Weblog | The Parkway Storage Center | Kent L Curtis

Tips for Businesses

Tue, 13 May 2008 08:10:19 -0600

Pack books flat to protect their spines. Use packing paper to fill out empty areas in the boxes. Do not overload.

When storing business files and inventory, label all boxes and construct aisles so files are easily seen and accessible.

Documents and file boxes can be stored more efficiently using free standing shelving. Be sure to make a list of all stored materials, and if possible, add coding to your boxes in an easily viewable place on the storage box to make retrieval easier.

When storing tools, metal items and equipment, be sure to clean and wipe with a rag and machine oil to keep away dust corrosion.

Never store perishables, liquids, explosives, flammable liquids and fuels, toxic materials, or other items that need a controlled environment.

Tips for Specific Items

Tue, 13 May 2008 08:09:40 -0600

Appliances
A refrigerator, freezer or washing machine should be thoroughly dry and stored with its door slightly ajar. Some goods can be stored inside large appliances and boxes can be stacked on top of appliances. Make sure that stoves and cooking equipment are cleaned before they are stored. Leave appliances slightly ajar to prevent mildew.

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 concrete floors, but use pallets or skids to prevent moisture absorption.

Use packing to fill out empty pockets in the boxes. Do not pack fragile items in the same box with books and do not overload. These boxes will get heavy quicklyso remember to use your legs when lifting!

Bedding, Clothing, Curtains, Drapes and Linens
Clothing, curtains and drapes should be stored on hangers. If hanging cartons are not available, such items should be carefully folded and stored in dresser drawers or cedar chests along with bedding and linens. Food crumbs or stains should be removed before storage and avoid storing anything that will attract rodents.

Dishes and Glassware
Place a layer of packing inside the bottom and at the top of boxes containing glassware. All glass items should be individually wrapped. Nest cups and bowls, and stand plates, saucers and platters on edge. Wrapped glasses should be placed near the top of cartons. Fill all pockets with packing. Label boxes containing glassware, and do not place heavy items on top of boxes with glassware.

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 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. Most lightweight chairs should be stacked seat to seat, or placed upside down on tables. Finally, place a light dust cover over your furniture.

Holiday Decorations
Save the original cartons that 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 boxes. Pack delicate lampshades separately. Do not use newspaper to wrap lamp shades or any other goods that may be damaged by ink stains. Do not store heavy items on cartons containing lamps or lamp shades.

Packing Tips

Tue, 13 May 2008 08:09:00 -0600

Label all boxes when packing. It will make your moving day out of storage much easier, and help you determine what boxes to leave in front of your unit for quick access.

Use furniture drawers for delicate items. Wrap them in bubble wrap or packing paper and label them as “FRAGILE.”

Fill each box completely to prevent collapse. Seal with strong packing tape. Number your boxes and mark contents on two sides of each box. Boxes of uniform size stack more efficiently.

Be careful not to store anything combustible (such as paint and chemicals) or perishable (such as food that is not permanently sealed.)

Drain any fluids prior to storing lawn and garden equipment, in order to avoid corrosive damage.

Use trash cans to store shovels, hoes and rakes.

When storing delicate heirlooms, use specially constructed boxes, such as wardrobe boxes, and utilize dehumidifiers to prevent mildew build up. Remember to label these boxes “FRAGILE.”

Mattresses should be covered and stored flat on level surfaces.

Store small items, like pots and pans, in large appliances such as stoves or refrigerators.

Break down items (such as table legs) and store large furniture (like tabletops and sofas) on end to save space.

Use protective covers and treat wood surfaces before storing.

Be sure everything you pack and store is clean and dry to prevent damage from moths and mildew.

Allow plenty of time for packing. It usually takes much longer than people expect.

Storage Tips

Tue, 13 May 2008 08:08:23 -0600

Visit the storage area to determine the correct size, and meet the manager to ensure that you are comfortable with where you are storing.

Reserve your storage unit 2-3 weeks in advance to ensure that the size you will need is available

It’s a good idea to place strips of wood or pallets on the floor of the unit to create air flow. You do not want to place boxes or overstuffed furniture directly on the concrete floor.

Leave a small air space between every item and the walls and an inch of space between boxes for ventilation.

Always use high quality locks on your unit. Locks are available for sale - just ask your site manager for a recommendation (See our Security section).

Check with the rental office for storage supplies, such as mattress and sofa covers.

If it’s worth storing its worth insuring. Check with your homeowners or rental insurance company to see if they will cover your goods while in storage. If they do not, the self-storage manager can provide you with a company that deals with storage facilities all over the country.

Cover furniture to help keep it dust free. Place cedar in the unit to help keep items fresh.

Remember to check your goods on a monthly basis.

Make up an inventory of your stored items and keep it in a safe place at home or in a safe deposit box.

If you need access to your items, leave a walkway to the rear of the room, or place frequently needed items near the door.

Put heavy items on the bottom. Light or odd-shaped items go on top.

From Garage Band to Storage Band

Tue, 13 May 2008 08:07:51 -0600

Are you in a band that just wants to jam as much as possible but can’t find a good place anywhere in utah county to practice? There is now no need to look any further! Our newclimate controlled storage building has become quite the practice room for several of utah valley’s best bands. These units are all inside a building where we can regulate the temperature and provide a clean, easily accessible, and cheap practice alternative. Since we are located in the middle of a business park, you don’t have to worry about any annoyed neighbors calling the cops at night to shut down your practices! We are sure that you’ll findParkway Storage the best alternative than practicing in your apartment, garage, or basement!

RV & Boat Storage

Tue, 13 May 2008 08:07:23 -0600

Does your RV, boat, or vehicle need a safe home for the upcoming winter? Well, you’ve come to the right place. The long awaited outdoor vehicle storage lot at Parkway Storage is now completed! Feel free to use our lot for all of your motorized storage needs. Whether you use your rental lot for boat storage, RV storage, and/or truck storage we will provide amazing service and security for all of your vehicles. With 24 hour security surveillance, gated access, and personalized codes, Parkway Storage is secured withstate of the art security features. Contact us today about prices and availability.

Dinner on Us!

Tue, 13 May 2008 08:06:27 -0600

What do you get when you combine the best self storage facility in Utah Valley and the best Italian food in Orem? You get an amazing referral program and a free dinner at Macaroni Grill. Refer a friend to our state of the art facility and you and the friend you referred will each receive a $20 gift certificate for a night out at Macaroni Grill. Just remember to mention Parkway Storage in your next conversation!

Moving Storage

Tue, 13 May 2008 08:05:02 -0600

Parkway Storage is the perfect solution to your moving storage needs. With no long term contracts, our month to month payment process provides flexibility for storing your belongings for as short or as long as you need! Your self storage unit is always safe and being watched by state of the art security features. Contact us today about availability and prices.