If you experience wanderlust and are never quite satisfied staying in one place for very long, then you’re a nomad. You constantly seek new adventures elsewhere. The traditional lifestyle of owning a home or renting an apartment doesn’t quite mix well with nomads. How is someone with wanderlust supposed to satiate their need to travel without emptying their pockets on hotel expenditures? The solution is to make their mode of travel into their new home. A van can be transformed into a mobile home far easier than you might imagine. This article from Jim’s Self Storage in Williamstown, Melbourne will give a brief overview of how to do just that.

Preparation

Once you’ve bought a van, you should find a storage facility that can house all the big items that you own or wish to hold onto even as you travel. In Melbourne, Jim’s is a great choice for that affordable storage unit rental. With the van in your possession, you need to first clear it out. Remove the old furniture and place it in your storage unit. You can either keep the front seats or get new ones. Next, you need to clean the inside of the van. Simple vacuuming and scrubbing should do the job. If the van has rust, then you should grind it off. Then do a final sweeping and cleaning to prepare for painting.

You’ll want to begin with anti-rust spray on everything metal. Then spray paint the entire interior of the van with glossy white paint.

Insulation

This next step is extremely important. Glue Reflectix along the walls of the van. Then glue it to the ceiling. Make sure it is cut to fit both walls and the ceiling perfectly. Next, you should cut rigid foam to fit against the ceiling and any pop-up windows that the van possesses. All other cracks should be sprayed with insulation foam.

Next, you’ll need to attach Reflectix and the rigid panelling to the floor. You should make a template of the floor with some paper to make sure the shape is correct. If your van has windows, then you should use fibreglass insulation on the bottom half of the walls. Without windows, you need to apply fibreglass insulation to the entire wall.

Flooring

Using the template from before, first cut plywood to act as your subfloor. You should attach the subfloor with screws. These screw holes should then be caulked and sealed. The seams need to be caulked as well. Eventually, you should install the vinyl flooring but only after you have finished installing the rest of the walling and the ceiling.

Furniture

To optimise the storage in your mobile home, consider multi-functional furniture that doubles as storage space. A popular choice is a bed frame with built-in drawers, which offers ample space to store clothing and other essentials while saving floor space. Another ingenious solution is to use hanging organisers on doors or walls for items like shoes, utensils, or small personal items. These strategies not only maximize your living area but also help keep your mobile home organized and clutter-free, making your travels more comfortable and enjoyable.

The Details

When it comes to the items like your ceiling, then you need to choose what materials you like to use. You may like panelled wood for the ceiling. You should also include a fan to the top. Your kitchen can be a simple camping stove that rests inside of a closeable dining table. The team at Jim’s Self Storage are only a call away for all your storage needs as well as boxes for moving. So don’t hesitate to reach out and good luck on your mobile home adventures!

Are you frustrated by the small size of your kitchen? Is keeping your kitchen organised and being able to easily find what you’re looking for a challenge. Many kitchens simply aren’t designed to hold all the essentials we use for preparing food, serving food, and entertaining. Plus, since everything happens in the kitchen, we often need additional space to hold office supplies and other gadgets. However, if you’re inventive, you’ll be able to find new kitchen storage ideas that can really help you take full advantage of all the space your kitchen has to offer. Here are a few ideas from Jim’s Self Storage near Altona.

Place cubbies in a corner of the space

If you put a shelf with cubby holes in one of the corners of your kitchen, it can be used for storing bulkier items that would otherwise take up a lot of cabinet or counter space. Plus, if you have kids who like to leave their things all over your kitchen table or counters, you can give them each a cubby to store their supplies in.

Use the undersides of your cabinets

The undersides of your cabinets are a kitchen storage solution that is often overlooked. You just need to be a little creative and you can really take advantage of this great storage option. Try hanging a few hooks to store your coffee mugs. Or, you can put your spices in jars with magnetic lids and add a magnetic strip to the bottom of your cabinets. This will make getting at the spices you need for cooking simple, plus it will clear out a lot of cabinet space. This will allow you to store something else in what used to be your spice cabinet.

