How to Prevent Dry Rot in Stored Tires


How to Prevent Dry Rot in Stored Tires

Key points for those in a hurry: Dry rot makes tires dry, brittle, and unsafe—risk rises after 3+ months of inactivity. UV light strips the oils that keep rubber elastic—protect with covers or shaded storage. Clean and fully dry tires before storing; steer clear of petroleum-based cleaners. Store at stable, cool temperatures (ideal: 55–59 °F), avoiding extremes and rapid changes. If storing >3 months, remove tires and store upright, or lift vehicle to reduce pressure on tires. Use air-tight/vacuum-sealed bags for loose tires to limit oxygen exposure.Dry rot is when the rubber in tires loses its moisture and becomes tough and brittle. Due to their lost elasticity, tires that have developed dry rot past a certain point need to be replaced as they are prone to blowing out while being driven on. Dry rotting is more prevalent in tires that are stationary for a period of three months or more. This is because tires are kept moist by resins and oils within the rubber; these oils need downward pressure to be activated, and such pressure comes from coming into regular weighted contact with the road during driving. If your tires aren’t being driven on, then they lack this protection against moisture loss.Although keeping tires in storage (either on their own or attached to a vehicle) can increase their chances of developing dry rot, there are a lot of precautions that you can take to ensure that your tires suffer minimal deterioration while in storage. The following will explain how to keep stored tires in top condition. Keep tires out of direct sunlight while in storage UV causes the oils and resins that keep tires moist to degrade and eventually leech out of the surface of the tire. Therefore, if tires are frequently kept in direct sunlight, they are far more likely to suffer from dry rotting.In our guide to preparing a car for long-term storage, we spoke about the importance of keeping your car under a weatherproof cover while being stored. If you ensure that this weatherproof cover is ...


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September 16th, 2025

Things You Should NOT Put in a Self Storage Unit


If you’re in a hurry, here’s the TL;DR: What NOT to Store in Your Self-Storage Unit Perishables or food items — even dry or canned goods can spoil, attract pests, and cause odors. Hazardous or flammable materials — such as gasoline, paint, solvents, propane, and aerosols. They pose serious safety risks. Living things — including plants, pets, or people—storage units lack ventilation and sunlight. Illegal or stolen items — prohibited and could result in criminal consequences. Weapons & ammunition — most facilities ban firearms and related items for liability reasons. Important documents and irreplaceable valuables — such as passports, legal papers, photos, heirlooms, jewelry, and cash. Better kept in a home safe or bank safety deposit box. Scented or damp items — scents (candles, incense, strongly fragranced items) can linger or attract pests; damp items encourage mold and mildew. Wet items or damp containers — should be fully cleaned and dried before storing to avoid mold and damage. Unregistered or inoperable vehicles — only operable, registered vehicles in the renter’s name may be allowed, depending on facility rules. Clutter or items you don’t need — avoid paying monthly storage for unnecessary stuff. Before we begin, our Ultimate Self Storage Guide offers s comprehensive look at all things storage and can help you with everything you need to know—from choosing the right unit size to understanding the costs, features, and what to expect during move-in. It also covers common questions, tips for maximizing your space, and how to avoid common packing and moving mistakes. National Storage is here to make sure you know all the ins-and-outs so you can find the best rental for your needs!However, there are some things you should not put in a self storage unit.  Each storage facility will have a list of “banned” items. Make sure that you follow that list and read your contract at the time of rental. Placing any of the items that are on the banned list could get you fined or even arrested. Before you rent a storage unit, make sure that you know about ...


