We want your items to be safe and secure not only from the outside but also on the inside! We introduce you to the 3 P's!

Prep. Pack. Place.

How you prep, pack and place your items into storage are just as important in keeping your items safe in your unit as placing a quality lock on the door is! A few extra moments on the 3 p's can save you hours of headache and damages to your treasured items! Follow our "DO" and "DO NOT" list below, for some of the best ways to ensure your items come out of storage the same way they went in! 

Do this.......

DO......

• Measure and make a plan on how to utilize your space
• Make an inventory of your stored items that includes any serial /model numbers and keep it in a safe place, like at home or in a safe deposit box. 
• Leave an isle in the middle of your unit to access items in back.
• Store frequently used items near the door of your unit. 
• Store more valuable items in the rear of the unit to prevent others from seeing them when your unit is open. 
• Use freestanding shelving to organize your unit. 
• Use Pallets or 2x4's or a tarp on your unit’s floor to protect against dampness. Any concrete floor can become cold and damp, which may affect your belongings.
• Use Sturdy boxes or containers with secure lids/closure.
  • Rubbermaid containers with tight fitting lids are great because they are easily stacked. 
  • Always place heavier containers on the bottom to prevent items from being crushed. Even if it seems fine now, remember the summer heat can change that. 
• Label ALL boxes on ALL sides, this way no matter how the box fits into the unit you will know whats in it. 
  • Be specific using the room and placement in that room  (IE- bedroom, 4 drawer dresser or Kitchen, small appliances) 
• Larger appliances make excellent packing cases for blankets, towels or sleeping bags. 
• Disassemble items like tables, bed frames or large kids toys. Wrap sets in plastic and attach any hardware to the item in a plastic bag with a label in case it becomes detached. 
• Store couches on end if possible and chairs seat to seat. Think vertical to maximize the space. 
• When packing electronics, use masking tape to secure cords to the unit or in a neat bundles with the name of the item it goes to written on the tape. 
• Make sure all appliances big and small are clean and dry before storing. Leave appliances slightly open to prevent mildew. 
• Rub a small amount of machine oil on metal tools, bicycles and equipment to prevent rusting. 
• Assist in preventing pests by using Irish spring soap, dryer sheets, moth balls, lavender or peppermint oil. 
• Check on your unit monthly. 

Not this.......

Don't.....

•  Give out your personal gate code to anyone not listed on your contract. 
• Assume your homeowners/renters insurance will cover your items while in storage. 
• Pack boxes to full or heavy to carry. (watch those books!) 
• DON"T cover your stored items in plastic. Plastic retains moisture and moisture is enemy #1 for anything in storage! 
• DON'T store ANYTHING perishable! Food, plants, liquids etc. Even small food items can attract pests! 
• DON"t use bait/traps in your unit! This WILL draw pests into your unit! They WILL have time to explore your belongings before taking the bait or getting trapped. (see preventative options on the "DO" list) 
• DON'T forget or ignore cleaning and thoroughly drying appliances and kitchen items before storing. 
• DON'T stand mattresses on end or not securely  propped up and supported so they stand straight. Otherwise, they may slump, get bent out of shape and become lumpy. It’s also a good idea to get them off the floor with a pallet or similar item.
• DON'T lay mirrors, pictures and glass flat! Always store on end securely with protective wrapping.  
• DON'T stack boxes haphazardly, boxes that are collapsing or stack on top of items without a solid lid or surface. This isn't a game of Jenga! Tetris maybe, but not Jenga!
• DON'T store motorized items without proper preparation. (see our motorized storage tips below) 
• DON'T store stolen or illegal good or property within your unit. We gladly contact and work with our local police and Sheriffs department to open suspicious units. 
• DON'T store materials that are hazardous or combustible, such as gasoline, solvents, paint, etc. Drain all remaining gasoline from lawn mowers, power tools, snowmobiles, boats, and any other items before storing them. Doing so is against the law. 
• DON'T leave trash, boxes, broken or discarded items outside of, in front of or around your unit. 
• DON'T leave your unit unlocked, even for just a few minuets.
• ​DON'T place any items in units you are not contracted to use. Just because its open, doesn't mean its yours to use. 

Always be aware of your surroundings and report any issues, potential problems, damage or suspicious activity to our staff right away. 

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Vehicle and Motorized Equipment Storage Tips

Coming soon.....