Additional Tips

Before You Rent: Plan Your Space

Take a quick inventory. Make a list of big items (sofa, bed, dressers, appliances) and how many boxes you expect to have.
Choose the right unit size. Use our online size guide and call our office if you’re unsure—our team can help you avoid paying for more space than you need.
Decide how often you’ll visit. If you’ll visit often, plan extra aisle space so you can walk in and access boxes without pulling everything out.
Group by purpose. Sort items by room or by use (kitchen, office, seasonal décor, business inventory, etc.) before you arrive.

Use sturdy boxes. Avoid reused boxes that are soft or worn. Heavy items go in smaller boxes; light items go in larger boxes.
Label clearly on multiple sides. Write what’s inside and which room it belongs to. Add “FRAGILE” on at least two sides for delicate items.
Fill boxes fully. Use packing paper, towels, or clothing to fill empty spaces so items don’t shift in transit.
Keep a master list. Create a simple list or note on your phone with box numbers and contents so you can find specific items later.
Don’t tape over paperwork. If you attach lists to boxes, tape around the paper, not over the text, to keep it readable.

Disassemble when possible. Remove table legs, bed frames, and shelves to save space and prevent damage. Keep screws and hardware in labeled bags taped to the furniture.
Use furniture blankets or covers. Protect wood and upholstered pieces with moving blankets, sheets, or plastic covers. Avoid wrapping wood in plastic for very long-term storage to prevent trapping moisture.
Store mattresses upright and covered. Use a mattress cover to keep dust and dirt off, and lean mattresses against a wall rather than stacking heavy items on top.
Wrap fragile items individually. Use bubble wrap or paper for dishes, glasses, and décor. Pack dishes vertically (like records) with padding between each piece.

Create a center aisle. Leave a walkway down the middle so you can reach the back without moving everything.
Keep frequently used items in front. Seasonal décor, business records, or anything you may need soon should be placed near the door.
Stack safely. Heavy, sturdy boxes on the bottom; lighter ones on top. Don’t stack boxes higher than you can safely reach.
Use shelves when possible. Freestanding shelves can help keep boxes, décor, and small items organized and off the floor.
Leave a map. Draw a simple layout (front, back, left, right) and note where specific categories are stored. Tape it inside the unit door.

Clean and dry appliances first. Defrost and dry refrigerators and freezers. Clean washers and dryers and leave doors slightly open to prevent odors.
Use original boxes for electronics if available. Otherwise, wrap TVs, monitors, and audio equipment in soft padding and store them upright.
Bundle cords and accessories. Label cords and remotes, and place them in clear bags taped to the device or stored in a labeled electronics box.
Avoid stacking heavy items on appliances. It may dent the surfaces and damage internal components.

Avoid plastic bags. They can trap moisture and cause mildew. Use boxes or bins instead.
Store seasonal items together. Group holiday décor, winter coats, or summer gear in clearly labeled boxes so you can swap items in and out easily.
Use pallets or boards for airflow. Placing boxes or furniture slightly off the floor can help with air circulation.
Check in periodically. If you’re storing for a long time, visit your unit occasionally to make sure everything is in good shape and adjust your layout if needed.

Storing a car, motorcycle, ATV, or off-road vehicle? A few extra steps can protect your investment:

Clean before storing. Wash and dry the exterior and vacuum the interior to help prevent odors and stains.
Top off or stabilize fuel. Follow your owner’s manual and consider using a fuel stabilizer for longer storage periods.
Disconnect the battery (for long-term storage). This can help prevent battery drain while your vehicle is parked.
Use a quality cover. A breathable cover helps protect paint and surfaces from dust inside your unit.
Don’t store flammables. Avoid keeping gasoline cans, paint thinners, or other hazardous materials in your unit.

(For more details, you can link to your dedicated Vehicle Storage, Motorcycle Storage, and ATV & Off-Road Storage pages.)

Use a high-quality lock. Ask our office which locks we recommend for your specific unit type.
Keep your contact info up to date. Make sure we have your current phone number and email for important notifications.
Consider autopay. Enroll in automatic payments so you never miss a due date.
Know your access hours. Save our address and facility hours in your phone so you always know when you can visit.
Share access info carefully. Only give gate codes or access permissions to people you trust, and let us know if something changes.

If you’re not sure what size unit you need, how to store a specific item, or which lock or cover to buy, our team is here for you.