Other Helpful Tips # 1
1. Inspect you storage unit and make a
list of packing accessories you will
need. Commonly used packing aids
include such items as newsprint or
wrapping paper, bubble-wrap, tape,
rope, drop cloths, polyurethane
sheeting, mattress and furniture
covers, pallets, skids, dehumidifiers
and cartons. The manager may have
some or all of these items for sale on
the premises.
Other Helpful Tips # 2

Place a pallet on the floor. Do not lean
items against walls. Leaving air space
around the unit's perimeter will aid
ventilation. Leave a walk way to the
rear of the unit. Use all the space
available, including its height.
Disassemble items such as bed frames.
Other Helpful Tips # 3, 4

3. Place frequently used items near the
door.

4. Fill containers to capacity. Partially
full or bulging cartons may tip or
collapse. Heavy items such as books or
tools 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.
Other Helpful Tips # 5, 6

5. Fragile items should be cushioned by
packing and placed toward the top of
the unit.

6. Label cartons and take home a list of
the labeled cartons for easy reference
when you need to locate your property.
Copyright 2006 by Gateway Self Storage. All rights reserved.
724-229-8717
Washington, PA
Tips For Storage
How do I select the right storage space for me?

Rental of storage space is determined by the total size of the items being stored. An efficiently
packed small space will cost less than a larger space. If you frequently use the space, a larger, well
organized space (racks and file boxes) may be more convenient.

The following Self Storage Size Guide will help you estimate approximately how much space you
need to store your stuff:
Storage Size
Email Address.
Chad@StoreItAtGateway.com
GATEWAY SELF STORAGE
Notice to Vacate:

If you are going to move out and remove your items please fill out your
notice to vacate letter and send it in 10 days prior to the end of the month.  
For your convenience we have supplied you a
Notice to Vacate standard
letter.  Make sure you give us your new address if you have moved.
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 and other metal items: To retard rust, wipe all metal surfaces with a rag containing
a few drops of machine oil.

Books and documents: Pack books flat to protect their spines. Do not place boxes directly
on the floor. Use pallets or skids to prevent moisture. Use 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 you clothes. Food
crumbs or stains should be removed before storage. Avoid storing anything that will
attract rodents.

Dishes and Glassware: Place a layer of packing inside the bottom and top of the cartons
containing glassware. Label all cartons. 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.

Furniture: Place a pallet, cardboard mat or plastic sheet on the floor and stand sofas and
mattresses on end. Disassemble beds and tables and wrap the 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 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 lamps shades or any
other goods which may be damaged by ink stains. Do not store heavy items atop cartons
containing lamps or lamp shades.

Mirrors, Windows and Screens: These items should be stored on edge not flat.

Records and 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
bounding.

Tools: Metal tools should be cleaned and wiped with a rag containing a few drops of
machine oil to retard rust. Long-handled tools such as rakes, shovels and hoes should be
clean, lightly oiled and tied in bundles.