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SELF-STORAGE FOR THE HOME OWNER
Have you run out of closet space? Are you tired of climbing in and out of the attic to retrieve
and replace those seasonal items you need? Has your car been forced out of the garage because there's
no space available for it? Has your hobbie grown too large to realistically remain at home? If any
of this sounds familiar to you, maybe it's time to make some changes! For very little cost per month
you can bring some convenience and order back into your life as well as retain those possessions that
you're not quite ready to part with.
Selecting a Storage Space
Self-Storage is a convenient, safe, and inexpensive way to store your belongings. Ask the storage consultant to help you choose a space that fits your needs because rental of a storage space is determined by the total size of the items being stored. An efficiently packed small space will cost less than a larger loosely packed space. If you frequently use the space, a larger space, well organized (racks and file boxes), may be more convenient.
Storage Space Rental Agreement
For your protection, a storage facility provides a written agreement. Read it thoroughly and ask the storage consultant to answer your questions. Make note of your payment date to see if the agreement covers prorated rental periods. Also, find out how and when your security deposit is refunded or forfeited upon termination of the agreement. If you change your address or phone number, be sure to notify the storage facility in writing.
Insure Your Goods in Storage
The goods you place in self storage space are the sole responsibility of you, their owner. Goods are not insured by the storage facility. Your storage consultant will be able to give you the names of insurers who provide low-cost insurance coverage for your goods.
Prohibited Storage Goods
Common sense and state laws determine what may be stored. You alone control access to your storage space: therefore, never store live animals, perishables, liquids, explosives, flammable liquids and fuels, toxic materials, or other items that need a controlled environment. Remember to drain the fuel from gasoline engines before storage.
SPECIFIC STORAGE TIPS
Appliances:
A refrigerator or freezer should be thoroughly dry and stored with its door slightly ajar. Some goods can be stored inside large appliances and boxes can be stacked on top of stoves, refrigerators, and freezers. Make sure that stoves and cooking equipment are cleaned before they are stored.
Bicycles and Other Metal Items:
To retard rust, wipe all metal surfaces with a rag containing a few drops of motor oil.
Books and Documents:
Pack books flat to protect their spines. Do not place boxes directly on concrete floors, but use pallets or skids to prevent moisture absorption. Use packing to fill out empty pockets in the boxes. Do not pack fragile items in the same box with books and do not overload.
Bedding, Clothing, Curtains, Drapes and Linens:
Clothing, curtains, and drapes should be stored on hangers. If hanging cartons are not available, such items should be carefully folded and stored in dresser drawers or cedar chests along with bedding and linens. Food crumbs or stains should be removed before storage and avoid storing anything that may attract pests.
Dishes and Glassware:
Place a layer of packing inside the bottom and at the top of boxes containing glassware. All glass items should be individually wrapped: next cups and bowls and stand plates, saucers, and platters on edge. Wrapped glasses should be placed near the top of cartons. Again, fill all pockets with packing. Label all boxes containing glassware, and do not place heavy items on boxes containing glassware.
Furniture:
Place a pallet, corrugated cardboard mat, or plastic sheet on the floor and stand sofas and mattresses on end. Disassemble beds and tables and wrap table legs in paper. If a table will not disassemble, place padding on the floor and place the table on its top with the legs pointing up. Use dresser tops for stacking cartons and dresser drawers for linens or small, delicate items. Keep upholstery off the floor. Most lightweight chairs can be stacked “seat to seat” or placed upside down on tables which cannot be disassembled. Finally, place a light cotton (e.g. a bedsheet) dust cover on your furniture. Our facility sells covers for your convenience.
Holiday Decorations:
Save the original cartons that contained delicate ornaments and pad the ornaments with packing paper or newspaper. Wrap strings of lights around a piece of cardboard before placing in a carton lined with packing paper.
Lamps:
Wrap large lamp bases in padding, wrap smaller lamps and place them in boxes, and pack delicate lamp shades separately. Do not use newsprint to wrap lamp shades or any other goods that may be damaged by ink stains. Do not store heavy items on cartons containing lamps or lamp shades.
Mirrors, Windows, and Screens:
These items should be stored on edge, not flat.
Records and Phonographs:
Records should be stored on edge to prevent warping. When moving a record player, the tone arm and turntable should be secured to prevent damage.
Tools:
Metal tools should be cleaned and wiped with a rage containing a few drops of motor oil to retard rust.
Long-handled tools such as rakes, shovels and hoes should be cleaned, lightly oiled and tied in bundles. Placing them inside trash containers will help save space.
HELPFUL STORAGE TIPS
Inspect Your Storage Space
The space should be clean with a door in good working order.
Determine the Packing Accessories You Need:
Paper, bubble-wrap, tape, rope, drop clothes, polyurethane sheeting, furniture covers, file boxes, and storage cartons. Some or all of these items may be for sale in the rental office.
Fill Containers to Capacity:
Partially full or bulging cartons may tip or collapse. Protect your fragile goods with packing and place them near the top of your storage space.
Label Boxes
Keep a list of labeled boxes at your home for easy reference when you need to locate your goods. Ask your storage consultant for the form to record your box numbers on.
Pack the Storage Space Carefully.
Leave air space around the perimeter to aid ventilation. Place a pallet on concrete floors and do not lean items against walls. Leave a walkway to the rear of your space for easy access. Use all the space available, including the height and place frequently used goods near the door. For more ideas, see our storage tips page.
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