Using reclaimed materials is a great way to make your remodel distinct, environmentally friendly, and even save a little money. Here are some tips for how to use those reclaimed finds.
LUMBER
A wall of salvaged lumber, artfully pieced together, can really stand out in any room. Used boards and beams are great for adding instant character. They can be used as flooring or mantels on fire places or even wainscoting or false beams. You can even put together a whole wall of reclaimed wood or just surround a mounted TV.

Reclaimed Wood Desk

TILE & BRICK
Reclaimed tile and brick are great because they cost a fraction of new. The time-worn quality reclaimed brick are great for patios or walkways or to add an earthiness to a fireplace.

WIRE & FIXTURES
Sometimes it’s that small touch that pulls everything together. Reclaimed fixtures can be used to accent a table or office desk. Wire (such as barbed wire or even just old copper wire) can be cleaned and make a great winding accent on coffee table legs. Just be sure to dull the sharp edges and be very careful while reclaiming and attaching these. Gears and pipes are another great find to add a unique, industrial feel to your furniture.

STORExpress has a lot of great Contractor Units available! These are great places to work and focus. Best of all, you can rent it just for a month! You can work when inspiration strikes or when deadlines loom. No matter your needs, we have a solution for you. Turtle Creek is a great location to work in. Call today 412-351-4444

Now Here’s A Gallery to Inspire You

The post Remodel With Reclaimed Materials appeared first on Pittsburgh Self Storage STORExpress.

SVALDBARD GLOBAL SEED VAULT

Some of us have storage units filled with old furniture, or collectibles, or cars. But what if someone kept seeds in theirs? In the remote Arctic Svaldbard archipelago, about 810 miles from the North Pole, there’s just that. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault has a very specific mission, to store and preserve a variety of plant seeds to insure against the loss of seeds during a global disaster; such as a meteor strike or super volcano eruption. In the meantime, it acts as a backup for various seed banks throughout the world.

And I JUST Paid Off My Student Loans!

Buried deep in the Permafrost, the seed bank is 390 ft inside a sandstone mountain and uses a state-of-the-art security system to protect the seeds packed in specially designed four-ply packets that are heat-sealed. These packets are kept at -18 C (-.4 F) to preserve the seeds.

Illuminated artwork named Perpetual Repercussion by Dyveke Sanne marks the entrance.

The Vault holds 1.5 million distinct seeds (primarily food crops) and could survive for hundreds of years. Some are expected to survive a thousand years.

So the next time you’re at your Unit remember the same idea is being used to insure the human race will have food even after a major global disaster, like Killer Klowns From Outer Space.

Looks Familiar

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It’s time to get ready for the open road, the big sky and the endless line of blacktop that brings you the next horizon. You’ve got your destination, your route, your packing list, but what about your vehicle? Even if your car or truck or RV has been in our storage, it still needs to be checked.

 Checking your vehicle before a road trip (“pre-tripping”) can save you huge hassles and bills on the road.

Here’s a handy list to use when Pre-Tripping your vehicle.

• Check Your Fluids Levels. Top off any that are low or take them in for a change the week prior to leaving.

• Check The Condition of Your Wiper Blades. It’s recommended replace your blades every 6 months but absolutely replace them if they are cracked or torn.

• Check Your Tire Pressure & Their Condition. Look for cracks or punctures and check the depth of the tread.

• Check Your Spare Tire. No, we aren’t talking about your belly. It’s the all-important backup tire that normally is in the trunk.

• Check Your Headlights, Turn Signals, Brake Lights, & Reverse Lights. At the very least this can keep you from a ticket.

• Make Sure You Have A Roadside Emergency Kit. Roadside emergency kits can be a real lifesaver. It should include road flares, jumper cables, a first aid kit, flashlight, tire inflater, gloves, an emergency blanket or poncho, and tools to change your tire. You can buy one of these pre-packed for $25-$50.

• Check Tour Air Conditioning. If you let the air conditioner run for and it doesn’t feel as cold as you remember, recharge your coolant or have it inspected.

Taking the time to check your vehicle (especially if it’s been at rest all winter) can save you from disaster on your trip and help keep everyone happy…at least as happy as can be expected.

The post Don’t Spend Your Vacation On The Side Of The Road appeared first on Pittsburgh Self Storage STORExpress.

