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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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Five Things You Probably Didn't Know About Self-Storage

My family moves quite often - sometime it happens more out of necessity than choice, but in time where we end up in a new apartment or condo with less space, I'm thankful for the option of self-storage. In all the years I have moved around the Eastern seaboard, I've learned a few things about storing items and moving. If you are considering a storage unit rental for the first time, there may be a few things you don't know but should, things a rental unit manager may not suggest offhand. If you plan a move and need to stow furniture temporarily or long-term, keep these tidbits in mind.

1) The more valuable the item is, the farther back in the storage unit it should be placed. This is recommended for two reasons: security and safety. With the valuable items out of reach, you are less likely to damage them when you come into your unit to add new things. Also, should you open your unit while others are around, people are less likely to see what valuables you have stored. This is not to say that your storage facility has lax security, but it's always important to play it safe.

2) Furniture should be disassembled as much as possible before storage. If the legs come off desks, if the shelves come out of the bookcase, take them apart. Take apart bedframes, too, because they are easier to store that way and give you more space in the unit and less worry about damage.

3) You may pay a bit more for the clear plastic storage bins, but you'll find they're definitely worth the price when you have to search for something in your unit. Clear storage bins are helpful and may keep you from opening every last box in your unit and getting dust inside them.

4) Moth balls may not smell pleasant, but you'll be thankful for them when they keep bugs and other creatures out of your belongings. Especially if you plan to store clothing, you'll want that protection.

5) For covering upholstered furniture and other goods, use bedsheets instead of plastic. Plastic has a tendency to retain moisture, and you may discover your furniture has mildewed if you leave it too long. Old bed sheets protect your chairs and sofas and keep away dust.

Above all else, make sure you find a reputable self-storage facility with reasonable rates, good security, and convenient operating hours.

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4 Ways to Use Shed Plans To Successfully Build A 12x20 Shed

One of the most important pieces of information you can have at your disposal when building a shed is a good set of shed plans. When building a large structure like a 12x20 shed it is even more critical to have accurate and easy to understand construction drawings. You will use the 12x20 shed plans every step of the way, from the planning stages to loading the shed with your things.

Four Ways the 12x20 Shed Plans Will Help

· Locating the Shed on Your Property · Working With Building Officals · Cost Estimates · Building the Shed

Locating the Shed on Your Property

Figuring out where you will put the storage building is a critical first step in planning. Part of deciding on how large of a shed to build is figuring out where on your property it will fit. When building a 12x20 shed you will need a fairly large piece of ground to build on. Use the shed plans to physically stake out the footprint of the shed on the ground. This helps you get a feel for how it will affect other things in your yard. If after seeing the footprint drawn on the ground you do not like its placement you can easily move the stakes to get the shed placement perfect. Move it around until you are happy with the shed location.

Working With Building Officials

A 12x20 shed plan almost always needs a building permit. Even if you do not need a building permit it is wise to take the shed plans down to the local building authority and discuss with them what you would like to do. The city or county building department will know about any utility easements on your property as well as regulations on the shed height, proximity to other structures and size restrictions.

Cost Estimates

Having a good set of shed plans and a material take off will make the job of determining how much the shed will cost to build much easier. By sending the material take off to several building supply stores you can get a good idea of how much the shed will cost to build. The 12x20 shed is quite large and therefore will cost a fair amount to build so it helps to have an idea of your costs before you actually go to the store to order the materials.

Building the Shed

After going through the planning stages of shed building described above you will be ready to build your shed. This is where the shed plan really show their worth. If the shed plans have accurate and detailed information the there will not be any major questions about the shed building process. Shed plan information like floor framing plans, wall framing plans and roof framing plans are necessary to insure that you end up with the shed you thought you purchased the plans to. Even more important are the fine details like roof to wall connections and truss construction layout details.

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What Are The Dos and Don'ts for Mini Storage Auctions

You have gotten interested in mini storage unit auctions and want to know what you are doing. How do you deal with the risk involved? How do you make a profit consistently? Here are some ideas and philosophies that will help you as you begin your involvement in the business.

Go prepared to the auction, call ahead and be certain that it is still on, what forms of payment are accepted, can you have a look if you get there early, is there a participation fee for the auction.

Plan on winning the storage unit auction. What will you do with the merchandise, how much time do you have to remove it from the unit? Perhaps it will be best to come with a truck or a van and at the least bring a lock to secure the unit until you get back to pick up your stuff.

If you have fallen behind on your storage unit rent don't go to the auction and try to buy your own things back. Instead talk to the owner as quickly as possible. Normally they will cancel the auction up to a few hours before if you pay up.

Be careful of your bid on closed storage units and sealed bins. It is a big risk so bid accordingly. Normally you should be able to at least have a quick peek into the storage unit from outside the door and that can give you enough information to make all the difference.

