Thank you for checking out our blog! For locations near you, please click here :) Part of our commitment toward you is distributing helpful content on a weekly basis. Three times a week that is! A chance to share with you tips, tricks, How To's and the latest news and giveaways. If you're renting for the very first time, it's very important to know some key tips. And here they are, below. For more, join our Facebook community. #1. Store the items you’ll frequently use at the front of the unit so you won’t find yourself digging through everything to find them. #2. Use boxes that are the same size, they will be easier to stack. Always stack the heavy boxes at the bottom and the lighter ones on top. #3. Wrap mattresses and box springs, and store them on their long edges. Try elevating them off the floor. #4. If you’re stacking lots of boxes, keep in mind that they will risk collapsing if they’re only half-filled and something is placed on top of them. If they're halfway filled, try filling them to the top, to help avoid breakages or collapses. Use towels, clothing or crumpled papers and magazines to fill them up. #5. Disassemble any beds or furniture, but mark the pieces so you don’t forget how to put them back together. #6. When taking electronics apart like computers, stereos or anything with a lot of cables, color coordinate the cable with the place where the cable goes. #7. Keep out-of-season clothing somewhat accessible. You never know if you need to have your belongings in a storage longer than planned. #8. Don't store vacuum cleaners with the bag in, and treat leather items with a leather conditioner. #9. Label boxes by number or letters on all 4 sides and have a separate list for yourself. The most common mistake is to write on a box what its contents are. “Fragile” is ok but in general, you wouldn’t want to advertise “laptops, computers, video”. #10. It’s always good to limit the weight of a box to 30lbs or less. Heavy boxes can rip from the bottom or injure your back. Find a location near you, talk to any of our managers, and join us on Facebook to share your feedback and experience. We look forward to hearing from you! Always yours in storage, US Storage Centers