Maria Gatea
Maria Gatea is a Senior Editor & Research Writer for Yardi with a background in Journalism and Communication. After covering business and finance-related topics as a freelance writer for 15 years, she is now focusing on researching and writing about the real estate industry. You may contact Maria via email.

Temporary Storage During Emergencies: What to Know Before You Need It

When a hurricane’s bearing down, a wildfire is closing in, or floodwater has already reached your front door, the last thing you want to be doing is figuring out where to put your stuff – but that’s exactly when people find themselves scrambling for temporary storage.

Before You Store Your Car in Self Storage: What Documents You Actually Need

Most self storage facilities require four main things before allowing a vehicle onto the property: a valid photo ID, current vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a signed rental agreement. Requirements beyond these vary by facility and state, particularly around insurance levels, registration status and whether the vehicle is financed

Storage unit

A Smarter Way to Start Your Storage Search: Inside the StorageCafe Resource Center

Renting a storage unit usually begins with a practical need. You may be preparing for a move, clearing space at home, renovating, downsizing or simply trying to bring more order into a crowded living situation. In many cases, the first instinct is to consider renting immediately.

old furniture in thrift shop

Where to Donate Furniture in NYC (With Free Pick-Up Options)

Finding somewhere to donate furniture in NYC is more complicated than it should be. Not every organization accepts large items, pick-up availability is inconsistent, and the options that do exist aren’t always easy to find in one place. If you’re specifically hoping to donate furniture with free pick-up, the list of options gets even shorter.

Self storage facility exterior

Self Storage Discounts: Types, Tips and How to Get the Best Deals for Your Needs

When you start looking for a self storage unit to rent, one thing becomes clear very quickly: self storage discounts are a standard part of the industry. From introductory specials to military savings and online-only rates, operators frequently offer promotions designed to make renting a unit more affordable and flexible.

Aerial View of Highways and City Skyline in Austin, Texas

Interstate Moves Hit 10-Year Low As Affordability Bites: Which States Are Still Gaining Residents?

America’s pandemic-era relocation boom is officially cooling. Interstate migration fell to its lowest level in a decade(opens in new tab) in 2024, with just 7.15 million Americans moving across state lines — more than 1 million fewer than at the 2022 peak. That’s roughly a 13% drop in just two years.

How to Store Pillows Long-Term Without Ruining Them

Pillows are one of those household items we don’t think much about until we pull one out of a closet and it smells stale, feels flat or looks oddly misshapen. Whether you’re rotating seasonal bedding, setting up a spare bedroom for guests, moving homes, or just trying to declutter, knowing how to store pillows properly makes a real difference.

Person in front of wine rack

How to Store Wine the Right Way for Long-Term Enjoyment

How to store wine properly depends on what you’re storing and how long you plan to keep it. A few bottles you’ll open soon don’t require the same conditions as wine meant to age for a year or more. The good news is that proper wine storage isn’t complicated. With a few simple adjustments, you can protect flavor, balance and aging potential. Whether you’re keeping a modest collection at home or exploring specialized self storage options, understanding the basics ensures your bottles remain in good condition until you’re ready to open them.

How to Make Living with Roommates Work in Real Life

Living with roommates can save you thousands of dollars a year. In many cities, it is the only realistic way to afford a decent apartment in a good neighborhood. That is one reason shared housing continues to grow, especially among young professionals and renters in high-cost markets.

small apartment interior

Small Apartment Storage Ideas: How to Maximize Space and Make It Feel Like Home

Living in a small apartment doesn’t mean settling for cramped or chaotic. With the right systems in place, even limited square footage can feel organized, functional and surprisingly comfortable.

StorageCafe Now Has a Dedicated Car Storage Directory – Here’s Why That Matters

If you’ve ever searched for car storage and ended up wading through listings for 5×5 climate-controlled units, you know the problem. Most storage search tools are built for boxes, not vehicles – and filtering your way to relevant results takes more effort than it should.

How To Find the Right Storage Unit Fast: A Look at StorageCafe’s Search Experience

Whether you’re in the middle of a move, clearing out a garage, or just starting to shop around, finding the right storage unit doesn’t have to take long. StorageCafe’s search is built to take you from “I need storage near me” to a real decision – with filters, pricing, and direct contact options all in one place. Here’s how it works.