We’ve all heard about the importance of practicing self-care. Eat healthy, take a walk, get a manicure, read a book, call a friend, unplug your devices, and get enough sleep. These small gestures can add up and make a positive impact — especially when our lives are out of balance. We’re all busy, and over the past year it feels like we’re only gotten busier. Ultimately, we are responsible for the health of our own minds and bodies. Set up a routine and stick to it. Don’t neglect what’s holding you together!
You can apply the same advice to other areas of your life. What would your home or business look like after letting things go for a month? What about a year? Minimal maintenance (think: once a month and every year) may be all it takes. Create a checklist for yourself with small items. If you make the list manageable, you might actually get it done! Own a self-storage facility? Be sure you have a game plan to care for your investment and extend the life of your storage containers.
Boxwell prioritizes making things simple for our customers. We design portable storage containers and relocatable self-storage units to be the most durable and hardy products on the market. On top of that, we offer amazing warranties on paint, decals, and the containers themselves. Regular use and transportation can still lead to some wear and grime.
MONTHLY MAINTENANCE
To help you extend the life of your storage containers, we’ve put together our top most important monthly maintenance steps.
1. Remove snow and ice from the roof
Over time, the weight of water, ice, and snow can put undue stress on containers’ roofs. This can lead to thinning metal, rust, and even dents and scratches. If your containers have experienced some inclement weather, try to clean off the tops as soon as possible.
2. Clean visible dirt and surface dust
Cleaning off any apparent grime every month will greatly increase your containers’ lifespan (not to mention make them look more professional and appealing to customers!). To safely clean your containers, use an anti-mildew solution, mild bleach, a hose, and a broom to clean off any dirt and surface rust. If you discover larger dents, holes, or rust spots, call a professional to repair and repaint the container.
3. Sweep the floors
The floors of your Boxwell containers are made of marine-grade plywood which has been treated and sealed. You can easily clean them by sweeping out any rock, sand, or other debris that has accumulated there, which will help prevent gouges and scratches.
4. Maintain the doors
Ensure that your containers’ doors open, close, and latch properly. If your roll-up doors are not operating smoothly, you can apply lubricant. Swing doors should be checked to make sure they are still sealed from inclement weather. Don’t forget to inspect all latches and locks!
5. Check the weight load
Boxwell containers have a maximum payload of 10,000 pounds and can be stacked three-high – but it’s still possible to cause structural damage by going overboard. Flat-packed or otherwise unassembled containers have limits as well; they should not be stacked more than 5-high with brackets.
