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Storage Tips

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Whether you’re downsizing, relocating, or simply need extra space for your belongings, proper storage techniques make a significant difference in protecting your items and maximizing your unit’s capacity. Following proven packing and organization methods ensures your possessions remain in excellent condition while you store them.

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Planning Your Storage Space

Take time to plan before moving items into your unit. Consider which belongings you’ll need to access frequently and arrange them near the entrance. Create a simple layout map to remember where everything is located. Measure larger furniture pieces and compare them to your unit dimensions to determine the most efficient arrangement before arrival.

Understanding Your Storage Agreement

Every storage facility provides a written agreement for your protection. Read your rental agreement thoroughly before signing and ask the storage consultant to explain anything unclear. Pay attention to your payment due date and confirm whether the agreement covers prorated rental periods. Clarify how and when your security deposit will be refunded or forfeited. If you change your address or phone number, notify the storage facility in writing promptly.

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Selecting the Right Storage Materials

Quality packing supplies protect your belongings from dust, moisture, and potential damage. Use sturdy corrugated boxes in uniform sizes, as they stack more securely than mismatched containers. Medium-sized boxes work well for most household items, while smaller boxes suit heavier objects like books and tools. Bubble wrap cushions fragile items, packing paper prevents scratches, and moving blankets protect furniture. Clear plastic bins offer visibility, and breathable garment bags work better than plastic bags that trap moisture.

Packing Household Items

Clean all items thoroughly before packing, as dirt and food residue can attract pests or cause odors. Drain fluids from equipment and appliances, remove batteries from electronics, and wrap breakable items individually. Stack dishes vertically rather than flat to reduce breakage risk. Fill each box completely to prevent collapse when stacking, and label every box clearly on multiple sides with contents and room origin.

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Preparing Furniture and Appliances

Disassemble large furniture when possible to save space and reduce damage risk. Remove legs from tables and sofas, wrap components in moving blankets, and place hardware in labeled plastic bags taped to the furniture piece. Clean and dry refrigerators and freezers completely, propping doors slightly open to prevent mildew. Cover upholstered furniture with breathable fabric covers rather than plastic, and stand mattresses on their long edge wrapped in mattress bags to conserve space.

Maximizing Your Storage Unit Space

Use vertical space efficiently by stacking boxes with heavier items on the bottom and lighter boxes on top. Store sofas and mattresses on end when possible, position larger items along the walls first, then fill the center with boxes. Leave a small walkway down the middle for access to items in the back. Utilize space inside furniture by filling drawers and shelves with smaller boxed items, and consider installing freestanding shelving units if your facility allows them.
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Protecting Your Belongings

Temperature and humidity fluctuations can damage sensitive items like electronics, artwork, musical instruments, photographs, and important documents. Consider climate-controlled units that maintain consistent conditions to prevent warping, cracking, and deterioration. Place moisture absorbers or silica gel packets in boxes containing humidity-sensitive items. Avoid storing cardboard boxes directly on concrete floors by using pallets or plastic sheeting to create a moisture barrier.

Storing Mirrors, Windows, and Screens

Always store mirrors, windows, and glass screens on edge in an upright position, never flat, as laying them horizontally increases the risk of cracking. Wrap each piece individually in bubble wrap or moving blankets with extra padding on corners and edges. Use cardboard corner protectors for larger pieces and tape an “X” across framed mirrors with painter’s tape for added support. Position these items against a sturdy wall in a designated area away from high-traffic zones, and clearly mark them as “FRAGILE.” Place cardboard or foam padding between multiple pieces to prevent direct contact, and never stack heavy items against stored glass.

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Items That Require Special Consideration

Drain fuel from lawn equipment, motorcycles, and other gas-powered machinery before storage. Clean and treat leather items with appropriate conditioner, storing them in breathable covers rather than plastic. Wrap metal items and tools in cloth or paper treated with rust inhibitors to prevent oxidation. Store photographs and important papers flat in acid-free boxes, stand books upright on shelves rather than stacking them flat, and pack books in smaller boxes to keep weight manageable.

What Not to Store

Common sense and state laws determine what may be stored in self storage units. You alone control access to your storage space, which means you are solely responsible for what you place inside. Never store any of the following:

  • Live animals
  • Perishables
  • Liquids
  • Explosives
  • Flammable liquids and fuels
  • Paint
  • Chemicals
  • Gasoline (Remember to drain fuel from gasoline engines before storage.)
  • Propane
  • Toxic materials
  • Any other items that need a controlled environment

Storage facilities maintain strict policies against prohibited items to protect all customers’ belongings.

Maintenance & Insurance

Visit your unit periodically to check on your belongings and address any issues before they become serious problems. Look for signs of pests, moisture, or shifting boxes that might need repositioning.

