Non-Climate Controlled Storage

Before beginning the process of packing up your items for storage, have a few things on hand. We recommend gathering plenty of sturdy corrugated boxes, packing paper or old newspapers, bubble wrap for the most valuable items, sealing or shipping tape, and permanent markers to categorize the boxes.

We recommend wrapping furniture legs with protective bubble wrap, and placing furniture covers or pads on their surfaces to protect from scratching. If disassembling bed frames, mark the rail pieces or wrap them together for easy assembly later. Finally, place covers or plastic bags on mattresses to protect them keep them like new during storage.

It never hurts to keep track of what you place in each box with a packing list of the contents (as well as pictures and descriptions). We recommend typing this, so that you can print off multiple copies, keeping one in your home and one in the unit you store your items. Once everything is placed within the boxes you intend to store, mark the boxes on each side, on the top, and mark if the box is fragile (or heavy). These markings will make it easier for you when you need to find an item later.

An often overlooked (but important step) is to use the same size boxes when possible. After filling your boxes tightly (making sure not over-pack or under-pack), having the same size boxes will make it very easy to place items within your storage unit without needing to worry about where to place them.

Before bringing your appliances to your storage unit, be sure to clean and dry your appliances. When transporting your appliances, secure all movable parts, doors, and sections to prevent items from (unintentionally) opening on you while moving them. If any of the appliances used water (freezers, refrigerators, washers, dishwashers), make sure they have time to thoroughly dry before storage (to prevent the possibility of any mold forming).

When you are packing your storage unit, place the items you will access most often at the front of the unit (so place them in the unit last). Next, leave yourself an aisle to give yourself convenient access to all items. Finally, be sure to label boxes that are heavy or fragile, and do not place items in a way that's precarious and might fall on you later.

State law determines what can and cannot be stored in your unit. We prohibit the storage of firearms, illicit drugs, drug paraphernalia, live animals, perishables, food, liquids, explosives, flammable liquids, and toxic materials.