Storage Tips

We want your move to be as effortless as possible. We’ve been around the storage unit business since 1987. In that time, we’ve gained a few storage tips and tricks to help make the process of moving and storage easier.

• Bubble wrap, packing peanuts and newspaper are great for packing fragile items.
• Be careful not use newspaper on items that could possibly be stained by the ink.
• Always use packaging tape to help keep the tops of boxes flattened and items enclosed.
• When you are stacking boxes, place the heaviest items on the bottom and the lighter boxes on top.
• For fragile items, make sure they are in clearly labeled boxes and stacked on top so they aren’t crushed by heavier objects.
• Labeling your boxes will help you in the long run if you ever find yourself trying to search for a certain item.
  If you have a lot of small, awkward-shaped items, place them on a shelving unit to maximize your storage unit space.
• Hollow space is wasteful. When you are moving into your storage unit be sure to fill every nook and cranny. Dresser drawers can be filled with items and boxes can be stacked on top. Brooms, shovels and rakes can be placed in an unused garbage can.
• For beds and tables, we recommend that you disassemble them before placing them inside your storage unit. Place screws in a sandwich bag and tape to the designated piece of furniture. ​Use blankets or sheets between surfaces to avoid damage.
• If possible, store sofas upright to conserve space.
• Create an aisle inside of your storage unit so that you can easily access your belongings.
• Place sliders underneath of large furniture to make moving large items easier.
• Group all of your frequently-used items together and store them towards the front of your storage unit to avoid frustration.
• For safety reasons, light items (such as bedding, linens, lamps) should be kept in larger boxes while heavier items (books, CDs, DVDs, documents) should be kept in smaller boxes.
• Limit the amount of storage box sizes you use (no more than two) so it’s easier to stack.
• If you are storing appliances, make sure they are completely drained of water, cleaned, and dried. Keep the doors slightly ajar to prevent mold or mildew from forming.
• Clear plastic bins work great for storage! They have tight fitting lids and stack evenly on top of each other. If your bins are clear, you can easily see what is stored inside.
• When stacking your storage boxes, leave a small space between walls to help with the air flow. Pallets are also an excellent way to help with air circulation.
• Dryer sheets are a great way to keep insects and spiders away. They also keep your items smelling fresh! We recommend that you change the dryer sheets out on a monthly basis to ensure maximum freshness.

Find Self-Storage that’s Right for You

As you’re researching available storage space, consider the following: how often you plan to access the available storage space; whether you will need a traditional moving van to load or unload your self-storage rental; and, does the facility offer you a sense of safety—especially if you’re a female. We’ll explain below why each of these considerations is important.

• If you need to find self-storage due to an upcoming remodel or move, you will probably come and go from the self-storage rental more often. Keep this in mind and look for a convenient facility that’s close to your current residence or work location. You’ll also benefit from choosing a facility that offers easy street access—so you can get in and out quicker.
  
• The vans of traditional moving companies require a wide gate access, driveway and turning radius than smaller U-Haul vans. Be sure to ask if a moving van can get to your self-storage rental, or you’ll be stuck paying for additional time and labor costs from moving company for doing a “work-around.”
  
• Before making a decision on available storage space, think about your comfort level going there during the winter months when it’s dark outside. Verify that the facility offers on-site managers, secured access and after hours lighting. All of which can make you feel safer.

Choose Right Size Unit

Realizing that renting a storage unit can be a daunting task, we offer you the following descriptions of what our multiple-sized units can hold. Hopefully, these storage unit tips will help you visualize the best unit for your immediate needs.

But keep this storage unit tip in mind: Each of our units have a tall rafter space, which will give you extra stacking height.