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Self-storage Packing Tips

Good packing is important when storing your items in a self-storage unit. Proper packing and labeling will help you avoid any damages to your items and save you time and money in the long run. There are many things you can do to keep your self-storage unit organized. Here you'll find valuable self-storage packing information that will help you protect your stored items and make life easier.

Everything Self-storage!

Keeping your items safely packed and stored is only one part of the equation. Knowing about your self-storage facility's policies, terms and conditions, and practices is also very important for a smooth self-storage experience. The tips below will give you important information to keep in mind when dealing with self-storage facilities.

Things to Consider Before Packing:

When preparing your valuables and important items for storage, you must consider how they will need to be protected from damage. The storage and packing supplies you choose will be key in maintaining the life of your stored items.

Heat and moisture are two common elements to take into consideration when choosing your storage and packing supplies. If you are not storing your items in a climate-controlled self-storage facility, you need to pack delicate items such as textiles and paper in moisture-proof storage supplies. Items that are prone to discoloration such as books and magazines should be stored in dark containers to prevent fading or yellowing.

There's a Storage Solution for That!

Storage supplies come in various forms from boxes to bags, wraps to labels. If you are storing many smaller items, the type of boxes you use can be very important. Many self-storage facilities offer storage supplies for sale right in their main offices. Their staff can help you select the packing solutions that are right for your needs.

One of the most common types of storage supplies are boxes, which come in a variety of shapes designed to make packing easy and to keep your items from breaking during transport. These include:

Dishware boxes – Specially designed with cushion inserts to hold various shapes of dishes (glasses, stemware, plates, bowls, etc.).

Specialized shape boxes – Tall, wide, skinny, flat, reinforced cubes…no matter how awkward the item shape, there’s usually a box for it!

File boxes – Reinforced and sized for documents and hanging file folders.

Wardrobe boxes – designed with a bar for hanging clothes such as dresses and suits to keep them wrinkle-free.

Original boxes – Many fragile items such as snow globes, glass décor, and small appliances come in boxes with special form-fitting Styrofoam inserts for packing…don’t throw these out, keep them for storage later!

Other Self-storage Packing Materials

If your items are too oddly shaped for a box, there are still storage supplies available to protect them. Common packing materials that you can easily find at home office supply stores or even your self-storage facility office include:

Plastic bubble or sheet wrap – Great for holding items together, adding moisture protection, or just providing extra padding for fragile items.

Poster tubes – Used for storing posters or other rolled materials to prevent creasing or tears.

Acid-free tissue paper – White tissue paper to prevent color damage and acid-free to deter yellowing of textiles and documents.

Slipcovers – Used for items like for furniture, to protect from stains and dust.

Packing peanuts – Perfect for filling in gaps between irregularly shaped items in boxes to prevent breakage.

What's In That Box?

Once everything is packed for the self-storage facility, you'll want to move on to labeling and taping storage supplies. If you take care now to label all your boxes and items properly, you’ll save yourself time later when searching for something you've packed away. Creating an inventory checklist will also make it easier to locate stored items in the future

When you have everything ready to load into your self-storage unit make sure you add lift assists or a dolly to your storage supplies list. You should load larger items into the unit first, and then fill in empty spaces between them with the smaller items. If you are storing items you know you'll need to access to later on, load those items near the front of the unit for easy access.

Smart packing of your self-storage unit and proper use of your storage supplies will save you time and effort in the long run!

If you'll be storing a washer and dryer, run them on an empty cycle to make sure the residue is cleaned out before moving them into the unit. A cup of bleach or white vinegar can help avoid detergent residue in washers. It’s also important to clean the interior and exterior of your washer to prevent stains or mold growth. You can leave the washer’s doors slightly open with a box of baking soda inside to help avoid lingering smells and mildew.

Holiday Decorations

The holidays only come around once-a-year. Instead of keeping your holiday decorations in your garage or closets, why not pack them neatly into an appropriate storage container and fall in love with all the new space you’ve created in your home?

Extra Dishes and Cookware

Fine China and specialty cookware like Chafers and roasting and Paella pans are great to have when hosting a special get-to-together with friends, but they can take up a lot of space in your kitchen cabinets the remainder of the time. Today’s self-storage facilities carry special dish and cookware boxes, as well as other special packing supplies on site, so you can rest assured your items will be protected from breaking and denting.

