Self-Storage Tips List
1. Plan ahead. Keep your frequently-used items at the front of your unit where you can get at them easily.
2. Make an aisle. This is a way to help you easily access items that are located in the back of your self-storage unit.
3. Cover up. Protect your furniture, including mattresses and box springs, with covers designed for the item.
4. Think vertical. Make best use of your self-storage area by stacking to the ceiling, going from heaviest items on the bottom to lightest items on top.
5. Optimize your space. Break down any furniture that has removable legs, leaves, or other parts. Stack chairs seat-to-seat with towels or blankets between them.
6. Multi-task. Use your refrigerator or other appliances to store things like linens, books, or CDs. Wedge the door of any appliances open so air can circulate inside them.
7. Take a breath. Leave a little space between the walls of your unit and your stored items to allow for ventilation.
8. Tool up. Shovels, hoes, rakes, and hoses can be stored together in empty trash cans. Stack extra cans inside one another.
9. Clear the air. If you’re storing a gas-powered lawnmower or leaf blower, prevent unpleasant odors by draining the tank before you put it in your unit.
10. Emergency-preparedness. Keep an extra emergency preparedness kit in your self-storage unit. If your home is inaccessible, you’ll have a second supply resource.
Packing Tips List
1. Be prepared. Gather all the materials and supplies you need before you start: boxes, tape, packing materials, markers, furniture covers and so on.
2. Label everything. Mark every box with its contents, and keep a written inventory as you pack.
3. Use the right box. Use large boxes for light items (linens, pillows, lamps) and smaller boxes for heavier items (books, CDs).
4. Take care. Pack small things carefully into boxes with appropriate packing materials. Resist the temptation to toss things into a garbage bag; they risk damage from knocks or bumps and mildew from lack of ventilation.
5. This side up. If you combine different weights of items in one box, always put the heavier things on the bottom and mark the box “this side up.”
6. Don’t overload. Packed boxes should only weigh as much as you can lift without straining – for most people, less than 40 pounds.
7. Tape it up. Make sure all your packed boxes are securely sealed with packing tape with the tops flat (to make it easier to stack them).
8. Hang it up. Use a wardrobe box to hang clothing, draperies, and other fabrics that need to breathe and be kept crease-free.
9. Break it down. Disassemble bed frames and lash them together with tape or twine. Use small plastic bags to store screws and bolts and tape them to the frame that they belong to.
10. Respect breakables. Wrap dishes and glassware individually, and pad the box with packing paper or bubble wrap.