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September 16th, 2025

Make Space for the New Season


As summer winds down and fall approaches, many homeowners and renters face the same challenge: where to put all the stuff you’ve accumulated over the past few months. From beach gear and camping supplies to patio furniture and sports equipment, these items can quickly clutter your home or garage.A self-storage unit is the perfect solution to keep your home organized and ready for the new season. At National Storage, we make it easy to store your belongings safely and access them whenever you need them. 1. Store Seasonal Gear Summer essentials like: Beach chairs and umbrellas Pool floats and toys Boating and fishing equipment Camping gear Jet Ski’s Summer Toy’s Keeping these in storage protects them from the wear and tear of fall and winter weather and frees up valuable space at home. 2. Back-to-School Organization If your household is adjusting to the back-to-school rush, a little extra space can go a long way. Use your storage unit to: Keep old school projects and art safe Store sports uniforms and equipment Organize seasonal clothing swaps With less clutter at home, it’s easier to focus on homework, meal prep, and getting everyone out the door on time. 3. Protect Outdoor Furniture Patio furniture, grills, and outdoor décor last longer when stored indoors during the off-season. A climate-controlled unit will help prevent rust, fading, and damage from freezing temperatures. 4. Declutter Before the Holidays Believe it or not, the holidays are right around the corner. If you want to host family and friends, now is the time to create space by moving extra furniture, decorations, or boxes into storage. 5. Why Choose National Storage When you store with us, you get: Secure, clean units in multiple sizes Climate-controlled options for temperature-sensitive items Flexible month-to-month rentals — perfect for seasonal storage Easy access when you need your items back Don’t Wait — Rent Your Storage Unit TodayThe end of summer is one of the busiest times for self-storage, so units fill quickly. Reserve now to secure your space and enjoy a clutter-free home this fall. 📞 Call your local facility or search available units online to find the perfect storage ...


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September 3rd, 2025

Kickstart Your New Year with a Clutter-Free Home: How Self-Storage Can Help You Stay on Track


The new year is here, and for many, it’s a time to set goals and make positive changes. One of the most popular New Year’s resolutions is to declutter the home and create a more organized, stress-free living space. But where do you begin when the garage is packed with boxes, or your closets are bursting at the seams? That’s where self-storage comes in to save the day—and your resolution!At National Storage we’re here to make your decluttering journey as smooth as possible. Here’s how self-storage can help you stick to your resolution and reclaim your space in 2025: 1. Clear Out the Clutter Without Letting GoDecluttering doesn’t mean you have to part with items you value but don’t need on a daily basis. Seasonal decorations, sentimental keepsakes, or bulky furniture can all take up valuable space in your home. A self-storage unit allows you to keep these items safe and accessible while freeing up room for what matters most in your daily life. 2. Tackle One Room at a TimeStarting small makes decluttering less overwhelming. With a storage unit at your disposal, you can temporarily move items out of the way while you sort through what stays and what goes. This step-by-step approach is more manageable and keeps you motivated. 3. Create a Dedicated Space for New ProjectsWhether you’re turning the garage or a room in your home into a home gym, setting up a crafting nook, or creating a peaceful office space, self-storage provides a secure spot to store the items currently occupying those areas. This helps you focus on your goals without distractions. 4. Keep Your Home Organized All Year LongDecluttering isn’t a one-time task—it’s a lifestyle change. Self-storage gives you a long-term solution for managing overflow items, making it easier to maintain a clean and organized home throughout the year. Why Choose National Storage for Your Storage Needs? We’re more than just a place to store your belongings. At National Storage locations, we offer: Variety of Unit Sizes: From small lockers to large ...


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January 19th, 2025

10 Steps on Winterizing Your Motorcycle Before Taking it to Storage


10 Steps on Winterizing Your Motorcycle Before Taking it to Storage

While motorcycles are a fun and convenient way to get around during the temperate months of the year, many people do not wish to ride them around once the chill of winter comes. You could always just move your motorcycle into your garage or park it in the shed for the winter, but you may pull it out in the spring for the first ride only to realize it isn’t working properly. Your bike needs to be winterized before placing it in storage to keep it running correctly when you want to ride it again, so here are steps on how to winterize your motorcycle before storing it for the winter. Service Your Motorcycle Making sure your motorcycle is working properly before having it placed into winter storage is an important step in the process. This means changing the oil and filters, checking fluid levels, and changing tires, if necessary. You may be motorcycle-savvy enough to do this yourself from the comfort of your garage, but if you aren’t sure what needs to be looked at, take it to a service shop.Your bike will be sitting for a long period of time, so you want to make sure that everything is working as it should before putting it in storage. If you suspect any issues with your motorcycle, it is important to have them taken care of before you let it sit for months on end. Clean Your Motorcycle Allowing bugs, dirt, and general grime build-up to sit on your bike while storing your motorcycle can affect your bike. Not only will they become set in and be more difficult to remove, but they could also cause irreparable damage to the paint and polish on your motorcycle. Make sure everything is cleaned well and completely dry before putting your hog into winter storage. Wax and Polish Waxing your painted parts and applying WD-40 to all exposed metal can keep your motorcycle from rusting if it happens to get exposed to water or humidity in your storage ...


