Storage 4 Life


Moving? Is Cedar Falls a Good Fit for You? Part 3

Uncategorized


Eateries & Entertainment in the Cedar Valley Year-round Entertainment Autumn leaves are falling and that means scarecrows are appearing throughout the Cedar Valley. These fearsome and fanciful creations will delight all ages. Once thought to thwart crop-eating birds and animals, scarecrows greet visitors on downtown streets and have taken over the Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens. Celebrate the season at the Cattle Congress Fair, various pumpkin patches, and other haunted activities. As we move from sweater weather to parkas and mittens, you’ll discover a plethora of activities both inside and outside. Santa arrives the day after Thanksgiving during Holiday Hoopla in Cedar Falls. How he arrives is a secret, so don your mittens and scarves to join the family fun. Also, you don’t want to miss the Winter Wonderloo celebration in downtown Waterloo. And, the fun continues into February and March with the Ice Harvest Festival, Iowa Fat Bike Race and Frosty Buns Race, Boat Show, Iowa Farm Show, Maple Syrup Festival, and so much more. Summertime prompts outdoor activities like Veteran’s Day Parade, My Waterloo Days, Iowa Irish Fest, Cedar Valley Pridefest, Sturgis Falls Parade, and lots of live music to fill the summer air. Attention history buffs and art lovers. Year-round you can visit performing art centers, history and art museums, theatres, and the John Deere Tractor Museum. Take the kiddos to Phelps Youth Pavilion and the Bluedorn Science Imaginarium for an entertaining learning experience. Want more fun activities? Have you ever tried hatchet throwing? Give it a try at Hurling Hatchets in Cedar Falls. Isle Casino & Hotel awaits your visit for the hottest games and dining. Check out more entertainment opportunities at experiecewaterloo.com and cedarfallstourism.org. One-of-a-Kind Eateries Coffee lovers can’t get enough of local shops Cup of Joe and Sidecar Coffee. Want a retro vibe? Order your java and baked goods to-die-for at Cup of Joe. Sidecar specializes in ...


Sue
September 27th, 2023


Moving? Part 2 – Is Cedar Valley a Good Fit For You?

Uncategorized


Moving? Part 2 – Is Cedar Valley a Good Fit For You? AUGUST 17, 2023📷Part 2 – Working and Playing in the Cedar ValleyWhat might you expect when you join the 250,000 residents of the Cedar Valley? In Part 2 of this series, we look at the job opportunities and leisure activities.  Join a Vibrant Business CommunityThe Cedar Valley (Waterloo, Cedar Falls, and surrounding areas) attracts a dynamic workforce in the areas of healthcare, education, manufacturing, and food/beverage. Agriculture is at the root of Cedar Valley’s history. John Deere Tractor Works is one of the major employers. Small businesses also dot the landscape including a strong tech sector. Cedar Falls Utilities powers innovation with 10 gigabit internet service citywide. Whether you want to advance your career or pay your way through college, you will find a variety of opportunities.The top 10 employers in the Cedar Valley are John Deere, Unity Point Health, Tyson Fresh Meats, Mercy One Medical Center, Waterloo Community Schools, University of Northern Iowa, Target Distribution Center, VGM, HyVee Food Stores, and Western Home Communities (senior living). Visit www.growcedarvalley.com to learn more.According to Iowa Workforce Development; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Cedar Valley has a 3.1 percent unemployment rate with a median hourly wage of $19 and a median annual salary of $66,500. Play in the Cedar ValleyIf you can’t wait to hop on your bike or lace up your walking shoes and hit the trails, you will definitely want to explore 128 miles of hard-surface trails.  Get even closer to nature by walking or jogging on soft trails. All trails are available year-round for biking, hiking, and snow skiing. 📷 You will be struck by the beauty and diversity of the Valley’s natural surroundings. Cedar Falls, often called the Garden City, is located on the Cedar River. The river and several lakes provide recreation for any water enthusiast, whether you kayak, boat, ski, fish, or just enjoy being around water. Riverfront improvements are in the works. The project includes an art plaza, new “put ...


Sue
August 27th, 2023


Moving? Is Cedar Falls a Good Fit for You?

