Self-Storage Guidelines

• Use a quality lock -- the better quality locks are harder to break open and will keep your valuables as safe as possible.
• Plan your storage unit layout carefully by allowing for walkways. Also remember to place belongings you might need on a regular basis near the front of the unit.
• Make efficient use of your storage boxes by filling them completely -- putting heavier items on the bottom and lighter goods on top within the box. But do not overload them making them too heavy. Twenty-five to thirty pounds is as heavy as they should be.
• Label all boxes on all four sides for easier identification and seal them with a good quality tape.
• Try to use boxes of uniform sizes because they are easier to stack. And stack lighter boxes on heavier boxes.
• Any furniture that can be easily disassembled should be taken apart to save space, i.e. tables with removable legs.
• Breakable glass items and dishes should be wrapped in bubble wrap or padded packing paper and packed in special dish pack boxes. These should be stacked on top of other, heavier boxes.
• Large appliances can be used to store soft goods like blankets, towels, tablecloths and clothes in their interiors.
• You can use the drawers of stored furniture to place fragile, wrapped items like china and other dishes.
• Mirror crates should be used for pictures and mirrors. The contents should also be wrapped, and the crate marked "Fragile."
• Upholstered furniture should be covered to protect against dust.
• Mattresses stored on end should be covered and must be supported on both sides, otherwise they could bend out of shape and become lumpy.
• With a protective, waterproof cover underneath, store couches and love seats stood up on their ends to save floor space. Wrap cushions and pillows in plastic and stack them on top.
• In non-climate-controlled units, it's often a good idea to stack your items on wooden pallets or a grid of boards to avoid the cold and damp that can occur on concrete floors.
• Do not stack your belongings directly against the unit walls -- allow a small space for ventilation.
• Use empty trash cans to store shovels, hoes, rakes, and hoses. Stack that can in others.
• Be sure to drain gas and oil from stored lawn equipment engines. It is generally against the law to store hazardous and combustible materials such as gasoline, solvents, and paint in public storage facilities.
• Create a complete inventory of your stored items and keep it in a secure place at home or in a safe deposit box.