Storage Tips

You can easily get the most out of a small storage area if you plan carefully. Do not place heavy items on top of fragile items. Separate the storage area by type of item. Make sure you have easy access to the items you need to get to often by placing them near the opening of your storage space.

Need Packing Supplies? We sell a variety of boxes and moving supplies to help your moving, packing and storing experience be as smooth as possible. From tape dispensers, to small, medium, large and extra large boxes, we can supply your storage needs. Call ahead to find out if we have the sizes and quantities you need, and we can have them all ready for you when you arrive.

Basics
Essential packing materials include:

• cardboard boxes,
• bubble wrap,
• Styrofoam "popcorn",
• newspaper,
• acid free tissue paper,
• rope or twine,
• packing tape,
• and permanent ink markers.

We sell most of these supplies at our office. Contact us if you have questions about specific supplies. Fill all of the boxes but don't overfill -- you need to be able to close the lid securely. Make sure and use styrofoam or bubble wrap to fill any used space. Items like computers, electronic equipment, camera equipment, etc., should also be carefully packed in their own cartons. Heavy items likes books and appliances should be packed in their own smaller boxes so that they will be easier to handle -- a big box full of books can be very unweildy!. Label the boxes by room or category for easy identification. Make sure you plan the layout of your storage space for accessibility before placing items.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Try to use boxes that are a uniform size, they’re easier to stack (remember; keep the heavy ones on the bottom and the light ones on top).
• Leave small walkways between the boxes and furniture in your storage unit so you can easily get to the items you want without having to move anything around.
• If you’re storing a lot of packing boxes in your unit, try to fill them to the top, even if it’s just with padding and old, crumpled newspapers. Boxes that are only half-filled tend to collapse if anything’s placed on them.
• If you’re putting any metal objects into storage – like lawnmowers or file cabinets – it’s best to treat them with rust protector first, or at least wipe them down with an oily rag.
• Leaving a space between your stuff and the unit’s wall allows for air to circulate within the unit. In conjunction with our air flow design, this will help to prevent humidity which could cause your furniture, books, etc. to warp and your appliances to mildew.
• If you’re storing a refrigerator in your unit leave the door ajar to allow air circulation.
• Under no circumstances should you keep anything flammable or combustible in your storage unit. This means no gasoline, oil, cleaning fluids or paint thinner. If you’re storing any machinery that runs on gas, drain the tank before you store it.

Home Furnishings
Make sure and empty the drawers, placing the clothing in wardrobe boxes or other suitable containers. Use mothballs or other similar products to protect your clothing from insects and other pests. Use blankets or other padding to protect the finish when transporting and/or storing items on top of the furniture. Make sure that doors and drawers of your furniture are secured with rope or twine. Consider removing the legs from items of furniture to avoid damage and save space.

Major Appliances
Refrigerators, freezers, washers, driers, stoves, etc., should be clean and dry before you pack and store them. When storing these items, the doors should be secured in a closed position. (You may leave a door slightly open so that air can circulate; however make sure to child proof the door so that it cannot be fully opened. Don't allow a child to get into the appliance, and then close the door. Suffocation resulting in death is possible.)

Kitchen China, Glassware, Crystal, Etc.
Put packing material (bubble wrap or Styrofoam) in the bottom of the box. Wrap each piece individually in tissue paper to keep them from banging into each other. Place plenty of loose Styrofoam or crunched up newspaper in the voids and cavities in the box as you pack. Put packing material (bubble wrap or Styrofoam) in the bottom of the box and seal it with tape. Mark the boxes "fragile" and identify the contents and/or room location. Make sure not to place heavy boxes on these items to avoid crushing.

Electronic Equipment (computers, home entertainment equipment, cameras, etc.)
Use the original box whenever possible. Put packing material (bubble wrap or Styrofoam) in the bottom of the box. Wrap each piece individually in bubble wrap. Place plenty of loose Styrofoam or crunched up newspaper in the voids and cavities in the box as you pack. Mark the boxes "fragile" and identify which room they go into.

Gardening Equipment
Remove all fuel and lubricant to avoid spillage. Do not put these items in boxes; however wrap them in plastic or cloth tarps and secure with rope or heavy tape. Label each item after covering. Do not put boxes or other heavy items on top of your mechanical items.