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.