STORAGE TIPS

Security Options for Storage

Keeping your belongings secure in a rented storage unit is a convenient solution when you need extra space. However, ensuring that your items are both safe and easily accessible is crucial. Security measures can vary by location, facility policy, and cost. Here are some key points to consider when selecting the right storage for you:

Locks & Security Systems

No security system is entirely foolproof, but certain features can enhance the safety of both you and your stored items:

Well-Lit Property: Opt for a facility that is well-lit, particularly if you’ll need access during dark hours or when no managers are present.
Individual Locks: You will have the only key to your lock.
Video Surveillance: Look for properties equipped with security cameras throughout.

Manager on Duty:

Monday – Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: 9 AM – 2 PM

Deliveries

For business owners needing deliveries accepted at their storage unit, ask these questions before renting:

Can the facility accept deliveries on your behalf?
Are deliveries restricted to specific times and days?
Can deliveries be made directly to your storage unit?
What is the maximum size of delivery trucks that can access the property and drive up to your unit?
Is the property manager required to be present for deliveries, or can they be made without the manager?

Secured storage provides peace of mind for both individuals and business owners. However, understanding the security policies and ensuring they meet your needs is essential. Investigate the available security options thoroughly to maximize the convenience and safety of your storage solution.

What Should or Should Not Be Stored in a Self-Storage Unit?

Self-storage units are ideal for handling overflow items from your home or business, functioning as a secondary garage or supply room. However, it's important to be aware of restrictions on what can be stored to ensure safety for you, facility staff, and other customers.

When deciding what to store, consider that most facilities have specific rules. You'll need to sign a lease agreeing to these regulations. Generally, items deemed "inherently dangerous" are prohibited.

Before renting, create a preliminary inventory of your items. Discuss this list with the storage facility manager to ensure compliance with their policies. Full disclosure is required, and checking ahead of time can prevent inconveniences later.

Prohibited Items:

Combustible, Hazardous, or Toxic Materials: This includes gasoline, compressed gas, propane tanks, kerosene, oils, acids, corrosives, fertilizers, paint, cleaners, chemicals, narcotics, hazardous waste, and asbestos products. Fireworks, explosives, weapons, and ammunition are also not allowed.
Vehicles and Recreational Equipment: You can store insured and operational vehicles, including cars, minivans, SUVs, trucks, jet skis, snowmobiles, motorcycles, ATVs, boats, and dirt bikes. Call for specific details.
Medical/Pharmaceutical Supplies: These can be stored, except for radioactive materials, which are prohibited.
Construction Equipment: Convenient for storing tools and equipment needed for construction projects.
Perishable Food and Animal Products: Only non-perishable items like canned foods are allowed; perishables like cereals, produce, and meats are prohibited due to spoilage and pest attraction.
Miscellaneous Prohibited Items: This includes animals, plants, stolen items, and living in storage units is not allowed.

For any questions regarding the items you plan to store, consult the storage facility manager before packing.

Self-Storage Tips for Business Owners

A cramped workspace can hinder productivity by making it difficult to find what you need. Excess inventory, samples, supplies, and paperwork can quickly clutter small spaces, requiring significant effort to stay organized. Renting additional commercial space or expanding a home office can be costly and time-consuming. For modern business owners, self-storage offers a cost-effective and efficient solution.

At North Main Self Storage, many business owners utilize self-storage for both long-term and short-term needs, including:

During remodeling, redecorating, or downsizing
When relocating
Storing seasonal items like patio furniture, grills, and outdoor kiosks
Storing excess inventory ahead of the holiday season
Accepting deliveries

A storage unit can function much like an extra office. To maximize your investment, consider how frequently you will need to access your items when planning how to pack them. Choose packing methods that are easy to change and less messy to work with.

