By D. K. Christi | Spotlight News Magazine
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Finding safe temporary storage outside the home for valuables, whether furniture or appliances, always has been a challenge in Florida. Heat, humidity, mold, mildew, insects and driving rain can cause expensive damage. Kathryn Padalino, owner of Cool-Binz, created the solution after her own experience with inadequate storage.
Padalino moved to Southwest Florida from New Jersey in 2012 and set about a house renovation project that had just gotten underway when Hurricane Irma struck. Planned temporary storage of furniture, valuables and appliances became long-term with the aftermath of Irma’s destruction and the demands on the renovation industry.
Padalino was led to develop Cool-Binz over frustration with lack of access to her property when she needed it, lack of climate control, and shock when she discovered even her major appliances were rusting and valued leather items were molding along with the rest of her personal property.
“After more than a year of research, I realized that what I wanted did not exist – portable, climate-controlled storage with the flexibility of onsite or facility storage,” said Padalino, who then designed containers to her specifications.
Since opening in July 2018, Cool-Binz has been busy renting units. Clients include real estate agents who need storage containers while staging homes; contractors in the construction industry who need safe storage for furniture and appliances while work is done in their clients’ homes.
Cool-Binz’s all steel containers have clean, simple exteriors with a friendly logo and smooth interiors, are fully insulated and tightly sealed and have marine board floors. Each 8-by-8-by-16-foot unit is climate- controlled and also portable, brought to the user who can plug it into a normal 110 volt outlet or send the unit back to the facility where it’s charged and accessible to the client 24/7.
Additional options include containers that cool to 40 degrees, which may appeal to florists, or others seeking cool temperatures, as well as refrigeration and freezers. A Cool-Binz mobile office unit is also available for temporary, on-site offices with attractive multi-paned glass doors.
With experience in home staging and design, Padalino designed storage units to look good at a business or home while meeting a temporary storage need.
“I am also accessible,” adds Padalino. “I answer the telephone.” Cool-Binz serves Marco Island to North Fort Myers and will go farther with additional fees. A local moving business is available for packing and unpacking services.
“Who would think it would take a woman to make storage classy,” said Padalino. “I am trying to take portable storage to another level.”
To learn more visit www.cool-binz.com or phone 239-758-7282 for portable storage to park, pack and plug.