Gorilla Storage climate controlled secure inside storage units
Climate controlled indoor storage units for short and long-term self storage. Fully Secured inside storage units.
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packing tips
How Do I Pack a Storage Unit?
Part of the packing process is moving your belongings into self-storage. Like packing your items, there should be a method to moving items into a storage unit. Following these three tips will help keep your unit is as organized as possible:
- Fill boxes to capacity. Partially full or bulging boxes may collapse or tip over while stored.
- Label your boxes, bins, and containers. This will make finding and accessing your items much easier.
- Put pallets or a grid of 2’x3’ planks on the unit floor to allow better air circulation under stored items and goods.
Most importantly, make sure not to overpack your space to the point that you can barely get your storage unit door open or closed. If you are someone who plans to make frequent visits to your unit, it’s best to create paths in your unit so you can easily access your belongings. Creating paths are great for those who are accessing their unit on a frequent basis. However, if you don’t plan to visit your unit often, you can pack your unit pretty tightly.
Packing Tips for Specific Items
No matter if you need to create pathways in your storage unit or have the freedom to pack and stack everything inside as much as possible, what you plan to store will dictate how you pack your unit. Here are a few of the most common items that are housed in our storage units as well as the best ways we find to store them safely:
Books and documents
Pack books and documents flat to protect spines and edges, keeping the heaviest items at the bottom. Using smaller boxes for books is best to prevent them from becoming too heavy to carry.
Dishes and glassware
Individually wrap your glass items using blank wrapping paper for best results. Whenever possible, you should “nest” cups and bowls and stand plates and platters. Once you’re done, fill the empty spaces with wrapping paper or packing peanuts to ensure glassware doesn’t break when jostled during transport. When storing, be sure not to put breakables under other boxes.
Mirrors, windows, and screens
Be sure that all glass is well-wrapped. Adding a layer of bubble wrap can help provide an extra layer of protection. Store glass on its edge against the wall, never flat.
Lamps
Lampshades should be packed separately from their lamp bases. Use blank paper to wrap lampshades to avoid ink transfers from regular newsprint. To prevent damaged cords, neatly fold lamp cords, then use a twist tie or tape to secure them. Wrap a piece of tape around the electrical prongs to keep them from getting bent.
Furniture
Stand sofas and mattresses on end, and place light plastic dust covers over furniture and mattresses; this is especially important if your furniture is cloth. Disassemble beds and tables, and wrap legs in wrapping paper. Don’t forget to keep upholstery off the floor.
Appliances, electronics, and tools
Clean appliances and tools thoroughly. Appliances that are still dirty might have a higher probability of rusting or even attracting pests if you plan to store food appliances. Tools should be cleaned and a little bit of machine oil added to prevent premature rusting. Refrigerators and freezers must be defrosted, and dryers and washing machines need to be completely drained. Remove doors of appliances and store separately; desiccants (drying agents) should be used and containers checked and emptied regularly. Take apart lawn mowers and snow blowers, making sure all the fuel is completely drained. Any appliance that uses oil should be stored away from fabrics.
Bicycles
Wipe a few drops of oil on bicycles and tools to prevent rusting, then store these items away from furniture to avoid oil staining.
Clothes
Utilizing wardrobe boxes allow you to store your clothing on hangers. Shoes can be stored in the bottom of the wardrobe boxes, while folded clothing can be stored in boxes or dresser drawers.