Have you ever wondered how you should properly store your appliances? For optimal care, there are a few steps to take before simply unplugging them and placing them in your storage unit! Step 1) Find a temperature controlled unit It's important that all your appliances including your refrigerator, washer and dryer, microwave, stove, etc., are all stored in a temperature controlled self storage unit. These temperature regulated storage units will protect your appliances from the Minnesota winters freezing temperatures and summer heat! Step 2) Clean & remove water After emptying your appliances, remove water hoses and inside components such as the filter or tank, so the item can properly defrost and dry. Once the inside is dry, you can wipe your appliance thoroughly from all food residue including stickiness, crumbs, oils, etc.! Storing these items without doing so can cause major damage due to rodents and mildew after being stored for any period of time. Step 3) Tape all doors When you are ready to start packing up your appliances, use storage tape to ensure all doors on the appliances are securely shut during the moving process. Avoid taping excessively, as you will want to leave these appliances open once they are stored in the unit to allow continuous airflow, preventing mold. Step 4) Wrap your appliances Just like any expensive and important household item, you will want to carefully wrap your appliances with moving supplies such as bubble wrap for extra protection. You can even use household items such as blankets and towels during transportation to avoid scratches and dents. Step 5) Transporting appliances Once you are ready to load appliances into your moving truck, place them upright, and make sure to tie down with moving straps. If you don't have moving straps and dollies to help with loading, call your self storage provider to see if these moving supplies are included with a moving truck rental or if there are any available for rent. Step 6) Use a cover when storing For both ...


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January 16th, 2023

How to Pack Boxes for Moving

Tips And Tricks


How to Pack Boxes for Moving In the U.S, according to experts, the percentage of people that move every year equates to 14% of the population. That’s around 40 million Americans every year! That’s a lot of moving, and with moving being pretty stressful, you want to make sure you get things right - and as streamlined as possible! One of the stressful things about moving is getting all your belongings packed properly in moving boxes. There’s the right way to pack all your stuff and the wrong way. Understanding this difference is essential in order to keep your belongings in ideal condition and manage them in an organized manner. So, in this article, we’re going to go through all the aspects on how to pack boxes, in particular, packing boxes for moving, and what not to do! But first, here’s the quickfire answer as to how to pack boxes for moving, then we’ll dive into more details... How to pack boxes for moving - Accurately assess your needs, gather the right quantity and quality of boxes, packing materials, and equipment. Pack heavy first and light on top, ensure you stack boxes correctly, label by contents and destination room or space - and use this as an opportunity to declutter. Contact Knollwood Self Storage with Mayflower Properties for your moving supplies. That’s the quick answer, but there’s more to it than just that, so read on for more hints and tips! Often, using specifically collected boxes and other ideal equipment to make moving easier can be of great help as well. So, before you carelessly dump your belongings into random boxes, consider the following tips on how to effectively pack moving boxes before shifting. Collect all your packing supplies Along with gathering your packing boxes, a number of other packing supplies are also available around most homes to make packing your stuff much easier while keeping them in ideal condition. Below are some recommended packing supplies: Bubble Wrap Packing Peanuts Cushion Foam Packing ...


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January 21st, 2022

What you can do with boxes after moving

Tips And Tricks


What you can do with boxes after moving If you have already moved or you are looking forward to moving soon, have you thought about what you are going to do with your leftover storage boxes? Before you toss them out in the recycling bin, check out these ways to use your moving boxes for other purposes after settling in! 1) Keep them for your future move! Ofcourse, we know, storing away moving boxes for long periods is not the fun answer you were looking for, but can save you A LOT of time and hassle later down the road. This solution is perfect for college students who move frequently in and out of apartments/dorms or for those who move around for their jobs. If you know you will be moving in 6 months to a year, save your boxes so you don't have to worry about getting more from your storage facility or local hardware store. Trust me, you will be relieved when it comes time to move and you already have them handy to start packing. 2) Use them for home storage If you are moving into a new home, chances are you will be organizing your house and buying new household items for your new transition. Moving boxes will come in handy for seasonal items you aren't currently using and need to be stored in your garage, attic, basement, closet or in storage for the time being. 3) Use them for self storage You may not need self storage right after moving into your new place, but you might eventually begin to remodel or declutter your living space. Renting a storage unit at one of our Mayflower Properties storage locations can help minimize your belongings with items that are essential for everyday use. If you have antiques, memorabilia, photos, books, or other items you want to keep (but don't want to store in your house) consider keeping your boxes so you can move them into a self storage unit if ...


