Atkinson Self Storage Tips

Checking on the condition of your unit is one of the most important things you can do. This helps to ensure your belongings are safe and preserved from any weather damage (we advise doing this a minimum of once a month).

Our units are not climate controlled. It is recommended that you do NOT store the following items: candles, any forms of wax, crayons, cosmetics, medications, high-pressure containers, tapes, CDs, DVDs, valuable art, electronic equipment, fertilizers, grass seed, food items, wine, and other sensitive items.  

They’re easy to stack, keep things dust-free, and open and close much more easily than boxes wrapped in packing tape. Avoid sealing plastic bags around your belongings. Condensation sometimes forms under plastic and causes mildew. 

Use a large tarp, plastic sheet or old blankets to keep your things from getting dusty. Mattresses should be protected with specially designed plastic covers (available for sale in our office). 

Stack heaviest boxes on the bottom and lighter boxes on top.  Use free-standing shelving whenever possible to preserve the integrity of your boxes and the items stored inside. 

Damp Check is a great product for absorbing excess moisture in the air.  Place at the front or back end of your unit and remember to check it frequently to remove the collected condensation.  (This product is available in our office for only $4.99)

The ground loses heat easily and electronics can become extremely damaged from the cold.  Place electronics in boxes and store them on top of furniture or firm foundations.  

Old photographs tend to curl overtime. Keep them flat between two pieces of carboard and tape the carboard pieces together. Do not store irreplaceable photos or negatives. They take up little space. Consider keeping them with you. Books are fragile items and can get damaged. We recommend packing them flat and not on end for it may damage their spine. They are also extremely heavy, so don't pack too many in one box or with other fragile items.

Boxes, other storage supplies, packing peanuts, and similar materials protect your stuff from impacts.  They also work as insulators to protect your things from the cold giving you greater security during the winter. (Also available in our office)

List everything you have stored. Include brand names, product features, and serial numbers, Take a few photos. Keep the list & photos in a safe place that is not your storage unit. Label every item so you can read the labels listing their contents.

pallets, 2x4's or plywood, are a great tool as they allow for air flow under and around your stored items while keeping them from making contact with the concrete and the wall.

before placing them in storage.  Wedge the doors of refrigerators, washers and dryers open then cover them with a tarp to prevent mold and mildew.

Rub a small amount of machine oil on metal tools, bicycles, and equipment. Drain and clean all debris from all equipment before you store them

Be extra careful with canned goods, soda or any other sealed items.  Temperature changes can cause containers to burst and spill which can cause the contents to become hazardous if consumed.