Blog | Mt. Pleasant Storage, LLC

How Tall-Ceiling Units Give You More Storage Space

When you rent storage, square footage is only half the story. At 24/7 Storage – Big Rapids (18755 Northland Drive, Big Rapids, MI 49307), our wide & tall, oversized units unlock the rest of the room you’re paying for—the vertical space—so you can stack smarter, load faster, and fit more in the same footprint. Pair those tall ceilings with oversized doors and you get easier angles for sofas, wardrobes, stacked totes, and shop racks—plus way less “Tetris” at the door. Our facility highlights “50% More Storage With Tall Ceilings and Oversized Doors for Easy Access,” so the same 5×10, 10×10, or 12×20 suddenly works like a bigger unit—without upgrading your size. And because we’re fenced, gated, well-lit, and recorded 24/7, with open-24-hours access, you can pack vertically and swing by whenever it fits your schedule. New renters also get First Month 50% Off + a Free High-Security Lock to make move-in even easier. The Vertical Advantage (and Why Oversized Doors Matter) Stack higher, not wider. Tall ceilings let you go 4–6 boxes high in stable stacks or use freestanding shelving to create “second-story” storage inside your unit. Bring in bulky items upright. Extra-tall doors reduce awkward tilting and give you better clearance for large furniture, tall bookcases, tool cabinets, and stacked totes on dollies. Keep an aisle and still fit more. Even with a clear center walkway, vertical stacks along the walls dramatically increase what a unit can hold—while keeping everything accessible. Practical Stacking Layouts by Unit Size Tip: Keep heavier, dense items (books, tools) low; lighter items (bedding, décor) up high. Use uniform, lidded totes where possible—they stack cleaner and safer. 5×10 (Great for apartments, seasonal swaps) Goal: One wall of heavy bases + a light “upper deck” Back wall: Low row of sturdy items (dresser, cedar chest) with totes/boxes stacked above. Side wall: Narrow tower of wardrobe boxes (they’re ~10 cu ft each) with a lighter bin stack on top. Front right/left: A slim rolling rack for grab-and-go items (seasonal gear, tools). Maintain: A 18–24" aisle down one side so ...

Admin
August 27th, 2025

Your Step-by-Step Guide to the On-Site Kiosk

Need storage fast? At 24/7 Storage – Big Rapids, you can rent a unit, pay, grab your free high-security lock, and access your space—often in the time it takes to finish a coffee. This walkthrough shows exactly how to use our on-site rental & payment kiosk and what to bring so move-in day stays quick and stress-free. Prefer to do it from your couch? You can also rent online anytime via Rent Now and get answers in the Help Center. Where You’ll Find Us Address: 24/7 Storage: Big Rapids, 18755 Northland Drive, Big Rapids, MI 49307 Access Hours: Open 24 Hours (come and go on your schedule) Office/Kiosk Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (on-site rental & payment kiosk available) Security: Fully fenced & gated, well lit, with video recording The “Move-In in Minutes” Kiosk Flow 1) Select Your Unit At the kiosk, browse available sizes—like 5×10, 10×10, 10×20, 12×20, 10×30, 12×30, 12×45—and check callouts such as “3 units left!” or “1 unit left!” to snag popular options. Every unit at Big Rapids is oversized with wide & tall doors, making loading bulky items easier. Tip: If you’re still deciding, open the Help Center or use the size info on-screen for a quick refresher on what fits each unit. 2) Reserve/Rent Follow the on-screen prompts to start your rental. You’ll see current promos (like First Month Discount + Free Lock offers) and the features that matter—drive-up access, month-to-month lease, no long-term contracts, no deposit. Prefer to talk it through? You can start the process at the kiosk and review answers in the Help Center before you finalize. 3) Pay at the Kiosk Complete payment right on the screen. You’ll get a digital confirmation for your records. We also support online bill pay later—so once you’re set up, managing your account is fast and paper-free. 4) Get Your Free Lock Your rental includes a free high-security lock—no extra shopping trip needed. Follow the kiosk or follow-up instructions to pick it up with your move-in. 5) Access Your Unit Once your rental is active, head to your unit. Our facility ...

