PACKING TIPS

Packing & Moving Tips

● Purchase packing supplies from Apex Self Storage as soon as possible.  Do not forget boxes, tape, markers, wrap and covers.
● Start packing well ahead of your moving date.  You won’t miss winter jackets and sporting equipment if you’re moving in the summer.  Start with those and other items you don’t use often.
● Try to use the same size of boxes.  This will help efficiently utilize your rental unit space.
● Label boxes on the top and on multiple sides for easy identification and include the contents and which room they should be placed into at your new location.
● Always fill boxes to capacity; partially full boxes may tip or collapse.  We recommend packing paper or peanuts for this purpose.
● Pack heavy items in smaller boxes for easier lifting.
● Make sure your boxes aren’t too heavy to lift!
● Seal boxes completely with packing tape to keep boxes sturdy.
● We have storage boxes for every item such as pictures, lampshades, clothes, and electronics.  Boxes make items easier to move and helps keep them clean.
● Dishes and glasses should be wrapped in packing paper or bubble wrap.
● When disassembling household furniture, tape loose legs and hardware together so you don’t lose them.
● Wrap fine china in plain paper as inked paper may run.  Apex sells ink-free newsprint sheets for this purpose.
● Pack books flat to protect their spines and place a fabric softener sheet in the boxes to prevent mildew smell.
● If you’re placing items in self storage, reserve a rental truck as soon as possible in order to have the right size.  Or, if you hire movers, your nearest Apex Self Storage location can provide a list of reliable local movers.

Storage Tips

● Visit the Apex facility and see different storage units to get a clear understanding of the space you will be using. Our knowledgeable and friendly storage consultants can answer any questions and provide advice on how to store items efficiently.
● When deciding between heated or unheated rental units, consider whether you will be storing expensive electronic component, quality furniture and other weather sensitive goods.
● Make a list of the items you are going to store.
● Group your items according to how you will organize them inside the storage unit. Give consideration to how often you will access certain things, their weight, fragility, etc.
● Boxes and containers should be of the same size, and be strong enough to allow stacking.
● Move in the heavy, bulky items first and place these items on the floor of your storage unit to provide a good stacking base.
● Do not place boxes directly on concrete floors; use pallets to allow airflow around and under items.
● Store items you’ll need most often at the front of the unit.
● When you pack your storage unit, create a center aisle for easy access to all your valuables.
● If you’re storing tables and other furniture, remove legs and store tabletops and sofas on end to save space.
● Old photographs tend to curl over time. To keep them flat, place them between two pieces of cardboard and tape them together.
● Drain gasoline and oil from lawn mowers and other items with small engines.
● The best place to store shovels, hoes and rakes is in a garbage can.
● All mattresses should be covered and stored flat on level surfaces.
● Whenever possible, place dressers and tables top-to-top to save space.
● Seal your boxes with packing tape to prevent dust from getting into your belongings.
● Wrap furniture legs with protective wrap, furniture covers or pads to prevent scratching.
● Mark your delicate belongings “fragile” and store them on top of heavier unbreakable boxes.
● Don’t over-pack or under-pack. Bulging cartons tip when stacked, while half full boxes tend to collapse.
● Pack books in smaller, easy to carry boxes. Place them flat to protect their spines.
● Clean and dry appliances before storing. Secure all movable parts with paper, or wrap a paper pad around each item for protection. During transport, tape all doors shut, but remember to wedge them open for storage.
● Use a generous amount of paper to pack dishes and glassware.
● Use wardrobe boxes to hang your clothes and prevent wrinkles. We sell wardrobe boxes at every location.
● Pack lamps and lampshades in individual boxes. Use plenty of clean paper or cloth for padding.
● Pad mirrors and paintings with paper. Place them in special mirror packs or large boxes; mark boxes as fragile and store with other fragile items.
● Valuable items should be placed out of sight at the back of the unit.
● Homeowners insurance often doesn’t cover goods stored in a self-storage facility. Check with your insurance provider to ensure you are covered.
● Remember to lock up. Always use high quality locks on your unit. Locks are available for sale at each of our locations.

Prohibited storage items at Apex

When planning your storage at Apex, you should keep in mind that some things may be banned from storage at our facility. This restriction is for the benefit and safety of you, our other customers and our staff. Any item or material that is deemed “inherently dangerous” will not be allowed. Some commonly prohibited items are as follows:

● Combustible, flammable, hazardous or toxic materials.
● These include gasoline, compressed gas, propane tanks, kerosene lamp and motor oil, acid, grease, corrosives, fertilizer, paint, cleaners, chemicals and narcotics. Any hazardous, toxic or biological waste.
● Any radioactive equipment or anything that contains radioactive materials.
● Asbestos or products containing asbestos.
● Fireworks, explosives, weapons and ammunition are all prohibited.
● Perishable food and animal products.
● Canned foods can be stored, but perishable food products such as cereals, produce or meat are not allowed. These may spoil or attract pests.
● Any animals or plants (dead or alive) cannot be stored.
● Stolen items are prohibited.
● The use of refrigerators, freezers, generators or space heaters is not allowed.
● Living in a storage unit is strictly prohibited.