North Council facility

Edmond facility

Vehicle Storage at Gatekeeper Storage: Tips for Protecting Your Car, Boat, or RV

Vehicle Storage

Prepare Your Vehicle for Storage

Before leaving your vehicle in storage, it’s crucial to thoroughly prepare it to ensure its long-term protection. By following these essential steps, you can safeguard your car, boat, or RV from potential issues such as rust, corrosion, or mechanical problems:
  1. Clean and Detail: Thoroughly clean the exterior and interior of your vehicle to remove dirt, debris, and potential contaminants that can cause damage during storage. A detailed clean can prevent mold, rust, and other issues from developing.
  2. Check and Top Off Fluids: Inspect your vehicle’s fluid levels, including engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid, and top them off as necessary. This helps maintain the integrity of your vehicle’s systems and reduces the risk of leaks or damage.
  3. Protect Tires and Wheels: Inflate your vehicle’s tires to the recommended pressure and use wheel chocks or supports to prevent flat spots from forming. Consider using a cover to protect the tires from prolonged exposure to sunlight, which can cause premature wear.
  4. Lock All Entries: Ensure that all doors, windows, and hatches on your vehicle are securely locked to prevent unauthorized access.
  5. Disable the Battery: Disconnect your vehicle’s battery during storage to avoid potential electrical damage and to prevent battery drain.
  6. Insurance Coverage: Review your insurance policy and ensure that your vehicle is adequately covered while in storage. You may need to update your policy or acquire additional coverage for stored vehicles.

Regularly Inspect and Maintain Your Vehicle

Even while in storage, your vehicle requires regular inspection and maintenance to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. Schedule routine check-ups and perform these maintenance tasks:
  1. Check for Damage or Leaks: Inspect your vehicle for any signs of damage or fluid leaks, and promptly address any issues you may find.
  2. Monitor Tire Pressure: Regularly check the tire pressure, adjusting it as needed to maintain proper tire health and prevent flat spots.
  3. Run the Engine Periodically: Start the engine and run it for a few minutes every few months to keep the engine lubricated, maintain the battery charge, and prevent mechanical issues.
 
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Preparing Your Belongings for Long-Term Storage: A Guide

woman packing things

 

Clean and Inspect Your Belongings

Before packing your items for storage, it’s important to clean and inspect them thoroughly. Follow these tips to ensure your belongings are ready for long-term storage:

  1. Furniture: Dust and wipe down your furniture with appropriate cleaning solutions. Inspect for any damage, such as scratches or loose parts, and make necessary repairs.
  2. Clothing and Textiles: Wash and dry your clothes, bedding, and other textiles before storing them. Ensure they are completely dry to avoid mold or mildew growth.
  3. Appliances: Clean the interiors and exteriors of appliances and ensure they are completely dry. Remove water from hoses or internal components to prevent mold or rust.
  4. Electronics: Use a soft cloth and electronic cleaner to remove dust and dirt from electronic devices. Check for any damage or loose connections.

Properly Pack Your Items for Long-Term Storage

Packing your belongings securely is crucial for protecting them during long-term storage. Follow these best practices when packing your items:

  1. Using Quality Packing Materials: Invest in sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and plastic covers to ensure your belongings are well-protected.
  2. Proper Packaging Techniques: Use bubble wrap or packing paper to protect fragile items and fill empty spaces in boxes. Reinforce heavy boxes with additional tape for added strength.
  3. Labeling: Clearly label each box with its contents and indicate if the items inside are fragile. This makes it easier to locate specific items in storage and helps prevent accidental damage.
  4. Seal Containers: Use airtight, sealable plastic containers to store clothes, documents, and other moisture-sensitive items.

Organize Your Storage Unit for Easy Access and Maintenance

Organizing your storage unit in a systematic manner can make it easier to access your belongings and maintain the unit’s condition. Here are some organizational tips:

  1. Create a Layout: Plan a layout for your storage unit, placing frequently accessed items near the front and heavier items on the floor or bottom of stacks.
  2. Use Shelving Units: Install shelving units in your storage space to keep boxes organized and off the floor. This helps prevent damage due to spills or leaks and allows air circulation around your items.
  3. Leave Walkways: Ensure there are clear walkways in your storage unit so you can easily access your belongings without disruption.

Conduct Regular Check-Ups and Maintenance

During the long-term storage period, it’s helpful to conduct regular check-ups and maintenance of your unit. Here are some tips for maintaining long-term storage:

  1. Inspection: Visit your storage unit periodically to inspect your belongings and ensure everything is in order. Look for any signs of water damage, pests, or other potential issues.
  2. Adjust Climate Controls: If your storage unit is climate-controlled, verify that the temperature and humidity levels remain consistent and adjust when necessary.
  3. Clean and Ventilate: Keep your storage unit clean. Open the unit’s door periodically to allow fresh air to circulate, helping to prevent stagnant air and odors.
Posted in Tips

Climate-Controlled Storage Units for Your Belongings

When searching for a self-storage facility to keep your valuable items safe and secure, one significant factor to consider is whether or not to opt for a climate-controlled storage unit. While traditional, non-climate-controlled units may be adequate for certain belongings, many items require a stable environment to maintain their integrity and prevent any potential damage from fluctuating temperatures or humidity levels. 
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How to Choose the Right Self-Storage Unit Size for Your Needs

Understanding Different Self-Storage Unit Sizes

Here’s a quick overview of the most common storage unit sizes and their approximate capacities:

  •  5×5 (25 sq. ft.) – Comparable to a small closet, this unit can store personal items, small furniture, and a few boxes.
  •  5×10 (50 sq. ft.) – Similar in size to a walk-in closet, it can accommodate a small number of furnishings or household appliances, along with several boxes.
  •  10×10 (100 sq. ft.) – Roughly the size of half a standard garage, this unit can house the contents of a one-bedroom apartment, including furniture and appliances.
  •  10×15 (150 sq. ft.) – This unit offers space for the contents of a two-bedroom apartment or small house and is ideal for storing larger items such as appliances and bulky furniture.
  •  10×20 (200 sq. ft.) – Comparable to the size of a standard one-car garage, this unit can accommodate the contents of a three-bedroom home and is perfect for storing vehicles, boats, or trailers.
Posted in Tips

Why Choose Climate-Controlled Storage for Your Belongings

Storage units are a great way to keep our belongings safe and secure. However, not all units offer the same functionality. If you are storing sensitive items, climate-controlled storage is an option that you should check out. Let us explore what it is, its benefits, and whether you really need it.

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Posted in Tips