A Checklist for Preparing your Boat for Long-term Storage

Boat Storage


Storing your boat for long-term storage takes a little preparation and time. This blog will explain how to prepare your vessel for dry storage. The Engine Whether your watercraft is a sailboat, a motorboat, or a yacht, your engine requires preparation. Here, we will go into this process step-by-step. Replace engine oil Before storing your boat, you will need to replace your old engine oil. Run the motor in the water first to ensure the old oil drains well and fill with a good quality oil for the duration of storage. This will avoid possible damage to your engine from old oil, which may cause pits to your bearings. If your motor is a 4-stroke engine, change the filter as well. Drain the Water From the Engine This step will be unique to the type of boat you have. For inboard and sterndrive engines, flush the engine with clean water. A water muff or similar device should be used for this step, which connects your garden hose to your cooling system on your boat. Continue flushing until your engine reaches normal temperature. Remember, never run a water engine without water! Now, remove the drain plugs, usually located in the engine block and manifold. You should also remove the water pump hose to allow the water to drain thoroughly. For outboard engines, remove the drain plugs and ensure the drain holes are open. Start the engine and flush the cooling system with fresh water; it should take a few minutes. Stabilize the Fuel A crucial step in storing your boat is stabilizing the fuel. Fuel can deteriorate during the over a period of months, which causes the fuel to gum up and varnish in your engine. A high-quality fuel additive designed to stabilize fuel is the way to go. Add the fuel stabilizer, then top off your tank with ...


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December 9th, 2020

5 Things To Look For When Choosing Your Self Storage Provider

Self Storage


Whether you are moving and looking to downsize, or your closets are full and you want to create space in your home, a storage unit can be a great place to safely store infrequently used items without having to get rid of your favorite things. However, it is important that you take the time to find the right storage facility to meet your needs. Not only should a storage company offer secure storage, but you should also look for features and amenities that make storing your belongings as stress-free as possible. If you are looking to rent a storage unit but don't know where to start, here is a look at five things you should look for in a storage unit company. Enhanced Safety and Security Measures When looking for a storage facility, security measures should be your main priority, as you will want to ensure that your items are properly protected. While most storage facilities offer security protections, some facilities will provide better security measures than others. For instance, while some facilities will simply provide users with a lock and key, others may offer fully fenced and secured facilities with individualized access codes and 24-hour security and surveillance. Ultimately, how secure you want a facility to be will depend on what you are storing there. However, if you are concerned about the safety of your belongings, it is important that you find out about a company's security measures before you sign on with them.  Consider Accessibility  It is also important that you find out how accessible storage units are at the facilities you are considering. While many storage facilities offer flexible hours, allowing customers to access their units at their convenience, others may only be open M-F during traditional business hours. If this is the case and you need to be able to access your unit in the evenings and weekends, you will need to look elsewhere, which is why it is important that you ask about access ...


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June 2nd, 2020

5 Reasons Why Renting Storage Units Online During A Pandemic Is Safe

Self Storage


Storage units come in handy when moving houses, offices, or for those who get a job transfer and are yet to settle down. Also, if you need temporary storage for your belongings for one reason or another, storage units are an ideal option. The World Health Organization (WHO), public health authorities, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have proper guidelines on the actions that business operators should take amidst the present pandemic. Both health organizations and the authorities are advocating for minimal or contactless interactions as part of the requirements for dealing with the crisis.In that case, renting storage units online is advisable if you want to keep safe. Here are some of the reasons why opting to rent storage units online serves as a safety precaution. 1. Property Managers Prioritize Cleanliness As the pandemic continues to take a toll on businesses, entrepreneurs are not taking chances. On the other hand, the adoption of strict guidelines from health organizations and the authorities at the face of the current pandemic is not an option. As such, owners of storage facilities are now observing high standards of cleanliness on site for safety purposes.Also, our facility offices are no longer open to the public. That is in a bid to control foot traffic and individuals present on the ground at any one time. Wiping down of all areas that customers touch, including light switches, keypads, elevator buttons, and carts, is also a priority for storage unit operators.Proper hygiene remains at the forefront of fighting the pandemic. Owners of storage facilities appreciate that cleanliness and online services safeguard the health of their clients. That is why they are implementing both. 2. No Face-to-Face Interactions The online platform is an immense resource for entrepreneurs. Part of the reasons for this is because it expands the reach of business operators. However, in the face of a pandemic, online operations go beyond connecting people. The present crisis is placing a demand on the need for business owners to avoid physical ...