Selecting a lock for your unit is almost as important as picking the unit itself. There are a variety of locks out on the market. Here’s a list of some of your options.

Keyless Locks

Keyless locks (as the name suggests) do not have a key, but instead us a number code or dial combination. These are the ones most of us are familiar with from lockers in school.
The Pro: It’s convenient. You will never worry about who has a key, where the key is, or if the key breaks off in the lock.
The Con: A thief could guess your code. They could either listen to the tumblers in the lock, but it doesn’t have to be that skilled. They could just find significant dates on social media and try them until something works.
You could forget your code. There by standing idly by as you pay a locksmith to cut a lock you paid for.
Finally, these locks, by design, are easy to cut with bolt cutters or hack saws. This can be done quickly and leave little to no evidence.

Padlocks

Padlocks, also known as Cylinder Locks, have pins in a cylinder that are moved by a key. These types of locks are usually used for luggage and outdoor sheds.

The Pros: There’s no combination to remember so you won’t find yourself standing there dumbfounded trying to remember when Star Trek premiered (09-08-66).

The Cons: These locks can be opened a variety of ways, a shim, a drill, a hammer, the list goes on and on. Also, they can be easily picked by burglars. You don’t even need an expensive lock-pick kit as there are make-your-own guides online. These are actually the locks that government agents start training with. It’s the easiest lock to pick or just re-keyed without even removing the lock.

Bluetooth Locks

Of course with everything being integrated to our phones, there are even Bluetooth Padlocks available.
The Pros: These are connected to your smartphone through an app that you use to unlock it. Inside its weather poof exterior is a lithium-ion battery and a USB port used for connecting your phone to the lock. You can choose to have your lock open from a tap on your phone, a four-digit code, or a fingerprint. According to one manufacturer, LockSmart, they have the highest Bluetooth security standard with 128-bit advanced encryption. That’s a very high level of encryption and you will never have to remember a key.

The Cons: Security comes at a price. These range from $50.00 to $100.00. That’s a lot for a lock, but worth it for certain people. Another serious drawback is while you may never have to remember a key; you will need your phone! This means if ever you lose your phone; then your lock is one more thing to be corrected to your new phone.

Disc Locks

The Pros: These are your best option for a storage lock. They are made specifically for storage units. Disc locks by design, cannot be cut disc lockswith bolt cutters. The hasp (the U-shaped part of a lock) cannot be reached. Another benefit to a disc lock is that they cannot be broken apart by a hammer…which is very effective on both keyless locks and padlocks. It is also very hard to pick. This lock actually needs to be grinded off, a time consuming and very noisy approach to breaking and entering.

The Cons: Really, the only drawback is that it does require a key. Otherwise, you can rest assured that this lock will help keep things safe.

The post Lots of Locks: A Guide To Locks appeared first on Pittsburgh Self Storage STORExpress.

Moving’s expensive. It’s exhausting. It’s stressful. It really is the stuff of grown-up nightmares. There are so many steps it can be very overwhelming. Packing supplies, movers (be they professional or friends), truck rental, cleaning…it just goes on and on.
STORExpress is here to help with a list for moving on a budget.

1). Research! Research!! Research!!!
Look at your finances and create a budget to see what moving options work for you. There are several ways to do this. There are several moving comparison tools on the web that help you gauge the costs of various moving options such as hiring a full service moving company or using your brothers’ friends.
2). Compare Prices & REVIEWS!
It’s sad to say but there is a lot of vulnerability to the moving process. Scams abound. From overpriced and unsatisfactory movers to truck rental hidden fees. No matter how you plan on moving, be wary of these.
The best way to check is to read online reviews. Sure there will be a bad one or two but you can learn a lot from a company by how they handled that bad day.
3). Declutter Before Packing.
The less stuff you have, the easier and cheaper it is to move.
Start by going through each room and simply looking for what you don’t use. You can move these to another area and over a week see if you use it more than you think. Odds are you’ll actually find more things to add to the pile.
Then go through each room carefully. Go through drawers, cupboards, and shelves. Sort through your closets. Collect any broken or unused items.
You can sell these to help take some of the sting out of moving. You can have a good ol’ yard sale but if you have some time listing them on eBay, Craigslist, or any of the other sell-apps that have come out over the past year. However you chose to sell your items do your research. Look up similar items and see what they are going for. Also, if you’re using an app then look for the fees involved in selling it through them.
4). FREE IS GOOD!
Grocery stores and Wine and Spirit stores are great places for finding boxes and ‘creative’ packing supplies. Start to keep packing materials from your online orders or shoe boxes.
That being said, a free box can cost you plenty. These boxes aren’t meant for moving anything but what they first carried. If you have a heavy, hand blown heirloom vase in a cracker box that is on its last legs, that ‘free’ box might just cost you that family heirloom.
Plan how to best use the supplies you collect. Packing supplies are incredibly useful; the right tools for the job always are. STORExpress is always happy to help you with storage, but we have a great selection of packing supplies, too. Stop in before you move and make sure your Mother-In-Law’s dishes don’t get damaged.

