Self-Storage and Moving Tips &
Tricks
Here are some helpful suggestions to keep your
valuables and keepsakes safe during moving or
storing. Should you require more information or
useful suggestions, please
Contact Us.
1. If you plan to use your space frequently,
do not "over-pack" as it can make it more
difficult to access or find things. Plan ahead and
decide your main storage needs. Often a larger
space may be much more convenient that a smaller
one packed to capacity. 2. Upon booking
your storage space with us, we provide you with a
written agreement. This is done for your
protection. Please read it thoroughly and be sure
to ask any questions that you may have. Please
make note of your payment date. You will also be
asked to provide us with a phone number and an
address for contact purposes. Please notify us in
writing if any changes are made.
3. Plan ahead. Any items that will be
accessed frequently should be placed in the front
of your storage area. Allow for walkways.
4. Completely fill each box, always placing
the heavier items on the bottom and the lighter
items on the top.
5. Try to keep uniform box sizes as they are
much easier to stack this way.
6. Be sure to read your contract regarding
what items are prohibited from being stored in our
facility. There are certain items that are
prohibited in any storage facilities. Common sense
and provincial laws determine what may be stored.
7. Label all boxes for easy identification.
8. Leave a small space between the wall and
you items to allow for ventilation.
9. Pack your boxes and other items as close
together as possible to avoid moisture
accumulating between them.
10. Always use a high quality lock, preferably a
disc lock for your unit. They are much harder to
break or cut ensuring the safety of your items as
much as possible.
11. Always keep an inventory list of your stored
items and keep it in a safe place such as a safety
deposit box.
12. List the contents of your boxes on all 4 sides
and be sure to seal the completely using masking
tape or glued paper tape.
13. Dishes and glasses should always be packed
using packing paper and placed in dish pack boxes.
We do supply these boxes should you require them.
All glass items should be individually wrapped to
protect them from breakage. Nest cups and bowls.
Stand all plates, platters, etc. on edge. Wrapped
glasses should be placed near or at the top of
boxes. Be sure to fill all pockets with packing
material. Label all boxes containing glassware and
be sure to stack these boxes on the top.
14. Concrete floors in any storage facility may
become cold and damp. For this reason, always
place your storage items on 2" x 4" boards or
pallets to guard against damage due to dampness.
15. Clothing, curtains and other fabrics in
storage should be stored on hangers. If hanging
cartons are not available, such items should
carefully folded and stored in dresser drawers or
cedar lined chests with other blankets and linens.
Food crumbs and stains should be removed before
storing such items to avoid anything that may
attract pests. Should you require wardrobe boxes,
we do carry these in stock.
16. Pictures and mirrors should be wrapped in
mirror crates, marked 'fragile' and stacked on
end.
17. Furniture with drawers can be utilized as
storage places for such things as knickknacks,
china, silverware and small items. Wrap in
tablecloths, towels, blankets or linens to prevent
breakage. Tie or tape drawers to prevent them from
falling out.
18. A refrigerator or freezer should be thoroughly
dried and stored with it's doors slightly ajar.
Larger appliances also make excellent packing
cases for blankets, towels, linens and clothing.
Make sure that stoves and cooking equipment are
cleaned before they are stored. Garden equipment
such as hoses, hoes and rakes can be stored
together in empty trash cans. Stack additional
cans inside one another.
19. Bicycles and other metal items may rust after
time if they are not properly protected. To
prevent rusting, wipe down all metal surfaces
using a rag containing a few drops of machine oil.
20. Books should be packed lying flat to protect
their spines. Do not place boxes containing such
items directly on the floor, rather on skids or 2"
x 4" boards to protect them from moisture. Use
packing materials to fill the pockets. Do not
overload the boxes. Do not pack fragile items in
the same box as books.
21. Items such as tables that have removable parts
such as legs should be taken apart to save space.
22. Sofas and loves seats can be stored on end to
save floor space. Be sure to cover these items in
plastic, and place a waterproof cover on the end
on the floor. Not a bad idea to also place these
items on a skid or pallet either. Cushions should
be wrapped in plastic and placed on top.
23. Cover stuffed furniture with dust covers.
24. If you stand mattresses on end, be sure to
"prop" them up to prevent them from falling over
and damaging other items close by. |