Storage & Packing Tips

At Space Place, we make moving your belongings into storage easy. Our packing and storage tips will help you make the most of your rental storage unit move and our Self Storage How To checklist will help ensure you don't forget a thing.

Be sure to also check out the Self Storage Insurance section for more information on the importance of insuring your goods for the course of their stay in storage.

Packing Tips

• Use smaller boxes for heavier items.
• Avoid packing fragile items and heavy items in the same box.
• Prevent injury by ensuring boxes are not overfilled and not too heavy to lift.
• When packing boxes, fill empty spaces with packing paper and other materials to prevent collapse and breakage.
• Wrap all dishes and glassware in packing paper to protect. These items should ideally be packed in a specifically designed dish barrel box—conveniently available at Space Place.
• Glass items should be wrapped individually and placed at the top of the box. Cups, bowls and plates can be wrapped and stored nested inside of each other. Fill empty spaces inside the box with packing paper to avoid breakage.
• Holiday decorations should also be carefully wrapped and are ideally stored in original packaging. Wrap strands of lights around a piece of cardboard to prevent tangles and breakage.
• Books should be packed flat to avoid damaging the spine and pages.
• Mirror boxes are great for framed art as well as mirrors. Clearly mark these as fragile and store on end (never store flat).
• Electronics are best stored in original packaging whenever possible. If original packaging is not available, pad electronics with packaging paper or bubble wrap.
• Seal all boxes with packing tape to keep dust off of contents.
• Clearly mark contents of boxes on all sides for easy identification. Be sure to also mark fragile items as “fragile”.
• Keep in mind that boxes of the same size or sizes will be easier to store and stack in your rental storage unit.
• Do not package goods in sealed plastic bags as this can promote mildew. Clothes and fabrics are best stored in wardrobe boxes to keep them mildew-free.
• Be sure to tape drawers and other moving pieces of furniture shut to prevent damage.

Storage Tips

Furniture

• Make the most of your storage space by packing drawers of dressers, wardrobes and other furniture with additional items.
• Furniture and mattresses are best stored in mattress bags.
• When possible, dismantle furniture to maximize storage space. For example, remove table legs and disassemble desks.
• When possible, store furniture such as couches, tables and desks on end.
• Cover furniture with blankets or furniture pads to prevent scratches and other damage.
• Store lampshades separate from lamps. Wrap for protection.
• Stack chairs seat to seat and wrap chair legs to protect them.

Appliances, Yard Equipment and Household Tools

• All appliances should be thoroughly drained of liquid prior to storage to avoid water damage. Appliance doors should be kept ajar.
• Drain all gasoline and oil before storing equipment with a motor.
• Drain all lawn and yard equipment prior to storage.
• Before storing your vacuum cleaner be sure to discard the bag inside. Never store vacuums with used bags.

Metal

• Wipe down metal objects, tools and bicycle chains with a little oil prior to storage to prevent rust.

Leather

• Treat leather items with leather conditioner before storing. A heated unit is also recommended for leather to maintain softness.

Clothing, Bedding, and Additional Fabrics

• All clothing and fabrics should be stored on hangers, ideally in wardrobe boxes, which can be conveniently purchased at Space Place. You can also store fabric items in empty dresser drawers or chests.
• Keep seasonal clothing in an easily accessible place.

Books, Files and Boxes

• Photographs are sensitive to climate change and should be stored in heated units.
• It is not recommended to store food. If you must store food, it MUST be in sealed containers ONLY.

Mattresses

• Mattresses should be covered with mattress bags and stored lengthwise rather than on top of other items.

Rental Storage Unit Organization Tips

• Rental storage units are priced by size. A small, well-packed unit will work out cheaper than a large unit poorly organized.
• Place items you will need frequent access to toward the front of your rental storage unit.
• Do not stack heavy or sharp objects on upholstery or delicate items.
• Never store wet items in your rental storage unit.
• Investing in shelving for your unit will maximize space.
• If you have time, draw and label a simple map of where all items are located in your rental storage unit. Trust us, this will be helpful later.
• Stack heavier items toward the bottom and lighter items toward the top.
• Cover exposed items with blankets to protect from dust.
• Always be sure to lock your storage unit when leaving.
• Never store combustibles.
• When in doubt, throw it out. Moving is the perfect time to get rid of items you never use. You'll save lots of room in storage if you do a little spring cleaning first.

Self Storage Insurance

Just as you would take out a homeowners' insurance policy to protect your house or tenant insurance to protect a rental property, so too should you invest in self storage insurance. We recommend all customers make this inexpensive purchase to protect their storage unit and goods within. After all, items worth storing are worth insuring. Please note: Most homeowners insurance only covers goods in storage for a very small amount of time (usually a month or two). Please check your policy to make sure you are covered. Space Place is not responsible for any damage that may occur to your goods for any reason while in storage.

For your convenience, Space Place offers affordable self storage insurance available for purchase at the time of your rental. Should you have questions or require any additional information, please feel free to contact us at 403-288-2620. Our friendly staff are always happy to help.

Self Storage How To Checklist

• Compile a list of what you plan to store in your rental storage unit. This will assist Space Place staff in helping you determine what size and type of rental storage unit will best suits your needs. Creating a list will also help you plan and organize your move to storage.
• Call or visit Space Place to reserve your rental storage unit.
• Purchase packing supplies at Space Place. Please visit the Boxes Etc page to learn about all the supplies we carry.
• Pack boxes ensuring they are not too heavy, too uneven or have too many air pockets.
• Avoid using plastic bags as they can promote the growth of mildew. Also avoid using printed newspaper as it may transfer ink to your items.
• Label each box with a list of contents that can be found inside.
• Donate or have a garage sale for all unwanted items.
• Drain gasoline from lawn mowers and all other small engine items being stored.
• Empty, defrost, clean and thoroughly dry refrigerator and freezer.
• Maximize your rental storage space by moving large items and furniture in first (disassemble when possible). Leave a small aisle allowing you easy access to all items. Then, stack items in order of weight. Place heavier items on the bottom with lighter items on top.
• Be sure to clean all appliances before storing them in order to prevent mildew and odors. Keep appliance doors ajar while in your rental storage unit.
• Place items you will need more frequent access to toward the front of your rental storage unit (i.e. seasonal clothing).
• Cover items in your unit with tarps, blankets, sheets or moving pads to protect them from dust.
• Have you forgotten anything? (For example: Items on loan, borrowed items, dry cleaning, items at the repair shop, etc.).
• Protect your stored items. Purchased inexpensive insurance to cover your goods. To learn more about insurance, please call Space Place at 403-288-2620.
• Do not store any combustibles or toxic products such as paint, oil or gasoline.
• Feel free to ask us if you have any questions. We've been in the business for over twenty years and would be happy to share our experience and expertise with you.