Things To Do

• Visit the facility where you want to store your items. You will be able to get comfortable with the managers and the facility as well as determining storage unit availability.

• Make a list of what you are planning to place into self-storage. When presented to a self-storage manager, a list will allow the managers to identify which size unit will work best for you.

• Be aware of the hidden fees charged by many storage facilities. Often, self storage operators charge hidden fees like administrative fees, require the purchase of insurance or charge a deposit. Customers are unaware of these fees until they arrive at the property with a loaded vehicle!

• Clearly label any boxes you may be storing. When you return to your storage unit, you'll find your stored goods much more easily.

• Place items you know you'll use frequently at the front of your rental unit. This will prevent tiresome digging when you need something.

• Maximize the space in your unit and you'll maximize dollars saved. Place large items in the unit first, and try to leave an aisle for future ease of access. Remember, you storage unit is 7 to 8 feet high, so you should feel free to stack anything you are comfortable stacking.

• Before renting, decide if you'll need a climate controlled storage unit. Climate controlled units may rent for 30% to 50% more than non-climate controlled units, and many items simply do not need to be stored in a climate controlled unit.

• Do you need to insure your stored goods? Some self-storage facilities will work hard to sell insurance to you for your storage unit. Before purchasing insurance sold by self-storage facilities, determine if you want to pay for insurance at all. Also, be sure to check with your homeowners or renters insurance provider to see if they will add your stored items to your policy - this is typically a less expensive option than insurance sold by the storage facilities.

• Freestanding shelving can save space in your unit. If you have many small items or boxes you are planning on storing, the use of shelves can maximize your rental space which saves money for you.

• Use plastic tarps (or any tarp) to cover goods stored in your unit. Covering your stored items with tarps, moving pads, sheets or light blankets will keep your stored items dust-free, whether in a climate-controlled unit or a standard self-storage unit.

• Disassemble items like tables and bed frames you are storing. Breaking large items into smaller parts will help to save space and therefore, save you money. Be sure to place all hardware in a sealed, labeled bag to assist with reassembly.

• When storing complex items like electronics or computers, be sure to label pieces carefully. There are many cords which are easily misidentified - placing color-coded or marked labels on these cords and cables will help when you're ready to reinstall everything. If you've still got the original boxes, it may be helpful for you to use them.

• Plastic storage containers are often a convenient way to store your valuables. Most have tight-fitting lids and stack easily. Some are even clear, allowing you to see the contents without opening the storage container.

• If possible, place more valuable items near the back of your unit. When you are visiting your unit, valuables stored at the rear of the unit will be invisible to prying eyes.

• If you're storing seasonal clothing, be sure the clothing is accessible. You may have your items in storage longer than anticipated, and ease of access will be convenient down the road.

• Be aware of your surroundings when visiting your self-storage facility. By reporting suspicious behavior to managers, you will assist in deterring any potential shenanigans.

• Avoid storing food items in your storage unit. Food odors can attract unwanted pests as well as causing unpleasant odors to permeate your stored goods.

• When packing heavy items like books, use small boxes when possible. This will allow the package to be manageable.

• Your password, gate code and storage unit key are yours. Avoid giving these to anyone without access to your unit and you'll feel better about the safety of your stored goods.

• Remember to clean all appliances before placing them in storage. This will help to prevent odors and mildew from growing within your unit.

• Do not use plastic to cover your belongings. It retains moisture.

• Do not store any food items. This will prevent any unwanted guests.

• Do not pack your boxes so that they are too heavy to carry them. Especially when you are packing books.

• Do not give out your password, gate code or any information to any one that is not listed as having "Access".

• Do not use printed newspaper. The ink may smudge and get on your items.

• Do not forget to clean appliances before you store them.

• Do not store any toxins or flammables. Such as paint, oil, or gasoline.

Storage tips for various items

• Appliances

  Refrigerators and/or freezers should be thoroughly dry and stored with doors slightly ajar. Some goods can be stored inside large appliances and boxes can be stacked on top of stoves, refrigerators and freezers. Make sure that stoves and cooking equipment are cleaned before they are stored.

• Bicycles and other metal items

  To retard rust, wipe all metal surfaces with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil.

• Books and documents

  Pack books flat to protect their spines. Do not place boxes directly on concrete floors, but use plastic tarps, pallets or skids to prevent moisture absorption. Use packing to fill out empty pockets in the boxes. Do not pack fragile items in the same box with books and do not overload.

• Bedding, clothing, curtains, drapes and linens

  Clothing, curtains and drapes should be stored on hangers. Wardrobe boxes may be purchased in our office. If the items are too large for a box or cannot be hung, such items should be carefully folded and stored in dresser drawers, cedar chests or wardrobe style cardboard cartons along with bedding and linens. Keep out of season clothes accessible, as you may have your belongings in storage longer than anticipated. Food crumbs or stains should be removed before storing. Avoid storing anything that may attract pests.

• Dishes and glassware

  Place a layer of packing inside the bottom and at the top of boxes containing glassware. Ideally these items should be stored in a specifically designed dish pack box (available in the office). All glass items should be individually wrapped: nest cups and bowls, and stand plates, saucers and platters on edge. Wrapped glasses should be placed near the top of cartons. Again, fill all pockets with packing materials. Label all boxes containing glassware, and do not place heavy items on boxes containing glassware.

• Furniture

  Place a pallet, corrugated cardboard mat, or plastic tarp on the floor and stand sofas and mattresses on end. Disassemble beds and tables and wrap table legs in paper. If a table will not disassemble, place padding on the floor and place the table on its top with the legs pointing up. Use dresser tops for stacking cartons and dresser drawers for linens or small, delicate items. Keep upholstery off the floor. Most lightweight chairs can be stacked "seat to seat" or placed upside down on tables that cannot be disassembled. Finally, place a light cotton (e.g., a bed sheet) dust cover on your furniture.

• Holiday decorations

  Save the original cartons that contained delicate ornaments and pad the ornaments with packing paper or newsprint. Wrap strings of lights around a piece of cardboard before placing in a carton lined with packing paper.

• Lamps

  Wrap large lamps and place them in boxes and pack delicate lamp shades separately. Do not use newsprint to wrap lamp shades or any other goods that may be damaged by ink stains. Do not store heavy items on cartons containing lamp shades.

Place items you know you'll use frequently at the front of your rental unit. This will prevent tiresome digging when you need something.