How do I know which storage space is right for me?
- AV8 Storage is an affordable, 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.
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What items am I NOT allowed to store?
Common sense and state laws determine what may be stored. You alone control access to your AV8 Storage space. If you have any questions about storing a specific item, check with your local laws or ask the 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 that can attract rodents and pests (almost all do)
- Other items that need a controlled environment and you don't want to be ruined such as sentimental items
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Can I store flamables like my gasoline powered tools and/or vehicles?
- You can store flammables like your gasoline powered tools and vehicles including lawn mowers, power tools, boats, snowmobiles, and cars. But it is illegal to store gasoline, so you must drain all gasoline before storing them.
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How do I prepare appliances for storage?
To save space, fill interiors of appliances with toys, linens and clothes.
Vacuums
- Remove and discard vacuum cleaner bags before storing.
Stoves
- Make sure that stoves and cooking equipment are cleaned before they are stored.
Refrigerator
- A refrigerator or freezer should be thoroughly dry and stored with its door slightly ajar to prevent mold growth.
- Some goods can be stored inside large appliances
and boxes can be stacked on top of stoves, refrigerators, and freezers.
Washing machine
- Stuff towels between the washing machine and the inner tub of the washing machine to keep the tub from rotating.
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What is the best method for preparing my furniture for storage?
Sofas, mattresses, and beds
- Place pallets, corrugated cardboard mats, or plastic sheets on the floor
and stand sofas and mattresses on end.
- Disassemble beds as much as possible for better storage.
- Do not store a sofa or pullout beds on their sides, it may ruin them.
- Protect mattresses and furniture with pads and covers.
Tables
- Disassemble tables and wrap table legs in paper.
- Be sure to wrap and mark all pieces for easy re-assembling.
- If a table won't come apart, 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 very 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 "side by side " 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.
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What is the best way to pack flat items such as pictures, mirrors, screens and windows?
- 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.
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What is the best way to 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.
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Is electronic equipment safe to store or do they need special packaging?
- 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.
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How do I ensure that valuables such as collectibles, glass items, etc, are safe from breaking?
- Wrap these items and pack them in a box.
- Fill in any spaces in the box with newspaper 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.
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What is the best method for identifying boxes after they have been packed?
- Label your boxes on at least the four sides with a permenant marker for easy locating.
- Prepare a list of the labeled boxes for easy reference when you need to locate your goods.
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What is the best way to pack my storage space to gain the most room and allow for easy access to my belongings?
- Leave air space around the perimeter to aid ventilation.
- Place a pallet on concrete floors.
- Don't 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.
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Should I protect my belongings from pests?
- At AV8 Storage we maintain the units to the cleanest and best possible standards that we can, however, 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.
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Are my belongings insured while in the storage facility?
- 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.
- Tenants are responsible for insuring their belongings in storage.
- Review your homeowners or renters policy to see if your items are already covered while in storage.
- If not, you might want to consider buying additional insurance.
- One of our managers should be able to provide you with a information on a company that sells self-storage insurance.
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Is there a proper method for packing my clothes?
- If storing wool items, use cedar chips 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.
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What should I do to prepare my unit before I move in my belongings?
- Your AV8 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 AV8 Storage resident manager will be happy to help you resolve any problems with your unit or to help you get moved in.
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Are plastic bags good for storing my items?
- Because humidity can gather in plastic bags and cause damage to your items, we DON'T recommend you store your belongings in plastic bags as are units are not climate controlled
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