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Storage Tips

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Map & Directions

Storage Tips

Where do I start? Tips for loading your space:
 
Make a list of all supplies you will need, such as boxes, tape, wrapping paper or bubble wrap, marking pens, etc. Visit Empire Ranch Self Storage and let us give you a tour of the property. Bring a list of what you are going to store so that we can help you select the right size. You can also try using this Storage Calculator.   

A climate controlled unit - heated during the winter and cooled in the summer - is ideal if you are storing temperature-sensitive goods such as videotapes, albums, photographs, computers, electronics and precious wood furniture. 

 Things to consider:

• If possible, place pallets or shelves from a plastic shelving system on the floor, to avoid items absorbing moisture from the concrete.
• A box for everything and everything in a box is the best protection for your goods. Use uniform sizes of boxes for more stability when you stack them. Go easy on your back. Hold weight of all packing cartons under 30 pounds. Always fill the box to the top. Avoid leaving open space where items can shift. An ‘almost full’ box will quickly collapse when more boxes are stacked on top of it. 
• When packing your storage unit, create a center aisle for easy access to all items.
• Be careful when using plastic to cover your mattresses and upholstered items. The goal here is to keep the dust out but have enough air holes in the plastic so that moisture does not accumulate.
• Use a good-quality lock on your storage unit door. Cheap locks rust.

How should I store my belongings?
Furniture
Wax wood furniture before storing it. Wood is sensitive to moisture. If you stack furniture items, place pads, blankets, or towels between them to prevent scratching. Disassemble tables and chairs if possible (this will help avoid breaking the legs in transit). Wrap the legs with paper to avoid scratching. Wrap tabletops with blankets and stand on their side. Lash bed rails together with a rope. Store bed frames and rails in a back corner to prevent them from falling over on other items. Wrap mattresses with fitted mattress pads (one on each side). This will keep them clean during moving and storage. Stand mattresses and sofas (except for hide-a-beds) on end. Place your items on pallets or the shelves from an inexpensive plastic shelving unit to allow airflow. Try not to lean anything directly against a concrete wall.
 
Appliances
Clean thoroughly before storing. Drain all water and tape down all moving parts. Tape the doors shut while moving, and then wedge doors open in self storage to prevent mildew.
 
Metals
Wipe down metal objects with a rag containing machine oil to avoid rusting. Drain gas and oil from lawn mowers and other small engines.
 
Books and other valuables
Pack books in small boxes for easy lifting. It is better to use 2 smaller boxes than one heavy one. Pack books flat, to avoid damage to the spine. Store valuable papers in plastic zip-lock bags. Always put boxes on pallets or shelves, or something to keep them off the floor.
 
Rugs
Vacuum rugs, sprinkle with moth flakes, roll up, and tie with a rope.
 
Clothing
Wardrobe boxes are best for storing clothes. Place lightweight bedding such as pillows or comforters on the bottom. Wardrobe boxes also work well for lamps. Hang your clothes on the bar and put lamps on bottom, while using the clothes for protection. If storing wool items, use cedar chips or mothballs to prevent moth damage. 
 
Lamps
Pack small lamps in dresser drawers, with clothing around them for padding. You can also utilize dresser drawers to pack a few small and fragile items. Sweaters, blankets, or towels make excellent padding.
 
Computers and Electrical Equipment
If you are storing computers make a back-up or even hard copies of your important files. Removing the hard drive is also an option.
 
Mirrors and Pictures
Wrap mirrors and pictures in bubble wrap or picture pouches, then place in a box. DO NOT lay mirrors down flat in a box. Old photographs tend to curl up over time. To keep them flat, place them between two pieces of cardboard and tape them together. Do not store irreplaceable photos. Negatives take up little space. Consider keeping them with you. 

PROHIBITED STORAGE GOODS
Remember: Never store perishables, liquids, explosives, flammable liquids and fuels, aerosol, toxic materials, or other items that need a controlled environment (live plants). NEVER store food items in self storage units since this practice can attract rodents. 
 

DISCLAIMER: THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED TO HOPEFULLY HELP YOU WITH YOUR PACKING, MOVING, AND SELF STORAGE NEEDS. IT IS OFFERED “AS IS” AND NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IS OFFERED. THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE RESULTS AND PERFORMANCE OF THE TIPS ARE ASSUMED BY THE USER. NO ORAL OR WRITTEN INFORMATION OR ADVICE GIVEN BY EMPIRE RANCH SELF STORAGE, ITS AGENTS OR EMPLOYEES SHALL CREATE A WARRANTY AND YOU MAY NOT RELY ON ANY SUCH INFORMATION OR ADVICE.