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.

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.

Storage Unit Supplies Keep Your Items Safe and Organized

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Whether you rent a self-storage unit for your personal items or are using contractor storage units  for your business, keeping your items safe and organized it the top priority. Before you begin moving your things into your unit, consider purchasing the items on this shopping list.

Read on to learn about the supplies that can help protect your belongings while they are in storage and some tips for using them so navigating your unit and finding what you need when you need it will be hassle-free.

Your shopping list

  • Waterproof containers: Though cardboard boxes tend to be the baseline for storing things, consider upgrading to waterproof containers for your important items. Sturdy plastic containers offer added protection from moisture and can be stacked to maximize the space in your storage unit.
  • Strong packing tape: Essential for sealing shut your boxes, strong packing tape is a must-have. Be sure to apply several layers of tape to any seams on both boxes and plastic containers to deter pests from getting inside.
  • Colored-dot stickers: Colored-dot stickers are useful for creating an easily visible color-coding system in your unit. For example, you will be able to enter your unit and quickly find the blue dot boxes, which is your color code for office supplies.
  • Wide-tip markers: In addition to the colored stickers, you can further label your items for clarity. A dark colored marker with a wide tip will be the easiest to read from the entrance if you orient your labels toward the front.
  • Plastic sheets: Plastic sheets are great for draping over large items and will help prevent dust accumulation or water damage in the event of a ceiling leak.
  • Large cloth covers: For furniture, soft cloth covers work better than plastic sheets, which can trap moisture and cause mold or mildew damage on wooden or upholstered items.
  • Shelving units: Metal or plastic shelving units make better use of your space and can keep smaller or more valuable items off the floor. They can also help you to arrange your area into accessible rows, so you don’t have to move things around to get what you need.
  • Blank paper: Once you have organized your items in your unit, create a map of the space for reference. If you used a color-coding system, you can fill in the map with the relevant colors and make a key for what each color represents. It may be helpful to have two copies, one for you to take with you and one to leave at your unit. For the map in your unit, be sure to place it in a protective plastic sleeve.

With these supplies and storage facility that prioritizes security, your belongings are sure to be safe and organized. Abba Storage provides self-storage units in a state of the art facility with top-tier security features and offers a variety of unit sizes and climate-controlled options. Contact our storage experts today at 952-969-9222.

Retired? Use Self Storage to Downsize

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How self-storage can simplify your retirement plan

The golden years of retirement look different for everyone, but for many, they are about changing pace, experiencing different places, and focusing on what matters most. In this pursuit, the transition to retired life offers a whole new set of choices: some of them are more logistical (Does it make sense to move to a smaller home?) and some of them are more fun (Is a boat or an RV my ideal retirement vehicle?). However a person’s retirement shapes up, self-storage units in Concord can simplify some of those decisions and get them on the road to the retired life they want.

Easily downsize

For some people, achieving the relaxation of retirement means opting for a home that requires less maintenance time and costs. Whether that means moving from the five bedroom family home with a big lawn to a smaller space, or foregoing foundations altogether and making a life on the road or the seas, there are likely many items that will need to be stored. Self-storage units are a perfect option for retirees looking to downsize. With the variety of unit sizes available, self-storage facilities can ease the transition from big to small.

Securely keep the important things

Many self-storage facilities feature advanced security systems and options for boat or car storage, so customers can rest assured that their prized possessions are safe. For retirees, this means that the family heirlooms that the grandkids aren’t ready for are kept in a secure place and the restored vintage car isn’t crowding the driveway or unnecessarily exposed to the elements.

Streamline living spaces

In many ways, retirement is a time to declutter and self-storage units can be a helpful resource in streamlining living spaces. For items that are still useful or valuable but not regularly utilized, such as tools, crafts, record collections, or seasonal clothes, self-storage can help organize them while decluttering the home. Additionally, many self-storage facilities have flexible hours and onsite staff to ensure you are able to access your things when you need.

