Storing a Car You No Longer Use

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There are many reasons people turn to car storage units in Concord for their vehicles: the car may hold real or sentimental value but they no longer drive it or have space for it, they may be looking for a secure place to store a vehicle they only use seasonally, or they may be traveling for an extended period and need a place to keep their car. Whatever the reason, there are a few helpful tips to keep in mind when storing a vehicle. Here are eight ways to help ensure your car remains in great condition while it is in storage. 

  1. Find secure storage. Just like you would vet self-storage or contractor storage units for your valuable stored items, look for a facility that offers secure car storage. This means your vehicle is kept safe from the elements, only approved people have access to the facility, and security measures like cameras and on-site staff are in place. 
  1. Prep your car for storage. Though it may seem counterintuitive, it’s a good idea to prep your car as if you were going to show it off before you tuck it away for an extended period. Thoroughly cleaning your car means it will hold up better over time. This includes vacuuming, cleaning, and oiling the interior to ensure nothing attracts rodents or insects and washing and waxing the exterior to help preserve the paint. 
  1. Fill the tank. Again, it may not make sense to have a full tank of gas for a car to sit in one spot, but filling the tank and adding a gasoline stabilizer is a smart move if you are storing your car for longer than 30 days. This prevents moisture from accumulating in the gas tank and keeps the seals from drying out. 
  1. Consider a vapor barrier. If your car will be parked on unsealed concrete or another porous surface while in storage, lay down a plastic sheet or tarp to create a vapor barrier. The sheet will keep moisture that evaporates from the floor from reaching the underside of your car. 
  1. Remove the battery. Even when you are not using your vehicle, some electrical systems in your car can end up draining your battery over time. To preserve your battery, remove, inspect, and clean it and store it inside your car or on a clean dry surface in the facility. 
  1. Lubricate the hinges. For parts that might be vulnerable to moisture build-up and corrosion, like door hinges or the hood release hatch, give them a good once-over with a quality lubricant to protect them from damage. 
  1. Seal the engine. Ideally, your car storage facility does not have an issue with unwanted critters, but just to be safe and make sure no one makes a home out of your engine, take moment to seal it off. This can be as simple as placing clean rags in any openings like the tailpipe, fresh air intake, and the engine air intake. However, remember to take the rags out before getting your car back on the road!
  1. Give it a spin occasionally. If possible, start up your car and give it a spin at least every 60 days, ideally for 30 miles or more. 

To learn more about car storage options, call our storage experts at Abba Storage at 925-969-9222. Our team is happy to answer any questions and tell you more about our facility, its security features, and the various units available to you.

Is Insurance Really Needed for Your Items in Storage?

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For most people who rent self-storage units in Concord, they aren’t simply looking for a space to put their junk. One of the main reasons to spend money on a storage unit is to keep valuable items safe and secure. For this reason, it is important to consider purchasing insurance to make sure those valuable items are even further protected in the event they are damaged or stolen. Read on to learn the dos and don’ts of storage insurance so you can feel confident in the security of your stored items. 

Do check with your current insurance agency

Some homeowners’ or renters’ insurance agencies provide coverage for your possessions, no matter where they reside. However, this is not a standard feature of most policies. Many insurers only cover your possessions when they are on the property of your main residence. If this is the case, ask if they have policies with storage insurance, which will cover your stored items for incidents like natural disasters, damage, or theft. 

Don’t forgo insurance if your agency doesn’t provide it

If your homeowners’ insurance agency does not offer a policy with coverage for your stored items, don’t give up. After all, these are likely important possessions with a great deal of real and personal value if you have taken the step to put them in storage. There are some insurance agencies that specialize in storage insurance policies that may also be able to offer flexible terms for policy duration that match your storage unit lease terms.

Do ask your self-storage unit facility for assistance

If you are not sure where to start, the customer service representatives at your storage facility can be a great resource. They can point you in the direction of insurance agencies they know and other storage renters recommend, or they might offer their own insurance at the facility for items not covered by homeowners’ insurance. 

