How to Use Self-Storage for Staging Your Home to Sell Effectively

Posted on April 16, 2025 by John McCoy

Use Self-Storage to Help StageYour Home!

You’d be surprised at how much of a difference first impressions make when selling a home! One of the best ways to create that “love-at-first-sight” moment for potential buyers is through home staging.

Home staging is about making the space feel desirable so that buyers can easily imagine themselves living there. And a key tool in this process is using a self-storage unit.

Self-storage allows you to clean out clutter, store personal items, and remove excess furniture, all of which allow the space to shine and make it easier for buyers to fall in love with the property.

If you’re in the process of selling your home and you want to increase your chances of a quick sale, you’re already on the right track by reading this article.

We’re here to help you understand home staging better and how you use self-storage to do it right. Let’s dive in.

Why Home Staging Matters

Home staging is the process of preparing a property to appeal to the widest possible pool of buyers. It involves redecorating, rearranging furniture, deep cleaning, and sometimes even decluttering.

The goal is to make your home as appealing as possible to potential buyers, so they can immediately see themselves living there.

Now, we’re sure your home is already beautiful as is. But here’s the thing: home staging is not about what you like. Your home is YOUR home, but when it’s on the market, it needs to feel like a place anyone could picture themselves calling home.

They need to be able to imagine their life unfolding within those walls. That means your personal touches, while meaningful to you, might not have the universal appeal that helps others connect with the space.

The reality is that buyers are more likely to fall in love with a property that feels spacious, light-filled, and well-maintained. Yes, that means no clutter and no things lying around the living room…

And let’s not forget; in a competitive market, staging can be the best way to get top dollar for your home.

How Self Storage Helps With Home Staging

Self-storage is a powerful tool for setting yourself up for success with home staging. It’s a small investment that can yield big results when it comes to impressing potential homebuyers and securing a great offer. Here’s how it can make a difference:

Declutter Without Stress: Clear out unnecessary items without the hassle of finding space at home, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere for buyers;
Store Personal Items for a Neutral Look: Remove personal mementos to create a neutral environment where buyers can envision themselves living;
Make Rooms Look Bigger: Open up cramped spaces by temporarily removing bulky furniture or items, making it feel spacious and functional;
Organize and Streamline Storage Areas: Tidy up closets, basements, and garages to show how much your house offers in terms of ample storage space;
Keep Your Home Show Ready: Stay prepared for showings at a moment’s notice by using self-storage to quickly stash away anything that’s out of place.

Ultimately, a storage unit lets you focus on the important task of staging and selling your home without worrying about where to store your belongings or if they’re safe.

Key Steps for Using Self Storage for Staging

To make the most out of self-storage and ensure your home staging is as effective as possible, follow these key steps:

Plan Ahead and Assess What Needs to Go

First, take a good look around your home and decide what can stay and what should be removed. Keep your goal in mind: creating a clean universally beautiful space. This means putting away your collection of family photos, that quirky painting you found on your vacation, bold decor choices, or anything that makes the place feel cluttered or overly personalized.

Make a list of everything that should be stored away and that can go into a storage unit. When placing them, think strategically. Organize them in a way that makes it easy to retrieve anything you might need later. Use sturdy boxes, label everything clearly, and store frequently accessed items near the front. If you’re storing furniture, consider using protective covers to prevent dust or scratches. Stack heavier items on the bottom and lighter ones on top to avoid damage.

Then, you can proceed to the next step of staging your home so that you can sell it for top dollar.

Prepare Your Home for Staging

Before you start staging, your house needs to be spotless. This step involves a deep clean (yes, those neglected corners, too), any minor repair you’ve been putting off, and of course, decluttering.

Make necessary minor repairs such as fixing leaky faucets, touching up paint, and replacing outdated light fixtures. Declutter and depersonalize every room as much as you can to create a neutral but welcoming space.

If the process feels overwhelming, consider hiring a professional home stager for expert guidance. Do your best, and you’ll reap the benefits later when you have a quick and profitable sale on your house.

