Expert Tips for Storing Your RV


If you're an RV owner, you know how valuable your recreational vehicle is—not just in terms of cost, but also in the freedom it provides. But when the travel season ends, the question becomes: Where should you store your RV? Whether you’re considering outdoor or indoor RV storage, making the right decision can save you time, money, and stress. Here are expert tips for storing your RV—and why using a storage facility is often the best solution. Why You Should Store Your RV at a Storage Facility 1. Free Up Space at Home Most driveways aren’t designed to accommodate a 30-foot RV. Parking your rig at home can block access, create eyesores, and even violate local HOA or zoning rules. 2. Avoid HOA Fines or City Ordinances Many homeowners’ associations and city codes restrict RV parking on residential streets or driveways. Using a storage facility helps you stay compliant and avoid potential fines. 3. Enhanced Security Our storage facilities offer features like gated access, security cameras, and on-site staff—much safer than leaving your RV on the curb or in an open driveway. 4. Protection from the Elements Storing your RV outside at home leaves it exposed to sun, wind, rain, and snow. Over time, these conditions can cause roof damage, tire dry rot, and fading paint. A indoor storage unit or a cover helps extend the life of your RV. Tips for Indoor RV Storage If you're opting for indoor RV storage, you’ll get the best protection from weather and theft. Here’s how to prep your RV for indoor storage: Clean and Empty the RV: Remove food, trash, and perishables to prevent pests and odors. Disconnect the Battery: This prevents slow drainage and prolongs battery life. Add Fuel Stabilizer: Keeps the fuel from breaking down and damaging the engine. Cover Vents and Windows: Keeps dust and critters out while protecting the interior. Inflate the Tires: Prevents flat spots from developing during long-term storage. Tips for Outdoor RV Storage Outdoor storage is usually more affordable and accessible. If you're storing your RV outside, follow these extra steps: Use a High-Quality ...



June 21st, 2025


The Hidden Benefits of Storing During Your Renovation


If you're planning a home build or renovation, you've probably already realized how quickly things can get expensive—and complicated. One strategy many savvy homeowners and contractors are using to get ahead of the curve is purchasing and storing appliances, windows, doors, and other building materials early in the process. It might seem like an extra step, but the cost savings and peace of mind it can bring are well worth it. At our facility, we see firsthand how smart storage can make a huge difference in the renovation experience. Here's why: 1. Lock in Lower Prices Before They Rise Building material and appliance prices are notoriously volatile. Supply chain issues, fuel costs, and even seasonal demand can lead to sudden spikes in pricing. By purchasing in advance, you protect yourself from future price hikes and take advantage of seasonal or clearance sales that aren’t available when you’re buying last-minute. For example, refrigerators and ranges often go on sale in the fall, while windows and doors can be deeply discounted during end-of-season clearances. 2. More Control Over Your Build or Renovation When you have your materials and appliances on hand, you’re not at the mercy of backorders, discontinued models, or unexpected delays. Storing your materials gives you the time and space to plan around exact specs, ensuring your cabinetry fits your appliances or that your window rough-ins are perfectly measured. With your pieces already purchased, you can design with confidence and precision. 3. Avoid Last-Minute Supply Chain Surprises Ordering appliances or fixtures right before installation can be risky—especially if you're working with tight timelines. A shipping delay or out-of-stock item could stall the entire project. Storing them now guarantees that when your contractor is ready, you are too. No waiting around or reshuffling your project calendar. 4. Time to Inspect and Handle Any Issues Unboxing a cracked window or a dented dishwasher on install day? That’s a nightmare scenario. By storing materials early, you give yourself time to inspect for damage, contact manufacturers, and coordinate returns or repairs—without rushing ...