The goods you place in storage are your sole responsibility as the owner, and they are not insured by the storage facility. Contact your insurance company to learn about coverage options for your stored belongings, as many homeowners or renters insurance policies extend to items in storage.

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A-1 Self Storage Locations

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A-1 West Self Storage

1730 W. Erie, Springfield, MO 65807
(1 block south of Battlefield)

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A-1 South Self Storage

2915 S. National, Springfield, MO 65804
(1 block west of the Battlefield Mall)

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A-1 Chestnut Self Storage

2873 E. Chestnut Expressway, Springfield, MO 65802 (two blocks west of the 65 by-pass)

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Frequently Asked questions

Start with items you use least frequently, such as seasonal decorations, out-of-season clothing, and items earmarked for long-term storage. Clean everything thoroughly before packing, as dirt and moisture can cause damage over time. Label boxes clearly as you pack them, and create an inventory list to track what goes into storage. Leave items you’ll need to access regularly near the front of your unit for easy retrieval.

Avoid placing cardboard boxes directly on concrete floors by using pallets or plastic sheeting to create a barrier. Place moisture absorbers or silica gel packets in boxes containing humidity-sensitive items, and ensure all appliances and furniture are completely dry before storage. Consider climate-controlled storage for sensitive items like electronics, photographs, or important documents. A-1 Self Storage offers climate-controlled units that maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels.

Climate-controlled storage is essential for temperature-sensitive items including electronics, wooden furniture, musical instruments, artwork, photographs, important documents, leather goods, and antiques. If you’re storing items that could warp, crack, fade, or deteriorate due to temperature fluctuations or humidity, climate control provides crucial protection. Contact your nearest A-1 Self Storage location to inquire about availability and determine if this option suits your storage needs.

Stack boxes vertically with heavier items on the bottom and lighter ones on top, using uniform box sizes for stability. Store mattresses and sofas on end rather than flat to save floor space. Utilize empty spaces inside furniture by filling drawers and cabinets with smaller boxed items. Create a center aisle for access to items in the back, and consider installing freestanding shelving units. A-1 Self Storage offers various unit sizes, and our storage consultants can help you select the right size to avoid paying for unnecessary space.

Yes. We provide flexible rental terms with affordable monthly rates, accommodating both short-term and long-term storage needs.

No, you should stand mattresses on their long edge and wrap them in mattress bags designed for storage protection. This position saves floor space and prevents sagging that occurs when mattresses lie flat for extended periods. The mattress bag protects against dust and moisture. Avoid storing mattresses or any items directly on concrete floors, as concrete can transfer moisture over time.

Never store hazardous materials including paint, chemicals, gasoline, propane, or other flammable substances, as these pose fire risks and violate facility policies. Perishable food items, plants, and living things are prohibited because they attract pests and create health hazards. Most storage facilities, including A-1 Self Storage, maintain strict policies against these items to protect all customers’ belongings. Always drain fuel from gas-powered equipment before storage.

Label each box on multiple sides with clear, detailed information about contents and the room they came from. Use a permanent marker and write large enough to read from a distance. Consider using a numbering system paired with a master inventory list that details what’s in each numbered box. Color-coding boxes by room or category can also speed up retrieval. The more specific your labels, the easier it will be to find items without opening multiple boxes.

Both have advantages depending on what you’re storing. Plastic bins offer better protection against moisture and pests, making them ideal for long-term storage and valuable items. They’re also stackable and reusable. Cardboard boxes work well for short-term storage and lighter items, and they’re more economical. If using cardboard, choose new, sturdy boxes and never place them directly on concrete floors. For maximum protection at A-1 Self Storage, many customers use plastic bins for ground-level storage and cardboard boxes on upper shelves or pallets.

Clean all appliances thoroughly and ensure they are completely dry before storage. Refrigerators and freezers must be defrosted and dried, with doors propped slightly open to prevent odors and mildew. Drain water from washers and dishwashers, and remove any detachable parts to pack separately. This preparation protects your appliances and maintains a clean environment for all customers at our facility.

A-1 Self Storage provides units of all sizes to meet diverse storage needs. Our smallest units work well as extra closet space for personal items, clothes, and boxes, while our larger units can accommodate commercial warehousing requirements. We work closely with customers to determine the right size based on what you’re storing, whether it’s a few seasonal items or the contents of an entire home. Our storage consultants are happy to help you choose the most cost-effective unit size for your needs.

Yes, A-1 Self Storage offers storage options for vehicles, boats, RVs, and other recreational equipment. Our units are easily accessible by truck, making it simple to move vehicles in and out. Vehicle storage availability varies by location, so please contact your nearest facility to discuss size requirements, availability, and any preparation requirements for vehicle storage.