Stage With Purpose

Now comes the fun part—time to make your home shine and create that all-important “wow” factor! Staging with purpose means transforming each space to highlight its best features while making buyers feel at home the moment they step inside.

Since the goal is to help potential homebuyers envision themselves living there, focus on creating a warm, inviting atmosphere, especially in key areas like the living room and kitchen. These are the heart and soul of the home, where people gather, so you want to make them look functional but also stylish and spacious.

When it comes to the bedrooms, think warm and cozy. The right lighting, soft bedding, and a neutral color palette, can make the room look ideal for a restful night’s sleep.

Additionally, consider staging the outdoor spaces, such as the patio or backyard, to make the home feel even more inviting.

Stage Your Home for Listing Photos

Your listing photos are the very first impression buyers will have of your home, so make them count. Aim for high-quality, well-lit photos. Capture your home from the right angles to highlight its space and features. And don’t hesitate to ask your realtors for assistance with real estate staging if needed. Sometimes professional stagers can help bring your vision to life and ensure your home looks its absolute best.

Before taking photos, make sure the home is clean and clutter-free. Even the most beautifully staged home can lose its appeal if there’s a visible mess all around.

Use your self-storage unit to tuck away anything that doesn’t contribute to the overall aesthetics. Keep only the essentials in place to create a clean, open, and inviting space.

Avoid Common Mistakes in Home Staging

Home staging is simple but still some mistakes can happen when you’re doing it for the first time. To keep things running smoothly, be mindful of these common staging mistakes:

Less is more when it comes to decor. Over-accessorizing can make a space feel cramped and distracting;
Bright, bold colors might seem fun but they can be off-putting to some buyers. Stick to neutral colors that let the space speak for itself;
And please, keep the house clean and clutter-free before showings. Nothing says “this place is loved” like a well-maintained space;
Pro tip: Avoid using self-storage to store items that are essential to the staging process such as furniture that defines a room’s function, tasteful decor that enhances the space, or anything that makes the house feel warm.

Choose the Right Self Storage

Alright, we’ve reached the final step: choosing the right storage unit. It’s time to take that inventory list you’ve carefully made and find a place that works for both your stuff and your budget.

You want a unit that fits everything comfortably, without being cramped or unnecessarily spacious. So, pick a unit size that makes sense for your needs. Too small, and you’ll run out of space. Too big, and you’ll pay extra money for space you don’t need. If you’re storing anything valuable, go for waterproof facilities to keep them safe. Remember that security is vital, so look for facilities with 24/7 surveillance and gated access.

To make things easier for yourself, choose a facility in a convenient location that’s close to your home. This will make dropping things off and picking up much simpler.

And when it comes to access, make sure it’s a facility where getting to your unit is hassle-free. No one wants to deal with parking and lugging things all over the place, right?

Ready to Rent a Storage Unit?

Now that you know how essential self-storage can be for home staging, it’s time to make it happen. It’s all about working with what you have in your house to present it in the best possible light. By thoughtfully arranging furniture, decluttering, and using self-storage to remove distraction, you’ll create a space that feels bigger, brighter, and more inviting.

If you’re on the hunt for self-storage units in Ponca City, OK, My Storage Box is here to make life easier for you.

We offer affordable, secure, and easily accessible storage units to help you achieve the perfect staging setup. Our facility is fully fenced, gated, and features keypad access, so you can come and go with peace of mind, knowing your belongings are safe.

Have questions or ready to get started? We’re available 24/7, every day of the week. Reach out anytime, and we’d be happy to help you find the perfect storage solution!

The My Storage Box Guide to Shipping Container Self Storage

Posted on April 11, 2025 by John McCoy

Shipping Container Self Storage Solutions for Your Needs

Most of us don’t really give the composition of a storage unit much thought on a daily basis. It is a storage facility and that’s about it; it’s there for extra storage space, not for mulling over the materials and processes used in the process.

