storage tips

TIPS FOR STORAGE

We offer the highest quality Storage Burlingame CA has to offer, and we hope that this information will assist you in storing your goods, whether with us or at your home. We have had a substantial amount of experience in the storage business and rely on this in providing information to you.

  • One of the most important items in preparing to store your belongings, where you will be on a ground floor is to place a vapor barrier on the floor.  Even the best designed garage or storage floor cannot prevent moisture. Use a pallet, if you have one, or use visqueen. You might choose carpet but it’s vulnerable to trapping dust and pollen.  Make sure to leave air space around the perimeter to encourage air flow and preservation.  Do not lean items against walls.
  • Use all the space available, including height. Shelving will allow you to store substantially more and in a better manner. Shelving will pay for itself many times. This allows you to have a smaller unit and save money.
  • Place frequently used items near the door.
  • Fill any container you have to capacity.
  • Be careful. Particularly full or bulging cartons may tip or collapse. Be careful about packing boxes so that they are not too heavy. Heavy items such as books should be packed in small boxes. If a carton is too heavy, it will be hard to lift and should be divided between two or more cartons.
  • Fragile items should be cushioned by packing and placed toward the top of the items stored.
  • Although it will take a little more time initially, label cartons as to their contents, and take home a list of the labeled cartons for easy reference when you need to locate your property. This is particularly helpful if more than one person will be using the space.
  • Use packing aids such as newspapers or wrapping paper, bubble pack, tape, rope, drop cloths, acid-free sheeting, mattress and furniture covers, pallets, skids and cartons. These will protect your goods and save you replacement or repair costs.

SPECIFIC STORAGE TIPS

Appliances:

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

Bicycles & Other Metal Items:

To retard rust, wipe all metal surfaces with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil.

Books & Documents:

Pack books flat to protect their spines. Do not place boxes directly on floor. Use pallets or skids to prevent moisture. Using packing to fill out empty pockets in the cartons. Do not pack fragile items in the same carton with books. Do not overload.

Bedding, Clothing, Curtains, Drapes & Linen:

Clothing, curtains and drapes should be stored on hangers. If hanging facilities are not available, such items should be carefully folded and stored in dresser drawers or cedar chests along with bedding and linen. Some facilities sell wardrobe-style cardboard cartons which help protect your clothes. Food crumbs or stains should be removed before storage. Avoid storing anything that will attract rodents

Dishes & Glassware:

Place a layer of packing inside both the bottom and top of cartons containing glassware. Label all cartons containing glass. All glass items should be individually wrapped. Nest cups and bowls and stand plates, saucers and platters on edge. Wrapped glasses should be placed toward the top of the carton with padding above them. Fill all pockets with newspaper. Do not place heavy items atop boxes containing glassware.

Mirrors, Windows & Screens:

These items should be stored on edge, not flat.

Furniture:

Place a pallet, cardboard mat or plastic sheet on the floor and stand sofas or mattresses on end. Disassemble beds and tables and wrap table legs in paper. If a table will not disassemble, place padding on the floor and place the table on its top with the legs pointing up. Use dresser tops for stacking cartons and dresser drawers for linens or small, delicate items. Keep upholstery off the floor. Most lightweight chairs should be stacked “seat to seat” or placed upside down on tables which cannot be disassembled. Place a light dust cover over your furniture.

Holiday Decorations:

Save the original cartons which 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 cartons. Pack delicate lamp shades separately. Do not use newsprint to wrap lamp shades or any other goods which may be damaged by ink stains. Do not store heavy items atop cartons containing lamps or lamp shades.

Records & Phonographs:

Records should be stored on edge to prevent warping. When moving a record player, the tone arm and turntable should be secured to prevent bouncing.

Tools:

Metal tools should be cleaned and wiped with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil to retard rusting. Longhandled tools such as rakes, shovels and hoes should be clean, lightly oiled and tied in bundles.

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2000 E 3rd Avenue San Mateo, CA 94404
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Office Hours

Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 7:00 pm
Saturday – Sunday: 8:00am – 5:00 pm

Gate Hours

7:00am – 8:45 pm
7 Days a Week (except major holidays)