Blogs

The Post-Holiday Pack-Up: How to Properly Store Your Seasonal Decorations

Self Storage Tips

The holidays have come and gone, and the last of the festive cheer has been packed away. For many, this annual ritual involves shoving tangled lights and fragile ornaments into old cardboard boxes and hoping for the best. But a little strategic planning during the pack-up can save you time, money, and heartache next year.Properly storing your decorations not only protects your investment but also frees up valuable space in your home. It’s also a massive head start if you're planning to sell or move in the spring. Here’s how to do it right. 1. Ditch the Cardboard, Go for Plastic Cardboard boxes break down over time and are susceptible to moisture and pests. Invest in sturdy, clear plastic bins with latching lids. They are easy to stack, protect the contents from dust and dampness, and let you see what's inside at a glance. 2. Give Ornaments Their Own Space Don't just wrap fragile ornaments in newspaper and toss them in a box. Use specially designed ornament storage boxes with cardboard dividers. This prevents your delicate, often sentimental, ornaments from scratching, chipping, or breaking during storage. 3. Protect Your Wreaths and Artificial Tree Wreaths can be crushed if stored improperly. Use a hard-shell wreath box to maintain its shape. For your artificial tree, ditch the battered original box and invest in a zippered tree storage bag. This makes it easier to transport and protects it from dust and pests far more effectively. 4. Choose the Right Environment (This is Key!) Where you store your decorations matters most. Attics and basements are the worst offenders, as their extreme heat, cold, and humidity can wreak havoc: Heat can warp plastic items and degrade delicate fabrics. Cold can make plastics brittle and cause cracking. Humidity is the biggest enemy, leading to mold, mildew, and musty smells. The ideal solution is a small, climate-controlled storage unit. It provides a stable, dry environment that guarantees your decorations will come out looking as good as they did when you put them away. Plus, it frees up precious closet ...

Norm Kotoch
January 20th, 2026

New Year, New Space: Your Guide to Decluttering for a Fresh Start

Self Storage Tips

The start of a new year brings a powerful desire for a fresh start. We set goals, make plans, and look for ways to improve our lives. For many, that fresh start begins at home. Clearing out the clutter is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress, reclaim your space, and prepare for the year ahead—especially if that year includes a move.Whether you’re planning to sell your home this spring or simply want a more organized living environment, a proactive decluttering plan is key. Here’s a simple guide to getting started. 1. Tackle the Closets First The easiest and most rewarding place to begin is with your clothing. Go through your closets and create three piles: Keep, Donate, and Store. The "Store" pile is for seasonal items. Packing away bulky winter coats, sweaters, and boots in the spring (and vice-versa in the fall) can double your usable closet space. To protect fabrics from moisture and pests, a small, climate-controlled storage unit is the perfect solution for your off-season wardrobe. 2. Reclaim Your Garage and Basement These areas often become dumping grounds for items that don't have a dedicated home: old furniture, sports equipment, holiday decorations, and tools. Be ruthless. If you haven't used an item in over a year, ask yourself if you truly need it. For large, bulky items you want to keep but don't use daily (like patio furniture, kayaks, or project equipment), a storage unit is your best friend. This not only clears floor space but also protects your valuables in a secure, stable environment. 3. Create a "Memory Box" System The hardest items to part with are often the most sentimental. Instead of letting photos, children's artwork, and family heirlooms take over your living space, create a dedicated system. Use acid-free boxes to protect important documents and photographs. For irreplaceable items, a secure, climate-controlled unit acts like a personal vault, protecting your cherished memories from the temperature and humidity swings that can cause damage in an attic or basement. 4. The ...

Norm Kotoch
January 14th, 2026

Your First New Year's Resolution: Get Your Wine Collection in Order

Wine Storage

As the year draws to a close, we naturally start thinking about the future. We make resolutions to get organized, invest smarter, and make more time for the things we enjoy. For the wine collector, there’s one resolution that accomplishes all three of these goals: finally getting your collection properly organized in a professional space. After the whirlwind of holiday gifting and gatherings, your collection may be bigger, but it's also likely more disorganized than ever. Bottles are temporarily stored on counters, in cupboards, or in the back of a closet. Now is the perfect time to make a change. Here’s why organizing your collection should be the first resolution you check off your list for the new year. 1. It’s a Resolution to Protect Your Investments A disorganized collection is an unprotected one. Bottles tucked away in various spots around the house are vulnerable to the elements that can ruin wine: light, vibration, and—most critically—unstable temperatures and humidity. A single heatwave or dry winter spell can damage years of patience and investment. Making the move to a climate-controlled wine cellar is a powerful financial resolution. It ensures every bottle is stored at a consistent 55°F and 60-70% humidity, safeguarding its value and allowing it to mature gracefully. With added layers of security like individual alarms and 24/7 surveillance, you’re not just organizing; you’re securing your assets for the future. 2. It’s a Resolution to Rediscover and Enjoy What You Have One of the greatest joys of organizing your collection in a private locker is the process of rediscovery. You’ll unearth forgotten gems, see exactly what you have, and be able to plan for the future. Take Inventory: Finally create that master list of your bottles. Find Hidden Treasures: Rediscover that special vintage you bought years ago and forgot about. Plan Ahead: See which wines are ready to drink now and which need more time to age. A well-organized cellar transforms your collection from a random assortment into a curated library, making it easier and more enjoyable to select the ...

