INSIDE STORAGE TIPS:

• Preparing:  Organizing and efficiently packing your items will take time and concentration. However, the up-front effort will be well worth it when you’re able to easily unload and organize your items at the storage unit.

• Make an inventory list: To help remember where your items are located, create a labeling system labeling each box individually and then make a list that correspond to each box.  Ideally, include an estimate of the replacement value of each item you store. Consider taking pictures of valuable items. These steps will help you make accurate insurance claims in case of unforeseen damage or loss.

• Invest in supplies:  Invest in good quality, sturdy boxes and packing materials. Boxes should be sturdy enough to hold up for years under the weight of the stack. You may be tempted to get boxes for free from supermarkets and liquor stores; however, the mismatched shapes and sizes will impede your ability to organize most effectively. You can buy standard-sized boxes and specialty boxes for items such as TVs, videotapes and pictures.  For wrapping breakables, paper will do, but bubble wrap can be used repeatedly, is cleaner, and because it is transparent, makes identifying contents easier.  Wrap mirrors and pictures in protective covering such as bubble wrap and mark them as “Fragile.” Cardboard corners can be purchased to protect the sharpest, weakest areas of frames.  If you're storing upholstered products such as mattresses and sofas, consider investing in covers, bags or sheeting for additional protection.  Vacuum-sealed bags work really well for draperies, bedding, and clothing.

• Use drawers as storage:  Empty drawers are wasted space!  Fill them up with clothing or other small items to maximize space.  You can remove the drawers while moving to lighten the load, then place them back into the furniture to maximize space.

• Most frequently used items:  If you think you’ll be grabbing certain items out of your unit, set these aside while moving.   Pack them into your unit last, placing them in the front of the unit.  You will avoid having to crawl through your unit trying to find a specific item.

• Elevate your items:  Wood, clothing, cardboard, pressed-board all soak up moisture.  Concrete “sweats” with temperature changes causing moisture that these items can soak up, so to protect your items get them off the floor.  Use a protection barrier such as blocks, pallets, plastic bins, shelving, etc. to elevate them and get them off the concrete.

• Valuable items to the back:  For security purposes, place the most valuable items at the back of your storage unit.

• Stacking boxes:  When stacking boxes, keep the heavier ones at the bottom.  This will help avoid crushing and damaging other boxes.

• Appliance storage:  Large appliance must be prepared correctly for proper storage.  Defrost refrigerators and freezers thoroughly to avoid water damage and mildew growth. When storing an oven as well as a refrigerator, enclose the exposed back area of the appliances to prevent vermin.  Tie down the appliance doors during transport, but leave them slightly ajar once in storage.  Drain washing machines, and tie down hoses and cords before storing them.  It’s a good idea to wipe down the inside of appliances with baking soda before you store them to keep them dry.

• No perishables:  Do not store perishables, such as food.  It may attract unwanted visitors.

• No flammables or combustibles:  Do not store flammable or combustibles such as gasoline, diesel, kerosene or paint cleaners.  Also, no fireworks.

• Make an “X”:  Making an X over glass surfaces with tape will help avoid shattering.  You should always wrap fragile items in bubble wrap for an extra layer of protection.  If the glass or mirror does shatter, the tape will keep the mess contained, and will protect the frame in case you want to replace the mirror.

• Box packing:  Use quality boxes and always pack them completely, so they don’t collapse when stacked.  But don’t over pack boxes making them hard to life and carry.  It is much better to add an extra box than to risk over packing one and have the bottom give out.

• Blankets as buffers:  Before stacking things on top of each other (especially wooden items), place a blanket down to keep them safe from any scratches.

• Store vertically when possible:  Store large items like sofas, appliances and mattresses on their end to maximize space in your unit.   If possible, take legs off of tables to make more room.  Anything that comes apart is easier to store and takes less space.

• Cover items:  Cover furniture and appliances with a dust cover or sheet or plastic.

• Use a high quality lock:  For security purposes, use a top grade lock.  A round “discus” style lock is recommended.

• Visit your unit often:  To assure your items are safe and in good condition, check your unit and its contents periodically.

OUTSIDE STORAGE TIPS:

• Protect your vehicle(s):  Winterizing is crucial to protect your vehicle.  Not only your cars, but your boats and RV’s need to be properly winterized to maintain their condition.  Whether you’re using interior, covered or uncovered storage, drain fluids, remove batteries, and clean thoroughly.

• Stay within the lines: Make sure your stored item(s) are within your reserved space.  Make sure your stored item(s) are centered in the reserved space so that there is the same amount of vacant space on each side of your unit and not on the unit line.

• All the way in:  Make sure that you back/pull all the way in the unit.  The rule of thumb that is helpful is try to be one foot away from the fence line or unit sign.  Make sure what you are storing in your unit does not protrude past the yellow marking stripes and encumber the roadway for others’ travel.

• Clean around your unit:  Please pick up any loose items in your unit and either put them inside the stored vehicle or secure them so they do not blow into any neighbor’s unit.  Loose items may be considered as trash by All Secure staff and, thereby, be picked up and thrown away so your help in placing within your stored vehicle would be appreciate. 

• Take caution:  Please take precaution pulling/backing in & out of your unit so no accidents occur with neighboring units.  If an incursion takes place, report it to All Secure storage at 319.377.6357 or office@allsecuremarion.com.

 WINTERIZING TIPS:

• Clean it up:  Think about cleaning items before you put them away for winter.  That goes for clothing as well as machinery like lawn mowers and trimmers.  You’ll be glad you did when you pull everything out in the spring.  This also prevents cross-contamination.  You wouldn’t want something getting permanently ruined by grease because it sat on a dirty mower for months.

• Plastic’s not always best:  Plastic storage containers are common, but for some items putting them away in plastic increases the chance they will be damaged due to trapped water and moisture.  Consider using moving blankets made of cotton or wool to cover some items if your concerned about them being ruined.

• Check containers:  If your storage containers are damaged or cracking, low temperatures can cause further deterioration.  Replace them.

• Wrap our belongings:  You cant add insulation to your storage unit, but you can protect your belongings from the cold by wrapping them securely in paper or fabric.

• Dry your summer items:  Be sure your summer items are completely dry prior to storing them.  Pool toys and rafts should be completely drained and dry.  Patio cushions should be clean and wrapped in sheets to maintain their condition, and patio furniture should be cleaned and thoroughly dried.

• Sweep you unit:  Give your unit a quick sweep and dusting if necessary.  This is important along with cleaning the door track to assure proper operations making it easier to close.

• Prep your machinery:  Anything you’re storing that runs on a gasoline or diesel fueled motor needs special attention.  Empty the fuel tanks, remove the batteries and drain any fluids.  Finally, cover your vehicle with a protective tarp or cover.

• Check for water:  While you’re moving items in and out of the unit, do a quick interior and exterior check for water leaks.

• Use a weatherproof lock:  Make certain to use a weatherproof lock.  All locks are not the same.  In extreme conditions some locks can freeze, not only causing a major inconvenience but compromising the security of the lock.