A Garage By Any Other Name

Garages with mechanized overhead doors have revolutionized the house as we think of it in America. While it's true that there are still houses that go sans garage, they are increasingly rare, and for good reason. Not only do garages give our cars respite from the elements (both in the natural and criminal sense) but they provide a level of dynamism to a home. Neither considered to be outside or inside, one can go out into the garage and work on something without feeling tethered by other household responsibilities. It can be a home away from home, attached to your home. While this may be over-analyzing the comfort a garage can afford, its convenience in the form of a storage unit with a mechanized overhead door cannot be over-stated.

Lots of people may scoff at this idea due to the obviousness of the fact that without a garage, a house could be exactly one garage-size bigger. Who needs extra storage space? It would be there anyways if we didn't have the stupid garage! Fair enough I suppose, but the aesthetics of a garage once again allow for a kind of space that is both connected to your home, yet strangely detached. Having a concrete floor and aluminum shelves and cabinets, a garage allows itself to fit the schema of a storage space without hurting the overall look of the house. While guests are well aware that your garage is part of your house, it is far more acceptable to have stacks of cardboard boxes in the garage versus the guest-room. In fact, the garage can even lend it's own sense of style to a house. A nice overhead door is one of the highest valued contributors to curbside appeal that a home can have, and if it's well furnished on the inside with wood cabinets and the like, a well-maintained garage can be a selling point in and of itself. One possible reason for this is because of what the garage houses; as a home for one of the most expensive commodities most people will ever buy in their life (a car) we are almost reverential about where it gets parked and spends it's time. By glamorizing our garages, we are able to imagine that our car too is more glamorous, even if it only cost us a few nice bits of furniture instead of a huge credit-card payment on a brand new car.

Garages fill a variety of functions for us, not the least of which is creating a space in our home that is truly unique and ours. It may be dusty and a little dark, but it's a keeper of Christmas decorations and cars, maybe a small gaming table-it's a roomy part of the home that holds exalted status because of its rather under-the-radar charm. If you've always had a garage, try living without one.

The Benefits of Renting Self Storage Facilities   Global Trend In Self Storage   Summer Time Made Easy With Self Storage   Using Temporary Car Shelters To Keep Your Car In A Pristine Condition   Getting the Right Self Storage Option   Choosing the Right Storage Shed for You and Your Family   

Self Storage Facilities Go Green

The green movement continues to spread worldwide. It has greatly influenced the various sectors of society such that other than the home, companies and organizations are also implementing green efforts to help in the environmental preservation campaign.

In the real estate industry, for instance, a lot of developers are into the green construction these days. They focus in using eco-friendly construction materials and creating buildings that promote energy efficiency. Examples are the use of LED and fluorescent lights, glass windows that block the harmful ultra violet rays, heating systems that produce less carbon emissions and waste management system that don't pollute the environment.

In the self storage industry, green efforts are also being observed as a result of the increasing oil prices and utility costs. It's a reality that green construction compared to the traditional type can involve a huge investment at the start but experts point out the benefits for the long term are greater. The lifetime savings that can be enjoyed are estimated at 10 times more than the initial cost in putting up the building.

One example is the use of LED lights. As the prices of this kind of light fixture have gone down, business owners can expect to gain their return on investment in just two to three years. In addition, they can be sure that their bulbs will last for a long time even up to 30 years.

The use of solar panels in self storage facilities are also on the rise these days. They are normally fitted for large units that accommodate recreational vehicles (RVs) and boats. Fortunately, the cost of these panels has also reduced in recent years hence it's no surprise why they are considered for the construction of these facilities.

What's great about using solar panels is the incentives provided by government programs to business owners. Depending on the state where the facility is situated, some incentives being offered include tax write-offs, sales tax exemptions and low rate utility loans.

Additionally, green buildings are normally prioritized in the zoning and permitting process. For example, approval for the project that can take usually two years to process may be possible within one year only.

There are three major objectives seen in the green efforts of developers of self storage facilities. Firstly, they want to raise awareness on the state of the environment and what actions people can take to help in the preservation campaign.

Secondly, they want to make potential investors aware of the cost savings that can be gained by following this type of construction project.

Thirdly, they want to raise awareness as well on the government regulations and incentives when it comes to implementing a green construction.

With these green self storage buildings now in place, more people who prefer an eco-friendly storage space will be satisfied. Despite the high rent that it charges, experts believe customers particularly those below the age of 30 will be willing to pay the price.

Hopefully, this green trend will be sustained so the future generations will have the opportunity to enjoy a better environment free from harmful elements.

The Benefits of Renting Self Storage Facilities   Sliding Garaged Door Versus Side Hinged Garage Door   Using Temporary Car Shelters To Keep Your Car In A Pristine Condition   Getting the Right Self Storage Option   Choosing the Right Storage Shed for You and Your Family   

How To Ensure A Green Self Storage Facility

The real estate industry is one sector that has joined the green movement. Studies have shown that green construction will continue in the coming years contributing to the growth of the industry.

