Andrei Popa
Andrei Popa is a writer and editor for StorageCafe. After writing real estate copy for two years, he made the jump to editorial writing and data-driven storytelling with a focus on the self storage industry.
Front porch with Halloween decorations. Brownstone, exposed brick building.

Halloween Brings Treats, Not Tricks, For The Self Storage Industry: Post-Holiday Demand On The Rise

Halloween is spreading more than just spooky cheer each year, with cash registers ringing across both retail and hospitality. While the pandemic may have paused the frenzy, the past two years have seen consumer engagement spike, with retailers jumping on the trend head-on. Home Depot, for instance, began promoting spooky items as early as April this year. Halloween spending in 2024 is expected to reach $11.6 billion—a slight dip from last year’s record $12.2 billion but still one of the highest totals in nearly 20 years.

Halloween preparation. Halloween decoration made of craft paper.

Halloween On A Budget: How Self Storage Can Save You Money

Halloween has crept a long way from its eerie origins. While All Hallows’ Eve has transformed through the centuries, it wasn’t until the 1930s that trick-or-treating became a tradition in the U.S. and businesses began conjuring up mass-produced Halloween costumes. Now, Halloween is a monster-sized, billion-dollar industry, with a cauldron full of costumes and decorations ranging from the mainstream to the macabre.

Happy-parents-having-fun-with-their-daughter-while-pushing-her-in-carton-box-at-their-new-home

Moving With Kids Of All Ages: A Step-By-Step Guide

Someone once said, “There are two gifts we can hope to give our children: One is roots, the other is wings.” If there are any events that put these gifts to the test, relocation is certainly one of them. And let’s face it — moving homes is something your kids will probably experience at least once or twice during their lifetime. Each relocation brings up previous relocations in our past, which are likely to shape how we see the process in the present. Put simply, moving with kids is a pretty big deal.

Two boxes in hands. Young couple with dog are moving to new home

Moving With Pets: A Comprehensive Guide

Pets have a special way of making a house feel like a home. They become familiar with every corner, watch over the place and always greet you with excitement, as if anywhere would feel right as long as you’re there. But when it comes to moving with pets, how can you ensure your furry friend feels just as comfortable in your new space?

Hand holding a DVD, inserting it into a DVD player. DVD collection in the background

How To Store DVDs Like A True Film Buff

As a famous author once said, “Collectors are happy people.” DVD collectors are no different. Think of the gorgeous artwork of Criterion Collection DVDs or the Dolby sound on Blu-rays. You won’t get that with streaming platforms. So, what are the best ways to store DVDs in a way that truly does them credit, both aesthetically and practically? To answer this question, we’ve prepared a quick and breezy guide through the essentials of DVD storage for dedicated collectors.

City skyline of Denver Colorado downtown with snowy Rocky Mountains and the City Park Lake.

US Discretionary Spending Up: Colorado And Utah Top All Other States In Financial Well-Being

Contrary to cautionary tales involving high inflation and economic headwinds, spending is picking up steam across the U.S. Beyond our traditional love of retail therapy, the pandemic and subsequent prioritization of present satisfaction have strongly influenced people’s attitudes toward buying. The so-called YOLO spending behavior — which stands for “You Only Live Once” — is increasingly popular among consumers, particularly well-off, younger crowds.

Moving man wearing orange uniform and white gloves holding clipboard with checklist paper making notes

What Are White Glove Moving Services And What Can You Learn From Them?

White glove moving is one of the most popular ways of moving in recent years. We’re talking about bubble wrapping your furniture, organizing your stuff in your new home and so much more. And as for the things you don’t know where to put yet, they can all go to the movers’ warehouse, should you opt for it. Of course, there are cases in which using self storage just makes more sense, and you can certainly ask your white glove movers to deliver your things to the unit of your choice.

cityscape and skyline in portland

11 Ways To Make The Most Of Your Space In Portland, OR

A small home can be full of personality, and nowhere does cozy living come more naturally than in Portland, OR. That’s because Portland has the smallest single family homes in the nation, based on a recent study looking at home sizes. You get about 1,000 square feet of living space in a single family home in Portland, about 1,100 square feet fewer than you’d get in the typical American home. If you happen to live in one of these homes where space is not so generous, we’ve got you covered.  Here are 11 ways to make the most of your space in Portland with local resources and creative strategies.

Self Storage Facility

Self Storage Supply Growth Lowers Rents In Charlotte, NC, Keeping The Market Renter-Friendly

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