3255 Brighton Henrietta Town Line Rd • (585) 244-1114

13 Self-Storage Tips

Brighton Henrietta Storage wants to ensure your stored belongings remain stored properly, and without self-inflicted damage. We put together this list of 13 Self-Storage Tips for your use. Please browse these tips below to make sure your belongings are stored properly and safely.

Family following storage tips while moving boxes into a storage unit

  1. Pre-plan your storage space.  Place those items that you may need to access often in the front of your storage unit.  Allow ample space for walk-ways throughout your storage unit.
  2. Make up an inventory of your stored items and keep it in a safe place at home or in a safe deposit box.  Remember, Brighton Henrietta Storage is NOT responsible for any losses incurred. By far, this tip is one of the most over-looked of all self-storage tips.
  3. Place your storage items on 2 x 4 boards or on pallets to guard against dampness.  Any concrete floor may become damp as it is a porous material.  We recommend that you cover essential items with cotton or wool blankets.  You can also prepare your space by placing a protective cover on the floor of your storage unit.
  4. CAUTION: Do not store any combustibles such as paint; paint thinner, gasoline, solvents, oil, propane, etc.  Storage of such items may result in a catastrophic loss of stored items and severe damages to the storage facility.
  5. Use uniform size boxes for easy stacking.  Be sure your boxes are strong enough to hold 25 – 30 pounds.  Be aware of stacking boxes to be sure that fragile items are not located at the bottom of a stack.
  6. List the contents of each box on all four sides.  Number your storage boxes and create a reference guide for the easy location of items.  Seal all boxes with tape.
  7. Wrap fragile items. Dishes, glasses and other like items should be wrapped in paper and packed in sturdy boxes. Stack items of this nature on the top of a stack. Framed pictures and mirrors should be wrapped in cardboard and marked “FRAGILE.”
  8. Use a trash can or similar container to easily store shovels, hoes, rakes, hoses and other like items.
  9. Remove legs from tables. Tables with the ability to remove the legs should be dismantled to increase storage efficiency.
  10. Cover stuffed furniture with cardboard or blankets to protect against dust.  Refrain from stacking items on top of soft furniture as over time it will leave imprints on the furniture.  Do not place heavy or sharp objects on top of upholstered furniture.
  11. Mattresses may bend out of shape if not standing straight up. If you store a mattress on its side, be sure to prop it up so that it does not lean.  A mattress cover will help protect it from dust and dirt both in the moving and storage period.
  12. Furniture with drawers can be utilized as storage space for pictures, china, silverware, knick-knacks, or other small items.  Wrap these items in tablecloths, towels, blankets or other fabric items being stored to help prevent breakage and save on the cost of additional packing materials.
  13. Use a high-quality lock on your unit, one that you are comfortable with in securing your possessions.