Storage & Packing Tips

No matter how small or big your self storage unit is, make sure that you keep it organized and in order at all times. Here are a few tips to help you.

Boxes:

Use boxes that are a uniform size, they're easier to stack
Put the heavier boxes on the bottom and the lighter ones on top of the heavier ones. This will prevent boxes from being crushed.
Label the boxes on all sides and keep a list for easy reference. This will save you time if you have to look for something in particular.
Fill boxes to the top, even if it's just with padding and old, crumpled newspapers. Boxes that are only half-filled tend to collapse if anything is placed on them.
When packing boxes fill them without making them too heavy to lift.
Clothing and draperies should be stored on hangers, in wardrobe boxes, to retain their original shapes.

Appliances:

Make sure that all appliances are clean and dry before storing them. Leave appliance doors slightly ajar to prevent mildew.
For refrigerators, clean the interior and wipe dry. Drain water from the holding tank and plastic tubing. Clean the defrost pan (usually located underneath or in the back).
Always keep refrigerators upright during transportation and storage to prevent damage to the refrigeration unit.
Clean appliances carefully, including all air intake areas such as lint filters, grids or tubes.
Appliances contain glass and fragile pieces, and finishes can scratch and dent. Be sure to wrap them with moving blankets, bubble wrap or wrapping film to prevent broken pieces or blemishes.
Remove water from hoses and internal components of clothes washers, dryers, dishwashers and refrigerators to prevent freezing and mildew.
Mark glass panels in oven doors, microwave doors, etc. as fragile to avoid leaning heavy objects against them.
Storing items inside appliances is not recommended.
Cover appliances with cotton sheets or canvas tarps to protect them from dust while allowing for air circulation.

Furniture:

Stand couches and mattresses on end to maximize space and prevent overloading.
Stack chairs seat to seat.
When stacking furniture use paper pads in between the items to avoid scratching.
Cover furniture with cotton drop cloths or canvas tarps to keep dust off.
Make sure no fabric from furniture or covers is touching the floor.
Use pallets or boards to raise the floor of the unit to allow airflow.
Disassemble beds and tables, and wrap table legs in moving blankets or bubble wrap.
Use bubble wrap or cardboard to protect corners and edges.
Wrap lamp bases in bubble wrap or moving blankets and pack them in a box designed for storing lamps. Wrap lamp shades in a cotton cover or loose plastic wrap and pack in a box.
Use dresser tops for stacking lightweight boxes, and dresser drawers for small fragile items.
Mirrors and framed artwork, use cardboard corner protectors. Do not store these items flat. Keep them upright, and mark them as fragile.

Filling your Self Storage Unit:

Store frequently used items at the front of the unit to avoid having to search for them.
Leave small walkways 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.
Purchase a high quality padlock to put on the door.

Don’ts…

Use plastic to cover your belongings. It retains moisture.
Store any food items. This will prevent any unwanted guests.
Pack your boxes so that they are too heavy to carry them. Especially when you are packing books.
Assume that your homeowners or renters insurance will cover your belongings while in storage. Purchase the insurance.
Give out your password, gate code or any information to anyone who is not listed as having "Access."
Use printed newspaper. The ink may smudge and get on your items.
Forget to clean appliances before you store them.
Store any toxins or flammables. Such as paint, oil, or gasoline.