Lockaway Storage answers your most frequently asked questions about self storage
How do I select the right storage space for me?
Lockaway self storage is a convenient, safe, and inexpensive way to store your belongings. 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. If you need assistance determining what size would work best for you, please see our sizing guide.
Are there any items that I can't store?
Common sense and state laws determine what may be stored. You alone control access to your Lockaway storage space. If you have any questions about storing a specific item, check with your local laws or ask your Lockaway Storage Site Manager.
Items you should never store in a public storage facility include, but are not limited to, the following items:
- Live animals
- Liquids
- Explosives
- Flammable liquids and fuels
- Toxic materials
- Perishables
- Food items can attract rodents and pests
- Other items that need a controlled environment, unless you are using a Lockaway Storage climate controlled unit
Can I store my gasoline powered tools and vehicles?
You can store gasoline powered tools and vehicles like lawn mowers, power tools, boats, snowmobiles, and cars. But since it is illegal to store gasoline you must drain all gasoline before storing them.
How do I prepare appliances for storage?
To save space, fill interiors of appliances with linens, clothes and stuffed toys.
Refrigerator
- A refrigerator or freezer should be thoroughly dry and stored with it's door slightly ajar.
- Some goods can be stored inside large appliances and boxes can be stacked on top of stoves, refrigerators, and freezers.
Stoves
- Make sure that stoves and cooking equipment are cleaned before they are stored.
Washing machine
- Stuff towels between the washing machine and the inner tub of the washing machine to keep the tub from rotating.
Vacuums
- Remove and discard vacuum cleaner bags before storing.+
How do I prepare furniture for storage?
Sofas, mattresses, and beds
- Place a pallet, corrugated cardboard mat, or plastic sheet on the floor and stand sofas and mattresses on end.
- Disassemble beds.
- Sofa or pullout beds should not be stored on their sides.
- Protect mattresses and furniture with pads and covers.
Tables
- Disassemble tables and wrap table legs in paper.
- Wrap and mark all pieces for easier re-assembly.
- If a table will not disassemble, place padding on the floor and place the table on its top with the legs pointing up.
Shelves
- Disassemble shelves.
- Wrap and mark all pieces for easier re-assembly.
Dressers
- Use dresser tops for stacking cartons and dresser drawers for linens or small delicate items.
- Keep upholstery off the floor.
- Maximize storage space by storing miscellaneous items in dresser drawers. Dresser drawers are especially good for storing fragile items. Fill the drawers with collectibles and other fragile items and use blankets, sweaters and towels for padding.
Chairs
- Most lightweight chairs can be stacked "seat to seat" or placed upside down on tables which cannot be disassembled.
All furniture
- Cover your furniture with plastic dust covers, sheets, or cotton cloth.
- Wax wood furniture before storing it.
- Use sheets or cotton cloth to cover furniture.
How do I pack mirrors, windows, pictures, screens and other flat items?
- Wrap mirrors and pictures with paper pads, cardboard, or mirror boxes. Label the items and mark them as "FRAGILE." Stand them straight up... never flat.
- Mirrors, windows, screens, and other flat items should be stored on their sides, never flat.
How do I pack containers?
- Fill containers to capacity, partially full or bulging cartons may tip or collapse.
- Heavy items like books or tools should be packed in small boxes so they are easy to lift.
- Protect your fragile goods with packing (e.g. bubble wrap or wrapping paper) and place them near the top of your storage space.
- Seal boxes completely with packing tape. This will help keep out dust.
How do I pack electronics?
- When you disassemble electronics such as computers and stereos (items that have numerous cables), place small colored stickers on the cable and the same color sticker where the cable goes.
- If possible, use the original packing for electronic items.
How do I protect my collectable or breakable items?
- Wrap your collectibles and pack them in a box. Fill in any spaces in the box with newsprint or packing foam.
- When wrapping collectibles or anything breakable, tape it after you wrap it. This will keep you from mistaking them for the excess paper you used to fill the box.
How do I know what is in a box after I've packed it?
- Label your boxes on several sides for easy locating.
- Prepare a list of the labeled boxes for easy reference when you need to locate your goods.
How do I pack my storage space to best preserve and for easiest access to my items?
- Leave air space around the perimeter to aid ventilation.
- Place a pallet on concrete floors
- Don't not lean items against the walls.
- Leave a walkway to the rear of your space for easy access.
- Leave a center aisle for easy access to all items.
- Use all the space available, including height.
- Place frequently used goods near the door.
Should I protect my items from pests?
- While Lockaway Storage units are among the cleanest and best maintained mini-storage facilities available, pests can pose a problem in storage units just as they do in many homes and businesses.
- To prevent damage from pests we recommend you use over-the-counter pest control like ant traps and mouse bait.
Is my stuff insured?
- The storage facility provides space that you can use like an annex to your home or business, but your items might not be covered by your property insurance while in storage. You may need to purchase insurance.
- Ask our Site Manager for the name of an insurer who provides low-cost insurance coverage for your goods.
- Make a list of packing materials needed such as boxes, bubble pack, tape, marking pens, rope, drop cloths, mattress and furniture covers, etc...
How do I prepare clothes for storage?
- If storing wool items, use cedar ships or mothballs to prevent moth damage.
- Keep your out-of-season clothes accessible, you may have your belongings in storage longer than anticipated.
- Clothing that ordinarily hangs in a closet should be packed in a wardrobe carton.
Is there anything I need to do to prepare my unit before I move in my belongings?
Your Lockaway Storage unit will be clean and ready for move in. But, you might still want to prepare it by placing plastic on the floor under your goods. You might also consider placing pallets on the floor. Your Lockaway Storage resident manager will be happy to help you resolve any problems with your unit or to help you get moved in.
Can I pack my stuff in plastic bags?
Never store anything in sealed plastic bags, especially in non-A/C storage. The humidity will cause damage to your goods.
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