Food

Never store any perishable or non-perishable food items of any kind.  It will contravene the user agreement, and could attract rodents. Resulting in damage to your stored items.   

Site Visit

If possible, it is a good idea to visit your storage unit, prior to moving in.  You can then visualize the size of the unit before arriving with your belongings.  You may find that you need a bigger or smaller unit. Just let us know and we will move you into a different unit (if available). The site visit is also a good time to check the condition of the unit.  Make sure it is clean, in good condition and to your satisfaction. Let us know if you have any concerns.

Gather Materials

Start by gathering as many boxes and packaging materials, that you think you may need. Include packing tape, markers, bubble wrap, paper towels, packing foam etc. You may be able to get free boxes from local stores, or ask your friends and family to keep those amazon boxes for you. 

Uniform Sizes.

If possible try to select boxes of a uniform size, they are easier to stack. However, small boxes can also be useful to fill small voids in your storage unit. 

Walkway.

Try to leave an aisle down the centre of the unit for easier access to items at the back. Leave a space between the walls to allow for some air circulation

Stacking boxes

Stack heavier boxes on the bottom and lighter boxes on top.  List the contents of each box on all four sides. Seal each box with packing tape.  

Pack well

Pack dishes and glasses in paper towels or bubble wrap, pack small items around them to stop from moving in transit. Make sure your boxes are sturdy enough to carry the weight.

Extra Spaces

Furniture with drawers can be utilized as storage space for pictures, knick knacks, china and silverware. Wrap them in towels or blankets to help prevent breakage.

Appliances

Large appliances can also be used to store other items.  Make sure your appliances are clean and dry before you place them in storage. If possible, leave the doors slightly ajar to allow for air circulation and to help prevent bad odours.  

Electronics

Place TVs and other electronics at the rear of the unit, so that there is less chance of accidentally damaging them. Wrap in blankets or bubble wrap and place on a secure surface to help prevent them from falling over.  

Tables, chairs, soffas and loveseats.

Tables that have removable legs should be broken down to save space. If your chairs do not stack easily, try turning upside down and placing on the seat of another chair.  The spaces around the chair legs can be filled with small boxes, small appliances or toys.

Mattresses

Wrap mattresses in plastic and seal the openings with tape, this can help prevent moisture and insect damage. Try to store mattresses on the side, propped up with other furniture to help prevent the mattress from bending out of shape or becoming lumpy.

Make an inventory

Prepare a list of all the items you have in storage.  Keep it in a safe place away from the unit.  Hopefully, you will never need it, but if you do it will save a lot of time and it will give you an accurate list of your belongings.  

Secure padlock

Purchase a weather resistant Disc-lock for your unit. They are known to be more secure, and difficult to tamper with.

Insurance

Insurance is mandatory on all storage units.  Most home owner policies do not cover items stored away from the residence, check with your policy or agent if you are not sure. 

ATVs, motorcycles and gas powered equipment

Apply fuel stabilizer to the gas tank, run it through the system and then drain the gas from the fuel tank. Disconnect the battery.  

Flammable and Hazardous items.

It is illegal to store firearms, ammunition, explosives, illegal drugs, items that you do not own, fuel, hazardous, noxious or flammable materials. Food, perishable or non perishable, people, pets, animals or insects, dead or alive.