Be on the lookout for storage units that are packed full and that include appliances, furniture, and antiques. Who knows, you may hit the jackpot.

Don't get caught up in the moment and overbid just to win. Fear of losing to a higher bidder and a macho attitude may cause you to bid foolishly and lose money. Keep your wits and try to do the smart thing.

If you are the winner resell everything that you can. Sometimes you have to be creative, maybe you got some poor quality stuff and broken furniture. Try to fix what you can so you can come out as good as possible.

Items that you cannot sell you should give away rather than paying a fee to dispose them. You need to minimize your expenses to insure that you make a profit.

Think about all of the sales channels that are open to you, yard sales, flea markets, online classifieds, newspaper classifieds, Craig's List, and eBay. Take advantage of all of them to maximize your profits from the self storage auction items that you won.

Keep positive, even if you spent $200 on a bunch of junk don't let it stop you. Sometimes you lose but you can also win big time. Keep your focus, keep your wits, don't get off into self pity and move forward with steady consistent action, this is the key to profitability.

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Japan's Self Storage Market Keeping Up

The U.S. remains to be a leader in self storage worldwide. However, not many are aware that other developed countries are also keeping up including those in the Southeast Asian region. One of them is Japan.

The Japanese industry has been growing in a discreet manner that many U.S. operators were surprised upon learning about the issue in the 2011 self storage conference held in Las Vegas, Nevada. As of now, no U.S. operator has yet penetrated the Japanese market.

Recent data shows Japan's annual revenue and market share being significant compared to the leading countries. The country is in the fourth spot with a yearly revenue of $260 million, a little more than half as that of Europe's. In terms of market penetration, it has gained 0.2 percent.

Growth has been experienced steadily as storage supply went up in the country. Data from a 2010 survey done by operator Quraz revealed a 10 percent growth every year for self storage. In a two-year period from 2008-2010, it was found that unit supply went up by 19 percent.

Factors that led to the industry's growth were the existence of more quality storage facilities as well as an increase in the people's awareness of better quality units. In Japan, many facilities are reused office buildings. Some of these are often even bigger than those in other countries.

Major reasons of people for using rental units were also found to be similar to that of the U.S. These include the need for more storage space which they can rent on a monthly basis and the need for keep personal belongings outside of their home or office.

To date, the top five self storage operators in Japan are Quraz, Arealink, Reise Box, Kase and Terrada. Quraz has 36 facilities with a total of 22,000 units. The company's annual gross potential revenue is $50 million followed by Arealink with $40 million and Reise Box with $30 million.

In terms of size, the average unit storage in this Asian country is 30 square feet. The most preferred size is one that can accommodate one to two tatami. Tatami refers to a mat used as a flooring material in traditional Japanese-style rooms. This measures around 18 square feet. When compared with the average size in the U.S. which is 150 square feet, Japan's is smaller.

Experts pointed out there are reasons behind the difference in unit sizes between the U.S. and Japan. One primary reason is that Americans tend to have the habit of accumulating more stuff through the years and not letting go of many of them which is why they turn to self storage facilities to keep their extra stuff.

The Japanese, on the other hand, live in small homes only measuring just 300 to 500 square feet. A 2003 Housing and Land survey done by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications showed that an average living space in Japan measures only around 1,020 square feet. As such, many people there rely on just a small self storage unit and use it as a sort of extension of their house where they can keep important personal belongings.

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Preparation Is Key When Choosing A Barn Shed

Barn sheds or gambrel sheds, are just what you believe, a miniature barn with a gambrel styled roof to give the most feasible space for storing objects, with its two differently angled pitches. These shed styles also have barn style double doors which will make it easy to store larger products and gear. Constructing a shed takes careful planning, and plans will help you produce precisely what you need. Here are some issues to keep in mind before you construct a shed, with or without plans.

How big should it be?

Once you've decided to go with a barn shed and you have the barn shed plans ready, then you need to decide what you will store in it or use it for. Will you use the shed to keep tools or are you attempting to add some functional work space to your house? How large are the goods you want to shop? How much functional space do you need to accomplish your needs? The solutions you come up with to these questions will help you decide not only the size shed you'll need but whether this is a task you want to build yourself from scratch or whether you want to buy a ready to assemble shed. You will also be able to decide the foundation you will need, whether it will be permanent or floating. You will also need to decide whether you need to hook up electricity or running H2O.

Examine Restrictions and Codes

When you decide on the size of your shed, as well as the shed plans, it is very important to check with your local planning department to see if there are any permits or restrictions on the type and size of the structure you plan on assembling. You will also need to find out what developing codes you will need to meet. Home proprietors associations might also have restrictions on the type of structure you can create, so save yourself a lot of hassle and check all this out before you start creating while you are still in the preparing levels.

