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| Jan 1st, 2014 |
Helpful Storage Hints
For Immediate Release:
- Even though facility’s are sprayed monthly for pest control you can also help by placing a few moth balls around the sides and back of you units, and 2-3 along by the front door of larger units. Mothballs have an effect on vermin olfactory senses and keep arachnids away.
- CAUTION. It is against the law to store materials that are hazardous or combustible such as gasoline, cleaning fluids, paint, etc. Drain all gasoline from lawnmowers, power tools, boats, snowmobiles, etc. before storing them. Place lids back on, but do not secure, leave loose, if need be place cloth over to keep dust out. Do not store any food items, which could attract rodents or pests. Even the glue that holds canned good labels on can potentially attract rodents and pests.
- Be sure to store frequently used items at the front of the unit to avoid having to search for them. Also, store valuable items towards the back of the unit.
- Appliances must be thoroughly clean and dry. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors slightly open. Remove and discard vacuum cleaner bags.
- Store mattresses and box springs on long edges. Wrap for protection and elevate off of the floor. Use pallets, 2x4’s, and plywood… anything that will keep your items off the floor of the storage unit. It is not advised to lean items against the walls of the storage unit.
- Pictures and mirrors should be wrapped in cardboard and marked “FRAGILE.” Stand them straight up… never flat.
- Make a list of packing materials needed such as boxes, bubble pack, tape, marking pens, rope, drop cloths, mattress and furniture covers, etc…
- Disassemble beds and mark the pieces so that they are easy to put back together and put any bolts or screws place in a plastic bag and secure to part of the bed frame with stretch wrap to avoid losing them. Taping to frames may cause damage to wood and/or finish on bed frame. Stretch wrap will secure from loss and not damage bed frames.
- When packing books, pack them in small cartons that weigh no more than 30 lbs. Alternate bindings and cushion them with wadded packing paper.
- Keep your out-of-season clothes accessible; you may have your belongings in storage longer than anticipated.
- When you disassemble electronics such as computers and stereos (items that have numerous cables), place small colored stickers on the cable and the same color sticker where the cable goes. If possible, use the original packing for electronic items.
- If storing wool items, use cedar chips or mothballs to prevent moth damage.
- Prepare your unit by placing cardboard or old blankets on the floor under your goods.
- Wax wood furniture before storing it. Use sheets or cotton cloth to cover furniture. Wrapping with stretch wrap better protects as it helps keep the woods natural moisture in the wood.
- Never store clothing in sealed plastic bags, especially in non-A/C storage. The humidity may cause damage to your goods. This does not include vacuum-sealed bags, as long as they do not allow for any air back into the bags.
- Leave a small space between the goods stored and the storage unit’s walls to allow for good air circulation.
- Do not stack heavy or folded objects where they could shift or collapse when you move or need access and always keep the heaviest items on the floor.
- Label boxes by numbers – have the master list separate from your storage space… and never write on the box what its contents are. Label each box as you seal it. Mark “Fragile” on all boxes with breakables.
- Use your bureau drawers as packing space. Fill them with some of your fragile items and use blankets, sweaters and towels for padding.
- Do not use printed newspaper to pack with. The ink may smudge off on your items.
- To save space, fill interiors of appliances with linens, clothes and stuffed toys. Stuff towels between the washing machine and the inner tub of the washing machine to keep the tub from rotating.
- Label each box on all four sides with numbers, seal them with tape and make a list of the contents to take home with you. The box numbers should correspond with this master list. Pack appliances in factory boxes whenever possible and cushion with wadded (not shredded) packing paper. Shredded paper can get into the machines and cause damage. Wedge doors open while keeping appliances in storage.
- When packing boxes, try to limit the weight to 30 lbs. or less per box.
- When wrapping collectibles or anything breakable, tape it after you wrap it. This will keep you from mistaking them for the excess paper you used to fill the box.
- Clothing that ordinarily hangs in a closet should be packed in a wardrobe carton.
- Wrap all fragile and delicate items in large bubble wrap – this adds more protection for breakage prevention. Small bubble wrap is great for wrapping electronics and less delicate things.
- Using Stretch Wrap to secure dresser drawers, cabinet doors & entertainment center doors and anything that can open during transport and storage. Using tape can damage finish on wood products and be more difficult to remove if things are in storage for a great length of time. Stretch Wrap is also a great way to cover furniture i.e.: cloth & leather couches and chairs. Use stretch wrap or couch and chair covers to protect fresh oiled leather items that will be placed in storage… will help keep moist and supple.
About the Company:
Storage West is committed to providing you with a quality storage experience – we are self storage professionals that care. As part of our commitment to you our valued customer, we have annual in depth training conferences to help our managers be the best in the industry.