Packing
Although the decision of moving can be exciting, packing is something most of us dread. Use our guide and feel more secure in knowing that your possessions will get to your new address in one piece. Once you're there, you'll be able to find everything when the time comes to unpack and get settled.

Get Things in Order
Your move will be easier and smoother if you do a good job of pre-planning. Here are several handy tips to help you get started.

1. Always create a thorough and complete inventory of what you will be moving to your new address.
2. Don't forget to photograph or videotape any unique or valuable belongings.
3. It's also wise to make a note of the serial numbers on your electronic equipment.

What You'll Need
Before you can start packing, you'll need to have the following materials:

• Strong Boxes.
• Wardrobe Boxes with Hanger Bars.
• Packing Tape.
• Bubble Wrap, Newspaper, Wrapping Paper, and Tissue Paper.
• Ziploc Bags.
• Magic Markers.

Notes for Wrapping
Wrap all your breakable items in bubble wrap, wrapping paper, or tissue paper.
Because newspaper may leave ink smudges on your items, it should only be used to cushion items that are already protected.
You can use old linens, blankets, and towels to wrap and cushion fragile items.
Ziploc bags can be used for small odds and ends that usually clutter your drawers.

Get Packing
It always makes good sense to begin packing well ahead of the move.
We strongly recommend that you use good quality, strong moving boxes, and always be certain that the bottoms are fully secured.
Don't get overwhelmed. Try to concentrate on one room at a time. Be sure that every box is clearly labeled by room and item.
Once your moving boxes are filled, they should be placed in an area close to your front door.

These hints will help you pack like a pro:
Any items that you don't need for your daily living routine should be packed first.
Important items (such as photographs, wills, jewelry, home videos, and any other important documents) should be packed separately so that you can personally carry them with you on moving day. Another alternative you might want to consider is placing these belongings in a safety deposit box until after the move.
Fragile items should be packed loosely with plenty of wrapping. The boxes must be clearly labeled "FRAGILE", and finally you will want to stack them towards the top of your piles.
Non-breakable items should be packed snugly in smaller boxes. You will want to make sure that they are not too heavy, and that they are at a weight you feel comfortable carrying. Don't forget to pack your books flat, alternating the bindings so they will stack evenly.
When possible, small appliances and electronic equipment should be packed in the boxes they came in, and then taped securely.
In order to avoid unnecessary ironing later on, make sure you have enough wardrobe boxes.

Bulky Things
When disassembling your bed, use tape or rope to bind the frames together
Your drawers should be filled with wrapped items or clothes. Entire drawers should be covered with a blanket or old linens. You shouldn't tape the drawers shut - the finish on your drawers may be damaged.
Cover your tables with a blanket or old linen. When possible, remove the legs. Always wrap the nuts and bolts in a plastic bag and secure them to a leg.
Check your owner's manual for any special moving instructions of appliances and other electronic equipment.
In order to keep the tub of your washing machine from moving around during the move, fill it with stuffed toys, blankets, towels, and old linens.
Make sure that all loose parts in your refrigerator (including ice containers and drawers) are secure. Any exposed coils should be padded to protect them during the move as well.

Tricky Things
Bicycle handlebars should be loosened and turned sideways. Don't forget to keep the chains and pedals covered, otherwise grease and oil might rub off on other items.
Small mirrors should be carefully wrapped and packed in boxes. Cardboard should be used to cover large paintings, artwork, or wall mirrors. When possible, these items will be kept safe in wardrobe boxes.
Because your outdoor furniture may be too bulky or heavy to move in one piece, you may need to disassemble it. If so, be sure to place the nuts and bolts in a plastic bag and attach it to the furniture.
Carpets and rugs should be rolled up and carefully secured with tape or rope.
Wrapping sharp edges on any tools or attachments will help prevent injury. Power tools should be packed with plenty of cushioning. Be sure to tie or tape your tool chests securely closed.
A very important reminder is to carefully dispose of the gasoline and oil from your lawnmower and other machinery, as well as any flammable or poisonous household products. Remember not to pack rags that are soiled with fuel. They should be properly disposed of to avoid spontaneous combustion.

