Storage Tips

1. Use furniture drawers for delicate items and specially wrap and label them as "FRAGILE." Bubble wrap and packing paper are excellent for these purposes.
2. When packing toys or smaller objects, fill boxes completely, stuffing open areas with newspaper to prevent collapsing when stacked.
3. Never store anything combustible (such as paint and chemicals) or perishable (such as food that is not permanently sealed).
4. When storing lawn and garden equipment, drain any fluids prior to storage to avoid corrosive damage.
5. When storing boxes, use plastic or a tarp to separate boxes from cement floor.
6. Use trash cans to store shovels, hoes, and rakes. Always use high quality locks on your unit. Locks are available — just ask your site manager for a recommendation.
7. When storing delicate heirlooms, use specially constructed boxes, such as wardrobe boxes, and dehumidifiers to prevent mildew build up. Remember to label these boxes "FRAGILE."
8. Store furniture carefully on boards or pallets. Mattresses should be covered and stored flat on level surfaces.
9. Large appliances such as stoves or refrigerators provide extra space for storing towels, blankets, etc.
10. Break down items such as table legs, and store tabletops and sofas on end to save space.
11. Use protective covers and treat wood surfaces before storing.
12. When storing business files and inventory, label all boxes and construct aisles so files are easily seen and accessible.

Do's

• Use pallets, 2 x 4's, plywood, any thing that will keep your items off the floor of the unit.
• 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 hard ware in bags and mark the bags accordingly. .
• 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.
• To prevent rusting rub a small amount of machine oil on metal tools, bicycles, and equipment. Drain and clean all debris from all equipment before you store them.
• Clothing and draperies should be stored in wardrobe boxes, on hangers, to retain their original shapes.
• Purchase the insurance. If your belongings are worth storing, they are worth insuring.
• 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.

Don'ts

• Do not use plastic to cover your belongings. It retains moisture.
• Do not store any food items. This will prevent any unwanted guests.
• Do not pack your boxes so that they are too heavy to carry them, especially when you are packing books.
• Do not assume that your homeowners or renters insurance will cover your belongings while in storage. Purchase the insurance.
• Do not give out your password, gate code or any information to any one that is not listed as having access.
• Do not use printed newspaper. The ink may smudge and get on your items.
• Do not forget to clean appliances before you store them.
• Do not store any toxins or flammables. Such as paint, oil, or gasoline.

Bonus Tips

• 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. Stack those on top.
• Place your storage items on 2" x 4" boards or VisiQueen to guard against dampness. Any concrete floor may become cold and damp.
• CAUTION: It is against the law to store materials that are hazardous or combustible such as gasoline, solvents, paint, etc. Drain our all remaining gasoline from lawn mowers, power tools, boats, snowmobiles, etc.
• Sofas and loveseats can be stored on end to save floor space. Always place a protective waterproof cover under the end on the floor. Cushions should be wrapped in plastic and placed on top.
• Cover stuffed furniture with dust cover to protect against dust.
• If you stand mattresses on end, be sure to "prop" them up to stand straight or they may bend out of shape and become lumpy.