The self storage industry has exploded in recent years, and with demand comes a lot of new construction. Self storage facilities are made as fast and as cheap as possible, which isn’t altogether reassuring when you are putting your valuable stuff in self storage.

From our inception, My Storage Box has only used brand new shipping container self storage options, and we’re here to detail exactly why we do.

Benefits of Shipping Container Storage

When we set out to build a self storage business, we knew it had to be durable. After all, North-Central Oklahoma is home to some of the most volatile weather patterns in North America. Drastic weather calls for drastic measures, and we know that the typical storage unit construction isn’t the best option for harsh weather patterns.

Shipping containers are a great alternative to standard sheet metal construction storage units because their sizes are comparable but there is no comparison in terms of strength.

A typical sheet metal structure like a storage shed or storage unit campus is made from 26- to 29-gauge sheet metal, shipping containers are made from thick, sturdy 14-gauge sheet metal.

They provide a secure and durable storage unit that can withstand harsh weather conditions and handling during transportation.
Shipping containers are easily transportable, facilitating relocation or deployment to different locations as needed.
They can be customized to meet specific storage needs, with add-ons such as shelves, climate control, roll-up doors, and personnel doors.
Shipping containers are a sustainable solution for storage, reducing waste and the need for new building materials.

Why My Storage Box is the right storage facility

What makes My Storage Box so great? Well, we are the only storage facility in town that uses super strong, sturdy shipping containers for our storage options.

Everyone else has built the standard thin-skin setups that are built to save time and cut corners on cost. But we know the lay of the land; the weather is crazy here! When you are housing priceless heirloom furniture or better yet, a vintage classic motorcycle collection

How We Set Up Our Storage Containers

My Storage Box only buys brand new shipping containers for our storage facility. Whether it’s an 8×10, 8×20, or 8×40, each container was bought brand new. Does this matter?

Absolutely it matters.

Shipping containers deal with the harshest environments on the planet. Salt spray, constant motion, extreme winds. You name it and it happens on the open ocean.

If it is good enough to handle the worst that the Atlantic can throw at it, it is definitely good enough to sit on a gravel lot in Northern Oklahoma. Self storage facilities would do themselves a favor by using storage shipping containers, but we’re content to keep it our secret.

All of our units are lined up on a level gravel pad in a secure storage facility. A traditional storage facility also has to worry about issues like drainage and flooding a lot more than we do.

Our units are completely water tight and there aren’t many other self storage or temporary storage solutions that can make that claim.

We we are purchasing shipping containers, we make sure we are only sourcing the very best and that the shipping container’s surface is appropriately thick and durable. Again, the sheet metal shipping containers require is roughly twice the thickness of a standard storage facility.

How My Storage Box Implements Effective Storage Solutions

Our first concern in the storage business was making sure we had a secure place for you to keep all of your stuff. But not only secure, accessible.

You are paying to store your stuff in our storage containers and we believe they should not only be totally secure, but you should be able to get into them whenever you want to, day or night.

We make the renting process completely secure and easy, no need to come into the office. We only list storage units that are actually available, so if it isn’t on the website, it isn’t available. You simply select the unit you want to use and do the whole process online.

Simple really is the name of the game. Shipping containers are a very simple way to store your household good. With double swing-out doors, it is easy to load and unload your unit, and you are the only person with keys to your padlock so you know nobody is creeping around in there without you knowing.

The process is simple and effective.

Select the size you want and purchase access to that unit online.
We will issue you the unit and give you further instructions to access it.
Bring your stuff!

The storage units are all accessible 24/7/365 with your electronic gate access that we supply you, and you get access right away. Once you have your assigned unit, locking it is up to you. You provide the lock, you keep the keys.

Secure Payment for Your Storage Needs

There is nothing more frustrating than trying to set up a service and finding out you have to go into the office to sign paperwork and make payments. We don’t see the point in this. Our payments are processed directly through the website. We have a portal for tenants so you can handle everything that has to do with your unit online.

