December Move In Special

Secret Santa Special

SECRET SANTA SPECIAL

Did you know that Santa's Elves store with us during the month of December? They need a safe, secure space for Santa to keep all the gifts for Hampton's good little boys and girls!

HOW ABOUT YOU?  Do you need a Secret Santa space to keep the little prying eyes in your home from peeking?

Just $39.95 gets you a 5x10 storage unit to stash all your holiday goodies for the month of December! You'll even have access 'til midnight on Christmas Eve!
Call us today and ask about our Secret Santa Special!

 

 

AMERICAN CLASSIC STORAGE

906 Big Bethel Rd, Hampton, VA 23666

Big Bethel Rd just N of Todds Lane

(757) 838-1515

The Potato Chronicles Wrap Up

It's officially Fall, and Daylight Savings Time has come and gone.  That means it's time to do a wrap up on the 2012 American Classic Potato Project for this year!

For those just joining us, our Potato Chronicles began in April, with an update here and another one here.

All caught up?  Okay, let's continue.

Last weekend was harvest weekend.  That means lugging out the blue plastic tarps and carefully tipping over the growing barrels (aka: trash cans).  Here's a peek at some of our harvest:

We had red potatoes...

...and we had white potatoes....

Final tally of our harvest was over twenty pounds!  We're storing them in a cotton sack, in the cool recesses under our stairway. 

 

One of our objectives for this project was to be able to grow these potatoes to use in our Soups On Saturday program that runs from November through February. We enjoy giving back to our customers, and this seemed like a fun way to do so!

 

I'm excited to say that tomorrow, November 10th we'll be serving us some very special Potato Soup! The fact that it's homemade has an extra special meaning!  Stop in and enjoy a cup, won't you?  We'll be serving from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, or until the pot runs dry!

 

Thanks to everyone who asked about and supported our project this year!

Storsmart Tenant Insurance

ARE YOU PROTECTED?



Many customers presume that self-storage facilities automatically provide insurance for theitems being placed into storage. Although some self-storage facilities don’t require that you have insurance coverage, we do. It makes sense to have adequate replacement coverage in place.

Don’t be lulled into a false sense of well-being because our facility has implemented good security measures or has a smoking ban on site. We do everything we can to avoid theft on our premises with the use of fencing, gates, lighting and security cameras. However, there is little we can do against damages caused by accidents, storms, or other natural disasters.

We recommend you check your insurance options carefully. Your first step should be to consult your homeowners or renters insurance agent to see if the items you plan on storing are covered by your current policy. It may be you are fully covered for items stored away from your residence, or additional coverage may be available to you. Be sure to ask your insurance agent about any policy exclusions, deductible amounts, and coverage limits.While you may be covered through your existing policy, you may find that the insurance available at American Classic Storage provides more specialized coverage with a lower deductible. If you do provide your own insurance coverage, be aware that we will ask for proof of coverage during the rental process.

The insurance coverage available at American Classic Storage has excellent features including a variety of coverage amounts, a wide range of covered perils, and affordable monthly premiums, billed along with your monthly rent.In addition, your goods are covered while in transit to and from our facility when moving in and out. In the event you suffer a loss, our insurance will waive your $100 deductible if your unit was secured with one of our disc locks.

Coverage begins at $2000 for a low $8 monthly premium. Less than 26 cents a day! In today’s world, it’s necessary to insure our cars, our homes, our life, our health, even our cell phones. If you care enough to store your goods, be sure you safeguard them with adequate insurance coverage.

Contact us today to learn more about the insurance program we offer.



November Move-In Specials

 

Don't miss out on our November Move-In Specials

at our Hampton location!

 

 

*************************************

It's November! Soups On!

Back by popular demand!  Begins Saturday, November 3rd! 

Stop by and join us, won't you?

 

(and yes, it's homemade...)

 

 

 

October Bread Baking

This first weekend in October has arrived in the true tradition of fall. Blustery winds, scattered rain showers, and much cooler temperatures will fast forward our still green treescapes into a burst of reds, oranges, golds, and yellows. Driving back from Philadelphia yesterday, every roadside stand on the eastern shore had their displays filled with pumpkins and every gourd imaginable. Stacked hay bales and gathered cornstalks screamed that Halloween is just weeks away.

