1. Plan ahead. Have enough packing supplies ready before you start. Use uniform boxes for easy stacking. Think about how you want your storage unit arranged; remember items first into the storage unit will be the last ones to come out. If at all possible, make a walkway through the unit. Allow a small space between your items and the walls. Store valued items towards the back area.

2. Have a system in place; taking the time to be organized will make a stressful event a little more durable. Pack one room at a time. Mark your boxes with numbers on all four sides. Keep a list of contents from each box with you. Label all 'fragile' boxes to make sure nothing gets stacked on top of them.

3. When storing appliances make sure they are clean and dry. Leave all the doors slightly open on your refrigerators, freezers and washers. Drain all the washer (and garden) hoses. Utilize the storage space your appliances give you, great for small boxes, blankets, lamps, etc.

4. Most storage units have cement floors, cement does sweat. You may want to lay a tarp down or use pallets to protect your items from dampness.

5. If you plan on storing sofas and loveseats upward place them on a pallet, 2x4's or a tarp. Also use pallets, 2x4's or a tarp when storing mattresses and make sure they are propped up straight to keep their shape. It is recommended to place a sheet over these items.

6. Using plastic will hold the moisture in from the humidity so it is wise to use sheets to cover all the furniture. Waxing the wood furniture before storing is recommended. Never use plastic bags to store items in a non-climate control storage unit. The humidity may do some damage.

7. Whenever possible use wardrobe boxes to store your hanging clothing.

8. To save yourself a lot of space you can remove the legs on some tables.

9. The outside of our buildings are sprayed for bugs and spiders on a regular basis, however you may choose to spray in and around the door area. Placing rodent traps and/or poisons at the entrance of your unit is advisable.

10. Do not store any food items that could attract rodents or pests.

11. Remember that it is illegal to store materials that are hazardous or combustible. This includes gasoline, paint, cleaning fluids, solvents, fireworks, ect. All lawn mowers, power tools, boats, motorcycles, ect. should be drain of all remaining gas before storing.