Packing Tips
General Storage Information
- Fill boxes to capacity. Partially full or bulging boxes may collapse or tip over while stored.
- Label your cartons and goods. Arrange boxes inside the unit by room type (e.g. kitchen, bedroom, etc.) This will make accessing items much easier.
- Books and documents: Pack books flat to protect spines; use small boxes to avoid cartons that are too heavy to move easily. Put heavy items on bottom.
- Dishes and glassware: Glass items should be individually wrapped; use blank wrapping paper for best results; "nest" cups and bowls, stand plates and platters; fill air pockets with wrapping paper or foam peanuts; don’t put breakables under other boxes.
- Mirrors, windows, screens: Wrap all glass well; store on edge, not flat.
- Lamps: Pack lamp shades separately; use blank paper to wrap lamp shades and other property that may be damaged by ink stains from regular newsprint.
- Furniture: Stand sofas and mattresses on end; disassemble beds; wrap legs in wrapping paper; keep upholstery off floor; place loose, light non-plastic dust covers or sheets over furniture.
- Treat leather items with a leather conditioner before you store them.
- Wipe down metal objects and tools with a little oil before storing them to avoid rust formation that can occur when the tools are not used regularly. Store them away from anything that might become soiled from the oil.
- Appliances and electronics: Clean appliances thoroughly. Refrigerators and freezers must be defrosted and dry and washing machines completely drained. Leave doors of appliances slightly ajar; desiccants (drying agents) should be used and containers checked and emptied regularly.
- Drain any fluids prior to storing blowers, lawnmowers, and other equipment;
- When storing a vacuum cleaner, clean out the bag or canister first to avoid bacteria and mold accumulation.
- Bicycles: Wipe a few drops of oil on bicycles to prevent rusting, then store them away from furniture to avoid oil staining.
- Use boxes, not plastic bags. Boxes are sturdier and stack well, taking up less space. Also, sealed plastic bags can trap humidity which can cause damaging mildew.
- Boxes that are tightly sealed with packing tape will prevent dust from entering.
- Clothes: Wardrobe boxes allow you to store your clothing on hangers. Shoes can be stored in the bottom of the wardrobe boxes, while folded clothing can be stored in boxes or dresser drawers.
- Put pallets or a grid of 2" x 4's on the unit floor to give better air circulation under goods; leave a walkway/aisle to the rear of the unit. Don’t over pack the unit!
- Place open containers of cat litter or charcoal in the unit to absorb moisture.
General Storage Information
- Do not store hazardous or toxic materials OR flammable liquids or gases OR foods. If you are not sure you should store something, ask the staff!
- Do not store any combustibles! Do not store items such as propane tanks, old paint, cleaning fluids, gasoline or other things that might create or intensify a fire. Why risk your possessions just to keep a few cents worth of leftovers? Also, do not store firearms or ammunition in storage rooms.
- Remember, you alone are responsible for providing insurance on your property. If you wish to purchase insurance, an option is available at signing or you should contact your insurance agent; the self-storage facility does not insure your goods.
- Remember that only the tenant is legally entitled to enter the storage space unless other arrangements have been made with the self-storage facility; for example, if you want friends and members of your family to use your storage space, you must list them under access rights on the rental agreement.
- Visit your self-storage space on occasion to check the condition of your possessions; occasionally move or shift your goods so that you see all sides of them. Report any problems immediately.
- When moving out of storage, 10 days written notice is preferred. Take everything and don’t leave any trash. Leave the unit in broom-clean condition. Remove your lock.
- If storing bedding, clothing or furniture covered in fabric or property be certain that everything stored is dry, as any moisture may cause mildew. If you move during rain, dry off your goods before placing them into storage. Do not store anything that is wet; moisture is bad for virtually all property or goods.