Self Storage is a convenient, safe, and inexpensive way to store your belongings. Ask the storage consultant to help you choose a space size that fits your needs because rental of a storage space is determined by the total size of the items being stored. An efficiently packed small space will cost less than a larger space. If you frequently use the space, a larger space, well organized (racks and file boxes), may be more convenient.

STORAGE SPACE RENTAL AGREEMENT

For your protection, a storage facility provides a written agreement. Read it thoroughly and ask the storage consultant to answer your questions. Make note of your payment date to see if the agreement covers prorated rental periods. Also, find out how and when your security deposit is refunded or forfeited upon termination of the agreement. If you change your address or phone number be sure to notify the storage facility in writing.

INSURE YOUR GOODS IN STORAGE

The goods you place in self storage spaces are the sole responsibility of you, their owner. Goods are not insured by the storage facility. Your storage consultant may be able to give you the names of insurers who provide low cost insurance coverage for your goods. If a policy is not included in your storage information packet, just ask!

HELPFUL STORAGE TIPS

	Inspect your storage space. The space should be clean with a door in good working order.
	Determine the packing accessories you need: paper, bubble-pack, tape, rope, drop cloths, polyurethane sheeting, mattress and furniture covers, pal lets, skids, dehumidifiers, tile boxes, and storage cartons. Some or all of these items may be for sale in the rental office.
	Fill containers to capacity; partially full or bulging cartons may tip or collapse. Heavy items like books or tools should be packed in small boxes so they are easy to lift. Protect your fragile goods with packing (i.e., bubble-pack, or other) and place them near the top of your storage space.
	Label boxes. Take home a list of the labeled boxes for easy reference when you need to locate your goods.
	Pack the storage space carefully. Leave air space around the perimeter to aid ventilation. Place a pallet on concrete floors arid do not lean items against walls. Leave a walkway to the rear of your space for easy access. Use all the space available, including the height. Place frequently used goods near the door.

PROHIBITED STORAGE GOODS

Common sense and state laws determine what may be stored. You alone control 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. Remember to drain the fuel from gasoline engines before storage.

SPECIFIC STORAGE TIPS

APPLIANCES:

A refrigerator or freezer should Be thoroughly dry arid stored with its door slightly ajar. Some goods can be stored inside large appliances and boxes can be stacked on top of stoves, refrigerators, and freezers. Make sure that stoves and cooking equipment are cleaned before they are stored.

BICYCLES AND OTHER METAL ITEMS:

To retard rust, wipe all metal surfaces with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil.

BOOKS AND DOCUMENTS:

Pack books flat to protect their spines. Do not place boxes directly on concrete floors, but use pallets or skids to prevent moisture absorption. Use packing to fill out empty pockets in the boxes. Do not pack fragile items in the same box with books and do not overload.

BEDDING, CLOTHING, CURTAINS, DRAPES AND LINENS:

Clothing, curtains, and drapes should be stored on hangers. If hanging cartons are not available, such items should be carefully folded and stored in dresser drawers or cedar chests along with bedding and linens. Some facilities sell wardrobe style, cardboard cartons, which help protect your clothes. Food crumbs or stains should be removed before storage and avoid storing anything that may attract pests.

DISHES AND GLASSWARE:

Place a layer of packing inside the bottom and at the top of boxes containing glassware. All glass items should be individually wrapped: nest cups arid bowls and stand plates, saucers, and platters on edge. Wrapped glasses should be placed near the top of cartons. Again, fill all pockets with packing. Label all boxes containing glassware, and do not place heavy items or boxes containing glassware.

FURNITURE:

Place a pallet, corrugated cardboard mat, or plastic sheet on the floor and stand sofas and mattresses on end. Disassemble beds and tables and wrap table legs in paper. If a table will not disassemble, place padding on the floor and place the table on its top with the legs pointing up. Use dresser tops for stacking cartons and dresser drawers for lines or small, delicate items. Keep upholstery off the floor. Most lightweight chairs can be stacked "seat to seat" or placed upside down on tables, which cannot be disassembled. Finally, place a light cotton (eg. a bedsheet) dust cover on your furniture. Some facilities sell covers for your convenience.

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT:

All equipment should be thoroughly cleaned and dry before it is stored. Any equipment with sealing doors, such as a refrigerator, should be stored with its door slightly ajar.

METAL EQUIPMENT, TOOLS AND OTHER METAL ITEMS:

All equipment needs to be clean. To retard rust, wipe all metal surfaces with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil.

FILES, RECORDS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS:

Pack books flat to protect their spines. Do not place boxes directly on concrete floors, but use pal lets or skids to prevent moisture absorption. Use packing to fill out empty pockets in the boxes. Do not pack fragile items in the same box with books and do not overload.

FABRIC ITEMS:

All items need to be clean and free from anything that may attract pests. Some facilities sell boxes which will help protect your items.

FRAGILE ITEMS:

Place a layer of packing inside the bottom and at the top of boxes containing fragile items. All items should be individually wrapped placing the most fragile near the top of the cartons. Again, fill all pockets with packing. When stacking boxes that contain fragile items, place these on top of those containing heavy items. Label all boxes containing delicate items "FRAGILE".

OFFICE FURNITURE:

Place a pallet, corrugated cardboard mat, or plastic sheet on the floor and stand sofas on end. Disassemble furniture and wrap table legs in paper. If furniture, such as a table, will not disassemble, place padding on the floor and place the table on its top with legs pointing up. Most lightweight chairs can be stacked "seat to seat" or placed upside down on other furniture. Keep upholstery off the floor. Finally, place a light dust cover over your furniture. Some facilities may sell covers for your convenience.