Afterall, why should you have to come into our office to set up your box if you work best after midnight? Keep bankers hours for banks. Set up storage online.

Why Choose My Storage Box

Self storage facilities are the cheapest and fastest way to add storage space for your extra things, but not all self storage is made the same. My Storage Box uses shipping storage containers because we understand the harsh climate native to Northern Oklahoma. Our shipping containers are so much stronger than a typical rental storage space that it isn’t even in the same universe.

But it’s not just what we use; it’s how we use it. We set it all up online so you can worry about more pressing matters than getting off work early enough make it in to the office before they close. We handle the whole transaction online so you can get on with life.

Security for Storage Units: What to Look For in a Self-Storage Facility

Posted on November 21, 2024 by John McCoy

5 Self-Storage Unit Facility Security Features to Look For

Is there really such a thing as enough storage space at home? No matter how organized you are, it always seems like there’s a need for more room. That’s where self-storage units come to the rescue. They’re practical, easy to use, and—most importantly—spacious! But how secure are they?

If this safety concern keeps you from trying out a self storage facility and you’re still cluttering your attic, we’re here to change that.

In this article, we’ll be talking about security for storage units and help you pick the most safest option for your peace of mind. Let’s dive in!

What You Should Know About Storage Unit Security

Self-storage facilities offer an effective solution for the clutter problem many people have today. They offer individuals and businesses a convenient place to store excess belongings or items they no longer have room for.

However, it’s only natural you want all the details before committing to a storage company. So, here’s a rundown of everything you need to know before you make the final decision.

Are Storage Units Safe?

As a storage unit provider, one of the most common questions we get asked here at My Storage Box is around safety. The short answer is yes—storage units are generally safe and you can feel confident when storing your belongings. In fact, our storage unit made using shipping containers are far more secure than the standard light-guage sheet metal units on the market.

Thanks to the latest technology advancements, modern storage facilities now offer a range of high-quality security measures designed to prevent breaches. They go above and beyond to fortify their properties, from investing in the most advanced security features to hiring on-site staff and guards to complement the electronic security systems.

All in all, security shouldn’t be a major security for you when renting out a storage unit. However, the saying “better safe than sorry” still applies. We understand your desire to ensure everything is as safe as possible without unnecessary stress.

What Are Potential Security Threats in Storage Units?

All highest security technology aside, it’s important to acknowledge that no system is completely unbreakable, and storage units are no exception. Understanding the key risks can help you make informed decisions about protecting your belongings.

One of the biggest concerns when considering storage units is theft and burglaries. Unfortunately, even the most secure places can be targeted by determined criminals. That’s an unfortunate reality in today’s world.

Beyond that, fire hazards and environmental risks also pose a threat. While you may focus on protecting your stuff from burglars, extreme temperatures, fires, or floods can also cause significant danger (read our article about how to prevent mold in your storage unit for more information).

Let’s not forget about possible pest infestation, another potential threat. Just like in your home, storage units can also attract unwanted guests, such as rodents and insects, especially if there’s humidity or food remains left behind.

The Importance of Security for Storage Units

Given the fact that the primary value of self-storage companies is providing space for people’s belongings, security is naturally the top priority. They typically have self-storage security systems in place to keep their customers’ stuff safe and sound.

There are several key reasons why self-storage facilities go the extra mile to make their units theft-proof and safe—it all boils down to the customer’s main concern, and that is the safety of their possessions. Here are a few points about storage facility security that you should consider:

Reason 1: Self-storage facilities are entrusted with safeguarding valuable and often irreplaceable possessions. So, implementing a robust security system is essential to protect these belongings from theft, damage, or unauthorized access.
Reason 2: Providing a secure storage environment can instill confidence in customers and give them peace of mind. That’s what ultimately every storage facility is striving for.
Reason 3: A storage facility’s reputation is vital for attracting and retaining customers. A facility known for its strong security measures and safe storage environment will gain a positive reputation, attracting more customers via its self-storage marketing activities and enhancing its market position. Implementing comprehensive security measures helps to minimize the facility owner’s liability.