With a high of 57 degrees as today's forecast, I'm taking off the chill by baking bread. Simple ingredients and no preservatives make home baked bread a must have in our home. From October through April, we bake bread almost every day. Some we eat, some we share. In the summer? Not so much. Setting the oven at 450 degrees competes with the air conditioning, and that's counter productive, don't you agree?

As my bread rises, I thought it just wouldn't be right not to share my bread making tutorial with you.  (Click on the picture below to open this tutorial as a large slideshow).

Make Moving Easier for Older Adults

Make Moving Easier For Older Adults

CC Isole, Facility Manager

American Classic Self Storage

Many have had to face the major decision of downsizing from a larger home to a smaller apartment, moving into a retirement community, or perhaps an assisted living facility. It is very difficult decision for everyone in the family. What do you do with all the personal items from the larger home that will not fit in the new residence? Typically, the heirlooms and special items that are important to your family member will be kept in the family, for future generations to cherish and enjoy. Self-storage is an option to house these items in a safe and secure way until arrangements on their disposition is decided. It is important to remember to choose the best self-storage facility to meet your needs.  If you will be storing photos, family heirlooms, antique furniture or sensitive electronics, you should consider a climate-controlled storage unit.  These units have a constant temperature and humidity level year-round that will protect items during storage.

 When it comes time for you to help someone–such as a parent or grandparent–move, you need to be aware that he or she will need special attention to make the transition. Many older adults don’t have the mobility that younger people do, nor are they always as tolerant of change. Some may also have health conditions that need careful monitoring.

Be sure that the person you are assisting has visited their new residence at least once before the actual move takes place. This will help them get acclimated to their new environment and surroundings, and any new faces that may be associated with it.

 What can also be beneficial is to make the new environment look as much as possible like the old one. Surroundings that appear familiar can alleviate some of an older adults anxieties about moving to a different location. Digital photos that show how the old home was decorated can give you a visual reference that allows you to arrange any furniture, books and pictures in ways that will put them more at ease.

 If your older adult plans to be around on moving day, make sure to eliminate as many potential hazards as possible. This means:

• getting lamp and phone cords out of the way;
• rolling up carpets that could otherwise create a trip hazard;
• breaking down boxes as soon as they are empty; and
• setting up lights immediately so that everything in the new home is well-lit.

Once everything is unpacked, don’t forget to show them how appliances, the thermostat, alarms and any other household items work. Be sure they know how to easily contact you or a designated community manager in the event of an emergency. You might also check to see if they need assistance getting cable, Internet or telephone services put in place.  If relocation is to a retirement community or assisted living facility, be sure to arrange an orientation meeting with the appropriate staff for the person you are assisting, as well as yourself and/or other primary family members.

In some cases, it might be best if the person you are helping is not around for the actual move. If he or she is going to a retirement community, such facilities often have guest rooms that can accommodate new arrivals for several days. If this is the case, check to see that the senior has the medications he or she needs along with appropriate clothing and toiletries.

What if you are faced with the relocation of an older adult location in another state, or out of your immediate area?  Today, there are movers and services that cater to just this circumstance.

In 2002, a new organization was formed specifically to facilitate all types of local and long distance relocation issues for older adults. The National Association of Senior Move Management, known as NASMM,  is a 501(c)(6), not-for-profit group of professional senior care specialists who cater to the unique – and frequently unexpected – physical and emotional needs of America's aging population and their families who find themselves faced with any type of moving or relocation arrangements. Initially formed by two dozen independent operators and small businesses, today the rapidly expanding national organization boasts over 500 active, involved members. Visit www.nasmm.org to learn more about their resources.

Here are some questions you will want to ask when shopping for a well-qualified senior move management professional:

• Are you insured with full liability and workmen's compensation insurance? – If so, ask for proof. If not, keep shopping. 

• What are your professional credentials and industry affiliations? – Resources affiliated with  NASMM, list their professional relationships at their websites. Verify them if you're in doubt.

• How are fees determined and when are they accessed? – The list of services provided and their related charges will vary among companies that specialize in senior move management. Request a copy of their contract and a list of potential fees so everyone involved understands the costs.

• How long have they been in business? – Although tenure doesn't necessarily guarantee quality, a long history with few or any BBB complaints is a good indicator. Ask for proof of their good standing from their State of registration. 

• What have former customers said about their service? – Due to privacy issues, many companies today don't hand out personal references from previous customers. User generated testimonials can frequently be found at company websites and in their collateral material. If your suspicious, request to have some of the company's satisfied clients contact you to verify their claims.

