Storage Tips

Storage tips to get the MOST from your space.

Where to Put Things: Put items you'll use most often near the front of your unit. Place breakable items away from the center aisle. Put televisions, VCRs, stereos and other valuables near the rear of your unit.

Furniture: Disassemble your furniture, if possible (including beds).Or store it top down on the floor, with the legs wrapped and pointing up. Cover all furniture and place on pallets. Try not to stack or lean furniture against outside walls.

Large Appliances: Clean your appliances before you store them. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors slightly open. There's also plenty of available storage space inside your large appliances.

Clothing: Wardrobe boxes keep your clothes neat and clean. Shoes can be conveniently stored on the bottom of wardrobes. Other clothes can be packed in smaller boxes or placed in dresser drawers.

Breakables: Dish-pack boxes are your best bet for delicate items such as china and glass. Wrap each item separately and be sure to pack paper in the top, bottom and empty spaces. Mirrors and pictures should be wrapped with paper pads or placed in special boxes.

Garage Items: To avoid rust on tools and bicycles, wipe on a few drops of oil before packing. Avoid storing next to furniture. Fold or remove handles of garden equipment and always drain fuel completely.

Make it EASY to move!

• Inspect your storage space. The space should be of adequate size to fit your needs.

• Determine the packing accessories you need: bubble-pack, tape, drop cloths, mattress and furniture covers and assorted size boxes from book to wardrobe size.

• Fill boxes to capacity: partially full or bulking cartons may collapse or tip.

• Heavy items like books or tools should be packed in small boxes so they are easy to lift.

• Protect your fragile goods with packing (i.e. bubble pack or other), and place them near the top of your storage space.

• Label boxes. Take home a list of labeled boxes for easy reference when you need to locate your goods.

• Pack the storage space carefully. Leave air space around the perimeter to aid ventilation.

• Do not lean items against walls. Leave a walkway to the rear of your space for easy access.

• Use all the space available, including height, and place frequently used goods near the door.