Century Storage Blog

If you’re planning on storing long-term in Florida, you will need to know the best storage option to protect your belongings from heat and humidity. The combination of humidity and high temperatures can cause potential damage to your belongings. Long-term exposure to humidity can cause moisture resulting in mold and mildew. Climate controlled storage is the best option to avoid this damage. Century Storage offers a wide range of climate control sizes to fit your storage needs. Climate controlled units are recommended if you’re looking to give your items this extra protection. These spaces are indoor and kept at 78 degrees. Guaranteeing your belongings will not get too hot or too cold. A way to keep items you’re storing from getting damp is placing your storage items on 2×4 boards or on pallets to guard against dampness. Any concrete floor may become cold and damp. Some items that need to be stored in climate control are wood, paper, electronics, instruments, vinyl records, metal, furniture, artwork, photographs and any other items that are important to you. Stop by your local Century Storage to find the space you need!

The threat of a hurricane is serious in Florida. Hurricane season is among us, lasting from June 1st to November 30th. Florida is the most hurricane-prone state in the U.S. and has been hit by 125 hurricanes since 1851. Luckily we typically have a warning in advance that a hurricane is on the way to the sunshine state. With this time, it is important to properly prepare for you and your property to be protected from possible threat and damage. Here’s some tips below to limit potential damage.

Gathering Emergency Supplies

Gather emergency supplies to prepare for a hurricane. You can keep these supplies stocked year round. Below is a list of supplies that could make a difference while experiencing a hurricane. Always consider you may not have access to electricity, water, or food. Your necessities may differ from others.

Flashlights
Batteries
Medications
Extra gasoline
Battery-powered radio
Portable phone charger
Toilet paper
Bottled water
First aid kit
Bug spray
Plastic sheeting or tarps
Duct tape
Tools
Whistle
Can opener
Sandbags
Fire extinguisher
Maps of your local area
Copies of your driver’s license and other identification

Prepare Evacuation Route and Ensure Your Car Is Ready

If you’ve ever experienced a hurricane, you know that you may need to evacuate. Plan an evacuation route ahead of time. It’s always good to have a destination since roads will be packed with traffic as everyone evacuates to safer destinations. You will need to have your car fully fueled up ready to go with extra gas on hand. Waiting to get gas at the last minute may result in waiting in long lines at the gas station.

Prepare Your Home

Whether you are staying home or evacuating you should prepare your home for the storm. Secure your windows with storm shutters. In case of flooding make sure you know how to shut off your power and where to access power controls. Remove any items from your yard that you do not want damaged like furniture, grills, or children’s toys and store them in a safe place. Find any important documents or items and make sure they are in waterproof containers or high up. Find an easy to access location to keep the emergency supplies listed above. Throughout the year you can make sure your roof stays in good condition and repair when needed. Collecting emergency supplies throughout the year will save you time when needing to prepare for a hurricane.

Review Your Insurance Policy

Locate and review your homeowners, renters, flood, and car insurance. Know what is covered, not covered, deductibles, and policy limits.

During and after the storm

During the storm, always stay up to date on its location, strength, and progress. Stay away from windows, glass doors and skylights. Follow the instructions of your local officials and evacuate when told to do so. After a hurricane stay informed on when it is safe to return to your home if you evacuated. Make sure to stay alert and watch out for potential threats like downed electrical wires, flooded roads, fallen objects and weakened roads. Once you safely make it back to your home, access and record any damage. Visit weather.gov/safety/hurricane for more information on hurricane safety.

What is there to do in Florida? The sunshine state is filled with plenty of activities for a great getaway whether it is a long or short trip. Florida is home to 825 miles of beaches, theme parks, museums, historical sites and national parks. A popular tourist attraction for families is Walt Disney World located in Orlando. Other attractions include sea world, Universal Studios, Seaworld, Everglades National Park, Discovery Cove, The Dalí museum and more. If you’re looking to explore a city, popular destinations in Florida are Miami, Orlando, Tampa Bay, Key West and Naples. Once you’ve secured a destination it’s time to pack! When packing for Florida you will need lightweight clothing, sun protection, water, and an umbrella if it is the rainy season. The intense heat requires breathable clothing and sun protection at all times of the day. You will always want to have a water bottle on hand while enjoying your activities in the sun. Century Storage hopes this mini travel guide inspires a trip to the great state of Florida!

The big day is finally here, moving day! Moving to a new home or city is very exciting but can also be stressful and timely. Read below Century Storage’s moving day checklist to make your moving process a little smoother!

Let people know you’re moving
Inform your family, friends, and neighbors that you’re moving.

Create a moving budget
Make a budget for moving services, moving supplies, and travel.

Get packing supplies
Gather all the packing supplies you will need like packing tape, scissors, cardboard boxes, and packing peanuts. Stop by your local Century Storage for your packing supply needs.

Donate or sell unwanted items
Sell or donate any items you no longer want. The more you get rid of, the less you will have to move. Start fresh in your new home by only taking what you need.

