Storage Facility Tips - Tuscaloosa, AL

General Storage Tips

• Box everything you can, and top off each box with a filler so that the box will support the weight of other boxes stacked on top. Full boxes can be stacked and will allow you to fully utilize the height of the storage unit. Be sure to label each box, preferably on several sides.
• Leave some space between rows of boxes, and between boxes and walls, for air to circulate around your stored items.
• In non climate controlled spaces, use small blocks of wood to keep your items from direct contact with the floor. Warm, moist air can condense on the concrete floor and wick up into furniture and boxes.
• Dispose of all flammable materials such as gasoline, paint thinners, cleaning fluids, matches, ammunition and aerosol cans. Drain fuel from any machinery to be stored. LP gas tanks must be purged and sealed by a local propane gas dealer.
• You may want to use the sheets or some other breathable fabric to cover your furniture and protect it from dust. Do not use plastic or anything else that will retain moisture to cover your items.
• Use freestanding shelves to store smaller items on and to help organize and utilize your space.
• Disassemble tables, bed frames and other items to conserve space.
• Store pictures, mirrors and paintings etc. in an upright position, not lying flat.
• Do not store any food items or dirty dishes, this is an invitation for insects.

Appliances and Electronics

• Refrigerators and freezers should be cleaned and dry before storage. Since ice makers can be hard to get fully dry, it is best to lay a towel over the door so it cannot be fully closed. Any trapped moisture will cause mildew and create a mess. Check with your manual or call your serviceman before moving these appliances, some must have the motor bolted during shipment and the bold loosened before use. It is not recommended to transport or store refrigerators or freezers in any position except upright. If it does happen, the unit should be placed in its upright position at least 24 hours before starting the unit. Failure to do this can ruin the motor. Washers and some dryers need to have the tub secured before moving. Stoves should have all removable parts packed separately. Use appliance dollies to avoid back injury.
• Check your manuals and/or your dealer for proper preparation of your TV, computer and other electronics. There are many variations but here are a few of the possible pre-moving steps that need to be taken. Label all your cables and connections to make it easy to re-assemble.
• TVs – some models, especially projection TVs, need to be serviced before and after moving to insure no damage is incurred.
• CD player – some have a screw on the bottom that needs to be tightened for safe transportation. Remove all CDs and pack separately.
• Computer – for safe transport, most computers require that you go through a procedure to “park” the heads. This is usually done with a program supplied with your system called SHIPDISK.EXE. It is always best if you can use the original boxes your electronics came in.
• Printers – remove ink or toner cartridges before packing. Dot matrix printers usually need to have the print head secured.