StorWise Self Storage News & Blog

Essential Guide to Estate Planning: Securing Your Legacy

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In the labyrinth of financial planning, estate planning stands tall as a critical cornerstone. Yet, it remains a topic often overlooked or deferred until later years. However, the essence of estate planning lies not just in preparing for the inevitable, but also in ensuring the well-being of loved ones and the preservation of your legacy. In this blog post, we unravel the significance of estate planning and shed light on why it's paramount for everyone, regardless of age or wealth.Understanding Estate Planning:Estate planning encompasses a spectrum of legal and financial arrangements designed to manage an individual's assets during their lifetime and after death. At its core, it involves drafting documents such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to dictate how your assets should be distributed, who should manage them, and how your healthcare decisions should be made if you become incapacitated.The Importance of Estate Planning: Protecting Your Loved Ones: Estate planning isn't just about divvying up your assets. It's about safeguarding your family's financial future. By clearly outlining your wishes, you spare your loved ones the burden of making difficult decisions during times of grief. Proper planning ensures that your assets are distributed according to your desires, minimizing conflicts among beneficiaries. Minimizing Tax Burden: Thoughtful estate planning can help minimize the tax burden on your estate, allowing more of your assets to pass to your heirs rather than to the government. Techniques such as establishing trusts, gifting strategies, and charitable donations can all play a role in reducing estate taxes. Preserving Your Legacy: Your estate represents more than just monetary value. It holds the story of your life, your values, and your accomplishments. Through estate planning, you can preserve this legacy by specifying how you want your assets to be used to benefit future generations or charitable causes that are close to your heart. Planning for Incapacity: A comprehensive estate plan doesn't just address what happens after you pass away; it also plans for the possibility of incapacity during your ...


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March 25th, 2024

Tips To Help You Be A Snowbird On A Budget

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Being a snowbird on a budget requires careful planning and resourcefulness. Here are some tips to help you enjoy the snowbird lifestyle without breaking the bank: Choose Affordable Locations: Look for destinations with lower living costs, such as smaller towns or rural areas, instead of popular tourist spots. Consider areas with affordable housing options and lower taxes. Rent Instead of Buy: Instead of purchasing a second home, consider renting a property for the duration of your stay. Renting can be more cost-effective and flexible, allowing you to explore different locations without the long-term commitment. Timing Matters: Travel during the off-peak season to take advantage of lower rental rates and travel expenses. Prices for accommodations and amenities may be significantly lower during the shoulder seasons compared to peak tourist times. Budget-Friendly Accommodations: Look for budget-friendly accommodations such as vacation rentals, Airbnb, or RV parks. Consider alternatives like house-sitting or caretaking opportunities, which may offer free or discounted lodging in exchange for services. Travel Discounts: Use travel rewards programs, discounts, and deals to save on transportation costs. Look for discounted flights, rental cars, or public transportation options. Consider driving instead of flying if it's more cost-effective. Cook Your Meals: Save money on dining expenses by cooking your meals instead of eating out. Rent accommodations with kitchen facilities or bring along a portable stove for camping or RV trips. Shop at local markets or grocery stores for affordable ingredients. Limit Entertainment Expenses: Enjoy free or low-cost entertainment options such as hiking, birdwatching, biking, or visiting local parks and beaches. Take advantage of community events, festivals, and cultural activities that offer free admission or discounted tickets. Healthcare Considerations: Research healthcare options in your destination area and consider factors like access to affordable medical services, health insurance coverage, and prescription medication availability. Downsize and Simplify: Before heading south for the winter, declutter and downsize your possessions to reduce storage costs and simplify your lifestyle. Consider storing or donating items you no longer need on s regular basis to save on moving expenses. Stay Flexible: ...


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February 15th, 2024

Spring Cleaning

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Spring cleaning and self-storage often go hand in hand. As the weather warms up and people feel the urge to declutter and organize their homes, self-storage becomes a popular option for items that are not frequently used but are still valuable or sentimental enough to keep. Here are some tips for incorporating both spring cleaning and self-storage into your organizational efforts: Assess Your Belongings: Start by going through your belongings room by room. Decide what you want to keep, donate, sell, or throw away. Be honest with yourself about what you really need and use. Declutter: Get rid of items that you no longer need or use. This could include old clothes, broken items, or duplicates. Decluttering will not only free up space but also make your storage unit more organized. Organize: Invest in storage solutions such as bins, shelves, and organizers to maximize space and keep things tidy. Group similar items together and label boxes for easy identification. Prioritize: Determine which items you need regular access to and which can be safely stored away. Seasonal items like winter clothes or holiday decorations are perfect candidates for self-storage. Choose the Right Storage Unit: Select a self-storage facility that meets your needs in terms of location, size, security, and climate control. Make sure the unit is clean and well-maintained. Pack Carefully: When packing items for storage, use sturdy boxes and packing materials to protect fragile items. Fill boxes to capacity to prevent them from collapsing and stack them neatly to maximize space. Create a System: Keep a list or inventory of items you've placed in storage, along with their location within the unit. This will make it easier to find things later on. Regular Maintenance: Schedule regular visits to your storage unit to check on your belongings and make sure everything is in order. Use these visits as an opportunity to reorganize or declutter if necessary. By combining spring cleaning with self-storage, you can not only declutter your home but also create a more organized living space. Plus, having ...


