Blogs

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

3 Ways to Preserve Artwork in a Self-Storage Unit

Specialty Storage


Specialty Storage Whether you’re a gallery owner with rooms of pieces to show or a casual collector, proper art preservation is key to keeping works on hand for years to come. As you switch out gallery pieces, or give your décor a new and different look, seek a storage solution for items that aren’t currently needed.  Below, we highlight a few ways to prevent damage, and ensure your art collection’s ability to retain or gain value over time. 1. Keep It Packaged and Protected Similar to almost anything else you want to store, first assess the piece’s current state of cleanliness and give it a dust. Ensure it’s completely free of debris, which can only worsen in state or cause unintended residue over time. Next, think about how your artwork was packaged when you brought it home or when it was delivered to your gallery. This will help determine how to best package your art for storage. Additionally, protect edges with cardboard, and consider an investment in acid-free paper to place on both sides of the art piece. Acid-free paper’s make up is built to protect important documents and artwork during long-term storage. Layer front and back with one sheet of acid-free paper and a few layers of cardboard to prevent direct damage or bending, before placing into a cardboard box. 2. Select Climate-Controlled Art requires specific temperature and humidity levels to maintain proper preservation. This will often be around 50% humidity and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, but may vary based on the material type and specific needs of your piece. Make a list of the various elements and materials that make up your artwork prior to selection of a storage unit. Discuss with the facility manager what your best option for storage will be based on this list. 3. Store It Upright and Give it Room Once the item is safely secured to store, you’ve selected an appropriate self-storage solution and transported the item from its former home to its long-term residence, you will need to pay attention to its placement among other items in your unit. While storing your artwork with other items is ...


Norm Kotoch
March 24th, 2025

Boat Storage Tips: 15 To-Dos Before Summer Ends

Specialty Storage


Specialty Storage Indoor storage is ideal for boat owners who want to protect their investment. With an indoor vehicle storage unit, both the temperature and humidity are set, preventing freezing and excess moisture accumulation on your boat. Without proper preparation, however, interior or exterior parts may become damaged—even indoors. To prevent disappointment and extra work next boating season, keep our list of 15 must-dos handy when prepping your boat for indoor storage. Prep Inside & Out The work you put in now can save you time and money next season. Consider the following to help get your boat ready for storage. You will thank yourself later. Research indoor storage facilities. Consider options that work best with your location and provide convenient waterway access. Have your boat mechanically serviced by a professional to check the cooling system, fresh water lines and fuel tanks. Remove the battery and store it outside of the boat. Repair any exterior dings or cracks. Update your vehicle’s license and insurance information. Some storage facilities require these items before storing. Clean & Protect Finish the season by giving your boat some well-deserved TLC. Being up close and personal with your boat will also let you examine any damages that may have occurred this season, so you don’t have surprises later on. Wash and wax your boat’s exterior after your last summer ride. Remove cushions and other items that could be damp and cause mildew. Clean as needed, and store outside of the vehicle. Clean interior carpets and floors. Use a marine protectant specific to boat vinyl to preserve the upholstery. Ensure your bilge spaces (lower compartments) are clean and free of oil. Maintain for Longevity Regularly maintained boats last longer. Incorporate the following five steps into your regular maintenance routine at summer’s end. Properly support the hull when storing indoors to prevent physical cracking or engine misalignment. Test all electronics and replace as needed. Grease all bearings and prep any unprotected metal parts with an anti-corrosion spray. Change the oil twice a year—once before storing your boat, and once after taking it out. Cover the boat with a well-made, ...


