Helpful Storage Tips

Pick the right box.  Smaller boxes for heavier items: books, dishes etc...  Larger boxes for lighter items: towels, linen, bedding, etc...  Pack boxes so they are comfortable for you to lift.   Fragile items should be individually wrapped to protect them from breakage.   Clothing items are best stored in a wardrobe box.  Putting a dryer sheet in the box with clothes will help keep them fresher smelling.  This also works for shoes.  Make sure that when packing boxes that they aren't overfilled and bulging or partially filled.  This will help you maximize each box and the storage space.

While garbage bags are a quick fix, they tear easily and don't allow for airflow.  This can result in mildew.   Use packing tape to close boxes.  This will help maintain the box structure and protect your items.  

Label all boxes, preferable on more than one side.  This will allow you to find items quickly. 

If storing equipment that won't be in use for a while, it is best to drain fuel tanks of lawn mowers, leaf blowers, weed whackers etc...  This helps to prevent other items in the unit from adopting the fuel odor and to prevent damage from possible leaks.

Pack the unit back to front, leaving a walkway to access the back in the future.  Using wood slats or pallets on the ground when stacking boxes will allow for better airflow in the unit to help prevent mildew.  Pack items that are least used towards the back of the unit and more frequently used items towards the front.

Once your items are packed, measure out floor space needed by using tape on the floor of your apartment or home.  This will give you an rough idea of what size you need.  Remember that you have vertical space in the unit to stack items.

If you are storing a vehicle, trailer and boat, or an RV, be sure to measure length, width, and height, including trailer.  Doors on units are usually smaller than the actual unit measurements.  Make sure you know the door size.  Our door sizes are listed on our Home Page.