Save money in the long run

Self-storage can save money for retirees in the long run by offering a secure option for keeping important possessions without having to continue to pay for a too-big home and can also protect cars, boats, and RV’s from costly damage. And as the family takes on the heirlooms or it makes sense to sell that record collection, it’s easy to relocate to a more appropriately sized, less expensive unit with flexible month-to-month contracts.

To explore all the ways self-storage can simplify retirement, contact Abba Self Storage to learn about the range of storage unit options and find a convenient, secure space that suits your needs.

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.

Interior vs. Exterior Storage Units – What’s the Difference?

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Trying to choose between an interior storage unit or an exterior one may seem complicated at first, but it doesn’t need to be. Interior storage units are built and designed for more particular applications while the exterior units are more commonly used and typically easier to access when you want. Abba Self & RV Storage provides a variety of storage options to fit every need, from RV lot storage to exterior units to our air-cooled spaces.

Storage Space For Every Need

Some people need one type of storage, some need the other. Similarly, you can pick the size of your unit based on how much stuff you need to store. For some, a storage unit is the best place to keep important documents and family heirlooms, while others use the exterior units to store lawn equipment between mowings. For private contractors, the spaces available make an excellent place to store equipment and materials to reduce job site theft.

Benefits of Interior Units

Every family has photographs and heirlooms which could never be replaced. Storing those items in air-cooled spaces keeps them safe from weather, temperature, and decay, but keeps them close enough to relive memories whenever you wish. Interior units have been used to temporarily store everything from Girl Scout Cookies to Grandma’s wedding dress. At Abba Self & RV Storage, your precious items are secure inside or out, but only the air-cooled spaces remain at a constant temperature around the clock.

Advantages of Exterior Units

Exterior storage units are handy for loading and unloading. Just pull your truck or trailer up to the door and load whatever you need for the day. Large units have enough room to store a houseful of furniture, or all of the tools for a variety of applications. Contractors use exterior units for storing materials and equipment for everything from foundations to roofing, and it is all under secure access so you know who is coming and going.

Mix and Match Storage

Another option is to use a mix of both interior and exterior storage units. A smaller interior unit is great for storing important heirlooms, while the larger exterior unit can assist with everything from tool storage to doing a major remodel job on your home. With so many sizes available, you will be able to scale your storage to meet your needs.

Abba Self & RV Storage is conveniently located in Concord, California. We also have a moving truck available to assist you in transporting your belongings to or from our location. For more rental information, contact us today.

Spring Cleaning? Organize your Home and Storage Unit

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Clutter just seems to appear during the year. No matter what you try, as winter ends, suddenly it seems like a tornado came through your home. Especially during the short winter days, things seem to collect everywhere.  Shedding that built up clutter and restoring some order is a great feeling. That is why spring cleaning is so important. At some point, we must either fix the clutter or watch it get completely out of hand, and getting yourself ready for the bright, sunny days of summer is a great time to tackle organizing both your home and storage unit head on.

Prioritize your summer items

It’s important to include your storage unit in your spring cleaning. Just like your home, a storage unit needs to be cleaned and reorganized occasionally to keep its content relevant and easy to use. One way to approach organizing your home and storage unit is to revisit what items you want accessible over the summer. For example, do you have summer gear in the storage unit that you might want to replace with winter clothes from your house? Or there may be a renovation project that you’ve been planning that could be facilitated by moving some items to your storage unit.

Identify infrequently used items at home

Are their items in your home that you can’t remember the last time you used but are not ready to let go of yet? Moving rarely used items from your home during spring cleaning can really help reduce clutter.  On the other hand, if you’ve found that you’ve been accessing your storage unit more frequently than you planned, there might be some stored items that you do want to move back to your house.

Organizing your storage unit

If you are moving several items in or out of your storage unit, you may need to find a storage unit configuration where everything fits. The first step is to categorize items by how often you want to use them. Are there some items, such as outdoor equipment, that would be best be stored but you want to use a few times over the summer? Place items you will use less frequently furthest from the door, and frequently used items closer. Make sure that you leave a path through your storage unit to be able to reach all the items you plan on using in the coming months.

