Storage Tips

Storing Boxes

When placing your boxes into self storage, place the heavier boxes on the bottom with each box stacked on top getting progressively lighter in weight. Seal all boxes with tape.

Accessing Your Unit Frequently

If you are going to use some of the items on a regular basis, be sure to place them in the front of the unit, making access to them easier.

Create An Inventory

It’s a good idea if you’re planning to maintain a storage unit for a lengthy period of time to create an inventory of what items are store. Having a list, along with good organization makes finding items a lot easier. Especially when you need to find that one specific thing.

Protecting Your Stored Belongings

Plan to cover your contents once in storage for further protection. DO NOT STORE FOOD ITEMS!! Remember to empty and clean refrigerator or freezer.

Storing Mattresses

Wrap mattresses and box springs with plastic covers. Do not sit on floors or lean against the walls.

Furniture with Legs

Consider storing sofas, couches, and tables on their ends (not recommended for sofa beds, however). Place an old sheet or plastic on the floor underneath the sofa to further protect the fabric. Spray furniture with a good polish, and cover with cloths or plastic if possible.

Storing Items with Handles

Remove or fold the handles on lawnmowers and other garden equipment. It is important that you drain all gasoline out of a tool before storing it!

Number One Way To Avoid Mildew

Apart from not sealing fabrics in plastic bags, the best way to avoid mildew is to ensure all items are completely dry when storing.

Pad Your Breakables

If you’re able, it's always a good idea to wrap your breakable items with things like bubble wrap or newspaper.

Don’t Stack Anything On Cushioned Furniture

If you aren’t able to store things like chairs and couches vertically try to avoid placing boxes or other items on top of them. It may seem like a good idea to conserve space but it can result in damage to your furniture. It also doesn’t provide a safe and stable platform for boxes to stay. This can result in boxes falling after a period of time, leading to damaged items.

Keep Your Storage Unit Organized

When placing your items into storage, draw a simple map of where everything is located. Keep the map along with your lease so it will be handy when you need it.

Make An Access Lane

Even when you’ve planned to keep your more necessary items more accessible, it’s had to plan for everything. If you have the space, make a lane down the center of your unit. This will make accessing the odd items towards the back easier.

Label Your Stored Items

Label everything and keep a written inventory along with your locator map.

Storing Clothes

Use wardrobe boxes to hang clothing, draperies and other fabrics so that they can breathe while in storage.

Storing Important Documents

If you are storing boxes of records or documents, plan on utilizing shelving to maximize your self storage space.

Storing Tables

If storing tables, when possible remove the legs so that you can stand the table top vertically.

Furniture with Drawers

If storing a dresser or chest of drawers, use the drawers as additional storage space. Pack lightweight items into the drawers to maximize the storage space and minimize the area you need.

Avoid Using Plastic Bags

Sealing items in plastic bags like clothes and linens may seem like a good idea. This can in fact potentially cause mildew to form within the sealed container.

Optimize Your Space

Properly arranging larger items like furniture and stacking boxes properly will help conserve space while using self storage. Don’t forget that larger items like an empty refrigerator that is being stored or a wardrobe can also be used as a space for boxes to be held.

Try To Only Use Two Box Sizes

Minimizing the variety of boxes you use will help you with organization as well as ensuring that the boxes can be stacked safely.