Making a Safer Home by Renting a Self-Storage Unit

Have you ever considered the safety of your home? As belongings stack up, they can become safety hazards by blocking exits and more. Moving unused items into a storage unit can be an effective way to prevent fire, mold growth, and injuries. Clifton Rt. 46 Self Storage offers rental self-storage units for people around Clifton, New Jersey. Here, we discuss self-storage safety, including the dangers presented by clutter and how renting a unit can help you keep your home safe.

The Dangers of Clutter

It’s easy to grow attached to knickknacks, family heirlooms, and sentimental holiday items. As things pile up around your house, however, your health and safety may be impacted. Some of the dangers presented by accumulated items around your home include:

Fire Hazards

You may not realize it, but too much stuff can be a fire hazard. If papers and boxes stack up near heat sources, they run the risk of igniting. Clutter also creates plenty of combustible material to help fire spread faster. If an emergency does occur, messy floors and stacked items may block your exit routes – making evacuation more difficult and dangerous.

Mold Formation

Overcrowded homes are also at risk of mold. When you cram items too closely together, you limit the airflow around them. If these items get wet, they can’t dry out effectively. This creates damp, dark corners where mold may form. Mold isn’t just gross—many species are also allergenic or toxic, putting your family at risk of sickness.

Endangering Kids

If you’re a parent, you may understand the importance of “kid-proofing” your home. Too many belongings can make this difficult. Small items left on tables, for example, may become choking hazards. Electronics left plugged in may cause electrocution. Kids may be tempted to climb on stacked boxes, potentially upsetting the pile and getting hurt.

Senior Safety Risks

Children aren’t the only family members who need special safety precautions. Clutter may be a hazard to seniors as well. For older individuals who struggle with mobility, items left on the floor can be a tripping risk. They may also struggle to navigate narrow pathways between furniture and other stuff. Home will feel less comfortable and have a higher risk of injury.

Increased Stress

Finally, studies have shown a relationship between cluttered environments and mental health. If your home is too crowded, it may contribute to feelings of stress, fatigue, and depression. These lead to poor sleep and unhealthy dietary habits, thus creating an overall decline in physical health. The importance of mental health should not be underestimated, so it’s important to reduce clutter to benefit your overall well-being.

Create a Safer Home with a Storage Unit

Maintaining a clutter-free home can help you mitigate all of these risks. One way to manage this is to rent a storage unit. Rental units enable you to store items outside of your home, especially things you don’t regularly use, such as:

• Holiday decorations
• Family mementos
• Spare furniture
• Backup mini appliances
• Documents and records
• Seasonal clothes

While you don’t need them, these items can be kept away from where they may become a fire or tripping hazard. Your home will be cleaner, safer, and more spacious. In the meantime, you won’t need to discard valuable belongings. They’ll be secure and available for when you next want them.

Learn More Self-Storage Safety Tips

A cluttered home is an unsafe home. Reduce hazards by renting a storage unit at Clifton Rt. 46 Self Storage, a family-owned business. Our facility is located in Clifton, NJ, and is easily accessible from Route 46. With a large number of drive-up units, we can easily meet your storage needs. Contact us to learn more about self-storage safety or to start renting today.

Cardboard or Plastic: Determining Your Need for Boxes in Your Unit

If you’re going to store large quantities of items in a storage unit, you likely need boxes to put them in. This raises the question: which kind is best? Plastic and cardboard receptacles each offer unique advantages, making them best suited for different applications. Clifton Rt. 46 Self Storage, located in Clifton, New Jersey, lets you rent storage units to keep your belongings secure. Here, Clifton Rt. 46 Self Storage compares the two materials to help you choose the right storage boxes for your needs.

Cardboard Boxes

Cardboard is often used in household storage. Whether you’re using shoeboxes, mail delivery packages, or have purchased bulk boxes from a local store, these boxes are easy to find and use. Though the softer construction can be flimsy, it still has its advantages, including:

• Cost-effectiveness: Cardboard containers are far less costly than plastic. They can be purchased in bulk, and you may even find some for free.
• Space efficiency: Cardboard walls are thin and can be folded flat for compact storage when not in use. Most don’t have handles that may take up extra space.
• Environmental impact: Since cardboard is made of paper, it’s recyclable and biodegradable. This reduces waste when disposing of damaged or unwanted containers.
• Versatility: With a wide variety of sizes available, easy stacking, and collapsible construction, cardboard grants flexibility to store things how you want to.

When to Use Cardboard

When it comes to temporary storage, cardboard can’t be beat. The cheap and recyclable material makes it easy to acquire and then dispose of. In addition, flexible sizing can comfortably fit all kinds of items. They can then be stacked for compact and space-efficient storage. This makes cardboard excellent for large-scale storage on a budget.

Plastic Boxes

Though cardboard boxes are a popular choice for storage, plastic bins are another common pick. These are most often made of sturdy polypropylene or polyethylene, with high-quality options lasting for years. Many include detachable lids, and some are stackable. Their rugged construction offers the following benefits:

• Longevity: Plastic is sturdy and resilient against moisture and mold, easily defeating cardboard in terms of durability and length of use.
• Strength: Not only is plastic more durable, but it’s also far stronger than cardboard. This makes plastic bins better suited for carrying and storing heavier items without collapsing.
• Moisture protection: Plastic is often waterproof, so it provides an effective barrier against moisture. Some boxes are even designed to create a watertight seal.
• Aesthetics: Though visual appeal may not be your priority for storage containers, plastic often looks better. Transparent designs also make it easy to locate items.

When to Use Plastic

The superior durability of plastic is best for long-term storage where longevity is a plus. This type of box can be opened and closed repeatedly without taking much wear and tear, which is great for items you’ll want to access regularly. The extra strength can safely store heavy items and provide water-resistant protection for valuables. Finally, the attractive appearance makes these boxes ideal for things that might sometimes be stored in living areas – for example, holiday items that you’ll take home every year.

Find Out More about Storage Boxes

When choosing containers for your belongings, there is no right answer. Your ideal solution will depend on your needs and priorities. Clifton Rt. 46 Self Storage offers secure units to house them all. Our large facility is located in Clifton, NJ, and is easy to access using our downloadable app. Contact us for more information on rental rates, booking a site tour, or advice on storage boxes.