Self-Storage in a Time of Crisis

We’re all currently living through unprecedented times. The Coronavirus Pandemic has certainly changed how we navigate through our daily lives. However, even though this situation can be quite unnerving and overwhelming, we aren’t completely in the dark. We know there are steps we can take to protect ourselves and those who represent the most vulnerable in our society. The most effective method for preventing contraction of the virus is to practice a high standard of personal hygiene and adhering to self-isolation, quarantining and physical distancing procedures.

Since we are being strongly encouraged to stay at home and minimize unnecessary social interactions, our living spaces have suddenly become all the more important and present in our day to day lives. It can become somewhat mentally straining to shelter-in-place. However, there are things each of us can do to optimize our spaces so they are conducive to a healthy existence (physically, mentally and emotionally).

Below, we have provided several ways that you can draw on a self-storage unit to help you make your living spaces exactly what you need them to be to support your isolation efforts over the next weeks or months.

Working Remotely

One of the ways many of our lives have changed for the foreseeable future is that we are being asked to work from home. In an effort to reduce the spread of the virus, remote working has been implemented in many organizations across the country and world. Some people may be familiar and comfortable with working at home in a productive manner. However, for many, this is new territory. There will, of course, be more distractions at home than in your office. But there are many things you can do to set yourself up for success and to continue contributing in a meaningful way to your organization. One of the main things you should do when attempting to work from home is to establish a room or area that will be your designated workspace. Accomplishing this may require the removal of certain pieces of furniture, so you can create an uncluttered space where you can truly focus on the work at-hand. Temporarily shifting a room around is no trouble when you have a self-storage unit available to you. Simply offload those items you don’t need at the moment into your storage space, and voila – you’ve got your own home office.

Spring Cleaning Progress

This isolation period has left most of us with a lot of extra time on our hands – making it the perfect opportunity to do that spring cleaning you’ve been meaning to get around to. Whether it’s a cluttered garage or shed, or just seasonal decorations or furniture that needs to be stored, make use of your self-storage unit. One of the worst subconscious and psychological impacts you can inflict upon yourself is to allow your living spaces to be encumbered with disarray. The more open and free-flowing we can make our spaces, the better we will feel. Anything you can do to make yourself more comfortable during this time, do it.

At-Home Gym

With the gyms now shutdown, it can become a bit of a downer when it comes to your exercise routine. However, you can’t let this roadblock stop you on your path to self-improvement and living a healthy lifestyle. One of the worst things you can do is allow yourself to become sedentary. You need to keep up your regimen and keep moving during this quarantine. Sticking to your healthy routine will empower a positive mindset. So, how do you stay active when restricted to your home? For those with a proper home gym, it’s pretty simple. However, I think it’s safe to say many of us do not have that. Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do with just a cleared space, your body, a mat and some household items. There are a million video tutorials online that can give you pointers on how to do cardio and weight training, all in the comfort of your own home – with little to no proper equipment. The other part of the equation is just designating an area for yourself. Just like your workspace, you need to carve out an area that is earmarked for exercise. Designating a workout zone will give you a greater chance of staying committed to your adapted exercise regimen. Move whatever pieces of furniture that are in the way into your storage unit, so you can free up space to move around in a safe manner. What’s more, maybe you have a few neglected dumbbells or tension cords laying around in your storage unit. Now would be a great time to pull those out and make use of them.

Stocking Up

There’s no need to panic-buy. However, just like with every potential emergency scenario, it is prudent (and recommended) to have a certain amount of surplus provisions should specific scenarios unfold. Stocking up can put a serious strain on your pantry and storage cupboards. To avoid overflow and frankly, to keep from feeling like a doomsday prepper, avail yourself of your sealed first aid kits and unopened non-perishable items by storing them safely and securely in your self-storage unit. The name of the game for the foreseeable future is to minimize the amount of time we spend around others. The less we can be in a crowd, the better. So, the fewer trips we make to the grocery store, the better chance we will have of preventing infection. Having that surplus to draw on, in a location that does not require you to interact with others is a huge advantage.

Leaving the Dormitory

Many post-secondary students who live in dorms on their campus have been asked to return to their family home, if possible. Many students will already have a self-storage unit at their disposal and should draw on it further, prior to leaving their dormitory. Any valuables that you don’t want to leave unprotected in your dorm room, but you also don’t want to take them home, you should place them in your self-storage unit. There, they will be safe and will be easy to access once you eventually return to school. You’re most likely trying to figure out how best to stay on top of your studies while your education is on hold – the last thing you want to be worrying about is the well-being of your things. With self-storage, that’s one worry you can take off your list.

Self-Access

These are uncertain times, but we will get through by being responsible and respecting the guidelines established by public and health officials. Lean on your self-storage unit to help you make your isolation time as comfortable as it can be.

Burlington Storage Barn is happy to work with you through this challenging time. Please contact us to discuss how we can support your storage efforts through this pandemic. Above all, we wish you all to remain safe and healthy.