Ready to put your items in a self-storage unit in Concord, CA?

Now that your valuable items are insured for storage in a self-storage unit, you are ready to find the right storage facility for your needs. Contact the team at Abba Storage in Concord to learn about the various security features of their facilities and their range of storage services – from small self-storage units to warehouse for rent. 

For help navigating your storage options, you can contact Abba Storage today. Our customer service team would be happy to discuss the variety of storage solutions we offer and find one that fits your needs and budget. Whether you want a small self-storage unit or need to store your car or boat, we can help you get started.

Learn more about Abba:

https://www.yelp.com/biz/abba-self-storage-units-concord

Can You Make Money at a Storage Auction?

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Across the US, many folks have taken to the bustling business of bidding at storage auctions with the hope of turning a nice profit. If you have attended one of these auctions or seen the crowd that gathers at one as you visit your own self-storage units in Concord, you may have observed the popularity and high-energy of these events. While storage unit auctions can be a bit of a gamble – few allow bidders to spend time perusing the contents of the unit and instead offer a brief glimpse of the front of the unit just before bidding starts – there are a few things you can do to help your chances of making a good bet. Read on to learn some helpful tips for bidding on a storage auction and getting the most bang for your buck. 

Tips for evaluating units before bidding

At most storage auctions, the whole of the unit’s contents are what people bid on and since bidders often do not get the chance to look over the items in a storage unit, it’s important to make some quick, educated guesses about the unit’s worth. For example: 

  • Does the unit appear well organized? If so, the care taken in keeping the unit orderly could indicate more valuable items or at least items that are in good condition. 
  • Does the unit smell musty? If the unit gives off an unpleasant odor, like that of mildew or cigarette smoke, the chances are good that the items will be water damaged or will need repair or cleaning before fetching a good price. 
  • Are the items stored in professional moving boxes? Professional movers can be an expensive service and one not typically used for moving and storing junk. If it looks like the items in the unit were packed and hauled by professional movers, that is a good sign.  

General auction tips

Beyond these ideas for quickly assessing storage units before bidding on them, there are a few good things to keep in mind when it comes to bidding at storage auctions in general. For one, remember to bring a flashlight. Not all units will have a well-lit interior, and a flashlight is crucial in helping you get a good look. It is also important to set a budget before bidding and stick to that budget. You don’t want to get stuck in a situation where you’ve overspent your limit and the items in the unit, for whatever reason, don’t make your money back. 

And if you need a place to store your newly acquired items before appraisal and resale, you can contact Abba Storage today. Our customer service team would be happy to discuss the variety of storage solutions we offer and find one that fits your needs and budget. Whether you want a small self-storage unit or need a warehouse for rent, we can help you get started. 

Portable Storage or a Self Storage Facility: Which is Right for You?

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Many people in the U.S. use a storage option at some time in their lives and have likely weighed the pros and cons of portable storage versus an off-site storage facility. Each storage option offers ways to meet different needs, but one may be better than the other for your current storage situation. If you are looking for self-storage units in Concord and are trying to determine how to best store your belongings, read on to learn more about these two popular options. 

Off-site storage facility

A self-storage facility is a great option for people looking to store their items for a longer time period. The monthly cost of  a self-storage unit is usually very reasonable, and often includes security systems, on-site staff and customer service, and convenient hours in which you can access your unit. Off-site storage facilities can also be versatile in what they help store. For example, some facilities offer contractor storage units for business contractors or vehicle storage like for boats or RV’s. Additionally, self-storage facilities can be flexible over time, allowing you to move to larger or smaller units, depending on your changing storage needs. It is important, however, to find an off-site facility that is easy to access, so you don’t have to travel far or out of your way to get to your unit. 

Portable Storage

Portable storage can be an easy option for people who are moving or only need storage for a short time, as in the case of home renovation projects. Portable storage can be very convenient in a moving process, as the storage container is delivered to your home where you load up your items, and then the container is driven to your new home for you to unload. For homeowners who need to clear a room or section of the house for a remodel, the storage container can keep all the furniture and other home items secure until they are ready to be placed back into the newly renovated space. The timeframe for your portable storage rental, however, should be as short as possible. They are more expensive to rent and should be loaded, unloaded, and returned quickly. 