Uncategorized


JULY 17, 2023Part 1 – Living & Learning in Cedar FallsMoving to a new community conjures many questions—and offers new opportunities. You’ll want to consider the job market, housing, education, health services, cultural activities, entertainment, and recreation. Let’s look at what Cedar Falls, Waterloo, and surrounding communities have to offer. Collectively this area is referred to as the Cedar Valley. Affordable, Safe LivingThe Cedar Valley is 13.3% more affordable than the national average. In Cedar Falls, you’ll find a diverse selection of housing from grand old Victorian homes to contemporary dream homes—and everything in between. The average home is valued at $203,313. Not ready to purchase a home? You’ll find an array of options if you prefer to rent. Apartments range from $795 to $1,550, which is a good draw for college students. According to Sterling’s Best Places to Live, Cedar Falls is a reasonably safe place for residents and visitors. The crime rate is significantly lower than the national average. Violent crime 10.4 (national 22.7) and property crime 26.7 (national 35.4).With a population of 40,000, Cedar Falls holds onto its small-town charm while enjoying a growing, thriving community.Education for All AgesFrom preschool to graduate school, the Cedar Valley takes education seriously. Would you like your preschooler to experience hands-on nature experiences, or perhaps a faith-based education? You’ll find the Cedar Valley offers a variety of public and private educational opportunities for preschool, elementary, junior high, high school, and beyond.From street flags to flowerpots to license plates, you’ll, no doubt, notice gold and purple dominate the landscape in Cedar Falls, which is home to the University Northern Iowa (UNI). One of Iowa’s Regent universities. Start or continue your studies in one of UNI’s 160 majors, minors, or certificates. And cheer on our UNI Panthers!Upper Iowa University is the perfect option if want to earn a degree but can only attend evening classes. Also, check out Hawkeye Community College (HCC) to earn an associate degree or learn a trade.Just want to take classes ...


Sue
July 17th, 2023


Organize Your Storage for Frequent and Easy Access

Uncategorized


file storage

Just imagine. It’s two hours before your child’s birthday party and you’re digging through boxes in your storage unit. You were sure you knew exactly where the pinata and balloons were stored. “Aha,” you shout, “of course, it’s in the last box.”As you close the storage door, you look at the half open boxes with stuff strewn everywhere. “I’ll work on that later,” you promise yourself. Save yourself time and stress. Follow these simple tips to organize your belongings for easy and frequent access. Before you start piling boxes into the unit, think about what items you might use most often. What will you use least often? Place large, heavy items at the back. Also, items that you use less frequently. Store frequently used items near the front. (This may sound like basic information, but often folks are in a hurry when packing their unit and don’t take time to think about organizing their belongings.)Boxes that are the same size are easier to stack.Use portable shelving units so you don’t need to stack containers. Also, desks and file cabinets make good storage spaces.Clear totes allow you to see what is inside.For larger units, allow space for a walking path.#1 tip – label everything. Color code for seasonal items. Better yet, take time to inventory the items in each container and tape a list to the outside. So, next time you visit your storage unit, it will be a quick and easy access. For more tips or to reserve a unit, contact Jocee at 319-260-2275 or visit the website at https://www.prairielifestorage.com/contact-us ...


Sue
April 17th, 2023


FEATURE: Special Event Storage Solutions

Uncategorized


special event storage

Is your organization looking for a designated place to store items for your gala, festival, walk/run, or other annual event? In 1989, Farmstead Preschool opened its doors to cultivate a unique learning experience for youngsters in the Cedar Valley. As a non-profit, they rely on their annual Farm Fun Day to raise funds for the school. For many years Farmstead Preschool stored their donated auction items and supplies in the homes of volunteers who were kind enough to give them some storage space. Other supplies were stored in a shed on the grounds.  “About a year ago, we started storing our auction and raffle items in an inside storage unit,” says Susan Flack, office administrator at Farmstead.  Their large popcorn machine, bouncy house, and raffle ticket tumbler along with other not-so-frequently used items for the event now have a permanent home at Prairie Life Storage. Also, they can accept donations throughout the year.Stephanie Hansen, director, adds, “We finally have space that keeps our items free of dust, cold, and pests. Also, even if our volunteer base changes, we can keep track of what we have because it’s all in one place.”Streamline your special event. Store special event supplies in a protected, climate-controlled space. Visit with Jocee at Prairie Life Storage to discuss your storage needs. Prairie Life Storage offers several unit sizes. Call 319-260-2275 or visit the website at https://www.prairielifestorage.com/contact-us Susan and Stephanie invite you to join them at Farm Fun Day, Saturday, May 6, 2023, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at 3603 Skyview Dr., Cedar Falls. Food, carnival games, raffle, and silent auction. Tickets will be available at the event. ...


