At U-Lock-It Self Storage, we have many kinds of renters. From the seasonal "I need somewhere to store my RV over the winter" to the "I only need a unit for a month or two while I move" to the long-term renters who have enjoyed convenient self-storage for years. However, no matter how long you plan on renting, eventually, the not-so-pleasant task of cleaning out your unit will come to fruition. Like moving to a new living space, moving your belongings from your storage unit takes planning, work, and maybe even a little help from a friend. To assist, we've put together four tips for cleaning out your Belleville self-storage unit to help keep the stress at a minimum.

Take an Inventory before moving out of your self-storage unit 

For many, a self-storage unit accumulates new items as time goes by, and unless you've been keeping track, you might be surprised at the amount of stuff you have in your space. Therefore, we recommend taking an inventory before your move-out day. Go through your unit and write down every item, its condition, and whether or not you plan on keeping it. Further, note what you might need to help keep your things safe, like boxes and moving blankets—you can purchase boxes and other moving items in our office!

Take out the trash

Moving is the perfect opportunity to get rid of things you no longer need. Before moving out your items, go through your unit and decide what is worth taking and what is not. We recommend doing this before your moving day so that you don't rush it and have to put everything in the trash. While you'll toss some items, others might still be of use to others. Consider selling or donating unwanted clothes, furniture, toys, equipment, etc. Moreover, you'd be surprised at the array of what you can recycle. A quick search will help you find the proper recycling facility to drop off such items from electronics to toxic items such as fertilizers and cleaners.

Keep in mind that leaving behind what you don't want is NOT an option. 
Help is on the way 

Make sure you have the help you need

As noted earlier, you might have more in your storage unit than you even remembered. After taking an inventory:

1. Decide whether or not you'll need help on moving day. If your car isn't big enough for all of your stuff, avoid multiple trips by enlisting a friend with a truck.
2. If the job is too big, consider hiring a moving company to help you out.
3. Don't drag out the moving process. If you need help, make a few calls and promise to return the favor. 
   
   

Talk to our office

If you have any questions regarding move-outs, auctions, etc., please don't hesitate to call our office. The last thing we want is for you to get in a situation where you're not out by the correct date due to a misunderstanding. At U-Lock-It, we are committed to helping our customers from lease signing to move-out day. Our friendly office manager will gladly walk through the process with you and help answer any moving questions you might have.

We hope these tips make cleaning out your storage unit less stressful. If you're looking to move into a unit, please call our office for availability. 

If you're searching for the best self-storage in Ypsilanti or Belleville, you might want to consider gate access. What is gate access? As one would expect, self-storage facilities usually have an electric gate that customers can access via a personal code, key, etc. Security is the primary motivation for the gate; we doubt you'd want to store your favorite boat or RV in a lot with no gated fence. But sometimes, security comes at the expense of convenience. For instance, many storage facilities will keep their gates locked after hours, which means you'll have to wait until they open the following day. Well, that's no good. Don't worry; here at U-Lock-It Self Storage Belleville, we offer 24-hr gate access. Let's look at three benefits of 24-hr gates access with your self-storage.

Please don't hesitate to call us for the availability of our indoor and outdoor storage spaces!

24-hr Gate access makes vacations easier

Imagine it's the final day of your RV road trip exploring the Leelanau Peninsula. Though you were able to eat your way through Traverse City, admire local art in Glen Arbor, and burn some calories on the dunes at Sleeping Bear, it's now the final day, and you're running out of time. Since you don't have a place to park your RV at home, you have no choice but to make it back to your storage facility before it closes and the gate locks for the night. You factor in driving time, traffic, etc., and, sadly, have to remove a visit to Fishtown from your final day's schedule.

When you rent from a Ypsilanti self-storage facility with 24-hr gate access, you won't have to shorten a weekend trip. Whether you get in early or after midnight, you'll have access to your secure and convenient unit. That means less time watching the clock and more time enjoying the final day of a vacation.

24-hr Gate Access is Great for Entrepreneurs

Here at U-Lock-It Self Storage Belleville, we are proud to host many entrepreneurs and small businesses. And while you can't operate your business out of a storage unit, you may utilize the affordable storage to keep inventory, transportation, etc. For instance, many smaller landscaping companies will store their lawnmowers, hedgers, etc., in a secure unit and access them when needed—as you can see, having 24-hr access to items that are critical for your business.

Please read our article on why business owners should consider renting self-storage.

24-hr access makes moving less stressful

A popular reason someone might rent self-storage is that they are in the process of moving. Why? Because having an affordable and secure place to keep any items that don't fit in your new location is much easier than getting rid of belongings. And as you may know, moving is extremely stressful, and, similar to an action movie, a ticking clock only increases the suspense. For example, if you're ending a lease, many landlords will give you a specific date and time that you need to be out. With 24-hr gate access, you can take your time to pack thoughtfully and not have to worry about getting items to your storage unit before it closes.

No matter your situation, it's never a bad thing to access your items whenever you need them. 24-hr self-storage gate access is one of the many benefits of choosing U-Lock-It Self Storage for your Belleville storage needs. Please call us today for availability.

