1. Box everything that you can. Anything left unboxed in a storage unit may get dusty.
2. Label boxes clearly so you can identify the contents and keep an inventory.
3. Store heavy items, such as books, in small boxes, to make them easier to carry. Store books flat to avoid damaging their spines. Use empty bookshelves to stack boxes of books.
4. Avoid packing items in sealed plastic bags, as humidity may cause mildew.
5. Mirrors and pictures need extra protection in storage. Stack them on ends and securely wrap them in bubble wrap and tape. Mirrors and pictures should never be stored flat.
6. Before storing lamps, separate bases and shades, and wrap them securely to protect them.
7. A good space-saving technique is stacking chairs seat-to-seat. A small dust cover over them will help keep them clean. Plan to store items in a stable “tower.” You can put a table on top of another table, with boxes under and between the table legs.
8. Spray your wood furniture with a good quality furniture oil before storing it, to better protect it.
9. Expect to drain the tanks of lawn mowers and cars if you’re storing these. Fuel is one of those flammable substances that you may not store in a storage facility.
10. Plan what things you may need to access during storage, and keep these towards the front door.
Jennifer Franz, Manager at American Self Storage in Antelope, behind the Wal-Mart shopping center at Watt and Elverta, wishes you a great storage experience!