Install a magnetic knife rack

If you are like most people, you probably have a drawer full of knives. Why not clear out this drawer so you can use it for other kitchen storage needs. Instead of taking up a whole drawer with your knives, install a magnetic knife rack. These racks use strong magnets, so you won’t need to worry about your knives sliding off of them. When you store your knives on a knife rack, you can put it on a wall that is convenient to where you typically prep food. Then, you’ll always have the perfect knife right at your fingertips.

Use the space on the insides of cabinet and pantry doors

The inside of a door can provide a creative storage space too. You can hang small items, such as kitchen towels inside your cabinet doors. For your pantry door, look for an over-the-door shoe organiser. Shoe organisers have lots of little pockets that you can use to store pantry items, such as pasta boxes, granola bars, or chips.

Vertical Storage Solutions

Incorporating vertical storage solutions can also dramatically enhance your kitchen’s functionality and aesthetic appeal. Consider installing open shelves above the sink or cooking area to keep frequently used items like dishes, glasses, or spices within easy reach. This not only saves precious counter space but also adds a visual element to your kitchen, allowing you to display decorative items or colourful dishware. Additionally, utilising the top of the refrigerator as a storage area for less frequently used bulky items or appliances can free up cabinet space, making your kitchen look neater and more organised.

Add a pegboard to one of your walls

If you add a pegboard to an empty wall in your kitchen, it can provide a plethora of storage space. You can hang one large pegboard or numerous small pegboards, depending on the wall space you have available. Then, you’ll just need to add a few hooks on to the board. This will allow you to hang anything with an open end, such as pots and pans, measuring cups, and cooking utensils.

A smaller kitchen doesn’t have to equal a disorganised and cramped kitchen. If you use your imagination, there are so many ways you can get the most out of your kitchen and store all your essentials where you can easily access them. Remember, when things get too crowded, you can always rely on Jim’s Self Storage to free up space!

Exploring the world is a must for many people. People love the chance to see regions in person. While few things are more enjoyable than travelling overseas, finding the money may pose a few challenges. Fortunately, there are actions that people can take to help them afford the trip they have in mind. People who can be flexible about dates will often find lots of bargains at their feet. Those who can rent out a room while using self storage nearby will also find it easy to make some ready and much needed cash they can use for the trip they want.

Flexible dates

One of the many wonderful things about travel is the ability to head out fast. The opportunity to take an unexpected break from life is a truly spontaneous joy. Being flexible with dates has another important advantage. Those who are flexible with travel dates can frequently land wonderful bargains. Many airlines have seats they need to fill. If someone is willing to fill a last minute cancellation, they can often do so at a vastly reduced cost. The same is true of those who book hotels and areas to stay. Flexibility can lead to decreased funds spent on travel, making it more affordable.

Rent out extra space

When you’re travelling, you don’t have need of that space. Rent it out for extra funds. Store the items you’re not using in a self storage unit and you’ll have a safe and secure space to welcome guests when you are abroad. Self storage makes it easy for you to keep your private items away from the prying eyes of others. You can rent out a single room in your home. You can also choose to rent out the entire home for paying guests when you are not there.

Go with friends

If you are a very social person, now is the time to tap into your social networks directly. You might find your friends have the same plans to travel. You can travel with good friends. Travelling in a group allows people to earn group discounts and save on travel costs. You can all stay in a single hotel room, thus reducing the amount of money for lodging. Many popular attractions are happy to give people discounts when they are purchasing several tickets at the same time. The costs saved can easily add up. This also has the added bonus of increasing bonds with your close friends.

Second job

Those who want to raise funds can also think about taking on a second job. If you’re only working part-time, see if you can ask for extra hours at work. Overtime can add up nicely. If you work a full-time job right now, you might want to look into working another job on the weekends. A second job can add a lot of money fairly quickly that you can apply for the overseas holiday. Even a few hours a week can help you reach your financial travel goal with wonderful ease.

Cost Effective Destinations

Exploring cost-effective destinations can make your dream vacation more achievable without breaking the bank. Countries with a favourable exchange rate or lower cost of living offer splendid experiences at a fraction of the cost. Southeast Asia, parts of Eastern Europe, and Central America are notable for their rich cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and affordability. These regions offer everything from pristine beaches to historic sites, allowing travellers to enjoy luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining, and unique experiences at budget-friendly prices. Prioritizing these destinations can significantly stretch your travel budget, enabling longer stays or more frequent trips.

