STORAGE TIPS
Discover practical advice on packing, organizing, and protecting your belongings to ensure they stay safe and accessible. Whether you’re storing seasonal items, household furniture, or valuable keepsakes, these tips will help you maximize efficiency and minimize stress. Explore our expert recommendations to get the best results from your storage experience!
1. Unit Size
When choosing a storage unit, consider two approaches: (1) Rent the smallest unit you need and pack it tightly, or (2) opt for a larger unit to allow aisle space for accessing items and accommodating future storage needs.
2. Gather Materials
Collect enough boxes, tape, markers, and packing materials like bubble wrap, packing paper, or towels to ensure your items are safely packed.
3. Uniform Sizes
Whenever possible, use boxes of uniform size for easier stacking and better organization.
4. Inventory
Create a detailed inventory of your stored items and keep it in a secure location outside the storage unit, such as at home or in a safe deposit box.
5. Prepare
Lay a protective cover on the floor of your unit before placing your items to prevent damage from the surface.
6. Keep Dry
For outdoor units, elevate your belongings using pallets or 2x4 boards to protect against moisture, as concrete floors may become damp or cold.
7. Access
Organize your storage unit so frequently needed items are placed near the front for easy retrieval.
8. CAUTION
Do not store flammable or toxic materials, such as gasoline, paint thinner, or solvents. Avoid storing food, perishables, or animals. For any questions about permissible items, contact the office.
9. Easier Access
Leave a central aisle in your unit for easier navigation, and ensure there’s space between items and the walls to allow air circulation.
10. Stack
Place heavier items on the bottom and lighter ones on top to maintain stability.
11. Strong Boxes
Use sturdy boxes capable of holding 25-30 pounds, but avoid overpacking to ensure ease of handling.
12. List Contents
Clearly label all boxes on all sides, include a numbered system, and seal them securely with tape.
13. Wrap It Up
Wrap fragile items like dishes and glasses in paper, pack them in sturdy boxes, and store them at the top of the stack.
14. Fragile Items
Wrap pictures and mirrors in cardboard, label them “FRAGILE,” and store them upright to avoid breakage.
15. Extra Space
Maximize storage by using furniture drawers for smaller items and wrapping them in towels or blankets for added protection.
16. Appliances
Utilize large appliances as storage for blankets, towels, or smaller items.
17. Electronics
Store electronics, such as TVs, toward the back of your unit for added protection.
18. Stored Together
Group garden tools like shovels and rakes in empty trash cans for better organization, and nest trash cans to save space.
19. Removable Legs
Disassemble tables with removable legs to save space in your unit.
20. Sofas and Loveseats
Store sofas and loveseats on their ends to conserve floor space, and protect them with covers and wrapped cushions.
21. Sharp or Heavy Objects
Avoid placing sharp or heavy objects on top of upholstered furniture to prevent damage.
22. Stuffed Furniture
Cover upholstered furniture with blankets or cardboard to keep it clean and dust-free.
23. Mattresses
Store mattresses upright and ensure they remain straight to prevent warping. Use mattress covers to protect them from dust.
24. Metal Items
Wipe metal objects, such as bikes or tools, with machine oil to prevent rusting during storage.
Address:
1870 S Reserve St
Missoula, MT 59801
General Business Hours:
By Appointment
Access Hours:
6:00 AM to 9:30 PM Daily