Store Your Items Right: Self-Storage Tips
Moving and storage are two sides of the same coin. Chances are if you’re
moving, you have to put some of your items in storage. And unless you’re
paying the moving company extra to use their storage building, chances are
you’re going to have to rent a self-storage unit.
You know the ones: those boxy, mini-warehouse buildings that line the sides
of highways from Seattle to Spokane. Renting storage units seems like a
pretty open and shut job: you open the door to your self-storage unit, you
shove your items in, you shut the door. But public storage isn’t quite that
simple. Even though it’s just sitting there, there’s a lot that could happen to
your items in self-storage. It’s important that you pick the right self-storage
facility and once you do, it’s even more important you pack your storage unit
correctly.
Before you lease anything, check out the following tips:
When Selecting a Self-Storage Facility
Think about location. Are you going to need to access your storage building
frequently? If so, aim for someplace nearby.
Consider how much space you really need. Self-storage facilities rent units in
all different sizes. It’s best to opt for a smaller storage unit and pack it to the
ceiling rather than pay for space you’re not using. If even the smallest storage
units are too much, look into mini-storage facilities: self-storage facilities that
specialize in small loads.
Be sure to ask facility representatives how and when you can access your
unit. Most self-storage and mini-storage facilities allow for free access 24
hours a day, but some facilities have restrictions and others charge fees for
access.
Also ask about climate controlled units. If you’re storing anything valuable or
delicate – like antique furniture or important documents – it could be warped
by being stored in space that’s too hot, too cold or too humid. For an extra
cost, most public storage facilities can set you up with a unit where
temperature and humidity are restricted.
When Packing Up Your Self-Storage Unit
Try to use boxes that are a uniform size, they’re easier to stack (remember;
keep the heavy ones on the bottom and the light ones on top).
Leave small walkways between the boxes and furniture in your storage unit
so you can easily get to the items you want without having to move anything
around.
If you’re storing a lot of packing boxes in your unit, try to fill them to the top,
even if it’s just with padding and old, crumpled newspapers. Boxes that are
only half-filled tend to collapse if anything’s placed on them.
If you’re putting any metal objects into storage – like lawnmowers or file
cabinets – it’s best to treat them with rust protector first, or at least wipe them
down with an oily rag.
Most public storage facilities have ample security. However, it’s still wise to
take a few precautions of your own against theft. Pack your storage unit so
that your most valuable items are at the back, and purchase a high quality
padlock to put on the door.
The humidity in your self-storage unit can cause your furniture to warp and
your appliances to mildew. Leaving a space between your items and the unit’
s wall allows for air to circulate within the unit. Laying plastic sheeting on the
floor and stacking boxes on top of wooden pallets can prevent condensation
damage. So can using old linens or other fabrics, instead of plastic, to
protect your items from dust.
If you’re storing a refrigerator in your unit leave the door ajar. This will prevent
mold from growing inside.
Under no circumstances should you keep anything flammable or combustible
in your storage building. This means no gasoline, oil, cleaning fluids or paint
thinner. If you’re storing any machinery that runs on gas, drain the tank before
you store it.
