Storage Tips

Whether you need a space for residential or commercial purposes,
Barr Secure Storage wants to make the experience easier for you.
Below are some tips that will save you time and prevent you from
paying for more space than you need

Cars, Trucks & RVs
Boats
Furniture / Upholstery
Documents
Finding Extra Space

Cars, Trucks & RVs

In the event vehicles are to be stored for extended periods beyond 30 days, the following items are suggested:

Apply a coat of wax to the exterior painted and plated surfaces.
Make sure your gas tank is full. This will reduce the amount of water that can be absorbed by the gasoline and it also slows the rate at which it turns to varnish. Use an additive like "Sta-Bil", "Dry Gas" or similar.
Make sure it's well mixed and run the car for a while to make sure it's in the entire fuel system.
Run vehicle until engine is warm. Drain engine oil and replace filter element, refill with fresh oil. After oil has been replaced, remove air cleaner and pour one-half to one pint of 10-W or lighter oil into carburetor air intake with engine running [obviously not applicable to fuel injected vehicles]. Pour slowly at first, then rapidly using last quarter to seal engine. Replace air cleaner. If vehicle is equipped with air conditioning, the unit should be operated during this final engine warm-up to lubricate the compressor seals.
Drain coolant from radiator, cylinder block and heater.
If freezing temperatures are expected, the battery should be removed from the vehicle and stored in a cool, dry area at above freezing temperatures.** CAUTION: As part of the normal function of an automobile storage battery, hydrogen gas is produced thru chemical action. This gas is toxic and extremely combustible when mixed with air.
Do not store battery where it will be exposed to sparks or open flames, nor where it is exposed to children.
Place blocks under the front and rear suspension so that tires do not contact ground.
Drain gasoline from fuel tank, fuel lines, and carburetor to reduce the fire hazard and to prevent gumming of the fuel as it evaporates.
Remove windshield wiper arms and blades and store in vehicle. Keep cardboard on floor under engine.

Boats

For Winter storage, the following items are suggested:

Begin with the engine

check for worn or loose parts (don't forget any hoses, belts or wiring).
check propeller (have it rebuilt or replaced, if needed), and lubricate the propeller shaft. Fill the fuel tank(s) and add a good fuel conditioner.
Change gear case lubricant in the lower unit(s) - check the owner's manual for details.

For outboards

disconnect the fuel line and run until the motor stops; make sure that there is water cooling the engine;
check the owner's manual on the use of flush kits. Store outboards in the upright position (water should drain out this way.)

For Inboard and Inboard-Outdrive Motors

flush the cooling system, remove plugs and drain all water from the engine (unless it is a closed system with antifreeze) drain oil from the crankcase,
change oil filter and refill (follow manufacturer's recommendations and don't forget to recycle the old oil properly)

The Boat

clean the boat inside and out (if possible remove electronics, life jackets, fire extinguishers, etc., and store indoors)
drain all water in bilge and leave the plug out of the transom; tie it to the tiller or steering wheel as a reminder to put it back before launching next spring.
Cover the boat allowing for air circulation under the cover (placing ordinary mothballs inside will discourage mice or other rodents from chewing on wiring or other objects)

Trailers Need Maintenance

check, repack or replace wheel bearings as necessary; to check the bearing for wear, pull the trailer behind a vehicle for a mile or less, then get out and feel the hubs-any sign of heat suggests that the bearings need to be checked and repacked or replaced.
Check wiring, lights and brakes (if trailer is so equipped), and repair or replace if needed examine the tires and check the air pressure; tires last longer when the trailer is on blocks during storage

Furniture / Upholstery

When storing furniture, use a platform
to raise it off the floor to prevent any possible water damage. Any concrete floor may become cold and damp.

For upholstery, allow space between the fabric and dust cover.
Never use plastic, it can collect moisture and cause mildew.

Always store your mattress flat on the ground and inside a protective plastic bag. This will protect it from damage and from becoming deformed.

Ask Barr about pallets which are available for $10.00

Documents

For important or old documents and records, to avoid deterioration, be sure to use a climate controlled environment. Barr offers climate controlled storage units that controll humidity to help preserve your documents.

Documents should be stored in a box and stacked no more than 3 high (heaviest box on the bottom)
Barr Secure Storage offers a wide variety of new and used industrial pallet rack shelving for maximum document storage solutions.

When storing boxes of files, be sure to create aisles to get around and easily locate what you need quickly. Always label boxes. This will allow you to easily locate a specific item, and keep you organized.

To keep your important documents safe, please use a strong lock. Remember that Barr Secure Storage sells high quality disc locks.

Finding Extra Space

Remember that items such as a refrigerator provide extra space for storing smaller objects. Break down any item possible, such as the legs of a table. This will allow you to store the table on end to save more space.

When packing, especially smaller objects, try to completly fill the boxes. Use newspaper or towels to fill in any empty space. This will prevent boxes from caving in when stacked.

Use the drawers in your furniture to store fragile or breakable items. The furniture will provide a much safer place than a box. You can transfer the clothes from the drawers into a bag or box, since they are not fragile.

Hazardous Materials
CAUTION: It is against the law to store materials that are HAZARDOUS.
Please do not store any hazardous materials such as paint, stains, or other chemicals.

Insuring my property
If your property is not covered under your homeowner's or renter's insurance, we can provide you with information about insurance coverage.