A 2009 Green Jobs Study undertaken by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) projected that green building will contribute $554 billion to the national economy. In addition, it said that the number of green jobs will go up to 7.9 million.

In terms of savings, owners who have constructed green buildings are already enjoying significant savings. Between 2000 and 2008, some $1.3 billion in energy savings has been gained. This amount is foreseen to increase to $6 billion moving through 2013.

Self storage facilities are following the same trend these days. It may be slow but a growing number of developers are already into green construction. Their focus is on lowering variable costs such as the utilities. Despite the huge cost entailed in venturing into this type of project, developers believe owners will enjoy much savings for the long term.

Investors who are targeting to put up a green self storage should consider several factors. This is to ensure that the benefits will not only be enjoyed by them but by their customers as well.

Lighting - Using LED lights is strongly recommended. With the price of this lighting fixture reduced these days, operators can gain their investment back in a period of two to three years only. They also need not change their lights often because the bulb can last up to 30 years.

Solar panels - Using solar power is one of the cheapest ways to enjoy electricity inside a building. Solar panels are ideal for rental units that have large and flat roofs such as those that store recreational vehicles (RVs) and boats. The initial cost can be an issue but then again, it can be offset by the huge savings moving forward.

Another benefit in using solar energy is the incentives provided by government programs. Incentives can include sales tax exemptions, tax write-offs and low rate utility loans.

Biodiesel conversion - Many self storage providers offer free moving, pickup and delivery services. As such, fuel cost is a major issue. The solution is to convert the vehicles to biodiesel which is not only eco-friendly but can also reduce the costs. Unaware to many, used cooking oil or vegetable can actually enable a vehicle to run which means more savings to the company.

Heating and cooling - One area that developers are focusing on is using energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. This is not much of a problem, though, because of the availability of more efficient HVAC products these days. Facilities situated in areas which experience high temperatures can benefit greatly from using a green system through lower utility bills in the future.

There are other areas where green construction is possible. These include using low VOC paint and carpet, eco-friendly cleaning products and installing reflective roofing materials. An important thing to note, however, is that when choosing products, operators also need to make sure that they're indeed authentic.

The Benefits of Renting Self Storage Facilities   Getting the Right Self Storage Option   Choosing the Right Storage Shed for You and Your Family   Using Temporary Car Shelters To Keep Your Car In A Pristine Condition   Finding the Best Garage Doors   A Guide to Garage Organization Systems   

Types of Backyard Shed Plans

If you are thinking about building a shed in your backyard one of your first decisions will be to pick a shed plan style. The design of your shed will affect the way you can store things in it and how it compliments your property.

Garden

Most backyard shed plans can be considered a garden shed but the most common style to be considered garden shed are ones that have steeper roof pitches and detailed trim work. They often look like a cape cod cottage instead of a wood box with a sloped roof.

Lean To

Lean to shed plans are the simplest shed style to build. They have a single sloping roof plane that goes from one side of the shed to the other without a ridgeline. Lean to sheds can be built with or without walls depending on how you want to use it. The lean to shed is the basis for the modern shed.

Modern

The most popular style to be used as a home office is the modern shed plan. A modern shed is simply a lean to that has had windows and nicer finishes added so it can be used as a work space. The extra windows and door with glass on it give a modern shed the look and feel of a professional office space. The modern shed is also popular to be used as a work studio or workout room.

Barn

A barn shed is a great backyard shed plan. By building a mini barn you can have the look and usefulness of a country farm barn in your backyard. The gambrel barn has plenty of extra storage space in the loft area. Other barn sheds include the raised center aisle and the regular gambrel barn.

Large

Large backyard shed plans are not for every yard because of their size but if you have the room and the need a large shed is a great way to get extra work or storage space. Larger sheds often have two doors, a large door to move equipment in and out of and a smaller door used to access the work area of the shed. Some large ones even have a garage door on them.

Garage Door

Having a garage door on a backyard shed is a great shed accessory that makes the interior very accessible. It will typically need to be a large shed so there is room for the door to roll up and have room to be stored when it is in the open position.

Greenhouse

Having a backyard greenhouse is a great way to start plants for your yard or garden and to extend the growing season. Most greenhouses have at least half of the shed covered in a translucent polycarbonate roofing material that lets in lots of daylight. They also have wood tables and a floor that will let water drain out of the shed from the inside.

Firewood

Seasoning and storing firewood should be done under the protection of a roof. The size of the storage building will determine how much firewood can be stored inside. The size you build should coincide with the amount of firewood you burn during a year and since it takes a year to season wood and then a year to burn it you may consider having storage capacity for two years. There are backyard shed plans for firewood storage of ½ cord to 3 cords. If you need larger than that you may consider building a open walled lean to shed.

Using these style guidelines should help you decide on the perfect backyard shed plan for your yard or garden. After you pick the style you will need to choose a size that fits your needs and budget.

