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FAQ & Tips

FAQ & Tips

Storage Tips

Making Your Storage Decision

  • Lock: It is your lock that secures your unit. Do not forget it! We sell locks at each property.
  • Length of Need: How long will you need storage?
  • Access: Will you be storing and “forgetting,” or will you be frequently accessing the space? If you will rarely need access, the unit can be packed more tightly, and thus more economically.
  • Location: Does location matter? We have convenient locations throughout the Roanoke and New River Valleys.
  • Climate-Controlled or Standard: Climate-controlled storage offers a regulated environment to protect your household goods. Temperature is controlled through HVAC systems, which reduce humidity and airborne dust, thereby creating a more favorable storage environment. Climate-controlled storage is ideal for fine furniture, antiques, electronics, artwork, retail inventory, professional files, and pharmaceuticals.
  • Assistance: Who will be loading your items into storage? Will you need a professional mover?
  • Payment: What is the most convenient way to pay? You can mail your check, auto-bill a credit card, or a bank draft, or drop your payment off at your property’s office.
  • Passcode & Lock Key: Keep somewhere you will remember!

Loading Your Items into Storage

  • Move your items into the unit on a day with no precipitation to keep them dry and prevent mold growth.
  • Cover your furniture with paper pads for its protection.
  • Wrap upholstered furniture in plastic wrap to prevent dust from settling.
  • Cover wooden items with protection when stacking items on top of each other.
  • Do not store heavy items on upholstery or leather, as this may cause compression dents or marks.
  • Consider creating an aisle if you will need access to any items in the unit, or place those items at the front for easy access.
  • Do not store any food, bird seed, fertilizer, or perishable items.
  • Drain water from appliances and store washers, refrigerators, and freezers with the door open.
  • If storing personal documents, place them at the front of the unit for easy access.
  • Do not place anything near the door that can fall over and prevent it from opening.
  • Consider leaving space next to walls where you stack boxes or totes to prevent items from collapsing into the center of the unit.
  • Do not store anything you would consider priceless and irreplaceable.

For box guidelines, see the chart:

Item Size Common Uses
Small Box 12” X 12” X 18” Books, china, heavy items
Medium Box 18” X 18” X 16” Dishes, kitchen items
Large Box 18” X 18” X 24” Linens, lamps, light items
Dish Pack 18” X 18” X 28” Dishes, cups
Dish Pack with insert 18” X 18” X 28” Dishes, cups, saucers
Legal Tote/File Box 23” X 15” X 12” Files, documents
Picture Box 24” X 36” Pictures and mirrors
Wardrobe Box 24” X 22” X 48” Hanging clothes
box guidelines