STORAGE TIPS

• 1. Smallest Space
• 2. Gather Materials
• 3. Uniform Sizes
• 4. Inventory
• 5. Prepare
• 6. Keep Dry
• 7. Access
• 8. CAUTION
• 9. Easier Access
• 10. Stack
• 11. Strong Boxes
• 12. List Contents
• 13. Wrap It Up
• 14. Fragile
• 15. Extra Space
• 16. Appliances
• 17. Electronics
• 18. Stored Together
• 19. Removable Legs
• 20. Sofas and Loveseats
• 21. Sharp or Heavy Objects
• 22. Stuffed Furniture
• 23. Mattresses
• 24. Metal Items

• 1Smallest Space

  Rent the smallest amount of space you will need, and pack the unit full.

• 2Gather Materials

  Start by gathering as many boxes as you think you will need as well as tape, markers, and packing material (e.g., foam shipping noodles, bubble wrap, packing paper or towels).

• 3Uniform Sizes

  If possible, try to use uniformly sized boxes for easy stacking.

• 4Inventory

  Make up an inventory list of your items and keep it in a safe place (at home or in a safe deposit box) away from the unit.

• 5Prepare

  Prepare your space by placing a protective cover on the floor under your goods.

• 6Keep Dry

  Place your storage items on 2x4 boards or on pallets to guard against dampness. Any concrete floor may become cold and damp.

• 7Access

  Plan your storage space. Place items that you may need to access often in the front of the unit.

• 8CAUTION

  Do not store anything COMBUSTIBLE (e.g., paint thinner, gasoline, solvents, or paint).

• 9Easier Access

  Try to leave an aisle down the center of the storage unit for easier access. Leave a small space between the walls and boxes to allow for air circulation.

• 10Stack

  Stack heavier boxes on the bottom and lighter boxes on top.

• 11Strong Boxes

  Be sure your boxes are strong enough to hold 25-30 pounds (although we suggest not putting too much in each box).

• 12List Contents

  List contents of boxes on all four sides; number the boxes and seal with tape.

• 13Wrap It Up

  Dishes and glasses should be wrapped in paper and packed in sturdy boxes. Stack them on top.

• 14Fragile

  Fragile pictures and mirrors should be wrapped in cardboard, marked “FRAGILE” and stacked on end.

• 15Extra Space

  Furniture with drawers can be utilized as storage places for pictures, knick-knacks, china, silverware, small items, etc. Wrap them in tablecloths, towels, or blankets to prevent breakage.

• 16Appliances

  Larger appliances make excellent “packaging cases” for blankets, towels, tablecloths and clothes.

• 17Electronics

  Put TVs and other electronics in the rear of your unit.

• 18Stored Together

  Shovels, hoes, rakes, and hoses can be stored together in empty trash cans. Stack extra cans inside each other.

• 19Removable Legs

  Tables that have removable legs should be broken down to save space.

• 20Sofas and Loveseats

  Sofas and loveseats can be stored on end to save floor space. Wrap cushions in plastic and place on top of sofas.

• 21Sharp or Heavy Objects

  Avoid placing sharp or heavy objects on top of upholstered furniture.

• 22Stuffed Furniture

  Cover stuffed furniture with cardboard or blankets to protect against dust.

• 23Mattresses

  If you stand mattresses on their sides, prop them up so they stand straight. Otherwise, they tend to bend out of shape and become lumpy.

• 24Metal Items

  Wipe any items made of metal - bikes, metal tables, tools, etc. - with machine oil to prevent rusting.