Sunday, April 15, 2012

20 Tips for Using Self Storage




If you are new to self storage (or even not so new,) these tips from our new brochure can get you started off on the right foot.

1. Plan your storage space.  Place items that you need to access often in the front and allow for aisle space.
2. Write an inventory of your items and include serial numbers and photos of valuables.
3. Prepare your space by placing a protective cover on the floor.  Use a tarp or place items on paletes to guard against dampness.  Any concrete floor may become cold or damp.
4. Do not store combustible items like paint thinner, gasoline, solvents, paint, etc.
5. Use uniform size boxes to make stacking easy.  Use strong boxes and don’t fill them too full.
6. List the items in each box on all 4 sides.
7. Stack lighter boxes on top of heavier boxes.
8. Dishes and glasses should be wrapped in paper or other padding and placed in sturdy boxes.  Stack them on top of other non-breakable items.  Dish and glass packs have divided compartments to keep breakables separated.
9. Pictures and mirrors should be wrapped in bubble wrap & cardboard.  Mark these “FRAGILE.”  Most should be stacked upright.
10. Furniture with drawers can be used as storage for small, breakable items.  Wrap these in linens, tablecloths and towels that also need to be stored.
11. Large appliances can hold blankets, comforters, pillows and other large items.
12. Long handled garden tools can be stored in empty garbage cans.
13. Tables with removable legs should be broken down to save space.  Place screws and other small pieces in a sealed ziplock and tape it to the underside of furniture.
14. Couches can often be stored on end to save space.  Cushions should be wrapped in plastic or plastic bags and placed on top.
15. Cover upholstered furniture with cardboard, blankets or loosely with plastic to protect against dust.
16. Be sure mattresses are standing straight up so they don’t loose their shape.  Headboards and bedrails can be placed in between mattresses to help keep them straight.  Use a plastic mattress bag for dust protection.
17. Lock your unit with your own personal lock.
18. No food should be stored in your unit.  This could attract bugs or rodents.  Periodically inspect your unit and use rodent bait and bug spray.
19. Cover electronics and televisions with blankets or plastic to keep the dust out.  These can stack on top of dressers and tables that can’t be broken down.
20. Tape curtain rods together and lay flat or prop in a corner.

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