STORAGE TIPS

     
  • Storage spaces are not completely water proof.  It is strongly recommended that valuable items be stored in plastic bins and/or on pallets and shelves in case of a driving rain or melting snow and ice against the door, humidity/frost, or from adjacent unit.  Make sure snow is removed from front and around door.  Cement floors need to "breath"...NEVER cover cement floors with tarp plastic bags, rugs or blankets.  
  • Always tuck door handle/rope completely inside storage space.  When closing overhead door, always tuck door handle/rope completely inside space otherwise any part of handle/rope left exposed will break the water seal at the bottom of the door.  Tenant is responsible for replacing damaged handle/rope from weather exposure.
  • Plastic tub containers are great to store your items.  They have tight fitting lids and stack easily.  Keep the more valuable items in the rear of the space.  This will prevent others from seeing them when you are in your storage space.
  • Use the right box.  Cardboard boxes are not recommended, but large boxes for light items and smaller boxes for heavier things.  Never place cardboard boxes directly on the floor.
  • Don’t overload.  Packed bins/boxes should only weigh as much as you can lift without straining – for most people less than 40 pounds.
  • This side up.  If your combine different weights of items in one box, always put the heavier things on the bottom and mark the box “this side up”.
  • Cover up.  Protect your furniture, including mattresses and box springs with covers designed for them.
  • Spray your wood furniture with a good quality furniture spray before storing it in the facility to give it some added protection.
  • Mattresses and upholstered furniture are best stored on the long end and should be raised above floor level on a pallet with protective sheeting.
  • Prevent wrinkling and damage to pants, dresses, suits and evening wear by hanging them in a wardrobe box. Move hung items straight from closet to moving box. You can also use these specially designed boxes to hang drapes, bedding, garden tools or garage items.
  • Stack your space high with boxes, always make sure to put the heaviest boxes at the bottom to avoid damage.  Stack boxes and similarly sized items together to save space.
  • Fill anything that’s hollow – i.e. wardrobes, drawers, washing machines and fridges with small boxes and other items to maximize your available space. Use furniture drawers as an extra box (they are especially good for fragile items).
  • Make sure to stack boxes and containers so that you can see the labels you put on them.
  • Try not to lean furniture against outside walls.
  • Wrap mirrors and pictures with paper pads or use mirror boxes. Never store flat.
  • Wipe down metal objects and tools with a little oil before storing to avoid rust formation.
  • Tie tools and long-handled items in bundles. Don’t store a brush resting on the bristles.
  • Don’t store vacuum cleaners with the bag in – throw it away before you store them in the facility.
  • Treat leather items with a leather conditioner before you store them.
  • Optimize your space.  Break down any furniture with removable legs, leaves or other parts.  Stack chairs seat to seat with towels or blankets between them.
  • Multi-task.  Use your refrigerator or other appliances to store things like linens, even books or CDs/DVDs.  Wedge the door of any appliance open so air can circulate inside them.
  • Fill containers to capacity. Partially full or bulging cartons may tip or collapse.
  • Invert light chairs so they are “seat-to-seat.” There’s usually space between the legs for small, lightweight items.
  • Separate lamp bases and lampshades and wrap them for protection.
  • Clear the air.  If you’re storing gas powered lawnmower, leaf blower or snow blower, prevent unpleasant odors and fire hazards by draining the tank/s before you put it in the unit.
  • Take full advantage of your space. Use the full height if possible. Shelving helps organize your space.
  • Don’t use printed newspaper for wrapping.  The ink may smudge and get on your items.  Don’t use plastic to cover your belongings.  It retains moisture and humidity can cause mildew.
  • Take a breath and leave a little space between the walls of the unit and your stored items to allow for ventilation.
  • Atmosphere/environment will change in the storage space; put down moisture absorbents, deodorizers and vermin bait.
  • Plan ahead.  Keep your frequently used stored items in the front of the space where you can get at them easily.
  • Leave a walkway down the center of the space to access your items easier.
  • Make a list.  For hassle free access to your things, make an inventory of your items in storage and where you placed them.
  • Make an estimate of the replacement value of each item you store to help with accurate insurance policies in case of unforeseen damage in your storage space.