Operation: Dynamite Downsizing Key Takeaway: Gently and thoughtfully Step 2: The Great Purge (AKA "The Art of Letting Go... of That Spatula Collection")

Organization & Home Projects


Step 2: The Great Purge (AKA "The Art of Letting Go... of That Spatula Collection") Operation: Dynamite Downsizing Key Takeaway: Gently and thoughtfully clear out what you no longer need. That’s where real stars emerge—creating space for the moments and things that really count!With Operation: Dynamite Downsizing, Step 1 sets the stage by taking a full inventory and tagging the big items. Now, Step 2 is the Great Purge! Time to sort and pile everything that you tagged in Step 1. Don’t get stuck in the memories, especially the sad or “why did I keep this?” moments. Focus on the fun of making space for what truly matters! Goal: Systematically reduce your belongings. This is where heroes are made. Materials Needed: Heavy-Duty Trash Bags: More than you think. No, even more than that. Sturdy Boxes For storage-bound items and for donations. NOTE: Boxes can be purchased at the Lowe's in Springfield or nearby hardware store or even used ones given away at some grocery stores or on Facebook marketplace. Packing Tape: The good stuff. Don't skimp here, unless you enjoy "Box Bottom Bingo." NOTE: This can also be purchased at your nearby hardware store. Zip-lock bags: No, not for sandwiches, but for little things, like nuts, bolts, screws, barrettes, hair ribbons, or Legos that you want to keep together. NOTE: This can be purchased where you buy your groceries. Gloves (Optional, but recommended for the "Archaeological Dig" sections of your closets and drawers) A Designated "Farewell Friend" (Optional): One partner who is slightly less sentimental and can gently (or not so gently) encourage letting go. Action Plan: Be sure to allow enough time for this step. It often takes professional movers up to 3 days to pack everything, and they are just packing - not making decisions about each item. For each item, ask yourself: "Have I used this in the last year?" (Be honest, that bread maker is judging you.) "Does this bring me genuine joy, or just the faint aroma of mothballs?" "If we saw this in a store ...


Mary and Lani
October 22nd, 2025

Operation: Dynamite Downsizing - Step 1: Reconnaissance & Recruitment (The "What Were We Thinking?!" Step)

Organization & Home Projects


Step 1: Reconnaissance & Recruitment (The "What Were We Thinking?!" Step) Operation: Dynamite Downsizing Key Takeaway: Take an honest look at all the treasures you've gathered—it's the first step to creating the uncluttered space you deserve. In this step, you will review and tag your possessions. Fear not, brave crew! This isn’t just a move—it’s Operation: Dynamite Downsizing, and we’ve got the game plan to help you come out smiling, still talking to each other, and with a storage unit that’s more like a well-organized treasure chest than a chaotic black hole. Goal: Honestly assess your mountain of possessions. Materials Needed: Two (2) Comically Large Coffees/Teas: Fuel is paramount. One (1) Clipboard of Authority (Optional, but highly recommended for one partner to hang on to): Adds a delightful touch of mock seriousness. Sticky Notes in Aggressively Bright Colors: For labeling (and passive-aggressive commentary). Your Favorite "Get Pumped" Playlist: Eye of the Tiger, anyone? Action Plan: The Walk-Through of "Wow, We Own a Lot of [Insert Noun Here]": Get a mental summary of all that you have to go through to see the big picture. So, don’t let it overwhelm you; we are going to break it down into bite-sized pieces. Wander through each room. Focus on what is in the room, and let your eyes take a quick glance at every item. Open every cupboard, every drawer. Yes, every drawer. There is always something hiding behind and under important stuff. Keep your coffee close by. Don’t accidentally leave it in the cabinet. Marvel at the sheer volume. It is okay to realize that you have more stuff than what you thought you had. We have all been there! You are not alone. Take a dramatic, unified gasp. Then a deep breath, and another sip from the large coffee/tea. Tag Team Tagging: Slap those sticky notes on EVERYTHING. Each item should have a sticky note with either: "Keep”, "Donate”, "Storage”, "Recycle”, or the dreaded "Trash". NOTE: If you can’t decide, put it in a “storage” pile. Pro-Tip: If the whole house is overwhelming for ...


