Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What's the best way to pack up boxes and containers to place into storage? A. Fill containers to capacity. Partially full or bulging cartons may tip or collapse. Heavy items like books or tools should be packed in small boxes so they are easy to lift. Protect your fragile goods with packing (i.e. bubble pack or other) and place them near the top of your storage space. Label boxes. Take home a list of your labeled boxes for easy reference when you need to locate your goods.

Q. Is there any particular way to arrange my things in my storage space? A. Pack the storage space carefully. Leave air space around the perimeter to aid ventilation. Place a pallet on concrete floors and do not lean items against walls. Leave a walkway to the rear of your space for easy access. Use all the space available, including the height, and place frequently used goods near the door.

Q. What items shouldn't be placed into storage? A. Do not store food or other perishable items which could decay or attract insects or rodents. Also, do not store flammable or toxic item in your unit including paints and solvents.

Q. Can I store appliances in my storage unit? A. A refrigerator or freezer should be thoroughly dry and stored with its door slightly ajar. Some goods can be stored inside large appliances and boxes can be stacked on top of stoves, refrigerators and freezers. Make sure that stoves and cooking equipment are cleaned before they are stored.

Q. What other things should I be aware of when storing and utilizing my storage space? A. Here are a few tips:

• Bicycles and Other Metal Items: To retard rust, wipe all metal surfaces with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil.
• Books and Documents: Pack books flat to protect their spines. Do not place boxes directly on concrete floors, but use pallets or skids to prevent moisture. Use packing to fill out empty pockets in the boxes. Do not pack fragile items in the same box with books and do not overload.
• As you are leaving your unit, make sure your lock has been properly closed. Keep your key or combination in a safe place.
• Plan ahead. Place items you may need to get to often in the front of your space. Allow for walkways if you'll need periodic access to items.
• Make an inventory of your stored items and keep it in a safe place at home, or in a safe deposit box.
• For easy stacking, use uniform size boxes. Be sure they're strong enough to hold 20-30 pounds.
• List contents on all four sides of the box. Number the boxes and seal them with cello tape, fiber tape, or glued paper tape. Use inventory sheets to track the boxes.
• Wrap dishes and glasses in plain paper and pack them in sturdy boxes. Set these boxes on top of the others.
• Drawers in dressers and tables can be used to store knickknacks and other small items. Wrap them in towels, tablecloths or blankets to prevent breakage.
• Blankets, towels, tablecloths and clothing can be packed inside large appliances. Place blankets, sheets, or plastic on top of the stored items.
• To save floor space, sofas and loveseats can be stored on end. Wrap cushions in plastic and stack them on top of the sofa.
• If you stand mattresses on their sides, prop them up so they stand straight. Otherwise, they may bend out of shape and become lumpy. Pack them in mattress cartons or plastic to prevent damage.
• NEVER store anything toxic, haxardous, combustible, or explosive.
• Be sure to place a good lock on your storage space.

Approximately the size of a small walk-in closet, a 5'x 5' space is ideal for storing small pieces of furniture, boxes, and miscellaneous small items.	A 5'x10' space is about the size of a large walk-in closet and can contain, for example, a couch and a chair, bedroom set and small items and boxes.
A 10' x 10' space is about the size of a small bedroom and will hold the furniture (excluding appliances) from a one-bedroom apartment.	A 10' x 15' space could hold the contents of a two bedroom apartment, or a small car, if the unit has a garage door.
A 10' x 20' unit is about the size of a standard one-car garage. It's big enough for a car or truck, furniture, appliances, and personal items from a two bedroom house.	A 10' x 30' unit could hold the contents of a three-bedroom house, or provide vehicle storage with plenty of storage space left over for the contents of one or two small bedrooms.

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