Packing Tips

includes Bloomington mini storage

Business Storage
Almost any material and equipment utilized by a business can be stored and organized for use in a self storage facility. Some common uses of storage units, including storing:

Office Files
Drop Shipments
Excess Inventory
Manufacturers’ Samples
Hospital/Legal Records
Mobile Equipment
Retailer’s Seasonal Decorations
Theatrical Scenery
Campaign Materials
Merchandise and supplies
General Business Raw Materials

Insure Your Goods in Storage
The goods you place in self storage spaces are the sole responsibility of YOU, their owner. Goods are not insured by Winslow Storage. The manager can give you a brochure for low cost self storage insurance. You should also check your business insurance policies.

For your protection, a storage facility provides a written agreement. Read it thoroughly and ask the manager to answer any questions you may have. Winslow Storage prorates the rent going in, but not going out. Your security deposit will be refunded with proper notification and if the unit is left clean.

If you change your address or phone number, notification must be made to the rental office in writing.

Packing Tips

Appliances
A refrigerator or freezer should be thoroughly cleaned and dry and stored with its door slightly ajar. Items can be stored inside large appliances. Boxes can be stacked on freezers, refrigerators, and stoves. Be sure to clean stoves and cooking equipment are before storing.

Electronics
Electronic equipment should be stored with all cables neatly wrapped and labeled. Items that can be damaged by dust getting inside should be covered.

Tools, Bicycles and other Metal Items
All equipment needs to be clean. To retard rust, wipe all metal surfaces with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil. Tools with poles such as rakes, shovels and hoes should be lightly oiled, cleaned and tied in bundles. Use the appropriate box for the size and weight of smaller tools. Be careful not to over pack.

Files, Records and Other Paper Documents
Pack books flat to protect their spines. Do not place boxes directly on concrete floors, use pallets or skids to prevent moisture absorption (this is not an issue in climate controlled units). Use packing to fill out empty pockets in the boxes. Do not pack fragile items in the same box with books. DO NOT OVERLOAD. Books are heavy and should be put into small boxes.If you are fortunate enough to have them, vinyl records should be stored on edge to prevent warping.

Fabric Items
All items need to be clean and free from anything that may attract pests. Clothing, curtains, and drapes should be stored on hangers and placed in wardrobe boxes. Large flat items can be folded and stored in bureau drawers or cedar chests. All of our facilities carry wardrobe boxes, Large and Extra Large boxes and plastic bags for protecting your items.

Fragile items
Place a layer of packing inside the bottom and at the top of boxes containing fragile items. All items should be individually wrapped placing the most fragile near the top of the cartons. Nest cups and bowls and stand plates, saucers and platters on edge. Again, fill all pockets with packing.

Holiday ornaments should be wrapped in tissue and placed in the original cartons if available. If the original cartons are not available, pack in smaller boxes. Ornament boxes made of cardboard or plastic are now available as well. Wrap strings of lights around cardboard, then wrap in paper before placing in a carton lined with packing paper.

When stacking boxes that contain fragile items, place these on top of those containing heavy items. Label all boxes containing delicate items “FRAGILE”. Our facilities carry labels designating “Fragile” as well as those designating different rooms. We also carry kits for dinnerware and glassware.

Furniture and Office Furniture
Place a pallet, corrugated cardboard mat, or plastic sheet on the floor and stand sofas on end. Disassemble furniture and wrap table legs in paper. If furniture, such as a table, will not disassemble, place padding on the floor and place the table on its top with legs pointing up. Smaller objects can be stacked on tables and desks. Most lightweight chairs can be stacked “seat to seat” or placed upside down on other furniture. Keep upholstery off the floor. Mattresses can stand on edge against a wall. Place a light dust cover over your furniture. For your convenience, we carry many types of furniture and mattress covers as well as oversized bags in our offices.

Mirrors, Windows and Screens
These items should be stored on edge, not flat.

Lamps
Wrap large lamp bases in padding, wrap smaller lamps and place them in boxes. Pack delicate lamp shades separately. Do not use newsprint to wrap lamp shades or any other goods that may be damaged by ink stains (our facilities carry 10 pound packages of clean, white wrapping paper). Do not store heavy items on cartons containing lamps or lamp shades.

Prohibited Storage Goods – DON’T PACK!
Common sense and state laws determine what may be stored. You alone control access to your storage space; therefore, never store live animals, perishables, liquids, explosives, flammable liquids and fuels, toxic materials, or other item that needs a controlled environment. Always drain the fuel from gasoline engines before storage.

Better Business Through Self Storage
Self Storage is a convenient, safe and cost effective way for businesses to expand operations and maintain a competitive edge. A business tenant can increase or decrease its rented space as needs dictate. Businesses of all types, sizes and maturities are benefiting by using self storage facilities. When businesses are faced with expansion, they often find themselves limited by lack of appropriate space, availability of land, zoning and regulations, proximity to customers and access. Renting storage space can provide easy access to temporarily store items until more permanent space is available. Small distributors find storage space a convenient and inexpensive alternative to commercial warehousing.

Selecting a Storage Space Self Storage is a convenient, safe and inexpensive way to store your belongings. Ask the Storage Manager to help you choose a space size that fits your needs because rental of a storage space is determined by the total size of the items being stored. An efficiently packed small space will cost less than a larger space. If you frequently use the space, a larger space, well organized (racks and file boxes), may be more convenient.