Mary and Lani
October 6th, 2025

Operation: Dynamite Downsizing

Organization & Home Projects


Operation: Dynamite Downsizing Your Handbook to Conquering deClutter and reClaiming Your Cozy Castle using Self Storage! (Cue Mission Impossible Theme Music) Key Takeaway: Make your decluttering journey stress-free and satisfying with a little bit of planning and a lot of heart. Alright, team—it’s time for the ultimate family adventure: downsizing! Or maybe you’re just moving into a new home. Either way, get ready for a journey filled with rediscovering long-lost treasures, giggling over “vintage” fashion choices from years past, and having a few lively debates about which sentimental (but let’s be honest… not-so-pretty) knick-knacks get to come along. You might even uncover the shocking truth about how many “must-have” kitchen gadgets your family has collected over the years! Fear not, brave crew! This isn’t just a move—it’s Operation: Dynamite Downsizing, and we’ve got the game plan to help you come out smiling, still talking to each other, and with a storage unit that’s more like a well-organized treasure chest than a chaotic black hole. Here are the steps to make it happen. Step 1: Reconnaissance & Recruitment (The "What Were We Thinking?!" Step) The goal is to honestly assess your mountain of possessions by tagging each item for its final destination. Step 2: The Great Purge (AKA "The Art of Letting Go... of That Spatula Collection")The goal is to systematically sort and pile your belongings. This is where heroes are made. Step 3: Operation Storage Solution (Choosing Your Fortress of Forgotten Treasures)The goal is to select the perfect storage unit to house your temporarily homeless belongings and box everything up. Step 4: The Strategic Pack & Stack (Simplify, Streamline, Succeed!) The goal is to efficiently and intelligently move your items to their new location. Step 5: The New Beginning (And a celebratory Pizza!) The goal is to move into your new, less cluttered space and marvel at your teamwork Pro-Tip: Check back over the next few weeks as we dive deeper into each step to make this an efficient adventure instead of a chaotic black ...


Mary and Lani
September 29th, 2025

Tenant Protection - a key to protecting your belongings

Storage Amenities


You know, when it comes to keeping your stuff safe in a self-storage unit, it's something we should totally chat about. Best West RV and Storage in Springfield, MO offers a protection plan available for their tenants. A Protection Plan is like making sure your home is secure when you go on vacation – you want that peace of mind, right? Keeping Your Belongings Safe One of the smartest things you can do, honestly, is to make sure your stored items have some kind of coverage. Now, if you've already got a good homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, that's awesome! But even if you do, or if you just want an extra layer of security, a tenant-protection program at the storage facility can be a huge help. It’s like having an extra set of eyes on your stuff, guarding against unexpected things like leaks, fires, or even theft. What's a Tenant-Protection Program All About? Think of a tenant-protection program as a special agreement between you and the storage place. It's designed to give you financial protection if something unforeseen happens to your things—like fire, water damage, or a break-in. It's not exactly like your standard insurance policy, which often has a lot of complicated rules and involves a separate company or two to get payouts. Instead, the storage facility or its provider usually handles this program directly, making it super easy to add coverage as an extra service. They typically set the different coverage amounts, so you can pick what feels right for you. How Does It Work? It’s actually pretty straightforward. When you rent your unit, you just choose the level of coverage that makes sense for your belongings, and then you pay a small monthly fee, which is usually added it right to your rent. This fee gets you coverage for your items up to a certain limit, usually somewhere between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on the amount you select. Now, if something does happen, you just let the claims department know. They’ll ...


Mary
July 24th, 2025

Why Store Your Car at a Storage Facility Instead of the Airport?

