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	<title>Stop-N-Store Free Tips</title>
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	<link>http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs</link>
	<description>Free Tips on Self Storage and Truck Rental</description>
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		<title>3 Reasons Why Students Should Use A Self Storage Unit For Summer</title>
		<link>http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/2012/03/3-reasons-why-students-should-use-a-self-storage-unit-for-summer/</link>
		<comments>http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/2012/03/3-reasons-why-students-should-use-a-self-storage-unit-for-summer/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 28 Mar 2012 12:36:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Climate Controlled]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self Storage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Students]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cheap rates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[clean facility]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[climate controlled self storage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[monthly lease]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[self storage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[students]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[summer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[summer vacation]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/?p=52</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As we mentioned in our recent blog, Summer is coming and it is time for Students to prepare.  We always recommend preparing now as prices rise and availability is scarce as we get closer to the end of the semester. Some students are still trying to decide whether to hire a truck from us or [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/88013646_highres.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-54" title="Study" src="http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/88013646_highres.jpg" alt="Picture of Study with books" width="640" height="427" /></a>As we mentioned in our <a title="Spring Break Is Over – Bring On Summer!" href="http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/2012/03/spring-break-is-over-bring-on-summer/">recent blog</a>, Summer is coming and it is time for Students to prepare.  We always recommend preparing now as prices rise and availability is scarce as we get closer to the end of the semester.</p>
<p>Some students are still trying to decide whether to hire a truck from us or rent a self storage unit. It doesn&#8217;t even cross the mind of some people that a storage unit would solve their problems or are affordable, so we have put together a list of reasons why you would choose a self storage unit.</p>
<ol>
<li>Moving between houses &#8211; Often at the end of the school year, you will be leaving your old rental home and moving into a new one when you return. The dilemma is what to do with all your belongings?  Some you will take home with you for the summer. But what about all your kitchen appliances, furniture, books, etc. Do you really need them with you for the summer? Do you have room for them at home?  You could leave them in the old house, but that means renting it for the summer while you are away, which isn&#8217;t cheap. A climate controlled self storage unit is the answer. You probably only need a 5ft x 5ft unit and these are very affordable, secure and keep your valuables safe.</li>
<li>Study abroad &#8211; A lot of students spend a year during their study at an overseas university. You don&#8217;t want to ship all your furniture and appliances overseas and there is no room at home for them all. And you are coming back to A&amp;M next year and don&#8217;t want to be moving it all back to College Station. The answer is a climate controlled self storage unit. With climate control your belongings are protected from the weather, especially the heat and humidity in Texas!  Long term self storage units are very affordable and very secure.</li>
<li>Internship &#8211; Some of you will be doing an internship with a company next year and may not be in College Station but you need to leave your belongings and furniture here for the year. You will be coming back to College Station so want to leave everything here. Just like the people who are studying abroad, climate controlled self storage is the solution for you.</li>
</ol>
<p>Those are just 3 of the reasons you would want a Self Storage unit for the summer or even the year.</p>
<p>If you can think of any others, please leave them in the comments.</p>
<p>Stop N Store has a Student Special Package for this summer. You get May, June, July and August for the price of 3 months when you buy the package! That&#8217;s 1 month FREE! Call the office now on 979-694-2700 as we are taking No Deposit Reservations NOW! But hurry as they are going fast and we have a limited amount.</p>
<p>If you know any students or friends who would be interested in this tip, please share it with them.</p>
<p>Thank you</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Spring Break Is Over &#8211; Bring On Summer!</title>
		<link>http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/2012/03/spring-break-is-over-bring-on-summer/</link>
