| Help with Questions you may have: |
- Q: Does
Public Storage provide a lock for the storage space? Does
anyone else have a key?
A: You can purchase a new, sealed lock
at your local Gateway Storage facility. No one else has
a key to that lock.
- Q: Is
there a monthly invoice?
A: Yes, there is a monthly statement for
this service. You can mail in a check, pay by credit card,
or stop in to make a payment. Your payment terms are spelled
out in the rental contract.
- Q: Am
I renting the space month to month or am I on a lease?
A: Your contract is a month-to-month agreement
with Gateway Storage. You can "move out" whenever
you want.
- Q: Is
there someone from Gateway Storage available to help me
move my stuff into the storage space?
A: Not at this time, but they're looking
into ways to help you with this.
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| Things to do before storing:
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- Make a list of all the
packing supplies you will need. Such as boxes, tape, bubble
wrap, marking pens, damp rid, rope, and pallets.
- Visit the facility that
you want to store your items. Take a list of what you are
going to be storing so that the manager can help you determine
the correct size for your needs.
- Schedule your mover 30-45
days in advance.
- Be sure to read the lease
before signing it. Make sure you are aware of company policies
on moving out, paying the rent and other important information.
- If you are using a moving
company, find out what size truck they will be using. This
is valuable in determining if your unit will be accessible
to that truck. Most moving companies charge more the farther
they have to carry your things.
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| Do: |
- Use pallets, 2 x 4's, plywood,
any thing that will keep your items off the floor of the
unit.
- Utilize all the space in
your unit. Make a plan as to how you are going to arrange
your items. A good plan will save you the time of having
to rearrange your unit. Leave an aisle in the center of
your unit so that you have a walk way to the back of the
unit.
- Use freestanding shelves
to help organize your unit.
- Label the boxes on all
six sides and keep a list for easy reference. This will
save you time if you have to look for something in particular.
When packing boxes fill them without making them too heavy
to lift. Always put the heavier boxes on the bottom and
the lighter ones on top of the heavier ones. This will prevent
boxes from being crushed. Keep boxes off the floor.
- Be sure to store frequently
used items at the front of the unit to avoid having to search
for them.
- To protect your items cover
them with moving pads, sheets, or light blankets.
- Be sure to check your unit
once a month.
- Disassemble items such
as tables, bed frames, etc. (This will save space.) Wrap
and label all pieces for an easier time when you have to
reassemble them. Put all hard ware in bags and mark the
bags accordingly.
- When you disassemble electronics,
such as computers, stereos, things that have numerous cords,
place small colored stickers on the cord and the same color
sticker where the cord goes. This will save you the hassle
of trying to figure out what goes where when it comes time
to reassemble your electronics. If possible, use the original
boxes to store your electronics and other items.
- Make sure all appliances
are clean and dry before storing them. Leave appliances
slightly ajar to prevent mildew.
- If it is possible store
couches on end. Stack chairs seat to seat. Use the inside
of appliances and drawers to store smaller items. When stacking
furniture use paper pads in between the items to avoid scratching.
- Store mirrors and paintings
on end, not flat.
- To prevent rusting rub
a small amount of machine oil on metal tools, bicycles,
and equipment. Drain and clean all debris from all equipment
before you store them.
- When wrapping collectibles
or anything breakable, tape it after you wrap it. This should
avoid mistaking them for excess paper to fill the box. Use
bubble wrap or unprinted paper to wrap breakables. Group
similar items together and mark the boxes accordingly.
- Clothing and draperies
should be stored in wardrobe boxes, on hangers, to retain
their original shapes.
- Purchase the insurance.
If your belongings are worth storing, they are worth insuring.
- Rubbermaid containers are
great to store your items. They have tight fitting lids
and stack easily. Keep the more valuable items in the rear
of the unit. This will prevent others from seeing them when
you are in your unit.
- Keep out of season clothes
accessible, you may have your belongings in storage longer
than anticipated.
- Be aware of your surroundings
when you are in your unit. If you see a potential problem
or anything suspicious alert the manager.
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| Don't: |
- Do not use plastic to cover your belongings.
It retains moisture.
- Do not store any food items. This will
prevent any unwanted guests.
- Do not pack your boxes so that they are
too heavy to carry them. Especially when you are packing
books.
- Do not assume that your homeowners or renters
insurance will cover your belongings while in storage. Purchase
the insurance.
- Do not give out your password, gate code
or any information to any one that is not listed as having
"Access".
- Do not use printed newspaper. The ink may
smudge and get on your items.
- Do not forget to clean appliances before
you store them.
- Do not store any toxins or flammables.
Such as paint, oil, or gasoline.
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