Norm Kotoch
December 2nd, 2025

The Collector's Sanctuary: Why a Private Locker is the Ultimate Holiday Upgrade

Wine Storage

December is a month of celebration, filled with the popping of corks and the sharing of special vintages with friends and family. For the true connoisseur, it’s the season when a passion for fine wine or premium cigars is at its peak. But as the festivities wind down, the question remains: how do you protect the valuable bottles and prized cigars that mark these cherished moments? The answer lies in elevating your storage from a simple necessity to a personal sanctuary. A private, climate-controlled locker isn't just a place to put things; it's an upgrade to your entire collecting experience, offering peace of mind, organization, and the perfect environment for your passions to mature. 1. The Gift of Total Peace of Mind A collection represents a significant investment of both money and time. Storing it at home, even with the best intentions, comes with a constant, low-level worry. Is the basement too damp? Did the power go out and reset the wine fridge? A professional cellar removes all doubt. Our state-of-the-art facility is a fortress designed for preservation. We provide: Unwavering Climate Control: A consistent 55°F and 60-70% humidity, monitored 24/7 and supported by a backup generator to ensure conditions never falter. Fortress-Level Security: Your collection is protected by individual alarms on each locker, secure access controls, and comprehensive DVR surveillance. This level of security allows you to enjoy your hobby without anxiety, knowing your investments are completely safe. 2. The Transition from Hobbyist to Curator A private locker does more than just hold your bottles; it transforms your relationship with your collection. When your wine is scattered in various places at home, it’s a hobby. When it is organized in a dedicated, professional space, you become a curator. Your personal locker allows you to: Organize Your Collection: Arrange your bottles by region, varietal, or age, making it easy to see what you have and select the perfect bottle for any occasion. Track Maturation: You can confidently let your wines age, knowing they are in the perfect environment to reach their peak ...

Norm Kotoch
December 2nd, 2025

Your Holiday Wine Collection is Here. Now What?

The holiday season is a joyous time for wine lovers. The wrapping paper has been cleared, the guests have departed, and you’re left with the wonderful aftermath: a beautiful lineup of gifted bottles, special vintages you purchased for celebrations, and the exciting potential they all hold. But as you admire your new collection, a practical question emerges: where do you safely store it all? Those valuable bottles sitting on the kitchen counter or temporarily squeezed into a wine rack are on the clock. Light, temperature swings, and improper humidity are silent assassins of fine wine. Before your new treasures lose their potential, it's time to move them from a temporary spot to a permanent, protective home. The Dangers Lurking in Plain Sight: Why Home Storage Fails Even the most well-intentioned home storage methods contain hidden dangers that can ruin a wine's character and value. The Kitchen: This is the most dangerous room in the house for wine. Constant exposure to natural and artificial light degrades delicate flavor compounds. Heat from the oven and daily temperature fluctuations can "cook" a wine, leaving it flat and lifeless. A Standard Refrigerator: While cold, a kitchen fridge is a poor choice for long-term storage. It's far too cold, which can stunt a wine's aging process, and the motor's constant, subtle vibrations can disturb the sediment and harm the wine's texture over time. The dry environment can also shrink the cork. The Basement: A basement might seem like a natural cellar, but an unfinished Ohio basement is often too damp and its temperature is rarely stable. The swing from a cool spring to a humid summer can cause mold to grow on labels and corks, or cause the cork to expand and contract, allowing oxygen to seep in and spoil the wine. The Gold Standard: What Your Investment Deserves To protect your investment and allow your wine to mature into the masterpiece the winemaker intended, you must provide an environment built on three non-negotiable pillars: Rock-Solid Temperature and Humidity: The universally accepted gold standard ...

