Storing Electronic, Electrical and Batteries Operated Devices

Most people have more electronic and electrical equipment than they actually use or have storage space for. If you are planning to store some of these devices at a self storage facility, it is important to understand and practise the right way to pack and transport them in order to minimise damage to these expensive items.

While I love to buy electronic and electrical devices, finding a place to store them can be a problem sometimes. And you don’t want to keep too many around, because, you know, the wife might start complaining about the unnecessary large expenditures you have made on them. So I often resort to surreptitiously boxing up the older ones and slipping them in the self storage facility we rent for our extra belongings. Packing electronic appliance and batteries operated devices can be tricky though. If you are not careful, individual parts in the device can be easily scratched or damaged, rendering the entire item unusable. If you are planning to store some of your electronic, electrical or batteries operated devices for an extensive period of time in a self storage facility, be sure to take note of the following:

1.       Removing The Batteries

First of all, make sure that all batteries in the device are removed before you begin packing or wrapping it up. Batteries, if stored inside any device for a prolonged period of time, leak, and the acid will erode the components within.

2.       Removing Cords and Wires

It is advisable to remove all cords and wires that are attached to the main device because it reduces wear and tear in the sockets. If you are afraid that you can’t remember which wire goes where, label it before rolling it up in bubble wraps. Also, don’t forget to remove any CDs, DVDs or tapes inside the equipment too!

3.       Packing The Items

The best way to pack any electronic or electrical equipment is to put them back in their original packaging. However, we usually throw away the packaging because they take up so much space. If you can’t find them anymore, you can wrap the equipment in pieces of old but clean cotton cloth or bubble wraps. These materials not only protect the delicate components, they also help to absorb any impact or shock that could occur when they are moved. To prevent humidity from damaging your equipment, you can throw in a couple of silica gel packs which help keep the storage box dry and moisture-free.

4.       Padding the Items

Apart from covering your electronic or electrical equipment with protective wraps, you may wish to stuff the boxes with additional paddings, such as packing peanuts or  shredded old newspapers to prevent the equipment from shifting – hence denting or damaging its parts – while in transit. Some of these packing materials can be reused, so you don’t have to worry too much about your carbon print.

5.       The Proper Way of Stacking the Boxes

There is the right way and the wrong way of stacking your boxes when loading them into your self storage unit. You should always stack your boxes according to their weight, with the heaviest ones at the bottom. If your equipment is sensitive, you may want to leave them in a corner inside of stacking them with the less sensitive items.

Rekindling That Hobby of Yours That You Once So Loved

Did you once play the guitar like Jimi Hendrix? Did you once surf those big waves like a free spirit? If your more mundane responsibilities have taken over every part of your current existence, perhaps it is time to rekindle that hobby of yours and start enjoying life again. This article tells you where to look to reconnect with those once favourite pastimes.

Do you realize that as you get older, you devote less time to your hobbies? Well, that’s natural, you may think. As you grow up, you have more responsibilities in your life, and hence you need to prioritize them. Family, kids and work always come first. And by the end of each day, you are so tired that you may not even have the energy left to do anything else.

That may be true, but as the saying goes, “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”. Instead of getting duller as we get older, why not rekindle some of that old hobbies of yours that you once so loved? I did exactly that recently, and found myself having the time of my life! I was young again, full of energy and fun. And my kids enjoy spending time with me even more!

The best place to get started? Your garage or the self storage facility where you keep all your old stuff. They are a treasure trove! Here are some things that you could possibly find in there:

1.       Musical Instrument

Were you a Miles Davis or a Jimi Hendrix wannabe? Did you enjoy playing the scores of Bach and Chopin? Many people found their first love in music, stored them away during their “adult years” and rekindled that love again when they rediscovered them in their self storage unit. I did. I suppose true love never dies.

2.       Riding That Bike Once Again

People don’t like to throw away their bicycle, even when they don’t ride them anymore. For some strange reasons, the sentimental attachment they have on their ride is unfathomable. I suppose it brings back wonderful memories, be it the college years, or the early days of working life when you struggled to survive. What about getting your bike out of the garage and riding it again? Not only will it make you feel young, it also gives you a great workout!

3.       Water Sports

Did you once dive, snorkel, canoe or surf those crazy waves? I bet you can find your old diving or snorkeling equipment, or your old surf board somewhere in the self storage facility too. You may not be able to surf like before, but what about teaching your kids how to ride those waves instead?

4.       Bowling

Bowling was such a popular game in the 80s and 90s that many people started getting their own bowling balls and shoes. If you are not the outdoor-ish type, this may be the game for you. Besides, it’s family friendly. How about making it a weekly night out as a family?

