Self Storage Guide

Smallest Space

  • Rent the smallest amount of space you will need, and pack the unit full. Use freestanding shelves to help organize your unit.

Gather Materials

  • Start by gathering as many boxes as you think you will need as well as tape, markers, and packing material (e.g., foam shipping noodles, bubble wrap, packing paper or towels).

Uniform Sizes

  • If possible, try to use uniformly sized boxes for easy stacking.

Inventory

  • Make up an inventory list of your items and keep it in a safe place (at home or in a safe deposit box) away from the unit. Label the boxes on all six sides and keep a list for easy reference.

Keep Dry

  • If renting a drive up/exterior unit, place your storage items on 2x4 boards or on pallets to guard against dampness. The concrete floor may become cold and damp. To protect your items cover them with moving pads, sheets, or light blankets.

Access

  • Plan your storage space. Place items that you may need to access often in the front of the unit.

CAUTION

  • Bonfires and fireworks are great for holidays and weekend festivities but aren’t great coming from a storage unit… please do not store any hazardous, flammable, or toxic materials. Do not store anything COMBUSTIBLE (e.g., paint thinner, gasoline, solvents, paint), or perishables.

Easier Access

  • Try to leave an aisle down the center of the storage unit for easier access. Leave a small space between the walls and boxes to allow for air circulation.

Stack

  • Picture your unit as a life-sized Jenga challenge, to get the best use of your space use strong, similar sized boxes to stack with. Unassemble furniture that is easy to put back together. If you need boxes stop by our office to pick some up today!

Strong Boxes

  • Be sure your boxes are strong enough to hold 25-30 pounds (although we suggest not putting too much in each box).

Wrap It Up

  • Dishes and glasses should be wrapped in paper and packed in sturdy boxes. Stack them on top. When wrapping collectibles or anything breakable, tape it after you wrap it. This should avoid mistaking them for excess paper to fill the box. Use bubble wrap or unprinted paper to wrap breakables.

Fragile

  • Pictures and mirrors should be wrapped in cardboard, marked “FRAGILE” and stacked on end. Pack books flat to protect their spines. Use the inside of appliances and drawers to store smaller items.

Extra Space

  • Furniture with drawers can be utilized as storage places for pictures, knick-knacks, china, silverware, small items, etc. Wrap them in tablecloths, towels, or blankets to prevent breakage.

Appliances

  • Larger appliances make excellent “packaging cases” for blankets, towels, tablecloths and clothes. Leave appliances slightly ajar to prevent mildew. Do not forget to clean appliances before you store them.

Electronics

  • Put TVs and other electronics in the rear of your unit.

Stored Together

  • Shovels, hoes, rakes, and hoses can be stored together in empty trash cans. Stack extra cans inside each other. Clothing and draperies should be stored in wardrobe boxes, on hangers, to retain their original shapes.

Removable Legs

  • Tables that have removable legs should be broken down to save space. Put all hardware in bags and mark the bags accordingly.

Sofas and Loveseats

  • Sofas and loveseats can be stored on end to save floor space. Wrap cushions in plastic and place on top of sofas. Stack chairs seat to seat. When stacking furniture use paper pads in between the items to avoid scratching.

Sharp or Heavy Objects

  • Avoid placing sharp or heavy objects on top of upholstered furniture.

Stuffed Furniture

  • Cover stuffed furniture with cardboard or blankets to protect against dust.

Mattresses

  • If you stand mattresses on their sides, prop them up so they stand straight. Otherwise, they tend to bend out of shape and become lumpy. Wrap for protection and elevate off the floor.

Metal Items

  • Wipe any items made of metal - bikes, metal tables, tools, etc. - with machine oil to prevent rusting.

Purchase the Protection Plan

  • If your belongings are worth storing, they are worth insuring. Do not assume that your homeowners or renters insurance will cover your belongings while in storage.

Security

  • Do not give out your password, gate code or any information to anyone that is not listed as having access. Keep the more valuable items in the rear of the unit. This will prevent others from seeing them when you are in your unit.