Storage Unit Sizes & Features

Storage Tips!

• Gather Materials
  Start by gathering as many boxes as you think you will need as well as tape, markers, and packing material (e.g., foam shipping noodles, bubble wrap, packing paper or towels).

• Uniform Sizes
  If possible, try to use uniformly sized boxes for easy stacking.

• Inventory
  Make up an inventory list of your items and keep it in a safe place (at home or in a safe deposit box) away from the unit.

• Prepare
  Prepare your space by placing a protective cover on the floor under your goods.

• Keep Dry
  Place your storage items on 2×4 boards or on pallets to guard against dampness. Any concrete floor may become cold and damp.

• Access
  Plan your storage space. Place items that you may need to access often in the front of the unit.

• CAUTION
  Do not store anything COMBUSTIBLE (e.g., paint thinner, gasoline, solvents, or paint).

• Easier Access
  Try to leave an aisle down the center of the storage unit for easier access. Leave a small space between the walls and boxes to allow for air circulation.

• Stack
  Stack heavier boxes on the bottom and lighter boxes on top.

• Strong Boxes
  Be sure your boxes are strong enough to hold 25-30 pounds (although we suggest not putting too much in each box).

• List Contents
  List contents of boxes on all four sides; number the boxes and seal with tape.

• Wrap It Up
  Dishes and glasses should be wrapped in paper and packed in sturdy boxes. Stack them on top.

• Fragile
  Fragile pictures and mirrors should be wrapped in cardboard, marked “FRAGILE” and stacked on end.

• Extra Space
  Furniture with drawers can be utilized as storage places for pictures, knick-knacks, china, silverware, small items, etc. Wrap them in tablecloths, towels, or blankets to prevent breakage.

• Appliances
  Larger appliances make excellent “packaging cases” for blankets, towels, tablecloths and clothes.

• Electronics
  Put TVs and other electronics in the rear of your unit.

• Stored Together
  Shovels, hoes, rakes, and hoses can be stored together in empty trash cans. Stack extra cans inside each other.

• Removable Legs
  Tables that have removable legs should be broken down to save space.

• Sofas and Loveseats
  Sofas and loveseats can be stored on end to save floor space.

• Sharp or Heavy Objects
  Avoid placing sharp or heavy objects on top of upholstered furniture.

• Stuffed Furniture
  Cover stuffed furniture with cardboard or blankets to protect against dust. If fabric furniture, please see mattress suggestions below for helping with dampness.

Mattresses

• If you stand mattresses on their sides, prop them up so they stand straight. Otherwise, they tend to bend out of shape and become lumpy.

How to Store a Mattress

• DO: Thoroughly clean both sides of the mattress Before storing your mattress, it is important to thoroughly clean it off. First, sprinkle baking soda on your mattress to absorb odors and let it sit for a day. After the day is up, vacuum up any leftover baking soda. If you have stains on your mattress, use an upholstery cleaner to clean them. After using a liquid on your mattress, it is important to give your mattress ample time to dry before continuing to the next step.

• DON’T: Wrap the mattress in plastic A mattress needs to be covered while in storage. This will not only prevent dust from settling on it while in the storage unit, it will also help to protect your mattress during the move. But it is important to never use plastic when storing your mattress. Instead, utilize a mattress storage cover. A mattress storage cover will allow the mattress to breath and prevent moisture from getting trapped inside.

• DO: Move your mattress in a covered vehicle During your move, moisture is the enemy. When moving your mattress from one location to the next, be sure to use a covered vehicle. This will help to keep your mattress clean and dry.

• DON’T: Store your mattress on its side When storing a mattress, it is important to store it flat. While storing the mattress on its side may help to take up less space, overtime the springs inside of the mattress can sink and permanently damage your mattress.

• DON’T: Stack items on top of the mattress It is important to never stack items on top of your mattress. Over time, the weight of items stacked on top of your mattress can permanently damage the springs and coils inside of the mattress.

• DO: Follow the same tips for storing a box spring Are you storing a box spring too? No worries! When storing a box spring, follow all of the same tips for storing a mattress. Following these simple tips will help to keep your box springs and mattress in the best shape possible.