Start packing early
Give yourself at least a month to pack up your home.

Label your boxes
Label your boxes by room. This will save you time when you are ready to start unpacking your boxes.

Disassemble furniture
Dissemble your furniture before movers arrive if you are able to. Place any hardware like screws in labeled bags.

Schedule a moving company
If you’re using a moving company, make sure to book ahead of time and do research on which company is the best option for you.

Rent a storage unit
If you need to temporarily store items in between your move, secure a storage unit at your local Century Storage.

Collect cleaning supplies
Gather all the cleaning supplies you need to clean your home before you leave. If you have access to your new home, clean the home ahead of time before moving day. Some supplies you may need are dish soap, sponges, rags, paper towels, a vacuum, broom, dustpan and all-purpose cleaner. Don’t forget to have toiletries handy for your new home.

Pack up personal items
Pack up any items that you may need during the move and keep them easy to access

Complete your change of address
Completing a change of address form ensures that your mail, subscriptions and important documents make their way to your new home.

Complete final last minute tasks
Take a final walk through. Make sure you have not forgotten anything and take the time to check appliances and utilities. Make sure all of the appliances are turned off and unplugged. Don’t forget to lock up all the windows and doors on your way out.

Enjoy your new home!

1. Store electronics in a climate controlled space
2. Clean devices before storing
3. Remove batteries
4. Remove disks and cords
5. Make copies of data
6. Cover any screens and vents
7. Pack electronics in individual boxes
8. Pack electronics in original packaging
9. Make sure boxes are sealed tight
10. Choose the right storage facility, find a Century Storage near you
    

Spring is in full bloom and summer is right around the corner. Which means, it’s time for spring cleaning. Century Storage is here to help you with your storage and organization. An important step in spring cleaning is getting organized. Being completely organized will make deep cleaning your home a breeze. Follow these storage and organization tips below to kickstart your spring cleaning.


Create a cleaning schedule
Spring cleaning is not a one day task. Create a cleaning schedule and clean one area at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Collect cleaning and organization supplies
Before you start, gather all the cleaning and organization supplies you may need. Visit your local Century Storage to pick up packing supplies for organization.

Declutter
Move and pack up excess items in the spaces you will be cleaning. Organize these items into donation, storage, and trash piles. Store items that currently are not needed. Donate any items that you no longer need or want. Throw away any items that are not able to be donated and recycle any recyclable items. Make sure to find a designated home for all the items from decluttering.

Switch out wardrobe
The temperatures are rising and your wardrobe is changing. It’s time to transition your wardrobe. Pack up any winter clothing and bring out your spring wardrobe essentials.

Put away winter items
Move seasonal items into storage. Put away any items that you only use in the winter months like holiday decorations and your winter wardrobe.

Clean out the garage
Don’t forget to clean your garage! Start cleaning your garage by removing everything from the space. Once everything is removed, start cleaning from top to bottom. This will ensure that the debris that fall are cleaned up. Once you are done cleaning, only put back necessary items. Repeat tip two and declutter the items you removed earlier to clean your garage.

Store items to create more space
Consider storing items either short term or long term at your local Century Storage. Free up space in your home by storing excess items in a secure Century Storage Unit. If you are unsure of what size unit you need, refer to our size guide.

In order for your furniture to arrive safely to its next destination, it needs to be properly protected using wrapping and packing supplies. It is important to protect furniture while moving to its next destination as well as in storage. Make sure all your furniture is clean before wrapping for storage and transportation. Some furniture may be easier to transport when broken down into smaller pieces. Disassemble any items you can to ease packing. Once your items are ready to be packed simply stop by your neighborhood Century Storage or local hardware store for packing supplies. See below a list of essential wrapping and packing supplies.


Bubble Wrap

Moving blankets

Mattress & Sofa covers

Sealable plastic bags

Stretchable plastic wrap

Corrugated cardboard sheets

Glass kits

Packing tape & marker for labeling

Whether you are storing small items, large items, or in between homes we have the space you need at Century Storage. One of the most important steps in renting a storage unit is finding the right size storage space. Follow this size guide below to make choosing your storage unit easy at Century Storage.

5×5

This size unit yields 25 square feet of space. Although these 5×5 units are small, they are an excellent size to store all of your extra items, like garden tools, seasonal items, office supplies, or your miscellaneous boxes.

5×10

This size unit yields a total of 50 square feet of space, perfect for storing an entire bedroom or office.

10×10

This size unit yields 100 square feet.  It is ideal for storing an entire living room and two full bedrooms.

10×15

This size unit yields 150 square feet. This large unit can typically store the contents of three bedrooms and is ideal for larger items like televisions, couches, or tables.

10×20

This unit yields 200 square feet and is the perfect space if you are in between homes. This unit typically can store the contents of five bedrooms and larger items like washers, dryers, and refrigerators.

10×30

This unit yields 300 square feet and is ideal for a five-to-seven-bedroom home.