No hobbies? Can’t find anything in your storage at all? Perhaps you can start a new one? What about camping, jogging or woodwork? Or anything to get you out of that sofa or your eyes off that television or computer screen. Trust me, you’ll feel young and brand new again. 

Business Self-Storage Has Plenty Of Benefits And Discounts

The term self-storage generally generates images of moving house but the truth is it can also work very well for all kinds of businesses whatever their size. The storage industry has had to change in recent years, along with many other businesses, in terms of adaptability and finding new customers.

Some companies offer services for both individuals and companies, whilst others specialise in only one or the other. A business storage company might involve not only facilities for storage but also provide units that have been modified so they can be used as mini-offices complete with telephone line, internet access and desk.

Storage facilities are useful for businesses as they can provide a place to stockpile furniture or documents whilst moving premises or refurbishing due to expansion. If a company is in the process of making cutbacks then it makes sense for them to start by moving into smaller premises, this can be achieved by making the most of the nearest facility close to you.

It’s possible to keep anything not required on a daily basis in a storage module for as long as you need, and if access is necessary then it’s easy enough to travel to the facility and get what you need. Units are available in different sizes, so it’s even feasible to rent one long-term and use it as a mini-warehouse, this can save a lot of money as you are just paying for rental alone with electricity and security all included in the overall charge.

Check out facilities near you for rates and offers. Be aware of any hidden costs as some facilities incur a fee for every time you want to access the unit, this can soon add up if you need to get into it several times a week for instance. Others will allow businesses free access; it’s all dependent upon their rules. There may also be a restriction on the times you’re allowed to have access which could be a problem if the unit is being used as a distribution point and access is required at odd times.

Storage units can be used for many reasons, they include the archiving of documents, files and records, the storage of office furniture and equipment, samples or promotional materials. Stock can be kept here on a temporary, seasonal or full-time basis and for those businesses that save money by buying in bulk it offers a safe place for office supplies.

Some specialist self-storage facilities have units that are climate controlled which makes them suitable as archives so important business documents can be preserved if needed in the future. Units can come with fitted shelves, storage bays and even be customised to fit in with your needs.

Business storage facilities are just the same as a personal facility, you pay for the size of the unit on a weekly, monthly or longer basis. The company will deliver the unit to your requested location, pack it up if you go for the premium service, and pick it up again to return it to the warehouse where it’s taken care of. Business rates are very favourable with discounts and great deals on storage options.

The Effective Guide to Giving Good Presentations or Speeches

Increasingly in this day and age, the demand for good presenters of ideas has increased tremendously. Far too often, people have found themselves tasked having stand in front of an audience to either share an idea or sell a product. Many are simply not prepared for it. This article shares some simple tips for the preparation of a good presentation. 

It has been described as one of the top fears in many people, some even going as far as describing it as a bigger fear than dying. Having grown up trying daily to fit in with their peers, whether it is in a school yard or at work, public speaking simply goes against that natural instinct. After all, public speaking is about standing out, and many people have a natural fight or flight response against that.

The good news is that there are ways to overcome this fear. Here are some ways:

1. Know your audience

Who are you speaking to? That’s the first question any speaker must ask. A presentation for a group of 8 year-olds is very different for one for professors, anybody can tell you that, but many people make the mistake of never equating the “audience factor”. Tweaking your speech for the right audience is helps you get your ideas across much more effectively.

2. Know your content

The days when you can read off a storybook in front of the class and still get a star for effort is over. Good public speakers know their content inside out upside down. They do so by asking the professionals and by doing their own research. No one would buy a car from a salesperson who knows next to nothing about the car he sells, so why would anyone listen to a person who has no idea what he’s talking about. Knowing your content would give you the necessary confidence.

3. Prepare

Do you watch “Whose Line is it Anyway” and think improvisation is the way to go? You’re wrong. Even the best improv actors prepare with countless theatre exercises with their cast members so they know each other’s energy well. Prepare you speech over and over, finding new ways to say certain lines. Find phrases that are most natural to your speaking style. Never tell yourself you have your cue cards to save you. Your cue cards are simply there to make sure you do not off track when giving your speech or when interrupted by an audience member. 

4. Compile good lines

Any actor can tell you a good entrance makes or breaks a performance. This applies to speeches as well. Keep a notebook of good jokes, stories or lines you could use as an opening to warm up the audience or somewhere in your speech. Think of the notebook as a self storage facility for good lines.

5. Relax

Are you crazy? Relax? How? Well, it’s actually quite simple. If you had done the steps above, you would be quite relaxed. However, it is understandable to feel some sort of jitters. At this point, some well-meaning advice would be to imagine the audience naked or to find something to focus on, like a point at the last row of the audience. That’s too abstract. Instead, just know that a good speech is like talking to a friend over a cup of coffee. Your audience is your friend and they are eager to hear what you have to say.