For help navigating your storage options, you can contact Abba Storage today. Our customer service team would be happy to discuss the variety of storage solutions we offer and find one that fits your needs and budget. Whether you want a small self-storage unit or need to store your car or boat, we can help you get started.

How to Make Your Self Storage Adventure a Great One

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Abba Storage Concord Self Storage Units

Every great adventure benefits from thoughtful, thorough preparation and experienced know-how on the journey. Self-storage is no different. Whether you already use a storage unit or are exploring your options for self-storage units in Concord, you too can benefit from these tips for making the most of your experience – before and throughout the duration of your self-storage lease. 

Before you reserve a unit…

 

Assess for security:

Be sure to ask about, or better yet, observe first hand the security measures the self-storage facility has put in place. These can range from separate security for each unit and cameras throughout the site, to on-site staff and electronic entry. Additionally, be sure to check your potential unit for signs of water or pest infiltration. 

Prioritize service and convenience:

A friendly and readily available customer service team and on-site staff can go a long way in making sure your storage needs are met. Also consider the times of the day your unit is accessible to you (24 hours? 9 am to 9 pm?) and if those hours, along with the location of the facility, are convenient for you. 

Evaluate price and flexibility:

As with any other service, you should take time to research and compare your options. Ask for quotes from multiple facilities and evaluate the terms of the lease for flexibility. You never know when your storage needs will change and you don’t want to be stuck in a contract that doesn’t fit anymore. Furthermore, check to see if the storage facility has a variety of storage options that can meet your evolving needs, such as scalable unit sizes or other types of services like RV, boat, or car storage. 

Once you have a unit…

 

Insure your belongings:

Self-storage insurance is a smart idea for everyone to consider. Some renter’s and homeowner’s insurance provides coverage for property that is stored off the residential premises, so it is worth first reviewing your existing policies. If your insurance does not cover your items in storage units, you can ask the self-storage facility if they provide insurance or if they recommend a third-party insurer.

Keep it organized and clean:

It is essential for the accessibility of your stored items, and for their protection from damage, to keep an organized unit. You can use water-proof containers and shelves to sort and stack your items and create a color-coding system or unit map that gives you a quick reference when locating particular items. It is also important to regularly clean out your unit so you can make room for more belongings if necessary and you aren’t paying to store things you no longer need. 

With this advice in hand, you can rest assured that your stored items will be safe, secure, and well-organized. As you explore your options for self-storage in Concord, contact Abba Storage today to learn more about their storage services and how they can help you on your self-storage adventure. We offer a range of different storage options and our friendly staff is always here to help. 

 

Business Storage: How Self Storage Can Help

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Self Storage Business

Whether you need to find some extra space for your growing inventory or you are looking for a warehouse for rent to store large equipment or machinery, a self-storage facility can offer several solutions to meet your business’s needs. Instead of looking to lease or buy commercial office space, consider the flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and helpful amenities of a self-storage facility near you.

A Versatile Option

Many types of businesses use self-storage to supplement their existing space and business operations. From landscapers and carpenters to retailers and businesses with a fleet of vehicles they need to store, business owners can find a storage unit size and type that meets their needs. This variety of storage options paired with flexible month-to-month lease terms is especially useful for businesses as they scale or expand. There is no need to be locked into a contract for a space that won’t fit in three months.

Making Financial Sense

Self-storage services can also have a positive impact on your business’s bottom line. Leasing or buying a larger commercial office space can be a big expense, and one that comes with additional costs such as utility bills or property taxes. Not only can the monthly rental of a self-storage unit be less than that of an office space lease, you can also avoid those additional costs while still enjoying greater organization and the security of your business’s stored items. What’s more, the flexibility of self-storage has concrete financial outcomes. When your business is able to use only the space it needs as it needs it, you can save on unnecessary expenses.