5 Features to Look for in a Self-Storage Facility

Yes, most facilities care very much about their customers, investing a lot of time and money in security. But how do you as a user know which ones are the safest and best choice for you?

Well, you’re already off to a great start—research is key when selecting any service. We’re here to help you understand self-storage security a little better. So here are five essential storage security solutions that you should look for.

Access Control Systems for Secure Storage

Most modern storage facilities offer some kind of an advanced access control system. These systems employ methods such as keypads, access credentials, or card keys that control storage access or in other words they control who gets in and gets out of the storage facility property. It’s one of the best ways to prevent unauthorized access and keep the environment secure.

Perimeter Security and Surveillance Solutions

One of the good signs a storage facility is secure is if they have a secure perimeter. Look for facilities with well-maintained high fencing designed to deter potential intruders and act as an early warning system in the event of a security breach. Gated access with unique codes or keycards ensures that only authorized people can enter the facilities, adding an extra layer of protection to your storage unit.

Additionally, look for facilities that have installed security cameras that can provide extra protection by recording 24/7 footage with audio evidence in case of an incident. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) can improve this system by analyzing video footage in real-time, making it easier to identify and respond to security incidents.

All this together is almost a perfect combination that will prevent security breaches and make you feel better about your stored items.

Motion Sensors and Lighting for Enhanced Visibility

Well-lit properties tend to deter thieves and create a secure environment so they are essential security measures when it comes to self storages. Motion sensors are also great at detecting the presence of motion and can trigger actions such as turning on lights or alerting security personnel.

Fire Safety and Environmental Controls

While physical security is crucial, and you should absolutely prioritize all the security measures from above, let’s not forget about fire safety and environmental hazards. That’s why it’s important to ensure that the facility you’re considering has fire distinguishers, smoke detectors, and climate control systems to protect your items from damage and enhance security overall.

What You Can Do for Added Storage Security

The best thing you can do for the security of your items is, of course, to pick a reliable and safe facility. But why stop there?

There are some additional steps you can also take to protect yourself. Here’s what we suggest.

Use high-quality locks: High-security locks such as discs and padlocks are designed to be harder to cut or break, so they are a great way to ensure ultimate protection for your belongings.
Take inventory of your items: Keep a detailed list of your stored items. Consider documenting everything with photos and descriptions because it can be incredibly useful in case of damage or theft.
Consider insurance: If you’re planning on storing valuable items, then insurance might be a smart option. Either check with your storage facility if they offer insurance or with your homeowners or renters insurance to see if the stored items are covered.
Regularly visit your unit: If possible, try to regularly visit your storage unit facility to check the condition of your items. This is the best way to make sure the company is taking care of your stuff properly.

These steps may seem like an additional hassle for you now, but trust us, they’ll be well worth the effort down the line when you can be completely confident that your items are safe and secure.

Pick a Trusted Self Storage Facility for Maximum Security

With this comprehensive guide, you can now know what to look for in a self-storage facility and ensure you pick the safest option for you. As you can see, there are so many different solutions for potential security problems, from CCTV and access control systems to motion sensors, safe locks, and storage unit security systems.

Security is non-negotiable when it comes to your precious belongings. And you should choose a facility that prioritizes this aspect. While finding a reliable partner may take some time, once you’ve discovered a trustworthy storage unit, you’ll feel an incredible sense of relief.

At My Storage Box, we’re dedicated to meeting your storage needs and alleviating the stress that often comes with it. Our units are highly secure, fully fenced, and gated with keypad access, allowing you to come and go with ease while ensuring your items are in safe hands. If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to call us at (580) 300-3006—we’re here to help!

What to Expect from a 8×20 Self Storage Unit: Space and Cost Explained

Posted on November 12, 2024 by John McCoy

How Much Can an 8×20 Storage Unit Hold? Space, Costs & More

One of the most popular sizes of storage units are our 8’x20’ shipping containers. These offer approximately 160 square feet of storage space for all kinds of household goods. Our 8×20 storage units are the perfect size to house the belongings for up to a two to three bedroom house.