Admin
August 27th, 2025

5 Things You Should Not Store in a Standard Storage Unit

Know what stays out to keep your stuff safe and your storage stress-free. At 24/7 Storage Big Rapids, we offer secure, spacious storage units with oversized doors and tall ceilings designed to handle everything from furniture and appliances to business inventory and seasonal gear. But even the best storage unit has its limits, and knowing what not to store is just as important as knowing what you can store. Whether you’re in the middle of a move, trying to declutter, or just need a little extra breathing room, this guide will help you avoid some of the most common storage mistakes. Here are five things you should never put in a standard storage unit (and what to do instead). 1. Food and Perishables No snacks, no canned goods, no “just one box of cereal.” Storing any kind of food in a non-climate-controlled storage unit is a recipe for problems. Even packaged or canned goods can attract pests and rodents over time, especially when exposed to heat, humidity, or freezing temps. And perishables? Those will spoil fast, causing smells, mold, and major damage to anything nearby. Why it’s risky: • Attracts insects and rodents • Can spoil or leak, damaging other items • Creates odors that spread through your unit Instead: If you’re relocating and need short-term food storage, consider donating pantry items to a local food bank before your move. For longer-term needs, rent a climate-controlled unit or ask friends/family for temporary fridge or freezer space. 2. Flammable or Hazardous Materials If it has a warning label, it probably doesn’t belong in storage. Paints, gasoline, propane tanks, lighter fluid, fireworks, and cleaning solvents. These are just a few of the many flammable or hazardous items that are prohibited in standard storage units. Not only are they dangerous to store, but they also violate safety regulations and insurance policies. Why it’s risky: • Risk of fire or explosion • Exposure to extreme temperatures can cause leakage or combustion • Illegal in most storage contracts (yes, including ours) Instead: Store these items in accordance with local safety guidelines, or contact your local hazardous waste facility for disposal or ...

Alex Parr
July 22nd, 2025

What Can You Actually Fit in a 10x10 Storage Unit?

A 10x10 storage unit can hold the contents of a typical one-bedroom apartment; including furniture, appliances, and dozens of boxes. If you’re looking for a 10x10 storage unit in Big Rapids, it’s important to understand what this size actually holds, how to pack it efficiently, and when it’s the right fit. At 24/7 Storage Big Rapids, our 10x10 units offer more usable space than most facilities thanks to our tall ceilings and wide entry doors—making move-in easier and giving you more room to work with. How Much Fits in a 10x10 Storage Unit? A 10x10 storage unit provides 100 square feet of floor space. With proper stacking, it can hold the contents of a one-bedroom apartment or a combination of furniture, boxes, and equipment. This size works well for residential, student, and business storage. You can typically fit: A bed, dresser, and nightstands A couch and coffee table A dining table and chairs Appliances like a fridge, washer, or dryer 15–20 boxes or bins Bikes, gear, or small equipment Thanks to the vertical height of our units, you can also stack items upward—effectively increasing your storage volume without upgrading to a larger unit. Real-World Uses for a 10x10 Unit This unit size is ideal for: Apartment moves or short-term transitions College students storing dorm furniture and seasonal items over summer Families needing extra space for overflow items, baby gear, or seasonal decorations Small businesses storing equipment, inventory, or office furniture It’s also useful if you’re renovating your home and need to temporarily store household items. Tips to Maximize Your 10x10 Unit Getting the most value out of your unit comes down to packing and organizing it well. Disassemble large furniture to save space. Use uniform bins to stack safely and efficiently. Label all boxes and leave a small aisle so you can reach items in the back without emptying the whole unit. Remember, 24/7 Storage Big Rapids units are taller than average, which means you can stack multiple layers of boxes or furniture. That extra vertical space can add up to 50% more usable volume compared to standard ...

