Consumer's Guide to Self Storage

SELECTING A STORAGE SPACE

Self Storage is a convenient, safe and inexpensive way to store your belongings. Ask your storage consultant to help you choose a space that fits your needs, because rental of storage space is determined by the total size of the items being stored. Please refer to the Storage Space Estimator to assist in calculating the appropriate space size for your needs. An efficiently packed small space will cost less than a larger space. If you frequently use the space, a larger space, well organized (with stackable boxes) may be more convenient.

STORAGE RENTAL AGREEMENT

For your protection, Wayside Compartments provides a written agreement. Read it thoroughly and ask the storage consultant to answer your questions. Make note of your payment due date to avoid any process charges for late payments. If you change your address or phone number, be sure to notify the storage facility in writing.

INSURE YOUR GOODS IN STORAGE

The goods you place in self storage spaces are the sole responsibility of you, their owner. You lock your unit and keep all the keys. Your goods are not insured by Wayside Compartments. Your storage consultant will be able to give you the name of an insurer who provides low-cost coverage for your goods. If a policy is not included in your tenant package, just ask!

PROHIBITED STORAGE GOODS

Common sense and state laws determine what may be stored. You alone control access to your storage space; therefore, never store live plants or animals, food, perishables, explosives, flammable liquids and fuels, toxic materials, or other items that need a controlled environment. Remember to drain the fuel from gas tanks and leave the gas cap off before storing.

INSPECT YOUR STORAGE SPACE

The space should be clean with a door and padlock hasp in good working order.

DETERMINE THE PACKING ACCESSORIES YOU NEED

We suggest paper, bubble-pack, tape, rope, mattress covers, file boxes and storage boxes. All of these items are for sale in the Rental Office (see moving supplies).

FILL CONTAINERS TO CAPACITY

Partially full or bulging cartons may tip or collapse. Protect your fragile goods with appropriate packing material and place them near the top of your storage space.

LABEL BOXES

Keep a list of labeled boxes at your home for easy reference when you need to locate specific items.

PACK THE STORAGE SPACE CAREFULLY

Leave air space around the perimeter to aid ventilation. Leave a walkway to the rear of your space for easy access to all your goods. Use all the space available, including the height and place frequently used goods near the door.

LOCK YOUR STORAGE SPACE

You provide the padlock and you keep all keys. Be sure to use a quality lock and keep your keys in a safe place. Locks are available for purchase at the Rental Office (see moving supplies).

APPLIANCES

A refrigerator or freezer should be thoroughly defrosted, dry and stored with its door slightly ajar. Some goods can be stored inside large appliances and boxes can be stacked on top of stoves, refrigerators and freezers. Make sure that stoves and cooking equipment are cleaned before they are stored.

BOOKS AND DOCUMENTS

Pack books flat to protect their spines. Use packing paper to fill out empty pockets in the boxes. Do not pack fragile items in the same box with books and do not overload.

BEDDING , CLOTHING, CURTAINS, DRAPES AND LINENS

Clothing, curtains and drapes should be stored on hangers. Such items may be carefully folded and stored in dresser draws or cedar chests along with bedding and linens. We sell wardrobe style cardboard cartons in which you can hang and protect your clothes. Food crumbs or stains should be removed before storage and avoid storing anything that may attract pests.

DISHES AND GLASSWARE

Place a layer of packing inside the bottom and at the top of boxes containing glassware. All glass items should be individually wrapped: wrapped glasses should be placed near the top of cartons. Nest cups and bowls; lay plates, saucers and platters flat with bubble wrap separating each piece. Fill all pockets with packing. Label all boxes containing glassware and avoid placing heavy items on them.

FURNITURE

Use dresser tops for stacking cartons and dresser drawers for linens or small delicate items. Keep upholstery off the floor. Most lightweight chairs can be stacked seat to seat or placed upside down on tables which cannot be disassembled. Finally, place a light cotton (e.g. a bedsheet) dust cover over your furniture.

HOLIDAY DECORATIONS

Save the original cartons that contained delicate ornaments and pad the ornaments with packing paper or newsprint. Wrap strings of lights around a piece of cardboard before placing in a carton lined with packing paper.

LAMPS

Wrap large lamp bases in padding, wrap smaller lamps and place them in boxes and pack delicate lampshades separately. Do not use newsprint to wrap lampshades or any other goods that may be damaged by ink stains. Do not store heavy items on cartons containing lamps or lampshades.

MIRRORS, WINDOWS AND SCREENS

These items should be stored on edge, not flat. Mirrors and windows should have facing glass protected with cardboard sheets or placed in a box.

RECORDS ALBUMS

Record albums should be stored on edge to prevent warping.

TOOLS

Metal tools should be wiped with a rag. Long-handled tools such as rakes, shovels and hoes should be clean and tied in bundles.