How to Store Documents Safely in a Storage Unit

Our 10 ft. by 20 ft. and 10 ft. by 30 ft. units with 9 ft. wide doors are perfect for temporary or long-term storage of your vehicle. As you prepare to bring your vehicle in for storage, follow our helpful guide for proper storage to extend the life of your vehicle, keeping it looking new and running in top condition.Please note that these are our recommendations. Do your research, and consult your owner's manual for specific instructions.Check with your insurance carrierWhether you're storing your car for the winter or long-term, it's essential to check with your insurance carrier first. Many insurance companies offer specific coverage for vehicles in storage, which is often less expensive than on-road coverage.Some carriers even offer comprehensive only coverages that can save you even more money. In addition, be sure to ask about any discounts that may be available.Some insurers offer discounts for storing your car in a secure location, such as a garage or storage unit. Others may give you a break on your premium if you agree to limit the time your car is in storage.By doing your research, you can be sure you're getting the best coverage for your needs.Clean your carWe always recommend that you clean your car, inside and out, thoroughly before storage. Wash the exterior and use your favorite wax over the entire exterior of the car to get rid of all imperfections and offer a protective layer on your paint. This will protect the paint from the possibility of corrosion.After that, remove all trash and debris inside the car. Vacuum thoroughly to remove all pet hair, food crumbs, and dirt. If you have leather seats, condition them with a quality leather conditioner to prevent cracking and fading.Once you've done all that, give your car one final wipe down with a microfiber cloth to pick up any residual dirt or dust. Now you're one step closer to storing your car!Remove all personal belongings from the carMake sure to remove all personal belongings from your car before storage. This includes clothes, garbage, food, and any loose items. If you have a trunk, be sure to clean it out as well. The less there is in your car, the less chance there is for mold or mildew to grow.Not only will this prevent items from getting damaged during storage, but it will also help to keep the car clean and organized.Change the oil and filter‍‍Before storing your car for an extended time, it is crucial to change the oil and filter. Used oil contains acids, moisture, and other byproducts of combustion, which can cause corrosion in the engine if left unchanged.We recommend changing your oil and filter a few days before auto storage to prevent this. Once the oil has been changed, drive the car for several miles to allow the new oil to circulate through the entire engine. By following these simple steps, you can help ensure that your car remains in good condition while in storage.Rotate the tiresIf you are planning on storing your car for more than a month, we recommend that you rotate the tires. This will help to prevent flat spots from developing on the tires.To rotate the tires, jack up the car and remove the wheels. Then, switch the position of the front and rear tires. For example, if the front tires are on the left side of the car, move them to the right side.Once the tires have been rotated, lower the car back down and tighten the lug nuts. Check the pressure in all four tires before driving the car again.Fill the gas tank‍As any car owner knows, regular maintenance is essential to keeping your vehicle in good condition. This is especially true if you plan to store your car for an extended time.One crucial step in vehicle storage is filling your gas tank. This will help to prevent moisture and air from entering your tank and damaging your engine. In addition, it will help to keep your car's fuel system in good working order.Moreover, use a fuel stabilizer to keep the fuel from breaking down and forming varnish when it evaporates. This can clog your fuel injectors and carburetor and harm your engine.By taking these simple steps, you can help ensure that your car will be ready to hit the road when you are.Cover your car with a tarpMany aftermarket car tarps available will help prevent the build-up of dust on your vehicle. A waterproof tarp is also a good idea if you live in an area with a lot of rain or snow.We recommend using a tarp designed explicitly for car storage for the best protection. These tarps are made from durable materials and help keep your car clean and dry while in storage.Be sure to roll up your windows before applying the tarp to prevent any bugs or dust from getting inside. These tarps typically hug the vehicle tightly, so there is no risk of them blowing off in high winds.Depending on your climate, you may need to re-apply the tarp every few months to prevent any permanent damage to your car's paint job.These simple steps will help keep your car clean and dust-free.Care for your batteryWhat to do with your car battery when you store your car for the winter is a matter of some controversy among car specialists. However, consulting your owner's manual is always the best action.You may find that the manufacturer has a specific suggestion about what to do with the battery. If not, there are three leading schools of thought on the matter.Some specialists suggest removing the battery and placing it on a wooden block so the battery won't be drained. Others will recommend leaving the battery in the car (but disconnecting the negative (-) terminal of the battery).Finally, other car specialists insist that the battery should be left intact in the car to prevent voltage spikes (which can damage various components).Ultimately, you will need to weigh the pros and cons of each approach and decide what is best for your situation.Use a battery maintainerOne of the most important things you can do to prepare your car for storage is to use a battery maintainer. This device plugs into your car's cigarette lighter and provides a steady stream of electricity to the battery, keeping it charged and preventing it from draining. This is especially important if you plan to store your car for an extended time.Using a battery maintainer can help ensure that your car's battery will be in good working order when you are ready to hit the road again.Put up your convertible topConvertibles are a fun and stylish way to enjoy warmer weather, but they require a bit more care than traditional cars. One crucial tip for convertible owners is to store the vehicle with the top-up. Doing this helps to prevent the formation of large creases in the fabric.If you need to store the car with the top down, treat the fabric with silicone or other lubricants. This will help to keep the material supple and prevent creasing. With a little bit of care, you can enjoy your convertible for many years to come.Choose the right storage facilityNot all storage facilities are created equal. When you're looking for a place to store your car, choosing a facility that offers features like 24-hour security and easy access is crucial.The last thing you want is to worry about your car while it's in storage. By choosing the right storage facility, you can rest assured knowing your vehicle is in good hands.At South Rock Storage, we offer a variety of features to help keep your car safe and secure. Our facility has security cameras and gated access, so you can rest assured knowing your vehicle is in good hands. We have been in the business since 2006, and we offer a variety of storage options to choose from.Please note that the above tips are just recommendations. Different models have different requirements, and what works for one car may not be appropriate for another. Before undertaking any car maintenance, it's essential to consult your owner's manual.

