Warning
Do not store combustibles or perishables such as old paint, cleaning fluids, gasoline, etc. Make certain all fuel is drained or burned out of gasoline powered equipment. Throw away anything that could possibly cause fire.
Do not store food in open containers or any item which could attract rodents or pests. Why risk your possessions just to keep a few cents' worth of leftovers?
Packing and Storage Tips
Do you need help figuring out how much storage space you need? Try our helpful storage calculator.
Plan around access. If you will not need access to your possessions once they are stored, you may store everything more compactly. If you need access to your things during storage, leave enough space at the door to enter, and enough “hallway” space to walk between items.
Everything in a box is the best way to protect your possessions. The boxes should be stacked shoulder high to maximize your total storage space.
Leave a small space between the stored goods and the storage unit walls. Plastic can also be placed on the unit floor, if desired.
Store lightweight small items around the back of the storage unit and move large, heavy items into storage last. Do not place heavy or sharp objects on top of furniture.
Protect mattresses, sofas, and chairs with plastic covers.
Use a good lock on your unit and insure your goods while in storage. Ask the manager about self-storage insurance at reasonable rates. Keep a list and description of all items in storage, as well as pictures.
Appliances
Tape all appliance doors shut when moving. Wedge doors open in storage to ventilate. Freezers, refrigerators, and stoves make excellent packing cartons for bedding, towels and clothing.
Beds
Lash bed rails together with rope or plastic tape. Cover mattresses to keep them clean during moving and storage.
Books
Books get heavy in bunches. Pack them in small cartons, holding weight to under 30 pounds for easy lifting. Fill empty spaces with packing paper.
Dishes and Glasses
Take your time when packing these items. Wrap each one in packing tissue and cushion them in the carton with crumpled paper. Keep cartons under 30 pounds for easy handling and safe riding.
Clothing
Clothing that ordinarily hangs in a closet should be placed in a wardrobe carton.
Chairs
Protect all chair legs by wrapping them in packing paper. Leave slipcovers on upholstered chairs and cover them with plastic chair covers.
Cartons
Hold weight of all packing cartons to under 30 pounds. List contents of each carton on the side, with a marking pen. Make sure each carton is filled completely to prevent collapse. Fill unused space with paper.
