Storage Tips

Not sure how to store your appliances? How about your business records? We can help. The Storage Tips below provide quick answers on the most common self storage questions.  If you still have questions, contact one of our resident Expert Storage Consultants – they are always happy to answer your questions.

Appliances

Storage tips for washers, dryers, refreigerators and small kitchen appliances

 

Storing Appliances

A refrigerator or freezer should be thoroughly dry and stored with its door slightly ajar. Some goods can be stored inside large appliances and boxes can be stacked on top of stoves, refrigerators and freezers. Make sure that stoves and cooking equipment are cleaned before they are stored.  Drain/ remove water hoses from washing machines.

Fragile items

 

Mirrors, Windows And Screens

These items should be stored on edge not flat

Furniture

 

Storing Furniture

Place a pallet, corrugated cardboard mats, or plastic sheet on the floor and stand sofas and mattresses on end.  Disassemble beds and tables and wrap table legs in paper.  If a table will not come apart, place padding on the floor and place the table on a pad with the legs point up.  Use dresser tops for stacking cartons and dresser drawers for linens or small, delicate items.  Keep upholstery off the floor unless a thick pad is used.  Most lightweight chairs can be stacked “seat to seat”, or placed upside down on tables.  Finally, place a light cotton (e.g. bed sheet) dust cover on your furniture.

Misc

 

Select a Storage Space

Self-storage is a convenient and inexpensive way to store your belongings.  Our Management staff will help you choose a space size that fits your needs.  Because rental of storage space is determined by the total size of the items being stored, an efficiently packed small space will cost you less than a space larger than you need.  If you frequently use your space, however, larger well organized (racks and file boxes) space may be more convenient in the long run.

 

Storage Space Rental Agreements

For your protection, a storage facility provides a written agreement. Read it thoroughly and ask your storage manager to answer any questions.  Make a note of your payment date and vacate notification requirements.  If you change your address or phone number be sure to notify your store manager in writing.

 

Insuring Your Goods In Storage

The goods you place in self-storage spaces are the sole responsibility of you, their owner.  Goods are not insured by the storage facility.  Your storage manager will provide you with the name of an insurer who provides low-cost insurance coverage for your goods.

 

Pack Efficiently

Fill your boxes to capacity, partially full or bulging cartons may tip or collapse.  Heavy items like books or tools should be packed in small boxes so they are easy to lift.  Protect your fragile goods with packing materials (e.g. bubble pack) and place them near the top of your storage space.

 

Label Your Boxes!

Take home a list of the labeled boxes for easy reference when you need to locate your goods.

 

Pack the storage facility carefully

Leave air space around the perimeter to aid ventilation.  Place a pallet on concrete floors and do not lean items against walls.  If possible, leave a walkway to the rear of your space for easy access.  Use all the space available, including the overhead area.  Place frequently used goods near the door.

 

Are there any restriction on the type of items I can store?

Common sense and state laws determine what may be stored. You alone control access to your storage space; therefore, never store live animals, perishables, liquids, explosives, flammables and fuels, toxic materials, or other items that are hazardous and need a controlled environment. Remember to drain the fuel from gasoline engines (lawn mowers, weed eaters, etc.) before storage.

Personal or Business Records

 

Personal/Business Records

Documents and papers (i.e. tax records, birth certificates, deeds, insurance policies, etc.) shold be placed in a container or file box and labeled.  Put these in an accessible area of your storage unit.  Prepare an inventory list for your convenience.