Storage Tips & Tricks
Check out our storage tips and tricks before storing your valuable items. Our self storage tips will help make it easier to get to your items when packing your storage unit and keep them safe.
Visit our Units page for more information on indoor & outdoor storage units.
Tip #1
Store items you’ll need most often at the front of the unit.
Tip #2
When you pack your storage unit, create a center aisle for access to all items.
Tip #3
Do not place boxes directly on concrete floors, but use pallets or skids to allow air flow around and under items.
Tip #4
If you’re storing tables and other furniture, remove legs and store tabletops and sofas on end, to save space.
Tip #5
Old photographs tend to curl over time. To keep them flat, place them between two pieces of cardboard and tape them together.
Tip #6
Drain gasoline and oil from lawn mowers and other items with small engines.
Tip #7
Common sense and state law determines what may be stored. You alone control access to your storage space therefore never store firearms, illicit drugs or drug paraphernalia, live animals, perishables, liquids, explosives, flammable liquids and fuels, toxic materials, or other items that need a controlled environment.
Tip #8
Use trash cans to store shovels, hoes and rakes.
Tip #9
Mattresses should be covered and stored flat on level surfaces.
Tip #10
Use protective covers and treat wood surfaces before storing.
Tip #11
When storing metal items – to retard rust, wipe all metal surfaces with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil.
Tip #12
Pack blankets, draperies, and dress clothes on the hanger in a wardrobe box.
Tip #13
Always use high quality locks on your unit. Locks are available for sale-just ask your site manager for a recommendation.
Tip #14
Always use climate control for humidity sensitive items.
Tip #15
Whenever possible, place dressers and tables top-to-top to save space.
Tip #16
Insuring your stored items
Whether you are planning to store business or personal belongings it’s important to insure them since items in self-storage aren’t generally covered by other policies such as homeowner or rental insurance.
Fill containers to capacity. Partially full or bulging cartons may tip or collapse
Tip #17
Add bay leaves to boxes to ward off most insects and household pests
Tip #18
When checking out different storage companies you want to review their policies and services. What are their hours of service, do they offer insurance, how do you pay and how they bill, what type of security do they offer for your belongings? All of these are important features and the more reputable a business is the more services they offer.
Tip #19
Now that you have decided on the company you want to use, review their contract carefully! You are purchasing a service from them and should make sure that your best interests and belongings are secure. Once you have signed the contract make sure you have your information, keys, codes you need to get into your unit.
Tip #20
Make sure when you are getting ready to empty your unit and move out of it that you let your rental company know! You want to make sure that all of your paperwork is in order with them.