Sue
April 17th, 2023


Prepare for a Safe Move During Winter

Uncategorized


Prepare for a Safe Move During Winter FEBRUARY 17, 2023📷What a surprise to discover Packy visiting the desert museum in Tucson. When questioned, he said he went to Arizona to help a friend move to Iowa. His friend was concerned about moving during the winter. So, of course, Packy was delighted to share moving tips. No matter what time of year you move, you’ll want to make a checklist. Your list might include categories such as: what needs to be done a month ahead, two weeks, one week, and the day of the move. Also, create columns for items to be moved and items to be given away or discarded. Checklists can be found online. Winter is usually off-season for professional movers, so discounts may be available. Make sure your own vehicle or your rental vehicle is winter ready with safe tires and an all-over vehicle check. Winter storms can take you by surprise so don’t forget blankets, flashlight, first aid kit, toolkit, shovel, jumper cables, ice scraper, and non-perishable snacks. Be mindful of the forecast and keep your roadside help provider info handy. Clear snow from driveway and entry for easy and safe access. Protect your floors from melted snow, salt, and sand. Lay down floor mats over heavy traffic areas while moving. Here’s a couple bonus tips: Use suitable packing supplies. Boxes made specifically for packing are sturdier than boxes from the grocery store. Also, grocery store boxes may come with hidden critters like spiders, roaches, or beetles. Boxes of the same size are easier to stack. Use packing tape as opposed to masking tape. Tape all four sides of your boxes rather than folding in the flaps. And, be sure to label each box. Packy suggests talking with Jocee at Prairie Life Storage for your moving needs. Contact Jocee at 319-260-2275 or visit the website at https://www.prairielifestorage.com/contact-us ...


Sue
February 17th, 2023


Storage, Storage Everywhere

Uncategorized


For the full version of this blog post (including photos) & MORE, please visit our blog STORAGE 4 LIFE – A storage blog for everyone by Prairie Life Storage How many photos can you fit into one tote? Packy the Pack Rat quit counting after 500. Whether you are the family historian or just inherited a boatload of printed photos, you may feel overwhelmed with the abundance. Do you keep them or toss them? Photographs allow us to see firsthand the crooked smile or curly hair we inherited from our ancestors. The value of family treasures is hard to measure, so organize and archive your photos for future pleasure. Treat your photo collection as if it were an “official” archive at the Smithsonian Museum. Packy’s Tips to Organize Your Photos Don’t expect to sort and organize all in one session. Set your own timeline. Separate by type: antique photos such as tintypes or stereo vision cards, black & white, color, reels, slides, etc. Organize by family, subject, place, or size of photo. Don’t write directly on the image. Scan images in batches. Use a light touch when writing on the back of a photo. Packy’s Tips to Safely Archive Your Photos Avoid extreme heat or cold to help prevent warping or curling. Slides, film, color, black & white—store them all out of light. Magnetic albums are a no-no. Store albums vertically in archival boxes. Store in archival paper or plastic sleeves. According to the Library of Congress, photos are easiest to maintain in a climate-controlled space—not in a basement or attic.  If you have more photos that you have space, check out indoor climate-controlled storage units. They are affordable and are available in various sizes. To store your family treasures in optimal conditions, contact Jocee at Prairie Life Storage, 319-260-2275 or visit the website at https://www.prairielifestorage.com/contact-us May Your New Year be filled with many meaningful memories. ...