Her Mother Never Thought You Were Good Enough…

5). Reimbursements and Tax Deductions
Some employers reimburse for job-related transitions. This is the third most common reason people moved in recent years. Your employer may not bring this up so check with human resources.
Even if you don’t get a reimbursement, some of the cost may be tax deductible.

6). Self Storage Is Cheaper Than Moving Twice
If you are moving and find yourself in a Gap-Situation, don’t freak out and change all your plans. Sometimes, the place you’re moving to isn’t ready when you have to be out of your previous place. This gap could be as little as 2 weeks or as long as 2 months…or more. It’s a scary and stressful situation.
Once you know how long your Gap will be, make plans for you; for where you and your loved ones can stay and the bare-bones necessities each will need. Next have the same movers you were going to use move your items into a storage unit. We do regularly help people dealing with the dreaded Gap-Move.
What you want to avoid doing is literally moving twice. Sometimes people panic and they rent another place for them and everything while the situation at the new place is being fixed. This makes a lot of sense if you’re not sure how long your Gap will be but if it’s only a month or 2…you could be paying for 2 places for a year. That’s the stuff of grown-up nightmares.

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Welcome to our 448 artist studios! Here, our talented artists create beautiful works of art in the comfort of their own studio. In a time where art is less and less appreciated, these artists truly know how to stand out and showcase their talents. Of course, we at STORExpress work to cheer them on and accommodate any amenities our artists need.

Our 24/7 facilities allow our hardworking artists to access their studios whenever they want; we know inspiration comes at crazy times! Each entrance is also securely locked, and artists can only enter with their personal key.

Each floor of our 448 art studio buildings is equipped with numerous amenities: lounge couches, slop sinks, kitchenettes, and bathrooms. The common areas are the perfect places for artists to relax after long hours of work.

Meet Some of Our Artists!

Alyssa Sineni – writing and metal art

“I appreciate the unique ventilation system STORExpress especially installed for me. It makes my work a lot easier and cleaner.”
.

Alyssa’s office is just one of many unique art studios in our 448 building. Each studio is packed with unique utilities that may include extra outlets, windows, or higher ceilings. Potential renters are able to tour our facility and choose the perfect art studio for their projects.

Bernie Wilke – murals and studio gallery

“I like the community of artists and writers. Everyone always wants to help each other. The facilities are also very clean and well kept, which makes me feel right at home.”

David Weinstein – mosaics and cinematography

“I appreciate the community in this building for support. I’ve made a lot of new friendships with the other artists. I also like that I can access my room at any time.”

Due to the heavy demands for our artist studios, we are opening brand new artist studios at our newest facility in Overbrook in the South Hills. The Overbrook facility will also have similar amenities: lounge couches, slop sinks, kitchenettes, and bathrooms. Please check back soon to see the grand opening at Overbrook!

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Avoid worrying about your home while relaxing on vacation. Follow these 7 steps to make your traveling stress-free!

1. Prevent burglars by making your house look lived-in.
   • Ask your local post office to hold your mail, or ask a neighbor to collect it for you.
   • Put timers on lights by windows. Make sure they are on during afternoons/nights.
   • If you are gone for an extended period of time, ask a neighbor or friend to trim your lawn.
   • Inform your security company that you are going on vacation.
2. Conserve energy.
   • Unplug large electronic devices (televisions, toasters, microwaves, computers, etc.)
   • Limit heating/cooling. If you are leaving in the summer, limit the air conditioner. 85 degrees is usually stable enough protect furniture, plants, and art. If you are leaving in the winter, turn down the furnace but ensure that it is warm enough to prevent water pipes from freezing.
3. Ask neighbors to periodically check your yard and house. Also, give them a house key if you need them to water your plants or feed your pets.
4. Clean your house to avoid long-term messes.
   • Run your garbage disposer with vinegar and some water.
   • Toss out any food in the refrigerator that will expire.
   • Take out the trash, especially in the kitchen where it could release odors.
5. Inform your credit card company that you are traveling. Make sure to give them your exact location and dates of travel, so they can expect any foreign payments.
6. Shut off water lines to washing machines. Flooding can result in thousands of dollars of damage.
7. Check to see if the stove is turned off!

