Storage Tips

Tips for Organizing Your Storage Unit

Here are some tips for organizing and planning the best use of your storage unit to help you get started.

Make a list of items to be stored and write down the estimated replacement value of each item.
Contact your homeowner insurance agent to determine whether you have coverage for items held in storage.
Avoid plastic bags as they can invite mildew.
Seal boxes with packing tap.

Purchase special boxes for dishes and fragile items.
Purchase plastic containers for items that are sensitive to moisture like clothes, photos, books, etc.

Take full advantage of your space by using the full height if possible. Shelving helps organize your space.
Use pallets to keep items off the floor to help airflow and avoid moisture buildup.
Leave a walkway to the rear of the unit to provide better accessibility to your items.

Place frequently used items near the door.
Place fragile items near the top of the unit to prevent crushing, and mark the box as fragile.
Place moisture absorbers, mothballs and mouse bait in key areas.

Here are some general packing tips to help you save time and protect valuables when moving items into your storage unit.

Label your cartons on all sides and take home a list of the labeled cartons for easy reference. Indicate which room box should go in.
Fill boxes completely to keep them from collapsing, tipping or damaging belongings.
Pack heavy items in small boxes for easier lifting.

Do not fill the entire box with all heavy items due to overall weight.
Put the heavy boxes on the bottom and the light ones on top.
Take advantage of the tops of dressers to stack boxes and other items.
Books should be stored flat, instead of upright, to keep from damaging their spine.

Protect furniture with shrink wrap and blankets or pads to avoid damage.
Disassemble furniture and break down bed frames. Put nuts and bolts in a bag and tape them to the frame.
Store couches (except sofa beds) on end to maximize space. Use space inside to store small items.
Stand mattresses on end, and use special mattress bags or even old mattress covers.
Invert chairs so they are seat-to-seat. This will leave some space between the legs for small items.

Use towels and blankets to wrap fragile items.
Wrap mirrors and pictures with paper pads, bubble wrap or use mirror boxes. Never store flat.
Plates should be wrapped individually and stacked on edge. Wrap glasses separately.
Lamp shades should be wrapped individually, nested, and stored separately in a box.
Use dresser drawers when possible to store blankets, pillows, photos, clocks and sheets.
Use wardrobe boxes to hang clothing whenever possible. Use the bottom of the wardrobe box for shoes, pillows or other light items.

Defrost refrigerators and freezers, keep doors slightly ajar and clean before storing. Use the space inside for storing other kitchen items.
Drain washing machines and make sure they are completely dry.
Drain oil and fuel from tools and equipment before storing. Wipe tools with a slightly oily rag to prevent rusting.