Storage Tips

At 495 Self Storage, we want to make your storage experience a pleasant one. We can assist you in selecting the perfect sized storage unit to meet your needs and and help you to maximize your storage space efficiency.

Boxes and Packing:

• Use high quality boxes designed especially for moving and storage. If you buy boxes of similar sizes it will be easier to stack them securely and will save you space.
• Label all boxes clearly, and on more than one side, so you can easily identify the contents. 
• Make an inventory of what you've packed and where as you go along so you can easily find an item later.  It's a good idea to estimate the item's replacement value on the inventory to help with accurate insurance policies. Make a copy of the inventory to keep in your storage unit and keep the original inventory in a safe place at home or in a safe deposit box.
• Pack books and heavy objects in smaller boxes for easier lifting. Pack books flat to avoid damaging their spines.  Don't fill large boxes with heavy items or they'll quickly become impossible to carry and may break. If you do pack heavy items in a large box put in just a few at the bottom and then fill the box up with lighter items.
• Use wardrobe or clothes boxes to store clothes. Hanging your clothes in wardrobe boxes will keep them in better shape and condition.  Sealed plastic bags or bin liners are not recommended as moisture can get trapped inside when they're sealed and cause your clothes to mold or mildew.
• Fill boxes completely wherever possible to avoid breakages and prevent collapsing when stacked. Stuff open spaces with newsprint or towels or special packing material to fill spaces if necessary. If you are stacking boxes on top of each other, the lower levels need to be sturdy enough to take the strain. Boxes that are only partly filled may tip over or collapse. Seal boxes completely with packing tape to keep out dust.  Stack boxes and similarly sized items together to save space. Stack lighter boxes on top.

Fragile and Breakable items:

• Wrap all fragile items and breakables such as dishes, glasses, ornaments etc separately using bubble wrap and/or packing paper.  Pack them tightly into strong boxes, filling any gaps with paper or filler.  For crystal, china, and fine glassware, consider buying boxes designed for them  with dividers. Avoid putting heavy items or boxes on top of fragile ones.
• Mark any boxes containing breakable items 'FRAGILE'. 
• Use furniture drawers or the insides of large kitchen appliances as boxes for delicate items and specially wrap and label them as "FRAGILE".
• Wrap mirrors and pictures in a protective covering such as bubble wrap and stack them on their ends. Mirrors and pictures should never be stored flat. Mark them as 'Fragile'. 
• Separate lamp bases and lampshades and wrap them for protection.
• It is not recommended that you store loose photographs as they may curl or suffer temperature damage.

Furniture and Appliances:

• Store furniture carefully on boards or pallets.  Covers, bags or sheeting will give additional protection to upholstered products such as mattresses and sofas.  If you are stacking furniture, place a dust sheet or cover between items to minimize scratching and damage.
• Breakdown or dismantle furniture such as beds and tables.  Clearly mark all the pieces, storing items such as screws and bolts together in a zip-locked plastic bag taped to the piece of furniture, for ease of reassembly later.  Store  large pieces of furniture like tabletops and sofas vertically on end to save space. 
• Mattresses should be covered and are best stored stored flat on level surfaces or on the long end and, ideally, should be raised above floor level or laid on protective sheeting. If you must stand mattresses on their short end, be sure to "prop" them up to stand straight or they may bend out of shape and become lumpy.
• Treat your wood furniture with a good quality furniture spray before storing it.
• Care for your large appliances before placing them in storage. Defrost refrigerators and freezers thoroughly. Tie doors up for the move but leave them slightly ajar once in storage to stop condensation and odors.  Drain washing machines and tie down hoses etc. Appliances should be clean and dry before placing in storage. 
• Utilize the hollow interior space of appliances such as washing machines, stoves or refrigerators for additional storage for small boxes, towels, blankets, bulky items, etc.

Other items

• Pack Electronic equipment such as TVs, stereos and computers in their original boxes if  possible, otherwise into boxes the right size, with any gaps packed with paper etc.
• Do not store anything combustible, (such as paint and chemicals), or perishable, (such as food that is not permanently sealed).  Drain any fluid from lawn and garden equipment prior to storage to avoid corrosive damage. 
• Use trash cans to store hoes, rakes, shovels or other long-handled tools.
• Wipe down metal objects and tools with a little oil before storing to avoid rust formation.
• Treat leather items with a leather conditioner before you store them
• Throw away any bags inside vacuum cleaners before you store them.
• Do not store perishables.

Storage Unit Tips

• Plan your storage space. Place those items that you need to get to often in the front.
• When possible, leave a walkway to the rear of the unit for better accessibility.
• Leave a small space between the wall and your storage items to allow for ventilation.
• Place your storage items on 2" x 4" boards or VisiQueen to guard against dampness. Any concrete floor may become cold and damp.
• Don't use plastic to cover items as moisture can condense under it.
• Take full advantage of your space—use the full height if possible. Shelving helps organize your space.
• While we have pest treatment of the facility, you may wish to place your own moisture absorbers, deodorizers or pest bait in your unit. 
• Always use high quality locks on your unit.  Ask our manager for a recommendation.

- Disclaimer -