Storage Tips

TIP#1

Place those items you’ll need most often at the front of the unit.

TIP#2

When packing your unit, create a center aisle. This will make it easier for you to access everything in your storage unit.

TIP#3

Keep boxes off the floors by stacking items on pallets or skids. This allows air flow under and around items.

TIP#4

Store tabletops and sofas on end, and remove legs from tables and other furniture. This will help save space.

TIP#5

To protect old photographs from curling, place them between two pieces of cardboard and tape them together.

TIP#6

To protect against fire, drain gasoline and oil from items with small engines (like lawn mowers).

TIP#7

To protect yourself against criminal charges or liability, never store firearms, toxic materials, illicit drugs or drug paraphernalia, live animals, perishables, explosives, liquids, flammable liquids and fuels, or other items that require a controlled environment in your storage unit.

TIP#8

Use stable bins or trash cans to store shovels, hoes and rakes. Also, fill containers to capacity. Partially full or bulging cartons may tip or collapse.

TIP#9

To protect mattresses, cover them and store them flat on level surfaces.

TIP#10

To protect wood furniture, be sure to use protective covers and treat wood surfaces before storing.

TIP#11

To limit rusting of metal items, wipe all metal surfaces with a towel containing a few drops of machine oil.

TIP#12

To protect textiles, pack blankets, draperies, and dress clothes on hangers in a wardrobe box.

TIP#13

To protect your storage unit from theft, use good locks. If you do not have one, ask your site manager for a recommendation. Locks are available for sale on site.

TIP#14

To protect humidity sensitive items, use climate control.

TIP#15

To save space, place dressers and tables top-to-top.

TIP#16

To protect yourself against loss, insure your stored items. Items in self-storage aren’t generally covered by other policies (including homeowner or rental insurance), regardless if they are being stored for personal or business reasons.

TIP#17

To deter some insects and pests, add bay leaves to boxes.

TIP#18

To protect yourself, be sure to thoroughly vet different storage companies before you choose one. Review their policies and services, find out their service hours, see if they offer insurance for stored items, and understand their payment policies and security services. These are important features and, in general, the more reputable a business is the more services they will offer.

TIP#19

Before you sign a contract, review it carefully! Before you sign with anyone, you want to make sure that your best interests and belongings will be secure. Once you sign, make sure you have your information, keys, and the codes you will need to get into your unit.

TIP#20

When you are planning to empty your unit and move out, let your rental company know, and make sure that all of your paperwork is in order.