Norm Kotoch
November 17th, 2025

The Perfect Pairing: Why a Wine Locker is the Ultimate Holiday Gift

Wine Storage

As the holiday season draws near, the annual search for a truly memorable gift begins. For the person in your life who cherishes a fine wine or a premium cigar, it’s tempting to buy another bottle or a new accessory. While always appreciated, these gifts are fleeting. But what if you could give something more? A gift that elevates their passion, protects their investments, and provides a level of professional care they can’t achieve at home? This year, think beyond the bottle and give the most sophisticated and thoughtful gift for any collector: a private, climate-controlled wine locker. It Solves a Problem They Didn't Know How to Fix Every collector, whether they admit it or not, faces the same challenges. The wine fridge is full, the basement temperature fluctuates, and valuable bottles are precariously tucked away in closets. A growing collection quickly becomes a source of low-grade anxiety. A private wine locker is the elegant solution. It shows you’ve not only recognized their passion but have also provided the professional answer to their biggest logistical hurdle. It’s a gift that removes a worry they didn't know how to articulate. It’s a Guarantee of Perfect Preservation A fine wine or hand-rolled cigar is a living, breathing product. Its character, flavor, and value are entirely dependent on its environment. Gifting a wine locker is gifting the promise of perfection. For the Wine Lover: Our specialized wine cellar is a vault built on the three pillars of preservation. It maintains a consistent, cellar-perfect temperature of 55°F to prevent "cooked" flavors, humidity levels of 60-70% to keep corks supple and prevent oxidation, and total darkness to shield against the damaging effects of UV light. For the Cigar Aficionado: These exact same conditions are the gold standard for long-term cigar storage. The stable temperature and humidity preserve the essential oils in the tobacco, ensuring every cigar delivers a rich, flavorful experience as intended. It prevents wrappers from cracking and protects their investment from mold or drying out. It Offers Unmatched Security and Peace of ...

Norm Kotoch
November 17th, 2025

Reclaim Your Garage This Winter: A Guide to Storing Your Seasonal Vehicle

Specialty Storage

For many homeowners in Northeast Ohio, the two-car garage is a hub of daily activity. It’s the place you escape the freezing rain, unload groceries, and keep your daily-driver safe from the elements. But when you also own a seasonal vehicle - a classic car, a summer convertible, or a weekend project - that spacious garage can quickly become a game of musical cars. Every time you need to leave, it’s the "winter shuffle": pull one car out to let the other one out, then pull it back in. Your prized vehicle becomes a bulky obstacle, and your daily drivers are often left out in the cold. This winter, it's time to reclaim your garage for what you need most: daily convenience and protection. Storing your seasonal vehicle professionally is the key. 1. Prioritize Your Daily Driver Winter in Ohio is harsh. Freezing temperatures, ice, and road salt can do a number on your primary vehicle. The single most important benefit of a garage in winter is protecting the car you rely on every day. By moving your seasonal vehicle to a secure storage facility, you guarantee yourself: A frost-free start on icy mornings. Protection from snow, sleet, and freezing rain. A shield from corrosive road salt that can cause rust and damage. The simple convenience of getting in and out of your car in a sheltered space. Your garage should make your daily life easier, not more complicated. 2. Give Your Seasonal Vehicle Superior Protection While a home garage is better than the driveway, it isn’t a perfect environment for long-term storage. It’s subject to temperature swings, humidity, and the risk of accidental dings from lawnmowers, bicycles, or car doors. A professional storage facility offers a higher level of care. At Security Self-Storage VII, our indoor and covered parking options provide a stable, dedicated space away from daily traffic. This protects your vehicle’s finish, tires, and mechanical components from the conditions that can cause slow deterioration over the winter months. 3. Prepare Your Vehicle for its Winter Hibernation Properly preparing your car for ...

Norm Kotoch
October 3rd, 2025

The Ultimate Checklist for Winter Motorcycle Storage

Specialty Storage

For every motorcycle rider in Northeast Ohio, the arrival of autumn brings a mix of emotions. While we soak up the last of the crisp, beautiful riding days, we know winter is just around the corner. Storing your motorcycle properly isn't just about throwing a cover on it; it's a crucial process that protects your investment and ensures a trouble-free start to next year's riding season. Improper storage can lead to a dead battery, gummed-up fuel lines, rust, and other costly repairs. Follow this ultimate checklist to winterize your bike correctly and give yourself peace of mind all winter long. 1. Choose the Right Location Before you do anything else, decide where your bike will live for the next few months. A cold, damp garage or shed exposes your motorcycle to extreme temperature swings and humidity, which can accelerate rust and degrade components. The ideal location is dry, secure, and maintains a stable temperature. A climate-controlled storage unit at a facility like Security Self-Storage VII is the perfect solution, protecting your bike from the very conditions that cause winter damage. 2. Give Your Bike a Thorough Wash and Wax Give your motorcycle one last deep clean. Bugs, dirt, and road grime can contain acidic substances that will eat away at your paint and chrome if left to sit for months. After washing and drying it completely, apply a quality coat of wax to the painted surfaces and a metal protectant to any chrome to create a protective barrier against moisture. 3. Stabilize the Fuel System Modern gasoline can go stale in just a few months, leaving behind gummy deposits that clog fuel lines and carburetors. To prevent this, fill your tank about 95% full (leaving a little room for expansion) and add the appropriate amount of a quality fuel stabilizer. Run the engine for 5-10 minutes to ensure the stabilized fuel circulates through the entire system. 4. Tend to the Battery A battery can lose its charge over a long, cold winter, which can shorten its lifespan or kill ...

