It’s all about how you pack and how you stack. Below are some tips to help you maximize your storage space. The up-front effort of organizing and efficiently packing your items will be well worth it when you're able to easily unload and organize into the storage unit.

INVEST IN QUALITY MATERIALS

• Pack your items in boxes, not garbage bags. Boxes are sturdy, stack well and take up less space. Keep in mind, many moving companies require that goods be packed in boxes for transport. Also, sealed plastic bags can trap humidity which can cause mildew damage.
• Invest in good quality, sturdy boxes and packing materials. Keep in mind that mismatched shapes and sizes will impede your ability to organize most effectively.
• For wrapping breakables, paper will do, but bubble wrap can be used repeatedly, is cleaner, and because it is transparent, makes identifying contents easier.
• Most people end up needing more tape than they thought they would when packing. Our staff can help you estimate how much tape you’ll need for the number of boxes you’ll be packing.
• For your convenience, packing supplies such as boxes, bubble wrap, and tape are available for purchase at our storage facility.

PACKING IN BOXES

• Box up everything that you can. Anything left unboxed in a self-storage facility can get dusty.
• Fill boxes to capacity. The contents in half-empty boxes can shift during transport or lifting. Corners and sides can collapse if there's nothing to support them. Foam peanuts are handy for filling in the gaps in boxes.
• Distribute the weight in packed boxes evenly. Make sure they are not too heavy for you and others who may be lifting them. When stacking, place the heavier boxes at the bottom for stability..
• Wrap all fragile items and breakables such as dishes, glasses, ornaments, etc. separately. Pack these items tightly into strong or reinforced boxes, filling any gaps with paper or filler. Mark "Fragile" on any boxes containing breakable items.
• Clearly label all boxes on more than one side so you can easily identify the contents. Draw an arrow for items that must be stacked and stored in a specific direction.
• Pack books flat to avoid damaging their spines.

PACKING OTHER ITEMS

• If you plan to store clothes, think about investing in a wardrobe box with a built-in hanging rod. These are available for purchase at most storage and moving facilities.

• Wrap mirrors and pictures in protective covering such as bubble wrap and mark them as “Fragile.” Cardboard corners can be purchased to protect the sharpest, weakest areas of frames. If you don’t have a box specific for mirrors, you can sandwich the mirror between two or four flattened boxes and tape it together.
• Consider a cooler storage unit location if storing photographs. The temperature fluctuations are less likely to damage your photos. If you do store loose photographs, place them between pieces of clean cardboard and consider taping them together to avoid curling.
• If you're storing upholstered products such as mattresses and sofas, consider investing in covers, bags or sheeting for additional protection.
• Storage and moving facilities often sell large heavy-duty bags for this purpose.
• Vacuum-sealed bags work really well for draperies, bedding, and clothing.
• Electrical equipment, such as, TVs, stereos and computers should be packed in their original boxes whenever possible. If using other boxes, be sure to choose one that is as close in size to the original as possible and fill all gaps with paper or bubble wrap.
• Disassemble furniture such as beds and tables before you store them. Wrap and cover the separate sections with stretch wrap, clearly mark them and keep them together. Keep assembly components i.e.; screws and bolts, together in a plastic bag and mark them clearly. Tape the bag to the appropriate piece of furniture. Be sure to use tape that is safe for use on furniture, or tape the bag to an inconspicuous place on the piece. Cover chair legs with bubble wrap or rags for extra protection.
• Spray your wood furniture with a good quality furniture polish before storing it to give it some added protection.

• Treat leather items with a leather conditioner before you store them.
• Wipe down metal objects and tools with a little oil before storing them to avoid rust formation that can occur when the tools are not used regularly.
• When storing a vacuum cleaner, clean out the bag or canister first; bacteria, mold and vermin can accumulate otherwise.
• When storing an oven and/or refrigerator, enclose the exposed back area of the appliances to prevent vermin.
• Consider having awkward or heavy pieces such as exercise equipment packed professionally. Talk to your storage facility manager or local pack-and-ship store about options.
• As you go, keep an inventory of every item you’ve packed. Ideally, include an estimate of the replacement value of each item you store. Consider taking pictures of valuable items. These steps will help you make accurate insurance claim in case of unforeseen damage or loss.

LARGE APPLIANCES MUST BE PREPARED CORRECTLY FOR PROPER STORAGE:

• Defrost refrigerators and freezers thoroughly to avoid water damage and mildew growth. Tie down the appliance doors during transport, but leave them slightly ajar once in storage.
• Drain washing machines, and tie down hoses and cords before storing them.
• It's a good idea to wipe down the inside of appliances with baking soda before you store them to keep them dry.

F.A.Q'S

• Q: Can I store my vehicle?
  A: Yes. A current driver's license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and floor protection are all required. The vehicle MUST be registered in the name of the occupant on the rental agreement. No exceptions.


• Q: Does the vehicle have to be stored with an empty gas tank?
  A: The gas tank MUST be filled. Fumes are more combustible than a full tank of gas.


• Q: Can I rent a space month-to-month or do I have to sign a long-term lease?
  A: You may rent any of our storage units for as long or as short as you need.


• Q: What documentation do I need to rent a storage unit?
  A: Please bring a valid driver's license and/or passport, a form of payment, and proof of insurance for the items you will be storing.


• Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
  A: We accept most major credit/debit cards, cash, cashier's check, check, or money order


• Q: When are payments due?
  A: Rent is due on the first of the month, every month. After the 11th, you will be considered late". We offer a 10-day grace period to all of our tenants.