The post Preparing Your Pittsburgh Home Before Vacation appeared first on Pittsburgh Self Storage STORExpress.

© Andreykuzmin | Dreamstime.com – Funny kids boys and girl eating ice cream cone isolated

July is National Ice Cream Month! Celebrate in Pittsburgh!

According to Foursquare and Yelp, these are the top 3 ice cream shops in Pittsburgh:

1. Antney’s Ice Cream – Known for an overwhelming number of different flavors (Italian sweet cheese, key lime pie, sponge candy, red wine, honey cinnamon, baklava…just to name a few), Antney’s Ice Cream impresses everyone with their homemade ice cream, sorbet, and frozen yogurts.
2. Page Dairy Mart – Known for its long history in Pittsburgh and incredible sundaes, Page Dairy Mart brings a sweet stop on East Carson Street.
3. Klavon’s Ice Cream Parlor – Known for its unique 1920’s interior and ice cream imported from the Penn State Creamery, Klavon’s Ice Cream Parlor draws everyone in the Strip District.

If you prefer buying your ice cream from Giant Eagle or make your own, follow these tips to store ice cream properly and keep it in mint condition!

1. Optimize the Temperature
   • Set the temperature of your freezer between -5 degrees and 0 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent freezer burn and soupy ice cream.
2. Keep it TIGHT!
   • Store ice cream in a freezer-safe, airtight container to prevent air from leaking into the ice cream. We recommend Tupperware plastic containers. If you buy your ice cream from a store, try putting it in a large gallon plastic bag and tying it close.
3. Cover Your Ice Cream.
   • Tightly enclose the top of your ice cream with a piece of plastic wrap. This prevents freezer burn and ice crystals.
4. Store ice cream in the BACK of the freezer.
   • Keeping your container too close to the door will expose your ice cream to too much air. If ice cream repeatedly softens and re-freezes, it will eventually turn lumpy and irregular.

The post Ice Cream Storage – July is National Ice Cream Month! appeared first on Pittsburgh Self Storage STORExpress.

The Best Events for Fireworks and Fourth of July Celebrations!

6th Annual Beaver County BOOM! Fireworks Display
WHEN: July 2, 2016 at 9:45 p.m.
WHERE: Bridgewater Park

Center Township
WHEN: July 9-10, 2016 at 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., fireworks at 10 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: Fred Taddeo Municipal Park

Hopewell Township’s Park Fest
WHEN: July 9, 2016 at 4-10 p.m.
WHERE: Hopewell Community Park

New Sewickley Township
WHEN: July 30, 2016 at dusk
WHERE: Green Valley Park

Midland
WHEN: July 2, 3, and 4, 2016

TIME: Fireworks start on July 4 at 10 p.m.
WHERE: Lincoln Park
DETAILS: Carnival all 3 days, Car Cruise Jul. 3 at 6 p.m., July 4 at 10 a.m.

Big Butler Fair
DATE: July 1 – 9
WEBSITE: BigButlerFair.com
MORE: Y108 Freedom Fest

Fireworks
WHEN: July 4^th at Dusk
WHERE: Big Butler Fairgrounds

Cranberry Township
WHEN: July 7, 8, and 9, 2016
FIREWORKS: July 9 at 9:30 p.m.
WHERE: Community Park

Zelienople
Parade
WHEN: July 4, 2016 at 11 a.m.
WHERE: Main Street Zelienople

Fireworks
WHEN: July 4, 2016 at Dusk
WHERE: Zelienople Community Park

Monroeville Community Day

WHEN: July 4, 2016 at 9:00AM

WHERE: Monroeville Mall

Pittsburgh

Heinz Field Celebration

WHEN: July 4, 2016 at 2:00-10:00PM

DETAILS: Free Admission. Musical entertainment begins at 5:00 pm with Gabby Barrett, and then The Stickers at 6:30 pm. Craig Campbell headlines the event when he takes the stage at 8:10 pm, just before the fireworks begin.