		<comments>http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/2012/03/spring-break-is-over-bring-on-summer/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 24 Mar 2012 15:13:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Climate Controlled]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Moving Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self Storage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Students]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Truck Rental]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[moving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[school year end]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[self storage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[storage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[students]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[summer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[summer vacation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[truck rental]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/?p=48</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Okay, so there is a small matter of finishing off the year&#8217;s work before you can leave for the Summer.  But let&#8217;s assume that you have that covered! But at the end of this school year every student, no matter which year they are in, will have a decision to make: Take all my stuff [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/students1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-49" title="Beginning of Summer" src="http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/students1.jpg" alt="Students Graduating" width="640" height="426" /></a>Okay, so there is a small matter of finishing off the year&#8217;s work before you can leave for the Summer.  But let&#8217;s assume that you have that covered!</p>
<p>But at the end of this school year every student, no matter which year they are in, will have a decision to make:</p>
<ul>
<li>Take all my stuff home for the summer, or</li>
<li>Leave all my stuff here for next year.</li>
</ul>
<p>For final year students this is an easy decision if you are not planning on living in Bryan/College Station. You have to take your stuff home.  And after being here for 4 years you have built up a lot of stuff!  More than you realize when it comes to packing it up.</p>
<p>If you are returning to Bryan/College Station next year, whether as a returning student or to live and work here in our great cities, then the decision is harder. Do you carry <strong>all</strong> your books, clothes, furniture etc. all the way back home for the summer and then bring it <strong>all</strong> back again in August? Or do you leave most of it here and just take the things you will need for the summer?</p>
<p>This really breaks down to how much room you have at your parent&#8217;s home, or where you will be staying for the summer, and how much you want to drive a truck back to your home.</p>
<h3>&#8220;But what about my car? I can&#8217;t drive a truck and my car home at the same time&#8221;</h3>
<p>Don&#8217;t worry. When you rent a truck from us we can also rent you a car dolly which allows you to tow your car behind the truck safely and easily.</p>
<h3>&#8220;What&#8217;s the alternative? I have to leave my current rental place, where can I put my stuff?&#8221;</h3>
<p>Self-Storage!  More specifically <a title="Why Choose Climate Controlled Self Storage?" href="http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/2012/02/why-choose-climate-controlled-self-storage/">climate controlled self-storage</a>. We have plenty of climate controlled self-storage of all sizes where you can safely and securely store all your possessions for the summer vacation. Then you can drive your own car home with just the stuff you need for the summer. When your new rental is ready for next year then you can quickly move it in.  Of course, you will probably want to rent one of our trucks to move your stuff into the storage and then back to your new rental in August, but this is much easier that driving long distances and you can always rope your friends in to help you.</p>
<h3>&#8220;Why are you telling me this now? We have 2 months of school left, I can worry about this then&#8221;</h3>
<p>A lot of people do wait until the last minute only to find two problems.</p>
<ol>
<li>All the climate controlled self-storage units have been booked, and all the special offers have finished, or</li>
<li>The truck rental prices have gone up 10 times the normal amount (we will have a blog about this very soon)</li>
</ol>
<p>So now is the time to decide and reserve the unit or truck that you want. Over the next few weeks we will be writing more blogs on both truck rentals and storage units, and will also be launching special offers for students for both.</p>
<p>If you cannot wait until we launch the offers and want to know more then please call the office 979-694-2700</p>
<p>Please share this with any students you know &#8211; they will thank you for it, especially in May when their friends cannot get a truck or storage unit for the same low price as them.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>5 Things To Look For In Your Next Self Storage Facility</title>
		<link>http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/2012/03/5-things-to-look-for-in-your-next-self-storage-facility/</link>
		<comments>http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/2012/03/5-things-to-look-for-in-your-next-self-storage-facility/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:16:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Self Storage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[24/7 access]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[alarmed units]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[clean facility]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pest free]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/?p=41</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Not all self storage facilities are equal! Often then may sound like they are all the same and are in the same price range, but you find out later that one facility offers a lot more features and services that the others don&#8217;t tell you about. Most facilities have similar sized units and most have [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Not all self storage facilities are equal! Often then may sound like they are all the same and are in the same price range, but you find out later that one facility offers a lot more features and services that the others don&#8217;t tell you about.</p>
<p>Most facilities have similar sized units and most have climate controlled and non-climate controlled units to protect your belonging (see our previous free tips about the benefits of climate controlled self storage units).  And for most people, this is their primary concern for their facility and they don&#8217;t realize that there is more to storing your valuables than this.</p>
<h2>1. Clean Facility</h2>
<p>If you are going to be storing your valuable possessions, often including furniture and clothing, you want the facility to be clean. You would be surprise at the number of facilities that have trash lying around the place.</p>