Whether you are coming from near or far, American Classic Self Storage understands that it is a stressful time when family members are in transition. That is why we try to make your storing experience as simple and seamless as possible. We pride ourselves in helping our customers find the best storage solution for their needs. American Classic Self Storage has units in a variety of sizes to suit every need and budget. Our rental contracts are month-to-month, so there’s no pressure for a long term commitment. Let us help you make a senior-in-transition’s life a little easier. Contact us today!

www.americanclassicstorage.com

Father's Day Special!

The Potato Chronicles III

June 7, 2012

It will be exactly two months on Monday since we introduced our 2012 American Classic Potato Project.  Our last update was on April 25th, The Potato Chronicles II.  It’s time for another update, don’t you agree?

As you know, we have two trash cans of potatoes started, and you can see that the potato vines are now well above the top of the containers.  This weekend, we'll be adding the final soil to top off these cans!  We've let them go a bit longer than normal because we've had such an abundance of rain this week.  We wanted to let the soil dry out a bit from the top before adding more.

I must tell you that this progress is light years ahead of what we experienced last year!  I can't wait until fall, when we harvest, and see what kind of yield we get! 


I can taste this Fall's potato soup already...you, too?

Referral Rewards Program

There is no limit on the number of

REFERRAL REWARDS you can earn!

Become our rental ambassador

and start earning today!

AC Service Checklist

Air Conditioning Service Checklist

 

Regular air conditioning service keeps a central air conditioning unit performing at maximum efficiency. An air conditioner losesapproximately 5 percent of its efficiency after every year of use, but regular maintenance helps curtail this loss and keeps air conditioning functioning at 95 percent of its original efficiency.

Keeping up with air conditioning service helps homeowners quickly recoup air conditioner tune-up costs in the form of

· Lower electric bills

· Reduced ac repair costs

· Enhanced living comfort with an AC unit that dehumidifies and cools more efficiently

Look into an annual air conditioning service contract when you purchase your unit to ensure that you’ll schedule that service visit before you turn on the unit for the hot summer months.

Already have a central AC?

Look for special sales on service at the start of every summer to save even more money.

Air Conditioning Service should include the following steps:

 

· Clean the condensing unit coils

· Check the amp draw of the compressor to ensure that it’s running within specifications

· Oil the fan motors

· Check belts for adjustment and wear-and-tear

· Check system operating pressures and temperatures to ensure that they are performing within the manufacturer’s specifications

· Check the air conditioner’s coolant level

At the start of every summer, as well as every three months during the operating season, the homeowner should check and clean or replace the air filters. The air conditioning service person can show you how.

Since 30 percent of an air conditioner’s cooling capacity can escape from leaky or poorly-insulated ducts, also hire a professional to check for and repair duct leaks if you detect a reduction in the cooling capabilities of your system.

Prepping for an Air Conditioning Service Visit

Before your service professional arrives, take a few minutes to get ready for his visit.

· Confirm the time of appointment and make sure an adult is home to let the professional in the house

· Know where all the components to your unit are located

· Make sure that nothing, including dirt, shrubbery, leaves, children’s toys, or yard appliances blocks access to the unit

· If the system has frozen, unplug it and permit it to defrost in time for service

· Have a record of past maintenance and any warranties or service contracts handy

· Write down a list of any questions you may have.

The Potato Chronicles II

April 25, 2012

It's been exactly two weeks since we debuted our 2012 American Classic Potato Project!

It’s time for an update, don’t you agree?

As you know, we have two trash cans of potatoes started, and you can see that the potato vines have breeched the surface!  The vines are approximately two inches out of the ground as of this morning.  As soon as they hit the 4-6 inch mark, we’ll add 2-4 inches of soil to the surface, and continue the process.

I’m pleased to see our progress considering we’ve had temperatures in the low 40’s overnight since the cold front moved in last weekend.  We are back in a warm-up cycle now, so we should see some faster results moving forward!

National Severe Weather Preparedness Week

It's National Severe Weather Preparedness Week

April 22 – 28

Know your risk, take action, and be a force of nature,

by taking proactive preparedness measures and

inspiring others to do the same.
 Print out this free Ready American worksheet

so you and your family

can be prepared when severe weather hits.

Preparing Makes Sense. Get Ready Now.



1. Get a Kit of emergency supplies.

Be prepared to improvise and use what you have on hand to make it on your own for at least three days, maybe longer. While there are many things that might make you more comfortable, think first about fresh water, food and clean air.


