Self Storage Locations Are Your Best Friends While Moving!

We recently moved into our new home, in fact, out First Home - Yippeee!! and though things are still scattered all around, I fell happy, excited, and a lot less tense, because instead of dunking every piece of furniture, clothing and equipment in the new place, we took advice from our friends and rented a Self Storage Location that will hold all our stuff until we decide what goes where!

I'm sure you have a list of Things to Do before you actually Move. Moving can be a very stressful process, but with a little bit of planning, some help from friends and family, and a clear process of how you are going to tackle the move, you can make this a peaceful and stress-free adventure. One of the topmost concerns while moving is packing and relocating all your stuff to the new place. Yes, you can hire Movers who will do this for you, under your supervision, of course, but most of the times, the new place is not completely ready to take the brunt of all your stuff. And believe me, even if you stay in just a one-bedroom apartment, you'll be amazed at home much stuff you gather over time and dunk it in your closet! you might not even know you had these things, until they show their existence during the process of packing and moving. In my personal opinion, your best bet in such circumstances is to rent a Self Storage Location and move all your not-so-important stuff in there, until you have arranged all the other things in the new place, and have figured out where everything else will go.

Self-storage option can be less expensive if you expect to need it for a number of months Or if you have only a few items to store. Traditionally, self-storage facilities require you to bring your property to them. Because their primary business is self-storage, they tend to offer a better product and more flexibility. However, they can be less convenient because they require you to bring your property to them. Here are a few things to consider before deciding on whether this is right for you:

Understand the cost structure. Almost all self-storage facilities offer the first month free. What's the cost after that? is the rate guaranteed?
Is there a security deposit?
What are the late fees?
When can you access your storage facility? Is it closed on weekends, if yes, then that might not be your best bet.
Do you need to insure the goods yourself? Some homeowners policies may cover property that you put in storage.
How large a space do you need?

All these are valid questions to ask before you hone in on a storage company. Another option is on location self-storage. These companies bring mini-storage sheds, also known as PODS (Portable On-Demand Storage) to your house--you fill them up and they take them to their storage facility. While it's a neat concept, it can be a little tricky to coordinate with a larger move. These are great if you're only moving a short distance, though. But there are some that you can rent the PODS and leave them on your new facility itself. that way, you ahve access to it 24/7, and can slowly shuffle out things as you find space to arrange them in your new space.

Almost everyone I know hates Moving, because it takes up a lot of your time and energy, not to mention the million other things you need to take care of, before your Move is complete. Self Storage locations can help you take off some part of the pain associated with moving. I know it helped us, and I'm sure it could help you too, so give them a serious thought to enable a less stressful move that you had imagined!

Tandoori Aloo Masala (Potato Curry)

Its been raining like hell in North California since past couple weeks, and looks like more rain is on the horizon! Its one thing to sit at home sipping hot tea and enjoying Bhajiyas while hearing the pitter-patter of the rain, and totally another boring story to be driving to work each day in these nasty showers! Nevertheless, whenever I am down, I turn to food for comfort, and making and eating a nice comforting meal always help to lift your spirits! This hot and spicy Tandoori Aloo Masala is no exception! Enjoy it with some lovely Parathas and you'll be sure to feel good after the meal!

Ingredients
8-10 baby potatoes
1 Medium size onion (grated)
1 cup yogurt - blended
1 tbsp Coriander seeds
3 cloves
1 inch piece of cinnamon stick
2 Cardamom pods (green)
4 tbsp Ghee/oil
4-5 Bay Leaves
1 tsp each Ginger-garlic paste and chilli powder
1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
1/4 tsp Tandoori masala (ready-made)
1 tbsp tamarind paste
1 tsp sugar (or add to taste)
salt - to taste

Method
Boil the baby potatoes, making sure they stay firm and not become too mushy. Split into halves and keep aside.

Now take ghee in a non-stick pan and let it heat. Then add the grated onions and a pinch of salt, to prevent onions from becoming bitter in taste. Saute the onions for about 2 mins, till golden and translucent.

Dry roast the cardamom seeds, cloves, coriander seeds, bay leaves, and cinnamon in another pan on medium heat. Then process them in a spice grinder to make fresh dry masala powder.
PS: If you cannot do this, add the spices directly to the onions and let them cook with it. Just remove the bay leaves and cinnamon barks after about 5 mins so they don't overpower the recipe.

Add the fresh masala to the onions and let it cook. Also add the ginger-garlic paste and saute on low-to-medium heat, stirring constantly, till it becomes reddish brown and the mixture starts separating from the oil.

Now add turmeric powder, chilli powder and salt. Fry it about a minute till everything becomes smooth and almost like a gravy.

Now add the blended yogurt, and the tandoori masala to the gravy. try to keep the gravy thick, but if it is too solid, you can add about 2 tbsp water. now add the boiled and skinned potatoes and gently roll them over to coat them evenly with the masala gravy. Add some chopped fresh coriander leaves, Cover with a lid and let it simmer for about 5 mins. Stir occasionally to make sure the curry does not stick to the bottom of the pan. Add water only if needed.

Cook till thick and muchy, then remove from flame, garnish with some chopped cilantro and chillies, and serve hot with some Parathas!

Also take a minute to check out this recipe for Tandoori Aloo which is a great appetizer or a side dish for parties