Preparation For Protection of Residential Storage

• Mattresses: Place mattresses in mattress bags available in office, or wrap in heavy plastic.
• Books: Do not pack too many books in one box. Use book boxes.
• Photographs: Place photos flat, between cardboard or in books to avoid curling in time.
• Plates:  Never pack plates flat in a box, rather wrap them and stand them on edge.  That way if the box is dropped, the plates won’t break easily.
• Furniture: Disassemble as much furniture as possible. Tables, Legs etc. Wrap disassembled pieces with pads. Tape the pieces together, if possible. This will save you space and help to protect your furniture.
• Engines: It's the law and for your own protection to drain all oil and fuel from any engines before they are put in your storage space.

Packing Your Self Storage Space For Maximum Convenience & Use of Space

• Use the height to maximize cubic feet: Stand large pieces of furniture on end or on top of each other. Take advantage of the height. Do this only if furniture is safe and secure.
• Weight: Store heavier items on the bottom and light items on the top.
• Label your boxes on three sides: This way they can be read without having to move them. Use a note book with each page devoted to the contents of each box.
• Ventilation: For good ventilation, always leave a couple of inches of air space between the walls and your belongings.
• Insurance: Insurance information is available in the office. Locks may be purchased in the office. Make no duplicates except for your personal use.
• Store small expensive items (stereo, TV's etc.) in the back of the storage space in coded boxes put pieces of large furniture and other boxes in front of them. Wrap glass and other breakable items in bubble wrap.  Store breakables with linens for extra protection. To minimize dust damage, wrap electronics and furniture in linens or clean paper.
• List all goods stored, including brand names and furniture features and serial numbers.  Give each packed box a number that corresponds to a number in your notebook.  Write the number on all four sides of the box and write the destination of the box (i.e. Kitchen) across the tape on the top of the box.  This way you can easily locate a particular box.  Also when you move in your boxes will end up in the correct room or if you are looking for a specific item, all you need to do is to find the right number in your notebook. Keep the list in a safe place away from your storage space, at your home or business. To prove ownership, keep proof of purchase documentation like receipts. Make a photo or videotape record of your stored goods. Keep this material in a safe place away from your storage space.