Things to Know Before You Store

Here is a list of items most commonly stored in self-storage facilities with tips on how to ensure they stay in perfect condition.

• Freezers, refrigerators and washing machines :Make sure your goods are dry and clean before you put them into storage. Any moisture inside can turn into mildew and eat away at your appliance.
• General Packing : Pack your items into good quality plastic or cardboard storage boxes secured with strong tape and bubble wrap.
• Packing Boxes :Fill moving boxes to capacity, using soft padding where needed. Partially full or bulging boxes may collapse or tip over.
• Weight of Boxes : Pack heavier items like books in smaller boxes so they aren’t too heavy.
• Identification : Label or number boxes for easy reference and keep an inventory of what you have stored in each box.
• Fragile Items : Protect fragile items with bubble wrap and avoid putting heavy items at the top of boxes.
• Clothing : Use wardrobe boxes to keep clothes in shape. You may want to consider vacuum seal bags to keep your garments dry and insect-free.
• Do Not Store : Remove all perishable and inflammable items like food, aerosols, batteries and oil/petrol.
• Furniture : Dismantle furniture if possible; detach legs from tables and beds to save space. Place them in a box clearly marked “Furniture Legs etc.”

Getting the Most of Your Self-Storage Space
• Plan your storage in terms of easy access. Put items you might need immediately at the front of your storage space.
• Use pallet trucks, cages or trolleys if necessary, place heavy bulky items in the unit first to create a sturdy base; then place lighter items on top.
• Position boxes and items of similar size together to minimize wastage of space.
• Leave space for access to the rear of the unit as well.
• Place dust sheets or protective covering over soft furnishings.
• Stand mattresses on end and avoid stacking heavy items on soft furnishings in order to avoid crushing or having misshaped cushions.
• Stack chairs seat to seat.
• Use furniture covers or dust sheets between surfaces to protect wood or hard-finish items from scratches.