Seasonal Items

Do your short but cold winters cause your heavy coats, jackets, comforters, and blankets to be out-of-season in a flash? No need to fret. A self-storage unit can help you free up some space in your closets for your summer clothing. Puffy comforters and jackets can be condensed with special vacuum-packed storage bags until the need for warmth arises.

Important Books and Media

Who wants to part with rare first editions, important newspapers marking a significant event in time, or a beloved CD/DVD collection? These precious items can be stored safely in a climate-controlled self-storage unit away from moisture and humidity. Books are best stored in cardboard boxes with a piece of cardboard or wood placed between each book to keep them from sticking together. CDs and DVDs fare well in their own cases stored in boxes or airtight plastic bags. When storing newspapers or magazines look for acid-proof boxes to avoid yellowing of the pages; tissue paper between issues will also protect the print from bleeding off.

Time-Saving Storage Tip

When packing your self-storage unit, remember to pay attention to when you'll need your items. A good time-saving technique is to arrange your boxes and containers by time-line with the closest season or holiday near the front of the self-storage unit and then rotating these items to the back after their use.

Storing Important Documents

Proper document storage is more than just purchasing a good organizational system and sturdy storage containers. When deciding on your document storage needs consider the types of documents you’re storing:

Are these backup documents?

Do you have additional copies?

Is the information sensitive?

Do the documents need special care prior to storage?

Are these archives or just being held for tax purposes?

Will you need to dispose of old records eventually?

Fireproofing is another major consideration when storing sensitive, irreplaceable documents. Even though most self-storage facilities are equipped with fire safety measures, you can never be too careful. Climate control for humidity is also critical, as moisture is the most common cause of damage for stored documents.

Your storage containers will also play an important role in document storage options. If using boxes, make sure they are made of acid-free materials to prevent yellowing. For individual document storage, acid-free sleeves are available for extra protection.

Organizing Your Business Storage for Future Use

If you’re storing items for future use, make sure that the cabinets containing the items you are least likely to need are placed in the back of your self-storage while the most current documents are stored in the cabinets closest to the front of the unit. Avoid placing boxes directly on the floor; in the event of a flood they will be much safer when kept off the ground.

If your document storage is being done for annual record keeping, and you need to purge old records, consider a self-storage facility that offers document disposal services. There are companies that offer secure document disposal and provide on-side shredding and destruction of materials.

Storing Office Equipment

When replacing old office equipment, you can utilize self-storage to store your old equipment for emergency use. It’s always great to have a spare copier or printer stored away when your current unit needs repair. When storing electronics such as printers, it’s best to remove the ink and toner cartridges to avoid leaks. Materials that are not used often such as trade how displays or folding chairs can be easily stored in a self-storage unit until they are needed.

Controlling Employee Access

Many self-storage facilities specialize in corporate storage and will provide accommodations for multiple-employee access. Your company should decide on whether or not one main employee will have access to the self-storage unit. You should consult with your self-storage facility to learn what access options they have and whether or not it is advisable for multiple employees to have access to your storage unit.

The Early Bird Gets the Worm

Self-storage is becoming a popular option for students across the country. If you know you’ll be going away for the summer or Christmas break, you should start looking for a unit well in advance. Otherwise, you may have to settle for a self-storage facility that’s a few miles away from campus.

Now, on to Packing…

When storing your electronics, appliances, or valuables, you’ll need to make sure they are packed into suitable containers and organized accordingly. If you’ll be storing dishware and clothing, be sure to wash and dry everything before packing them into boxes or storage containers. Any leftover food or dirt can create mold or mildew and ruin your stored items.

Once your belongings are packed, you should take time to label your boxes and storage containers. Knowing where everything is will save you time when you get back to campus.

Self-storage during Active Military Duty

Similar to a college student, you may only need a storage unit for a few months. Rather than pay for an apartment during your deployment, storing your furniture and belongings in a self-storage facility will be much cheaper and just as secure. Follow general self-storage guidelines and tips for your items and your possessions will be ready and waiting for your return.

Many of the self-storage facilities that cater to college students will also cater to active military personnel and will offer the same special rates and discounts. When searching for your perfect self-storage facility, remember to inquire about the discounts and special rates available to active military personnel.