<p>Trash attracts unwanted animals which could easily find their way into your storage unit once they are attracted to the facility. And once in, there is no limit to the damage they can do.</p>
<p>Trash is also a fire hazard. If a lit cigarette accidentally sets the trash alight, then it won&#8217;t take long for the fire to spread to your unit and all your valuables.</p>
<p>If the facility owners cannot be bothered to clean up trash and look after the facility, what does it tell you about how they will look after your valuables?</p>
<p><a href="http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/junkyard.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-42" title="messy lot" src="http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/junkyard.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="179" /></a></p>
<h2>2. Pest Control</h2>
<p>Even a clean facility can have pests, especially here in Texas. Termites, ants and roaches, just to name a few.  The cleanest facility can have these pests, especially termites as they are attracted to wood not trash. In Texas we have our houses sprayed quarterly to keep these pests out, shouldn&#8217;t your storage unit have the same treatment?</p>
<p>Ask the facility how often they have the units treated, and which company treats the units for them. Then call the pest control company to make sure they do come round as frequently as the facility says.</p>
<p>The last thing you want is to have your antique furniture infested with termites!</p>
<h2>3. Alarmed Units</h2>
<p>You wouldn&#8217;t leave your valuables in your house for weeks on end without having an alarm on your house. So why would you leave your valuables in a unit and only expect it to be protected by a padlock?</p>
<p>A good facility will have every individual unit alarmed separately and tied to the gate entry (see #4 below). These alarms should be tied to the facility&#8217;s system and also to the local alarm monitoring company or automatically calls the police.</p>
<p>Make sure your valuables are protected with an alarmed unit.</p>
<h2>4. 24/7 Controlled Access</h2>
<p>You want to be able to access your unit whenever you want. You would be surprised at the number of facilities that lock their gates at 6pm and won&#8217;t open them again until 9am the next day!</p>
<p>Then there are other facilities that lock the gate but give everyone the copy of the key to unlock it. So anyone can access the facility with the key and no-one will know who went in and when.</p>
<p>There are also facilities that have no security at all and just let the units open to anyone who wants to come by. Do you feel safe knowing anyone is wandering around your unit with only a padlock to protect it?</p>
<p>A good facility has a gate with an electronic lock. Each tenant has a unique gate code which not only unlocks the gate when they go into the facility, but also deactivates the alarm on the tenant&#8217;s unit but not any other unit, and then will record the tenant entering the unit into a computer. When the tenant leaves they should enter their pin again which opens the gate to let them out, alarms their unit and records everything again.</p>
<p>This means the facility knows who was in the unit at any time, in case there is a problem, and also means unit alarms are only deactivated when the tenant wants to get in, then rearmed again when they leave. So if someone else got into the facility they won&#8217;t be able to get into the unit without setting off the alarm.</p>
<p>Having to enter a code to get out again also means if anyone managed to get in behind another person entering the facility, they will find it very hard to leave again, especially if the set of the unit&#8217;s alarm.</p>
<h2>5. 24/7 Support</h2>
<p>If your facility provides 24/7 access through a controlled gate system (as in #4 above) then something is bound to go wrong at some point and as Murphy&#8217;s Law says it will happen to you and it will happen outside of normal business hours.</p>
<p>A number of facilities wont provide help outside of business hours. But what if you need to get into your unit but your gate code won&#8217;t work? You cannot get in, and you cannot get anyone to reset your gate code.</p>
<p>Make sure that your facility can provide 24/7 support along with the 24/7 access. And make sure that you won&#8217;t have to wait an hour for the facility person to drive to the unit.  A good facility will usually not have a person on-site after hours as the systems usually do not go wrong but they should have remote access to their system from their homes so they can get into the system and carry out some of the quick and easy support for you there and then.  Why should you wait an hour for someone to reset the gate code in their system when they should be able to do this from their home in minutes. Ask your facility staff about their out of hours remote access to support their systems.</p>
<p>Some even have local IT companies and their vendors supporting them 24/7.</p>
<p>As you can see, not all Self Storage facilities are equal. They may say they are and they may tell you that they have the same unit sizes and same prices, but as you can see, that is not what differentiates an average facility from a GREAT facility.</p>
<p>Ask your facility if they provide all these services and features inclusive in their pricing. And if they don&#8217;t, then don&#8217;t settle for second best!</p>
<p>Please leave a comment for us and please share this with your friends.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Great Packing Tips When You Rent A Penske Truck From Us</title>
		<link>http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/2012/02/great-packing-tips-when-you-rent-a-penske-truck-from-us/</link>
