Self- Storage Tips

Need Help Packing?

Here are some useful ideas to help you better protect and organize your possessions:

  • Try to use boxes that are uniformly sized for easier stacking.
  • Store light boxes at the top and heavy ones at the bottom.
  • Do not overfill boxes as they may topple when stacked or burst during the move.
  • Cover or box items to minimize dust accumulation.
  • Do not store mattresses, area rugs, or clothing in direct contact with concrete floors.
  • Treat metal objects with rust protector or wipe them with an oily rag.
  • Store old photographs between sheets of cardboard taped together to prevent curling.
  • Leave refrigerator/freezer doors open to prevent mold growth inside the appliance.
  • Use the space inside the refrigerator or freezer for additional storage.
  • Do not store flammable liquids/items in your unit.
  • Drain gasoline and oil from mowers/small engines. Follow manufacturer instructions.
  • Organizing Your Unit
  • Leave a space between your items and the storage unit wall for air circulation.
  • Leave an aisle to give yourself better access to your stored items.
  • Remove table legs and disassemble furniture, if possible, to conserve space.
  • Store items that you need most near the front of your unit or along an aisle.
  • Use freestanding shelf units to help you better organize your stored items.
  • Label boxes and containers clearly to identify the contents.

Packing Tips

Have the following supplies on hand before you start:
  • Boxes, of all sizes and shapes
  • Marking pens
  • Bubble wrap
  • Newspaper and tissue
  • Tape
  • Scissors
Using the right boxes:
  • Make sure you have a variety of boxes, from small to large. Specialty boxes such as dish boxes and wardrobe boxes are extremely helpful to make packing that much easier.
  • Avoid loading more than 50 pounds into one box. Try to keep boxes to 30 pounds and below.
  • Label each box and indicate the following:
  • Which room it should go in- label this on all sides of the box
  • Whether it is fragile
  • If it needs to be an "Open First" box
  • Cushion contents with packing material such as bubble wrap, newspaper or tissue. Save room by using towels and blankets to wrap fragile items.
  • Pack one room at a time- set goals of which room will be packed each day. Do not pack items from a different room in the same box.
  • Pack heavy items in small boxes to keep it light, such as books, canned goods, photo albums, etc.
  • Tape the bottom of the boxes- this will prevent the bottom of the box to open during the move and damaging your belongings.
  • Place heavier items at the bottom of the box.
  • Ensure each box can close and seal properly, this will make it easier to stack the boxes in the moving truck.
  • Clean all your small appliances before you pack them.
  • Disassemble large furniture place the nuts, bolts and screws in a small zip lock bag and tape to the underside of the furniture.
  • Make sure all liquids containers are properly sealed- transfer them in a seal-able container or secure it by taping the lid down. Mark the box "This End up only".