Conclusion

Bringing a dream vacation to life on a budget is entirely feasible with the right approach. By embracing flexibility, leveraging assets like unused space, enjoying the company and cost-splitting benefits of friends, and possibly adding income streams, your overseas holiday can move from wishful thinking to vivid reality. If you need self storage in Melbourne’s western suburbs to help achieve your goals we are here to assist.

If you need more space in your home, you don’t have to start looking for a bigger home. With these secret home storage tips, and taking advantage of Jim’s Self Storage Williamstown, your home will be more spacious than ever.

Use decorative storage columns and cubes

If you like the look of Roman or Greek columns, there are all sizes of hollow columns that are designed to be concealed storage bins. Also, there are decorative cubes that look like accent pieces. Some decorative cubes are padded and upholstered, which means that you can use them as ottomans. These items help you conceal smaller loose things that would otherwise make your space look messy.

Maximise storage areas around your bed

Blankets, shoes, clothes and other belongings that you keep in your room don’t require extra chests of drawers or boxes. You can purchase a headboard with shelves or storage compartments. Also, there are platform beds that have under-mattress storage spaces, and there are beds that have drawers under them as well. These types of storage aids make your room look much neater.

Look for storage-friendly tables

From end tables and nightstands to dining tables, there are plenty of storage-friendly designs. You can find end tables with drawers under them. Also, there are dining tables that have shelves, drawers or a combination of both. Some dining sets even have storage space under the chairs.

Purchase storage benches or living room furniture

If your budget allows you to buy a new set of furniture, look for chairs and sofas that have storage compartments under the cushions or in the armrests. There are also storage benches that you can put under windows. With their cushions, they look like quaint sitting areas. However, they are hollow and have plenty of space to store larger items.

Install cabinet door racks

You can easily install metal or wood racks behind cabinet doors. In the kitchen, you can keep spices, food or utensils in them. This gives you some extra space and makes smaller items easier to grab when you need them.

Add stair drawers

If you own your house or have permission to make alterations to a rental home, you can add drawers to stairs. This project requires some hard work, tools and research. However, you can put anything from seasonal items to children’s toys in them. If you want to install a lock on one of the drawers, you can use it to hide a fireproof lock box with money or other valuables.

Rent a unit from Jim’s Self Storage Williamstown

After you try a few of the previous ideas and realise that you still need more space to store bulky items, bicycles, camping gear or anything else that you won’t use every day, look for Self Storage in Williamstown. You can visit your unit whenever you wish to store more items or to retrieve stored belongings. With a wide variety of unit sizes on offer, Jim’s Self Storage Williamstown has a storage space available for every storage need.

Moving is one of those laborious tasks that most people dread. The excitement of a new home and area can be quickly overcome when packing boxes for moving house. Especially if you’ve lived somewhere a long time or have built up a lot of possessions. If you fall into one of those categories fear not! We’ve put together some of the best moving house packing tips from Williamstown Self Storage to make your moving adventure easier. These tips will help you become an organised packer you’ll never have to dread the day when you have to do it again.

So, take a deep breath and read on.

Create a moving house checklist

Or a planner, if you will. A lot of the common packing problems usually come from trying to do it all at once the day before moving. Have your moving house checklist ready six to eight weeks before move day so you can plan ahead.

Get Rid of Things you don’t need

First step is to declutter your home. One of the best ways to save money is to give away items you no longer need. And two, you’ll be thankful when there are less boxes to pack!

Prepare your packing kit

Have everything within reach to avoid getting frustrated over simpler tasks like labelling. Create a kit that will contain your packing tapes, tags and labels, scissors, markers, and utility knives.

Buy moving boxes

Trying to scavenge random boxes and bags for moving is a sure way to damage something in transport. Take care of your possessions and buy quality boxes for moving designed for the task.

Reinforce the boxes using a high-quality packing tape to add extra strength to your boxes and ensure they stay closed.

