Helpful Storage Tips

Feeling overwhelmed preparing for the big move or just looking for ways to maximize your storage space? Here are some helpful storage tips to keep your items organized and in good shape.

General Storage Tips

• Always use high quality locks on your unit. Disc-style locks with a hasp-hugging design are best to prevent cutting and prying. We have these style locks available for sale in the office.
• Use furniture drawers for delicate items and specially wrap them with bubble wrap or packing paper and mark as “FRAGILE.”
• When storing delicate heirlooms, use specially constructed boxes such as wardrobe boxes. Remember to label these boxes “FRAGILE.”
• When packing toys or smaller objects, remember to fill the box completely and stuff any open areas with plain newspaper to prevent collapsing when stacked.
• Do not store anything combustible (gasoline, paint, or chemicals) or anything perishable (such food that is not permanently sealed).
• When storing lawn and garden equipment, drain any fluid storage to avoid corrosive damage.
• Use trash cans to store shovels, hoes and rakes.
• Store furniture carefully on boards or pallets.
• Store couches on end.
• Mattresses should be covered and stored flat on a level surface.
• Larger appliances such as stoves or refrigerators, provide space for storing towels, blankets, etc. Clean and dry them and keep refrigerator doors slightly ajar.
• Break down items such as table legs. Store table tops on their end to save space.
• Use protective covers and treat wood surfaces before storing.
• Have blankets, draperies, and out of season clothing clean and ready to be packed on hangers or in a wardrobe box.
• Pack books flat, not standing on end (which may damage the spines). Books are extremely heavy, so don’t pack too many in one box.
• Old photographs tend to curl over time. To keep them flat, place them between two pieces of cardboard and tape them together.
• Don’t overpack boxes. Overfilled boxes will rupture and topple when stacked.
• When packing your unit, create a center aisle for access to all items and store the
  items you’ll need most often at the front of the unit.

Cold Weather Tips

• Be lock smart. Rust resistant brass locks and plastic coated weatherproof locks are
  good cold weather options. In freezing weather, heat the lock before opening it.
• Cover your property with cotton or wool and not vinyl or plastic. The latter two
  may cause more damage in the long run. Condensation will devleop on the underside
  which causes mildew to form as weather warms up.
• You should keep your goods off the concrete floor and away from the walls as
  much as possible. We suggest you place a cardboard mat or pallet on the floor and
  leave air space around the unit’s perimeter.
• Be careful to consider what you store in the winter. Any expensive items that
  can be permanently damaged by cold weather should not be stored. A piano is a
  good example of what not to store in winter.