STORAGE TIPS

Access Self Storage suggest the following tips to make the moving and storage of goods that much easier.

 

Choosing Your Unit

	Contact Access  Self Storage to find out what size units are available and vacancy information.
	Choose the unit size that best meets your needs.
	Meet with staff and discuss the price, deposit and rental agreement.
	Retain a copy of the contract, contact information, as well as the hours of operation for the facility.
	Inspect the unit that you will be renting. It will be clean, well maintained and secure.

Planning

	Make a list of all items you plan to store.
	Purchase a lock.
	Gather boxes and packaging supplies.  Remember that you may need large boxes for lamps and other decorations, plastic sheets for covering furniture, china cartons for dishes and bubble wrap/fill paper for packing valuables.
	Call the manager of the storage facility if assistance is required.
	Make arrangements for transporting your items to the storage facility.

Packing

	Use only sturdy boxes and containers for storing your items.
	Label all containers and boxes.
	Fill containers to capacity and fill in space with packing material.
	Pack heavier items in small boxes.
	Secure mirrors, paintings and pictures in mirror boxes and pack them on edge.
	Disassemble lamps, tables, barstools and other furnishings as applicable. Wrap pieces individually and store securely in boxes.
	Wrap wooden table legs and chairs to avoid scratches.
	Cover sofas with plastic wrap or sheets so that they do not gather dust, and stack them on end.
	Cover dressers with sheets or plastic wrap so you can stack boxes on top.
	Fill drawers and appliances with small items to conserve space.
	Pack books flat and avoid placing them directly on the unit floor.
	Wrap dishes and other breakables individually, layering padding at the top and bottom of the box.
	Clothing is best stored clean and in hanging cartons. These are available through Primo Self Storage.
	Make up an inventory of your stored items and keep it in a safe place at home or in a safe deposit box
	Furniture with drawers can be utilized as storage places for pictures, knick-knacks, china, silverware, small items, etc. Wrap them in tablecloths, towels and blankets to prevent breakage

Storing

	Place items in the order that you will need to access them---those that will be readily used should be placed in the front of the storage unit.
	Place your storage items on 2x4 boards or on pallets
	Before moving in pieces of large furniture, cover the ground with blankets or sheets.
	Do not lean furniture against outside walls.
	Place tabletops on edge (remember to lay the blanket or sheet on the ground to avoid scratching).
	Leave appliance doors cracked open so that moisture does not build within.
	Do not store food—this will attract mice and other pests.
	Arrange boxes so that the labels are facing out and easily read.
	Stack boxes in a manageable manner. Put large, heavy boxes on the bottom.
	Leave a walkway so that you can access your items as needed.

Removing

	Give the Access Self Storage proper notice of your intent to move out. Refer to your contract for specific guidelines.
	Remove the top boxes first. Careful--boxed items may have shifted after a prolonged period of time.
	Remove all of your belongings.
	Sweep out the unit and dispose of any trash.
	Have the manager do a walk through inspection to insure that there is no dispute over damages.
	Secure the unit. Make sure the door is completely shut.
	Take your lock with you.