Fort Pitt Museum

WHEN: July 4, 2016 at 10AM-5PM

DETAILS: Admission included with regular museum admission. Experience 18th century military music and how it affected military life at Fort Pitt. The flag raising ceremony will begin at 11 a.m.

Flag Folding Ceremony

WHEN: July 4, 2016 at 12:00-12:30PM

WHERE: Senator John Heinz Regional History Center

Point State Park

12:30 p.m.: East End Kids

1:30 p.m.: Alumni Theater Company

2:30 p.m.: Stampede

4 p.m.: Gone South

5:30 p.m.: Reading of the Declaration of Independence

6:30 p.m.: Jimbo & the Soupbones

7 p.m.: Bon Journey (at Rivers Casino)

8 p.m. Gary Racan & Studio E Band: Warriors Rock

9:35 p.m.: Fireworks from Pyrotecnico, choreographed to music that will stream throughout Point State Park for all to enjoy the patriotic celebration.

Carnegie Science Center Fireworks

WHEN: July 4, 2016 at 6:00PM – 11:00PM

DETAILS: Visitors will be able to view “Lewis and Clark” in Rangos Omnimax Theater, see the live shows “High Voltage” and “Fire and Ice” and a patriotic laser show, “Spirit of America,” featuring music by John Fogerty, Garth Brooks and John Mellencamp.

Tickets are limited. Register at 412-237-3400 (then press 7) or www.CarnegieScienceCenter.org.

The post Celebrate the 4th of July in Pittsburgh appeared first on Pittsburgh Self Storage STORExpress.

A place for everything, and everything in its place.

The “Four Box” Method:

Go from room to room, starting at the entrance and hitting every area of the room in a circle. Designate four boxes: “Move,” “Donate/Sell,” “Keep,” and “Throw Away.” Thoroughly go through piles of clutter and organize them into the four boxes. You can even turn cleaning into a game for your kids!

The Closet Hangers Method:

To clean out your closet, reverse all of your hangers so that they are all pointing the same way. After you wear an article of clothing, reverse the hanger again to the proper position. After a year, your closet will give you a visual representation of which clothes you don’t wear and need to toss.

Sometimes you will come across difficult decisions. High school band posters, old mail, unused furniture, etc… These questions should help guide your decision and speed up your cleaning process.

1. Do I love this item?
2. Have I used it in the past year?
3. Is it really garbage?
4. Do I have another one that is better?
5. Should I really keep two?
6. Does it have sentimental value that causes me to love it?

DO NOT:

1. DO NOT let the price of the item factor into your decision. The money has already be spent and cannot be obtained again. We know that brand new mixer was expensive, but if you haven’t taken it out of its package don’t hesitate to give it to a friend or sell it.
2. DO NOT bite off more than you can chew. You will NOT be able to clean your entire house in one day. After multiple hours, you will feel too tired and perform at an inefficient pace.
3. DO NOT constantly check your cell phone. The best way to get into the “cleaning zone” is to give the job your undivided attention for at least 20 minutes. Once you start, you will be motivated to finish your work. Do not get distracted and lose your focus!

The post How to Clean Effectively appeared first on Pittsburgh Self Storage STORExpress.

Factors to Consider

• Humidity
  • The National Archives and Records Administration recommends storing photos in less than 65% relative humidity. High humidity causes mold and ink from multiple photos to stick together.
• Temperature
  • It is best to store pictures in lower temperatures, as high temperatures draw in insects and slowly melt the ink and paper. Also, store photos in a climate controlled area where temperatures do not fluctuate too often.
• Light Intensity
  • Bright, UV and florescent lights fade the ink and pigments on photos. If you want to display a photo in the open, make sure to store a duplicate copy in a darker room.

Choosing the Perfect Container for Photo Storage

Look for containers that are photo safe, acid free, and PVC free. When you store them, don’t use tape or glue.

Source: The Container Store

The post How to Store Your Photos appeared first on Pittsburgh Self Storage STORExpress.

Pets need a LOT of toys and treats; if you don’t organize them properly, they could overflow your house!

Designate a spot by the door for walk-materials: leashes, poop-bags, toys, and treats.

