Storage Ideas

1.  Remember, we are just like your garage.  Protect your belongings from humidity and dust.

2.  Cover your furniture with plastic covers ' use matress covers for bedding.

3.  Even if you don't need to get into your space, check on it frequently.

4.  Loading your Space:

• If you know there are items you will be frequently taking things out of your space, put these items near the front.
• Consider a larger space so you can leave an isle down the center.
• Put large items such as refrigerators, washer/dryers, and entertainment cabinets in first.  Then put boxes on the top ' light boxes, of course.

5.  Pack boxes full so they don't collaps when you stack them.

6.  Avoid putting cardboard boxes on the concrete floor.  When hunidity is high, the ground cold, and the air warm, the cardboard will "wick" moisture from the concrete slab.  Over time this will deterioate the box floor and walls.  Stack cardboard boxes on things like plastic boxes, furniture, appliances, etc.

7.  Put clothing in plastic bags or tubs.

8.  Always store matresses in matress bags to protect them from humidity.

9.  Plan ahead. Keep your frequently used items at the front of your unit where you can get at them easily.

10. DO NOT STORE FOOD other than sealed cans and jars.  A box of cereal is just an invitation for insects ' they WILL get in there!

11.  Keep notes:  As you pack your SPACE, keep notes of where items are stored.

12.  Cover up.  Protect your furniture, including mattresses and box springs, with covers designed for the item.

13.  Think vertical. Make best use of your storage area by stacking, put heaviest items on the bottom and lightest items on top.

14.  Optimize your space. Break down any furniture that has removable legs, leaves or other parts. Stack chairs seat-to-seat with towels or blankets between them.

15.  REFRIGERATOR:  Clean the refrigerator thoroughly before storing.  THEN, use it to store more items. Keep the refrigerator door open slightly to allow for air circulation.

16.  The washing machine is a great place to store water hoses.

17.  Leave a little space between the walls of your unit and your stored items to allow for ventilation.

18.  Shovels, hoes, rakes and hoses can be stored together in empty trash cans.

19.  Stack extra trash cans inside one another.

20.  GAS ' from LAWN MOWERS and other gas equipment should be removed before storing.

21.  Gas cans should be emptied before stored. "Where OH Where do I put the gas?"  How about your car?

Tips on Packing

1. Be prepared. Gather all the materials and supplies you need before you start: boxes, tape, packing materials, markers, furniture covers and so on. Remember, Walton Security Storage sells everything you need.

2. Label, label, label. Mark every box with its contents, and keep a written inventory as you pack.

3. Use the right box. Use large boxes for light items (linens, pillows, lamps) and smaller boxes for heavier items (books, CDs, Dishes).

4. Take care. Pack small things carefully into boxes with appropriate packing materials.

5. Resist the temptation to toss things into a garbage bag; they risk damage from knocks or bumps and mildew from lack of ventilation.

6. This side up. If you combine different weights of items in one box, always put the heavier things on the bottom and mark the box "this side up." 

7. Don't overload the box.  Remember, you have to lift it and the box has to hold up during the move.

8. Large and extra large boxes should be used for pillows, blankets and light items.

9. Tape it up. Come on, tape is CHEAP.

10.Make sure all your boxes are securely sealed with packing tape, with the tops flat (to make it easier to stack).1. Be prepared. Gather all the materials and supplies you need before you start: boxes, tape, packing materials, markers, furniture covers and so on. Remember, Walton Security Storage sells everything you need.

11. Hang it up. Use a wardrobe box to hang clothing, draperies and other fabrics that need to breathe and be kept crease-free. 

12. Break it down. Disassemble bed frames and lash them together with tape or twine.

13. Use small plastic bags to store screws and bolts and tape them to the frame that they belong to.

14. Respect breakable. Wrap dishes and glassware individually, and pad the box with packing paper or bubble wrap.

15. Keep the following items with you when you when you travel:

• Prescription drugs
• A few children's toys for the trip
• Important papers and personal records (wills, insurance policies)

16. Don't pack the following:

• Flammable fluids such as lighter fluid or gasoline
• Chemicals including auto maintenance fluids
• Fireworks paints and paint thinner
• Combustible objects such as oxygen bottles or propane tanks
• Firearms

17. DO NOT STORE

• Gasoline and paint thinner
• Food unless it is canned or bottled.  A bag of sugar in an invitation for insects.
• Fireworks
• Paints.  Paint ruins when frozed and unless you store it in a climate controled storage, the paint will freeze.

Moving

 1. Need a U-Haul truck? Keep these things in mind:

 DON'T WAIT TILL THE DAY BEFORE YOU MOVE TO RESERVE YOUR TRUCK

•  Trucks are more available on weekdays (Monday ' Thursday) ' cheaper, too
•  Line up the help. The more the better.
• If your move is local, remember that renting a large truck usually costs only a little more and you make less trips.
• The gas savings from making fewer trips will probably pay for the cost of a larger truck.
• Truck rates are cheaper on weekdays (M-T).

 2. START EARLY. It's going to take longer than you think. (Sorry, don't shoot the messenger)

3. Spend your time loading not packing.  Pack up before moving day.