Using your unit effectively

Giving some thought to the use of your unit will pay big dividends.

• Don't lean items against the walls. Leaving space around the unit's perimeter will allow air to flow freely.
• Leave a walkway to the rear of the unit. This will give you more flexibility in adding and removing items.
• Use all of the vertical space available to you (units can have 8", 10" or 14" ceilings). This makes efficient use of the space and allows you to easily see everything that's there.
• Disassemble awkward items such as bed frames for more compact storage.
• Mirrors, windows and screens should be stored on edge (not flat). This makes efficient use of the space and prevents damage due to breakage or warping.

Appliances

• Make sure refrigerators and freezers are thoroughly dry and stored with doors slightly ajar to prevent mold growth.
• Consider storing some items inside large appliances to increase available space.
• Don't forget about the space on top of freezers, stoves and refrigerators; this can be used for boxes.

Bedding, Clothing and Other Fabrics

Protect these items from mold and other damage.

• For best results, store clothing, curtains and drapes on hangers. This allows better ventilation and keeps the items unwrinkled.
• If items cannot be hung, make sure they are clean and carefully folded before storage.
• Consider the use of dessicants (such as Dri-Z-Air, available for sale at our locations) to combat dampness.
• Wardrobe-style boxes allow you to store items on hangers but still move them easily.

Furniture

Special items with special needs.

• Place a pallet or cardboard on the floor and stand sofas and mattresses on end. This will increase available space while protecting the fabric.
• Disassemble bed frames and tables to make them more compact. Wrap table legs in paper to prevent scratching.
• If tables cannot be disassembled, place a moving blanket on the floor and set the table, top down, on it.
• Store small, delicate items or linens inside dresser drawers. Use the dresser tops for boxed items.
• Keep upholstery off the floor to prevent moisture-wicking and soiling.
• Stack lightweight chairs "seat-to-seat" or place them upside down on tables which cannot be disassembled.
• Place a light dust cover over your furniture.

Lamps

Delicate and bulky

• Remove light bulbs before storage to prevent accidental breakage.
• Wrap large lamp bases in padding to prevent breakage. Smaller lamps can be wrapped and placed into boxes for extra protection.
• Pack lampshades separately to avoid damage to the shades or the top of the lamp.
• Do not use newspaper or any other printed paper to wrap lampshades; the print can "bleed" and spoil the shade.