Another thing to consider is their payment options and what actions are taken if a payment is late or delayed. Many facilities will allow you to pay in advance for a set amount of months or arrange a payment plan for out-of-towners.

How to Prep Your Classic Car for Self-storage

There are many steps to take when storing a car, especially a vintage car. But before you store that 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback, you should speak to a mechanic who specializes in vintage car maintenance to learn how to best store your baby for the winter.

Here are a few general tips for storing a classic car at a self-storage facility:

1. Fill the gas tank and add a stabilizer to prevent rusting and damage to the fuel system.

2. Change the oil to prevent thickening of dirty oil over time.

3. Put tire jacks under the tires to prevent weight damage and flat spots.

4. Clean the car inside and out to avoid rusting and permanent paint damage.

5. Use a car cover to prevent dirt and fading.

6. Disconnect the battery to avoid acid leakage and corrosion.

Storing Your Motorcycle

Unless you live in an area with a moderate climate, you will need to store your motorcycle for the winter when the weather is not suitable for riding. To keep your bike in top shape for your first spring ride, consider these self-storage tips:

1. Perform an oil and filter change prior to self-storage.

2. Change brake and hydraulic clutch fluids and make sure your coolant is fresh as well.

3. Prepare your engine’s fuel delivery systems for inactivity; follow your manufacturer's instructions for specific details about your engine type.

4. Clean your battery leads and attach a battery tender to keep it charged and ready.

5. Wash and dry the exterior and apply wax to the paint surfaces, chrome polish to chrome surfaces.

6. Cover with a light sheet or bike cloth to keep off dust, or if storing outside use a specially designed breathable bike cover to protect from UV and weather damage.

7. Use your center stand to keep your motorcycle upright, or if you do not have a stand, prop your bike up using blocks.

8. Inflate tires to maximum pressure, if the ground is in danger of freezing try to keep the tires propped using wood blocks.

The same applies for a covered parking space, the only difference is that a covered space has an aluminum roof that will protect it from the sun. A limited number of facilities offer the ultimate in covered parking spaces. These are large, completely enclosed buildings with the parking spaces inside, they are ideal if you want to keep your boat out of the elements without having to rent a fully enclosed unit.

Fully Enclosed Storage Units.

Most facilities that have drive-up units larger than 10 x 15 will easily accommodate a boat with those dimensions. These units are like garages as you just back up your boat and trailer inside the unit, close and lock the roll up door and drive away. Make sure you measure the height, width and length of your vessel to make sure the units has enough clearance.

Rack Storage

Rack storage facilities offer long-term storage for shorter boats and small watercrafts. The boats are held on racks in a covered shed out of the water to avoid deterioration and marine life growth.

There are certain facilities that keep their racks outdoors, which allow them to discount their monthly fees. When storing your vessel on an outdoor rack, you should consider protecting it from the elements with a boat cover. If you’re looking for added protection, however, a facility that keeps its racks indoors may cost a little more, but it’s definitely the way to go.

Want to take your boat out of storage and into the water for the day? No problem! With a simple phone call in advance, a rack facility can easily accommodate your request. They’ll even return your boat to the shed after you’ve docked.

Remove items that can be damaged by extreme cold and freezing, such as batteries, fragile electronics, bottles containing liquids, etc.;

Disconnect your water heater, making sure all your water hoses and tanks are properly drained;

Run anti-freeze through the water system, opening sink valves and flushing toilets to insure anti-freeze runs freely; and

Inspect the exterior for cracks in the caulk around windows, doors and roof seams.

Clean Your RV before Storage

Remove all perishable items from inside the RV and take out bedding and other linens to be washed and stored in your home to avoid musty smells. Vacuum the carpets and furniture and clean all counter surfaces as well as inside cabinets. When disconnecting appliances, leave the doors slightly opened with a box of baking soda inside to help deter moisture buildup.

The exterior of your RV should be washed thoroughly before storage to make sure it’s clean and ready to roll come spring time. Applying cleaner and sealer to the exterior sidewalls of your tires will help reduce dry rot. Also, check for proper pressure to avoid damage from under inflated tires. Exterior stabilizer jacks and slide units should be well oiled to reduce the risk of rusting.

