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Gather Your Materials
- Estimate the number of boxes packing material (packing paper, bubble wrap, foam shipping noodles), tape, and markers that you’ll need. We sell packing and moving supplies, so we can help with this.
- Use strong, new or almost new, boxes. Don’t collect used boxes from grocery and liquor stores. They may be harboring insects or rodents, and they’re probably in a weakened condition.
Inventory Your Belongings
- Create an inventory list of your items and keep copies in a safe place away from the unit.
- Add serial numbers for electronics.
- Identify which items you may need to access regularly.
Prepare for Storage
- Measure and estimate the collective packing size of the items you plan to store.
- To keep items off the unit floor, use furniture pads or pallets under your belongings.
Arrange Boxes for Convenience and Safety
- Be sure your boxes are strong enough to hold 25-30 pounds (don’t overpack).
- Account for extra space to provide ventilation and ease of access.
- Plan for anything that you use frequently to be placed at the front of your unit.
- Place boxes that contain fragile or delicate items on top of boxes packed with heavier, sturdier things.
- If you’re storing business files that you use regularly, leave a pathway for easier access.
- List contents on all four sides of boxes and seal tightly with good quality packing tape.
Don’t Store Hazardous Materials and Perishable Items
- It is prohibited to store flammable, hazardous or combustible materials (paint, paint thinner, gasoline, or propane).
- Drain fuel from lawn mowers, snow blowers, trimmers, or any other equipment that you may be storing.
- You are also prohibited from storing perishable items, such as food or pet food. These can attract rodents and insects.
Take Extra Care with Fragile Items
- Large pictures and mirrors should be wrapped in cardboard, marked “FRAGILE” and stacked on end against a wall.
- China, crystal, porcelain, and any other breakable items should be carefully wrapped in packing paper and/or bubble wrap and boxes should be marked “FRAGILE.”
- These boxes should be stacked on top of the heavier items.
Make Good Use of Extra Space
- Furniture with drawers can be utilized to store linens and small items.
- Fragile items can be stored in drawers if wrapped properly.
- Don’t forget to carefully wrap valuable linens in acid free paper to prevent staining or deterioration.
- Large appliances like washers and dryers make excellent packing space for blankets, towels, bedding, table linens, and even heavy clothing.
- To prevent accidental damage, place TVs and other electronics in the rear of your unit.
- Shovels, hoes, rakes, and hoses can be stored in clean, empty trash cans.
- Stack multiple cans inside each other.
Prevent Damage to Sofas Chairs and Loveseats
- Large appliances make excellent packing space for blankets, towels, bedding, table linens, and even heavy clothing.
- To prevent accidental damage, place TVs and other electronics in the rear of your unit.
Utility and Gardening Items
- Sofas and loveseats can be stored on end to save floor space.
- Wrap cushions in plastic furniture covers and place on top of sofas.
- Cover everything with furniture covers or pads to prevent dust.
- Don’t place sharp or heavy objects on upholstered or leather furniture.
- Wrap furniture legs in furniture covers or pads to prevent damage.
- If you need to store any furniture that can be broken down, keep small parts in plastic bags and tape them to the item.
Save Space When Storing Tables
- Break down tables that have removable legs to save space. Cover with furniture covers or pads to prevent damage.
- Never cover or wrap wood items with plastic. It can leave a residue that causes permanent damage.
- Remember to store screws, nails, and other small parts in small bags and tape them to the table.
Keep Beds and Mattresses in Good Condition
- If you store mattresses on their sides, prop them up so that they stand straight. This will prevent them from bending and becoming out of shape and lumpy.
- If you are breaking down a bed frame, be sure to keep all small parts in a plastic bag and tape it to the frame.
Prevent Rust and Corrosion on Metal Items
- Wipe metal items such as bikes, tables and tools with machine oil to prevent rust and corrosion.
Create a Map of Your Stored Items
- Make a map of your stored boxes and items, place it on a clipboard, and hang it in a visible location in your unit and keep another copy at home.
- There’s no need to get too technical, a hand drawn sketch will work.
- Having a map to guide you will make it easy to find the items that are “buried” in the back.
We hope these tips and guidelines will help you make the best of your self storage experience. Check out our FAQ page for more self storage info!