Access: Plan out your storage space. Place any items you may need to access more often in the front of your unit.
Inventory: Make an inventory list of your items and keep it in an easy and safe place for future use.
Gather Materials: Start getting boxes, tape, markers and any other packing materials you think you will need. If possible, get boxes that are as uniformed in size as possible. This makes stacking easier.
Strong Boxes: Be sure to use boxes that can hold 25-30 pounds. Don't over pack the boxes.
Labeling: List the contents of your boxes on all four sides, number the boxes and then seal with tape.
Packing: Plan to leave a small space between the wall and your items when possible to allow for ventilation. Try not to lean items against the wall.
Packing Your Stuff Tips
Appliances: Larger appliances make for great spots to pack your blankets, towels, and tablecloths. You can also use your dresser drawers to pack clothes. Stay aware of overall weight.
Wrap it Up: Dishes and glasses should be wrapped in paper and packed carefully in sturdy boxes.
Tables: Tables that have removable legs should be broken down to save on space.
Sofas and Loveseats: Cushions can be wrapped in plastic and stored on top of other items.
Metal Items: Wipe any items made of metal (ex. bikes, metal tables, or tools) with machine oil to prevent rusting. You may want to wait until the last moment to do this step.
Packing: Group similar items together.
Packing Your Unit Tips
Prepare: Prepare your storage unit by placing a protective cover or pallets on the floor under your items. Pallets help guard against dampness.
Stack: Stack heavier boxes on the bottom and lighter boxes on the top.
Sofas and Loveseats: These items can be stored on end to save floor space.
Mattresses: You can stand your mattresses on their side, but prop them up so they stand straight.
Stuffed Furniture: Cover stuffed furniture with blankets or cardboard to protect against dust.
Mirrors: Store mirrors and paintings on end, not flat.
Seasonal Clothes/Items: Try and keep seasonal clothes and items accessible, you never know how long you will end up keeping your unit.
Packing: Pack your boxes and other items as close together as possible to lower the risk of moisture accumulating between them.
Easy Access: Try and leave an aisle down the center of the storage unit for easy access to your goods.
Electronics: Put TVs and other electronics in the back of your unit.
Dos of Self Storage
Keep your items and boxes off the floor of the unit when possible.
Use freestanding shelves to help organize your unit when possible.
Protect your items by covering them with moving pads, sheets, or light blankets.
Check your unit once a month.
Clean and dry all appliances before storing them.
Leave refrigerators slightly ajar to prevent mildew.
Drain and clean debris from all equipment before you store them.
Purchase insurance. If your belongings are worth storing, they are worth insuring.
Keep more valuable items in the back of your unit. This helps to keep others from seeing these items when you are in your unit.
Be aware of your surroundings when you are in your unit. If you see a potential problem or anything suspicious alert the manager.
Don'ts of Self Storage
Do not use plastic to cover your belongings, plastic can retain moisture.
Do not store any food items in your unit. This can help prevent insects and rodents.
Do not pack your boxes so that they are too heavy.
Do not give out your password, gate code, or any information to just anyone. Your manager will only give this information to you so keep it close.
Do not use printed newspaper for wrapping. The ink may smudge and get on your items.
Do NOT store any toxins, flammables, or combustibles such as paint thinner, gasoline, solvents, paint, or propane tanks.
