Storage Tips
- Use furniture drawers for delicate items and specially wrap and label them as “FRAGILE”. Bubble wrap and packing paper are excellent for these purposes.
- When packing toys or smaller objects, remember to fill boxes completely, stuffing open areas with plain newspaper to prevent collapsing when stacked.
- Be careful not to store anything combustible, (such as paint and chemicals), or perishable, (such as food that is not permanently sealed).
- When storing lawn and garden equipment, drain any fluids prior to storage to avoid corrosive damage.
- Use trash cans to store shovels, hoes and rakes.
- When storing delicate heirlooms, use specially constructed boxes, such as wardrobe boxes. Remember to label these boxes “FRAGILE”.
- Store furniture carefully on boards or pallets.
- Mattresses should be covered and stored flat on level surfaces.
- Larger appliances, such as stoves or refrigerators, provide additional space for storing towels, blankets, etc.
- Break down items such as table legs, and store tabletops and sofas on end, to save space.
- Use protective covers and treat wood surfaces before storing.When storing business files and inventory, label all boxes and construct aisles so files are easily seen and accessible
- Self Storage is a convenient, safe, and inexpensive way to store your belongings. Proper planning will make for an efficient and cost effective storage experience. If you plan or need to frequently use the space, a larger space may be more convenient than one packed to capacity
- Plan your storage space. Place items in front that will be accessed frequently. Allow for walkways.
- Completely fill each box with your heaviest items on the bottom and lighter items on top.
- Try to place your boxes in uniform sizes. They are much easier to stack that way
- There are prohibited storage goods that every storage facility will NOT allow. Common sense and state laws determine what may be stored. See your contract.
- Label ALL boxes for easy identification
- Leave a small space between the wall and your storage items to allow for ventilation.
- Pack your boxes and other items as close together as possible to avoid moisture accumulating between them.
- Make up an inventory of your stored items and keep it in a safe place at home or in a safe deposit box.
- List contents of boxes on all four sides, number the boxes, seal with masking tape or glued paper tape.
- Dishes and glasses should be wrapped in packing paper and placed in dish pack boxes. We have a supply of these dish pack boxes on hand. All glass items should be individually wrapped. Nest cups and bowls. Stand plates, saucers, and platters on edge. Wrapped glasses should be placed near the top of cartons. Fill all pockets with packing material. Label all boxes containing glassware, and do not place heavy items on boxes containing glassware. Stack these boxes on top.
- Clothing, curtains, and drapes should be stored on hangers. If hanging cartons are not available, such items should be carefully folded and stored in dresser drawers or cedar chests along with bedding and linens. We have wardrobe style cardboard cartons which help protect your clothes. Food crumbs or stains should be removed before storage to avoid storing anything that may attract pests.
- Pictures and mirrors should be wrapped in mirror crates marked “FRAGILE” and stacked on end. Furniture with drawers can be utilized as storage places for knickknacks, china, silverware and small items. Wrap in tablecloths, towels or blankets to prevent breakage.
- A refrigerator or freezer should be thoroughly dry and stored with its door slightly ajar. Larger appliances make excellent “packing cases” for blankets, towels, tablecloths and clothes. Make sure that stoves and cooking equipment are cleaned before they are stored. Shovels, hoes, rakes and hoses can be stored together in empty trash cans. Stack extra cans inside one another.
- Bicycles and other metal items will rust over time if not protected. To retard rust, wipe all metal surfaces with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil.
- Pack books flat to protect their spines.
