Storage Tips

Packing and storage tips

Following these simple tips for packing and storing your items will help ensure that your storage experience is efficient and productive. If you have any additional questions our storage associates are trained and available to answer any additional questions that you may have.

Products

Packing
Don’t over pack boxes, as they could rupture and fall when stacked. Don’t under pack them either, as partially filled boxes could collapse when other boxes are stacked on top of them. Fill boxes just to capacity.
Double Storage Space
Make the most of your space. If you are storing dresser drawers or cedar chests, they can double as storage space for things like bedding, towels and clothes. So can appliances like freezers, washers and dryers.
Glass Items
Wrap glass items individually, nest cups and bowls, and stack plates/saucers/platters on edge instead of laying them flat. Fill pockets of space with crumpled paper.
Large Paintings and Frames
Store large paintings or framed pictures in specially designed boxes. You can wrap smaller pictures in bubble wrap, and store them in clothing or linen boxes.
Fragile Goods
Protect your fragile goods by using foam or bubble wrap, and place crumpled packing paper between the items for cushioning.
Photographs
Old photographs tend to curl over time. To keep them flat, place them between two pieces of cardboard and tape together.
Clean and Dry
Clean and dry appliances before storing. Keep refrigerator or freezer doors slightly open.
Disassemble
Disassemble and wrap the legs of tables, beds, and other furniture to save storage space.
Clothes
Clean all blankets, draperies and clothing before hanging them in a wardrobe box for storage.
Lifting
For easy lifting, pack heavy items like books and dishes in smaller boxes, no more than about 30 pounds per box.
Dresser Drawers
Dresser drawers can also be a great place to pack small delicate items.
Books
To protect the spines of the books, pack them flat, not standing on end.

Proper Storage

List Contents
Label your boxes and keep a master list of what’s in which box. It will save you time when you’re searching for particular items.
Ventilation
Allow enough air space around the perimeter for ventilation, and leave a walkway to the back of the storage for easy access.
Priority
Place items you may need the most frequently near the front of the unit.
Weight
Store heavier items at the bottom of your space, lighter items near the top.
Cabinets and Dressers
Use the tops of file cabinets or dressers to stack boxes.

What to Watch

Flammable
Flammable substances such as cleaning fluid, gasoline, paint, etc. You can safely store lawn mowers and other items with small engines, but drain the gasoline and oil first.
Moisture
Use plastic lining in boxes of books and documents to prevent moisture absorption, and fill empty spaces with paper.
Metal Items
Wipe all metal items (e.g. bicycles, tools, machinery) with machine oil to prevent rust.
Chairs
Leave slipcovers in chairs, and then cover them with plastic. Wrap chair legs with paper to protect them.
Tenant Insurance
We also offer customized tenant insurance packages for your peace of mind.
Ink Stains
Don’t use newsprint to wrap anything that could be damaged by ink stains.
Scratches
Wrap all furniture with pads to protect them from scratches.
Perishables
Perishables, food in open containers, or any items that may attract pests.
Toxic Materials
Toxic materials.
Explosives
Explosives.
Live Animals
Live animals.