We all have a lot of stuff. Whether it's sentimental items we can't bear to part with or just plain old clutter, our homes can quickly become overwhelmed with excess belongings. And when that happens, we often turn to self-storage as a way to keep our things out of the way—but did you know that there are plenty of other uses for self-storage, too?Self-storage can be a great way to keep your things safe and organized, but it can also be used for much more than just storing excess belongings. Here are 9 surprising self-storage uses that you may not have thought of:1. Storing seasonal itemsIf you don't have enough space in your home for all of your seasonal items, a self-storage unit can be a great solution. Whether it's holiday decorations or gardening tools and supplies, you can easily store your seasonal items in a self-storage unit until you need them.Moreover, if you live in a climate with extreme seasons like in Wichita, Kansas, chances are you don't need all of your clothes all of the time. Store your winter clothes in a self-storage unit during the summer months and vice versa, to save space in your home.2. Keep your collectibles and valuable items safeIf you have any valuable or sentimental items you don't want to risk damaging or losing, a self-storage unit can be a great place to keep them safe. Your self-storage unit can be a great way to protect your valuable belongings, from antiques and fine art to family heirlooms.At South Rock Storage, our self-storage units in Wichita, KS come with various security features, such as cameras, alarms, and gated access, so you can rest assured knowing that your belongings are safe and sound.3. Store your sports equipmentIf you're an avid golfer, skier, or cyclist, you probably have a lot of sports equipment taking up space in your home. Instead of letting it clutter up your living space, store it in a self-storage unit and use the extra space for more important things.You can also use a self-storage unit to store your child's sports equipment. If your kids are involved in multiple sports, chances are you have a lot of gear to keep track of. With self-storage in Wichita, KS at South Rock Storage, you can store all that equipment and never have to worry about it again.4. Store your business inventoryIf you run a small business out of your home, chances are you have a lot of inventory taking up space in your house. A self-storage unit can be a great place to store your inventory, freeing up space in your home for other things.You can also use a self-storage unit to store furniture, appliances, office equipment and supplies, and other items that you need for your business. This can make it easier to manage your inventory and reduce clutter in your home.5. Store extra equipmentIf you're a hobbyist or a do-it-yourselfer, you may not have enough space in your home for a dedicated workshop. But a self-storage unit can be the perfect place to store your tools and equipment.Self-storage units come in various sizes to accommodate everything from large power tools to small crafting supplies. 6. Store extra furnitureIf you're moving into a new home but don't have enough furniture for all of your rooms, a self-storage unit can easily store extra furniture until you're ready for it.Make sure you choose a clean and dry unit and wrap your furniture in blankets or plastic to protect it from dust and moisture.7. Store your RV or boatIf you live in an area that experiences cold winters, you may be wondering what to do with your recreational vehicle or boat. After all, you can't just leave it out in the open where it will be exposed to the elements. One option is to rent a self-storage unit in Wichita, KS. This will protect your RV or boat from the cold and snow, and you won't have to worry about it taking up space in your driveway or garage. Plus, many storage facilities offer special discounts for long-term rentals, so you can save money in the process. So if you're looking for a safe and affordable way to store your RV or boat this winter, a self-storage unit may be the perfect solution.8. Store your children's toys and gamesIf your kids have too many toys and games, a self-storage unit can be a great way to keep them out of the way when they're not in use. You can also use self-storage for your children's seasonal items, such as costumes and holiday decorations.9. Keep your important business files and documents safe and secureWhether you're an entrepreneur or a small business owner, your business documents and records can be essential to your company's success. A self-storage unit can be a great place to store your business files and records, keeping them safe and secure until you need them.You can also use a self-storage unit to store your company's marketing materials, product samples, and other essential business items. The best way to choose the right one for storing these things though is by checking if it has climate control because paper deteriorates over time without protection from humidity or warmth!Final ThoughtsOverall, there are many different ways to use a self-storage unit to organize your home or business better. A self-storage unit can provide the perfect solution whether you need to store holiday decorations, winter clothes, furniture, toys, documents, or other items.Additionally, investing in a climate-controlled self-storage unit can help to protect your belongings from damage caused by extreme temperature and humidity fluctuations.Contact South Rock Storage today to learn more about our storage facility in Wichita, KS and find the perfect unit for your needs!​