Household Items Storage Tips

Basics
Get your own packing materials including cardboard boxes, wardrobes boxes, bubble wrap, Styrofoam "popcorn", newspaper, acid free tissue paper, rope, packing tape, and permanent ink markers. Most of these supplies are readily available (at affordable prices) at a self-storage facility or your local office supply stores. Fill all of the boxes you pack to capacity but be careful not to overfill in such a way where the box can rupture and break open. Make sure to fill empty space in boxes with loose material like crunched up newspaper or Styrofoam pieces. Heavy items likes books and appliances should be packed in their own boxes so that they will be easier to handle. Items like computers, electronic equipment, camera equipment, etc., should also be carefully packed in their own cartons. Pack items and label them by room for easy identification. Plan out your storage space for easy access.

Major-Appliances
Refrigerators, freezers, washers, driers, stoves, etc., should be clean and dry before you pack and store them. When storing these items, the doors should be secured in a closed position. (You may leave a door slightly open for aeration; however make sure to child-proof the door so that it cannot be fully opened. Don't allow a child to get into the appliance, and then close the door. Suffocation resulting in death is possible. If you choose to discard any of these items, make sure to remove doors completely so that a child cannot enter and close the door, resulting in suffocation and death.)

Home-Furnishings
Empty all dressers of clothing, and pack into appropriate wardrobe boxes. Use mothballs or other similar products to protect your clothing from insects and other pests. Make sure that doors and drawers of your furniture are securely shut (use tape or rope or strong ribbon). When possible, remove the legs from items of furniture to avoid damage and save space. Vacuum your furniture and remember to collect all of that loose change in the sofa.

Kitchen China, Glassware, Crystal, Etc.
Put packing material (bubble rap or Styrofoam) in the bottom of the box. Rap each piece individually in tissue paper. Pack all of these items in such a way so that they won't bang against each other. Place plenty of loose Styrofoam or crunched up newspaper in the voids and cavities in the box as you pack. Put packing material (bubble rap or Styrofoam) in the bottom of the box and seal it with tape. Mark the boxes "fragile" and identify which room they go into. Make sure not to place heavy boxes on these items to avoid crushing.

Other Glass and Fragile Items (mirrors, windows, paintings, glass framed pictures)
These items should be packed in the same way as described in packing "Kitchen China, Glassware, Crystal, Etc.".

Silver, Gold, Brass, And Other Metal Objects
Put packing material (bubble rap or Styrofoam) in the bottom of the box. Rap each piece individually in tissue paper. Wipe all surfaces clean. Rap these items in materials that will not mar the finish, such as bubble rap. Make sure that any rapping or packing material used with these items is chemical free (don't use old cleaning rags, etc.) Put packing material (bubble rap or Styrofoam) in the bottom of the box and seal it with tape. Mark the boxes "fragile" and identify which room they go into. Make sure not to place heavy boxes on these items to avoid crushing.

Electronic Equipment (computers, home entertainment equipment, cameras, etc.)
In all cases, if you have the original box and packing material it came in, use it! The original packing is designed to protect the equipment during shipment and storage. Put packing material (bubble rap or Styrofoam) in the bottom of the box. Rap each piece individually in bubble rap. Place plenty of loose Styrofoam or crunched up newspaper in the voids and cavities in the box as you pack. Put packing material (bubble rap or Styrofoam) in the bottom of the box and seal it with tape. Mark the boxes "fragile" and identify which room they go into. Make sure not to place heavy boxes on these items to avoid crushing.

Personal Computers and Computer Peripheral Devices (printers, external drives, etc)
Pack these items in the same way you would pack other household electronic equipment. In all cases, if you have the original box and packing material it came in, use it! The original packing is designed to protect the equipment during shipment and storage. Put packing material (bubble rap or Styrofoam) in the bottom of the box. Rap each piece individually in bubble rap. Place plenty of loose Styrofoam or crunched up newspaper in the voids and cavities in the box as you pack. Put packing material (bubble rap or Styrofoam) in the bottom of the box and seal it with tape. Mark the boxes "fragile" and identify which room they go into. Make sure not to place heavy boxes on these items to avoid crushing.

