Preparing
Items for Storage
Place all smaller items in uniformly sized boxes. Completely
fill each box with heavier items on the bottom and lighter
items on the top. Uniformly sized boxes stack easier and conserve
storage space.
Label boxed items. You’ll know
what is in each box without opening it.
Books. Pack books flat, not
standing on end. This will protect the spines which will bend
and warp over time if packed or standing upright. Books are
very heavy, so pack them in small boxes and don’t put
them in boxes with other more fragile items.
Lawn Mowers. Drain gasoline
and oil from all small engines. This precaution will protect
both your stored property and the property of others from
the dangers of fire and explosion.
Mattresses. Place mattresses
in mattress bags to protect them from dust and moisture.
Leather Items. Treat leather
items (couches, clothes, etc.) with a leather conditioner
prior to storing them. Keep furniture items off the floor
by placing them on pallets.
Blankets, Draperies and Clothing.
Have blankets, draperies and clothing cleaned, then pack them
on hangers in wardrobe boxes.
Mirrors and Pictures. Store
mirrors and pictures inside similarly sized knocked down boxes.
This affords them protection from scratches and dust.
Furniture and Tables. Place
blankets over furniture to protect from scratches and dust.
Photos. Photographs tend to curl over
time. To keep them flat, place between pieces of cardboard
and tape them together. Do not store irreplaceable photos.
Photos and negatives take up very little space. Try to keep
these items with you.
Breakable Items. Wrap breakable items inside bubble
wrap and store with linens.
Dishes and Glassware.
Store these items in specially made boxes called dish packs.
Pillows and Toys. Store smaller
items like this in boxes versus plastic garbage bags because
plastic causes moisture.
Appliances. Clean and dry all
appliances prior to storage. Do not leave anything inside
of appliances to be stored. Store all appliances upright with
doors ajar to allow ventilation.Do not store these items:
Furs, jewelry and other expensive items, irreplaceable items,
any living thing, used tires, firearms, explosives, flammables
of any kind (gas, diesel, oil, paint, etc.), drugs or drug
paraphernalia, stolen items, any type of hazardous items,
perishable items of any kind, hazardous waste materials of
any kind, items that produce odors or any item that will in
any way make other tenants or the manager unhappy.
Organizing your Storage Unit
Use wooden pallets or boards underneath furniture and boxes.
This will prevent condensation from damaging them.
Store items that will not be needed to the rear of the storage
unit and items you will need access to toward the front of
the unit.
Store heavy items on the bottom and lightweight items on top.
Store smaller, more valuable items to the rear of the storage
unit and large items toward the front of the unit.
Cover everything with blankets or sheets. Wooden furniture
should first be covered with blankets to avoid abrasion and
moisture damage.
Leave a small airspace between your stored items and the wall
of the storage unit for ventilation.
Use a high quality padlock to secure your storage unit. This
type of lock is difficult to cut or break and offers maximum
protection for very little money.
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