Þ    Do not store bagged or boxed food in your storage unit. Although we treat for pest control, you can help protect your belongings by only storing canned  food.

Þ    Avoid storing mattresses leaning against the side of your unit to avoid damage from condensation and temperature on the walls.

Þ    Condensation can come up through the cement floor in your unit. Depending on what you're storing, you may wish to lay plastic sheeting on the floor. For instance, do not put magazines, books, mattresses or expensive rugs or blankets on the floor.

Þ    For metal items such as tools, consider wiping them with a treatment, such as an oily rag, to prevent the rusting that could occur from natural humidity.

Þ    Place long furniture such as couches on end to save space, unless they have ends that prevent it.

Þ    Although you're sure to be delicate in storing items, after a while you may forget what is stored where and be less delicate in moving items around. As such, wrap delicate items in bubble wrap.

Þ    Be careful covering items with plastic. Plastic doesn't "breathe" well and could promote moisture, resulting in mold, mildew or rust.

Þ    Label your boxes! Face the label to the front.

Þ    Store frequently accessed items to the front and valuable items to the back.

Þ    Keep refrigerator/freezer doors slightly open to prevent odor buildup.

Þ    Always stand mirrors and pictures straight up.

Þ    Check with your insurance agent to make sure your stored goods are fully insured.

Þ    When disassembling items, e.g. a bed, bag the pieces, mark them, and tape them to the larger pieces.

Þ    Do not use newspaper for packing. The ink can be transferred from the paper to the items they're protecting.