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What size boxes work best? |
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Small boxes work best for heavy items such as books, CDs, movies, etc., medium for clothing items and kitchenware, and large for clothing. However, if you go too large this may be difficult to move around so we recommend trying 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). |
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How should I organize my unit? |
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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 and putting the heavier items in first, towards the back, will insure easy access and less strain when retrieving things from your unit.
Label your boxes and keep an inventory of your items in an easily accessible spot. Some customers tape a list to the interior side of their unit so that they can reference it quickly every time they come in.
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 papers. Boxes that are only half-filled tend to collapse if anything’s placed on them.
Sometimes humidity can cause furniture to warp and appliances to mildew. Leaving a space between your stuff and the unit’s wall allows for air to circulate within the unit. Laying plastic sheeting on the floor and stacking boxes on top of wooden pallets can prevent condensation damage. So can using old linens or other fabrics, instead of plastic, to protect your stuff from dust.
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What about security precautions? |
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While our facilities have ample security, it’s still wise to take a few precautions of your own against theft. Pack your storage unit so that your most valuable items are at the back, and purchase a high quality padlock to put on the door. Additionally, we offer insurance policies to further protect you. |
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What can I store in my unit? |
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With a few exceptions, whatever you need to! Under no circumstances should you keep anything flammable or combustible in your storage building. 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.
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.
If you’re storing a refrigerator in your unit leave the door ajar. This will prevent mold from growing inside.
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How should I pack my items? |
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Here are some suggestions for packing specific items:
Appliances
Drain all water to prevent mildew. Tape down all moving parts. Lightweight items can be stored inside appliances with proper padding. A refrigerator or freezer should be thoroughly dry and stored with its door slightly ajar. Boxes can be stacked on top of stoves, refrigerators, and freezers. Make sure that stoves and cooking equipment are cleaned before they are stored.
Books and Papers
Pack in small boxes for easy lifting. Pack books flat to protect their spines. Do not place boxes directly on concrete floors, but use pallets or skids to prevent moisture absorption. Use packing to fill all empty pockets in the boxes. Do not pack fragile items in the same box with books and do not overload.
Beds
Disassemble beds and tie bed rails together. Finally, place a light cotton (e.g. a bedsheet) dust cover on your furniture. All facilities sell covers for your convenience.
Bicycles and Tools
Clean and cover with a paper pad or moving blankets to protect your other goods from being torn. To retard rust, wipe all metal surfaces with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil. Small tools can be placed in a box together. Long handled tools should be taped together.
Clothing
Wardrobe boxes are best for storing clothing. You can place shoes and folded items in the bottom and use the metal bar to hang other clothes on the top. Small garment items can be left in dresser drawers.
Lamps
Place small bases in dresser drawers with paper or cloth padding, and large ones in boxes with wadded-up paper in the extra space. Shades should be placed in individual boxes with wadded-up paper in the empty spaces.
Mattresses
Place mattresses and box springs in a protective bag, and place along the side of the container.
Mirrors and Pictures
Wrap mirrors and pictures in paper and bubble wrap and pack in a mirror packing box. Do not lay mirror boxes flat. If possible, place between a mattress and box spring, or place them on the side of your container.
Rugs
After vacuuming rugs, roll up, tie with a rope, and pad with paper pads.
Tables and Chairs
Disassemble if possible, wrapping legs with paper pads to avoid scratching. Place any hardware in a plastic bag and tape it to the underside of the table. Wrap the tabletop with cloth or paper pads and place against the side of the container, not on the bottom.
Upholstered items
Couches can be packed on their feet, with a second couch inverted on top of the other for protection. A single couch can be placed on end, using paper pads to protect the armrests.
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Welcome to Secured Self Storage!