Self Storage is a convenient, safe, and inexpensive way to store your belongings or business documents. Proper planning will make for an efficient and cost effective storage experience. If you plan or need to frequently use the space, a larger space may be more convenient than one packed to capacity.

In brief, here are some important things to know when storing and packing your items that will minimize your space requirements and prevent damage to your possessions:

☐    Security - storage locks to each unit, video cameras of everyone coming in and out of the storage facility along with access control to log each customer by code to ensure that every location on the storage facility is being secure & safe for you person and your personal or business storage items.

☐    Size - storage size that fits your needs and budget. It is important to onsider a storage price & size that will accommodate your present & future storage needs in case you need to increase or decrease the self storage space that you rent.

☐    Access - available 24 X 7a week access to your self storage facility & your self storage unit.

☐    Units - storage units should be clean, maintained and well lit with access to on-site staff. In addition, it would be wise to inquire about thetypes of pest control being utilized for your space.

☐    Environment - climate controlled storage or non-climinate controlled storage that will protect your storage items from the elements of the weather. Climate controlled self storage is very important if your looking to storage business goods, archive documents, upholstered items or collectors items because just a few months in a damp self storage enviroment can do untold permanent damage to delicate storage posessions.

☐    Moving - facilities should provide adequate access for large moving trucks that can easily be entered and exited while you are storing furniture.

☐    Contracts - all documents should be straight forward, simple to read and the staff knowledgeable to assist in explaining terms and conditions.

☐    Other Things to know...

• Plan your storage space. Place items in front that will be accessed frequently. Allow for walkways.
• Completely fill each box with your heaviest items on the bottom and lighter items on top.
• Try to keep your boxes in uniform sizes. They are much easier to stack that way.
• Label all boxes for easy identification.
• Leave a small space between the wall and your storage items to allow for ventilation.
• Pack your boxes and other items as close together as possible to avoid moisture accumulating between them.
• There are prohibited storage goods that every storage facility will NOT allow. Common sense and state laws determine what may be stored. See your contract.
• Use a HIGH QUALITY lock, preferably a "disc lock", for your unit.
• Make up an inventory of your stored items and keep a copy in safe deposit box.
• List contents of boxes on all four sides, number the boxes, seal with masking tape or glued paper tape.
• Dishes and glasses should be wrapped in packing paper and placed in dish pack boxes.
• Place your storage items on 2" x 4" boards or pallets to guard against dampness.
• Clothing, curtains, and drapes should be stored on hangers.
• Pictures and mirrors should be wrapped in mirror crates marked "FRAGILE" and stacked on end.
• Furniture with drawers can be utilized as storage places for knickknacks, china, silverware and small items.
• A refrigerator or freezer should be thoroughly dry and stored with its door slightly ajar.
• Make sure that stoves and cooking equipment are cleaned before they are stored.
• Shovels, hoes, rakes and hoses can be stored together in empty trash cans.
• Bicycles and other metal items will rust over time if not protected.
• Pack books flat to protect their spines.
• Do not place boxes directly on concrete floors, but use pallets or skids to prevent moisture absorption.
• Use packing to fill empty pockets in the boxes. Tables with removable legs should be "broken down" to save space.
• Sofas and love-seats can be stored on end to save floor space.
• Cover furniture with protected linen.
• Always stand mattress straight up, and keep off of ground.