> storage secrets

Twelve Tips for Getting the Most From Your Storage Space:

1. Keep your most used items toward the front of your unit and on top for easy accessibility. If you will need to access many of your items, such as business inventory or files, consider leaving one or two clear aisles.
2. Place boxes with labels facing out for easy identification.
3. Stack tables, chests of drawers and coffee or console tables with a pad or blanket between each item. For two tables, place a pad on the bottom table and place the top table upside-down on the pad. When stacking, make sure bottom items can support those on top. For maximum efficiency, consider detaching the legs from your tables, wrapping all pieces in pads or blankets and storing on-end.
4. When storing a sofa on-end, place a pad or blanket on the bottom to protect the fabric or finish. Tie “sleep-sofas” closed with strong cord before moving.
5. Chairs can often be nested, but be sure to provide adequate padding between pieces to protect the fabric, upholstery and finish.
6. Even in climate controlled conditions, metal framing, walls and ceilings, and concrete floors can “sweat” moisture from the air. It’s a good idea to place boxes and other items that could be damaged by moisture on pallets or lengths of wood.
7. Protect mattresses by sealing them in plastic mattress bags.
8. Protect furniture from dust and sweating from above with plastic dust covers.  Make sure to allow air to circulate underneath the covers, so as not to trap moisture from the air.
9. Don’t stack boxes more than three high, unless shelving is used.
10. Remember that all shelving must be free-standing and cannot be anchored to the framing or walls of your unit.
11. Make sure all shelving is sturdy and rated for the appropriate weight load.
12. Keep a list of all the items stored in your unit and update it with any changes over time.