Midtown Storage

Storage Tips

Make a List

When trying to figure out what size unit you will need start by making a list of items you are needing to store. This list can also be used later to help you locate where an item is within your unit later.



Have Plenty of Supplies

Make sure you have the right boxes for the items you are storing.  Utilize wardrobe boxes for the winter clothing you are clearing out of your closet for the summer.  Remember the integrity of your box will depend on what you have in the box, fill empty space within your boxes with packing paper.



Pallets, Pallets, Pallets 

Keeping your items off the floor is almost essential. It might sound silly, but before renting your unit, there's no way to promise that the melting snow won't come under the door, or the adjacent unit won't have a spill that soaks its way into your heirloom sofa. 

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Strategize Box Use

Bust Out Your Tetris Skills!  Even the smallest storage unit can hold a great deal, just make sure you use the space wisely which means packing things all the way to the ceiling. Bringing in plywood to lay across several boxes can help stabilize layers as your stacking it up, up and up! It will take the pressure off the tops of your boxes and help keep things safe.



Label, Label, Label

Even though you know exactly what you're putting in your storage unit at the time you open it, that doesn't mean in 6 months when you need back in it that you won't be digging for ages and opening random boxes until you find what you're after. Label everything. The hidden, the obvious, and you can even go as far as to make a checklist that hangs inside the door telling you where something might be (back right corner under the desk = cameras to sell on eBay). 

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Wrap What You Can

Each time we use a storage unit, we wrap what we can in industrial plastic wrap. That way, we know that things are sealed up tight and it won't collect dust or creepy crawlies while it's doing time. 

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Use A Hefty Small Lock

 Find an all-weather pad lock that has a short arm to ensure a bolt cutter can't slide it's way in to be sliced open!  We sell these types of locks in our office - get yours today.

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Plan For Temperature Changes

Although this might not be an issue in some parts of the country (it is in Alaska), there are a few things that don't like the cold or the heat and should either be double wrapped or well insulated or not stored at all. Electronics, vinyl records, old photos (if humid), things of that nature all come out a little less awesome when not stored properly. 

 

Protect The Space

While you're concerned about protecting what you put in the unit, protecting the unit itself is also important — there can be heavy fines for scarring the unit during your tenancy. If you rent one to use for, say, your freelance furniture flipping or restoration business, make sure to plastic off the walls and floors to catch glue drips and sprays (not that we've ever accidentally spray painted the inside wall pink before.... oops).

 

SAFE STORAGE TIPS - SOME CONTENTS NOT SUITABLE FOR STORAGE UNITS

When making business or personal storage plans, consider that all storage facilities have restrictions on what they will allow you to store. This is for your own protection as well as that of the facility staff and other self-storage customers. As a general rule, any item or material that is considered "inherently dangerous" will not be allowed inside your storage rental. If you're not sure if an item is allowed, ask our staff before you move into your storage unit.