A Good foundation Makes the variation

A barn shed is larger than a regular garden shed and you will need a foundation that will stand up to the further weight. Make sure that the plans you use are compatible to what you have in mind. There is always the option of heading with a floating basis, a concrete slab is still your best option and will be able to support the structure itself and something you keep in it. A few extra advantages of using a concrete basis are they will keep water from seeping into the shed, they are easy to clean up something that might spill, and if you are using the shed for office or functional space then you can lay flooring like carpet, vinyl, or any other laminates on it.

Planning Ahead Works

There are several varieties of barn sheds available either prefabricated or in kit form so you will be able to find one that will fit your needs. These prefabricated or DIY sheds come with good plans, so you should be able to create rather easily. The main thing you have to remember is that good preparing before you start assembling will take you a long way. Not only will this assure that your structure fits your needs, but also good preparing will make sure that the process of assembling your shed will go smoothly and there will be very few obstacles to conquer. Preparing will make the construction of your barn shed a job well done.

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What's New With The Self Storage Industry?

Self storage in the U.S. remains to be a profitable business. In the year 2010, the industry earned $20 billion and contributes some $3 billion in taxes to the Federal government each year.

In fact for the past 30 years, the self storage industry is considered the fastest growing sector of the commercial real estate industry according to the Self Storage Association (SSA). Analysts from Wall Street also describe this sector as recession-resistant due to its stable performance even in the middle of the 2008 recession.

Data from the SSA reveals there are 46,500 facilities currently in existence across the U.S. The association was established in 1975 as a non-profit entity and since then, has been representing the self storage industry.

Based in Virginia, this national association composed of self storage providers is affiliated with 27 state and regional associations and four international organizations. It has a Board of Directors comprised of 12 people and meets on a quarterly basis.

The self storage industry in the U.S. covers major public corporations and mid-sized companies that operate small chains. Currently, there are five major corporations such as the Public Storage, Extra Space Storage, U-Store-It Trust, Sovran Self Storage and U-Haul International. The chains are normally composed of three to 100 stores.

Operators who are members of the Self Storage Association are required to adhere to regulations covered under state lien laws. This is to ensure a legitimate and professional business and a favorable relationship between the providers and their customers. Some laws are now being revised to keep up with the current situation such as the use of modern technology to include the internet, smart phones and email notifications.

In addition, the SSA has a code of ethics that members have to observe to promote the integrity of the association. These include achieving excellence not only in the area of customer service but as well as in promotions and marketing, keeping track of industry developments to improve facilities and service, providing non-discriminatory service to customers, providing written contracts to clients for rental of storage space and complying with state, provincial and federal laws.

Members benefit from the association in a variety of ways. Firstly, they obtain first hand information on the facts and trends in the self storage industry. SSA issues its members with future data and those who want to obtain copies of important research findings can avail of discounts.

Secondly, the association works hard to establish favorable government relations in an effort to provide free competition in the industry and not establish a monopoly.

Thirdly, members benefit from the networking events, meetings and trade shows that are conducted every year. More than 4,000 operators normally attend these activities which are ideal for promoting one's business and gain more clients.

Fourthly, SSA provides members and facility managers with the SSA Globe magazine published each month. Members also receive the Globe Online published bi-weekly.

Finally, the association provides education and training to employees and business owners. Several workshops are being conducted to teach operators and their staff the proper management techniques.

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How to Make Money With Storage Unit Auctions

Storage unit auctions are an amazing new way to make money. If you are looking for an easy way to supplement your income you may have just found it in these auctions. You will need a small amount of start-up cash to bid but there is a great opportunity here to not only get that money back but also to make a great profit.

If you are not familiar with storage unit auctions you might have all kinds of questions about what the opportunity is and how you can make money. First, find auctions either online or in newspaper classified ads. Depending on the size of your city you may find auctions every month and even more.

Normally if you bid and win the auction you will have to pay in cash so be sure to bring enough as most storage companies will not take your credit card or a check. Be sure you keep your cash safe.

In most cases if you arrive early and have a quick look inside the storage unit from the door. Whenever possible you need to see the things you are bidding on so you will have an idea whether you can make a profit or not. Occasionally you may be asked to bid on a closed unit and you will need to use judgement on whether or not you want to participate if this is the case.

It is important to be able to judge the value of the items you are bidding on, after all you want to make a profit so try to find auctions where the items can be seen. Sometimes there will be sealed boxes, in this case look for markings on them, also look for appliances, furniture and antiques as these items will sell well.

As the bidding progresses keep in mind that you want to make money and you must control your business expenses. You want to find units that are filled to capacity with valuable things. You need to be careful not to overbid and in any case, never bid more than you can afford.