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February 13th, 2024

Self Storage and Taxes

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When it comes to self-storage and tax season, there are a few considerations to keep in mind: Deductibility of Storage Expenses: In some cases, you may be able to deduct the cost of self-storage as a business expense on your taxes. This is typically applicable if you use the storage unit for business purposes. However, personal storage expenses are generally not deductible. Business Use of Storage: If you run a business and use the storage unit to store business-related items, such as inventory or equipment, you may be eligible for a tax deduction. Make sure to keep accurate records and consult with a tax professional to determine the specifics based on your situation. Moving Expenses: If you're using self-storage as part of a move for work purposes, you might be eligible for certain deductions related to moving expenses. This could include the cost of the storage unit during the move. Document and Keep Records: Regardless of the purpose of using self-storage, it's important to keep detailed records of your expenses. This includes rental agreements, receipts, and any communication related to the storage unit. These documents will be essential if you need to provide evidence during a tax audit. Consult with a Tax Professional: Tax laws can be complex and subject to change. It's advisable to consult with a tax professional who can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation and the current tax regulations. Remember that tax laws can vary by location, so it's important to consider the regulations applicable to your specific jurisdiction. ...


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January 24th, 2024

Tips for Moving in Winter

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Moving in winter can present some unique challenges due to the weather conditions. Here are some tips to make the process easier: Plan Ahead: Check the weather forecast and plan your moving day accordingly. Try to pick a day with the mildest weather possible. Dress Appropriately: Layer up with warm, waterproof clothing, gloves, hats, and sturdy, waterproof boots to stay comfortable and dry. Prepare the Pathways: Clear snow, ice, and debris from driveways, walkways, and entrances at both your old and new home. Spread salt or ice melt to prevent slips and falls. Protect Your Belongings: Use sturdy, waterproof packing materials to protect your items from moisture. Plastic bins or heavy-duty plastic bags can be more resistant to snow and moisture than cardboard boxes. Wrap Furniture: Cover your furniture with blankets or plastic wrap to shield it from snow, moisture, and damage during transport. Keep Essentials Accessible: Pack a separate box or bag with essentials like warm clothes, snacks, toiletries, and important documents. Keep it easily accessible during the move. Utility Preparation: Make sure utilities are turned on at your new place before you move in, so you have a warm environment immediately upon arrival. Hire Professionals: Consider hiring professional movers experienced in winter conditions. They'll have the necessary equipment and expertise to handle the challenges. Use Proper Equipment: If you're moving on your own, ensure you have the right equipment for snow removal, like shovels and snowblowers, to clear paths and driveways. Take Breaks: Moving in winter can be physically demanding, especially in cold weather. Take breaks indoors to warm up and stay hydrated. Protect Yourself: Be cautious of slippery surfaces to avoid accidents. Take your time and prioritize safety over rushing through the process. Backup Plan: Have a backup plan in case weather conditions worsen unexpectedly. Be flexible with your moving date if needed. Use Storage: Rent a storage unit to store nonessencial items to move when the weather is more accomidating. By preparing well in advance and taking precautions for the weather, you can make your winter move smoother and ...


