Storage Tips

Gossard Self Storage

Essential Tips for Your Storage Needs

Finding the perfect storage solution can be a daunting task, but Gossard Self Storage is here to ease the process. With located in Lima, OH, our family-owned facility offers a clean, well-lit, and secure facility to store your belongings. With over 34 years of experience, we are dedicated to helping you choose the right storage unit and providing top-notch customer service.


Whether you need assistance with planning the storage process, packing your belongings, or understanding what not to store, we have you covered. Check out our helpful storage tips below:

  • Choosing Your Storage Unit

    • Call us to find out storage unit size availability, prices, and vacancy information.
    • Choose the unit size that best meets your needs.
    • Meet our manager to discuss the price, deposit, and rental agreement.
    • Ask about facility security features (lighting and security gates).
    • Get a copy of the contract and contract information, as well as the facility's hours of operation.
    • Inspect the unit that you will be renting. It should be clean, well maintained, and secure.

  • Planning the Storage Process

    • Make a list of all the items you plan to store.
    • Purchase a lock for your unit if needed.
    • Gather boxes and packing supplies. You may need large boxes for lamps and other decorations, blankets or pads for covering furniture, china cartons for dishes, and bubble wrap / fill paper for packing valuables. You can also buy boxes from us.
    • Call the manager of the storage facility and confirm your move-in date and time.
    • Make arrangements to transport your items to the storage facility.

  • Packing Your Belongings

    • Use only sturdy boxes and containers to store your items.
    • Label all containers and boxes.
    • Fill containers to their capacity and fill in space with packing material.
    • Pack heavier items in small boxes.
    • Secure mirrors, paintings, and pictures in mirror boxes and pack them on edge.
    • Disassemble lamps, tables, bar stools, and other furnishings as applicable. Wrap pieces individually and store them securely in boxes.
    • Wrap wooden table legs and chairs to avoid scratches.
    • Cover sofas with blankets or pads so that they do not gather dust, and stack them on end.
    • Cover dressers with blankets or pads so you can stack those boxes on top.
    • Fill drawers and appliances with small items to conserve space.
    • Pack books flat and avoid placing them directly on the unit floor (place them on a pallet).
    • Wrap dishes and other breakable items individually, layering padding at the top and bottom of the box.
    • Clothing is best stored clean and in hanging cartons.

  • Storing Your Belongings at the Unit

    • Place items in the order that you will need to access them. Those that will be readily used should be placed in the front of the storage unit.
    • Before moving in large furniture, cover the ground with pallets.
    • Do not lean furniture against the outside walls.
    • Place tabletops (well-padded) on edge.
    • Leave appliance doors cracked open so that moisture does not build within.
    • Do not store food, as this will attract mice and other pests.
    • Arrange boxes so that the labels are facing out so that they are easy to read.
    • Stack boxes in a manageable manner. Put large, heavy boxes on the bottom.
    • Leave space for a walkway so that you can easily navigate through the unit and access your items as needed.
    • Do not store flammable products.

  • Removing Your Belongings From the Unit

    • Give the storage company proper notice of your intent to move out. Refer to your contract for specific guidelines.
    • Remove the boxes placed on the top first. Carefully boxed items may have shifted after a prolonged period.
    • Remove all of your belongings.
    • Sweep out the unit and dispose of any trash.
    • Secure the unit. Make sure the door is completely shut.
    • Return the keys to the manager.
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