Hide pet food in unused cabinets for easy access.

Reuse Suitcases as Pet Beds

Keep bowls on a larger mat to avoid getting crumbs/water all over the floor.

The post How to Organize Pet Supplies appeared first on Pittsburgh Self Storage STORExpress.

Choose Stable Containers

For long-term storage, it is extremely important to choose a stable and green storage containers. High-quality cardboard boxes will last a long time and are made out of recycled materials. It is also important to reuse and recycle other containers, such as plastic boxes or old mason jars.

Choose Recycled Packing Materials

Recycled packing peanuts are great for fragile items, but avoid newspaper which is not stable enough for long-term storage. Use reusable plastic ties in places of tape. Tape can often ruin your belongings and fall apart, but plastic ties are durable and clean. Moreover, rent moving tools (carts, dollies, straps) instead of purchasing them!

The post Eco-Friendly Storage appeared first on Pittsburgh Self Storage STORExpress.

6 Steps to Prepare Your Car for Long Term Storage

1. Wash and wax the vehicle before placing it in long-term car storage. Use a high coverage wax for the best sealant.
2. Clean the inside of the car. The car should look brand new. Crumbs, trash, and clothes will deteriorate over
   time, and you don’t want that mess in your car.
3. Prevent animals, rodents, and bugs from entering your car by setting the air conditioning to “recirculate.” Also, stuff thick rags into the tailpipe, engine air intake, and fresh air intake.
4. Fill up the gas tank, and add an appropriate amount of gas stabilizer.
5. If you’re parking outside, use a weatherproof car cover. Choose a cover that will not trap moisture and harm the paint.
6. Remove the wiper blades from the windshield to prevent sticking or damaging the glass.

Find outdoor car storage at all 10 STORExpress locations and indoor car storage at Etna, McKees Rocks, and Turtle Creek! For car lovers out there, check out our car club in Etna, perfect for storing your car in the winter. We have electrical outlets, climate controlled rooms, and a club equipped with TV’s, pool tables, and lockers.

The post 6 Steps to Prepare Your Car for Long Term Storage appeared first on Pittsburgh Self Storage STORExpress.

1. Declutter Your Car

This is the most obvious and most time consuming step. First, remove all of the unnecessary clutter in your car. Not only should you clean out any trash in your car, but take out any clutter that has accumulated in your car. There is a fine line between wanting to be prepared for any situation (umbrellas, pens, papers, extra clothes, hand sanitizer) and using your car for extra storage.

2. Organize Your Car Interior

When you are in the car, you want all of your belongings to be easily accessible.

• Get a trash bag. A designated trash bag is cleaner than throwing your trash into cup holders and glove compartments.
• Add utility to your visor. You can find many attachments to your mirror visor. For example, Amazon sells a tissue case that you can slide on!
• Add utility to the back of your seats. You can also find many attachments that fit on the back of your seat. Especially for family cars, this can provide a compact way to store toys, snacks, and necessities in your car.

3. Organize Your Car Trunk

• Add essentials to your trunk. Keep a change of clothes, plastic bags, a flashlight, and a first aid kit.
• Add storage items. Things like a cooler or reusable shopping bags can make grocery shopping much easier.

4. Make a Scheduled Habit to Remove Trash

Choose a less-busy day of the week to routinely search through your car. This search should not take longer than 10 minutes. You should return items back to their place, throw away trash, and possibly vacuum the interior.

The post Cleaner Car in 4 Easy Steps appeared first on STORExpress.

PITTSBURGH – December 2016 – STORExpress is pleased to announce it is teaming up with Toys for Tots to ensure a joy-filled Christmas for hundreds of children.

Toys for Tots donation boxes have been set up at all STORExpress locations. Toy collection will run until December 19^th, 2016. Please join STORExpress and the Marine Corps Reserve in supporting Toys for Tots by bringing a new unwrapped toy to any STORExpress location. Visit www.storexpress.com for locations and office hours.

In addition to setting up donation boxes, STORExpress will also be contributing the use of one of their box trucks to transport donated bicycles to the Toys for Tots warehouse on December 8^th, 2016.

“We are proud to be a Toys for Tots Donation location, and even prouder to be able to provide a means of transport for donated gifts,” says Alana Roberts, assistant manager at STORExpress Brinton. “As the premiere climate controlled self-storage companies in Pittsburgh, STORExpress and their employees are dedicated to providing unique storage solutions to the residents of Pittsburgh. During the holiday season, it is great to be able to make the holiday magical for those less fortunate.”