Recommended Supplies to Include in a Basic Kit:


ü Water one gallon per person per day, for drinking and sanitation

ü Non-perishable Food at least a three-day supply

ü Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert

       and extra batteries for both

ü Flashlight and extra batteries

ü First Aid kit

ü Whistle to signal for help

ü Filter mask or cotton t-shirt, to help filter the air

ü Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

ü Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

ü Manual can opener if kit contains canned food

ü Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

ü Important Family Documents

ü Items for unique family needs, such as daily prescription medications, infant formula or diapers


Consider two kits

In one, put everything you will need to stay where you are and make it on your own. The other should be a lightweight, smaller version you can take with you if you have to get away.



2. Make a Plan for what you will do in an emergency.

Plan in advance what you will do in an emergency. Be prepared to assess the situation. Use common sense and whatever you have on hand to take care of yourself and your loved ones.


Develop a Family Emergency Plan

Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so plan how you will contact one another and review what you will do in different situations. Consider a plan where each family member calls, or e-mails, the same friend or relative in the event of an emergency. It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members. Be sure each person knows the phone number and has coins or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact. You may have trouble getting through, or the phone system may be down altogether, but be patient. Depending on your circumstances and the nature of the attack, the first important decision is whether you stay put or get away. You should understand and plan for both possibilities. Use common sense and the information you are learning here to determine if there is immediate danger.

Watch television and listen to the radio for official instructions as they become available.


Create a Plan to Shelter-in-Place

There are circumstances when staying put and creating a barrier between yourself and potentially contaminated air outside, a process known as sheltering-in-place and sealing the room can be a matter of survival. If you see large amounts of debris in the air, or if local authorities say the air is badly contaminated, you may want to shelter-in-place and seal the room. Consider precutting plastic sheeting to seal windows, doors and air vents. Each piece should be several inches larger than the space you want to cover so that you can duct tape it flat against the wall. Label each piece with the location of where it fits. Use all available information to assess the situation. Quickly bring your family and pets inside, lock doors, and close windows, air vents and replace dampers. Immediately turn off air conditioning, forced air heating systems, exhaust fans and clothes dryers. Take your emergency supplies and go into the room you have designated. Seal all windows, doors and vents. Understand that sealing the room is a temporary measure to create a barrier between you and contaminated air. Watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet for instructions from local emergency management officials.


Create a Plan to Get Away

Plan in advance how you will assemble your family and anticipate where you will go. Choose several destinations in different directions so you have options in an emergency. If you have a car, keep at least a half tank of gas in it at all times. Become familiar with alternate routes as well as other means of transportation out of your area. If you do not have a car, plan how you will leave if you have to. Take your emergency supply kit, unless you have reason to believe it is contaminated and lock the door behind you. Take pets with you if you are told to evacuate, however, if you are going to a public shelter, keep in mind they may not be allowed inside. If you believe the air may be contaminated, drive with your windows and vents closed and keep the air conditioning and heater turned off. Listen to the radio for instructions. Know Emergency Plans at school and work. Talk to your children’s schools and your employer about emergency plans. Find out how they will communicate with families during an emergency. If you are an employer, be sure you have an emergency preparedness plan. Review and practice it with your employees. A community working together during an emergency also makes sense. Talk to your neighbors about how you can work together.


3. Be Informed about what might happen.

Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as assembling a supply kit and developing a family emergency plan, are the same for both a natural or manmade emergency. However there are significant differences among potential terrorist threats, such as biological, chemical, explosive, nuclear and radiological, which will impact the decisions you make and the actions you take. By beginning a process of learning about these specific threats, you are preparing yourself to react in an emergency. Go to ready.gov to learn more about potential terrorist threats and other emergencies or call 1-800-BE-READY (1-800-237-3239) for a free brochure. Be prepared to adapt this information to your personal circumstances and make every effort to follow instructions received from authorities on the scene. Also learn about your community’s local emergency plan. With these simple preparations, you can be ready for the unexpected.


4. Get Involved in preparing your community.

After preparing yourself and your family for possible emergencies, take the next step and get involved in preparing your community. Learn more about Citizen Corps, which actively involves citizens in making our communities and our nation safer, stronger and better prepared. We all have a role to play in keeping our hometowns secure from emergencies of all kinds. Citizen Corps works hard to help people prepare, train and volunteer in their communities. Go to www.citizencorps.gov for more information and to get involved.