SELF STORAGE TIPS

10'x20'

How much stuff can I fit in my unit?

5' x 5': A chest of drawers, several boxes and small items. 10' x 10': Furnishings from a one bedroom apartment, plus several boxes and other items.10' x 15': Furniture from a one or two bedroom apartment (or small house), with appliances. Boxes and other items10' x 20': Furnishings from a small house or two bedroom apartment with appliances or a car or pickup10' x 25': Furnishings from a two bedroom home with appliances, or a car, pickup or boat10' x 30': Furnishings up to a four bedroom home.A car or pickup. Will hold contents of a 40-ft. moving van.

Before you store

Make sure your goods are dry and clean before you put them into storage. Drain and wipe down freezers, refrigerators and washing machines. Pack your property into good quality plastic or cardboard storage boxes Fill storage boxes to capacity, using soft padding where appropriate. Partially full or bulging boxes may collapse or tip over. Pack heavier items like files and books in smaller boxes so they aren't too heavy. Label or number boxes for easy reference and keep an inventory of what you have stored. Protect fragile items with bubble wrap and avoid putting heavy items on top. Use wardrobe boxes to keep clothes in shape. Remove all perishable and inflammable items like food, aerosols, batteries and oil/petrol. Dismantle furniture where possible and detach legs from tables and beds to save space. Remember, lift heavy items correctly: bend your knees not your back.

Making the most of your space

Plan your storage. Put items you may need at the front. Remember, you can visit your storage unit as often as you want. Position boxes and items of similar size together to minimize waste of space. Leave space for access to the rear of the unit. Place dust sheets or protective covering over soft furnishings. Stand mattresses on end and avoid stacking heavy items on soft furnishings. Stack chairs seat to seat. Use dust sheets to cover your property and on the floor of the storage unit. Use furniture covers or dust sheets between surfaces to protect from scratches.