Donation boxes can be found at the following locations:

Etna/Sharpsburg – 100 Hafner Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15223

Murrysville – 6335 William Penn Highway Export. PA 15632

Braddock Hills – 1555 Brinton Road Pittsburgh, PA 15221

McKees Rocks – 24 Furnace Street Pittsburgh, PA 15136

New Kensington – 196 Coxcomb Hill Road New Kensington, PA 15068

South Side – 200 S. 22^nd Street Pittsburgh, PA 15203

Robinson – 4317 Campbells Run Road Pittsburgh, PA 15205

Turtle Creek – 1210 Airbrake Avenue Turtle Creek, PA 15145

Visit www.storexpress.com for directions and office hours.

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Have you ever gone down to get something to drink at night and been scared by what turned out to be your kids toys? Maybe it’s the looming shadow of a rocking horse. Maybe you step on a Lego block or a light up toy. Maybe you slip on a hover board at the base of the stairs. You can’t live like this! And what if the kids turn out to be Hoarders!? Time to DECLUTTER! This simple process will get your house back from the TOY-NADO that swallows so many homes.

Ask yourself this; How many toys do your kids actually play with every day? If you ask a kid what toy is their favorite, they’ll probably say “All of them!” Rare is the case when a child will get rid of a toy. If you let them decide, you house will look like the Island of Lost Toys in no time.

However, if you watch them, most kids have a favorite toy they play daily. They may run around the house with them or just watch their favorite show with them.

Once you get an idea of their true favorites, you can declutter the rest. Then, you can rotate toys for them, making the old new, again!

At every step, it’s smart to simply put the downgraded toys in an out of the way room, just in case you almost threw out a family heirloom or your child’s version of the Velveteen Rabbit.

1. Timing is everything. A good time to get rid of old toys is after a birthday or holiday because then you make room for all the new toys.

2. Get Prepared. Find out which toys they use first and then start to eliminate the ones that just take up space. This step takes the longest because you have to look at the toys that are most important.

3. Do the Easy Stuff. Throw out broken toys. You should also check for wear and tear that may cause a choking hazard.

4. Ask Questions! Make sure to ask your kids if they play with a particular toy or if they prefer one toy over the other. This way they are a part of the process.

5. Respect their decisions. If kids tell you they don’t want something don’t be the mom that gets caught up on sentimentality of a toy from their 1^st

6. While we all know the attachment a child can have with a toy, you have to meter emotional choices. Keep a toy sentimental toy from Grandparents of important friends; but keep these safe. If there is genuine emotion; it shouldn’t be left out in the yard or covered in chocolate pudding. Keep these safe for when your children are older.

7. Put some toys to the side. You could put some toys to the side for 6 months and then bring them out again. To the kid, it will be like a new toy and Self- storage is a great way to store these toys.

8. Store things Smart. After deciding which toys to keep now is the time to organize which toys go where. By doing this you are having everything in a particular place which keeps the clutter under control.

9. Do what you have to do. At the end of the day don’t feel guilty about decluttering. It makes room for new toys for your kids.

10. THE HAT-TRICK! When you’re young, a piece of plastic can be your best friend. Keep this in mind with children; the world is magical. So, after you have your toys divided, take the ones to KEEP & CONSIDER and any that may be heirlooms to a storage unit. You can use a small 5×5 year round for sports equipment, older toys and clothes, and even hide new presents You can also rotate toys from the unit to give your child a sense of wonder that their toys come and go on their own.

So, with a small 5 x 5 you could declutter your house, keep things safe for the future, & put a smile on your child’s face.

The post Surviving the TOY-NADO! Declutter & Store the Toy Stash! appeared first on STORExpress.

Anyone who has ever lived with another person knows the frustration of living with someone else’s stuff. Boyfriends and their stinky sports gear. Kids with their never-ending piles of toys. Wives and their closets full of clothes and shoes. Many an impressive battle has been fought over the eternal war against stuff.

Clutter has a profound effect on our mood and self esteem. Not only does clutter raise cortisol levels (stress hormones) but living in a cluttered home also makes it difficult to relax, inhibits creativity and productivity, and makes us anxious – all things that can have a negative impact on our relationships.

