What Not To Put In a Storage Unit, and Why?

Why Do Self Storage Restrictions Exist?

Some people might argue that as long they keep paying for a storage unit, that rented space becomes their own rented space, and therefore they can store in it anything they wish. Needless to say, that argument is rather weak simply because those people tend to forget something that is of paramount importance: SAFETY. Safety rules are there to protect people and property alike, and without them chaos, anarchy and trouble would follow.

Rules are rules, and the same way you can’t just disregard all road safety rules and traffic regulations simply because you’ve rented a car, you are expected and strongly advised to follow the safety guidelines when renting a self-storage unit.

Remember: There are things you can’t put into storage because they are not allowed for safety reasons.

Simple as that. If anything bad happens due to your negligence and refusal to follow the rules, then you will be liable for any potential damage.

Prohibited items you should NOT put in a storage unit:

Here’s a handy list of things you are not allowed to keep in a self-storage unit, including the very reasons why they are not permitted. Some of these restricted items are pretty obvious, but there are also those items that you don’t automatically consider unfit to be stored in your rented space.

• Plants: Plants need light, food, and water. They will die faster in a storage unit than they will at your home or office. Gardeners are allowed to keep pretty much all their supplies inside a storage unit, but they must opt to keep anything that’s alive stored elsewhere.
• Firearms, munitions, gunpowder, and explosives: Your firearm collection cannot be kept in self storage. Neither are fireworks or other explosives. If you ignore this warning and your storage unit blows up, you could end up celebrating next Independence Day in a federal facility.
• Food and other perishables: It doesn’t matter if it’s pet food or pâté, stored food will rot, stink and attract vermin, making you very unpopular with your facility management and anybody with a storage unit near yours. This includes boxes or containers that have previously help food, like banana or liquor boxes. They may not look like food, but they sure smell like it.
• Hazardous materials and waste storage: You’ll need to find somewhere else to keep your excess flammable, explosive or radioactive stuff. If it’s corrosive, chemical, odorous, noxious or toxic, it can’t go in self storage, either. This includes lead paint, asbestos, urea formaldehyde, polychlorinated biphenyl, petroleum, petroleum products and constituents, methane, medical waste, toxic substances and related materials as defined in several federal acts and state statutes with long names and numbers.
• Hot stuff: Stolen goods of any kind can’t be kept in self storage.
• Cash: Keep in mind that insurance policies do not cover cash. Therefore, all that spare money and loot you have scattered around the house will be much safer in a safe deposit box at your bank.

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Are You Storing Your Items Safely?

Renting storage units seems like a pretty open and shut job: you open the door to your self-storage unit, you shove your stuff in, you shut the door. But storage isn’t quite that simple. Here are a few tips you should follow to ensure your stuff remains safe and in good condition:

1. Store upholstered furniture, like sofas (but not sleep sofas), on end if possible, to maximize your space. Cover with cotton sheets for dust protection.
2. Cover mattresses and box springs, with cotton sheets, and stand securely on their edge. Remember, cardboard absorbs moisture and plastic traps condensation, both of which can promote mold and mildew.
3. Treat any garden tools and other metal items, like bicycles, with a rust inhibitor, such as machine oil, before storing them. Clean before storing them.
4. Drain gas and oil from lawn mowers, trimmers, weed blowers, and other items with engines.
5. Use the tops of dressers as a base for stacking boxes. You can place a variety of items inside the dresser drawers, such as linens, small boxes or delicate items.
6. Wrap table and chair legs to avoid scratching.

MiniStorage has over three decades of experience in the industry with more than 30 locations spread throughout Southern California. We have a vast array of solutions for all your storage needs, and there is no doubt we are the storage solution for you.

Our Storage Consultants are trained to provide you with the utmost in professionalism and customer service. We pride ourselves on keeping clean, safe, and convenient facilities to serve all your needs. Whether you need storage for your household items or your business, you can be sure we have the solution.

Visit: www.MiniStorage.net for more details.

Packing Tips for Moving Day

Packing can be a pain to everyone. No matter how organized you are, it’s always time consuming and it requires a certain amount of strength. That’s why it’s important to start with a plan.

In the long run, it pays to purchase the right packing materials. Sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts can be purchased at moving companies and truck-rental firms. If you don’t have these, or can’t purchase them, be sure to use plenty of crumpled paper, blankets and pillows; even clothing can serve as a buffer between breakable objects. Then, pack with a plan.

Pack one room at a time, labeling each box with a description of its contents and its destination (e.g., kitchen, bathroom). Be as specific as you can; it will make unpacking that much easier.

Keep the weight of your boxes reasonable. If possible, put heavy items in small boxes to make them easier to carry.

Don’t apply tape directly to polished or painted wood finishes. Removing the tape could ruin the surface.

Double-box fragile items and add plenty of cushioning.

These tips may not make packing any more fun, but it will make the process more efficient so you settle into your new home or apartment sooner.

Avoiding Some Common Moving Blunders

Not Doing Your Homework on the Moving Company You Choose

Are your movers licensed by your state’s Department of Transportation? Have you checked into their record with the Better Business Bureau? Make sure that you do a quick check on your chosen company before committing to a contract.

Not Taking Advantage of Free Resources

Boxes and newspaper are easy to come by, and often free of charge. A little extra searching can save you money on packaging.

Packing Heavy Items in Large Boxes

Remember, the heaviest items should always go in the smallest boxes!

Not Measuring the Clearance Space in Your New Home

Don’t arrive at your new home to find that your furniture won’t fit in the front door!

Packing Flammable, Explosive, or Corrosive Materials

Misplacing the Bill of Lading

This is the contract between you and your movers and it will be essential should any problems arise along the way.

Not Labeling all Boxes

Label boxes as completely as possible, including handling instructions, and the final room destination within your new house.

Not Knowing the Rules for Tax Deductions

There are very specific guidelines as to which items are tax-deductible and which are not. Make sure to check out the IRS website in advance of your move, and retain all relevant receipts.

Failing to Take Care of Your Movers

Whether they are professionals or not, make sure to introduce yourself to everyone and have refreshments on hand. Making a good impression could protect your belongings over the long haul.

Forgetting to Notify the US Postal Service of Your New Address

Take a few moments on our site to check out the Free Address Changer before your move.

Those are the most common blunders, but don’t fail to take into account the psychological side of moving as well. Prepare all members of your household well in advance of the move. And, on the other end, give yourself some time to adjust to your new surroundings.

MiniStorage has over three decades of experience in the industry with more than 30 locations spread throughout Southern California. We have a vast array of solutions for all your storage needs, and there is no doubt we are the storage solution for you.

Our Storage Consultants are trained to provide you with the utmost in professionalism and customer service. We pride ourselves on keeping clean, safe, and convenient facilities to serve all your needs. Whether you need storage for your household items or your business, you can be sure we have the solution.

Visit: www.MiniStorage.net for more details.