STORAGE TIPS
Storage Tips
Eugene, Springfield & Cottage Grove
At Simply Storage, we want to make the moving and self storage process as simple as possible. Follow our storage and packing tips to make moving day just a little bit easier.
Pack Your Storage Space Carefully
To not only minimize the amount of space you’ll need, but also to prevent damage, be sure to pack and stack carefully. To have quicker access to frequently used items, place those items near the door and put your valuables in the rear of the unit. Pack heavy items in small boxes to make them easier to carry and place them on the bottom of stacks to prevent damage.
Large Appliances:
Refrigerators and/or freezers should be thoroughly dry and stored with doors slightly ajar. Some goods can be stored inside large appliances and boxes can be stacked on top of stoves, refrigerators and freezers. We advise you make sure stoves and cooking equipment are well-cleaned before you place them in storage.
Bicycles, Tools and Other Metal Pieces:
To prevent rust, wipe all metal surfaces with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil. Long-handled tools — rakes, shovels and hoes — should be clean, lightly oiled and tied together in bundles.
Books and Important Papers: Pack books flat to protect their spines. Do not place boxes directly on concrete floors, instead use pallets or skids. This helps prevent moisture absorption. Use packing materials to fill in empty pockets in boxes. Don't pack fragile items in the same box with books. Don't overload boxes with books, as these get very heavy.
Bedding and Linens:
Clothing, curtains and drapes should be cleaned and stored on hangers. Items that are too large for a box or cannot be hung can be folded and stored in dresser drawers, cedar chests or wardrobe-style cardboard cartons along with other bedding and linens. Food crumbs or stains should be removed before storing. Avoid storing anything that may attract pests, such as uncleaned linens, bedding, or kitchen items.
Dishes, Glassware and Pottery:
Place a layer of thick packing material inside the bottom and then again at the top of boxes containing glassware and pottery. These items should be stored in a specifically designed dish pack boxes. Glass items should be individually wrapped if possible: nest cups and bowls with paper in between them; stand plates, saucers and platters on edge. Wrapped glasses should be placed near the top of cartons as heavier items on top can break them. Fill all pockets with packing materials and/or newspaper. Be sure to label boxes containing glassware, and do not place heavy items on boxes containing glassware.
Heavy Furniture:
Place a pallet, corrugated cardboard mat, or plastic sheet on the floor and stand sofas and mattresses on end. Disassemble beds and tables; wrap table legs in paper. If you cannot disassemble a table, place padding on the floor and the table on its top with the legs pointing up. Stack cartons on dresser tops; use dresser drawers for linens or small, delicate items. Keep upholstery off the floor as it can get ruined. Lightweight chairs can generally be stacked “seat to seat” or placed upside down on the tables. Place a light cotton dust cover, such as bed sheets, on your furniture.
Holiday Decorations:
If possible, save original cartons that contained delicate ornaments; pad the ornaments with packing paper or newspaper. Wrap light strings around a piece of cardboard and then place in a carton lined with packing paper.
Lamps & Lightstands:
Wrap lamps and place them in boxes; pack delicate lamp shades in separate containers. Do not use newspaper to wrap lamp shades as they may be damaged by newsprint ink stains. Don't store items on cartons containing lamp shades.
Mirrors, Windows, Doors, and Screens:
Store these items on edge, not flat.
Insure Your Goods While They are in Storage: Items that you store in Simply Storage spaces are the sole responsibility of you, their owner. Simply Storage does not insure your items. We suggest you purchase a quality lock as the best way to ensure the security of your belongings. Check with your insurance carrier for your personal coverage. If it’s worth storing, it’s worth protecting.
Prohibited Storage Goods:
Common sense and state laws determine what may be stored in your storage unit. You are the only one who controls access to your storage space; therefore, never store live animals, perishables, liquids, explosives, flammable liquids and fuels, toxic materials, or other items that need a controlled environment. When it comes to storing any type of gasoline engine remember to drain the fuel before storage.