When Climate Control Really Matters

You should opt for a climate-controlled self-storage unit if you plan on storing any of the following items:

Electronics such as computers, televisions, stereos, fax machines and DVD players;

Clothing, especially leather and furs;

Artwork such as paintings, photographs, and film;

Documents and other paper goods;

Fabrics like textiles, rugs, and furniture;

Media including DVDs, CDs, vinyl records, eight-tracks and cassette tapes; and

Musical instruments

Protection from Extreme Temperatures

In areas that have extreme temperatures, such as long periods above 90 degrees or below 20 degrees, storage units without climate control can either bake or freeze your belongings. Older metals and plastics have a tendency to warp or crack under temperature stress, and some items like candles and vinyl records can melt under extreme heat.

Humidity is also a serious issue, especially in the southern areas of the country. Excess moisture can cause wood to rot, promote mold and mildew growth, and aid in the yellowing of documents and linens. If a self-storage facility is a properly climate-controlled, your stored items should be safe from regular climate conditions.

Even with proper climate-controlled storage, there is always the risk of natural disasters damaging the self-storage facility. To add an extra safeguard against flooding, use shelving or other large objects to keep cardboard boxes off the floor. Airtight containers will add extra protection against moisture in the event of flooding.

Safety from the Elements When Storing Outside

Most larger items such as vehicles and lawn equipment will require outside storage because of their size. When choosing an outdoor self-storage facility you should consider the additional protection they offer against the elements. Concrete slab platforms help avoid muddy conditions and tire damage and many facilities have roofs or tarp overhangs to help protect from some of the effects of sun, snow, and heavy rain.

You may need to share access codes and keys with others, and some higher security facilities will require their names and information to be on record to prevent unwanted access. If your rental agreement does not include a clause about storage sharing, you should still take steps to protect yourself. Create a written agreement with all others sharing your unit and outline the rules for access to the contents of your storage unit. Make sure you know who has keys and codes, how to handle moving of stored items, and how payment is divided.

Pest Control at Your Storage Facility

Insect and animal damage is one of the most overlooked yet most prevalent types of damage to your stored goods. Spiders are a common pest, and while they don’t pose much of a threat to your belongings, they can hide in items and be a poisonous danger when unloading. Ants can be a nuisance if they set up a colony in your boxes and then get transported to your home.

Cockroaches pose the most danger to your stored belongings as they love to eat the glue that holds together boxes and book bindings. This is why it’s common to see cockroaches in warehouses and other places where glue is used to seal paper goods together. Cockroaches can not only damage stored items, but can also be transported into your home once you bring boxes out of storage.

When deciding on a self-storage facility, ask about their methods of pest control. If you notice too many insects around the facility, you may want to choose another location. If they use chemical sprays or gasses make sure that it’s not done directly in the storage units if you are worried about the potential damage to fragile items. If that is the case, consider additional protections on linens and documents.

Proper Use of Your Self-storage Unit

Most self-storage facilities have strict rules about what purposes their units can be used for. It’s rare to find a facility that will allow for storage spaces to be used as practice areas for bands or workspace for artists. If you are looking for performance or craft space, you will need to ask up front if this is allowed before signing your rental agreement.

How a Self-storage Facility Protects Itself

A standard self-storage terms and conditions list will involve protection for the facility in the event of catastrophic events, criminal acts, and tenant damage. The self-storage facility will want to protect their property from damage by its tenants by establishing unit cleaning procedures and damage charges. Many facilities will also require you to purchase insurance on your unit to protect them from additional responsibility.

Payment of rental fees is also a large part of the self-storage terms and conditions. Your rental agreement will detail how and when payments are to be made, as well as the penalties for late or missed payments. Most importantly, you should make sure there is a clear plan for what happens to unpaid or abandoned units and their contents.

Self-storage Facility Rules&Procedures

Your self-storage agreement will also outline the facility’s rules for how to secure your unit, times of access, and security measures. There will be guidelines for what you cannot store, such as hazardous or illegal materials. The storage terms also protect the facility from responsibility for damage to your unit unless it was specifically their fault.

When it comes to the “move out” terms of your agreement, pay careful attention to specific dates or time-frames for vacating the unit. You must be mindful of the grace period for which you have to move your items out before the storage facility can take action. Most storage agreements allow the facility to dispose of the items in abandoned or unpaid units after a set amount of time.