Finally, set yourself up for success. Spring cleaning is a big project. Once you’ve created an organizational strategy, make sure that you give yourself enough time to finish. Split up your spring cleaning across a few weekend sessions. Start with moving items to their final location, then working through each area cleaning and organizing.

At Abba Self & RV Storage, we have a variety of storage units to fit your needs.  If you find that you need a larger unit or have moved items back into your home and need a smaller unit, our friendly staff is here to help.  Plus, we can work with you to determine the best way to organize your storage unit.  Contact us today!

Start the Year off right by Getting Organized!

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Now that the New Year has begun, it is a great time to start getting organized. If you get organized now, you can be clutter free in 2018. If you have never been much of an organizer, don’t worry. There are a few simple ways that you can declutter your home, and you don’t need to be a professional organizer.

Clean Your Closets and Cabinets

The first thing that you should do is clean out your cabinets and closets. When you start cleaning, create two piles. One should be for any items that are broken or damaged that you intend to throw away. The second pile should be for things that are in great shape but you no longer use. These are items that can be donated to charity. One great way to get rid of your charitable donations is through Give Back Box. This website makes donating your items simple. You simply pack up your belongings in a shippable box. Next, go to GiveBackBox.com to download, print, and attach your prepaid shipping label. Finally, ship your boxes out. Since your donation is tax deductible, after your box is received, you receive a tax receipt via email.

Try Some DIY Organizing Projects

There are plenty of clever ways that you can organize. Pinterest has plenty of great ideas. For example, placing multicolored bins in the kid’s room is a great way to organize their toys and books while giving it a pop of color. There are also ways that you can organize your kitchen cabinets. For example, hanging your pan lids on the cabinet door will save space and keep your pans neatly stacked. The internet is loaded with articles containing DIY organizing tips that can help with your project.

Rent a Storage Unit

It is not uncommon for your belongings to outgrow your home. When this happens, your basement, closets, and your garage can become cluttered with things that you don’t want to part with. If you are in this situation, you should consider moving your things to a storage unit. Storage facilities are secure. Most facilities have a staff member working during the day. At night, most facilities are monitored by closed-circuit television. A storage facility is also very convenient. If you need something that you have stored, you can go to the facility to remove whatever you need. After you are done with that item, you can put it back in the unit if necessary. Finally, you can be sure that your items won’t be damaged in the unit. If you store your items in the basement or the attic, they can be damaged if there is a leak or flood in the home. This wouldn’t be an issue if you were to store your belongings in a storage facility. Abba Self & RV Storage is a secure and inexpensive place to keep your belongings.

Decluttering your home will take time; however, when it is done, you will be happy and feel more comfortable in your home, realizing space you never knew you had.  Abba Self & RV Storage has a variety of storage unit sizes available, from small enough for a closet cleanout to large enough to hold an entire house worth of belongings – we’ve got you covered.  Stop by today and tour our state-of-the-art secured self storage facility.

Local Holiday Celebrations

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The Concord, CA area is full of holiday celebrations that you will want to make the most of. From events suited to the whole family to more specialized events, there are events going on all season you’ll want to check out.

San Francisco Etsy Pop-Up Market at The Marker Hotel SF

December 14 The Marker Hotel, San Francisco

This luxury hotel is the scene for a gathering of some of San Francisco’s top Etsy artists. There will be plenty of handmade gifts that allow you to easily complete your shopping list. One of the nicest treats that comes with shopping at the craft fair is a two for one discount on beer or wine at the hotel’s adjacent Italian restaurant.

Paint, Sip, and Shop

December 16 Big Chop Accessories, Pittsburg

This acrylic painting class is a great way to beat the stress that is so common during this season. You’ll listen to holiday music and enjoy drinks that are included in the cost during your class. One of the fun things about this class is that you’ll be able to make new friends.

