| By :
Mark Etinger
Have too much stuff? Don't resort to eBay and Craigslist just yet. Whether you're moving, going away on a lengthy trip, or just have things you don't have room for in your home, self-storage units can always come in handy. The tips listed below have been compiled to make your self-storage experience as painless as possible, so keep them in mind while you're looking and once you've chosen one. -Find a location that's nearby, especially if you'll need to access what you're storing often. Also find out about the facility's policies on access. Most places allow 24-hour access, but check just to be sure. -Be realistic about how much space you'll need. It'll be a hassle if you go to move everything into the unit and it won't fit. -Don't store combustibles, like fuel, paint and paint thinners. Just last month a fire broke out in an Arizona convenience store; the culprit was improperly stored combustibles. -Try to use boxes that are similarly sized; it'll make stacking easier. Fill boxes as much as you can, to avoid having them crumple under the weight of other boxes. -Label each side of your boxes, so you'll be able to tell what's in them no matter what angle you're looking at them from. When you're moving things into the storage unit, try to keep things that will be going in the same room in the same relative section. -Store the heaviest items on the bottom, stacking the lightest things on top. -When storing furniture, disassemble anything you can, and wrap legs and armrests to protect them from scratches. -If it's easier to store bits of the same furniture separately, label all the pieces to make reassembly easier. -Invest in covers for mattresses and sofa and chair cushions. If you're not using climate controlled storage, don't use plastic, as condensation is more likely to form. -Wrap any breakables in foam or plastic wrap. For vases and glasses, get boxes that come with dividers. The less contact they can come in with each other, the better. -If you're storing a refrigerator, clean it as thoroughly as you can and leave the door slightly ajar to prevent mold from growing. -If you're storing photographs or posters, place them in between two pieces of cardboard to keep them flat. -Keep clothes in wardrobe boxes (boxes specially designed with rod support), or invest in an actual wardrobe, if you think you'll want or need one later. Similarly, if you're storing a dresser or desk, you can use the drawers to store things. -When packing books, pack them flat, and not into large boxes that might be too heavy. If you prefer large boxes, pack them with books as well as something lighter. -Clean any metal objects, like tools or bicycles and treat them with rust protector, or wipe them down with machine oil. -Most places are careful about their security, but take the extra precaution of storing your most valuable things in the back.
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