A1 Will County Self Storage

The use of Packing accessories such as Boxes, Packing Paper, Tape, Bubble Wrap and Plastic Covers will maintain and protect your goods while in storage.

(We carry a wide assortment of High Quality Movers boxes, padlocks and Storage Specific Packaging like bubble wrap packing peanuts and clean newsprint.)

Fill boxes & cartons to capacity; partially full or bulging cartons may tip or collapse. Heavy items like books or tools should be packed in small cartons so they are easy to handle. Books should be packed flat, not on their spines. Packing and labeling cartons room by room makes the unpacking much easier, and if you need to find something in storage you will have some idea of which box to begin looking in.

Rubber or plastic totes are especially recommended as they are marginally more expensive than cardboard, last a lifetime, and with a tight-fitting lid will keep your belongings clean and dry indefinitely.  These are also readily available at most major retailers like Wal-Mart, Menards, or Target at $3 or $4 a piece. These are a great investment.

Appliances:
Fridges, freezers and other  goods should be thoroughly DRY and CLEAN before storing. While in storage the door should be secured slightly ajar. A deodorizer placed inside fridges or freezers is also a good idea to maintain freshness. Don't place items inside fridges or freezers as the shelves and linings can be easily marked and damaged .

Furniture:
Empty the contents of wardrobes, drawers and cupboards to protect the shelving and structure of these items. Clothing and personal goods should be packed in strong secure boxes or cartons with some naphthalene, mothballs or similar product to protect and maintain their condition. 

Plastic covers or large bags are available and should be used for couches and mattresses.  This will keep them clean and dust free.  Where possible, remove the legs from items of furniture ie: bed bases, tables, etc to avoid damage and save space. Vacuum food crumbs from couches and lounges to prevent attracting pests.

Dishes and glassware:
Place a layer of packing inside the bottom and top of boxes containing breakables. Protect fragile items by wrapping them individually in packing paper (newsprint can be very messy and possibly stain). Nest cups and bowls, stand plates, sauce platters and casseroles on their edges. Fill any gaps in your cartons with packing paper, bubble-wrap or packing peanuts. This will keep your fragile items well protected and prevent them from moving around in the cartons while in transit. Label all cartons containing fragile items and avoid storing heavy items on top of these cartons.

Mirrors, windows, screens and paintings:
These items should be protected by packing material ie: bubble-wrap or in a flat-pack boxes. Store them standing on their edges in an upright position (not lying flat).

Metal items:
Wrapping silver in NON ACID tissue paper or plastic bags can help reduce tarnishing. Wipe chrome or cast iron with a little machine oil to help retard rust.

Electrical items:
Your electrical equipment is very delicate and sensitive and should be handled with care. The original boxes are ideal to repack in. However wrapping items individually in bubble-wrap, packing them in cartons, and sealing the top will offer protection for your electrical items. Remember to pack out any gaps in the cartons. Pack cassettes and videos or similar items on their edges to prevent warping.

Battery operated appliances and toys:
We recommend that you remove the batteries to avoid damage from leaking batteries.

Computers:
Computers, like your other electrical items, need special care. The original boxes are highly recommended for packing. However bubble-wrap and good quality packing cartons will do the job. Remember to use some packing or linen in the bottom and top of cartons. This provides extra protection to the contents. Pack out any gaps. Modern computers have "self parking heads." If you are unsure about your computer, refer to the manufacturer's manual, or consult your retailer, especially if storing for longer than six months.

Mowers and other machinery:
Drain fuel and oil from all machinery. This reduces risk of leakage, spillage and damage to other goods in your space. Gas and oil left in motors can degrade with time and damage your equipment.

Planning your storage space:
As a general rule place large, heavy items that you can stack upon at the rear of the space. Then work forwards and upwards with lighter, fragile items. Those items that you may need to access often, place in the front of the space. Depending on the goods you have stored, you may need to allow for walk ways. Packing in professional storage cartons will make the storing and unpacking easier and safer, saving you time and worry. Professional packing and storage accessories will provide your goods with the preparation they need for storage and maintain their condition for the term of the storage.

Moving checklist:
Arrange disconnection and reconnection of services ie: Power, Gas, Phone. Cancel any deliveries ie: papers, milk, bottled water. Your local Post Office will assist you with mail redirection.

Important Authorities to notify of your change of address are:  Post Office, Motor Vehicle Registration and License Authority,  Banks and Financial Institutions, Insurance Companies, Educational Institutions,  Club Memberships and Subscriptions.

What not to store:

        Any goods that are illegal, stolen, flammable, explosive, environmentally harmful, hazardous, perishable or that are a risk to the property of person. ie: Chlorine, acid, paints, gas.