Saturday, April 4, 2009

Tips For Using Storage Pods

The first thing you need to know about PODS may be exactly what are they? A POD (Portable On-Demand Storage) is a storage and moving system where the POD is dropped off at your home or office and you fill it up with stuff. Once you have the POD filled, you call the company back and they come and pick up the POD and put it in storage for you.

PODS aren’t just for moving from one location to another and there are a number of ways you can utilize this ingenious system for other needs. Some of the benefits of using PODS versus a typical moving company are that you can take all the time you need to fill your POD and you can get it back when you are ready. Essentially, for moving purposes, this allows you to move your belongings back into your house at your own pace.

Here are some tips on using PODS to make your life a little easier:

1) Moving: Instead of having a moving truck show up and having to fill it all up at once, you can rent PODS weeks or months before your move and get the process started slowly and at your own pace and then bring everything back room by room. It sounds a lot better than having a house full of boxes for a few weeks.

2) Storage: These are not just for moving, if you have a lot of stuff that you want to keep but don’t have the room for them in your current space, you can rent a POD and just use it for storage. This is particularly useful if you have a growing family and are running out of room in your house. You can store old clothes and toys until they are needed again as well as summer items like above ground pools, bicycles and other yard equipment.

3) Visitors: If you have a big extended family and they are all coming over to you house for the holidays you may need to get rid of some of your clutter for a few days or even weeks. PODS are a great way to put all that stuff in storage without you having to haul it all back and forth to the storage center. This way, you can take a week or weekend to choose what you want stored and move it all in at your own pace and they will bring it back when your guests are all gone.

4) Remodeling: Are you remodeling your house? Maybe doing a lot of painting and you don’t want to get paint on some of you furniture? Using a POD you can store these items outside the house and know they are protected from the remodeling process. PODS all have locks on them so your belongings are safe. Once the remodel is done, simply move the items back in and the company will remove the empty POD from your driveway.

PODS allow for a number of uses and all you have to do is search online for the PODS Company nearest you and get a free quote online.

Bonus Tip: You can use a current pods promotional code to save 5-10% off the cost of a Pods portable storage unit. Find self storage near you.

Boat Storage Tips

Most people would love to own a boat. Those who do not sigh with envy when they see that truck pulling a boat behind it are living in denial. They long for a warm afternoon in the sun spent cruising around the waves. Unless you own a boat yourself, you may not realize that it is not as easy to store as your car.

If you're considering fulfilling a long-awaited dream of buying a boat, you should consider where you will store it first. Chances are that if you own a home in a modern subdivision, there will be rules prohibiting you from storing your boat in your driveway. What would your alternatives be?

Obviously, you have to have a trailer to take your boat anywhere. Your trailer can double as a storage unit for your boat if your subdivision allows you to keep it in the driveway or in the backyard. If your garage is big enough, you may be able to store the boat in the garage as well. The nice thing about storing your boat on your own property is that you don't have to pay any rental storage expenses.

If you're your own property is not an option for storage, there are storage sheds that will store your boat on a rack when you're not using it. The boat is transported to and from the rack by means of a fork lift. Before you buy your boat, check with your dealer for the names of boat storage facilities.

One of the best ways to store your boat is at a boat marina. Imagine taking your fishing equipment and your food for a trip out on your boat. You don't have to load the boat on the trailer because it is already there on the water. This option can get pricey so it is best suited for those people who can afford it. Slip ownership is another possibility for those who do not wish to rent their boat slip. Prices and availability vary by locale.

Good marinas will have access to water, electricity, and showers. Are you concerned about the winter? Some marinas will service and store your boat during the off-season for an extra charge.

Storage units are one other option to consider. Many inland communities do not have access to a marina. Modern subdivisions in residential neighborhoods often prohibit the storage of boats or RVs on neighborhood properties. Storage facilities usually have covered parking or enclosed storage units that give boat owners an extra option for off-season storage. Check with local storage companies to see if they will allow boat storage.

Storage is one of the most important things that a potential owner has to consider before they ever set out to buy a boat. Your storage options include leaving your boat on the trailer including it in your driveway or in your backyard, buying or renting a boat slip at the local marina, or stowing your boat away at a storage facility.

Owning a boat is a big responsibility. Under the right conditions, boat recreation can leave a family with lasting memories for years to come.

Find boat storage facilities near you.