Organise, organise, organise

Pack similar items or items from the same room together. Decide which items go to which boxes and label them correctly. You can even use colour coding to have an easier time unpacking when you arrive at your new home.

Start with heavy items

One of the most important packing tips for moving house is to start with heavy items. Put them first on the bottom and the lighter items like fabric and clothing on top. If there’s an empty space, fill it with other lighter things like towels, pillows, robes, or cover it up with a bubble wrap. This will keep the items steady and stable in the box while the truck is on the move.

Avoid packing boxes heavier than 20kg. Use the smaller boxes to pack heavy items like books to avoid strains and pains from lifting heavy boxes.

Do you need Williamstown Self Storage?

It is also advisable to consider Williamstown Self Storage for some of your possessions. This can help take the pressure off a move and make it easier to settle into your new home without stepping over boxes. Decide on how long you’re planning to store them and then work out how much space you need with a self storage calculator.

Hire a professional mover

Decide whether to DIY or hire a removalist in advance to make sure that everything will go as planned. A professional removalist will provide helpful advice on preparing and packing for moving house.

Prepare an essentials bag

Moving house can be exhausting. So after settling in your new home, avoid tiring yourself out even more by packing an essentials bag. This is where you should put your bottled water, snacks, fresh clothes, pyjamas, toiletries, etc.

May you have a smooth and hassle-free experience with these moving house packing tips. And if you need packing supplies or western suburbs self storage get in touch!

The team at Jim’s Self Storage are proud to announce an exciting new expansion of its award-winning self-storage facility in Williamstown, Victoria.

This is the first 150 new storage units of major 300 unit expansion, opened on Saturday July 1st 2017.

To meet the needs of a rapidly growing community in Melbourne’s western suburbs we’ve expanded the number and range of unit sizes. In particular many new 4m x 3m and 5m x 3m units are available suiting average 3 bedroom units and large 3 bedroom houses respectively.

Featuring the latest in security technology, new units include 24hr access, individual alarms, CCTV and more, our new self storage units are being snapped up quickly. Take a look for yourself in the video below!

Father-and-son founded Jim’s Self Storage  has proudly served the local community for over 20 years, not only through its state of the art short and long-term storage solutions but with keen sponsorships, participation and fundraising in support of local sports and life saving clubs, schools and community groups.

With a strong commitment to the local community, Jim and Ivor Morgan have been steadily growing, improving and expanding Jim’s Self Storage since 1996. Now offered are state of the art services for personal and residential storage, commercial, document and business storage, boat and wine storage, packaging supplies and more.

To help make this expansion first class, self storage building and warehouse construction experts RegisBuilt have been hard at work, watch the video below to see the finishing touches being added.

In 2011, Jim’s Self Storage added the Self Storage Association of Australasia’s Best Facility Upgrade/Expansion award to its suite of honours, and is confident this latest major expansion will be just as successful.

Jim and Ivor Morgan commented: “Our solid commitment is not only to providing the very latest in security technology and equipment, but also close engagement with Williamstown and the western suburbs at large.  We are proud of our local sponsorships and involvement with community activities, and are confident this latest expansion further demonstrates our eagerness to grow along with the people we serve.“

To learn more about Jim’s Self Storage, its award-winning storage services or to book a storage unit, request a quote or contact our friendly team.

While it’s great to clear your living space of that stress-producing clutter, sometimes you simply can’t throw it all out. Maybe a teenager is just moving out – but you’ll suspect they’ll be back. Perhaps you’re renovating and you just need somewhere to keep all of your beloved stuff. Maybe you’re downsizing and need Storage Williamstown to store extra items. Or maybe you have a boat for the weekends but have nowhere to keep it during the week.

Or maybe, or maybe, or maybe… As you can see, there are plenty of reasons why self-storage can be not just a choice, but one of those little necessities of life.

So you’ve decided to put some of your stuff in self-storage. But now comes the question: How do I choose a self storage facility and know it’s really worthy of housing my valuable possessions?

