1. Keep an inventory of the items you store. If you are looking for something, you won’t have to wonder whether or not it is in your storage unit.

2. Put plastic or pallets on the floor of the unit to keep your items clean and to protect them in case something leaks.

3. Put all the items you can in boxes rather than loose in the unit and use only a couple of uniform sizes of boxes when possible. This makes for better organization and a neater space.

4. Pack heavy items into smaller boxes so they won’t be as difficult to move.

5. Label the contents of your containers. You can use different colors of labels for particular rooms or to identify the belongings of different people.

6. Place the most valuable items in the back of the unit, as well as the items you’ll be less likely need first.

7. Place fragile items on shelving units or bookcases.

8. Leave aisles or walk spaces between rows of staked boxed for easy access.

9. Wrap framed art and mirrors in bubble wrap and stand them on end on a pallet.

10. Don’t store in plastic or use plastic to cover items that could be damaged by moisture condensation. You should however, use plastic bags to store items that might leak.

11. Wardrobe and mattress boxes protect your investment in your clothing and furniture.

12. If you stack furniture, be sure to put some type of padding between items to avoid scratches.

13. Disassemble any items you can for more efficient use of space and easier moving. Store screws and bolts in zip-lock bags and tape them to the item.

14. Stand mattresses and sofas on end with pallets or plastic under them.

15. If possible, use the original boxes to store electronic equipment.

16. Purchase boxes with dividers to store glassware and china, and put packing material on the bottom and top of boxes. Wrap each item individually with paper or foam. Place these fragile boxes on top of other boxes or on a shelf.

17. Wedge open the doors of appliances to prevent mildew. You can store lighter items such as linens inside.

18. Humidity can cause furniture to warp and appliances to mildew. Leave a space between your items and the unit wall to allow for air circulation. To guard against condensation damage use fabric rather than

plastic to cover large items. If your unit is not climate-controlled, don’t store items that can be damaged by melting or freezing. Avoid storing food items in boxes or other containers that rodents or insects can get into.

19. Use oil or rust protector on metal items to prevent them from rusting.

20. CAUTION: Never store fuel or any flammable substance or hazardous materials. (This is against the LAW) Drain fuel from lawn equipment before storing.

21. Buy insurance. It is worth the small price for added peace of mind.

22. Use Disc locks, they are much harder to cut or break