		<comments>http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/2012/02/great-packing-tips-when-you-rent-a-penske-truck-from-us/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 27 Feb 2012 15:30:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Moving Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Truck Rental]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home move tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[house move]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[house moving tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[packing tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/?p=36</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[One of the most common uses of our Penske rental trucks is for moving home, especially locally.  When you rent your Penske truck with us our friendly staff will advise you of the best size of truck for your home size. It is better to rent a truck that is slightly too large than too [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>One of the most common uses of our Penske rental trucks is for moving home, especially locally.  When you rent your Penske truck with us our friendly staff will advise you of the best size of truck for your home size. It is better to rent a truck that is slightly too large than too small and have to make multiple journeys as they cost you more gas and more time.</p>
<p>Don&#8217;t forget to get all your moving supplies at the time you reserve your truck with us. We can supply you with everything you need, including boxes, packaging and special packing items for those fragile items you have.</p>
<p>When you have your supplies and boxed everything up, remember to label each box for the room it is to go in. This makes it so much easier when you get to the other end.</p>
<p>Our staff also recommend you keep some essentials in a separate box that you can unpack first at your destination. Things such as snacks, water, kettle or coffee maker, and a change of clothes and something to wash or shower with.  You may arrive at your destination late and tired and want to leave your unpacking until the morning, so you will need these items the first night.</p>
<p>Here are some tips on packing and moving your belongings:<a href="http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/ChinaMoving.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-37" title="Fragile Items" src="http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/ChinaMoving.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="312" /></a></p>
<h3>Small Appliances</h3>
<p>Pack small appliances in their original containers or in boxes cushioned with wadded paper or Bubble Pack. Do not use shredded paper—it can clog the appliance.</p>
<h3>Major Appliances</h3>
<p>For major appliances, check with the dealer for any special moving instructions. For all large appliances, remove loose fittings and accessories and pack separately. Tie down, tape or wedge all movable parts and doors.</p>
<ul>
<li>Gas Dryer
<ul>
<li>Have the gas company disconnect it.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Washing Machine
<ul>
<li>Stuff towels between the machine sides and tub to keep the tub from rotating.</li>
<li>Pad the exterior well.</li>
<li>Disconnect hoses, put them in a plastic bag, and place the bag in the tub.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Freezer/Refrigerator
<ul>
<li>Defrost and dry interiors well.</li>
<li>Fill interior spaces with lightweight linens, clothing or stuffed toys.</li>
<li>If you want to place your refrigerator on its side for moving, check first with your local dealer to determine if your brand can be moved like this.</li>
<li>If so, make sure your refrigerator stands upright for at least 24 hours before plugging it in.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Beds</h3>
<p>Disassemble the bed frame. Tie rails and crosspieces together with rope or tape. Pad the ends of the rails in order not to damage other items. Use marked tape to show where pieces fit together. Use mattress protection bags to keep mattress clean. Wrap headboard in protective paper or bubble pack.</p>
<h3>Bicycles, Tricycles and Baby Carriages</h3>
<p>Loosen, lower and turn handlebars at right angles to save space. Clean and cover chains and pedals to protect other items from being snagged or soiled.</p>
<h3>Books</h3>
<p>Use small boxes so they won&#8217;t be so heavy. Pack books flat, alternating bindings, and fill empty spaces with wadded paper. Reinforce the bottoms of all boxes with extra tape to prevent them from giving out.</p>
<h3>Bureaus and Dressers</h3>
<p>Fill drawers with small breakable items and cushion them with loose clothes. Secure drawers with a pad or blanket (tape can remove the finish) and tie with rope. Do not overload drawers with heavy items.</p>
<h3>Chairs</h3>
<p>Wrap arms and legs to prevent scratches. Bundle armless chairs in pairs, seat to seat, with a folded blanket or other padding between them. Tie seats together.</p>
<h3>Clothes</h3>
<p>Dresses, coats, suits—anything hanging in closets—travel best in reusable wardrobe boxes. Other clothes can remain folded in their regular dresser drawers or in suitcases and duffel bags.</p>
<h3>Curtain Rod Hardware</h3>
<p>Put the hardware in a plastic bag and tape it to the rod or pack it in dresser drawers.</p>
<h3>Dishes</h3>
<p>Individually wrap each piece. If you use newspaper, wrap the dishes first in plastic bags to save dishwashing later. Place saucers, plates and platters on edge. <strong>Do not stack flat.</strong> Cups and bowls may be placed inside each other and wrapped three or four in a bundle. Place the wrapped dishes in a box and fill any empty space with wadded-up newspaper.</p>
<h3>Glasses</h3>
<p>Wrap each glass separately in newspaper or bubble pack. Pack in sturdy boxes—dish packs are perfect for glassware as well as dishes—and fill any empty spaces with wadded-up newspaper.</p>
<h3>Kitchenware</h3>
<p>Pots and pans can be stacked in a box with a sheet of paper between them.</p>
<h3>Lamps</h3>
<p>After disassembling lamps, pack small bases in dresser drawers surrounded by loose clothing, and pack large bases in boxes stuffed with wadded paper. Box shades individually in boxes with plenty of tissue paper for stuffing. Don&#8217;t use newspaper—it will smudge. Pack light bulbs separately.</p>
<h3>Lawn Mowers</h3>
<p>Drain fuel and oil before loading. Remove handle from hand mowers and place blade end in sturdy box. Mark properly.</p>
<h3>Mirrors</h3>
<p>Small mirrors can be well wrapped in paper and packed in boxes. For a large mirror, make a cardboard case by cutting pieces of corrugated cardboard. Mark &#8220;GLASS&#8221; on the outside to prevent mishandling. Always pack and store on end.</p>