1. Location

Just like moving house, location is a big factor for self storage. If you’re storing something you need regular and ready access to, like business equipment, it makes sense to choose a storage facility that’s nearby, such Williamstown Self Storage from Jim’s Self Storage. On the other hand if you need access infrequently choosing a facility further from town could save you money with cheaper self storage units.

2. Will it be safe?

Face it: if you really weren’t concerned about security, you would just leave your stuff on the front porch, right? It’s obvious that security is a must – but a really good self-storage facility, such as Jim’s Self Storage, Williamstown Storage, will go above and beyond. We’re not only talking about things like good lighting, but all the latest technology including 24 hour video surveillance, constant computerised monitoring, the availability of insurance, and individual unit alarms with pin codes only you know – because if your storage facility doesn’t care about safety, then who will?

3. How often can you access your stuff?

For many people, the next question after ‘Will my stuff be safe?’ is ‘Will it be a problem to access it? And we’re not just talking about access hours, but in what form that access is in. For instance, will you have sole access and full control of your unit, including possession of all the keys? Will access be convenient for your particular lifestyle over 7 full days of the week?

4. The people behind your Williamstown Storage

It may be ‘self’ storage, but that doesn’t mean you don’t want the support of an amazing team. Why’s that? You want your storage facility to be maintained, presentable and clean, you want those who run the business to be committed to you and the community, and you might even want the peace of mind that the operators feel so strongly about looking after your stuff that a manager actually lives on-site.

Tip: A great way to find out more about the people behind a business is to read online reviews. Great reviews will typically talk about customer service, praising businesses who go above and beyond the call of duty with extra smiles and friendliness.

Of course, the best way to really make sure you’re making a safe and wise choice the next time you need self-storage is to get in touch with Jim’s Self Storage to ask some questions or arrange a tour of our Williamstown Storage facility. If you’re in Melbourne, we’d love to hear from you!

When relocating, one of the first questions to ask is do I need a removalist or can I do the moving myself? There are a few things you need to know to make an informed decision. To help, we’ve outlined the pros and cons of DIY vs professional moving from our experience as a leading self storage facility for Melbourne’s western suburbs.

Distance of travel

While moving across town in a rental truck is generally not a complicated process, moving interstate is much more difficult. Travelling long distances in a truck with the kids and pets in tow is often very stressful. In conjunction with having to concentrate on driving for long periods of time, you are also responsible for safeguarding the truck and your belongings. If you are moving a long distance hiring a removalist will help keep you sane.

Legal liability

If you decide to do a DIY move, it’s important to be aware you’re liable for anything that may go wrong. If anything happens to the rental truck or it’s equipment you are responsible. Although insurance will cover the cost of the repairs, there is normally a hefty excess to pay. You may not have considered that you are also liable for medical expenses if friends are helping out and get injured during your move.

The scale of your move

While moving the contents of a single room can be accomplished fairly easily in a DIY move, if you’re moving your entire family home, hiring a mover is a better alternative. If you hire professionals to handle moving the contents of your home, they can undertake the packing, moving and unpacking, so you can focus on all the other vital areas of moving, including enrolling the kids in school, arranging for water and power to be connected and finding a job.

Timeline involved with your move

Often when your moving home you’ll find you have a short space of time between moving from one property to the next. Using movers will help with a tight schedule, however there is another option. The convenience of self storage allows you to store your goods until your new home is ready for you to move in. With the option of 24-hour access and peace-of-mind knowing your goods are secure, self storage makes moving home less stressful and time critical (We also have courtesy trailers available!). You can also move your goods and furniture at a date and time that suits you and your family.

Moving costs

DIY moving often seems appealing, after all, you save the cost of paying professionals right? There are costs associated with DIY moving. If you need to rent a truck the cost can easily get out of hand if you take longer than expected. Add in fuel, insurance and any removal equipment and the cost may become comparable to hiring a mover. Don’t forget to allow for a slab of beer or nice bottle of wine for your helpers!

It really comes down to your own situation, so considering these points will help make the right decision to DIY or hire a mover.

One of the great benefits of the hot Australian summers is being able to make very good use of patio furniture in your back garden during the summer months. But what about when summer draws to a close? What are you supposed to do with your furniture then? Well, this is when it’s really important to have a winter storage plan for your patio furniture, no matter what material it is made from, because the winter climate can wreak havoc with outdoor furniture. Follow these furniture storage tips and you’ll be able to ensure that your summer furniture really stands the test of time.