Gardening and Other Mechanical Devices (things in your garage or shed: snow blowers, lawn mowers etc.)
Follow the tips in your owner's manual or contact the original manufacturer if you no longer have the manual for advice. Generally, remove all fuel, check lubricant levels or remove lubricant to avoid spillage. Do not put these items in boxes; however rap them in plastic or cloth tarps and secure with rope or heavy tape. Label each item after covering. Do not put boxes or other heavy items on top of your mechanical items.

Carefully Plan The Use and Layout of Your Storage Space.
You can easily get the most out of a small storage area if you plan carefully. Do not place heavy items on top of fragile items. Separate the storage area by type of item. Make sure you have easy access to the items you need to get to often by placing them near the opening of your storage space.

Using Rental Self Storage Facilities
Carefully read the agreement and make sure to abide by the rules and regulations of our Self Storage Facility. Ask the facility managers for advice as needed. Again, do not store hazardous chemicals, fuel, or illegal items.

Business Items Storage Tips

Self storage is cost effective, safe, and convenient.
One of the benefits of self storage is that it allows you to expand your business without expanding your premises.
By using self storage, you will avail yourself the flexibility of space: allowing you to increase or decrease the amount of space to suit your specific requirements.
You will find that access is easy and convenient.
Appointments are not needed for access.
You are in possession and control of the key to your space.
Likewise, you are in control over who is allowed to access the space.
All businesses (small or large, young or old, and any type) may benefit by using self storage facilities.
Rapidly growing businesses may find that they are limited by lack of appropriate in-house storage space.
Self storage creates a solution for many of your needs.

Self storage allows you to:
Choose the right amount of space to suit your needs.
Select the right length of time you will need to store your items.
Pay only for the space you need.

Business Storage Uses
You can store and organize most anything for use in self storage. For example, you might choose to store mobile equipment, office files, business records, manufacturer's samples, seasonal decorations, theatrical scenery and any additional supplies. Furthermore, self storage can help your traveling sales staff by allowing them to have stock on hand.

Selecting A Storage Space
Inquire with a storage consultant to help you select a space that will best suit your specific needs. You will find that a small space that is efficiently packed will be less expensive than a larger space. However, if your needs are such that you will be using the space quite often, you may find that a larger space (well organized with file boxes and racks) makes more sense for you. Most self storage facilities are willing and able to make modifications to meet your specific needs. Additionally, you may find that many self storage facilities are eager to offer additional services to help their business clients. For specific details, contact the self storage consultant of your choice.

The Storage Agreement
Keep in mind that (like any other agreement) you should always read through you self storage agreement carefully and thoroughly. As this is an important document, be sure to keep it in a safe place. Contact the staff at the self storage facility if you have any questions.

Insure Your Goods In Storage
Remember, the items you choose to store in a self storage space belong to you, and they remain your sole responsibility. For this reason, you should always have them insured. The self storage facility will not be responsible for insuring your items. Don't forget to contact your company's insurance provider to see if your coverage may already have a provision for items which are stored offsite (you may already be covered). If not, your self storage consultant may be able to assist you with the provision of insurance cover.

What Not To Store
You may not store any items that are illegal, stolen, hazardous, flammable, explosive, perishable, environmentally harmful, or that may be a risk to the property of any person (for example: acid, gasoline, chlorine, paint, etc.)

Files, Records And Other Documents Storage Tips
Books should be packed flat to protect their spines.
Suitable archive boxes or packing cartons should be used. Not only will you save space and offer the best protection for your goods or records, but your goods will also be easier to retrieve.
Fill empty pockets in the boxes with packing materials.
Make sure that all boxes are clearly labeled to easily identify contents.
Lighter boxes should always be placed on top to prevent collapse of those underneath.

Fabric Items
Be certain that all items to be stored are clean and free from anything that may attract pests.
Self storage facilities frequently sell boxes, packing materials, etc. to help protect your goods.

Electrical Equipment
It's important to remember that all electrical equipment must be thoroughly cleaned and dry before it is stored.

Metal Items
Metal items also need to be clean and dry before they are stored. For items that are prone to rust, wipe them with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil to retard rust.