Storage Tips

Barnes Self Storage hopes that these packing and storing tips will be very helpful for you. The more you understand how to properly pack and load your storage unit, the better protected your furniture and belongings will be. Self-storage units don’t have to be a space you visit once or twice a year to dig something out of a stack of boxes. They can be highly organized, easily accessible spaces that free up necessary space in your home or office. To get the most out of them, though, it is best to plan ahead before you start packing your items and loading up the truck.

Helpful tips for packing and storing

 
 
  • Many current homeowner and business insurance policies already provide self-storage insurance, but you’ll want to verify that items in your storage unit are properly insured.
  • Make a diagram that shows where you have stored your items and put this in an easy to access area at the front of your unit for future reference
  • Leave small walkways between the boxes and furniture in your storage unit so you can easily get to your items without needing to rearrange anything.
  • If you’re storing a refrigerator or freezer leave the door ajar to prevent mold from growing inside.
  • Place fabric covers over furniture to protect upholstery from dust.
  • Maximize the use of your space by stacking boxes. Be certain to place larger and heavier boxes nearer the bottom and lighter, more delicate boxes towards the top in order to prevent damage to fragile items and keep boxes from falling.
  • Select medium, uniform-sized boxes that are easy to handle, sturdy and easy to stack.
  • Use wadded up newspaper, bubble wrap, rags, or towels to fill empty spaces in boxes to prevent boxes from collapsing onto your items.
  • Do not over pack boxes as they can become too heavy and cause potential harm to you and your items
  • Utilize all available space including drawers and appliances by placing smaller items inside them.
  • Disassemble all large items such as bed frames, shelving units, and other furniture. Place all necessary screws and parts in a sealable bag and tape it to the item for future reassembly.
  • Cover exposed wood and plastic surfaces with padding or bubble wrap to prevent scratching.
  • Label boxes on all sides for easy identification
  • Put frequently accessed items at the front of the unit
  • Under no circumstances should you store anything flammable or combustible in your unit. This includes gasoline, oil, cleaning fluids or paint thinner. If you’re storing any machinery that runs on gas, remember to drain the tank before you store it.
  • Common sense and state laws determine what may be stored. You alone control access to your storage space;therefore, never store live animals, perishables, explosives, flammable liquids and fuels, toxic materials, or other items that need a controlled environment.