<h3>Paint and Flammables</h3>
<p>Don&#8217;t move them. Dispose of them properly instead. The same goes for other flammables such as alcohol, solvents, lighter fluid, ammunition and greasy mops or rags.</p>
<h3>Paintings and Prints</h3>
<p>Place in mirror boxes, wrap individually in corrugated cardboard, or wrap in cardboard cushioned with thick blankets and tie the bundles with cord. Stand on sides.</p>
<h3>Pets</h3>
<ul>
<li>Your pet should always ride up front in the truck cab with you.</li>
<li>Be sure your pet is on a leash, in a kennel or in a cage when outside your truck and that it is always wearing an ID tag with its name, your name, and your destination address and phone number (or a friend&#8217;s or relative&#8217;s).</li>
<li>Do not leave your pet in the truck. If you absolutely must, park the truck in a shaded area and open the window.</li>
<li>If your pet becomes overheated while traveling, take it to an air-conditioned area and place it in a shallow tub of cool water or rub it down with cool, wet towels.</li>
<li>Check with your pet&#8217;s veterinarian to see if a mild sedative is recommended for the move. Make sure your pet has enough food and water for the trip.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Plants</h3>
<ul>
<li>Store plants in plastic bags with holes punched for air. Place them in boxes if possible.</li>
<li>Temperature is the most critical factor. Temperatures below 34°F or above 94°F for much over an hour can be fatal.</li>
<li>Plants are susceptible to shock when moving. The distance or time in transit doesn&#8217;t make the shock greater—it will just take longer for the plants to recover.</li>
<li>Potting soil should be moist when plants are loaded into the truck.</li>
<li>Check with your local Department of Agriculture office regarding what state or federal plant regulations may be in effect throughout your journey that might prohibit the transportation of your plants to your destination.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Radios, TVs and Computers</h3>
<p>Box upright and make sure items are well padded on all sides. Tape extra layers of bubble pack to TV and monitor screens. For console-size equipment, surround with furniture pads, then move and load upright.</p>
<h3>Rugs and Pads</h3>
<p>After vacuuming rugs and pads, sprinkle with moth flakes. Roll up and tie with twine.</p>
<h3>Stereos, Compact Discs and Cassettes</h3>
<p>Separately pack components and pack in a well-padded box marked &#8220;FRAGILE.&#8221; Pack CDs upright in their cases in a sturdy box with a tape-reinforced bottom. Tie CDs in small bundles before packing, then fill air space with wadded paper. Cassettes can be packed in a similar manner, although you can group them in larger bundles.</p>
<h3>Tables</h3>
<p>For large tables, remove the legs and tie them together. Put hardware in a small sealed envelope taped to the underside of the tabletop. Pad the top. Pad and tie spare table leaves. For smaller tables, pad the top and wrap legs to prevent scratching.</p>
<h3>Tools and Gardening Equipment</h3>
<p>Drain hoses, coil and pack in boxes. Fill remaining space with lawn sprinklers, small garden hand tools and so forth. Tie rakes, shovels and other long-handled tools together with rope or tape.</p>
<h3>Valuables</h3>
<p>Set aside jewelry, important papers and safe deposit box contents to be packed in a small container you can keep with you throughout the move.</p>
<ul>
<li>Car registration certificate</li>
<li>Car ownership records</li>
<li>Children&#8217;s school records</li>
<li>Insurance policies</li>
<li>Bank statements and credit records</li>
<li>Medical and dental records</li>
<li>Irreplaceable photos and snapshots</li>
<li>Tax return records</li>
</ul>
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		<title>Why Choose Climate Controlled Self Storage?</title>
		<link>http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/2012/02/why-choose-climate-controlled-self-storage/</link>
		<comments>http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/2012/02/why-choose-climate-controlled-self-storage/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:08:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Climate Controlled]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self Storage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humidity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mildew]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mold]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[protect valuables]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/?p=32</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160; One of the questions we get asked daily is “Do I need a climate-controlled self storage unit?”. One of the biggest worries regarding putting household items into a self storage unit is what kind of shape your things will be in when the time comes to pull them out. At Stop-N-Store we have the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_33" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 650px"><a href="http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/antiquechest.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-33" title="Antique Chest" src="http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/antiquechest.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="411" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Protect Your Valuable Antiques</p></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>One of the questions we get asked daily is “Do I need a climate-controlled self storage unit?”. One of the biggest worries regarding putting household items into a self storage unit is what kind of shape your things will be in when the time comes to pull them out.</p>
<p>At Stop-N-Store we have the old style storage units and the newer climate-controlled storage units. Granted, a lot of household items don&#8217;t require climate controlled self storage care, but there are many items that do.</p>
<p>Climate will vary from one part of the country to another, from excessive dryness to excessive humidity here in Bryan/College Station. These climate conditions can wreak havoc on certain items.</p>