It’s the perfect size for a fridge, washer and dryer, three mattress sets, a dining room set, bookcases, couches, and boxes. We’re going to virtually walk through an 8×20 storage unit and talk about the pros and cons, and what size you would want if you need more space.

Understanding 8×20 Storage Units

A good way to think of an 8×20 storage unit is as a rough equivalent to a one-car garage. If you’ve ever had a one-car garage, you’ll be familiar with the It’s ideal for storing furniture, appliances, and other large items, with 8ft. of vertical space for maximum storage capacity.

A row of our clean, secure, and safe storage units in beautiful Ponca City, Oklahoma!

Now, it is important to understand a few things about our storage units. We decided to do things a little bit differently. Instead of hiring out construction and getting typical thin-walled steel storage buildings, we wanted something…stronger.

So, we went with shipping containers instead. There is nothing thin-walled about shipping containers. They are built to withstand the worst conditions on the planet and come back for a lot more. The standard sizes for shipping containers are:

8×10
8×20
8×40

The 8×20 is a great middle ground size that will accommodate most households’ needs.

Choosing the Right Storage Unit

Before you sign any paperwork, you need to know what exactly you need. There’s nothing wrong with getting the wrong size, but it is frustrating to either overbuy or underbuy anything.

Space and Capacity

Here’s a handy guide on what sizes are best suited for the quantity of materials being stored in it.

8×10 Storage Unit

Seasonal and Household Storage
Our introductory storage unit is our 8’x10’ which has approximately 80 square feet of secure storage. This unit is the size of a large walk in closet. It’s perfect for a mattress and box spring and small furniture items such as nightstands, chairs, and drawers. For small businesses it’s perfect to store records, extra supplies and small office furniture.

8×20 Storage Unit

Household and Small Business Storage
Our 8’x20′ storage unit is approximately 160 square feet of secure storage space. This space can roughly hold a two-to-three-bedroom house. For example: a fridge, washer and dryer, three mattress sets, a dining room set, bookcases, couches, and boxes.

8×40 Storage Unit

Ideal Large Family or Small Businesses
Moving and need a quick storage space, look no further than our 8’x40′ storage unit. With 320 square feet of storage this is the perfect solution for homeowners looking to store their belongings or for small business owners. This unit can fit the contents of a three-to-four-bedroom house. For example: a couple of couches, an oversized armchair, dining room set, fridge, washer and dryer, entertainment nook, bookcases, and multiple mattress sets.

Cost and Pricing

The cost of a 8×20 storage unit varies depending on the location, amenities, and features. You need to look around your area and see what the prices are in the area, because they can vary.

A row of shipping containers used for self-storage.

Finding a Storage Unit Near You

These are the tips you should follow to find the right storage unit near you.

Use online directories or search engines to find self storage facilities in your area.
Check the facility’s website for information on available units, pricing, and amenities.
Contact the facility directly to ask about their process for renting a unit and to inquire about any forbidden code or ID requirements.
Visit the facility in person to see the units and meet with the staff.

These tips are pretty universal (and generic). Now, here is the deal: My Storage Box is a completely unique way of doing storage. Instead of constructing out of thin steel sheet metal, we went with the beefiest option we could think of: steel shipping containers. We buy brand new units that have never been used in the three standard sizes (8×10, 8×20, & 8×40) and place them on a paved lot so you have easy access to them at all hours of the day.

We have state-of-the-art gate access and security so you know you are secure when you put your belongings in there. And of course, you should add your own padlock for that final layer of security.

Final Thoughts

My Storage Box doesn’t want to be like the rest; our goal is to provide you with the very best storage option in the business. We use brand new shipping containers for storage because they are strong, water tight, and about the most durable storage option you can think of.

If you are ready to get your household goods stored in an 8×20 storage unit in Ponca City, you can do it all here.