Whether you want to call it decluttering or "tidying up," we see you, Marie Kondo, removing old and unnecessary items is a smart move. And yes, there's a distinction between decluttering and cleaning. For example, the former is an action to make your items, location, etc., clean from dirt, stains, and germs. The latter is the act of sorting through things and removing or moving them to make better use of your space. So if stacks or piles of items currently enclose you (help, I'm trapped by my stuff!), or have a hard time finding things among the clutter, then this list is for you. Let's explore four benefits of decluttering. Oh, and we should mention that a self-storage unit is an excellent option for decluttering. That's right; you don't have to throw things away!

If you plan on decluttering your home or office soon, please call U-Lock-It Self Storage Belleville for a safe and accessible place to keep your items.

Declutter to Feel Good About Yourself

While some people enjoy the clutter and chaos of a messy office or home, others equate it to loss of control. We know that life can get hectic and stressful, and staying organized sometimes takes a back seat to you paying the bills, raising your kids, or getting your business started. But when you do get a chance to look up, seeing a mess only makes matters worse. Time to declutter! Dedicating time to decluttering your space will make you feel like you're in control again, which may boost your self-esteem.

Further, decluttering is therapeutic to some people and makes for productive use of a day off. So put on some tunes, make a plan, and declutter! You'll feel good that you did.

Declutter for Better Focus

You have a big work project on the horizon, which wouldn't be so bad if it didn't time-up with a friend's wedding, the start of summer, and a relative's graduation party. Don't panic. Begin a busy time in your life with decluttering to help you stay focused. You won't have time to waste looking for something or clearing off your desk once you get busy, so better to prepare for it now. Moreover, as we alluded to in the previous section, the last thing you want to come home to when you're hectic at work is a cluttered and disorganized house. Get rid of the jumble and stay focused!

Declutter for a Healthier Lifestyle

For some, their house is a reflection of how they live. For instance, a messy and cluttered kitchen might lead to more takeout, frozen dinners, or too much snacking. On the other hand, if your kitchen is clean and organized, you'll be more likely to cook a healthy meal since finding the proper utensils and ingredients won't hassle you. And what about the bedroom? While some people sleep like a baby no matter what the conditions are, others might find it harder to sleep in a cluttered and messy bedroom.

Do yourself a favor and declutter for your health. Not only will your self-esteem get a boost, but you might eat and sleep better too.

Declutter for Your Friends and Family

For many, a cluttered home might be the reason why they never host functions. Whether you're too embarrassed for people to see the clutter or don't have the room to host guests, taking the time to declutter could be the answer. Similar to how decluttering can boost your self-esteem and health, it can also improve your social life. Having a place you're proud of to share with family and friends will encourage you to invite people over more often. Further, your guests will appreciate you taking the time to organize so they are comfortable.

As you see, there are many reasons to declutter your home or office. And don't stress, you can still keep your items safe and accessible in a Ypsilanti self-storage unit. So if you plan on decluttering, don't hesitate to call U-Lock-It Self Storage!

Here at U-Lock-It Self Storage Belleville, we take pride in offering safe, accessible, and convenient self-storage at an affordable price. Further, we love doing business in the Belleville, Ypsilanti, and Ann Arbor areas, which is why we treat our customers as neighbors. With those two things in mind, it's no wonder that so many of our customers rent from us year after year. We also understand that self-storage is an investment, and there are many factors to consider when deciding to rent storage. For instance, self-storage can actually save you and your business money.

With real estate prices continuing to rise, self-storage offers a safe and affordable alternative. Moreover, business owners should also consider self-storage to help cut back on overhead and rent expenses. Here are four ways self-storage can save you money.

Call us today to rent your Ypsilanti storage unit from U-Lock-It!

Downsize your living expenses

The housing market continues to drive home prices and apartment rents through the roof (no pun intended). Renting a self-storage unit at our low prices will help you downsize your living space, which means lower rents and mortgages. For example, our 10x20 units can hold the contents of a one-car garage. If you have many seasonal items, such as snow blowers and summertime RVs & campers, it's more affordable and safer to keep them in storage than to purchase a home with an oversized garage.

For renters, you may have enough items to fit in a two-bedroom apartment, but only the budget for a one-bedroom. Our 10X10 storage units are large enough to accommodate furniture, appliances such as refrigerators, and more. While having a larger apartment is nice, the location of your apartment might be more critical. By utilizing self-storage, you can move to a smaller apartment in an area with more to do and explore.

Save your business money with self-storage

Not every business needs a large warehouse or office these days. For instance, a local landscaping company might only have enough equipment to fill a 10x20 unit, or a moving company might only need a place to park its van. Why spend all that money on a warehouse or office when you can rent a self-storage unit? Here at U-Lock-It, many small business owners choose to rent with us because we offer 24-hr gate access, which means they can check on inventory, tools, cars, etc. whenever they choose.

Also, if you are utilizing your storage unit for your business, you should consider writing the expense off on your taxes. We suggest talking to your accountant for more information.

