Be Careful How You Pack
Take the time to properly pack and wrap your items. Cover furniture with a blanket, a sheet or a moving pad (not plastic…which can trap moisture. Box up any small items for protection from breakage. Using a plastic tote will provide even more protection.
Personal Property Insurance
Since you probably care about the items that you are storing, you might want to check on some personal property insurance. Sometimes your renters or homeowner’s insurance covers personal stored items. Check with your insurance about getting this type of insurance.
Perishable Items
Don’t store any perishable items in your unit. This can lead to bad odors, rotting food or plants and it could attract bugs and rodents.
Personal Security
It would a wise security idea to be careful with whom you share access to your storage unit. Don’t allow anyone into your unit or even that you have a unit or what is stored in your unit unless you trust them around your belongings. Some people have bad intentions…imagine that. In addition, don’t share your unit number, gate security code or storage unit keys for the same reasons.
Get Help
Ask for help from a friend or family member to move your items into your unit, especially if you have large or heavy items to store. The extra set of hands can make the move easier and faster and reduce the risk of injury when lifting furniture.
Use a Packing Strategy
Store your items with an idea of ‘ready access’ in mind. If you think you’ll need certain items during the storage period, place them toward the front of the unit. Provide a aisle to reach items stored in the back of the unit. Don’t be afraid to stack items to take advantage of the height of the unit (our units have 8 ft. ceilings). Place the heavier items near of the bottom of the stack. Also make use of ready made useful storage areas…inside drawers, inside appliances like refrigerators and ovens and inside cabinets.
Labeling Storage Containers
If the items that you are storing will be in storage for a while, be sure to label the boxes or totes in case you have to go looking for something. You could even take a picture of the contents before you close the container as an added means of knowing what’s inside.
Take Inventory of What You Plan to Store
Take a quick inventory of the things that you’re going to store to able to chose the right size unit. Determine what furniture, the number of boxes or totes and other large items that will be stored.
Invaluable Item Storage: Don't Do This
Everyone has those certain items that they couldn’t bear to lose…items that have a lot of sentimental value or history. Also, items of high monetary value…don’t place these things in a storage unit. Just remember…things go wrong.
Packing Boxes/Totes
Pack as much as you can in each box or tote but don’t overpack. Also, don’t under pack as this can make the box unstable if you stake other boxes or totes on top of it. Under packed boxes tend to collapse with heavier items on top of them. Wrap all dishes and glass items separately wth paper or packing material to prevent breakage. Stack dishes on edge if possible.