Access Self Storage
Storage Tips
Storage Tips & Best Practices
Proper preparation and packing can help protect your belongings while they are in storage. The following tips will help keep your items safe, organized, and in the best possible condition.
General Storage Tips
Store all items on pallets, shelving, or skids to keep them raised off concrete floors and help prevent moisture damage.
Use plastic sheeting, cardboard mats, or pallets underneath items whenever possible.
Label all boxes clearly so you can easily locate your belongings when needed.
Clothing, Fabrics & Linens
Clothing, curtains, and drapes are best stored on hangers whenever possible.
If hanging cartons are not available, carefully fold clothing and store it in dresser drawers, cedar chests, or containers along with bedding and linens.
Avoid storing fabric items directly on floors to help prevent moisture and mildew.
Appliances
Refrigerators and freezers should be completely dry before storage and stored with doors slightly open to allow ventilation.
Some items may be stored inside large appliances. If you do this, make a note so you remember what is stored inside.
Boxes may be stacked on top of stoves, refrigerators, and freezers, but make sure all appliances are clean and dry before packing.
Glassware & Fragile Items
Add packing material to the bottom and top of boxes containing glassware.
Wrap each glass item individually.
Nest cups and bowls together and stand plates, saucers, and platters on their edges.
Place wrapped glasses near the top of cartons.
Fill empty spaces with packing paper to prevent shifting.
Clearly label boxes containing fragile items and avoid placing heavy items on top.
Furniture Storage
Place a pallet, cardboard mat, or plastic sheet on the floor before storing furniture.
Keep upholstery, mattresses, and fabric items off the floor.
If possible, stand sofas and mattresses upright.
Disassemble beds and tables when possible, and wrap table legs for protection.
If a table cannot be disassembled, place padding on the floor and carefully set the table upside down with the legs pointing upward.
Use dresser drawers to store linens or small, delicate items.
Lightweight chairs can often be stacked seat-to-seat or placed upside down on tables that cannot be disassembled.
Cover furniture with a lightweight cotton sheet or dust cover.
Books
Pack books flat to protect the spines.
Do not place book boxes directly on concrete floors. Use pallets or skids to prevent moisture absorption.
Fill empty spaces in boxes with packing material.
Avoid packing fragile items in the same boxes as books.
Do not overload boxes—books become very heavy quickly.
Holiday Decorations & Ornaments
Save original cartons whenever possible for delicate ornaments.
Wrap ornaments carefully with packing paper or newsprint.
Wrap strings of lights around a piece of cardboard before placing them in a box to prevent tangling.
Mirrors, Pictures & Glass Items
Store mirrors, windows, and glass sheets on their edges—never flat.
Use proper packing materials to protect corners and surfaces.
Mirror and picture boxes are available for purchase at our office.
Tools & Metal Items
Clean metal tools before storage.
Wipe metal surfaces with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil to help prevent rust.
Clean, lightly oil, and bundle long-handled tools such as rakes, shovels, and hoes.
Bicycles & Other Metal Items
To help prevent rust, wipe metal surfaces with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil before storage.
Store bicycles and metal items in a dry, protected area whenever possible.
Taking a little extra time to prepare your belongings before storage can help keep them protected and make your storage experience easier.
Thank you for choosing Access Self Storage!
Preparing for Your Move
Moving can feel overwhelming, but a little planning can make the process much easier. Start early, take one room or closet at a time, and create a simple timeline to help you stay organized.
Before Moving Day
Start Early & Get Organized
Begin packing as soon as possible.
Take time each week or each day to complete a small area—one room, closet, or drawer at a time.
A month before your move is a great time to declutter:
Donate clothing, toys, sporting equipment, and household items you no longer need.
Dispose of broken, expired, or unwanted items before packing.
Return borrowed items and collect anything you have loaned out.
Have clothing dry cleaned before packing.
Check on items that are being repaired.
Notify utilities, telephone companies, and other service providers of your move.
