Storage Tips

Covid-19 has changed a lot in our world. Like many businesses we have had to rethink our processes to ensure we are keeping you and us safe. At Stor-It we try to make renting a storage unit as easy as possible and minimize the need for you to come to our office. When renting from us, here are a few things you can expect.

• Virtual Contracting and Check-In
• Online Payment Options

When you to decide to rent from Stor-It, the first thing we will do is set up your Online Account. All we need is an email address and you will be able to create an account.

In your online account you will be able to read and sign your contract. You will then pay your opening balance with a credit or debit card. It’s that simple.

BUT HOW DO I GET KEYS FOR MY UNIT?

Once you have signed your contract and paid your opening balance we will put your keys in a secure place like a lock box that you will be able to access. This ensures we can all maintain social distancing. It also means you don’t have to make a special trip to pick up your keys.

You always have access to your online account to manage you contact information and pay your bills. You can even sign up for Auto Payment so your payment will run each month for you, automatically. You’ll receive rent reminders and receipts from us, all via email.

Since many of our customers are home more they are finding this time a perfect opportunity for organizing, simplifying and even preparing their houses for sale. That means an increased need for storage. At Stor-It we are committed to providing contact free rentals to keep everyone safe.

Text or Call us at 920-734-1265 for our current availability

Because new appliances are usually expensive, many people prefer to hold on to old ones for vacation homes, or back-ups. A self storage unitl can be a convenient, affordable solution. However, if you don’t properly prepare your appliances for remote storage, you may return to find useless, moldy items. Here is some useful advice for securely storing washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, ovens etc..

Checklist: Moving and Storing Your Appliances

1. Run a final cycle. Consider running an empty clothes washer and dishwasher through a wash cycle using either a cup of white vinegar prior to placing in self storage.
2. Drain liquid. Empty any water from hoses, tanks, plastic tubing and other internal components. This will help prevent freezing and mold.
3. Clean the interior. Scrub and dry the interior completely — especially in refrigerators, dishwashers and ovens. Food and sugar remnants can attract insects, even in interior storage units. In refrigerators, clean and dry the defrost pan — you’ll find it underneath or behind the refrigerator. In water-using appliances, wipe the rubber cushion seal around the perimeter of the door. Mildew may collect in this area.
4. Remove glass and protect finish. If your appliance has glass shelves or fragile parts, remove them and transport them separately. Appliances with finishes that can scratch or dent should be wrapped in blankets or bubble wrap. Refrigerators should be transported in an upright position.
5. Place in the unit first. By placing appliances in the back of your storage unit, you’ll have easier access to smaller items that you access more frequently.
6. Prop open the door. Find a way to keep the appliance’s door ajar for the duration of the storage rental. This will help deter mildew.
7. Avoid unwanted odors. Place an open box of baking soda inside of stored appliances.
8. Cover and protect. Use a breathable material such as a tarp or sheet to shield your appliance from dirt or dust.

 

 

 

 

While you are concerned about protecting what we put in the unit, protecting the unit itself is also important. There can be charges for scarring the unit during your tenancy. If you rent one to use for a vehicle for example, place poly and a drip pan under the engine and rear differential to prevent any damage to the floor.

There are a few things that don’t like the cold or the heat and should either be double wrapped, well insulated or not stored at all. Electronics, vinyl records, old photos (if humid), and things of that nature may come out a little less perfect when not stored properly.

Keeping your items off the floor is almost essential. Before renting your unit, there’s no way to promise that the melting snow won’t come under the door, or the adjacent unit won’t have a spill that soaks its way into your heirloom sofa. Under certain humidity conditions the concrete floors in a storage unit can sweat. Pallets provide an air space under your belongings to help protect them, and we provide the pallets:) We recommend using pallets to get any furniture, mattresses or cardboard off of the floor.

Do label your boxes. If you’re using self storage, chances are you don’t intend to be needing the items you’re packing up for at least a couple of months. And even if you believe you’ll be able to remember that the boxes packed in the left-hand corner contain your extra shoes, you’d be surprised how easy it is to forget what’s what once everything is out of sight. Labeling your boxes makes the unpacking process much simpler.

Do pack with a purpose. Some of the most crucial self storage tips you’ll want to follow are those around how to pack your things. You never know if or when you’ll need to access your unit during the storage period, so organize everything in a cohesive way. Store items you’re more likely to need toward the front of the unit, and things you know you’ll be able to live without for a while in the very back. Think vertically. Take advantage of the unit’s height (most are at least nine feet tall) and stack your items, keeping the heavier things closer to the ground. If you can, leave a pathway from the front of the unit to the back so that no item is completely out of easy reach.

Don’t store anything super valuable. As a general rule, if you can’t afford to lose it, you probably shouldn’t be putting it in your self storage unit. A majority of the time your belongings will be just fine and there’s nothing to worry about, but self storage always come with a small risk that items will get damaged or lost. To be prudent, find an alternative way to house art, jewelry, family heirlooms, and other valuable items that you don’t want to take chances with.

Don’t leave items unprotected. Prevent items from getting damaged by taking the time to properly wrap and store them. Cover furniture with blankets or moving pads (not plastic, which can trap moisture, resulting in mildew and mold). Fragile items should be carefully wrapped in paper, and stored in a stable location.

Do purchase insurance. Check to see if your renters or homeowners insurance covers personal property in storage. If it doesn’t, you can a separate storage insurance plan through Stor It. It’s good peace of mind to have extra protection just in case.

Don’t store anything perishable. Do not pack anything in your unit that could spoil. In addition to odors, rotting food could attract bugs and rodents.

Ask for help. Moving things into storage can be difficult to tackle all on your own. Ask a friend or family member for help, especially if you’re going to be loading heavy or bulky items. Having an extra set of hands will help the process go easier, and may reduce the risk of injury.

Do make sure to choose a reliable storage company. When you store items, you’re placing trust in a third party to take care of your belongings. It’s important that you choose a company with a proven track record of reliability. Read reviews and past customer experiences before booking a unit, and don’t choose to store your items with a sketchy seeming company just because their rates are cheaper than the competition.

Don’t start searching at the last minute. The storage unit you ultimately choose should be based on a few key factors, including the size, price, and convenience level that makes the most sense for your situation. To make sure you’re making a wise decision, start your search early. If you wait too long, you may find that what you’re looking for isn’t available, or you may just not have enough time to do your homework. It’s better to start a little early and have a plan in place than start late and have to make a rushed decision.