Norm Kotoch
August 16th, 2019

How You Could Benefit from a Small Self-Storage Unit

Specialty Storage


Specialty Storage Self-storage units come in a variety of sizes to accommodate diverse business and personal needs. On the smaller end, self-storage units are comparable to the size of walk-in closets. Specifically, 5x5 and 5x10 units provide ample space for individuals who don’t have room to store smaller household items or seasonal knickknacks, but don’t require a larger unit.  Below are several ways homeowners, students, renters and businesses can benefit from storing their belongings in a small storage unit. Self-Storage for Homeowners Small items can create clutter in your house, which is why many homeowners store their belongings in garages, attics and basements when items are not in use.  These spots however, are more prone to temperature fluctuations, causing flooding and humidity, which could easily damage your belongings. While some weather-resistant items may be able to withstand these conditions, homeowners can preserve valuable items and reduce clutter by utilizing a small, climate-controlled storage unit.  A 5x5 self-storage unit can provide enough space to accommodate belongings, such as: Holiday decorations. String lights, wreaths or other items. Home goods. Extra placemats, dishes and silverware. Kitchen appliances. Small appliances, such as espresso machines or blenders. Seasonal clothing. Sweaters, coats, bathing suits and shorts, depending on the season. A 5x10 unit would be more suitable for slightly larger items, such as seasonal equipment and small furniture. Homeowners should utilize a 5x10 unit to store: Couches or futons. Kitchen table and chairs. Lawnmowers. Snow blowers. Self-Storage for College Students Transporting possessions to and from school can be a hassle, especially if you live far away. Students can avoid costly and time-consuming moves by utilizing a small self-storage unit to safeguard items during breaks, such as: Desk lamps. Mattress and bedding. School supplies and textbooks (e.g., binders and folders). Small appliances (e.g., coffee maker, mini fridge and televisions). Students who live on-campus may only need a 5x5 storage unit, which provides enough space to store boxes, a desk and a chair. For students living off-campus or those who have more to store, consider a 5x10 unit. These larger units can accommodate bulkier items like a mattress or a full-size ...


Norm Kotoch
July 12th, 2019

5 Steps to Store Computers and Other Electronics

Specialty Storage


Specialty Storage Electronics are sensitive items. With many individual parts and pieces, these dynamic devices require special care when it comes to storage. Temperature and humidity, in particular, can impact the future health and functionality of these items.  Below, we provide five steps to get your electronic items prepped, ready for long-term storage and into the right conditions. 1. Back Up Electronic Data Prior to storage, back up all electronic devices to a server or external hard-drive to save data. You’ll want to have this data readily available should you need to quickly reference it or should an unfortunate occurrence happen to your item in storage. A minor misstep could leave you without a device and without all of the information that device contains. In the case of computers, this could mean treasured family photos, videos or music. Take the extra time now to avoid regret later. 2. Separate Parts and Pieces Many electronics contain a variety of pieces, both as part of the main device as well as complimentary components. Before storing, pull pieces apart and store individually. Keep plugs separate—you won’t be storing items plugged in. Remove any DVDs, CDs, game cartridges or tapes, and keep them apart to avoid items getting stuck in drives or damaged over time. Consider labeling individual parts in storage bins or boxes for easy access for when you need them again. 3. Give Pieces a Thorough Clean (Including an Air Bath) As with any item you’re preparing for storage, give the item a thorough clean before you store away. In the case of electronics, consider airing out your items with a compressed air duster, which can be found at any office store.  These dusters blow a thin stream of air into hard-to-clean places to clear out dust and debris that can accumulate in electronic ports and fans. 4. Cover Monitors, Screens and More Cover devices in cotton, canvas, cardboard or other materials that store well and can collect dust accumulation instead of your item. If you have original packing materials, consider placing your devices in those. Avoid wrapping items in plastic, as this material ...


Norm Kotoch
January 14th, 2019

5 Ways To Store Summer Sports Equipment

Specialty Storage


Kids love to play. Summer offers the perfect opportunity to participate in baseball, soccer, football and other outdoor sports. Most activities require some type of equipment, and this gear can add up quickly.  Before your garage becomes cluttered with balls, rackets, shoes and more, take note of the following suggestions to store your summer sports equipment and keep items organized. 1. Wall-to-Wall Storage Use the walls of your garage to store equipment and toys, clear up floor space and allow everything to be visible. Here is what you might need to move items from the floor to the wall: Ball claw Bike rack Bungee cords Existing studs Hooks Metal or mesh baskets Scrap lumber A combination of these will give you everything you need to hang balls, bicycles, skateboards rackets and other miscellaneous pieces up on the wall. Get creative! Related read: 4 Storage Solutions to Organize Old Toys 2. A Bunch of Bins Sometimes the best way to keep all of your sports equipment together is putting it in a big bucket. Gear is easy to get out and put away, which makes it a task all kids are capable of doing. There are many different types of bins you can use: totes, laundry baskets, barrels, plastic storage containers or mesh rolling bins.  Here are a few tips on how to sort and store them: Label the bin. This can go two different ways. Either choose to keep all of the same sports equipment in one bin, or keep each of your kid’s toys in their own bin. Labeling is important to know where stored items are at a quick glance. Choose a clear bin over a colored one. This decision will change the whole game. Not only do you have the label to help you quickly note what is in each bin, you can also see individual items at a glance. This helps kids easily find the toys they want without having to take everything out of the bin. Another benefit of the bins is you can easily switch out seasonal toys and equipment-everything is already packed and easy to move around.  Related read: Tips, Trick ...


