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1. Gather Materials
Start by gathering boxes, tape, markers and packing material (e.g., bubble wrap, packing paper or towels).
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2. Plan Ahead
Place items that you may need to access often in the front of the unit.
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3. Prep Unit
Prepare the space by placing a protective cover on the floor underneath your goods.
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4. Maintain Access
Leave an aisle down the center of the storage unit for easier access. Allow a small space between the walls and boxes for air circulation.
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5. Take Inventory
Compile an inventory of your items and keep it in a safe place at home.
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6. Use Pallets
Place storage items on 2x4 boards or pallets to guard against dampness. Concrete floor may become cold and damp.
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7. Be Careful
Never store anything COMBUSTIBLE (e.g., paint thinner, gasoline, solvents, and paint).
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8. Box Size
Use uniformly sized boxes for easier stacking. Be sure these boxes are strong enough to hold about 25-30 pounds. Do not put too much in each box.
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9. Stack by Weight
Put lighter boxes on top of heavier boxes.
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10. Label Contents
List contents of boxes on all four sides; number the boxes and seal with tape.
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11. Dishes and Glassware
Wrap dishes and glasses in paper and pack in sturdy boxes. Stack them on top.
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12. Fragile Items
Pictures and mirrors should be wrapped in cardboard, marked “FRAGILE” then stacked on end.
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13. Extra Space
Furniture with drawers can be used to store pictures, knick-knacks, silverware, and other small items. Wrap in tablecloths, towels or blankets to prevent breakage.
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14. Appliances
Larger appliances make great “packaging cases” for loose items such as blankets, towels, tablecloths and clothes.
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15. Store Together
Shovels, hoes, rakes and hoses can be stored together in empty trash cans. Stack any extra cans inside of each other.
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16. Break It Down
Tables that have removable legs should be broken down to save space.
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17. Sofas/Love Seats
Sofas and love seats can be stored on end to save floor space. Remember to place a protective cover under the item on the concrete. Cushions should be wrapped in plastic and placed on top.
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18. Stuffed Furniture
To protect against dust, cover stuffed furniture with cardboard or blankets.
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19. Mattresses
Stand mattresses on their side to save space, but make sure they stand straight. Otherwise, they tend to bend out of shape and become lumpy.
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20. Pack Your Space
Rent the smallest amount of space you need and pack the space full.
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21. Sharp or Heavy Objects
Do not place any heavy or sharp objects on top of upholstered furniture.
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22. Lock It Up
Use a good quality lock on your door.
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23. No Food Items
To prevent bug infestation and rodents, food items should not be stored.
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24. Electronics
Put TV's and your other electronics in the rear of your unit.
What Not to Store
Photographs will suffer temperature damage if not stored in a climate controlled unit. For your personal protection and security, we recommend that the following not be stored: cash, financial papers and assets, legal documents such as deeds, wills, passports or other such valuable papers, securities, jewelry (except costume jewelry), prescriptions, furs, stamp or coin collections, irreplaceable photos, medical and family history records, perishable items.
Prohibited Items
The following items are absolutely prohibited to be stored at any of our storage facilities: flammable materials such as paint, varnish, thinners, gasoline, kerosene and oil, bottled gas, aerosol cans, nail polish and remover, ammunition and explosives, corrosives, cleaning fluids and detergents.