The Benefits of Renting Self Storage Facilities   Global Trend In Self Storage   Summer Time Made Easy With Self Storage   Sliding Garaged Door Versus Side Hinged Garage Door   Using Temporary Car Shelters To Keep Your Car In A Pristine Condition   

Six Ways to Straighten Our Home Storage

From the stay-at-home mom that feels swamped by toys to the business owner whose office is a junk heap, everyone needs organization. Try as hard as we might, getting things together can seem like an impossible mission. This article will explain some ways that you can better organize your home, improving your ability to function and giving you peace of mind.

1. Don't Use it, Don't Keep it! If you're like me, getting rid of things can feel like pulling teeth. We simply don't want to part with our junk! However, if you want a clean and organized area, you're going to have to start tossing stuff that you don't use. First rule: If you don't remember using it within the last year, don't keep it another year. If you simply find it hard to throw things away, consider donating them to a good cause such as a thrift store, a church outreach, or a group yard sale.

2. Make a Plan It can be tempting to randomly toss things into piles as you clean; however, this is not the best way to get organized. If you want to get your house in shape, it's important that you have a storage plan. Before doing anything, decide where you have room to store different things and where they would be the least in the way. Never choose to store things in a frequently travelled area or where they will be an eyesore to guests.

3. Don't Forget the Garage! If you have some extra room in your garage, it may prove the perfect area to store some of the item that won't fit in your home. Garages are a great spot to put garden and lawn supplies, bicycles, scooters, freezers, and refrigerators.

4. Make Use of Overhead Room. Often, we fail to take advantage of the extra room we have overhead. When you're organizing your home or office, take advantage of all your opportunities by using floor-to-ceiling shelves, install hooks and pegs in your high walls, and hang bicycles from the garage ceiling.

5. Take Advantage of Self Storage Units. In many cases, our houses simply do not have room to store everything we own. At times like this, you should consider renting or purchasing your own unit. These units come in several different sizes, making them perfect for any of your needs.

6. Keep It Tidy. In your efforts to organize, don't make your house more cluttered that before. Whether you choose to store things using baskets, the garage, or cabinets, it's important to remember that things still need to be kept orderly. A basket of assorted junk will not help your home to remain clutter-free; throw away what you don't need and carefully organize what you choose to keep.

With a little creativity and work, your house will be organized in no time at all!

The Benefits of Renting Self Storage Facilities   Choosing the Right Storage Shed for You and Your Family   Finding the Best Garage Doors   A Guide to Garage Organization Systems   

An Overview of Storage Unit Auctions

It's not surprising how reality TV shows have become so popular in recent years. Here in the United States we have some amazing programs to watch, especially if you enjoy bargain hunting and scoring a great deal.The latest of these reality shows is really entertaining and can get you pretty excited about bidding for the unknown profit potential of 'treasures' you may find in a well stocked Storage Unit.

In any economy there is always opportunity to benefit from a winning bid at Auction. We can all relate to how good that feels. You may well be wondering why there seems to be so many auctions happening? There is a simple answer to that question. The original renters have unfortunately fallen behind with their monthly rental payments and the storage unit companies are left with no other option than to levy a foreclosure on their units.

The private company that owns the storage facility gives the renter every opportunity to pay their dues. If the dues remain unpaid, they will then announce and advertise an auction in the local papers. Just watch what happens then! Both novice and experienced auction hunters appear out of nowhere and flock to the auction, eager to make a winning bid.

Cancellations

There are occasions when an auction will be cancelled at the last minute because the renter has managed to get the money to pay their dues. The companies are not allowed to proceed with their auctions when this happens; All auction hunters must then go home, or hopefully move on to the next storage unit that is scheduled for auction.

What you can expect during an auction

These auctions are less formal than real estate auctions - it's much more casual and the people just stand around a storage unit that is being auctioned off. All bids are given verbally, and the highest bid will, of course, win the auction. Congratulations, you have now won the auction and the unit manager requires you to pay for the goods.

In most cases you will have up to two days to pick up the contents of the unit. Knowing this, and anticipating winning the auction, you should be well prepared and have driven to the auction on a van or truck ready to clear out your treasure from the storage unit.

A Lot of Stuff

If you have ever used a storage unit you will appreciate how much stuff you can pack into the unit. We become masters at the logistics of packing our goods well so that we can save on rental costs...That makes the auction all the more exciting! The storage unit manager will often open the lock of the storage unit and show the contents of the unit to the audience. This really helps to stimulate an exciting auction.

Window of Opportunity

If you are a novice at storage unit auctions you need to realise that you only have a few seconds to have a peek at the contents of the storage unit before the bidding starts. This is where your powers of observation need to be sharp! You need to look for clear signs of potential profit in appliances,paintings, books etc. Things that you can easily resell online. Above all, observe how the professionals are operating, and follow and trust your intuition. Have Fun!

The Benefits of Renting Self Storage Facilities   Finding the Best Garage Doors   A Guide to Garage Organization Systems   Global Trend In Self Storage   Summer Time Made Easy With Self Storage