Helpful Hints – WHAT TO DO:
- Utilize all of the space in your unit. Make a plan as to how you are going to arrange your items. A good plan will save you the time of having to rearrange your unit. Leave an aisle in the center or side of your unit so that you have a walkway to the back of the unit.
- Use freestanding shelves to help organize your unit.
- Label the boxes on the top and at least one side for easy reference. This will save you time if you have to look for something in particular. When packing boxes, fill them without making them too heavy to lift. Always put the heavier boxes on the bottom and the lighter ones on top. This will prevent boxes from being crushed. Keep the boxes off a concrete floor if your unit has one.
- Use similarly shape and sized boxes to make for easy handling and stacking.
- Store frequently used items at the front of the unit to avoid having to search for them.
- Be sure to check on your unit once a month.
- Dissasemble items such as tables, bed frames, etc. This will save space. Wrap and label all pieces for an easier time when you have to reassemble them. Put all hardware in bags and mark the bags accordingly.
- Make sure that appliances are clean and dry before storing them. Leave appliances slightly ajar to prevent mildew.
- If possible, store couches on end. Stack chairs seat to seat. Use the inside of appliances and drawers to store smaller items. When stacking furniture use paper pads in between surfaces to prevent scratching.
- Store mattresses and box springs on long edges. Wrap for protection and elevate off concrete floors.
- Store mirrors and paintings on end, not flat. Pack books flat to protect their spines.
- To prevent rusting, rub a small amount of machine oil on metal tools, bicycles, and equipment. Drain and clean all debris from all equipment before you store them.
- When wrapping collectibles or anything breakable, tape it after you wrap it. This should avoid mistaking them for excess paper to fill the box. Use bubble wrap or unprinted paper to wrap breakables. Group similar items together and mark the boxes accordingly.
- Clothing and draperies should be stored in wardrobe cartons, on hangers, to retain their original shapes.
- Rubbermaid containers are great to store your items. They have tight lids and stack easily. Keep the more valuable items in the rear of the unit. This will prevent others from seeing them while you are in your unit.
- Keep out of season clothes accessible. You may have your belongings in storage longer than anticipated.
- Be aware of your surroundings when you are in your unit. If you see a potential problem or anything suspicious, alert the manager.
- Use a top quality lock on your unit door. Cheap locks may corrode and not provide good security. You will find a good selection of quality locks in our office for sale.
- Rent the smallest amount of space you need, and pack the space until full.
- Utilize all of the space in your unit. Make a plan as to how you are going to arrange your items. A good plan will save you the time of having to rearrange your unit. Leave an aisle in the center or side of your unit so that you have a walkway to the back of the unit.
Helpful Hints – WHAT NOT TO DO:
- Do not use plastic to cover your belongings. It retains moisture.
- Do not store any food products. This will prevent any unwanted guests.
- Do not pack your boxes so that they are too heavy to carry them. Especially when you are packing books.
- Do not give out your password, gate code, or any information to any one that is not listed to have access to your goods.
- Do not use printed newspaper for wrapping. The ink may smudge and get on your items.
- Do not store any toxins or flammables such as paint, oil, or gasoline.