Here is another consideration, if you are the winner of the auction you will need to quickly remove the items. You should ask questions and get the time that you have before the auction begins, usually you will have 24 hours, but find out for sure. If possible bring a truck or a van with you and if you cannot carry the items away with you right after the auction, bring a padlock so you can secure them until you get back with transportation.

After you have your items you will want to sell them as quickly as possible, after all, this is where you will make your money back and your profit. You can use a yard sale, Craig's List, or eBay for quick sales. Yard sales may bring you the speedy resale that you are looking for and the items that don't move quickly you can list online.

With careful planning and understanding you can do quite well at these auctions. Be prepared to wheel and deal as you bid your way to auction fortunes.

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What to Do If Your Garage Door Won't Open

I am sure when you got your door installed for the first time, the sales person must have told you that the one he has recommended (probably that is the one you purchased) is really robust and can withstand all sorts of weather conditions. Now, just after six months of use your door won't open! Was it a bad buy or a faulty piece that you got?

The answer is probably no. Garage doors are actually designed and made to last long and they do work fine in all extreme climatic conditions. Although garage doors repair is not very expensive, but before you call someone to fix it you should check on a few things that will probably make it work.

1. Check power: Most people tend to overlook the fact that there is a motor involved in the operation which needs electricity. Sometimes the fuse gets blown or a pet accidentally unplugs the power cable from its outlet which results in an inoperative mechanism. What you need to do simply check if the power cable is plugged in the socket. If there is a circuit breaker installed do check that. If it is tripped simply reactivate it. This will solve your problem.

2. Check cable: Although this is unlikely, you should check your power supply cable for any damage. The power cable is very robust and will not break easily. But in case of vandalism or a prank when someone physically cuts it the chances of it breaking up are very slight. If you can repair that yourself only then you should do it. All you will need are basic tools and some insulation to get the job done.

3. Check safety sensors: All garage doors installation come with a safety sensor which prevents accidents when a door opens and closes. This is an optical sensor which stops the door's operation if someone or something is in the way. The problem arises when the lens gets dirty or there is something that disrupts the signals by intervening. All you have to do is check if there is something blocking the signals. You can also clean the sensors with a soft cloth as dust can also cause disruption.

4. Check spring: garage doors always have a torsion spring which assists the motor in smoothly lifting the door. Although this is a robust part and usually lasts a long time. If your garage door has been there for a long time then chances are that the spring might have snapped. There is nothing that you can do about it other than leave the door the way it is and call a professional to replace the broken spring. Some garage doors have single spring while others have two. If your door has two and only one has snapped it's better to replace both so that they have similar tension, besides, the older one is likely to break soon.

5. Check remote battery: if you find that you are unable to operate your garage door with your wireless remote control but the door operates from its pad manually. This means that you need to replace your remote control's battery.

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Self-Storage - Does This Storage Solution Have Any Advantages?

Self-storage may seem like a difficult task in the beginning but comes with many advantages and benefits over other storage methods. Basically, self-storage is when you hire or rent out a ware house or empty space which is secure, dry and clean to put away your things for a short or long period of time. One of the biggest benefits that you get with self-storage is that you can access your belongings whenever you want as you hold the key to the locks.

If you are choosing a warehouse, then the company will take care of security and safety concerns but you will have complete authority over locking up the place. You can use self-storage for a variety of reasons like renovation of home or office, long term travel, selling property, storing away excess stock if you run a home based business etc. It is always important to choose a professionally run self-storage facility as they can provide the right amount of security and safety for your belongings. You will be given complete access to your belongings but will also be provided with a code or security tag which will need to be examined every time you enter the facility.

CCTVs and 24-hour security guard protection is also provided by professionally run storage companies to ensure that your belongings are totally secure. It is important that you check out the warehouse or space where you will be storing your items before paying for the facility. Cleanliness is a major factor that must be considered while you select a warehouse for your belongings. Make sure that the space is dry and clean; ensure that there are no faulty plumbing or leaking taps in the vicinity which will allow moisture to seep through.

Check the walls thoroughly to ensure that there are no gaps which can be an entry point for insects and pests like rats. These can cause serious damage to your goods so doing a complete check right at the beginning can save you precious money later on. Research well before signing up a contract with any self-storage facility to find out if the place suits your specific needs. Since there are several companies offering this service, comparing a few of them will be a great idea and can help you in choosing the best one. You can also talk with the supervisor regarding payment details which is an important part of selecting the right facility for your needs.

Mobile storage is another great facility that is offered by many professional self-storage companies these days. Here, a container will be sent to the client's address so that he can pack his things at his convenience and then lock them up. If you only want to lock away the things for a brief period like a painting job at home, then the box or container can remain right at home but if you want to store it away longer, then you can ask the company to pick it up for you and store it at the warehouse.

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