June 21st, 2025


How to Protect Your Stored Goods from Mice


When you store your belongings in a storage unit, the last thing you want to worry about is the possibility of mice getting in and causing damage. Mice can be more than just a nuisance; they can ruin your items by chewing on furniture, clothes, paperwork, or even electronics. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to keep mice out of your storage unit and protect your belongings from damage. Here’s how tenants can prevent mice from causing trouble in their storage units. 1. Store Items in Sealed, Hard-Sided Containers One of the best ways to prevent mice from getting to your stored goods is to store them in sealed, hard-sided containers. Plastic bins with tight-fitting lids or metal containers are ideal because they make it harder for mice to chew through and access your belongings. Avoid cardboard boxes, as mice can easily gnaw through them, especially if they’re stored for a long period of time. 2. Elevate Your Belongings Mice are great climbers and can squeeze into small spaces, but they tend to stay on the ground level. Elevate your boxes and containers off the floor using pallets, shelving units, or other storage racks. This will give your items extra protection from potential rodent activity and make it easier to spot any signs of an infestation before they cause too much damage. 3. Seal Your Unit's Entry Points While storage facilities take steps to prevent pests, it’s always a good idea to inspect your own unit for any visible gaps or cracks. Check the door seals, corners, and walls for any holes or openings that might allow mice to get in. Seal any weak points with Steel Wool and place traps near them. 4. Use Mice Repellents Natural repellents like peppermint oil, cedar chips, or mothballs are common ways to deter rodents. You can place small bags or sachets of these items in your storage unit to discourage mice from entering. While not foolproof, these measures can help keep mice at bay. 5. Keep the Storage Unit ...


Austin
March 19th, 2025


Winter Storage Tips


Winter Storage Tips for a Successful and Enjoyable Storage Experience Winter weather brings unique challenges for those storing items at our facility. With the cold temperatures, snow, and ice, it's important to be prepared for these conditions to ensure that your stored belongings remain safe and accessible. Here are some practical winter storage tips to help you navigate the season with ease: 1. Unfreezing Locks One of the most common issues during winter is frozen locks. The cold temperatures can cause moisture to freeze inside the lock mechanism, making it difficult or even impossible to open. To avoid this frustration, keep a few helpful tips in mind: Use Lock De-icer: Keep a lock de-icer on hand. These products are designed to thaw out frozen locks quickly and efficiently. Lubricate the Lock: Applying a dry lubricant like graphite powder before the cold weather sets in can help prevent freezing. Avoid using oils or WD-40, as they can attract dirt and grime. If your lock does freeze, don’t force it open as it could damage the lock or the door. Use a de-icer or allow the lock to warm up naturally for a few minutes. 2. Shovel the Snow Immediately Snow accumulation can make it difficult to access your unit, and sometimes after some warm and cold cycles it can freeze in a block at the base of the door. To ensure you have smooth access: Bring a Shovel: If snow has accumulated right in front of your unit, it’s a good idea to bring a shovel to clear the path. Our plowing services are only able to get within 6" inches of the doorways. This way, you can get to your items without delay. Consider clearing the snow after a snowfall: If you are looking to have regular access throughout the winter, consider removing the snow from the front of your door after a snowfall so it doesn't have the chance to become a block of ice. While our facility works hard to keep access clear, it’s helpful for you to have ...



December 18th, 2024


Top Tips for a Smooth Experience


Mastering Self-Storage: Top Tips for a Smooth Experience Self-storage has become an indispensable solution for many people facing space constraints, moving houses, or needing a temporary spot for their belongings. Whether you're a seasoned self-storage user or a newbie, optimizing your storage experience can save you time, money, and stress. Here are some expert tips to help you make the most out of your self-storage unit. 1. Choose the Right Size Unit Before you start packing, estimate the amount of space you’ll need. Self-storage units come in various sizes, from small lockers to large garage-sized units. A common mistake is either overestimating or underestimating the space required. Create an inventory of the items you plan to store, which will help you determine the appropriate unit size. You can use our storage calculator on our website to help estimate the correct size, or give us a call - we'd be happy to help! 2. Pack Efficiently Efficient packing is crucial for maximizing space and ensuring your items are protected. Here’s how: Use Uniform Boxes: Standardized boxes stack neatly, saving space, and making it easier to retrieve items. Label Everything: Clearly mark each box with its contents and the room it came from. This will make finding specific items later much easier. Disassemble Large Items: Take apart furniture and other bulky items to save space. Keep screws and small parts in labeled bags taped to the item. 3. Protect Your Belongings Proper protection prevents damage and keeps your items in good condition: Wrap Fragile Items: Use bubble wrap, packing paper, or blankets to cushion delicate items. Avoid Plastic Bags: These can trap moisture and cause mildew. Use breathable materials instead. Use Pallets: Elevate your boxes and furniture off the floor with pallets to prevent potential water damage. 4. Maximize Space Utilize every inch of your storage unit by following these strategies: Vertical Space: Stack boxes and furniture up to the ceiling, placing heavier items at the bottom and lighter ones on top. Shelving Units: Portable shelving can help organize smaller items and improve access. Utilize Hollow Spaces: Store items ...



