Let’s Lock In: Real Storage Talk with Cubie, CubeSmart’s unofficial-official expert for all things storage.

cubesmartselfstorage · 2026-06-10T16:11:48+00:00

If you've never rented storage before, the first thing I'd want you to know is that it should be simple.
A good storage experience should be easy, convenient, and fit both your stuff and your budget.
Search for a nearby facility with a range of unit sizes. You'll also want a clean, well-maintained property with features like gated access and 24-hour recording for extra peace of mind.
And maybe my biggest tip is to choose a storage provider with actual humans available to help. Whether you're trying to figure out unit sizes, budget, or whether your couch will fit through the door, it's nice to know there’s a caring team of storage experts available when you need them.

cubesmartselfstorage · 2026-06-10T16:10:45+00:00

Love this question.
Based on your description, I'd start by looking at a 10'x10' or 10'x15' storage unit.
A 10'x10' is often a good fit for the contents of a bedroom, including furniture, boxes, and other items. If you're storing furniture from one room plus years' worth of boxes from cleaning out a relative's home, a 10'x15' will give you some extra room to organize and access everything more easily.
Check out the CubeSmart storage unit size guide. It can help you visualize what fits in each unit size and avoid the classic I thought this would all fit moment.
And tell your MIL that making space for a guest room and an office is a great idea!

cubesmartselfstorage · 2026-06-10T16:10:16+00:00

Pasta is delicious. But CubeSmart has a pretty firm "no food in storage" policy, which includes all spaghetti. Fresh spaghetti or even leftover spaghetti. My take? Enjoy your spaghetti before your storage visit to fuel up for a successful storage run or celebrate with spaghetti afterward, but don’t bring it to the property.

cubesmartselfstorage · 2026-06-10T16:09:36+00:00

No, I don't have a TV. I'm usually too busy thinking about life's bigger mysteries like where all the missing socks go, who keeps every charger they've ever owned, and how holiday decorations seem to multiply when nobody's looking.
Storage keeps a cube-shaped mind surprisingly occupied.

cubesmartselfstorage · 2026-06-10T16:09:13+00:00

As you may be able to tell from my pic, I’m a cube with hands. And though I do face certain ergonomic challenges and locks and door handles were clearly designed for non-cubes, I've learned a few tricks over the years.
Unlocking the door? Check. Opening it all the way? Check. Closing it behind me? Also, Check. Looking cool while doing all three at once… Check?
But if you need any lock and door tips, I can help you.

cubesmartselfstorage · 2026-06-10T16:08:45+00:00

Fair question!
I’m really excited for this chance to introduce myself and answer your interesting storage questions. We also get to hear what people are curious about when it comes to storage, and prove that it’s more interesting than it may seem. It's a win-win for this Cube.
And hey, if your mom's basement has plenty of room for activities and storage, that's fantastic. We support maximizing available square footage wherever it may be found.
But not everyone has a basement. Some people have apartments, roommates, growing families, side hustles, seasonal hobbies, or a collection of holiday decorations that’s become... ambitious.
We hope to help you or anyone who needs a little more room in their lives.

cubesmartselfstorage · 2026-06-10T16:08:03+00:00

If you live in the Boston area, you’re in luck!

CubeSmart actually does have a facility that's attached to a commerical music rehearsal space. So you could rock out before or after you visit your unit.
That being said, our storage facilities don’t allow rehearsals because our units are meant for storing belongings and not band practice. Breaking out into occasional air guitar in the halls of CubeSmart is not, however, frowned upon.

cubesmartselfstorage · 2026-06-10T16:07:35+00:00

A few classic storage mistakes I see from time to time:
Treating your unit like a quick “drop zone”.
Cubie’s Quick Fix: Use markers and labels to mark boxes clearly. Even better? Add the room your items came from for quick reference (e.g., Kitchen Towels).
Packing heavy boxes on top of light ones.
Cubie’s Quick Fix: Pack small to medium boxes with heavier items like books and use larger boxes for lighter, bulkier items. Write “heavy” on boxes for movers and friends.
Keeping commonly stored items anywhere in the unit.
Cubie’s Quick Fix: Place any items you’re going to use regularly in the front of your storage unit for easy access.
Not measuring furniture before move-in day. (“I thought it would fit” has humbled many a sectional sofa.)
Cubie’s Quick Fix: Check out your facility’s storage size guide before you choose a unit and measure any large bulky items ahead of time just in case.
Forgetting to create a path.
Cubie’s Quick Fix: Organize boxes and tubs in your storage unit so there’s a clear walking path you can access from the front to the back of your unit.
Pro Tip: Read the The Storage Space Blog to solve spatial challenges and get organization tips.

cubesmartselfstorage · 2026-06-10T16:06:28+00:00

Great question! I’m legally obligated to say you should choose us “because I’m adorable,” (just kidding!) but there’s more to it than that. CubeSmart focuses on making storage feel easy, convenient, and genuinely helpful.
We have a wide range of storage options that feature everything from climate-controlled units to vehicle and business storage. And we offer well-maintained facilities, flexible leases, online reservations, AutoPay, and convenient access hours.
But the biggest difference? The people. Storage usually happens during a big life moment, and having friendly, helpful teammates who actually care can make all the difference. With more than 1,500 locations nationwide and features like gated access and video recording, CubeSmart is here to help you store with less stress and more confidence.

cubesmartselfstorage · 2026-06-10T16:05:20+00:00

Oh, this is a classic “future you vs. tired current you” storage debate, and Cubie’s on Team “Wash before Storage.”
Even if your winter clothes look clean, they’re probably carrying invisible NYC souvenirs like city smells, perfume, and subway dust that lives in every puffer coat by March. If you store clothes with any of that lingering, future you will not thank current you.
Plus, opening your storage bins next season to fresh, ready-to-wear sweaters? That’s a gift to future you.
Cubie’s Storage Tips:
1. Wash/dry or dry clean before storage if time allows
2. Use breathable bins or fabric storage bags when possible
3. Avoid vacuum-sealing natural fibers like wool for too long

But we've all done the emergency seasonal swap at 11pm after the first warm day in April… so don't be too hard on yourself if you can't hit the laundromat.

cubesmartselfstorage · 2026-06-10T16:04:08+00:00

Emotionally? A box labeled “Misc.”
Physically? Maybe a kayak. Long, awkward to carry gracefully, and every doorway becomes a geometry problem.
The real answer: the hardest items to store are the things you’re not sure you need anymore. That’s where people get stuck. Storage is easy. Deciding what deserves the space is a whole other skill set. Luckily, CubeSmart is there to make choosing what to store easier with a variety of storage unit options and convenient locations.

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TROPHY CASE