Self Storage Tips

We care about the safety of your belongings. We want to make sure that your items stay intact and free of damage when you store with us. Please take a look at these helpful storage tips to follow when packing and storing in order to keep your things free from harm.

  • Store the items you’ll use the most at the front for easy access.
  • Leave a center aisle; stack everything two inches from the walls to allow for circulation.
  • Place shelving against the walls and use for storing boxes and small items.
  • To retard rust, wipe all metal surfaces with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil.
  • Long-handled tools such as rakes, shovels and hoes should be clean, lightly oiled and tied in bundles.
  • Records and phonographs should be stored on edge to prevent warping; when moving a record player the tone arm and turntable should be secured to prevent damage.

Preparation for Your Move

  • Disconnect all appliances.
  • Disassemble all beds and tables.
  • Box-up TVs and stereos.

Boxes

  • Be sure to use good quality boxes; check with your Storage location to see if boxes and other packing materials are available to purchase.
  • Place heavy items in small boxes for easy lifting.
  • Fill your boxes completely and securely close them. (Keep boxes under 30 lbs for easy lifting)
  • Label the boxes to allow you to identify the contents.
  • Close and securely tape all boxes.

Breakables

  • Use a dish-pack or glassware box for greater protection.
  • Wrap each item with protective wrap or foam; place a layer of packing inside the bottom and at the top of the box.
  • Nest cups and bowls, and stand dishes, saucers and platters on edge; wrapped glassware should be packed upright near the tops of cartons.
  • Pack paper into all open spaces to ensure a tight fit.
  • Label all boxes containing glassware; do not place heavy items on top of these boxes.

Holiday Decorations

  • Save the original cartons that contain delicate ornaments.
  • Pad with packing paper.
  • Wrap strings of lights around a piece of cardboard then place in a carton lined with packing paper.

Lamps

  • Wrap large lamp bases in padding; smaller lamps should be wrapped and placed into boxes.
  • Pack delicate lamp shades separately.
  • Do not use newsprint to wrap lamp shades or any other goods that may be damaged by ink stains.
  • Do not store heavy items on cartons containing lamps or lamp shades.

Large Appliances

  • Make sure to thoroughly clean all appliances.
  • A refrigerator or freezer should be clean and dry and stored with its door slightly ajar.
  • Utilize space inside for more storage.
  • Boxes can be stacked on top of stoves, refrigerators and freezers.

Furniture

  • Place a pallet, corrugated cardboard mat, or plastic sheet on the floor and stand mirrors, pictures, mattresses and couches on end with protective covers over them.
  • Disassemble beds and tables and wrap table legs in paper; if a table will not disassemble, place padding on the floor and place the table on its top with the legs pointing up.
  • Use dresser tops for stacking cartons and dresser drawers for linens or small, delicate items.
  • Keep upholstery off the floor.
  • Stack chairs seat-to-seat if possible or place upside down on tables which cannot be disassembled.
  • Do not place heavy items on sofas or mattresses.
  • Avoid stacking or leaning furniture against outside walls to aid ventilation.

Please +1 Us

  • Boxes & Packing Supplies

    We have everything you need for a safe and easy moving and storage experience.

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  • Choose a Unit Size

    Not sure about what size unit you need? Use this handy guide to get started.

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  • Storage Tips!

    Take a look at our storage dos and don'ts.

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