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CALL NOW: 304-252-0062
or email: friendlystaff@capitolministorage.com
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Determine how much storage space you will need. The following guide should help. Remember to leave enough room for you to sort through your items if you think that you may have to. If you plan to access your goods frequently you may think about adding shelving.
Determine the packing accessories you need such as boxes, packing material such as bubble pack, tape, rope or heavy string, plastic, covers for furniture, pallets, etc.
When packing, completely fill your boxes. Partially full boxes may crush and stacks of them may fall over. Place well padded, fragile items on top.
Label boxes with a marker. Keep a list of the items in each box. Keep this list at home – not in the unit or at least keep a copy somewhere else. Boxes should also be labeled by room.
Leave enough room around and through your items for air circulation.
Do not lean items against the walls. It is best to completely cover the floor with plastic before putting down pallets or wood.
Try to use pallets on the floor.
Place frequently used items near the door.
Pack books flat and place on pallet or milk crates.
Leave any self sealing equipment doors slightly open.
All items should be clean and free from anything that might attract pests.
Label boxes of especially fragile items with FRAGILE. Fragile items should have a top and bottom layer of padding and each item should be wrapped.
Place furniture on pallets or on mats or plastic if pallets aren’t available. 2 x 4s can be substituted for pallets. Stand sofas and other long items on end. Leather loungers must sit flat on the floor and must NOT be covered with plastic. Cover with cotton. Take tables apart if possible. Place a cotton dust cover over everything.
To retard rust on metal surfaces, wipe the surfaces with a little machine oil.
Put the following in climate controlled storage:
Leather furniture
Computers
Musical instruments
Paintings
Mattresses
Antiques
Paper records
Electronics
Pharmaceuticals
Video or audio recordings
Wine storage
Documents
Stack chairs seat to seat with cloth between them.
Stack similar sized boxes together.
Do not place heavy boxes or other items on sofas as the imprint can last forever.
Cover furniture with blankets to protect them from damage from other items.
Store small items inside stoves and refrigerators but leave the doors cracked open to prevent growth of mold and mildew.
Use plastic boxes such as Rubbermaid whenever possible. These are especially good on the bottom layer where they will protect against moisture or small floods.
Use small boxes for books so that you can lift them without straining.
Clothing and draperies should be stored in wardrobe boxes to retain their shape.
Treat leather with leather conditioner.
Use mattress bags and covers.
Drain and clean all debris from lawn and garden equipment.
Place photographs between pieces of cardboards and tape the pieces together to prevent curling. Consider not storing photographs or put them into climate control.
Seal all cardboard boxes with tape.
Place mirrors and pictures on end.
Wrap sofa cushions and place in protective bag on top of the sofa end.
Store tables top down and wrap the legs to avoid scratches.
Pack pillows and bean bags in plastic bags to keep them clean.
If moving have a handy packed box ready with coffee maker, baby toys, tea, kettle so that it is handy when you move into your new home.
Pack a “hard to find” box like remote controls, keys, etc.
Store small and/or valuable items like TVs, stereos, etc. in the back of the unit in unmarked boxes with large, heavier items in front of them.
Use uniform size boxes in each stack.
Wrap electronics in clean linen.
Take photo or video of your packed unit and keep this off site.
Stores hoes, rakes, and other sharp tools in trash cans.
Mattresses should be stood perfectly straight on their edge so that they do not become lumpy.
Use a really good quality lock that is hard to cut off.
Create aisles with box labels facing out.
Don’t stack boxes so high that they will be dangerous or so that sorting through them will be too time consuming.
Remember that your lease prohibits the storage of flammables, explosives, food that may attract rodents, and toxic chemicals.
Always try and place storage on skids or pallets. 2 X 4s or a heavy sheet of plastic will also work if pallets are not available. Most storage facilities are constructed on concrete floors and concrete tends to absorb moisture. An open bag of kitty litter or scattered cedar shavings help to control moisture and gives your storage a fresh odor.
Try to drape a piece of material, tarp, or heavy cloth over storage. Metal buildings sometimes will experience condensation or “sweat” in changing seasons.
Do not store any type of food stuff. It will attract rodents and a rodent will nest close to any type of food supply. Please use d-con for protection. You never know what your neighbor is storing. Roach bait or roach kill is also recommended.
Do not store anything combustible. This is self-explanatory.
Periodical checks are recommended during a severe rainy season or extreme hot weather. If you are going to be out of the area, you may want to leave your key with someone local who can do this for you.
Always secure unit by pushing the latch to the extreme right so that the lock openings are flush. Do not use a combination lock on the outside units as they do not hold up under the weather changes.
If your door ever becomes stuck or comes off track, do not force it. Come to the office and report the problem. We can usually fix it at the time. We will not be responsible for any unit with storage left unsecured.
Always leave your refrigerator and freezer doors propped open to prevent mold and mildew from forming. Be sure to empty all water from your washing machines to prevent the motor from freezing and busting during the winter.
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