COMMON SENSE AND STATE LAWS DETERMINE WHAT MAY BE STORED. You alone control access to your storage space; therefore, never store live animals, perishables, liquids, explosives, flammable liquids and fuels, toxic materials, or other items that need a controlled environment.

FRONT OF THE UNIT.
Place what you will most frequently need at the front of the unit.

CENTRAL WALKWAY.
When you pack your unit, leave a central walkway so you can access all of your belongings.

PACK SOLID BOXES.
Use same-size boxes. Fill boxes compactly, but be sure to not overpack nor underpack. (Bulging boxes tip when stacked, while half full boxes will collapse). Use newspapers, bubblewrap, rags, towels, or blankets to fill empty spaces. Tape the boxes to ensure safety.

KEEP BOXES LIGHT.
Put heavy items such as books, tools, and kitchenware in small boxes. For easier handling and physical safety, limit the boxes to 30 lbs. or less.

LABEL ALL BOXES.
Label all four sides. Label boxes containing fragile items. Keep a list of what you have stored for reference.

DRAIN GASOLINE AND OIL.
Make sure lawn mowers and other items with small engines are empty as they can leak, damaging other belongings and the locker.

BICYCLES, TOOLS, METAL PIECES.
To slow rust, wipe all metal surfaces with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil. Long-handled tools — rakes, shovels and hoes — should be tied together in bundles.

REGRIGERATORS AND FREEZERS.
Thoroughly dry and store with door slightly open. Some items can be kept, for space efficiency, inside large appliances. Make sure stoves and cooking equipment are well-cleaned before storing.

DISHES AND GLASSWARE.
Put a layer of packing paper inside the bottom and top of cartons. Wrap each dish and glass separately and cushion them. Plates are best stacked on edge.

LAMPS AND LAMPSHADES.
Place in separate boxes. Use paper or clothing for padding.

MIRRORS AND PAINTINGS.
Store them in special mirror packs or large boxes.

OLD PHOTOGRAPHS.
To prevent curling, keep them between pieces of cardboard and tape them together.

AWKWARD STUFF.
Items that are too large for a box or cannot be hung can stored in dresser drawers, chests or wardrobe box along with other bedding and linens. Remove food crumbs or stains before storing.

AVOID PESTS.
Do not store anything that may attract pests, such as uncleaned linens, bedding or kitchen items.

HAPPY MATTRESSES.
Make sure mattresses are sitting straight and well-supported.  If a mattress is twisted over a long period of time, it can warp the frame. Place covers or plastic bags on mattresses to keep them clean during storage.

BED RAILS.
Tape or tie together. Mark pieces for easier assembly later.