May 28th, 2024


Holiday Storage


The holidays bring so much joy—festive decorations, family gatherings, and of course, gifts galore. But with all the fun and excitement, one of the lesser-discussed challenges of the season is dealing with the overflow of holiday items: decorations, gifts, and seasonal supplies. It’s easy to get caught up in the magic of the holidays, but when it’s over, where do all those holiday decorations and extra items go? That’s where a storage unit comes in. Here’s why investing in a storage unit for your holiday storage needs can make the festive season far more manageable—and stress-free. 1. Clear Up Valuable Space at Home The holiday season often leaves your home bursting at the seams. From large artificial Christmas trees and inflatables to seasonal tableware and extra linens, these items can take up a lot of space. Using a storage unit allows you to free up valuable space in your home so you can return to your regular routines after the celebrations.By storing your holiday items away neatly in a secure unit, you create more room for your everyday needs. You won’t have to worry about squeezing extra boxes in your closets or dealing with clutter in your living room. 2. Protect Your Seasonal Decor Holiday decorations can be delicate—think about that vintage wreath, the fragile ornaments, or the string of lights that make your home sparkle every December. These items are often stored in boxes that are far from ideal for long-term care. A storage unit, however, offers climate-controlled options that can protect your decorations from extreme temperatures, humidity, and pests.Storing your holiday decor in a storage unit helps preserve the longevity of these precious items, ensuring they’re in pristine condition when it’s time to bring them out again next year. 3. Organize Your Holiday Gifts and Supplies Shopping for gifts and stocking up on holiday supplies can often mean piles of items cluttering up your home. Whether you’re buying in bulk or simply want a safe spot to store those carefully wrapped presents, a storage ...



December 1st, 2017


Toy Storage for Winter


Although Fall has just arrived, as we all know, here in Montana winter weather is just around the corner. Now is a great time to protect your toys and store them for the winter. At The Storage Place we have many storage unit size options to protect your prized possessions over the inclement months to come. We can accommodate ATVs, UTVs, Motorcycles (both on and off-road) in units as small as 10x10. Sports cars, classic cars, rock crawlers/jeeps and boats, jetskis, rafts etc fit in our 10x20, 10x25 or 10x30 units. For those who adhere to the adage “those who die with the most toys win” we have 20x30 and 20x50 units to accommodate your entire toy collection. If your toys can stand up to the harsh weather, but you just don't have a good parking spot for them for the winter we also offer outdoor parking spots. If you run seasonal construction/landscaping businesses we also have units that will accommodate your tools and equipment (ladders/scaffolding, mowers, skidsteers etc) until you need them to go to work in the spring. Benefits of storing indoors: Tires and other rubber compounds/components and interior upholstry won't be subject to daily solar/uv exposure. Roofs and seals won't be tested by snow and repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Maintain access to check on your toys (no digging them out from under the snow bank when you want to check on them). Free up space in your home garage to park your daily drivers indoors throughout the winter months. Our rental contracts are all month to month-only stay as long as you want or need to. Tips for winter storing: Stabilize all fuel. Remove your battery and take it home with you. Use a battery tender if possible to prolong the batteries life. Remove any food or attractants from the vehicles to prevent any unwanted insect/critter visits. If storing a motor boat be sure to winterize the engine and drain the bilge prior to storage. Make sure tires are all properly inflated and holding air (it is no fun to try and pump ...