Premier Features

Self-storage facilities can also offer beneficial amenities for their units. One of the prime features of self-storage is the caliber of security they provide. Many have a gated perimeter with secured access, surveillance cameras and alarms, on-site staff overseeing the facility, and well-lit exterior and interior spaces. In addition to these security features, self-storage facilities also offer climate-controlled units, fire-mitigation systems, and convenient access options so you can get to your unit when you need.

No matter if you are growing, relocating, or simply looking to better organize your space, self-storage can benefit your business. If you are looking for self-storage in Concord, CA, contact Abba Self-Storage and their team can explore the storage solutions that make sense for your business.

Are my stored items covered by insurance?

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For most people, self-service storage units are a secure place to store valuable possessions. Whether they want to store an antique collection or require car storage, the goal is to keep the items protected. However, unlike other valuables and assets, items kept in storage may not be covered by typical insurance policies and lack that additional layer of protection. If you are considering a self-storage solution, it may be beneficial to also consider verifying or obtaining insurance coverage.

Check your current policy

Accidents, crime, and natural disasters happen to everyone. We use insurance to help us recover losses when something unfortunate impacts us and our property. In the case of stored items, your existing home or renters’ insurance policy may cover them. You will need to ask if items that are not located at the main residence are covered. If they are not, most insurance agencies can extend your coverage with storage insurance. This subset of insurance coverage can help in the event of personal property damage, natural disasters, or theft if it occurs at your self-storage unit.

Look into alternative insurance providers

If your current home or renter’s insurance agency will not extend your coverage to your items that are stored off-site at a storage facility, or you don’t already have one of these forms of insurance, it is worthwhile to research agencies that provide storage insurance. If you are not sure where to start, the storage facility may have recommendations they have learned from other self-storage users, or they may offer storage insurance through their operations.

Storage options near you

Whether you are in the market for self-storage, auto storage, or a warehouse for rent in Concord, CA, Abba Storage offers a variety of safe and secure storage solutions. With multiple unit sizes and great prices, their team of professionals can work with you to meet your storage needs. Call today at 925-969-9222 to discuss your options.

College Students and Self Storage

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As a college student, you may have previously thought of self-storage units only in the context of your grandmother’s antique collection or your parent’s RV. These are, of course, common reasons a person would use a self-storage facility; however, considering a unit of your own may also be a smart choice. There are multiple helpful uses for self-storage for college students, and most self-storage facilities offer flexible storage solutions that can meet the fluctuating needs of a person on a university schedule and budget.

The What and Why of Self-Storage

College years are often characterized by constant change: in class schedules, in living arrangements, even in the campuses you attend. All of that flux can make it difficult to maintain your possessions in an accessible and secure place. And by the end of just freshman year, you have more than a few possessions. Many students find themselves with a pile of expensive books and electronics, like mini-fridges and microwaves, along with furniture items like much-loved couches and often-used desks. When leaving for summer break,  switching between on and off campus housing, or while studying for a semester abroad, it can be helpful to use a storage facility near campus to keep your things until you have a new home to put them in.

Self-storage facilities often have multiple unit sizes to choose from, so you don’t have to pay for more than your need; offer flexible access hours, so you can get to your stuff when you need; and provide advanced security, so you can trust that your stuff is safe. With your things skillfully stored in your unit, you don’t have to seasonally liquidate all your belongings or worry about trucking your worldly possessions from your dorm to parent’s home and back again, every year, anymore.

The Who and How of Self-Storage

When choosing a self-storage facility, be sure to find one that fits your needs. Can you access them easily from campus? Do they have short-term leases that accommodate your semester or summer break schedule? And lastly, do they have solid customer service that is compatible with the methods of communication and rental payment you are most likely to use? Once you’ve found a good fit, getting started with a storage facility is easy. Contact Abba Self & RV Storage in Concord to secure the right unit and contract for you.