Admin
May 30th, 2025

How to Choose the Right Size Storage Unit at 24/7 Storage Big Rapids

Make the Right Choice the First Time With Help From Our Size Guide Choosing the right storage unit doesn’t have to be a guessing game. At 24/7 Storage Big Rapids, we’ve made the process simple and stress-free with our clear pricing, oversized units, and easy-to-use tools. Our Size Guide helps you visualize what fits in each unit and calculate exactly how much space you need—so you can avoid the common pitfalls of overpaying or cramming too much into a space that’s too small. Whether you’re storing a few extra boxes, an entire household, or even a boat or RV, we’ll walk you through how to choose the right unit size based on what you’re storing, how our taller ceilings give you more usable space, and when it makes sense to size up. Take Inventory of What You're Storing Before choosing a unit size, start by listing what you’re putting into storage. Think in categories. Common items include furniture like beds, couches, dressers, and tables; boxes of clothes, books, or seasonal decor; appliances like washers, dryers, or fridges; garage items like bikes, grills, or lawn mowers; vehicles like motorcycles, trailers, and ATVs; and business-related items like shelves, inventory, or equipment. Our Size Guide includes estimated cubic footage for each of these, so you can plan efficiently before you even pull up to the unit. Match Your Load to the Right Unit Size Our oversized units offer 50% more usable space than standard storage thanks to tall ceilings and wide doors. A 5x10 unit works well for a small room or studio apartment, holding a bed, dresser, boxes, and small appliances. A 10x10 fits a one-bedroom apartment, while our 12x10 and 12x15 units offer extra width for oversized furniture or equipment. A 10x20 or 12x20 is ideal for storing the contents of a full two-bedroom home or a small vehicle. Our larger 10x30 and 12x30 units are great for multi-room moves or business storage, and our 12x45 units are built specifically for RVs, boats, and trailers. ...

Admin
April 30th, 2025

Why Tall Ceilings and Oversized Doors Make a Big Difference in Storage

Tall Ceilings and Oversized Doors Make a Big Difference Most people don’t think about the height of their storage unit until they’re standing in front of it with a truck full of stuff and a deadline to get out of their place. And by then, it’s either going to work or it’s not. That’s when it hits you—how much space you really have matters. Not just square feet. Cubic feet. Height. Door clearance. Whether or not your couch makes the turn. Whether or not you can stand your bookshelves up instead of laying them flat. Whether or not you can roll a trailer straight in instead of backing it in sideways. These are small things until they’re not. At 24/7 Storage in Big Rapids, the units were built with more than the basics in mind. You get tall ceilings. You get oversized doors. You get wide entries that don’t force you to contort your mattress or fight with a dolly. It’s subtle, but it changes the entire move-in experience. Easier access for moving large items Moving larger items is hard enough already. You’re loading in the cold. You’re working around other people. You’re trying to do it fast without damaging anything. The last thing you want is to get stuck at the entrance because your unit’s door is two inches too short or not wide enough to fit your dresser. With these oversized doors, most people don’t even have to think twice. You pull up, you unload, and you move on. It makes a difference. 50 percent more usable vertical space But the part most people miss is what tall ceilings actually give you. The math is simple: taller ceilings mean more storage volume. A standard 10x10 unit with regular height gives you a certain amount of room to work with. But give that same unit an extra few feet of vertical space, and suddenly you're not just stacking two bins—you’re stacking four. You're using the air above you instead of just the floor below. That’s ...

Admin
March 31st, 2025

Moving Tips for Self Storage

Moving to Big Rapids? Here’s How Storage Can Help When you’re moving to a new city, everything feels like it’s happening at once. Moving to Big Rapids, Michigan, is no exception. It’s a vibrant city with so much to offer, but getting settled? That’s another story. Here’s where 24/7 Storage Big Rapids can help. Moving Isn’t Just Packing Boxes Think about the last time you moved. Chances are, it wasn’t just about throwing things into boxes and calling it a day. Maybe your new lease started late, or you had to stay in temporary housing before your real place was ready. That’s where a storage unit saves the day. The Transition Phase: You’re in between places and need a spot for your stuff. No problem. The "I’ll-Unpack-It-Later" Dilemma: Tuck away those extra boxes and furniture while you get organized. The Temporary Stopgap: Staying with friends, family, or a short-term rental? Store the big items until you're ready for them. With Storage Big Rapids, you’ve got the flexibility to handle the unexpected. Space to Breathe A cluttered space makes it harder to feel at home. That’s just science—or at least common sense. Use a storage unit to keep your new space functional and free of chaos: Seasonal Extras: Those winter coats or camping tents? They don’t need to take up precious closet space. “Does This Chair Fit?” Syndrome: Not sure if your furniture works in the new space? Store it until you decide. Boxes for Days: Keep the overflow in storage while you unpack at a manageable pace. An uncluttered home is a happier home. Simple as that. Perfect for Students and Families Big Rapids isn’t just any town—it’s home to Ferris State University, which means it’s packed with students and families juggling unique moving challenges. A storage unit can help both groups breathe easier. Students: Dorm rooms are small. Really small. Use storage for extra clothes, gear, or personal items during the semester or summer break. Families: Moving with kids is no joke. Store furniture, toys, or baby gear until you’re fully settled. Whatever your situation, storage is ...