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October 31st, 2023

First Time Storage Rental Tips


First Time Storage Rental Tips

If you are a first-time storage unit renter, you may be looking for some tips to make the process of renting a storage unit as easy as possible. In this post, we’ll cover some basic storage unit tips to ensure you’re getting the most out of your storage unit rental! What Kind of Items Will you be Storing? Before you rent a storage unit, it is important to know what kinds of items you will be storing. If you will be storing items that are sensitive to fluctuations in temperature, you’ll want to consider renting a climate-controlled storage unit. Items that are sensitive to fluctuations in temperature include leather or wooden furniture, appliances, electronics, and documents. This by no means covers the list of items that should be stored in a climate-controlled storage unit, and if you’re unsure whether your belongings require a climate-controlled storage unit, contact the storage manager at your facility. How Big of a Storage Unit Will You Need? Avoid making the mistake of renting a storage unit that is either too large or too small by drafting a list of the items you are looking to store. Our online unit size guide  will help you determine the storage unit size that will work best for you. If you decide later to either upgrade or downsize your storage unit, all of our storage facilities have month-to-month contracts so you won’t be locked into a long-term commitment. What Determines the Cost of a Storage Unit? The cost of renting a storage unit depends on both the size and the type of the unit. As the size of the storage unit increases, so does the cost. Additionally, a climate-controlled storage unit will cost more than a traditional unit because of the added value. What Amenities Do You Want from Your Storage Facility? National Storage storage facilities have a variety of attractive amenities. Some of these amenities include: Storage Unit Safety Features: If you have never rented a storage unit before, you may be concerned about the safety of ...


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October 12th, 2023

4 Tips for Efficiently Moving Things in and out of Storage


Where and how you store your household’s belongings requires forethought. Moving things in and out is a complex process, so you’ll need tactics for efficient transportation. How do you pick the right space and tools with ease after spending so much time expertly packing everything away?Consider these four tips to make moving your items in and out of storage more efficient. 1. Choose a Storage Unit Storing boxes and unused furniture in the attic or garage seems accessible and convenient. However, if you’re using a repurposed garage, then you might run out of room for your vehicles. Come wintertime, the lack of space could become an enormous headache. Attics are subject to roof leaks and pests, which could damage your stored items.A storage unit is often more convenient in the long run because it provides unimpeded access and keeps clutter away from your space. Plus, moving is much easier when you don’t have so much to move from one space to another. 2. Create Aisles and Pathways With Vertical Space Consider your storage space and how you can move things more efficiently later. While making an aisle in the unit seems like a waste of space, it gives you and any helpers greater access while loading and unloading. It also makes it easier to access items in the back of your unit — otherwise, you’ll be stuck taking everything out of the unit whenever you need something.Use vertical area by placing heavy objects underneath lighter ones and stacking them to the ceiling. This optimizes space, justifying leaving square footage for paths. 3. Pick the Right Vehicle and Peripherals Is your car good enough, or should you rent a truck or van to move your items? Well, it really depends on the number and size of the items you’re moving into storage. You can choose a few different options depending on the size of your move: Pickup truck: This option is more accessible but could require multiple trips. However, it may cost less than other options — or ...


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July 3rd, 2023

Preparing for Spring Travel with Self-Storage


Preparing for Spring Travel with Self-Storage

Spring is in full bloom and with the season comes the excitement of travel. Whether you’re planning a long-awaited vacation or a weekend getaway, the last thing you want to worry about is the safety of your valuables while you’re away. Luckily, self-storage can offer a convenient and secure solution for storing your belongings during your travels. Out of Sight, Peace of Mind Using self-storage for your travel preparation offers several benefits. First, it frees up space in your home, allowing you to pack and organize more efficiently. It also provides an added layer of security for your valuables, reducing the risk of theft or damage while you’re away. Plus, with self-storage facilities typically offering 24/7 access and security monitoring, you can rest easy knowing your items are in good hands. Taking Inventory When preparing for your trip, it’s important to consider the items you’ll need to store. Start by making a list of items that won’t be coming with you, such as seasonal clothing, sports equipment or decorations. If you’re storing valuable items such as electronics, jewelry or documents, a climate-controlled unit may be the best option. Climate control ensures that the temperature and humidity levels are consistent, protecting your items from extreme temperatures or moisture damage. Location, Location, Location! When it comes to choosing a self-storage facility, consider factors such as location, security measures and accessibility. Look for a facility that is conveniently located near your home or travel destination, and offers features like security cameras, gated access and on-site management. Packing Up for the Road Lastly, make sure to properly label and organize your items before storing them. This will make it easier to access your belongings when you return from your trip. Consider using plastic bins or boxes to keep your items organized and protected.In conclusion, self-storage offers a practical and secure solution for storing your belongings while you’re on the go. With a little planning and organization, you can prepare for your spring travels with peace of mind, knowing your valuables are safe ...