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December 6th, 2023

How Storage Can Help You This Holiday Season

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The holiday season can be a hectic time, and self-storage can come in handy for various reasons during this period. Here's how self-storage can be helpful during the holidays: Decluttering: With guests coming over and decorations being put up, you might need extra space. Self-storage allows you to temporarily store items you don't need during the holidays to make your home more spacious and inviting. Seasonal Decorations: Many people accumulate a lot of holiday decorations over the years. Self-storage provides a perfect solution to store these items during the off-season, keeping them safe and organized until you need them again. Safekeeping Gifts: If you're worried about hiding gifts or want to keep them away from curious eyes, a storage unit can be a secure spot to store them until the big day. Temporary Storage for Guests' Items: If you're hosting guests and need to clear out space in your guest rooms or common areas, a storage unit can serve as a temporary solution for storing their belongings. Travel Convenience: For those who travel during the holidays, self-storage can be a safe place to store valuable items or even a vehicle while away, offering peace of mind during your trip. Inventory Management for Retailers: Businesses, especially those in retail, often experience increased inventory during the holiday season. Self-storage can provide additional space to store surplus stock or seasonal items. Transitioning Homes: Some people use the holidays as an opportunity to move or transition to a new home. Self-storage can facilitate this process by providing a place to store belongings during the transition period. Remember, when using self-storage during the holidays, it's crucial to plan ahead. Reserve a storage unit at one of our locations in advance, especially during this busy time, and ensure you pack and store items properly to keep them safe and in good condition.If you're considering using self-storage during the holidays, think about what specific needs you have and how a storage unit could make your holiday season more enjoyable and stress-free. ...


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November 29th, 2023

Home Organization and Mental Health

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Absolutely, home organization is a game-changer when it comes to creating a space that feels comfortable, functional, and stress-free. Here’s a breakdown of some key aspects: Decluttering The Marie Kondo Method Marie Kondo's philosophy of keeping items that "spark joy" has gained immense popularity. The idea is to keep only the items that truly bring happiness or serve a practical purpose. Minimalism Adopting a minimalist approach involves consciously reducing possessions to the essentials. It’s about quality over quantity, ensuring that every item serves a clear purpose. Storage Solutions Maximizing Space Utilize all available space, including under-bed storage, vertical wall shelves, and multi-functional furniture like ottomans with storage space inside. Baskets, Boxes, and Containers Using these helps compartmentalize and organize items. They’re perfect for storing smaller things and help maintain a tidy appearance. Off-site Storage Renting an off site storage space can help to keep belongings that arent for every day use. Renting a storage unit can help keep out the clutter and make for a tidier home. Room-Specific Organization Kitchen Group similar items together, utilize drawer dividers, and employ stackable containers to optimize pantry space. Consider purging expired items regularly. Bedroom Invest in closet organizers and use space-saving hangers. Implement a system for rotating seasonal clothing to free up space. Living Room Minimize clutter by only displaying items that hold sentimental value or serve a decorative purpose. Use storage furniture like coffee tables with hidden compartments. Home Office Organize papers using filing cabinets or digital solutions. Use desk organizers for frequently used stationery items. Maintenance and Habits Daily Routines Designate a few minutes each day to tidy up. Small, consistent efforts can prevent clutter from building up. Regular Purging Schedule periodic decluttering sessions. Donate or discard items that are no longer needed or used. Labels and Categorization Label storage containers and shelves to make it easier to find items. Categorize items logically for quick access. Emotional Benefits Stress Reduction A tidy and organized home tends to reduce stress and anxiety. Knowing where things are located can provide a sense of calm. Increased Productivity An organized space can enhance productivity and creativity. A clutter-free environment fosters focus and clarity of mind. Conclusion Home organization isn’t ...


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November 15th, 2023

BLOG: DECORATING IDEAS FOR YOUR SMALL SPACE

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Small space decorating ideas can be very valuable in making your home feel more inviting and cozy. As the price of house rises you are getting less space for your dollars, these decorating tips can be a life saver for maximizing your space. 1. Think Multifunctional Using multifunctional furniture like a trundle or murphy bed, ottomans with storage, folding shelves and tables can help with saving space and organization. Yes you may be thinking, some of these items are larger pieces but, using these larger items that have multiple uses can actually help to save space by keeping your home clean and organized. 2. Think Tall When decorating your small space think about optimizing your vertical square footage. Take advantage of your walls and hang photos and artwork to draw the eye up. This will help you to personalize your small space to make it more of a home. Another way to take advantage of vertical real estate is tall walling hanging shelving. Shelving that goes all the way to ceiling will help create the illusion of higher ceilings and larger spaces. This will also help with extra storage to keep things neat and tidy. 3. Think Light and Bright It is no secret that brighter spaces seem larger. Take advantage of natural light to help make your space seem larger and more inviting. Using mirrors to reflect light is a great way to take advantage of your natural light. Same goes for paint colors, lighter and brighter paint colors and themes will help your space seem larger. White is usually the best choice for this with light accent colors all around. Solid clean patterns and lines rather than busy, heavy patters will also help to add that pop of color and create a great focal point making your space seem larger. 4. Think Practical You may have items that you want to keep but do no need on a daily, weekly or even monthly basis. In order to get the most out of your space it is ...


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February 28th, 2023

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