Alex Parr
December 30th, 2024

How Storage Can Help You Handle Life’s Transitions

New Year, New Space The new year has arrived—a time when we’re all trying to declutter, reorganize, and convince ourselves that this will finally be the year we get our lives together. For some, it’s about clearing out the old to make room for the new. For others, it’s tackling those unexpected life changes that don’t fit neatly into a to-do list. And then there are the people moving into a new place, managing chaos box by box, wondering where their coffee maker went. (It’s in the box labeled “bedroom,” obviously.) No matter what chapter you’re starting, 24/7 Storage Big Rapids is here to make it smoother, simpler, and way less stressful. Here’s why having a storage unit isn’t just convenient—it’s a game-changer. Decluttering Doesn’t Have to Be a Goodbye Decluttering your home sounds great—until you realize you’re staring at a pile of stuff you kind of want to keep but definitely don’t want in your living room. This is where a storage unit shines. Seasonal Chaos: That inflatable snowman? The sleds? All that summer camping gear? Perfect candidates for storage until you need them again. Sentimental Treasures: Your grandma’s quilt and that box of old journals don’t belong in the donation bin—but they also don’t belong on your coffee table. Furniture in Limbo: Maybe you’re downsizing. Maybe you’re upgrading. Either way, you don’t have to make big decisions about big stuff right now. Decluttering isn’t about saying goodbye forever—it’s about giving yourself the breathing room to focus on what matters. Moving is Messy—We Make It Less So Moving is one of those things that never goes as planned. Whether it’s mismatched move-in dates or realizing your new closet is way smaller than your last one, chaos has a way of sneaking in. A storage unit helps you take control. In-Between Spaces: If your new lease starts late or your home isn’t ready, we’ve got room for your things. Big Stuff? No Problem: Furniture, appliances, and all the bulky items you don’t know what to do with can hang out in ...

Alex Parr
December 30th, 2024

Storing Boats, Pontoons, RVs, and Trailers During the Off-Season

Storing Boats, Pontoons, RVs, and Trailers During the Off-Season When winter comes to Big Rapids, MI, it’s time to think about storing your recreational vehicles. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on boats, pontoons, RVs, and trailers if they aren't properly stored. Luckily, 24/7 Storage Big Rapids offers a range of secure storage solutions to keep your vehicles protected through the cold months. Here's everything you need to know to get your vehicle ready for storage and why our facility is the best choice. Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter Storage Before you park your boat or trailer for the season, make sure it's well-prepared to avoid issues when spring returns: Clean Thoroughly: Dirt and grime can lead to corrosion over time, so wash and dry the exterior of boats, pontoons, and RVs. Winterize Engines and Water Systems: Add antifreeze to any water lines and drain tanks to prevent freezing. RVs benefit from flushing plumbing systems, and boats should have their engines winterized with fresh oil and fuel stabilizers. Cover with Care: Use breathable covers to protect against dust and moisture while preventing mildew buildup. Check Tires and Batteries: Inflate tires to avoid flat spots and remove batteries for separate storage, ensuring they stay functional. Storage Options Designed for Your Needs At 24/7 Storage Big Rapids, we offer oversized units with tall ceilings and wide doors, making it easy to park and access large vehicles like RVs and pontoons. Our units are designed to simplify maneuvering and accommodate even the biggest travel trailers. A fully fenced and gated facility provides 24/7 access, so you can retrieve your vehicle whenever needed, with the added assurance of security monitoring to protect your property. We offer a variety of storage sizes, from 30-foot units to expansive 45-foot spaces, ensuring there’s room for all types of recreational vehicles. With no long-term contracts, you can reserve your space online without commitment, giving you the flexibility to plan your storage around your schedule. Proactive Maintenance During Storage Even in storage, it’s smart to check in on ...

Alex Parr
October 17th, 2024