What Not To Store

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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. 

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General

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• 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 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. Store items away from the front door where water and dust can blow in.

• 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.

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Solutions for Specific Items

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• 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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