Self Storage Tips

Storage Tips

No matter what you have to store, we have everything you need to pack it first.

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Each of our facilities carries everything you'll need for packing, moving and storing your belongings. All items can be purchased at any Guardian Self Storage locations regardless of whether you store with us or not.

Here are some valuable tips to help you to get the most out of your storage unit:

• Leave a Walkway to the Rear of the Unit - this provides better accessibility to all of your items.
• Disassemble items such as bed frames to maximize space.
• Place frequently used items near the door.
• Fill containers to capacity-partially full or bulging cartons may tip or collapse.
• Store couches (except sofa beds) on end to maximize space.
• Place fragile items near the top of the unit to prevent crushing.
• Label your cartons and take home a list of the labeled cartons for easy reference. (Labels are available in our office).
• Take full advantage of your space-use the full height if possible. Shelving helps organize your space.
• Add bay leaves to boxes when packing goods to ward off most insects and household pests.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors slightly ajar and clean before storing. Use the space inside for extra storage of other kitchen items.
• Wrap mirrors and pictures with paper pads or use mirror boxes. Never store flat.

Packing Tips

Here are some general packing tips that can help you to save time and valuables during the packing process:

• Use strong boxes and containers that can be stacked.
• Fill boxes completely, to keep them from collapsing and damaging belongings.
• Pack books and heavy items in small boxes for easier lifting.
• Put the heavy boxes on the bottom and the light ones on top.
• Purchase special boxes for dishes and fragile items.
• Label each box on several sides and indicate if it is fragile and what room it should go in.
• Disassemble furniture for easier moving and storage.
• Stand sofas on end, if possible.
• Take advantage of the tops of dressers and the like to stack boxes and other items.
• Stand mattresses on end and break down bed frames.
• All stored items should be clean of food stains and particles.
• Save money and room by using towels and blankets to wrap fragile items.
• Use wardrobe boxes to hang clothing; remember to fill the bottom of the wardrobe box with shoes, pillows, or other light items • Protect furniture with shrink-wrap and blankets or pads to avoid damage.

Mobile Storage Packing Guidelines

Here are some general Mobile Storage unit packing tips that can help you to save time and valuables during the mobile storage packing process:

WARNING:
Do not store combustibles! Do not store items such as propane tanks, old paint, cleaning fluids, gasoline or other things which might create or intensify a fire. If you're storing any machinery that runs on gas, drain the tank before you store it. Why risk your possessions?

• Do not load more than 2,000 lbs. in one Mobile Storage unit.
• Distribute weight evenly; do not load all items on one side of the Mobile Storage box. Put extremely heavy items in the middle of the Mobile Storage box.
• Pack your belongings tightly to avoid shifting of contents during transport.
• Use the lock provided by Guardian Storage to secure the Mobile Storage box when unattended.
• Pack your boxes full. Put the largest on the floor with the smaller ones stacked on top.
• Anything that can be taken apart will be easier to store and move.
• Stand sofas on end, if possible, and take advantage of the tops of dressers and the like to stack boxes and other items. Also, stand mattresses on end and break down bed frames.
• All stored items should be clean of food stains and particles.
• Pack stereos, cameras and other high-value items in unmarked boxes.

Other Handy Packing Tips

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when packing the times you'll be storing with us:

• Appliances - Make sure all refrigerators and freezers are thoroughly dry. Store them with the door ajar so air can circulate inside. Be sure the doors on other types of appliances are securely shut, and always clean your stove before moving.
• Bedding and Linens - Use your dresser drawers when possible to store blankets, pillows, sheets and the like.
• Books - Books are heavy, so be sure you pack them in small boxes.
• Chairs - Invert light chairs so they are "seat-to-seat." There usually is space between the legs for small, lightweight items.
• Chest of Drawers - Take advantage of drawers for packing many light household items such as photos and clocks. If the items are fragile, be sure to use towels or other padding to protect them from breakage.
• China and Glassware - Plates should be wrapped individually and stacked on edge, rather than flat. Always make sure you have plenty of cushioning below and above all your glassware. Glasses should also be wrapped individually with cushioning and put on the top layers of any of these boxes with more cushioning above them. Make sure your boxes are firmly packed so they will not be crushed.
• Clothing - It's best to hang clothing whenever possible. Use the free clothes rods in the climate-controlled storage building or use the wardrobe-type of packing carton when possible. We also have clothes rods for the Mobile Storage boxes.
• Drapes - Fold your drapes carefully and pack them in dresser drawers, if possible. Once in storage, it's best if you can hang them on hangers or use The Hide-Away's free clothes rods.
• Fragile Items - Many small fragile items can be stored safely in your dresser drawers surrounded by blankets and pillows.
• Lamp Shades - Use clean white tissue paper to wrap each lamp shade individually. Often you can "nest" several lamp shades together. Use a special box for all of these shades, rather than packing them with other items
• Mattresses - Use special mattress bags or even old mattress covers to keep them clean during moving and storage.
• Mirrors - Always stand mirrors on edge. It's best if you can crate them, or at least pack them individually with strong cardboard and mark them so they won't accidentally be bumped.
• Tables - Take the legs off tables when possible and wrap the legs separately. This prevents possible damage and also saves space. Tape the hardware to the underside of the table, so you will not misplace it.
• Tools - Don't put too many heavy tools in one box, since it may be heavier than you expected. It's a good idea to wipe your tools with a slightly oily rag to prevent rusting if you are storing your belongings in non-climate controlled storage. Long handled rakes, hoes and shovels should be cleaned, oiled and tied together.

Get More When You Store!^®

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