Sue
January 24th, 2023


Photos, Photos Everywhere


JANUARY 10, 2023Tagged PHOTOS, STORAGE📷How many photos can you fit into one tote? Packy the Pack Rat quit counting after 500. Whether you are the family historian or just inherited a boatload of printed photos, you may feel overwhelmed with the abundance. Do you keep them or toss them? Photographs allow us to see firsthand the crooked smile or curly hair we inherited from our ancestors. The value of family treasures is hard to measure, so organize and archive your photos for future pleasure. Treat your photo collection as if it were an “official” archive at the Smithsonian Museum.Packy’s Tips to Organize Your Photos Don’t expect to sort and organize all in one session. Set your own timeline. Separate by type: antique photos such as tintypes or stereo vision cards, black & white, color, reels, slides, etc. Organize by family, subject, place, or size of photo. Don’t write directly on the image. Scan images in batches. Use a light touch when writing on the back of a photo. Packy’s Tips to Safely Archive Your Photos Avoid extreme heat or cold to help prevent warping or curling. Slides, film, color, black & white—store them all out of light. Magnetic albums are a no-no. Store albums vertically in archival boxes. Store in archival paper or plastic sleeves. According to the Library of Congress, photos are easiest to maintain in a climate-controlled space—not in a basement or attic.  If you have more photos that you have space, check out indoor climate-controlled storage units. They are affordable and are available in various sizes. To store your family treasures in optimal conditions, contact Jocee at Prairie Life Storage, 319-260-2275 or visit the website at https://www.prairielifestorage.com/contact-us ...


Sue
January 10th, 2023


Store Your Holiday Decor


DECEMBER 15, 2022📷How can you safely store your holiday decorations? Jocee Schuerman of Prairie Life Storage offers some practical tips to help preserve the life of your precious heirloom decorations and your just-for-fun decorations. Q.        Is it safe to store holiday lights in an attic?A.        Whether your lights are for indoor or outdoor decorating, it is best to not store them in an attic because extreme heat can damage them. To prolong their life, you might consider keeping them in an area where the temperature is consistent year-round. Q.        What are some convenient ways to store lights?A.        To keep a string of lights from tangling, I like to wrap them around a flat piece of cardboard or an empty wrapping paper tube. Be sure to let your outside lights dry before storing them.Q.        Is it safe to store holiday decorations in a garage?A.        Again, temperature is a factor to consider when storing any decorations. Extreme heat can warp or melt plastic. And, extreme cold can make them crack or burst. You risk breaking fragile ornaments and other decorations if you need to move them around in the garage. You also want to make sure your garage is protected from insects and rodents.Q.        What do you recommend for storing linens?A.        Linens are best stored in a dark, dry space away from sunlight. Preferably in an area that is between 50 and 80 degrees. Plastic bags and bins are not recommended because of possible condensation, and they may contain BHT, which can cause your precious linens to yellow. A cardboard box is best as long as it is not susceptible to pests or mildew.Q.        In general, what do you recommend for safely storing any holiday decorations?A.        Make sure your storage area is dry, not too hot or too cold, and is pest free. You might want to consider renting a climate-controlled storage space. Whether you need a small space for a few boxes or space for a ten-foot tall Christmas tree, there is a unit to fit your needs. It’s a great way ...


Sue
December 15th, 2022


Remodeling? Discover the Benefits of Short-Term Storage

Uncategorized


For the full version of this blog post (including photos) and MORE, please visit our blog STORAGE 4 LIFE – A storage blog for everyone by Prairie Life Storage Kitchen remodel calls for short-term storage Hurray! Your house remodeling dream is a reality. Finances are in place, and you’ve found the perfect contractor—a team that has captured your vision. Just one glitch. It will take at least two months to complete the project—and your family will still be living in the space. Where and how will you store all your belongings during renovation?Bill and Sue know the frustration and inconvenience of living in what they termed “a disaster zone”. When they remodeled their kitchen, they piled boxes of dishes, appliances, and glassware in their living room. They continually stepped over and around boxes and totes or shoved them across the room to make more space for walking. If they had known about temporary self-storage, they wouldn’t have experienced broken Christmas stemware.They could have kept the few appliances and dishes they needed and stored the rest. What they didn’t know was that temporary storage was an option. Benefits of Short-Term Storage at Prairie Life Storage Month-by-month leases High-level security Passcode to enter the building  Indoor climate-controlled units Easy access to your belongings seven days a week between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.  So, when you need short-term storage space, call Jocee at Prairie Life Storage, 319-260-2275. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Jocee can help you decide what size unit is best for you. You can also contact us online at https://www.prairielifestorage.com/contact-us We are located in Cedar Falls, Iowa, just a few minutes from the University of Northern Iowa. ...


Sue
August 23rd, 2022


Items per page
10
1 - 10 of 13 posts