Stack items and take advantage of the high ceilings of our units.
Fill boxes to capacity, because partially full boxes will collapse when stacked.
If possible, try to use uniform size boxes for easy stacking.
List contents on all four sides of the box. Number the boxes and seal them with cello tape, fiber tape, or glued paper tape. Remember, we sell Moving Supplies, too! Consider using our Box Labels and Inventory Tracking Sheets on our Forms page.
Use inventory sheets to track the boxes. Keep this in a safe place at home or in a safety deposit box.
Remove legs on tables and other furniture and store tabletops on end, to save space.
Sofas and love seats can be stored on end to save floor space. Cushions may be wrapped in plastic and placed on top.
Avoid placing sharp or heavy objects on top of upholstered furniture.
Cover stuffed furniture with cardboard or blankets to protect against dust.
If you stand mattresses on their side, prop them up so they stand straight. They may tend to bend out of shape and become lumpy. COVER THEM WITH MATTRESS BAGS! We sell these in all sizes.
Cover the very top of all items in unit with a dust cover for long term storage.
Wrap dishes and glasses in plain paper and pack them in sturdy boxes. Set these boxes on top of the others. Plates should be stacked on sides, not flat.
Store knickknacks and other small items in empty drawers. Wrap them in towels, tablecloths or blankets to prevent breakage.
Remember that larger appliances make excellent “packaging cases” for blankets, towels, tablecloths and clothes.
Wrap pictures and mirrors in cardboard marked “FRAGILE” and stacked on end.
Store shovels, hoes, rakes and hoses together in empty trash cans. Stack extra cans inside each other.
Create a space about 24 inches in the middle of the unit so you will be able to carry boxes out. If you will access the unit frequently and need space to maneuver, you may want to rent one size larger.
Prepare your space by placing a protective cover on the floor under your goods. We sell these in the office, too.
Plan your storage space. Place those items that you may need to access often in the front.
Leave a small space between the walls and boxes to allow for air circulation.
Visit and check your unit at least once a month.
What Not To Do…
Don’t store foods, perishables, liquids, flammable goods, or hazardous materials! (You should drain gasoline from lawn mowers, power tools, motorcycles, boats, jet skis, snowmobiles, etc.)
Don’t place boxes directly on concrete floors. Use pallets or skids, or lay down 2 x 4s so that air can circulate around them.
Don’t lean heavy items against the walls.
Don’t place sharp or heavy objects on top of upholstered furniture.
Don’t store furs, jewelry or money.
Don’t place items you need often at the back of the unit! Plan ahead…
Don’t forget a lock. Locks are available for sale in the office.
Commercial Storage & Packing Tips
If you are storing documents, store them on a removable storage device, CD, DVD or flash drive, and store them somewhere away from the storage unit.
If possible, pack documents in air tight containers.
If you do not use air tight containers for sensitive items or documents, we recommend boxes go on shelves.
Place sturdy pieces of cardboard between documents to prevent them from bending.
Store heavier, bulkier equipment near the back of the unit.
Stack items and take advantage of the high ceilings of our units.
Store knickknacks and other small items in empty drawers. Wrap them in towels, tablecloths or blankets to prevent breakage.