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May 15th, 2020

Boat Storage Tips

Boat Storage


If you own a boat, you probably don’t have adequate storage space for it at your home. Storage facilities such as StorageMax have dedicated spaces for large recreational vehicles including boats and RVs which can be rented on a monthly basis.When the weather and water cool down for the winter months you’ll want to prepare your boat for storage in a variety of ways to make sure it’s ready to go when you take it out next. Check out the following boat storage tips to keep your vessel in tip-top shape. You’ll need to prepare your engine based on the instructions in your owner’s manual. This likely includes draining and flushing the boat’s cooling system as well as draining and refilling its crankcase and using the spark plug holes to apply oil inside each cylinder. Clean the engine’s exterior thoroughly and then place a cover over the engine. You’ll also want to clean the decks, hull, bilge, cockpit, lockers, and all compartments and then coat them with wax or a preservative. Fill up completely or drain the boat’s fuel lines, carburetor and tanks, and pumps. Don’t forget to add a fuel stabilizer if filling them up. Cover your whole boat with a well-made cover that has ventilation ports. Be sure the cover is set up without low spots in case of rain. Leave all of the boat’s doors ajar, floorboards up, hatches partly open, ports and skylights fully opened, and lockers and drawers open. Take note of your boat’s registration, certifications, tags, and insurance to see if they will need to be renewed while the vessel is in storage. Your boat’s trailer is also important so be sure to check it’s tire pressure and cover its tires so they aren’t damaged by the sun. Performing these routine tasks before you store your boat can help you avoid any unpleasant surprises the next time you’re getting ready to take it out on the water. Contact StorageMax to learn more about our boat storage options. ...


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February 7th, 2018

The Benefits of Self-Storage

Self Storage


If you haven’t considered self-storage before, you might not be aware of the many benefits it can provide you. Read on to learn more about why renting a storage unit might be your best choice. Freedom from Furnishings Having lots of options with your furniture and other décor is great, but it also takes up a lot of space in your home. Self-storage is the perfect option for those seasonal items you don’t want to look at year round and don’t want to clutter up your home. You’ll be able to access your items whenever you want and have the freedom to swap out furnishings from your home at any time. Security Rest easy knowing your storage unit is safe and secure 24/7 thanks to StorageMax’s HD security surveillance system. Only those with an access code can get inside the gates of our 100% enclosed properties. Pay for What You Need With a variety of affordable options available, you won’t have to pay for a storage unit that you don’t need because it’s simply too big. If you end up renting a unit that is too small, you can upgrade to one that better fits your needs. You can pay for your unit on our app, website, or onsite kiosks. Easily Access Your Items Your storage unit is available to be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You will be given a gate access code and will be able to add or remove items to and from your unit as you please. StorageMax also has move-in trucks available free to our customers.StorageMax also offers RV and boat storage and offers specials and referral bonuses.Contact us today to learn more about our storage units. ...


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August 16th, 2017

Simple Ways to Reduce Clutter in Your Home

Organization


Ideally, your home should be a place to relax and unwind where you can check your worries at the door. All too often that is not the case, but there are some things you can do to relieve stress at home. While some people don’t mind clutter, many find it stressful and wish they could get it under control. Clutter can occur in any room of your home, and it doesn’t take long to pile up. Luckily there are some fairly easy steps you can take to reduce the amount of clutter in your home. The first thing to do is to go through and take inventory of your possessions. You don’t necessarily have to make a list but can do so mentally. Determine what you need or actually use and what you can box up and take to storage. If you haven’t used something for a long time, chances are you can store it and retrieve it later to free up space in your home. Once you’ve packed up several boxes to take to storage you will likely feel better about having less clutter in your home. Another way to reduce the amount of clutter in your home is to stop bringing more items home. Try using what you already have and repurposing certain items. For example, instead of buying new home décor items you could try redecorating by moving certain things from one room to another. Avoiding buying new items will also help save you money. Some simple home organization techniques can also help reduce clutter. Bins are often helpful and can be used for children’s toys, paperwork, closets, and pantries. One proactive way to reduce clutter is to take 15 minutes each night to tidy up. This can include making sure things are put in their proper places, taking out the trash, wiping down countertops, and more. Personal Storage in Mississippi Storage Max offers several storage solutions to help reduce clutter in your home. We are proud to offer 24/7 surveillance and a ...


