Storage Tips & Advice

1. Plan your storage unit
Make a plan of the unit prior to moving your goods into the unit. Put items that need to be accessed regularly in the front, close to the doorway. Put all electronic items to the rear of the unit.

2. Make packing for storage easier on yourself by planning ahead
Start by listing all the items you're going to put into storage and their approximate sizes. Also, gather up plenty of sturdy, corrugated boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, sealing tape and marker pens, along with any furniture covers or shelving you intend to use in your storage unit.

3. Line your packing boxes
Line the packing cartons and boxes with plastic or any other waterproof material. Also, never put cartons directly on the floor. Use a ledge or raised surface to stack your storage boxes to avoid absorption of dampness from the floor.

4. Pack as much as you can in the same size boxes
Fill boxes tightly, but take care to neither over pack nor under pack. (Bulging Boxes tip when stacked, while half full boxes tend to collapse). Use wadded up newsprint, bubble wrap, rags, towels, or blankets to fill in empty spaces.

5. Pack heavy items such as books and tools in small boxes
For easier handling limit the weight of all boxes, regardless of size, to 30lbs. or less.

6. Label all boxes
Clearly label boxes so you know their contents, and keep a list at your home or office for reference. Mark clearly all boxes containing fragile items.

7. Clean and dry appliances before storage
During transport tape all doors shut, but remember to wedge them open for storage.

8. Tape or tie bed rails together
Mark the pieces for easier assembly later. Place covers or plastic bags on mattresses to keep them clean during storage.

9. Pack books flat to protect their spines
Take special care when packing books. Also, use waterproof packing, containers or cardboard boxes to store your books.

10. Fill empty spaces in storage boxes Do not leave empty spaces in your packing boxes. Always fill empty spaces with packing paper, or some other kind of stuffing, like old towels or blankets.

11. Use drawers to store small, fragile items
Secure items in drawer by filling empty spaces with towels or packing paper.

12. Protect chair legs by wrapping them in packing paper
Leave slipcovers on upholstered chairs and cover them with plastic chair covers.

13. . Use lots of paper to pack dishes and glassware
Place a layer of packing paper inside the bottom and top of boxes. Wrap each dish and glass separately and cushion them with crumpled paper. Plates are best stacked on their edge.

14. Pack lamps and lampshades in individual boxes
Use plenty of clean paper or clothing for padding.

15. Pad mirrors and paintings with paper
Place them in special mirror packs or large boxes and mark them fragile boxes.

16. Padlock
Use a good quality lock. Locks are available from our reception.