Storage Tips

• Dry everything to the best of your ability. Clothing or furniture left damp may attract mold and start to rot. Moisture left on some items may migrate to others items when packed tightly and ruin them. Make sure to clean everything you store as well. Food crumbs left in furniture could attract pests.
• Thoroughly clean, disinfect and dry refrigerators, freezers, stoves and other appliances. Appliances with doors can be stored with the door slightly open, and some can be stacked on top of each other.
• Be sure to clean and dry all electrical equipment before storing in your unit.
• Retard rust by wiping down all types of metal surfaces before storing. Use a few drops of machine oil to lightly coat these items for preventing rust and possible deterioration in the storage unit.
• Make sure all drapes, curtains, linens and clothing items are washed and dry, or dry cleaned to avoid attracting pests.

• Avoid pushing furniture right up against walls, try to leave 2 inches from the walls for air circulation. Leave room for airflow in between your stacks of boxes as well.

• Disassemble furniture and place pieces on a corrugated cardboard mat or plastic sheet before placing on a pallet.
• Place your items on clean, dry pallets. The pallet promotes air-flow under your items.
• Wrap lamp bases in padding and store the lamp shade and base separately.

• Determine whether the goods you are storing will be better protected by placing them in boxes, totes, or other containers. You may need to purchase specialized boxes and other packing supplies to protect your items during the move and while they are stowed away.
• Make sure to use breathable, aid free boxes when storing. If storing clothing, you may want to choose airtight plastic boxes to aid in preventing moisture.

• Use protective overs on couches, mattresses, etc. to ensure they stay in good condition during the moving process and while in storage.
• Cover computer screens and large televisions screens with dust covers and wrap in bubble wrap if you are storing these items next to furniture and other equipment.
• Stack lightweight chairs “seat to seat”, but avoid stacking other types of furniture on top of each other. Cover all upholstery with light cotton dust covers.

• Pack all books, files, and documents flat, and use bubble wrap or newspaper to fill any empty spaces in the boxes or totes.
• Use bubble wrap and other packing materials when storing dishes and glassware. Pack similar items in the same box and fill empty spaces with packing peanuts, bubble wrap or newspaper.
• Holiday decorations can be stored in their original cartons. Wrap glass ornaments and other delicate items in bubble wrap or newspaper before storing in boxes or totes.
• Store clothing on hangers before folding them into cartons.
• CDs, tapes, records and other music items can be stored in boxes or airtight cartons to prevent damage.

• To make move out easier, make sure all boxes are clearly labeled on all sides and top so they are easily identified.

• In order to be able to access everything in your unit, leave a center aisle open to get to your items in the back.

PROHIBITED STORAGE GOODS

• Live animals
• Perishables
• Liquids
• Explosives
• Flammable liquids and fuels
• Toxic materials
• Any items that need to be in a controlled environment