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August 16th, 2017

Five Common Moving Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Moving Supplies


Whether you’re going across town or to another state, moving is a big undertaking. There are lots of things that need to be done including finding a new place to live, packing up all your stuff, and getting it to your new home. Moving doesn’t have to be as painstaking as many make it out to be. By being smart and avoiding some common moving mistakes, you can turn your move into a pleasant experience. 5. Trying to Do-it-YourselfMost people who handle the move themselves figure that they’ll save money or that moving can’t possibly be that difficult. In both cases they are usually wrong with these assumptions. There are hidden costs to moving including renting a truck (which usually includes mileage charges) and paying for other equipment to make the move easier. 4. Forgetting to MeasureSome people like to just get everything into their new home and then decide how to arrange each room’s furniture. That sometimes results in major headaches, including not being able to get large pieces of furniture through the front door. Measure each room and have a general idea of where you want everything to go ahead of time, which can save your movers time, which is money to you. 3. Not Labeling BoxesIf you forget to label a box it’ll more than likely end up in the wrong room and you may even panic and think some of your stuff went missing. All boxes should be labeled with their contents as well as which room you want the movers to take them to. 2. Bringing Everything You OwnEven if you aren’t a pack rat, chances are you simply have too much stuff. Try going through your belongings and setting aside what you don’t need or have a use for. These items can be packed and put into storage. This will make your move easier and cheaper as well.1 1. Waiting Until the Last MinuteProcrastinating is one of the worst things you can do when it comes to moving. Trying ...


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August 15th, 2017

How to Really Get Your Home Organized

Self Storage


You could spend all afternoon looking up clever home organization hacks online, but many of them are just clever ways to repurpose other storage products. There are countless tips and tricks you could try to get your home more organized, but moving around a few things here or there likely won’t change much. If you truly want to get your home organized, you’ll need to consider changing your mindset. The more stuff you have in your home, the less organized you can really be. Changing of the Seasons Chances are your closet is one of the areas of your home that could use some more organization. The best way to go about that is to thin out your closet. For the winter season you can pack up all your short sleeves and shorts and take them to storage. Once summer comes back around you can bring that stuff back in your home and store your heavy clothes and winter coats. Out of Sight, Out of Mind One of the major causes of stress when it comes to home organization is having things all over the place. Even if they aren’t physically in your way, seeing all that clutter can stress someone out. Packing up the things you don’t need and taking them to storage is one way to clean up your home quickly. The Neverending Storage The great news is that however much stuff you need to get out of your house, there’s plenty of storage available at StorageMax. Whether you need a small storage unit or a much larger one, StorageMax has you covered. Contact us today to learn more about our storage units. ...


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August 15th, 2017

How to Safely Store Your Belongings to Protect Against Damage

Self Storage


Whether your possessions are financially valuable or have sentimental value, you certainly want them to be protected from damage. Storing your items in your basement is typically not the best option, as they are susceptible to being damaged from flooding and a number of other factors. An outside storage shed is also vulnerable to the weather and elements.A personal storage facility is the best way to protect your belongings from the elements and other types of damage, whether you are storing them long or short-term. Security – Knowing your valuables are locked up is important, but thieves can get by even the strongest locks. That’s why it’s important to find a self-storage facility that utilizes 24/7 surveillance and security features. Water Damage – Flooding and hurricanes are the most common ways water can damage your belongings. It only takes a little bit of water to cause major problems. Moisture can also cause issues with common items including wooden furniture and clothing. One of the best things you can do is to cover your belongings in plastic inside your storage unit. Fire Damage – Many storage units contain wooden furniture, cardboard boxes, and clothing which are all flammable. For that reason, it’s important that your storage area has easy access to fire extinguishers and the area is monitored in case of emergency. Temperature and Ventilation – The weather can ruin many items which is why a climate controlled storage unit is important. Avoid packing your items too tightly in storage which can eliminate air pockets necessary for circulation. If you find your storage unit is too crowded, try getting the next size up for only a few more dollars a month. Insurance – Even with all the necessary precautions, there are still possible scenarios in which your items may be damaged. Purchase insurance in case anything goes wrong which will allow your belongings to be replaced. Keep your important documents in sealable waterproof bags or in airtight and watertight containers. Storage Max has multiple storage unit sizes ...


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August 15th, 2017