2017 COVAH Winter Concert

December 20 Oakland Temple Hill Auditorium, Oakland

This annual performance of the Conservatory of Vocal & Instrumental Arts High School showcases some of the most talented young artists in the area. The winter concert highlights selections representing December’s holidays and provides a great showcase of the youngster’s talents. You’ll join others in the community in seeing what an impact these young stars can make.

Christmas Day Supper Cruise

December 25 The Embarcadero, San Francisco

This exciting yacht cruise will keep passengers of all ages in the holiday spirit. You’ll enjoy a buffet with all the holiday trimmings, free soft drinks, alcoholic beverages for purchase, and live music with dancing. One of the major highlights is seeing the stunning views of San Francisco Bay.

If you’re looking for self-storage that can meet all your needs this season, give Abba Self & RV Storage a try. Your items will be in safe, capable hands so you have more time to focus on your festivities this season.

Thanksgiving Food Storage Tips for a Safe Holiday

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When most people think about storage, large spacious units to keep mementos and other important belongings come to mind. Let’s consider a different type of storage for this time of year: food. Thanksgiving and the holiday season bring numerous gatherings, parties, and other festive outings. A major part of spending time with family, friends, and co-workers is preparing and serving food. Correctly storing food is crucial for a safe, healthy eating environment.

Food Storage Tips for a Healthy Holiday

  1. Clean Work Area

Proper food storage starts at the time of preparation. Consider implementing extra cleaning measures prior to the Thanksgiving holiday. Prior to purchasing your holiday food, spend time cleaning your refrigerator and wiping down counters, cutting boards, and other spaces for preparing food. During the food preparation and cooking process, keep these general rules in mind.

  • Keep your preparation and cooking area clean.
  • Practice proper hand washing especially after handling fish and poultry.
  • Use an antibacterial spray to wipe down counters and other cooking areas.
  • When handling the turkey, use separate (or wash between uses) cutting boards, plates, and other cooking utensils.
  • Cook all food items as directed.
  • Do not thaw the turkey or other poultry on the counter. Use the refrigerator to thaw the meat.
  • Using warm water, attempt to keep your dishes washed as you progress through the cooking process. Unclean dishes, utensils, or cooking ware may harbor bacteria.

Implementing basic precautionary measures in the kitchen will help you maintain a healthy holiday.

  1. Watch the Temperatures

Another crucial component of proper food storage is temperature. When serving food, keep in mind, hot foods need to stay hot. Cold foods need to stay cold.

  • Using warming plates or slow cookers to keep food around 140°F.
  • Place ice in larger bowls than set your colder dish down into the bowl. The ice will help maintain the proper temperature.
  • Use a food thermometer. Checking temperatures help in keeping the food safe from forming bacteria.
  • Do not leave food set out for long periods of time.

  1. Storing Food Properly

After eating the Thanksgiving feast, storing food properly is vital for healthy, edible leftovers. Plastic containers, bowls with lids, freezer bags, tin foil, and plastic wrap are all valuable items for storing food.

  • Use shallow bowls or containers for warmer food storage. Once placed in the refrigerator, the food will cool down at a faster rate.
  • If applicable, remove the stuffing from inside the turkey prior to storage.
  • Cut turkey into smaller pieces or remove from the bone for easier storage.
  • Remove food from cooking dishes. Place food into smaller, easier to store containers.
  • Limit food storage in the refrigerator to up to four days.
  • Placing turkey in high-quality freezer containers or bags provide a longer storage time. Consume frozen turkey within four months to maintain flavor.

Proper food handling, preparation, and storage is a vital part of the Thanksgiving meal. Failure to implement basic guidelines may result in illness from bacteria.  At Abba Self & RV Storage, we have a variety of storage unit sizes available to meet your needs, including storing any leftover holiday decorations.  Stop by today to tour our storage units in Concord, CA and find the one that will work best for you.