Packing Tips

Streamline your packing process by preparing ahead of time. Begin with a comprehensive list of all items earmarked for storage, noting their sizes. Gather ample supplies such as sturdy corrugated cartons, packing paper, bubble wrap, sealing tape, marker pens, and any protective furniture covers or shelving intended for your storage unit.
Opt for uniform box sizes whenever possible. Pack boxes tightly, avoiding both overfilling (which can cause them to tip when stacked) and underfilling (which may lead to collapsing). Utilize crumpled newsprint, bubble wrap, rags, towels, or blankets to fill gaps. Seal boxes securely with tape for maximum protection.
Pack heavier items like books and tools into smaller boxes to facilitate easier handling. Regardless of box size, keep the weight under 30 lbs. each.
Clearly label all boxes with their contents. Maintain a detailed inventory (including photos and descriptions) at your home or office for quick reference. Clearly mark boxes containing fragile items.
Clean and thoroughly dry appliances before storing. Secure movable parts with paper padding or wrap each item with protective paper. Tape doors shut during transport, but remember to leave them slightly ajar for storage.
Secure bed rails by taping or tying them together, and label pieces for effortless reassembly. Cover mattresses with protective covers or plastic bags to keep them pristine during storage.
Lay books flat in boxes to protect their spines. Line boxes with plastic and use packing paper to fill empty spaces.
Utilize bureau drawers for storing small, fragile items. Secure contents with towels or packing paper to prevent shifting.
Wrap chair legs with packing paper to prevent damage. Leave slipcovers on upholstered chairs and cover with plastic chair covers.
Use wardrobe boxes to hang clothes and draperies, preserving their condition during storage.
Employ ample packing paper to cushion dishes and glassware. Line the bottom and top of boxes with packing paper, and individually wrap each item before padding with crumpled paper. Stack plates vertically for optimal protection.
Pack lamps and lampshades in separate boxes, using clean paper or clothing as padding.
Protect mirrors and paintings with ample padding. Use specialized mirror packs or large boxes, clearly marking them for easy identification.

These packing tips ensure your items remain safe and organized during their time in storage.

Choosing the Right Size Self-Storage Unit

Estimating the space you need for storage is straightforward if you know what you plan to store. Follow these steps to help you plan, along with size recommendations based on commonly stored items. Visit our Storage Size Chart for more detailed information.

Steps to Plan Your Storage:

Make a List: Start by listing the items you intend to store. Alternatively, you can make a video inventory.
Group Items: Organize items based on how you plan to store them. Identify those that will be packed in boxes and stacked. Place frequently accessed items near the front of the unit. Group by fragility or weight—heavier items at the bottom, fragile items on top. Consider awkwardly sized items based on their usage frequency and weight.
Plan Packing and Organization: Use uniform-sized boxes and containers, stacking them no more than three or four high based on their size and strength. Heavy-duty plastic stackable drawers can be useful for easy access.

Quick-Reference Guide to Storage Unit Sizes:

Personal Items:

5' x 5' (25 sq. ft.): Holds a chest of drawers, a small mattress set, boxes, and small items. Ideal for garden tools or seasonal decorations.
5' x 10' (50 sq. ft.): Fits a mid-size bedroom’s furnishings, including a queen-size bed, dresser, TV, and storage boxes.
10' x 10' (100 sq. ft.): Accommodates the contents of an entire family room or two full bedrooms.
10' x 15' (150 sq. ft.): Suitable for up to three bedrooms, including larger items like pianos, couches, tables, or large-screen TVs.
10' x 20' (200 sq. ft.): Fits the contents of a five-bedroom house, including a refrigerator, washer/dryer, dining table, chairs, and large boxes.
10' x 30' (300 sq. ft.): Holds the contents of a 5- to 7-bedroom house, including large items such as couches, beds, fridges, and entertainment centers.

Business Items:

5' x 5' (25 sq. ft.): Fits a large office closet with files, books, office chairs, and storage boxes.
5' x 10' (50 sq. ft.): Suitable for one office room, including desks, bookcases, filing cabinets, and storage boxes. Ideal for equipment and tools.
10' x 10' (100 sq. ft.): Accommodates the contents of an entire office, including desks, chairs, computers, and storage boxes.
10' x 15' (150 sq. ft.): Fits the contents of three office rooms, including desks, computers, and boxes.
10' x 20' (200 sq. ft.): Holds the contents of five office rooms (desks, computers, bookcases, and file cabinets) or a five-year supply of business and tax files.
10' x 30' (300 sq. ft.): Suitable for the contents of five office rooms, including desks, large boxes, seasonal storage, large storage shelves, or pallets of inventory, depending on stacking height.

Tips:

Visit Potential Units: To get a visual sense of the space, it’s always a good idea to visit potential storage units.
Consult Your Storage Representative: They can answer any questions you have and offer suggestions on maximizing your storage space.