Storage Usage


When planning a vacation or an extended stay at your second home, deciding where to leave your car while away is an important consideration. While airport parking is convenient, it often comes with high costs and security concerns. Opting for a nearby storage facility, such as Best West Storage near the Springfield-Branson Airport (SGF) in Springfield, Missouri, offers a range of advantages, including flexible parking options to suit your needs. Peace of Mind While You Travel: With the right preparation and storage choice, you can travel confidently, knowing your car will be safe and well-protected until your return. Take the time to select the option that best fits your needs, and enjoy your journey with one less thing to worry about. Benefits of Storage Facilities Over Airport Parking Enhanced Security: Storage facilities typically feature gated access, surveillance cameras, and sometimes on-site staff, providing a higher level of protection against theft and vandalism than most airport lots12. Cost Savings: For long-term stays, storage facilities are often significantly less expensive than daily airport parking rates, especially when you factor in the duration of your trip21. Protection from the Elements: Storage facilities may offer options that shield your vehicle from weather damage, unlike open airport lots where your car is exposed to sun, rain, hail, or snow21. Parking Options at Storage Facilities A. Outside Parking Basic (fenced, open-air) pricing can range from $60–$80 for Short-term, durable vehicles B. Covered Parking Moderate (roof, open sides)$75–$90 3 Longer stays, weather concerns C. Enclosed Parking Maximum (fully enclosed)$150–$175 3 Luxury/classic cars, long-term A. Outside Parking Description: Your car is parked in a secure, open-air lot within the facility’s fenced perimeter. Pros: Most affordable option, easy access, suitable for short-term storage or vehicles that can handle exposure to the weather43. Cons: Exposed to sun, rain, and temperature fluctuations, which can accelerate wear and tear. B. Covered Parking Description: Your car is parked under a roof or canopy, typically with open sides for ventilation. Pros: Shields your vehicle from direct sunlight, rain, snow, and hail—helpful in areas with harsh ...


Mary
July 9th, 2025

Self-storage is most beneficial for small businesses

Storage Usage


drive right up to your unit

Self-storage can be a real help for many small businesses, especially when extra space is needed without the higher costs of a bigger storefront or office. Drive-up Storage facilities like Best West Storage on the west side of Springfield, Missouri, provide a variety of options to support your small business’s growth. Don't hesitate to give them a call to see how they can help you. Here are some types of businesses that find drive-up storage especially beneficial: E-commerce & Online Retailers – Inventory storage is a major challenge, and self-storage provides a cost-effective way to keep products organized without cluttering a home or office. Contractors & Tradespeople – Electricians, plumbers, landscapers, and construction professionals often have tools and equipment that require secure storage when not in use. Event Planners & Vendors – Decorations, supplies, and event essentials can quickly accumulate. Drive-up Self-storage keeps everything accessible without taking up valuable workspace. Restaurants & Food Service – Catering companies and food trucks use storage units for non-perishable supplies, seasonal equipment, and packaging materials. Home Services & Cleaning Companies – Cleaning businesses need a place to store supplies, large equipment, and seasonal tools without cluttering their vehicles. Real Estate & Staging Companies – Stagers, agents, and property managers can store furniture, signage, and décor for their listings. Other types of businesses may find climate control storage preferable. These spaces are usually inside buildings, and hopefully the facility has carts or dollies to help transport your inventory from the storage unit to your vehicle. Be sure to ask about the parameters for climate control. Some facilities maintain a constant temperature, similar to your home, while others control humidity. Artists & Crafters – Whether running a handmade business or producing large-scale artwork, where humidity and temperature are crucial to prevent moisture damage, humidity-controlled self-storage offers a secure place for materials and finished pieces. Wine & Other Spirits – When operating a liquor store, maintaining specific temperature and humidity levels for inventory is ideal. Photography & Sound Equipment – Cameras, backdrops, soundboards, and speakers for concerts ...


Mary
June 26th, 2025

Why Self-Storage is a Smart Solution for Life’s Transitions

Storage Amenities


drive right up to your unit

Why Self-Storage is a Smart Solution for Life’s Transitions Moving into a new home, downsizing for a fresh start, or managing a growing business – self-storage can really simplify your life! Here at Best West Storage in West Springfield, MO, we provide clean, secure, and affordable units that offer you the freedom to store your belongings just the way you want. There's absolutely no rush to make quick decisions; you can store what you need, when you need it, and for as long as you like. Businesses in the Springfield area will appreciate the ease of driving right up to their units. Whether it’s for tools, inventory, or files, we offer an economical solution to keep you organized without giving up any precious workspace. At Best West Storage, we’re dedicated to supporting you through all of life’s transitions—big or small—with our friendly service and reliable storage options, all conveniently located with wide aisles near your home or office. ...


Mary
June 12th, 2025

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