<p>The primary concern of storing goods, is what is referred to as &#8220;biological contaminants&#8221;. The following are the five main ones that can find their way into a storage unit and ruin your possessions:</p>
<ol>
<li>bacteria</li>
<li>mold</li>
<li>mildew</li>
<li>dust mites</li>
<li>viruses</li>
</ol>
<p>Storing your items in a climate-controlled self storage unit will deter these unpleasant and often dangerous conditions from resulting, as well as other damaging aspects such as future health problems, musty odors, paper rot, and wood degradation. The small extra expense of renting a climate controlled  unit is always worth it down the road.</p>
<p>Here&#8217;s a list of household items that are usually climate-sensitive and prone to damage.</p>
<p><strong>Artwork, Books, Paintings, and Paper Items</strong> &#8211; Anything that is made with paper can succumb to paper rot if subjected to ongoing humidity, especially here in Bryan/College Station. Pages will curl up and even stick together, as well as the print possibly &#8220;bleeding&#8221; on the page. And if the pages or a painting get covered in mildew and mold, they will all be ruined.</p>
<p><strong>Clothing and Fabric</strong> &#8211; Fabric does not fare well when exposed to mildew and mold, and if exposed to dampness it can become covered in mildew and mold. Keep them in a dry, warm climate and they will love you for it and last a lot longer. On a further note, make sure whatever clothing you pack in boxes is completely dry. We often recommend you pack your clothing in those vacuum bags and remove all the air and moisture to protect them.</p>
<p><strong>Electronics</strong> &#8211; Because of the fact that electronics are very sensitive to moisture, they need a climate-controlled self storage environment. The easiest way to kill a piece of electronics equipment is to let moisture get to the inside of it. Our very humid climate can produce excessiv moisture. With electronics, they need to be protected against moisture and extreme cold, so being able to keep them stored in a facility that is both dry and warm is a good idea. In summer we have very humid climate, but even in winter it can get cold enough (the winter of 2010/2011 was very cold) to damage electronics.</p>
<p><strong>Upholstered Items and Wood Furniture</strong> &#8211; Extreme deviations in climate does more damage to fabric covered items and wood furniture than you can imagine. Antiques are especially susceptible to damage from excessive dryness or moisture. They get covered with mildew, or get moldy, or the wood starts to rot. Mildew and mold have a staining effect and can ruin upholstered or wooden furniture, as well as cause serious health problems as well. If the storage is too dry, wood can crack or warp, ruining your wooden furnishings. Allergic reactions and asthma attacks are easily triggered by mildew and mold as those that target the human respiratory system.</p>
<p>The bottom line is that if you want any of these types of items surviving self storage, you might want to consider the long-term savings by spending extra money on a climate-controlled self storage unit.</p>
<p>If you have any more questions or are concerned about storing a particular item, our staff at Stop-N-Store will be glad to help you and answer your questions. Share this with your friends or leave a comment.</p>
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		<title>Safety Tips When Renting a Truck</title>
		<link>http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/2012/02/safety-tips-when-renting-a-truck/</link>
		<comments>http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/2012/02/safety-tips-when-renting-a-truck/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 20 Feb 2012 23:17:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Safety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Truck Rental]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[driving tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[safety guidelines]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/?p=27</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When you rent a Penske truck from Stop-N-Store, our agents will spend time to familiarize you with the features of the truck and some safety guidelines when driving the truck. Please let us know if this is the first time you have rented a truck. But don’t be afraid, we were all apprehensive the first [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_28" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 636px"><a href="http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/truck-rental_household_landingpage.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-28 " title="penske truck" src="http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/truck-rental_household_landingpage.jpg" alt="" width="626" height="275" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Penske Truck Rental Safety Tips</p></div>
<p>When you rent a Penske truck from Stop-N-Store, our agents will spend time to familiarize you with the features of the truck and some safety guidelines when driving the truck. Please let us know if this is the first time you have rented a truck. But don’t be afraid, we were all apprehensive the first time.</p>
<p>Here are some safety guidelines when you drive your truck:</p>
<ul>
<li>Before you start, get comfortable with the truck’s switches and guages. Driving a truck will feel a bit different from driving your car.</li>
<li>Adjust your mirrors before you get on the road. There is no rear view mirror in the truck, so make sure your mirrors are in the right place for you to see everything on each side and behind you. It is much easier to adjust the mirrors now than when driving.</li>
<li>Trucks are taller and wider than cars and need greater overhead and side clearance. If the height and width is not indicated on the truck, then please ask one of our staff. Be alert for low bridges and tree limbs as well as canopies at service stations, fast food restaurants, banks and other places you may visit on your trip.</li>
<li>Remember to pay attention to road signs pertaining to trucks. This means stopping at weigh stations, as well as obeying truck or land restriction signs and overhead clearance postings. In Texas most interstate highways have a reduced speed limit for trucks.</li>
