If you use a window air conditioner, one of the tasks you should undertake every fall is removing the air conditioner and putting it into storage. While most people assume the reason for moving a window air conditioner is to reduce heating costs from drafts through the window, there are also several other compelling reasons to put a window air conditioner into storage or self storage for the winter. Taking the air conditioner out of your window and putting it into storage reduces a family’s or business’ risk of fire, burglary, and an invasion by stink bugs. [More]

For years, Americans were famous for building McMansions -- adding every bit of space possible to new homes. Home builders were adding rooms for home theaters, game rooms, exercise rooms, interior greenhouses, and even separate children’s and guest wings. But according to a survey conducted this year by the American Institute of Architects, that trend has come to an end. Instead of living large, Americans have begun to downsize -- putting items in storage if necessary to make it possible to live in a smaller space. Industry analysts say that the new trend will mean more business for professional organizers, interior designers, home furnishing stores, and self storage companies, as Americans try to figure out how to maintain their old lifestyles in less space. [More]

These days, many people are downsizing their homes to reduce expenses. A small house or home may not only cost less in terms of rent or a mortgage payment, but also costs less to heat and cool, and uses less electricity. The first part of downsizing is decluttering -- giving away, reusing, recycling, or throwing out whatever an individual or a family can live without. Part of the decluttering process, for many people, is storing items that are not needed year round in a self storage unit. The second part is making a small house plan: exactly how much space do you truly need to live in? Some people even draw up their own small house plans. For many, the downsizing process, especially when it is supported by good storage options, leads straight to tiny houses and the tiny house movement -- a movement for people who are determined to live in the smallest possible space. [More]