Norm Kotoch
June 7th, 2018

How to Store Grilling Equipment

Specialty Storage


Summer nights are the perfect time to gather with friends and family, and fire up your grill. In addition to a savory menu—think chicken, burgers and hot dogs—a great cookout requires the right tools. But, as the warm weather starts to fade and the leaves begin to fall, it’s time to start thinking about how you can store and prepare your grill for next season. Properly store your grill equipment using these tips to ensure you’re ready for summer cookouts next year. Designate a Place for Tools There are specific items necessary for grilling. During the off-months, consider storing the following until they are needed again next year: Extra charcoal or a second propane tank (depending on your grill) Lighter fluid Fire extinguisher Meat or cooking thermometer Kitchen timer Non-stick cooking spray designed for grilling Stay organized by keeping grilling tools, such as utensils, cleaning supplies and spare parts, in one place. There are several ways you can do this: Install a pegboard in your garage, and hang utensils. Store everything in a sealed container, such as a Rubbermaid tote. Mount kitchen cabinets in the garage. Pair Together Ingredients Keep items like marinades, spices and rubs together in a basket or container. Depending on how often you use them, these items can be stored in your kitchen or with your other grilling supplies. Remember to check dates to ensure no items will go bad when being stored for next year’s festivities. Properly Clean The most important part of storing your grilling equipment is to properly clean it after each use, especially before putting it into storage for the season. Keep the below in mind while cleaning: ALWAYS wait until the grill has cooled before you start cleaning. Use a wire brush on the grates to scrub away buildup. When dealing with tough grease, use oven cleaner or grease-cutting dishwashing detergent. Keep the grill unplugged and covered while not in use. After a period of storage or minimal use, check for leaks and deterioration. Do a thorough cleaning before storing away for the season. Check for rust, and examine the regulator, hose, burner parts, air ...


Norm Kotoch
November 3rd, 2017

4 Considerations to Store Your Mattress

Specialty Storage


Everybody sleeps—we all need to! It’s critical for our mental and physical health, and overall wellbeing. After all, lack of sleep can cause a whole host of issues, including poor focus, heart problems, high blood pressure and the inability to retain important information (like how to best store your beloved bed for long-term use!). A restful slumber, however, requires the right mattress—making this item a very popular one to move or store in one of these standard sizes and shapes: Twin (39 inches x 75 inches) Twin-XL (39 inches x 80 inches) Full (54 inches x 75 inches) Queen (60 inches x 80 inches) King (76 inches x 80 inches) As you assess storage needs and get ready to make a move, clear out a guest room or redecorate a space, consider the following mattress storage tips. 1. Clean Before You Store As with any item you plan to store, thoroughly clean your mattress and box springs to ensure long-term storage success. Storing a dirty mattress will only put its quality at risk over time as residue and buildup settle in. As you clean, pay special attention to creases, in which dirt or dust can accumulate. 2. Protect with a Cover Further help preserve your mattress’ existing condition with a cover for added protection. This is part of why it is incredibly important that you first clean your mattress. If dirt or other unclean elements remain, throwing a cover over them will only trap and push these items farther into your piece. 3. Choose Climate-Controlled Mold, mildew and dust build-up—yuck! Leave your mattress in the wrong climate, and you could be asking for trouble.  Select a climate-controlled storage location to keep mattress materials protected from unintended residue buildup or adverse side effects. Keep the temperature and conditions similar to those of your home—not too warm and not too stuffy. 4. Maintain Form and Placement A common misconception is that mattresses should be stored upright. Storing them on their side long-term, however, can dislodge and ruin the springs, coils and inner workings. Instead, keep your mattress flat and store as you ...


Norm Kotoch
August 10th, 2014