Storage Tips

Please stop by and meet our storage specialists. Our office is open M-F 10am-5pm Saturday 9am-3pm.

We suggest that you:

• Determine if you need climate control or regular storage.
• Determine the packing supplies that you need, for example: boxes, paper, bubble wrap, tape, rope, drop clothes, sheets, etc.
• Use cylinder locks for extra protection.
• Mirrors, windows and screens should be stored on edges and not flat.
• Metal tools and bicycles should be cleaned and wiped with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil to retard rust. Long handled tools such as rakes, shovels, and hoes should be clean, lightly oiled and tied in a bundle.
• Place the things you are most likely to need closest to the door for easy access.
• Wrap plates, saucers, and bowls individually before placing them in a dish pack. You should also use a dish pack divider for increased protection. Fill paper into the bottom, top, and empty spaces in the carton.
• Leave appliance doors slightly ajar. Moisture and mildew will damage your valuables so make sure your refrigerator or freezer is clean and dry.
• Use valuable storage space inside appliances for small items.
• Avoid excessive wrinkling to your clothes by using wardrobe boxes.
• Use free standing shelves to help organize your unit.
• Place drop cloths over your items. This helps protect them from dust.
• Create an aisle down the center of your space for easy access to all your items.
• Come to your storage unit on a nice, breezy day and leave the door open for awhile to help with air circulation.
• Give your wood furniture a good coating of polish before storing it.
• Fill boxes completely to avoid collapsing. Seal boxes completely to keep dust out.
• Use our Complimentary Box Label Forms to keep track of box contents. The information will make the job easier if you need to locate something.
• We recommend mattress covers for all bedding. Mattress covers, boxes, and assorted moving supplies are available in our offices.
• Place more valuable items in the back of your space and have the furniture towards the front. If you are storing for a long period, especially during seasonal changes, remember to place items you might need, where you can get to them.
• Inventory your valuable items prior to storing and keep a copy of the inventory with you. If you have valuable antiques, you may want to photograph the items being stored.
• When placing upholstered items or bedding in your space, use pallets or pieces of wood to avoid contact with concrete or metal.

We suggest that you don't:

• Never use boxes that once contained food, cosmetics, or liquor. They have an odor and can attract rodents.
• Never store any food items. Food attracts pests.
• Don't use printed newspaper. The ink may smudge onto your belongings.
• Don't pack your boxes so that they are too heavy to carry.
• Don't assume that your homeowners or renters insurance will cover your belongings while in storage. Self storage facilities do not insure your stuff.
• Don't give out your password gate code or any information to anyone that is not listed as having "Access."
• Don't forget to clean appliances before you store them.
• Don't store any toxins or flammables such as paint, oil, or gasoline.
• Avoid storing items such as glass water filled globes during the winter - they may freeze. Avoid storing items such as candles during the hot weather - they could melt.
• Make sure you keep your vehicle insurance current when in storage.