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June 1st, 2023

Swap It Out: Seasonal Equipment Storage Solutions


Weather changes inspire you to get organized for what’s ahead. The right seasonal equipment storage solutions keep your gear safe — and remind you to tend to routine maintenance to keep it in shape for next season.How can you best organize your gear? Here’s what to do. 5 Tips for Storing Seasonal Equipment The following methods work well in a storage facility or other secure location for storing seasonal equipment. 1. Wall-Mounted Racks You can find specially designed racks for certain equipment, such as gardening tools. The right racks keep your equipment from warping during storage. 2. Overhead Shelves Overhead shelves are fabulous for keeping easily damaged items out of reach of little hands, making this solution ideal for those with toddlers. 3. Old Lockers Make friends with your local scrapyard and your pocketbook will thank you. You can often find old lockers stripped from remodeled schools that make perfect gear storage. They even have a ready-made hole for a padlock. 4. Plastic Tubs Airtight containers are superb for keeping pests such as insects from destroying easily damaged gear in the off-season. 5. Pegboard Pegboard is the ultimate organizing tool for small equipment. You can mount it inside a secure locker or shed to keep items like gloves from growing legs. Benefits of Effective Seasonal Equipment Storage You reap considerable benefits from the right seasonal equipment storage. For one, it’s a jumpstart to necessary maintenance. You should perform all needed repairs and clean your gear before tucking it in safely for the season.Another benefit is safety. In areas where theft is on the rise, leaving your gear on the back porch or even your garage can mean it grows legs. Almost 10% of break-ins occur through the garage door, meaning a locked shed or, better yet, a professional storage facility is your safer bet. Why and When You Need Seasonal Storage Solutions You should clean, repair and properly store your sports equipment at least twice per year. The following schedule is typical: The summer-to-winter transition handles snowblowers, snowmobiles, shovels, bags of salt and sleds. The winter-to-summer transition manages ...


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May 30th, 2023

Stress-Free Storage Solutions for New Parents


Are you a new parent struggling to find space for diapers, baby essentials and clothes? Tackle storage problems with these five stress-free solutions to maximize every inch of your home. Divide Your Drawers Maximization can do the trick — one way to do it is by dividing the drawers like you would in your kitchen to separate the mugs from forks and spoons. Divide the compartments and use the small ones to store tiny clothing like the baby’s socks and accessories. Store the onesies and pajamas in a different drawer.Doing so organizes things better and lets you locate items quickly when necessary. If baby needs a fast change of clothes, you know precisely which drawer to open to grab some onesies. Take Advantage of Vertical Space Vertical wall space is often underrated because people overly focus on floor-level storage. Those extra spaces above your head — usually left unused — can help solve your problems.Install floating shelves or ceiling hanging storage with hooks you can use to tidy toys. Wall-mounted organizers can hold lotions and wipes, while a multi-tiered cart provides easy access to many essentials.If done correctly, these vertical additions can add an aesthetic flair to your home and function as interior design. As they say, the sky’s the limit when finding spaces to optimize within the home. Rent a Space The average bedroom closet size is 4 feet wide by 2 feet deep in a 1,000-square-foot home, which may be insufficient. In this case, consider renting a space. It makes sense for new parents living in a tight space who want the entire area to be for their little one learning to walk.Renting can accommodate bulky items like furniture, sports equipment, pool toys, holiday decorations and large winter clothes. One tip is to find a facility near your area so you can retrieve your items anytime without traveling far. Try Portable Storage Installing wheels on your storage cabinets has plenty of advantages. It’s easy to move items from the bedroom to the living area when cleaning ...


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April 23rd, 2023

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