<li>Always use your turn signals and avoid making sudden stops or abrupt land changes.</li>
<li>Use the vehicle mirrors. Again, trucks are wider and longer than your car and so needs more turning area and more room for lane changes.</li>
<li>Use caution at intersections. Before crossing an intersection, check left, then right, then left again. Obey all traffic signs and lights.</li>
<li>Remember a truck is not as quick to pull away as your car, especially when loaded, so allow a lot more time at intersections and when pulling out into traffic.</li>
<li>Never tailgate! Trucks weigh three to ten times more than your car and must have more time and room to stop. Maintain more than one car length between the truck and the vehicle in front of you.</li>
<li>Do not attempt to pass a vehicle moving faster than 40mph. Never pass on hills or curves. Never use the passing lane on an interstate highway.</li>
<li>Set the emergency brake every time you park. Turn the wheel away from the curb when parking with the truck faced uphill. When parking with the truck faced downhill, turn the wheels to the curb.</li>
<li>Always look for an area that provides “drive-through” parking spaces. Avoid backing up as much as possible. If you must back up ask someone to direct you from the side at the rear.</li>
</ul>
<p>Take a copy of this with you to remind yourself of these tips when you rent a truck. You can also pick up a free moving guide at Stop-N-Store.</p>
<p>Please like this and share it with your friends. They will thank you for thinking of their safety.</p>
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		<title>Self Storage &#8211; A Mobile Office Alternative</title>
		<link>http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/2012/01/self-storage-a-mobile-office-alternative/</link>
		<comments>http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/2012/01/self-storage-a-mobile-office-alternative/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:08:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Climate Controlled]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self Storage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mobile office]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sales people]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[self storage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[trainers]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/?p=19</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Are you crazy?!? I know that is what you are thinking. Who in their right mind would want to work out of a small 5 x 10 self storage unit? You would be surprised. Before you click away, just read what I have to say and then see if your thoughts are the same. You [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_21" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 209px"><a href="http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/manatlaptopinfield.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-21 " title="Mobile Office?" src="http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/manatlaptopinfield-199x300.jpg" alt="A Man In a Field With a Laptop" width="199" height="300" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">A True Mobile Office?</p></div>
<p>Are you crazy?!? I know that is what you are thinking. Who in their right mind would want to work out of a small 5 x 10 self storage unit? You would be surprised. Before you click away, just read what I have to say and then see if your thoughts are the same. You never know!</p>
<h2>What Do You Want In A Mobile Office?</h2>
<p>Let’s first agree on what we think a mobile office is. This is usually for the sales person, a trainer or company representative from another city that has to travel to College Station on a fairly regular basis. Maybe it is once a week, or one or two times a month. Usually only for a day or two. We aren’t talking about a branch or permanent office and we don’t want to go to the high expense of leasing an office that will only be used for a few days per month.</p>
<p>So if you are that person, what do you need each time you come here? A cell phone is obvious; so are your company resources (maybe a laptop, training aids, samples etc.). You need to be able to meet clients, though most of that will be in their offices. You have your cellphone and laptop for email and calls. Do you need a PO Box to receive mail?</p>
<p>And do you really want to drag all the other resources back and forth each time? What about if you need to set up the new items your client just ordered before you deliver them? And what about those items that will be delivered when you are not here? They can’t fit in the PO Box and they are not ready to be sent to the client.</p>
<p>And there are times when you need to fill in your paperwork before setting off to the next city.</p>
<p>So what do you use as a mobile office? You car? Hardly comfortable, especially in the Texas heat of summer. A hotel room? What if you don’t stay the night? And will they hold all your supplies and new deliveries until you return?</p>
<h2>Self Storage Units</h2>
<p>A climate controlled self storage unit is the ideal answer, and a Stop-N-Store climate controlled self storage unit is the perfect solution. Here’s why:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Plenty of Room.</strong> We have different size units to suit your needs but a 5&#215;10 or 10&#215;10 is usually plenty for most people’s needs. You can put in a desk, chair, filing cabinets and still have room for your supplies, resources and deliveries</li>
<li><strong>Climate Controlled.</strong> Ideal for when you are there working, and even better for when you are not there, making sure everything is kept in pristine condition</li>
<li><strong>No Contracts.</strong> We can lease you a unit on a month to month basis. We give discounts for longer term leases.</li>
<li><strong>Much Cheaper Than An Office Or Hotel.</strong> Our monthly lease is less than the day rates of a hotel and are a fraction of the cost of office space</li>
<li><strong>Security.</strong> Each unit is individually alarmed and every person has a unique gate code to get onto the premises. On top of that we always log when the gate is opened and closed and when a unit is opened and closed.</li>
