Broadway Storage Des Moines & Altoona Iowa / Linden Storage Indianola Iowa

You may need to purchase insurance.

•	Do not assume that your homeowner or renter insurance will cover your belongings while in storage.
•	CAUTION. It is against the law to store materials that are hazardous or combustible such as gasoline, cleaning fluids, paint, etc... Drain all gasoline from lawnmowers, power tools, boats, snowmobiles, etc. before storing them.
•	Be sure to store frequently used items at the front of the unit to avoid having to search for them. Also, store valuable items towards the back of the unit.

What are the five things you need to know before you rent a storage space?

1	Size up your storage needs: Our storage consultants are there to help you determine which size best meets your needs. We know your time is valuable, so our efficient, friendly consultants will help you get in and get out fast. And we are flexible in meeting your needs, too – so if you need to “right-size” to a larger or smaller space after moving in, it just takes a few minutes to transfer you to a new space. Ask about our 10-minute lease.
2	Does the facility have computer controlled gate protection? Broadway does. You’ll have added piece of mind that only current storage customers have access to the facility. Every customer must use an individual pass-code to open the gate before entering and leaving the facility.
3	Only rent from a facility with individual door alarms. Your door is always alarmed until you open the controlled access gate with your pass-code. That means a burglar who cuts your lock and opens the door sounds an alarm for the staff onsite or that demands a response. This active form of security is the best method for thwarting burglary.
4	Is facility accessible when you need it? Our facility has expanded hours access so you can visit your storage during the day and evenings and feel secure at our well-lighted facility with 24-hour video camera surveillance. Our computer controlled access gate electronically logs customers in and out and limits access to current customers.
5	Do I need climate controlled storage? You do if you need to store sensitive electronics, records, furniture, art, or antiques. If you store other items like pharmaceuticals and cosmetics or store fixtures and other retail inventory you may need a controlled environment. Our climate control units keep temperatures below 80 degrees in the summer and above 50 degrees in the winter, with humidity below 65% to stop mold or mildew.

More Helpful Hints:

•	Do not store food items which could attract rodents or pests.
•	Appliances must be thoroughly clean and dry. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors slightly open. Remove and discard vacuum cleaner bags.
•	Store mattresses and box springs on long edges. Wrap for protection and elevate off of the floor. Use pallets, 2x4’s, plywood... anything that will keep your items off the floor of the storage unit. It is not advised to lean items against the walls of the storage unit.
•	Pictures and mirrors should be wrapped in cardboard and marked “FRAGILE.” Stand them straight up... never flat.
•	Make a list of packing materials needed such as boxes, bubble pack, tape, marking pens, rope, drop cloths, mattress and furniture covers, etc...
•	Disassemble beds and mark the pieces so that they are easy to put back together.
•	When packing books, pack them in small cartons that weigh no more than 30 lbs. Alternate bindings and cushion them with wadded packing paper.
•	Keep your out-of-season clothes accessible, you may have your belongings in storage longer than anticipated.
•	When you disassemble electronics such as computers and stereos (items that have numerous cables), place small colored stickers on the cable and the same color sticker where the cable goes. If possible, use the original packing for electronic items.
•	Wax wood furniture before storing it. Use sheets or cotton cloth to cover furniture.
•	Never store anything in sealed plastic bags. The humidity will cause damage to your goods.
•	Leave a small space between the goods stored and the storage unit’s walls.
•	Do not stack heavy or folded objects where they could shift or collapse when you move or need access.
•	Label boxes by numbers - have the master list separate from your storage space... and never write on the box what its contents are. Label each box as you seal it. Mark “Fragile” on all boxes with breakables.
•	Use your bureau drawers as packing space. Fill them with some of your fragile items and use blankets, sweaters and towels for padding.
•	Do not use printed newspaper to pack with. The ink may smudge off on your items.
•	To save space, fill interiors of appliances with linens, clothes and stuffed toys. Stuff towels between the washing machine and the inner tub of the washing machine to keep the tub from rotating.
•	Label each box on all four sides with numbers, seal them with tape and make a list of the contents to take home with you. The box numbers should correspond with this master list. Pack appliances in factory boxes whenever possible and cushion with wadded (not shredded) packing paper. Shredded paper can get into the machines and cause damage. Wedge appliance doors open while keeping in storage.
•	When packing boxes, try to limit the weight to 30 lbs. or less per box.
•	When wrapping collectibles or anything breakable, tape it after you wrap it. This will keep you from mistaking them for the excess paper you used to fill the box.
•	Clothing that ordinarily hangs in a closet should be packed in a wardrobe carton.