Great Packing Tips

• Please feel free to drop by and view our units!
• Check out our unit rates and sizes to determine how much space you will need
• Consider if you will need heated or nonheated storage. Ask yourself how concerned you are about your items. We recommend that pictures, photographs, art, and good furniture be stored in heated units. Tools and patio sets are okay in nonheated units year-round.
• To save money, you might consider putting some items in a small unheated unit and the remainder in a heated unit
• We sell boxes and packing supplies – please refer to our Boxes & Packing Supplies information
• If you plan to access your unit frequently, you may want to leave a corridor down the middle when storing your items

Before moving

• Pack non-essential items such as books, financial records, off-season clothing, ornaments, sports equipment and toys first to reduce stress as you near moving day.
• Purchase quality boxes designed for the items you are packing. Small boxes (2 cu. ft.) are ideal for books, CDs, magazines and other items that tend to be heavy. Mid-sized boxes (4 cu. ft.) work well for kitchenware, dishes, clothing and everyday items. Larger boxes (6 cu. ft.) are best suited for bedding, towels and other lighter items.
• Label boxes on every side for easy reference. Do not write the exact content details on each box. Instead, keep a list of each box’s contents with you. This permits you to quickly retrieve specific items when you need them.
• TIP: The heavier the item, the smaller the box. Avoid packing heavy items in a large box as it will be too heavy to lift and move.
• TIP: Fill boxes correctly. Over-filling may cause the box to rip or bulge, making stacking difficult. Under-filled boxes are likely to collapse when stacked. Use lightweight material, such as bubble wrap, to fill the empty space. Avoid using newspaper as the ink will rub off and stain your items. Instead, use wrapping paper.
• Arrange to have mail forwarded to your new address.
• Contact the electricity, gas, telephone and cable companies to inform them of your move and to establish services at your new home.
• Notify your bank, doctor and dentist of your change of address.
• Cancel delivery of bottled water, magazines and newspapers and settle any bills you may have overlooked.
• Arrange to have someone look after your children and pets on moving day.
• Calculate the value of your stored items and arrange insurance coverage.

Preparing your belongings for storage

Furniture and appliances

• Empty your appliances and clean them thoroughly. Defrost the freezer and fridge, de-grease the stove and remove any baked-on food which may attract pests.
• TIP: Keep appliance doors slightly ajar and add a box of baking soda to keep them smelling fresh.
• Drain fuel from lawn mowers and other machinery and remove batteries from battery-operated devices.
• TIP: Wipe chrome and other metal surfaces with a little machine oil to help prevent rusting.
• Disassemble bed frames, tables and shelves. Keep nuts and bolts from each item inside a well-marked plastic bag for easy re-assembly.
• Protect mattresses and sofas with furniture covers. Toss a couple of fabric softener sheets inside covers to keep items smelling fresh even after months of storage.
• Pack stereos, computers and televisions in their original boxes, if possible, or in strong boxes after individually wrapping pieces in bubble wrap. Remember to label all cords and pieces and back-up your important computer files before sealing the box.
• Clean your gardening tools (e.g. shovels, brooms, rakes and hoses) and keep them together in a clean and dry trash can. Hand-tools and smaller inventory items can be packed in sturdy plastic storage containers.

Breakables

• Wrap breakables individually in either bubble wrap or cloth. Nest cups and bowls together and stack plates vertically on their edges. Plates can also be packed in dish boxes for extra protection.
• TIP: Make sure to mark these boxes “Fragile”. Never place heavier boxes on top of them.
• TIP: Furniture with drawers can be used as storage spaces for small items such as office tools (staplers, telephones) and delicate china or silverware. Remember to wrap them in bubble wrap or towels first, for added protection.
• Wrap mirrors, pictures and paintings in ink-free paper. Never store these items flat; instead, store them vertically, just like they hang on the wall.

Linens, clothing and carpets

• Cloth items should be clean and free from soil and starch to avoid attracting pests.
• Store clothes on their hangers in wardrobe boxes. Do not enclose clothing within plastic bags.
• Carpets should be rolled right-side out (never folded) to preserve the pile.

The day before you move

• Pack all your valuables (such as jewelry and cameras) in a carry-on bag and keep it with you at all times.
• Keep all your moving documents, including important phone numbers, handy.
• Pack a few snacks and drinks to keep your energy levels up.

Loading your storage space

• Ideally, use pallets, plastic sheeting or heavy drop cloths to keep furniture and boxes off the concrete floor.
• Consider using freestanding shelving units to maximize your space.
• Stack similar-sized boxes on top of one another or place them on furniture and appliances. Don’t forget to use the space under tables.
• Save space by storing sofas on end.
• Place items you need most often at the front of the locker (in other words, load them in last).
• Leave a small aisle for accessing items at the back.
• Leave air space around the unit’s perimeter to ensure adequate ventilation.
• TIP: When lifting, always use your knees; never your back.

The day after you move

• Organize a BBQ to thank friends for helping you move. Relax, knowing your stored items are in good hands.

Prohibited items

Common sense and government laws determine what may be stored in self storage facilities. Please read the following to ensure that you, your belongings and your fellow customers are safe at all times. If you have any questions, our storage specialists will be happy to help.
As a rule, never store any of the following:

• Firearms, explosives, weapons or ammunition
• Hazardous, toxic or radioactive goods, biological agents and flammable materials and liquids. These present a serious danger to the facility, its personnel, other customers and your goods.
• Gas canisters (e.g. for barbeques or recreational vehicle use) and aerosol cans
• Pollutants, contaminated goods, asbestos or other materials of a potentially dangerous nature
• Cash or securities, coins, precious stones, jewelry, antiques or fine art unless specifically agreed with us in writing, in advance of storing such goods in the unit
• Illegal substances, illegal items or goods illegally obtained
• Birds, fish, animals or any other living creature
• Food or perishable goods. Dry foods (like rice, flour, pet food, etc.).
• Scented candles or ornaments made of edible ingredients (e.g. popcorn strings, cookie or play-dough ornaments)
• Waste or other items which do or could emit any fumes, smell or odor