Moving & Storage Tips

During our many years of operation we’ve gathered together bits of information that may help save you time, protect your stored property and make your storage experience a pleasant one.

While the monthly storage rent is an important factor when choosing a storage facility, there are other considerations that can enhance your storage experience and can be of real value for you.

Things to consider:

1. Customer Service

Look for superior customer service. Management and staff who are willing to “go the extra mile” to assist you can help make your storage experience easier and more pleasant.



2. Reputation in Community / Better Business Bureau Rating

Talk with friends, neighbors, and co-workers to see if they’ve heard of the facility. Check the Better Business Bureau for complaints.



3. Hours of Operation

Consider choosing a facility that will meet your access needs but that will also maintain a level of control.



4. Clean – Well Maintained Facility

This shows management and staff care about the quality of their work and are looking to protect not only the company’s assets but yours as well.

Make sure the facility has well lit hallways and common areas.




5. Wide Aisles For Easy Access

Facilities with wide aisles allow easy access for moving trucks.



6. Wide Doorways

This allows easier, safer access for moving your furniture in and out of the storage unit.



7. Paved Driveways

Cleaner, less dust that non-paved.



8. Alarms

Make sure there is a perimeter or facility alarm, or individual door alarms.



9. Cameras

Cameras assist management and staff in monitoring the facility.



10. Restrooms

Be sure to check out the restrooms. Having access to clean, well maintained restrooms is an important feature of your storage facility.



11. Insurance

While most facilities do not sell insurance they usually make applications available to purchase insurance from other companies. If your personal insurance company does not extend insurance to your stored property we recommend you purchase insurance to cover your needs while storing.



12. On site managers

Storage Tips

1. Use a heavy, secure lock (we recommend our high security disc lock)

2. Put small items such as computer, T.V., Etc in back of the storage unit, and larger items in front (Sofa, fridge, washer & dryer).

3. Put furniture, boxes, etc. on pallets to protect against the changing temperature of a concrete floor.

4. As a precaution, use rodent bait, such as De-Con in a corner or two, or in the front and back of the unit.

5. Do not store perishable items (flour, potatoes, wheat, etc.).

6. Cover furniture and valuables with plastic to protect against dust and condensation.

7. Sofas and love seats can be stored on end to save floor space.

8. If you have stored electronic equipment such as a radio, T.V., computer, etc., let the equipment get to room temperature before plugging into a power outlet after you have vacated the storage unit.

9. Be sure to move the hasp on the storage unit all the way over so that both holes are lined up and lock it up.

10. Keep the office informed of your current address and telephone number.

How to Choose the Right Size Storage Unit

1. Rule of Thumb:
   The size of the unit depends on how often you will need access.
   
   
2. If you are going to store your property and not use the storage unit for months at a time, you may consider a smaller size unit and pack your property tightly inside.
   
   
3. If however, you’ll need to get into your storage on a fairly frequent basis, it might be wise to rent a slightly larger space. This will allow you more room to access the items in storage.
   
   
4. Please refer to our storage calculator to help you estimate what size you may need.
   

For an Easy Move Start At Home

Being prepared makes the storage job a whole lot easier. Here are some things to consider that may help smooth out the move.

Stay organized by:

• Using the same size containers or boxes.
• Use strong tape on the bottom – several layers for added strength.
• Stacking heavy items on the bottom, light on the top.
• Labeling your containers or boxes on the front, side, and top with contents
• Color coding the boxes to match the room they should go into when it time to move them back into the house.
• Printing the labels in large print – easy to see from a distance.
• Using unprinted newsprint to wrap glassware and dishes and other breakables.
• Using a hand truck to move more than one box at a time.
• Using a wardrobe box to move clothing. Wardrobe boxes are easily moved using a hand truck. For dual use try placing shoes in the bottom of the wardrobe box.