<li><strong>Fed-Ex, UPS &amp; Deliveries Accepted.</strong> At Stop-N-Store we can accept your deliveries on your behalf (with prior arrangement) and place them in your unit, so next time you are in town they will be safely waiting for you.</li>
</ul>
<p>So do you still think it is a crazy idea? Give it a go. Call us on <strong>979-694-2700</strong> or<a title="Contact Us" href="http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/Contact"> Contact Us</a> and we will give you 50% off your first month’s lease if you mention this article.</p>
<p>If you know have any comments please let us know below. If you like this article please share it with your friends using any of the links here. You can also follow us on <a title="Stop N Store On Facebook" href="http://www.faceboook.com/stopnstore" target="_blank">Facebook </a>or <a title="Stop N Store On Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/stopnstore" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</p>
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		<title>Are You Outgrowing Your Office?</title>
		<link>http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/2012/01/are-you-outgrowing-your-office/</link>
		<comments>http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/2012/01/are-you-outgrowing-your-office/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:22:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Climate Controlled]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self Storage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cheap rates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[monthly lease]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[move office]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/?p=6</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[With the latest good news that the economy is starting to grow and more small businesses are starting to hire new staff and grow, we know that a lot of you are also starting to outgrow your current office space. The solution is to move to a bigger office. Or is it? For some small [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_9" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/dv1790001_highres.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-9" title="Full Office" src="http://www.stop-n-storebcs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/dv1790001_highres-300x225.jpg" alt="Messy Desk in a Full Office Space" width="300" height="225" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Outgrowing Your Office?</p></div>
<p>With the latest good news that the economy is starting to grow and more small businesses are starting to hire new staff and grow, we know that a lot of you are also starting to outgrow your current office space.</p>
<p>The solution is to move to a bigger office. Or is it? For some small businesses this is clearly the best option but for others it is not an option at all.</p>
<p>When you seek a larger office you have to spend time looking for new premises. What if you are 1 year into a 3 year lease? Do you stick it out or try to sub-lease? Then you have to have the new office fitted out and at some point you have to move over there. This will mean you will have to close for a day or two while you move and get all your equipment, phone numbers, Internet and computers up and running in the new office.</p>
<p>And what about your customers? Will it be inconvenient to travel to your new offices? What if it is now the other side of town? Will your competitors lure them away as they are closer?</p>
<p>So what is the alternative?</p>
<h2>Self Storage Units!</h2>
<p>No, we don’t mean move your new staff into a unit!</p>
<p>But take a look around. How many of those big filing cabinets with the last 10 years of paperwork do you really need to hand? And those large desks and other furniture? You could always move them into a climate controlled self storage unit and put newer furniture in the office to make sure everyone can fit in.</p>
<p>Even if you are going to move office, it takes time as we said. Our self storage units can be leased on a month to month basis too so you can still be comfortable in your current office while you look around.</p>
<p>Self Storage comes in two types &#8211; climate controlled and non-climate controlled. We would always recommend a small business have a climate controlled self storage unit, especially when keeping paperwork, furniture or other items that really need to be in an air conditioned environment.</p>
<p>We have many different sized self storage units such as:</p>
<ul>
<li>5 x 5</li>
<li>5 x 10</li>
<li>10 x 5</li>
<li>5 x 15</li>
<li>10 x 10</li>
<li>10 x 15</li>
<li>10 x 20</li>
<li>10 x 25</li>
<li>10 x 30</li>
</ul>
<p>So you can see there is a self storage unit here that is the perfect size for you! And at a price per square foot that is much lower than your office space.</p>
<h2>But How Secure Is It?</h2>
<p>Very! Our site is fenced in and has an electronically controlled gate that you can only open with a code. Each customer has their own unique code that they choose themselves (please don’t use bank card pins or birthdays!). When the code is entered at the gate it is logged in our system and it also turns of the alarm to your self storage unit.</p>
<p>This ensures that even if someone scaled the fence, used someone else’s gate code or followed in behind them, they still could not open your self storage unit without sounding the alarm.</p>
<p>When you have finished in your unit, the alarm will automatically re-arm itself.</p>
<p>Is your office as secure as our self storage unit?</p>
<h2>So a Self Storage Unit Doesn’t Seem So Crazy Now?</h2>
<p>We hope we gave you something to think about as an alternative to finding a new office if you are outgrowing your old one.</p>
<p>A Self Storage unit does away with the hassles of moving, prevents any lease problems and is much cheaper per square foot than office space. And your customers know where you are! What are you waiting for?</p>
<h2>Special Offer!</h2>
<p>As this is our first free tip we want to make you a special offer. If you call our office on 979-694-2700 and mention this free tip we will give you 50% discount off your February 2012 Self Storage Unit lease!</p>
<p>So hurry while before time runs out.</p>
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