Appliances
Refrigerators and freezers should be thoroughly dried and stored with doors slightly ajar. Some goods can be stored inside large appliances and boxes can be stacked on top of stoves, refrigerators, and freezers. Make sure that stoves and cooking equipment are cleaned before they are stored.

Bicycles and other metal items
To retard rust, wipe all metal surfaces with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil or another rust preventative.

Books and documents
Pack books flat to protect their spines. Do not place boxes directly on concrete floors, but use pallets or skids to prevent moisture absorption. Use packing to fill out empty pockets in the boxes. Do not pack fragile items in the same boxes as books and do not overload.

Bedding, clothing, curtains, drapes and linens
Clothing, curtains and drapes should be stored on hangers. Wardrobe boxes can be ordered in our office. If the items are too large for a box or cannot be hung, such items should be carefully folded and stored in dresser drawers, cedar chests or wardrobe style cardboard cartons along with bedding and linens. Food crumbs or stains should be removed before storing. Avoid storing anything that will attract pests.

Dishes and glassware
Place a layer of packing inside the bottom and at the top of boxes containing glassware. Ideally these items should be stored in a specifically designed dish pack box. These items can be ordered through our office. All glass items should be individually wrapped. Wrapped glass should be placed near the top of cartons. Again, fill all pockets with packing materials. Label all boxes containing glassware, and do not place heavy items on top of boxes containing glassware.

Furniture
Place a pallet, corrugated cardboard mat, or plastic sheet on the floor and stand sofas and mattresses on end. Disassemble beds and tables and wrap table legs in paper. If a table will not disassemble, place padding on the floor and place the table on its top with the legs pointing up. Use dresser tops for stacking cartons and dresser drawers for linens or small, delicate items. Keep upholstery off the floor. Most lightweight chairs can be stacked “seat to seat” or placed upside down on tables which cannot be disassembled. Finally, place a light cotton (e.g., a bed sheet) dust cover on your furniture.

Holiday decorations
Save the original cartons that contained delicate ornaments and pad the ornaments with packing paper or newsprint. Wrap strings of lights around a piece of cardboard before placing in a carton lined with packing paper.

Lamps
Wrap large lamps and place them in boxes and pack delicate lamp shades separately. Do not use newsprint to wrap lamp shades or any other goods that may be damaged by ink stains. Do not store heavy items on top of cartons containing lamp shades.

Mirrors, windows and screens
These items should be stored on edge and not flat. Cover with packing paper or dust cover to help prevent scratches.

Tools
Metal tools should be cleaned and wiped with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil to help retard rust. Long handled tools such as rakes, shovels, and hoes should be cleaned, lightly oiled and tied in bundles.

Pack smart and carefully
Pack and stack carefully. This will help minimize the space you will need and can prevent damage. Place frequently used items near the door and valuables in the rear of the unit. Pack heavy items in small boxes to make them easier to carry. Do not place them on top.

Prohibited storage items
Common sense and state laws dictate what may not 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. Remember to drain the fuel from gasoline engines before storing them.

Insure your goods in storage
The items you place in Anniston Storage units are the sole responsibility of you, their owner. Items are not insured by Anniston Storage or Commerce Properties, LLC. A good quality lock is the best way to ensure the safety and security of your belongings. Check with your insurance carrier for coverage, or inquire in our office about purchasing a policy. Remember, if its worth storing, its worth protecting.

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