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* Do Not Store Combustibles or Perishables such as old paint, cleaning fluids, gasoline, etc. Make certain all fuel is drained out of gasoline powered equipment. Do not store food in open containers or any item, which could attract rodents or pests.

* Only rent the minimum amount of space you will need and pack the area until full.

* By boxing everything that doesn’t already come in one, you can provide the best protection of your goods. Use uniform sized boxes if possible and consider consolidating smaller items that are boxed in them. Then stack them shoulder high to maximize your total storage space.

* Placing plastic on the storage unit floor prior is always a good “play” prior to moving your contents in, and be sure to allow the plastic to lap up over the walls a few inches on every side.

* Allow for a small air space between items stored and the storage unit walls.

* Move small lightweight items in first, and save your large heavy items for last.

* Protect upholstered furniture by not placing any sharp items on top of them for the duration of your storage time, then place plastic covering over your mattresses, sofas, and chairs.

* Use a good quality lock on your storage unit door.

* Consider purchasing “storage insurance” for your goods for your leasing period. Ask your local insurance agent to see if you already have it or visit with our manager about self-storage insurance we offer.

* Make a list of all items in storage and take pictures if possible.

Care and Space Saving Tips
Moving time provides a great opportunity to separate unwanted or unnecessary items. So as you are packing, set those aside and consider donating those items that still have some value or usefulness to the local Good Will or Salvation Army.

The best thing to do is start packing a couple of days before you move. It will help prevent breakage and loss of small or fragile items because of the time you are able to invest in the task. Use sturdy corrugated boxes, packing paper, sealing tape, and a magic marker pen.

Books: Books should be placed in small cartons and restrict the weight to less than 30 pounds.

Clothing: Clothing that is hanging should be packed in a wardrobe carton.

Bureaus: Let your dresser drawers maintain their clothing contents. If there is additional room for other items, place them in there as well. Clothing services a good packing material for any fragile items you may want to place in them.

Dishes & Glasses: Wrap each one with packing tissue and cushion them in the carton with crumpled packing paper. Use the “30 lbs rule” for box weight.

Appliances: Tape all appliance doors shut when moving, but plan on wedging them open in storage. Secure all moveable parts with paper or wedge and then wrap a paper pad around each appliance. Consider using any freezer, refrigerator, or washer and dryer as additional packing space for bedding, towels and clothing.

Beds: Lash bed rails together with rope or plastic tape and as you take beds apart, mark all pieces so you know which goes with which headboard, etc.

Chairs: Protect all chair legs by wrapping them in packing paper and covering them with plastic chair covers.

Lamps: Pack lampshades in individual boxes with plenty of paper for padding. Bureau drawers, freezers, and washing machines serve well as storage places for lamp bases.