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Flipping Houses: Turning a Wreck into a Gem


About Me

Flipping Houses: Turning a Wreck into a Gem

Five years ago, I decided to start my own side business. Along with keeping my job as a construction worker, I decided to use my savings to purchase an older residence. The plan was to fix up the place and then sell it at a profit. It didn't take me long to figure out that while my side business would take up most of my free time, it would make me a lot of money. Today, I still flip three or four houses a year. My strategy developed through trial and error, and I've learned how to evaluate the potential of a property first, then buy second. I know what must be done in the way of exterior painting, making the place secure, and ultimately finding the right buyer. If you are thinking about trying this kind of sideline, read on. What I've learned will help you a lot.

4 Essential Tips For Using A Self-Storage Unit

You probably already know the basics of a self-storage unit, such as finding a climate-controlled unit, never keeping liquids or dangerous chemicals stored, and not using cardboard boxes. However, there are also some other things you should know if you plan to store items in this type of unit. The following tips will keep your belongings safe and secure, and avoid any unnecessary damage.

Use Industrial Wrap

The best thing you can do for your furniture and other belongings in the storage unit is to wrap it all in industrial wrap. While you won't wrap any plastic bins in the wrap, you should definitely get some big rolls of it and wrap what you can. The plastic wrap is going to protect your belongings from damage due to moisture or temperature changes, reduce dust collected, and protect against pests. The last thing you want to do when you retrieve your sofa from the storage unit is find ants, spiders, or cockroaches living inside. Try to wrap as many items as you can when you store them.

Store Items on Pallets

For the most part, you don't want anything touching the floor of the storage unit. Even items that are wrapped or otherwise protected can get damaged or wet when they sit on the floor. The floor of a self-storage unit is already cold enough, but add snow, rain, or cold weather, and you might have a disaster on your hands. The best thing to do is raise everything at least a few inches by placing items on pallets. Pallets are easy to find for cheap, or you can check your local grocery store or box store and ask if they have any extra pallets they can give to you.

Get Your Own Lock

While self-storage units are very secure, it can help your peace of mind to purchase an additional lock just in case. For the most part, storage units are more secure than your own garage, but it can help to secure it even more if you are storing valuables. Get a good all-weather padlock for the door of the storage unit, so you know it is nearly impossible for anyone to get it. This type of lock can't even be opened by a bolt cutter, so you know you're getting the best one possible.

Prepare for Snow

Self-storage units are built to have drains on the floors so that the water goes down the drain and doesn't turn to ice. However, this won't help much if the storage unit is in a location where there is snow. Many storage facilities are outside, meaning the individual units are enclosed, but the facility is susceptible to snow. If snow builds up outside the door of your unit, you won't be able to get in. This is why you should prepare for snow by bringing cat litter or sand with you, so that you can spread it around and access your storage unit even during the winter.

For more tips, contact a company like Pearl Street Self Storage.