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After last week’s ice storm, the tree near the back of our house has lost about 30 percent of it’s branches. As I sat in the living room with the kids, I sporadically heard huge cracking noises followed by a vibrated thud. The first time this happened I nearly fell off the couch as I rushed to see what had happened.

The branches were falling on our porch just inches from the house. We were one of the lucky ones because the tree and its branches never fell on the roof or our house. My neighborhood has tall oak trees and mature pine trees in almost every yard. Just two houses up the road, a tree fell onto the garage of one home. At least two trees fell over and pulled down power lines across the road.

It was a breath of fresh air when we saw the tree cutters rolling in from neighboring states, some from as far away and Louisiana and Colorado. They quickly cleaned up the mess, all except for the mess in my back yard.

My homeowners policy doesn’t cover tree removal unless the tree falls onto the home and because our back porch isn’t a covered porch, it isn’t considered an extension of the home.

Even though it looks like I’ll be cutting up a tree with the next thaw, I’m counting my blessings. Many homes were damaged and are now in need of some major home remodeling and repair. The huge tree in front of the boys’ windows didn’t lose one limb or ever threaten their safety.

Written by Sarah Little, TQA Director

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Well we got it. We got a pretty bad winter storm that came through the area. Not too much snow but plenty of freezing rain, sleet and cold temperatures. Hopefully, you have winter proofed your home to the elements. Here are nine tips on how to help your home survive the winter intact:

1. Make sure garden hoses are unhooked and outside faucets are winterized
2. If you have an older home you might want to put clear plastic coverings over the windows to prevent cold air from leaking in
3. Keep patios empty so that snow and ice removal will be easier
4. Rent a self storage unit to store away those grills, bikes, patio furniture to keep them out of the weather
5. Check you dryer vent to make sure it is in good repair and clear of any lint buildup
6. Check trees on your property to make sure they are not close to any power lines
7.  Use your garage to park cars (garage- park cars, that’s a great idea)
8. Keep you walkways and sidewalks clean of snow and ice
9. Be a good neighbor and help out someone in need

These are just a few tips on how to make your home, yard and garage survive the winter a little better. A self storage unit is a great way to get some of those extra garage items out of the way so your vehicle will fit. Call your local self storage business for information.

Written by Natalie Thomas, TQAS executive.

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Home improvement and do-it-yourself weekend projects have swept America by storm. I find myself glued to home improvement channels and looking for ideas to implement in my own home. I’m sure many of you are the same; you see something you love and think it’ll be easy to do yourself.

Have you ever noticed that on those shows they start by clearing out the room? Do you ever wonder where they put all that stuff? I bet they rent a local self storage unit or have a mobile storage unit dropped off outside the home.

Self storage goes hand in hand with home renovations and remodeling projects because it makes the process easier. Not having to trip over the couch because it’s propped up in the hallway or not chipping the china cabinet because you’ve stacked all the kitchen pots on it may just save a marriage or two.

The cost for renting self storage on a short term basis is relatively inexpensive and well worth the peace of mind you’ll get in knowing your items won’t get paint spilled on them. If your remodel results in an ever-growing to do list, long term self storage often has its benefits by offering extended stay discounts to tenants.

They say the most important step in any home renovation is the prep work. Consider self storage one of the key ingredients to a successful home renovation.

Written by Sarah Little, TQA Director

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