Storage Tips

Below are some storage tips that we feel you will find to be helpful. If you have any other questions please feel free to ask and we will do our best to help, and remember, we have many moving/packing supplies in our store for your convenience!

Preparing Items for Storage:

Place all smaller items in uniformly sized boxes. Use good quality boxes meant for packing. Completely fill each box with heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on the top. Uniformly sized boxes stack easier and conserve storage space- you may be able to rent a smaller size unit just using this one storage tip! Don’t make them too heavy to carry. Seal all boxes with tape. Label all boxes, and make up an inventory of your stored items and keep it in a safe place at home or in a safe deposit box.

Books:

Pack books flat, not standing on end. This will protect the spines which will bend and warp over time if stood upright. Books are very heavy, so pack them in small boxes and don’t put them in boxes with other, more fragile items.

Mattresses:

Place mattresses in plastic covers to protect them from dust and moisture.

Leather Items:

Treat leather items (couches, clothes, etc.) with a leather conditioner prior to storing them. Keep furniture items off the floor by placing them on pallets or a protective barrier.

Mirrors and Pictures:

Pictures and mirrors should be wrapped in cardboard marked "Fragile" and stacked on end.

Photos:

Photographs tend to curl over time. To keep them flat, place between pieces of cardboard and tape them together. Do not store irreplaceable photos. Photos and negatives take up very little space. Try to keep these items with you!

Furniture and Tables:

Place blankets or drop cloth over furniture to protect it from scratches and dust. Furniture with drawers can be used as storage places for pictures, knick-knacks, small items, etc. Take the drawers out for moving, and then replace them for storage. Wrap items in them in towels, blankets, etc. to prevent breakage. Remember to always put a protective barrier between the stored goods and the concrete. Sofa cushions may be wrapped in plastic or with blankets or a drop cloth over them, and placed on top of sofa. Do not place heavy or sharp objects on top of upholstered furniture.

Dishes and Glasses:

Store these items in specially made boxes called dish packs

Breakable Items:

Wrap breakable items inside bubble wrap and store with linens. Or, wrap them in plastic grocery bags, pack 'peanuts' around them, and put in good quality boxes.

Appliances:

Clean and dry all appliances prior to storage. Do not leave anything inside of appliances to be stored. Store all appliances upright with doors ajar to allow ventilation.

Motorized Equipment and Vehicles:

Drain gasoline and oil from all motorized vehicles and equipment. This precaution will protect both your stored property and the property of others from the dangers of fire and explosion.

Do not store the following items:

Furs, jewelry, and other expensive and valuable items, irreplaceable items, any living thing, used tires, firearms, explosives, flammables of any kind (gas, diesel, oil, paint, etc.) drugs or drug paraphernalia, stolen items, any type of hazardous items, perishable items of any kind, hazardous waste materials of any kind, items that produce odors or any item that will in any way make other tenants or the manager unhappy.

Organizing your Storage Unit:

Plan your storage space. Place those items that you may need to access often in the front. Allow for walkways. Place your storage items on boards or wooden pallets to guard against any dampness. Concrete floors can create condensation and may become cold and damp. Leave a small airspace between your stored items and the wall of the storage unit for ventilation. Store heavy items on the bottom and lightweight items on top. Cover everything with plastic sheeting. Wooden furniture should first be covered with blankets to avoid abrasion and moisture damage. Plastic sheeting will protect your stored goods from both dust and water damage.

Pack Your Storage Unit as Tightly as Possible:

Rent the smallest amount of space you need, and pack the space full. Tighter packing reduces the space needed to store your property- which saves you money! Shovels, rakes, and hoses can be stored together in empty trash cans. Stack extra cans inside each other.

Locking Your Storage Unit:

Use a high quality disc (round) padlock to secure your storage unit. This type of lock is difficult to break and offers maximum protection for very little money. Keep the key or combination to your lock in a safe place. Storage Plus does not have access to your Storage Unit and will not be able to "break" into your Storage Unit if you lose it- you will be responsible for paying for a locksmith. So...keep it in a safe place!