Top Reasons for Using Self Storage

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You may not know it, but you too can benefit from renting a unit or series of units in a self storage facility. Many who utilize this popular option for gaining just a little extra space do so for a variety of reasons, both big and small, and for both personal and business uses. While your space may feel cluttered now, and you may have almost forgotten what it feels like to not be hedged in by so much stuff, a self storage unit can free up your valuable square footage and help give you room to organize your home or business.

Popular Uses of Self Storage

Whether you ascribe to the trend of minimalism or not, many people enjoy the benefits of decluttering their space when they use a self storage facility. By removing what is not immediately necessary in their homes, be it family heirlooms, holiday decorations, or seasonal sporting equipment, storage unit renters find themselves regaining a bedroom, a garage, or even the curbside appeal of their house. For businesses, a self storage unit can help better manage inventory or overstock, or even safely store business vehicles when they are not in use. Other popular uses of self storage include RV storage over the winter, or storing personal and household items during extended travel, when between residences, or during large home remodel projects.

The Benefits of Self Storage

When you have a surplus of things in a too-small space, it can be very difficult to keep your things organized. Self storage units provide the opportunity to create an ordered system of your things and to maintain the quality of an inventory. This benefit is essential to businesses, but can also be helpful to any person with a collection or valuable seasonal items, like fishing gear or ornaments, that tend to become damaged or broken when inappropriately stored. Self storage can benefit seasonal or infrequently used items in another way: they provide flexibility of access. Many storage facilities provide year-round, 24 hour access so you can retrieve your storage items whenever you need, or store them for only a short duration if you need. In addition to easy-access, renters can expect reliable self storage security. With locks on the units only the renter can access, gated facilities with code entry, substantial lighting and security cameras, and staff on-hand to handle issues or questions, in many ways, self storage units are more secure than most homes and businesses.

If self storage sounds like the solution you’ve been looking for, it’s time to do your research to find the facility that fits your needs. Be sure to consider the convenience of its location to you, the level of security and staffing you are comfortable with, and the variety of unit sizes that can accommodate your growing or diminishing storage needs. For self storage in the Concord, CA area, contact Abba Self & RV Storage to learn about our range of storage options.

Contractor Storage Units

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Storage Units for Contractors

Building contractors require a lot of tools, gear, and materials to get each job done right and on schedule. This includes general contractors, painters, HVAC, electricians, plumbers and others. Each specialty has its own equipment and expertise, but every contractor wants to load up and leave the job site at the end of the day, and all that equipment needs a place to stay too. Contractor storage units, like those from Abba Self & RV Storage, can help you become more efficient in moving your equipment to and from your job sites.

Why storage?

While your day to day equipment on any project as a contractor may stay in your car, it’s conveniently storing the gear you don’t need today and keeping all your equipment organized that can really help you save time. It’s easy to remember where the tools you used twenty minutes ago are in your truck, but it’s more difficult to find the tool you have not used since the last similar project a few months ago. That’s where storage units come in. All of your equipment can have a place, including storing vehicles, making it organized and simple to store materials and retrieve them as needed. As you transition to different projects throughout the seasons, your storage unit can easily manage everything you need. That way your entire family can also fit in your truck – not just your tools.

Storage options

A more economical and flexible option than an industrial space or building your own shed is self-storage. Unlike your own shed, a self-storage unit is monitored by security 24/7, keeping all your valuable equipment safe. Self-storage also allows you to easily choose a storage unit size that will be able to fit all of your equipment in an organized, easy-to-use way. Some self-storage facilities, such as Abba Self & RV Storage, also offer convenient vehicle storage. This variety of self-storage units provides an affordable, efficient, easy-access option with a low, predictable cost, instead of the unforeseen repair or replacement expenses that can result from improperly stored equipment.

Self-Storage for Contractors

The team at Abba Self & RV Storage offers a multitude of storage options. Whether you need a large storage unit with outdoor access for vehicles or you need a smaller unit for tools, we can meet your unique needs. Our property offers 24-hour security, keeping your expensive equipment safe, while allowing you convenient access when you need it. If you are in need of storage for your work gear, contact the team at Abba Self & RV Storage today. We would love to help you with all your storage needs.