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October 25th, 2021

How to Prepare Your RV for Storage

Rv Storage


Following the proper steps to prepare your RV for storage is essential to keeping your motorhome in its best condition! Mayflower Properties will provide you all of the useful tips needed to store your RV away for the winter and will provide you sources to store your RV at their many self storage locations located in Minnesota. Here is a list of our locations: Town Centre Self Storage, Tonka Self Storage, U-Save Park Self Storage, Gopher Mini & Outside Storage, New Hope Storage, Knollwood Self Storage, Lakeville Dodd Self Storage, Coon Rapids Storage, Highway 8 Self Storage, Meadowbrook Self Storage & Airlake Self Storage.As you spend hours traveling on the road using your RV as a portable home, the vehicle will require a lot of care and a few easy steps to follow before storing it for the winter. Whether you choose to use outdoor RV storage or indoor RV storage, check out this list to prepare your vehicle for both short and long term parking. Step 1. Wash the Exterior Thoroughly wash the exterior of your RV to get any dirt, salt, bugs, etc. off before storing. If you avoid this step, the exterior of the RV including the paint, wheels, and underneath of the vehicle could show major signs of deterioration in a short amount of time. Step 2. Clean the Interior Deep clean your furniture, flooring, cabinets, kitchen/cooking area to remove all crumbs and trash that could attract rodents or bugs. If you are storing your RV outdoors, make sure you close all curtains or cover your seating areas to ensure your upholstered items don't fade due to sunlight exposure. Step 3. Seal Entrances Seal off any entrance to your RV including pipes, vents, or windows. Sometimes small animals end up crawling in these tight spots and cause lots of damage to the inner workings of your vehicle. After doing so, place some kind of pet deterrent near these areas for extra precaution. Step 4. Remove Battery If you are ...


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September 29th, 2021

Making Room for Your Baby In a Small Space

Tips And Tricks


Making Room for Your Baby In a Small Space While experienced parents may tell you that you need a much bigger home, making a smaller apartment work for a new baby is very possible. You simply have to know how to maximize the space that you do have and be willing to compromise on a few things, including your decor, to make room for the baby. There is no need to buy or rent a new home right away because you have added another member. You can make use of a few of the following tips and turn your small space into a great place to raise your family. Self Storage Spaces Homeowners or renters who have limited space need to think outside the box or, in this case, above the box. Self Storage is the key to organizing small spaces and it can work perfectly for when your new addition arrives. If you are lacking closet space, consider hanging a bar on the wall and display your baby's clothes. Not only does this get them out of the way, but it can be a great addition to the décor. Hidden Storage in Empty Spaces Take advantage of modular storage units that can be suspended directly from the ceiling. Whether you want to store extra clothes or baby supplies, it is a great way to get them out of your way and keep them from causing clutter in your home. Double-Duty Furniture A baby in your home can easily overwhelm you and leave you with a mess. Organizing your small space is the only way you are going to be able to keep yourself sane. A great way to get organized is to make your furniture do double-duty. Utilize seating that can be also used for storage. A bench can hold clothing and other essentials that you do not wish to display. You may prefer the stylish look of your entertainment center, but putting your television on a beautiful dresser will also provide you with hidden storage space. Use ...


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August 23rd, 2021

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