Self-Storage Tips

Choosing a Self-Storage Facility

Safe-Stor - Your One-Stop Storage Solution

The first thing you need to consider is which self-storage facility will best meet your moving and storage needs. Not all storage facilities are the same or are managed the same…there are vast differences in the marketplace.

 

If you’re unsure, visit some local self-storage facilities in-person or online. Compare facilities before you make the wrong choice, because you don’t want to move twice! By the time you make your choice, you should be confident of the following: 

  • The self-storage facility has in place adequate security measures to monitor facility activity.
  • You can access your self-storage unit when you want to. Not all storage facilites offer 24/7 access.
  • The self-storage facility offers units that are private and fully contained. If you're storing valuable items, you need a unit with concealed walls so that no one can see what's inside or climb into the unit.
  • The climate-controlled units in the storage facility are truly managed and controlled. This is particularly important if you’re looking to store upholstered items, antiques, archived documents, etc as a few months in a damp environment will do untold damage.
  • The storage facility is clean and well-maintained – professionally managed self-storage facilities are always well kept and clean.
  • Pest control shouldn’t be an issue – the self-storage facility should be able to tell you what types of measures they take. The last thing you want is vermin lodging in your belongings!
  • The contract small print of the self-storage facility has no hidden surprises. Some storage facilities are "sneaky" in how they operate.
  • If you will be using a large truck or long trailer in your move, you need to be sire that the facility can accommodate them. Not all facilities can meet the height, length, and turning radius requirements of these larger vehicles.
  • At Safe-Stor we take pride in offering storage facilities that meet our customers needs and everything we do is for the benefit of our customers.
Safe-Stor customer loading a box into a climate-controlled storage unit

Tips for Packing and Organizing Your Storage Unit

  • Store items you'll need most often at the front of the unit.
  • When you pack your storage unit, create a center aisle for access to all items.
  • Do not place boxes directly on concrete floors, but use pallets or skids to allow air flow around and under items.
  • If you’re storing tables and other furniture, remove legs and store tabletops and sofas on end, to save space.
  • Old photographs tend to curl over time. To keep them flat, place them between two pieces of cardboard and tape them together.
  • Drain gasoline and oil from lawn mowers and other items with small engines.
  • Common sense and state law determines what may be stored. You alone control access to your storage space therefore never store firearms, illicit drugs or drug paraphernalia, live animals, perishables, liquids, explosives, flammable liquids and fuels, toxic materials, or other items that need a controlled environment.
  • Use trash cans to store shovels, hoes and rakes.
  • Mattresses should be covered and stored flat on level surfaces.
  • Use protective covers and treat wood surfaces before storing.
  • When storing metal items, to retard rust, wipe all metal surfaces with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil.
  • Pack blankets, draperies, and dress clothes on the hanger in a wardrobe box.
  • Always use high quality locks on your unit. Locks are available for sale-just ask your Safe-Stor manager for a recommendation.
  • Always use climate control for humidity sensitive items.
  • Whenever possible, place dressers and tables top-to-top to save space.
Climate-controlled storage units

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