Just keep in mind a storage unit can help save you money by reducing your office space, but it's not an alternative. In other words, you are more than welcome to store business items in storage safely, but you can't physically run your business from a unit.

Reducing clutter can improve productivity

If you do own a business with an office, then self-storage offers an affordable way to keep it from getting cluttered. For instance, if your company has many seasonal items or tools/equipment you only use sparingly throughout the year, consider self-storage. Why? Because clutter can disrupt productivity and lead to damaged and lost items. Have peace of mind knowing your company's products are secure in your unit, as well as accessible with our 24-hr gate access.

According to Figari.com: "Decluttering with a healthy amount of an organizational overhaul not only sanitizes a space, it can also elevate work quality, boost efficiency, and improve one's health."

Make the most of deals and promotions

We understand that renting a storage unit is an investment, and we know you work hard for your money. That's why we often offer sign-up deals such as "second month off" or "20% off your first month." Further, we offer the lowest prices in town and won't rope you in with deals then stick you with unexpected costs. For our current customers, you can save on your next month's rent with our referral program. Tell your friends, family, and neighbors about U-Lock-It, and if they sign up for a unit, you'll save money on your next month. Talk to our Office Manager for more information on our referral program.

As you can see, renting a self-storage unit from U-Lock-It Belleville might lead to money savings in other aspects of your life. Please call us today to book your storage unit!

Supplies You’ll Need When Moving

Moving is never fun. Whether you’re moving or helping out a friend (hopefully they will pay it forward), the best way to ensure a move without stress is by staying organized. Having the right supplies will make your life a lot easier during the move and whenever you decide to unpack. Here at U-Lock-It Self Storage of Belleville, we offer a range of supplies from boxes to glass kit packages to help you move. Further, our secure self-storage units provide a great place to put your items during the moving process.

We’ve put together a quick list of items you’ll want to have on hand before your next big move.

1. An organized inventory list

Unless you are only moving a few larger items, we suggest writing down an organized inventory list to keep track of your things. Moving can often be a discombobulating experience, especially if you are in a hurry to get out of where you’re currently residing. An inventory list will remind you what has been stored and where. For example, number each box and coordinate the items accordingly, or write out the inventory list of each box directly on the cardboard.

2. Boxes, Boxes, and More Boxes

Did we mention that we sell boxes at our U-Lock-It office? Because you’re going to need a lot of them in various shapes and sizes. We recommend using specialized boxes such as TV and hanging boxes for such items. Glass pack kits for boxes help ensure the safety of delicate glassware, and specialized artwork shipping boxes can keep your paintings and photos safe during the move. Make sure you have lots of packing tape as well!

3. Garbage Bags and a Recycling Bin

With decluttering all the rage, moving offers an opportunity to discard, donate, and recycle items you no longer need. Stay organized by having a designated trash bag, recycling bin, and bag for items to donate. The cleaner you can keep your place during a move, the less stressful it will be when you’re nearing the end of your hard day.

4. Furniture Pads

Furniture is an investment, which is why it’s worth storing such items that might not fit at the moment. Furniture pads will help protect not only your chairs, sofas, etc. but also your walls! We recommend plastic furniture covers, so your items smell and look clean after the move or in storage.

There are many other items, including markers, box cutters, and straps you might need, but we hope this list is a good start. We wish you the best of luck on your next move, and please keep our affordable self-storage units in Belleville, MI, in mind if you need any extra space for your items.

Why Students Should Consider Self-Storage

Here in the beautiful state of Michigan, we are fortunate to have many Universities and community colleges. U-Lock-It Self Storage is near the University of Michigan, Washtenaw Community College, Eastern Michigan University, and many others. Sadly, students had to pack up and move home unexpectedly early this year due to COVID-19. We are living in uncertain times, and no one knows what to expect this fall. While we all hope students will be back on campus or commuting to classes, there's a chance the plan will continue to change.

It's not new for students to rent a self-storage unit to keep their items over the summer break. Many scholars have items such as couches, TV stands, bookshelves, etc. that are worth storing to use the following year again. Since our prices are so affordable at U-Lock-It self-storage of Belleville, it's a smart investment to store your items instead of selling and purchasing new.

Continuing your lease even when you move back on campus can be a reliable safety net in case you have to move unexpectedly. Perhaps you have different things you'll need for each season but not enough room to keep them all in your living space. For example, some students get around campus on a bike or motorcycle but need a place to store it during the winter semester. Renting a storage unit from U-Lock-It Self Storage Belleville offers you flexibility and security for your seasonal items. Further, our 24-hour gate access means you'll be able to drop off and pick up your stuff whenever you want.

If you're moving back home for the summer and it's far from campus, renting a storage unit near campus will save you time and money. Instead of dealing with the stress of moving trucks, multiple trips, etc., keeping your items close to your campus means an easier move in when school starts back up in the fall.

Please give us a call if you're a student interested in renting a storage unit from U-Lock-It Self Storage Belleville. Our prices are affordable, and our units are secure and accessible.