Storage Tips From the Pros

- Plan and organize your storage space. Place those items you need to access often in the front. Make a list of items in storage and keep it in a safe place.

- Place your items on wooden pallets or plastic tarp to guard against dampness. Concrete is porous and contains moisture.

- Caution: do not store anything combustible ( paint, gasoline etc. ) in your unit. State and Federal laws forbid the storage of these items.

- Use same size boxes for easy stacking. Be sure your boxes are strong enough to hold 25 to 30 lbs. List contents of boxes on all sides, number them if needed and seal them with tape. Stack lighter weight boxes on top of heavier ones.

- Dishes and glasses should be wrapped in paper and packed in sturdier boxes. Always stack these boxes on top and mark them “Fragile”.

- Pictures & mirrors should be wrapped in cardboard and marked “Fragile” and stacked on end.

- Furniture with drawers can be utilized as storage places for pictures and other small items. Wrap them in newspapers, towels or blankets to prevent breakage. Larger appliances make excellent “packing cases” for blankets and linens. Wedge open doors of appliances to prevent mildew.

- Shovels, hoes, rakes and hoses can be stored together in empty trashcans. Stack extra trashcans inside one another.

- Tables having removable legs should be broken down to save space. Cover stuffed furniture with blankets or linens to protect against dust.

- Sofas and love seats can be stored on end to save space. Always place a protective cover (never cardboard) under the items on the concrete. Cushions should be wrapped in plastic and placed on top. Leave a space between furniture to allow air circulation.

- If you stand mattresses up on their side, prop them up so that they stand up straight. They may tend to bend out of shape and become lumpy.

- Use a good quality lock on your door. Cheap locks rust and do not provide good security. We recommend disc locks because of their added security.