This Valentines Day, when trips to Paris, diamonds, and fancy meals at 5 star restaurants seem like the perfect way to convey “I Love You,” to your significant other, remember that uncluttering your home could be the most romantic gift of all!

The post Self Storage – The Perfect Valentines Day Gift? appeared first on STORExpress.

For those in the construction industry, renting a self-storage unit is a simple, sensible solution for storing that extra material or equipment. It is all too common for painters, electricians, and plumbers to work out of their vans or trucks without a proper place to store their tools, equipment and materials. It is commonplace for successful contractors to use self-storage units to store such items to help keep overhead low.

Still some contractors opt to store their tools, material, and equipment on-site, which can lead to disaster as this exposes these items to theft, vandalism, and weather damage. Choosing a centrally-located storage unit, close to the building site or project location, helps mitigate these risks while also helping to make transportation of equipment, tools, and material much easier.

Construction Storage solutions that Save Your Business Money

Contractor storage saves our customers money because there are no upfront capital expenses and all utilities (including heat, electric, and wi-fi) are included. Typical leases at competing facilities force customers to sign binding agreements for five years – and utilities must be paid separately to boot! With no long term contracts to worry about, contractor storage units from STORExpress can save hardworking construction workers the money they need to get the job done on budget.

Contractor Storage Amenities

STORExpress self-storage facilities that offer contractor storage (Turtle Creek, Etna, and McKees Rocks) offer wide aisles and drive-up storage units to enable quickly loading times for equipment, tools, and materials. Accessibility is critical – if a storage unit is inaccessible it will cost the contractor valuable time and energy. Luckily for contractors who work with STORExpress, they have the option at each of our three contractor storage facilities to utilize drive-up accessible storage units. Loading docks are available for some units making accessibility even easier for larger items.

Climate Control for Construction Storage

For contractors working in hot, humid environments a climate controlled storage unit is a great investment to help mitigate the risk of damage to tools and equipment. Humidity can cause tools to rust and heat can impact electronic equipment. While climate controlled storage units are no guarantee against damage, such units are a wise preventative measure for contractors looking to get the most out of their units.

Convenient Self Storage for Contractors

Convenience is another amenity worth seeking out – no contractor wants lost time on the job. Computerized gate access allows all different types of contractors, from electricians to plumbers, to pick up tools early in the morning before the work day starts on the job site. For even added convenience, some storage facilities accept deliveries of building materials, allowing contractors to continue working. It is a great feeling to be able to continue working – not having to worry and wait for the supplies to be delivered off-site.

Security Amenities

From a contractor’s perspective, it is nice to be able to focus on the job and not worry about the security of your materials and equipment. Security amenities to look for include:

• Video surveillance
• Keypad entry
• Good lighting
• On-site manager

Construction Equipment Storage Tips

A few basic tool storage tips can help keep construction equipment and tools in good working condition. Store small contractor tools in plastic bins inside a self-storage unit – the plastic bins will help protect the tools from dirt, dust and other impediments that may cause damage. The real beauty of plastic bins is that they are both easy to stack and easy to transport, not to mention the organization benefit they provide! Label the boxes appropriately so that you and your team can find tools quickly and easily when you need to.

STORExpress offers a wide variety of contractor storage solutions at three of our Pittsburgh-area locations – Turtle Creek, Etna, McKees Rocks. Whether the job is big or small, we have a self-storage solution that is just right for you. Larger units are perfect for material and equipment storage while small units work well for tools. If you are a contractor, it is time to declutter that work van! Call or stop by to learn how STORExpress can help you store those extra tools, that extra equipment or material today.

The post Contractor Storage: Store Equipment & More appeared first on STORExpress.

$20 for Referring a Friend is Great.   

$100 is Even Better.

Announcing the new Referral Rewards Program at STORExpress!

Now, get rewarded even more when you refer friends and family to STOREXpress.

Refer 1 -3 People: Receive $50 cash or a $75 gift certificate for each person you refer who rents with STORExpress.

Refer 4 – 9 People: Receive $75 cash or a $100 gift certificate for each person you refer who rents with STORExpress.

Refer 10+ People: Receive $100 cash or $125 gift certificate for each person you refer who rents with STORExpress.

There is no limit on how much you can earn!

The post Refer More. Get More. Introducing Our New Referral Rewards Program! appeared first on STORExpress.