Musical instruments are often quite valuable and can last for years once you take good care of them. If you need to store an instrument, here are some tips to keep it safe while in your storage unit:

Take apart the instrument. If it can take it apart. If it is a stringed instrument, loosen the strings slightly so that they don’t warp the instrument, but you don’t need to remove them totally. Pianos, however, do not have to have their strings loosened, as they can withstand high pressure. 

Clean the instrument well. Before you put it into your storage unit, clean the instrument thoroughly, and make sure that you clean each part of the instrument. For instruments that have padded keys, place tissue paper between the pads and the body of the instrument, which will help prevent the keys from sticking. 

Pack the instrument carefully. When your instrument is clean and dry, pack it in its case. Place all the parts securely in the sections of the case designated for them. Place a sheet of acid-free paper, or clean cloth over the instrument in the case and close it securely. If you do not have the original case you should look for a replacement. Ideally the case should be hard and waterproof. Do not place any items on top of instrument cases, no matter how light they may seem.

Cover large instruments. If you are storing a large instrument like a piano, it obviously won’t be in a case. Be very careful with this type of instrument, and you may want to consider having it professionally moved. Carefully wrap the piano legs, pedals, and the bench, and make sure the piano is fully covered.

Consider temperature-controlled storage. If it is a really valuable instrument, storing it in a temperature-controlled unit may be the right thing to do, as this will eliminate any negative effects from heat and moisture.

When using self-storage, please note that there are several items that require temperature controlled storage as they are sensitive to high temperatures and humidity.

In Store All’s temperature controlled sections the temperature is maintained at 25 degrees Celsius. Items that should be stored in a temperature controlled unit are antique and leather furniture, artwork and collectibles, musical equipment, and commercial merchandise that is affected by heat.

The area is fully air conditioned and secure, and this storage option also provides comfort for tenants who visit their storage units often.

At some point some your senior family members will have to downsize their home(s), and finding a solution can be a challenge. You must be considerate and sensitive when undertaking this process.

Below are some tips to help downsize a senior loved one’s home:

1. Be respectful of possessions. It may appear to you as an unimportant object, but it may have meaning or sentimental value to your loved one. Once you show respect and ask for your loved one’s opinion he will feel much better about the change.

2. Communicate. Ask your loved one if you can dispose of an item, and make her explain why she wants to keep it, as she may try to hold onto unnecessary possessions. In any case, a discussion will help her feel heard and involved in the process of deciding what items should stay and what items need to go.

3. Identify goals and set a schedule before you begin. You must determine how many of the possessions can be kept and how many have to go. You must also set a timeline as you may have to sort through several rooms.

4. Donate items to a charitable group. Donating items to organizations like the Salvation Army can be a great solution.

5. Have a sale. If there are a lot of items, an auction sale may be a good way of getting rid of them.

6. Rent a self-storage unit. If there are items remaining that you don’t want to get rid of, consider renting a storage unit. Store All has units of all sizes from two square feet to 320 square feet, so you only pay for the space you need.

A death in the family is one of the most stressful times in your life. Self-storage can be very useful at this time giving you some breathing room until you decide what to do with all of your loved one’s possessions.

If the home of the deceased needs to be sold or rented, self-storage can be the answer to de-cluttering and also keeping the treasured belongings secure. A clutter-free house is much more likely to sell than one full of clutter.

If the property is to be rented, clearing out the belongings allows you to evaluate it, and decide if any maintenance or renovations need to be done before you rent it out.

Store All will give you peace of mind, knowing that your loved one’s sentimental possessions are safe and secure.

1. First clean the mattress using upholstery cleaner, and then vacuum both sides.

2. Invest in a plastic mattress cover to protect the mattress in storage. You can buy these at Store All for between $19.95 and $28.95. Secure the mattress cover with tape, and this will stop dust from getting into the fibers, even though the storage units are clean.

3. If you are storing the mattress for a long period, store it flat in the storage unit, as the padding and coils can settle, and the mattress will never be the same. When storing on the ground of the storage unit, use pallets to elevate the mattress off of the ground, or store it on top of flat furniture (if available).

4. Do not store anything on top of the mattress, as heavy items can damage the mattress material and may damage the coils. Gravity is not your friend.

5. When the mattress arrives at its new home remove the plastic covering, sprinkle baking soda on both sides and allow it to absorb any odors, and then vacuum the mattress. Then let the mattress breathe for a few hours before you put sheets on it, and your mattress should be ready for you to enjoy.

Moving house is an extremely stressful time.

You have the stress of finding the right home for a good price, dealing with lawyers, and then moving all of your possessions and your family.

Store All can help make this more painless.

Sometimes you have to sell your home first and rent somewhere on a temporary basis, or you may need to renovate or redecorate your new house.

In either case you will need somewhere to store your furniture and other possessions, and Store All can help by providing safe, dry self-storage units that you can rent until you settle in to your new home.