October 2nd, 2017


Back to School; Student Storage Solutions


With Fall's arrival, school is back in session. Rocky Mountain College and Montana State University-Billings students are back in town and arranging their living situations. Whether in dorm rooms or in shared apartments or houses, students often find themselves in a tight (literally) situation. Many dorm rooms and packed apartments do not have extra space to store all the stuff today's college students need. From bikes to skis and other outdoor equipment to seasonal clothing and accessories many items will be left without a place to be stored. Here are some helpful tips to maximize your storage spaces. Loft your bed. This will give you room to either store many boxes and additional items that wouldn't traditionally fit under a bed. Some students even put their desks under their beds if they loft them high enough. Check with your school; they may provide designated storage areas where you can store extra boxes, or equipment. Coordinate with roommates prior to arriving to make sure you aren't doubling up on items. Create shelving for closets and along walls. If all else fails come visit us at The Storage Place. We have units as small as 5ft x 5ft to store your extra gear. We also offer all students a 5% discount each month with valid student ID. Our 5504 King Avenue East location is 4 miles from Rocky Mountain College and 3.9 miles from MSU-B. Our 913 3rd Ave North location is 4.3 miles from Rocky Mountain College and 2.5 miles from MSU-B. Best of luck this school year and as always, Happy Storing! ...



August 30th, 2017


Safety and Security at The Storage Place of MT


One of the biggest concerns of any customer looking for a storage unit is; will my belongings be safe and secure. At The Storage Place of MT, the safety and security of your belongings is one of our top priorities. We have enacted a number of safeguards to aid in our efforts to protect your possessions. Gates: All 3 of our location use high security electronic gates that require a key code. Each tenant is issued their own unique access code upon move in. Only the tenant on the rental agreement can change their access code, or retrieve it if they have forgotten it. Keep your code secure and do not share it with others. Our facilities have limited gate access hours; 6 am to 9 pm. Studies have shown that most criminal burglary/theft activities take place outside of those hours. To help keep our facilities safe for you and our other customers please do not tailgate cars going through the gate and do not allow anyone to tailgate you upon entry or exit through the gate. Wait until the gate has securely closed before leaving the property. Fences: All 3 of our locations are fully fenced with a mix of chain link topped with barbed wire, wrought iron and chain link, all of which are at least 6ft tall. Lighting: All 3 of our locations are lit at night by a mix of overhead and building mounted lights for your safety and security. We also employ motion detecting lights at our 5504 King Ave E location. All external units at our 5504 King Ave E. and 1835 Lampman locations have lighting provided inside of the units. Security Cameras: All 3 of our locations are equipped with security cameras, both wired and wireless. Tamper evident lock device: We place a tamper evident lock device on each of our customer's locks. If you ever change your lock please let us know so that we can put a new device on your new lock. If we find a lock without a device we will immediately ...



July 31st, 2017


Financial Benefits of Using Storage


There are many reasons people use storage units, but did you ever consider that it could actually save you money? Residential/Consumer Users: You can rent a smaller house or apartment if you rent a storage unit to store your extra items, instead of using your extra bedroom for storage. After looking through the rental listings in Billings it seems that a rough average for 2 bed room houses for rent is about $800, and a 3 bedroom house is $1000. At The Storage Place, you can rent a 10ft x 10ft storage unit (approximate size of a small bedroom) for around $70 month. So if you really only need 2 bedrooms but were renting a 3 bedroom house to store your extra items, you could be saving $130 each month by using a more economical storage unit (That's a savings of over $1500 per year!). The storage unit at The Storage Place is on a month-to-month lease so if you move, or expand your family etc you are not locked into a year lease like most houses/apartments require. The Storage Place offers multiple unit sizes to best fit your individual needs. For example, you may be able to fit all of your extra belongings into one of our 5ft x 10ft units with 11ft ceilings which would save you even more each month. Business Users can benefit too. Any business that needs to store records or documents (Lawyers, Dr's. Dentists, Accountants etc) can save money by renting a smaller office and utilizing a storage unit. Retail businesses (clothing stores, furniture/mattress businesses, really any business that has to carry extra inventory) can rent a smaller store and store their back-up inventory at one of our 3 easy to access, secure storage facilities. Service businesses (plumbers, electricians, repairmen etc) may also find a storage unit a convenient option for storing parts and tools. We offer any verified businesses the option of having 24 hour a day, 365 day a year access to their units. Once again with ...



June 14th, 2017


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