Moving Tips

Storing In Climate Controlled Space

In non-climate controlled space the contents of a unit are exposed to the normal humidity in the air. In this area humidity is often very high which can cause mold and mildew. Over time mold and mildew can cause deterioration and discoloration so we recommend some items be stored in climate controlled space to insure they are not damaged by the environment. The longer the planned storage, the more important climate controlled storage is. Below is a list of items that should be stored in a climate controlled environment:

Musical Instruments
Mattresses
Important personal or business documents
Clothing
Cameras and film
Electronics, CDs, DVDs, records and other media
Computers
Books
Photographs
Artwork, craft supplies
Leather items
Fine furniture
Antique furniture
Fine china
Very valuable items
Items with high sentimental value

Sizing Your Unit

Unit Size	How to Visualize	What Unit Will Hold
5' x 5' 25 sq. ft.	Trailer Closet Half bathroom	Chest of drawers or desk mattress set, several boxes and small items OR about 50 file boxes
5' x 10' 50 sq. ft.	6'x12' Trailer Pickup Truck or Cargo Van Walk-in closet	Mattress set, sofa, dining room set or chest of drawers, boxes and small items
5' x 15' 75 sq. ft.	Large walk-in closet Small bedroom	Standard furnishings of one bedroom apartment without appliances, or about 150 file boxes
10' x 10' 100 sq. ft.	15' Moving Truck Average size bedroom	Furnishings of one bedroom apartment with refrigerator and washer/dryer, patio furniture and many boxes OR two office suites OR about 200 file boxes
10' x 15' 150 sq. ft.	20' Moving Truck Large bedroom	Furnishings of two bedroom apartment or small house with appliances, patio furniture and many boxes OR a vehicle or small boat OR it is big enough to fit carpet rolls and building materials
10' x 20' 200 sq. ft.	24' Moving Truck Small one car garage	Furnishings of two bedroom house with appliances, patio furniture and many boxes OR a vehicle or small boat OR construction equipment
10' x 30' 300 sq. ft.	Extra long one car garage	Furnishings of four or five bedroom house with appliances, patio furniture and many boxes, garage extras and miscellaneous OR a vehicle or boat

Do

Use pallets, 2 x 4's, plywood, any thing that will keep your items off the floor of the unit.
Utilize all the space in your unit. Make a plan as to how you are going to arrange your items. A good plan will save you the time of having to rearrange your unit. Leave an aisle in the center of your unit so that you have a walk way to the back of the unit.
Use free standing shelves to help organize your unit.
Label the boxes on all six sides and keep a list for easy reference. This will save you time if you have to look for something in particular. When packing boxes fill them without making them too heavy to lift. Always put the heavier boxes on the bottom and the lighter ones on top of the heavier ones. This will prevent boxes from being crushed. Keep boxes off the floor.
Be sure to store frequently used items at the front of the unit to avoid having to search for them.
To protect your items cover them with moving pads, sheets, or light blankets.
Be sure to check your unit once a month.
Disassemble items such as tables, bed frames, etc. This will save space. Wrap and label all pieces for an easier time when you have to reassemble them. Put all hardware in bags and mark the bags accordingly.
When you disassemble electronics, such as computers, stereos, things that have numerous cords, place small colored stickers on the cord and the same color sticker where the cord goes. This will save you the hassle of trying to figure out what goes where when it comes time to reassemble your electronics. If possible, use the original boxes to store your electronics and other items.
Make sure that all appliances are clean and dry before storing them. Leave appliances slightly ajar to prevent mildew.
If it is possible store couches on end. Stack chairs seat to seat. Use the inside of appliances and drawers to store smaller items. When stacking furniture use paper pads in between the items to avoid scratching.
Store mattresses and box springs on long edges. Wrap for protection and elevate off the floor. Use two to three 2 x 4's cut to 1 foot long.
Store mirrors and paintings on end, not flat. Pack books flat to protect their spines.
To prevent rusting rub a small amount of machine oil on metal tools, bicycles, and equipment. Drain and clean all debris from all equipment before you store them.
When wrapping collectibles or anything breakable, tape it after you wrap it. This should avoid mistaking them for excess paper to fill the box. Use bubble wrap or unprinted paper to wrap breakables. Group similar items together and mark the boxes accordingly.
Clothing and draperies should be stored in wardrobe boxes, on hangers, to retain their original shapes.
Purchase the insurance. If your belongings are worth storing, they are worth insuring.
Rubbermaid containers are great to store your items. They have tight fitting lids and stack easily. Keep the more valuable items in the rear of the unit. This will prevent others from seeing them when you are in your unit.
Keep out of season clothes accessible, you may have your belongings in storage longer than anticipated.
Be aware of your surroundings when you are in your unit. If you see a potential problem or anything suspicious alert the manager.

Don't

Do not use plastic to cover your belongings. It retains moisture.
Do not store any food items. This will prevent any unwanted guests.
Do not pack your boxes so that they are too heavy to carry them. Especially when you are packing books.
Do not assume that your homeowners or renters insurance will cover your belongings while in storage. Check with your insurance carrier.
Often they will cover you at no additional cost.
Do not give out your password, gate code or any information to any one that is not listed as having access.
Do not use printed newspaper for wrapping. The ink may smudge and get on your items.
Do not forget to clean appliances before you store them.
Do not store any toxins or flammables such as paint, oil, or gasoline.

Storing In Climate Controlled Space

Sizing Your Unit

Do

Don't

Fluvanna Self Storage