Self Storage Dos

• Use boxes that are a uniform size. They’re easier to stack. Keep the heavy boxes on the bottom and the light ones on top.
• Leave small aisles between the boxes and furniture in your storage unit, so you can easily get to the items you want without having to move anything around.
• If you’re storing a lot of packing boxes in your unit, try to fill them to the top. Boxes that are only half-filled tend to collapse if anything’s placed on them.
• If you’re putting any metal objects into storage – like lawnmowers or file cabinets – it’s best to treat them with rust protector first, or at least wipe them down with an oily rag.
• Wrap your mattresses in the special bags we have available at our facility This will prevent them from absorbing moisture and from losing shape.
• Take into consideration that the stuff you place in self storage might freeze. If you think this will cause some of your items to break, arrange for a climate-controlled storage unit for temperature control.
• Store all your electronic equipment in their original boxes. You can try and pass by electronic stores and look for similar size boxes if you do not have yours. Otherwise, wrap them as if you were wrapping glass or crystal.
• Pack your storage unit with your most valuable items at the back (for security reasons).
• Leaving a space between your stuff and the unit’s wall allows for air to circulate within the unit. Laying plastic sheeting on the floor and stacking boxes on top of wooden pallets can prevent condensation damage. So can using old linens or other fabrics, instead of plastic, to protect your stuff from dust.
• If you’re storing a refrigerator in your unit, leave the door ajar. This will prevent mold from growing inside.
• If you’re storing any machinery that runs on gas, drain the tank before you store it.
• Utilize all the space in your unit. Make a plan as to how you are going to arrange your items. A good plan will save you the time of having to rearrange your unit. Leave an aisle in the center of your unit so that you have a walk way to the back of the unit.
• Use freestanding shelves to help organize your unit.
• Label the boxes on all six sides and keep a list for easy reference. This will save you time if you have to look for something in particular. When packing boxes fill them without making them too heavy to lift. Always put the heavier boxes on the bottom and the lighter ones on top of the heavier ones. This will prevent boxes from being crushed. Keep boxes off the floor.
• Be sure to store frequently used items at the front of the unit to avoid having to search for them.
• To protect your items, cover them with moving pads, sheets or light blankets.
• Be sure to check your unit once a month.
• Disassemble items such as tables, bed frames, etc. (This will save space.) Wrap and label all pieces for an easier time when you have to reassemble them. Put all hardware in bags and mark the bags accordingly.
• When you disassemble electronics, such as computers, stereos, things that have numerous cords, place small colored stickers on the cord and the same color sticker where the cord goes. This will save you the hassle of trying to figure out what goes where when it comes time to reassemble your electronics. If possible, use the original boxes to store your electronics and other items.
• Make sure that all appliances are clean and dry before storing them. Leave appliances slightly ajar to prevent mildew.
• If it is possible, store couches on end. Stack chairs seat to seat. Use the inside of appliances and drawers to store smaller items. When stacking furniture, use paper pads in between the items to avoid scratching.
• Store mirrors and paintings on end, not flat.
• Drain and clean all debris from all equipment before you store it.
• When wrapping collectibles or anything breakable, tape it after you wrap it. This should avoid mistaking them for excess paper to fill the box. Use bubble wrap or unprinted paper to wrap breakables. Group similar items together and mark the boxes accordingly.
• Clothing and draperies should be stored in wardrobe boxes and on hangers to retain their original shapes.
• Before placing any kind of wooden furniture into self storage, wax it well with wood varnish. This prevents moisture from affecting the wood. Likewise, if your furniture can be dismantled easily, do so. It will prolong the life of that piece. If you dismantle furniture, collect the nuts and bolts of each item into a plastic bag and tape it firmly to the dismantled set. In addition, place thick cloth such as old carpets between wooden pieces to prevent one scratching the other.
• Rubbermaid containers are great to store your items. They have tight fitting lids and stack easily. Keep the more valuable items in the rear of the unit. This will prevent others from seeing them when you are in your unit.
• Keep out of season clothes accessible, you may have your belongings in storage longer than anticipated.

Self Storage Don'ts

• Don’t use plastic to cover your belongings. It retains moisture.
• Don’t store any food items. This will prevent any unwanted guests.
• Don’t pack your boxes so that they are too heavy to carry, especially when you are packing books.
• Don’t load too much weight into one box. If you feel it has become heavy, divide the contents into two boxes. Remember that though they might seem sturdy, the taping on a box cannot withstand a lot of weight.
• Don’t give out your password, gate code or any information to any one that is not listed as having access
• Don't place compact discs in plastic wrap because if the storage facility heats up, these might destroy the disc.
• Don’t store any toxins or flammables (e.g., paint, oil, gasoline).

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