Norm Kotoch
October 3rd, 2025

4 Ways Self-Storage Helps You Sell Your Home This Fall

Moving Tips

Selling your home is a significant undertaking, and while spring often gets the spotlight, the fall market is full of serious, motivated buyers. To capture their attention, your home needs to look its absolute best. This means creating a warm, inviting, and spacious environment. The secret to achieving that perfect autumn showing? Decluttering and smart staging. Juggling seasonal items, personal belongings, and excess furniture can feel overwhelming. That’s where a self-storage unit becomes your most valuable tool. Here are four ways using self-storage can streamline your selling process and help you close the deal this fall. 1. Create an Unforgettable First Impression When a potential buyer pulls up, the exterior of your home sets the first—and most critical—impression. In the fall, this means showcasing a tidy, well-maintained yard. Storing bulky summer and spring items is the fastest way to create a clean, spacious look. A self-storage unit is the perfect off-site solution for: Patio furniture and umbrellas Grills and outdoor cooking equipment Lawnmowers, garden tools, and empty planters Pool supplies and children's outdoor toys By clearing these items, you allow buyers to see the full potential of your outdoor space and envision themselves enjoying a crisp autumn evening there. 2. Master the Art of Seasonal Staging Fall is all about creating a cozy atmosphere. However, "cozy" should never mean "cramped." To successfully stage your interior, you need to strike a balance. This often means temporarily removing items to make rooms feel larger and more open. Use a climate-controlled storage unit from Security Self-Storage VII to protect your sensitive belongings while you stage. You can safely store: Excess Furniture: That oversized armchair or extra bookcase can make a living room feel small. Store it to open up the floor plan. Personal Décor: Depersonalizing is key. Store family photos, collections, and bold artwork so buyers can mentally move their own things in. Off-Season Clothing: Free up valuable closet space by storing your summer wardrobe, making closets look spacious and organized. With your items safely stored, you can add simple, elegant fall touches—like a bowl of apples or a ...

Norm Kotoch
September 17th, 2025

4 Summer Items You Should Store Professionally This Fall

Self Storage Tips

As the crisp autumn air settles over Northeast Ohio, the season of backyard barbecues, lake days, and weekend road trips comes to a close. Now comes the annual task of packing away summer. While it’s tempting to stuff everything back into the garage or basement, these spaces often lack the security and stable environment needed to protect your valuable equipment. Overcrowded garages lead to clutter, accidental damage, and leave your primary vehicles out in the cold. This year, reclaim your space and give your summer gear the protection it deserves. Here are four key summer items that benefit from professional self-storage. 1. Boats, RVs, and Classic Cars Your recreational vehicles are significant investments. Leaving them exposed to the harsh Ohio winter—with its snow, ice, and salt—can lead to rust, cracked tires, and engine damage. Even a simple garage doesn't always offer enough space or protection. The Solution: Secure vehicle storage is essential. At Security Self-Storage VII in Solon, we offer indoor and covered parking designed specifically for boats, RVs, and classic cars. Our facility shields your vehicles from the elements, and with features like 24/7 DVR surveillance and a secure perimeter, you can rest easy knowing your prized possession is safe all winter long. 2. Patio Furniture and High-End Grills Outdoor living sets and sophisticated grills can be expensive. Constant exposure to moisture, freezing temperatures, and thawing cycles will warp wooden furniture, rust metal frames, crack plastic, and damage the delicate components of your grill. Simply throwing a tarp over them isn't enough to prevent damage from moisture and pests. The Solution: A clean, dry self-storage unit is the perfect home for your outdoor gear. A 5x10 or 10x10 unit provides ample space to store your patio set, cushions, umbrellas, and grill. This not only protects them but also frees up significant space on your patio or in your garage for the fall and winter months. 3. Lawn and Garden Equipment Lawnmowers, trimmers, and other garden tools contain fuel and oil that can degrade over the winter. They also ...

Norm Kotoch
September 1st, 2025