Schedule utility disconnection and connection dates.
Send address change notifications.
Obtain copies of school records if needed.
Gather Packing Supplies
Before you begin, make sure you have the supplies you need:
Sturdy, corrugated moving boxes
Plastic storage containers
Packing paper
Bubble wrap
Packing tape
Markers for labeling
Furniture covers
Shelving or pallets for your storage unit
Using plastic storage containers is a great option for items you may need to access frequently and eliminates the need for packing tape.
Packing Tips
Use high-quality boxes designed for moving and seal them securely with packing tape.
Pack as many items as possible in similar-sized boxes to make stacking easier.
Fill boxes completely, but avoid overpacking.
Overfilled boxes may become difficult to handle or tip when stacked.
Underfilled boxes may collapse.
Use packing paper, bubble wrap, towels, blankets, or clean rags to fill empty spaces.
Keep box weight manageable. For easier handling, try to keep boxes at 30 pounds or less.
Pack heavy items such as books and tools in smaller boxes.
Clearly label every box with its contents and destination.
Consider color-coding or numbering boxes for easier organization.
Keep a master inventory list with descriptions and photos for reference.
Clearly mark boxes containing fragile items.
Loading Your Storage Unit
Taking time to carefully load your storage space will help protect your belongings and make future access easier.
Leave air space around the perimeter of your unit to improve ventilation.
Leave a walkway to the back of your unit so you can easily reach stored items.
Place frequently needed items near the front of your unit.
Create a center aisle for convenient access.
Store items on pallets, shelving, or skids rather than directly on concrete floors to help prevent moisture absorption.
Use boxes of similar sizes to maximize stacking space.
Furniture & Household Items
Protect furniture by using covers or sheets.
Wrap chair legs with packing paper for protection.
Leave slipcovers on upholstered furniture and use plastic furniture covers when possible.
Use dresser drawers to store small or fragile items. Fill empty spaces with towels or packing paper to prevent shifting.
Clean and dry appliances before storing.
Secure movable appliance parts with paper or padding.
During transport, tape appliance doors closed. Once in storage, leave doors slightly open for ventilation.
Dishes, Glassware & Fragile Items
Use plenty of packing paper when packing dishes and glassware.
Place a layer of packing material inside the bottom and top of cartons.
Wrap each item individually.
Stack plates on edge rather than flat.
Cushion all empty spaces to prevent movement.
Pad mirrors and artwork carefully and store them in mirror packs or large boxes.
Clearly label fragile boxes.
Lamps & Delicate Items
Wrap large lamp bases with padding.
Wrap smaller lamps completely before boxing.
Pack lampshades separately.
Avoid using newspaper on lampshades or items that may be damaged by ink.
Use unprinted packing paper, foam wrap, or bubble wrap for delicate items.
Do not place heavy items on boxes containing lamps or lampshades.
Moving Day Checklist
Before leaving your old home, remember to:
☐ Discard all flammable items such as paint, gasoline, and other hazardous materials.
☐ Finish packing and leave out only items needed for moving day.
☐ Empty and defrost refrigerators and freezers.
☐ Pack everything except bedding you will need immediately.
☐ Pick up ice, beverages, and any moving-day supplies.
☐ Strip beds and protect mattresses with mattress bags if they are going into storage.
☐ Turn off water, lights, and other utilities as needed.
☐ Lock all windows and doors.
A little preparation goes a long way. Taking the time to organize, label, and protect your belongings will make your move easier and your storage experience more successful.
Thank you for choosing Access Self Storage!
Access Self Storage
5530 W US Hwy 2,
Hurley, WI
CONVENIENT • ACCESSIBLE • FRIENDLY
AccessSelfStorage.Hurley@gmail.com
906-364-5626 or 928-227-7940
© 2025. All rights reserved.
Access Self Storage
P.O. Box 1099
Paulden, AZ 86334
a DBA of Northwoods Inspirations, LLC
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