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. 

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. 

 

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.

Storage Organization Tips

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How to organize your storage space in 4 easy steps

Whether you have a small unit for your seasonal gear or a larger contractor storage unit, there are multiple benefits to having a well-organized storage space. Instead of keeping a confusing, jumbled pile of your stuff that is likely to get damaged, your storage unit can look more like a organized library of your things, with your possessions well-maintained and easy to access. Here are four steps to creating that more organized and functional space.

1. Inventory

The first step to organization is creating a list of the items you will be putting into storage. This list can help you keep track of your possessions over time because it is easy to forget where you put those photo albums when you haven’t needed to retrieve them for many months. An inventory can also help you itemize what you put into storage for purposes of acquiring insurance for your storage unit. Additionally, this step can help you visualize all the items you’ll be further organizing in steps two and four. It is essential that the inventory be specific, but it doesn’t need to be complicated. It can be as simple as a written catalog, spreadsheet, or folder of photos on your computer desktop.

2. Package

Once you have identified all the items that you will bring into storage, the next step is to organize your items into durable packaging. It can be helpful to put like-items into the same box or bin and arrange them, so they are accessible in the storage unit. It is also important that you consider the material for the containers: plastic tends to hold up better for more substantial items and in the event of water damage, while cardboard may be more appropriate for less dense items that can be stored off the ground.

3. Label

Often an organizational system is only as good as its labels. If you cannot read or don’t understand what you (or someone else) put on your containers, you’ll still have to open them all until you find what you’re looking for. Be sure to write with permanent markers, ideally on a durable label material (duct tape is an easy, reliable option), using simple categories anyone can understand, such as “kitchen,” “camping,” etc. It can also be helpful to use a color-coding system to make it even easier to find what you need in your space quickly.

4. Arrange

With the groundwork laid for your well-organized storage space, it’s time to move your stuff into your unit. First create a floor plan that places items you will frequently access toward the front of the storage unit, and bigger, less necessary things toward the back. Shelves can be a helpful organizational tool that not only makes the most of the vertical space in the storage unit but also protect certain items in the event of flooding. It is also important to include walkways throughout the area, so you can quickly and safely get to every item in your unit.

If you are looking for self-storage units in Concord, CA that you can transform into your own well-organized space, contact Abba Self & RV Storage. Abba offers a range of storage services to fit anyone’s needs, from single storage units to car storage to warehouses for rent.

Helpful Supplies for Organizing and Damage-Proofing Your Storage Unit

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There are few approaches to keeping storage units organized. Instead of simply throwing your items in a storage unit, you can store your belongings orderly for safekeeping. The supplies you use will help you to prepare and place your items in your newly rented space. A little planning at the beginning and a few key supplies can go a long way to make it easier to access everything in your unit for the duration of your rental and to eventually move all your belongings out in an organized fashion when you no longer need self-storage services.  

Packing before you move in 

Four simple items that can be found at any packaging or office supply store can help organize your move in process: colored dot stickers, blank paper, sturdy waterproof boxes or containers, and markers. To begin, use the blank paper and markers to make a layout of your storage unit and plot the placement of your items. It is often helpful to place the items you will need to access more frequently toward the front of the unit and items you will not need, like furniture, toward the back. Next, create a color-coding system that groups your belongings and will make it easy for you to identify the contents of a box without needing to open it. For example, you might use pink dots for kitchen items, red dots for important papers, and green dots for items you will need to find easily. Pack your items in like groups in your waterproof containers and label them with the appropriate dot sticker.   

When you’re in your unit 

Though you’ve taken precautions to ensure the self-storage facility isn’t in a flood plain and your unit has no structural damage, it’s best to come prepared so you can safely store your important items, records and documents. For this reason, there are four more essential supplies you can purchase for safely storing your belongings: plastic sheets, metal or plastic shelving units, large soft cloth covers, and strong packing tape. In order to avoid the potential for water damage, you can keep your smaller boxes off the ground and organize them on the shelving units, colored-dot facing the entrance. It is also a good idea to thoroughly tape up your boxes with the packing tape to deter pests from finding a way in and making a home out of your valuable belongings. The plastic sheets offer another layer of protection and can be draped over the shelves and boxes. For furniture, it is better to cover them with soft cloths to reduce the risk of trapped moisture leading to mold or mildew growth. After using whatever combination of these strategies best suits your storage needs, you can rest easy that your belongings will be safe and organized in your unit. 

Abba Storage can assist you with all of your storage unit needs. Our state of the art storage facility includes a range of security measures to keep your belongings safe. We offer a variety of sizes and options including air-cooled spaces. Contact our storage experts today at 925-969-9222.

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.