First of all, clean thoroughly. You might think that it’s good enough to give your furniture a quick hose down before placing it in winter storage, but for long-term preservation this is not the best course of action. This is because those bits of grime and even specks of dust can work together with the water and oxygen in a damp atmosphere and create mould and mildew. This isn’t only unsightly, smelly, and hard to remove, but it can actually be dangerous for humans to be exposed to it, causing respiratory problems.

If you have a high pressure water cleaner, this is a great piece of kit for quickly blasting every piece of dirt off your patio items at the end of summer so they are ready for winter storage. Just make sure it’s had ample time to dry.

Then, protect your furniture. In the same way that people moisturise their skin each day to protect it from the natural elements, your furniture needs an occasional layer of protection as well. The type of wax, oil, or sealant that you use will be dependent on the material of your patio furniture. Plastic furniture can typically be covered in a protective wax, while wooden furniture will often benefit from an oil based sealant to prevent water from penetrating the material. It can be problematic when this happens because if water is introduced to wood, warping of the wood grain can occur. And if you have metallic outdoor furniture, it’s wise to search for a sealant that will protect it from rusting.

Covering and storage. It’s important to remember that not all storage spaces are equal in merit. If you have a garage that is particularly damp, you are probably unwise to keep your furniture there for the whole of the winter. Fortunately, there are plenty of seasonal storage solutions that are reasonably priced and maintain the perfect atmospheric conditions to emerge from a winter in hiding unscathed.

And if you would prefer to keep your outdoor furniture on your own property, it’s wise to invest in coverings so that the winter elements are kept well away. These can easily be found in different sizes to suit any piece of furniture you might have.

When the time comes to take your furniture out of winter storage, you’ll find it preserved in very good condition, and ready for another summer in the Australian sunshine!

Seasonal self storage where you own the keys to a secure lockable unit, is a great solution when you need different things for different seasons. Why let your Christmas decorations steal garage space in winter, when you could use it to prepare the kids toboggan for a trip to Falls Creek?

It makes even less sense to have the skis laying round in summer when you need space for the fishing rods. There has to be a better way, and that better way is seasonal self storage. Consider these advantages.

Seasonal Self Storage: Through the Seasons

Spring is a perfect time for cleaning away the mould and cobwebs, washing, ironing and folding away the winter clothes, and breaking out the cozzies and suntan lotions. Cupboard space is limited so you pack away the winter woollies in a cardboard box and start sorting through the summer gear.

But you can’t find the swimming towels easily can you, and there’s nowhere to put the accumulating pile of boxes. The easiest way out of your spring storage blues is a unit at your local Melbourne self storage facility, but is it worth the cost? Let’s explore the benefits and find the answers.

As glorious Summer rolls over Spring you start realising what a great idea seasonal self storage is (and how little it costs compared to the advantages of the decluttered house you always dreamed of). This just has to be the answer to the smaller houses they build these days, and the tiny cupboards builders squeeze into even tinier kitchens. Why have the Christmas turkey roaster taking the space of a frying pan and two pots, when you can store it down the road and bring it out in season.

Now let’s see, with Autumn on the horizon what happens next? After we dust the sand off the boogie boards and drain the moisture from the portable aircon we can take them down to our local seasonal self storage unit.

While we exchange them for the heaters we have been secretly longing for, for dark winter nights, do you think we should bring the Christmas decorations back to check what’s missing, or can it wait for another month?

Winter’s going to be really special now we bed down for the colder months. The awnings are back up on the veranda and the clothes dryer installed. The bikes are packed away leaving room for our stock of wood for log fires. Come on winter, we have our woollies back so do your worst!

Seasonal Self Storage: Right Sized Houses

There really is no alternative to seasonal self storage for growing families. It helps us right-size our houses, so when the kids have left we have just the amount of space we need.

Need to know more? Why not visit Jim’s award-winning seasonal self storage in Williamstown, Melbourne and take a look around. Don’t suffer with a cluttered home!