 
What Not To Store
Do not store any goods that are illegal, stolen, flammable,
explosive, hazardous, perishable or caustic including
chlorine, acid, paint, gasoline or cleaning fluids. Further, drain all
gasoline from machinery, power tools and boats before storing
them. Do not store food items that could attract rodents or pests.
General
- Do not assume that your homeowner's or renter's
insurance
will cover your belongings while in storage.
You may need to purchase separate insurance.
- Make a list of packing materials needed such as boxes,
bubble pack, tape, marking pens, rope, drop cloths
and tarps. Also, TnT Mini Storage sells Packing
Supplies.
- Prepare your unit by placing plastic on the floor under
your goods.
- Leave a small space between the goods stored and the
storage unit’s walls.
- Do not stack heavy or folded objects where they could
shift or collapse when you move or need access.
- Label boxes by numbers and have the master list separate
from your storage space. Label each box
on all four sides with numbers. Mark “Fragile” on all boxes with
breakables. If items are going to be in storage
for three months or more consider sealing each box with tape.
- Be sure to store frequently used items at the front of
the unit to avoid having to search for them. Also, for
security
reasons some people prefer to store valuable items towards the back of the
unit.
Solutions for Specific Items
- Appliances must be thoroughly cleaned and dried. Keep
refrigerator and freezer doors slightly open. Remove and
discard vacuum cleaner bags.
- Store mattresses and box springs on long edges. Wrap
for protection and elevate off of the floor. Use pallets,
2x4’s or plywood to keep your items off the floor of the storage unit.
It is not advised to lean items against the walls
of the storage unit.
- Pictures and mirrors should be wrapped in specially
designed boxes and marked “FRAGILE.” Stand
them straight
up, never flat.
- Disassemble beds and mark the pieces so that they are
easy to put back together.
- When packing boxes that include heavy items such as
books, it is recommended that you pack them in small
cartons that weigh no more than 30 lbs.
- When you disassemble electronics such as computers and
stereos, items that have numerous cables, place
small colored stickers on the cable and the same color sticker where the
cable goes. If possible, use the
original packing for electronic items.
- If storing wool items, use cedar strips or mothballs
to prevent moth damage.
- Keep your seasonal items accessible, as you may
have your belongings in storage longer than
anticipated.
- Wax wood furniture before storing it. Use sheets or
cotton cloth to cover furniture.
- Never store anything in sealed plastic bags, the humidity
will cause damage to your goods.
- To save space it is recommended that you use your bureau
drawers or the interior of appliances as packing
space. Fill them with some of your fragile items and use blankets, sweaters
and towels for padding.
- Do not use printed newspaper to pack with. The ink may
smudge off on your items.
- Pack appliances in factory boxes whenever possible and
cushion with wadded, not shredded, packing paper.
Shredded paper can get into the machines and cause damage. Wedge doors open
while keeping appliances in
storage.
- When wrapping collectibles or anything breakable, tape
it after you wrap it. This will keep you from mistaking
them for the excess paper you used to fill the box.
- Clothing that ordinarily hangs in a closet should be
packed in a wardrobe carton.
- For metal items such as bicycles, tools or machinery,
wipe all surfaces with machine oil to prevent rust
formation. Drain fuel and oil from all machinery.
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