The Depository Inc. Self Storage

When you use self-storage, you have three basic goals:

1. To preserve and protect your goods and possessions.
2.  To make them accessible when needed,
3.  To control your costs.

The way you pack your unit will help you achieve these goals. Here's a five-step method to do it right.

1. First, assemble your equipment. Have these items on hand: Tools: scissors,screwdriver, pliers, wrench, step-ladder, utility dolly, rope or twine, commercial grade sealing tape, wooden pallets, flashlight or battery-operated lantern, sel-adhering labels, pencil, paper and markers, rags, machine oil, moyh balls, extra clothes hangers, plastic kitchen bags (trash bags and sandwich bags), packing materials: bubble pack, foam padding plain packing paper, newspapers, cartons, furniture and mattress covers, polyurethane sheeting, tape measure. Don't forget a good lock to secure your storage unit when you have finished.

2. Plan unit layout carefully. Place wooden pallets on floor to protect against moisture. Leave a few inches of space around the inside perimeter of the unit to promote air flow. Make walking aisles so you can move about in the packed unit to retrieve items. Never lean items against walls. Stack cartons to full height of unit. Put heavy boxes with non-breakable items on the bottom, lighter boxes and fragile items on top. Put frequently-needed items near front. Put valuable items (television sets, stereos, bicycles) at the rear. Keep these out of sight to discourage theft in case of break-in.

3. Make a "take home" inventory list. Label each carton on sides and on top. Include description of contents and a box number for cross-reference on your inventory list. List location of each carton in the unit. Use heavy black markers to indicate "Fragile" items and to mark which side of each carton is "Top".

4. Pack like a pro. Use these tricks to protect your possessions.

• Kitchen: Wrap dishes with packing paper. Use towel to line the bottom and top of cardtons. Wrap stemware and glasses individually, place at top of carton with padding directly above. Nest plates and saucers, separate with packing paper. Ditto with cups. Place pots and pans in medium-sized cartons, never in same box as dishes. Store large appliances defrosted, clean, dry and upright. Block doors of refrigerators, freezers slightly open. You can store small, lightweight, well-wrapped items inside appliances. Position appliance doors so you can reteive items. Store small electric appliances in cartons. Wrap well, use extra packing paper to prevent movement.
• Laundry: Be sure washing machine is dry. Brace rotating tub to prevent movement. (pack space between tub and interior walls of machine with towels.) All machine parts, including motor, should be stationary to prevent damage when moved. Disconnect hoses, store in plastic bags taped to machine or placed inside tub.
• Living room, Den, Office: Where feasible, dismantle furniture. Remove legs from tables and store on edge. Otherwise, store tables upside down, legs up, top of table against padded sirface. Place screws and small furniture parts in plastic sandwich bags and tape to larger parts. Pack typewriters, computers, television sets, VCRs and other expensive equipment in original shipping boxes with foam inserts. If not possible, pack tightly with sufficient foam padding or bubble pack. Secure stereo equipment turntable and needle arm before moving. Pack lampshades separate from lamps in own box. Wrap with non-inked, plain packing paper. Don't stack anything on top of box. Pad lamp bases heavily before placing in cartons. Cover large picture or mirror on all sides with several sheets of packing paper. Special "mirror" carton is recommended. Store on edge, never flat.
• Bedrooms, Clothes closets: Store fabrics clean and dry. Moth balls are recommended. Use wardrobe cartons fo hanging clotjing, bedding, curtains or fold items and place in drawers of chests being stored. Line drawers with plain, non-inked paper. Pack shoes, clean and dry, in cartons.

5. Observe space Do's and Dont's.

• Do pack heavy items such as books in small boxes to lift easily.
• Do use drop cloths or covers to protect upholstery.
• Do clean and dry thoroughly all appliances and furniture to be stored. Brush upholstery. Remove stains, food crumbs. Wipe tools and other metal items with lightly-oiled cloth to inhibit rust.
• Do drain garden hoses. Tie together (coiled, ends connected).Tape or tie together garden tools - rakes, hoes,shovels.
• Do use chemical dehumidifiers in unit in humid climate.
• Do line cartons with paper. Remember, newspaper can stain fabric.
• Don't pack heavy items in same box with breakables.
• Don't cram! Fill boxes completly, but never overfill.
• Don't leave items loose in cartons. Stuff box with papar to fill.
• Don't store flammable, explosive or toxic materials. Drain and air lawnmower, boat motor, gasoline engines.
• Don't store foodstuffs or perishables.
• Don't leave pets or animals in the unit.