How to Properly Store a Refrigerator

Thank goodness you don’t have to move a refrigerator into self storage everyday. It’s a big job that requires a little planning, but it doesn’t have to turn into a heavy-duty headache. The fridge needs a complete cleaning, careful moving and its own safe spot in a climate-controlled storage unit.

1. Time and a Manual Help

Part of an efficient refrigerator’s job is maintaining a moist environment. That’s great for food storage, but it works against you once the unit’s unplugged. Without a thorough cleaning and drying, every surface becomes a petri dish for mold and mildew. It’s important to give the fridge time to air out before moving it to climate-controlled self storage. Removing the doors speeds up this process and makes it easier to clean inside and out. Now’s the time to find that owner’s manual. This little book diagrams your refrigerator’s anatomy for easy disassembly. If you can’t locate the guide, a quick online search will turn up the right manual for your model.

2. Choose Your Cleaners Carefully

Hot, soapy water is great for cleaning the exterior of your refrigerator, but the interior needs a different approach. Shelving and storage bins prefer a solution of one quart of warm water mixed with two tablespoons of baking soda. Don’t use abrasives or harsh cleaners because they scratch plastic and etch stainless steel. Put an old toothbrush to work scrubbing tight corners and door seals. When you’re ready to clean the back coils and tubing, unplug the fridge, and use a hand vacuum or soft cloth. If your refrigerator has a water and ice dispenser, don’t forget to drain the holding tank. Let your handy owner’s manual be your guide to safely disconnecting everything.

3. Move It Like a Pro

Most refrigerators weigh between 250 and 300 pounds. That’s a lot of bulk to move around, so don’t try to muscle it across any surface. Take out all the drawers and shelving, and enlist the help of a willing friend and a sturdy dolly. Tilt the fridge slightly, slide the dolly in place, and slowly set it level. It’s important to keep the tilt to a minimum because too much angling will push compressor fluids into the condenser. A refrigerator can topple over more easily than you think, so be careful with the moving process. Cover the fridge with a blanket, securely strap it to the dolly, and use a strong ramp to load it on the truck. Tie everything down, and take your time with the drive.

4. Use Smart Storage Strategies

Your refrigerator and your back deserve a self storage unit with drive-up access. The convenience of unloading at your unit’s entrance saves time and work. If you haven’t removed the fridge door yet, now’s the time. Climate-controlled self storage combats humidity, but your refrigerator stays fresher without the door, and its removal adds a layer of safety if you have kids that might visit the unit. Keep drawers from becoming dust bins by storing them upside down inside the fridge, and place hardware in plastic bags stored on the shelves. Toss a clean sheet over the refrigerator, and congratulate yourself on a big job well done.

Getting a refrigerator ready for storage is easy when you invest a little time in proper cleaning and a careful move. Kitchen duty is hard, so let your fridge relax in secure, climate-controlled self storage. You’ll both enjoy a fresh start when it’s time to retrieve your coolest appliance.

See you soon 🙂

Five Factors Affecting Self Storage Prices

Self-storage is a fantastic way to store anything that you don’t want to clutter up your home or garage. The units are available in many sizes and most are completely secure. The storage unit prices in the Greater Toronto Area will depend on several things, including the size, whether or not it is climate controlled, accessibility, and its location.

Size

The first thing to consider is that storage units come in a variety of sizes. Some are as small as closets; others are spacious enough to accommodate two cars and a few articles of furniture comfortably. In most cases, the larger the unit is, the more you can expect to pay to store your things. You can contact your self-storage provider in Dallas to determine the sizes that are available and obtain pricing for them. Some of the common sizes include:

• 5ftx5ft – These are the size of a large closet or half bathroom and are designed for storing boxes or other small items.
• 5ftx10ft – These units can be compared to a traditional walk-in closet. They can fit about a room’s worth of furniture, including a couch, chair, dresser, etc.
• 10×15 – This size can comfortably fit the furnishings of a two-bedroom house or apartment. The size can be compared to that of a large bedroom.
• 10×20 – This unit is the size of a single-car garage and is perfect for storing the items from three- to four-bedroom homes.

Climate Control

The GTA can get very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. There are some items that may not stand up to exposure to these extremes, and this is when you will want to consider a climate controlled unit. If you are going to store treasures like guitars and pianos, this is vital to prevent warping and other damage. What’s more, if you’ll be frequently adding to or removing from your unit, it won’t be sweltering or freezing inside.

Accessibility

Another factor to think about when it comes to pricing self-storage units in the GTA is their overall accessibility. There are several different factors that go into this, too. They include:

• Multi-level facilities. If there is more than one floor, you can expect that access to first-floor storage will come at a premium price.
• Indoor Access. Some self-storage units are located in huge warehouse-like buildings that boast a common area, allowing you inside entry. In some cases, the owners may charge a premium for this, too. However, it is important to consider that it may take more effort to load and unload your items to and from a vehicle.
• Outdoor Access. There are units that have outdoor access, or sometimes referred to as drive-up access. These types of storage units can a bit cheaper compared to an indoor unit as they are typically not climate-controlled.

Security

Security is a big deal when it comes to storage facilities, especially in a big city like Toronto. You should ask the manager these five questions about the security of the facility. Find out whether there is camera surveillance, if a security guard is on patrol, how sound the locking mechanisms are, and whether or not you will be immediately notified if a break-in is attempted. Again, expect to pay more for better security measures.

Location

Something else to consider is the location of the self-storage unit. It is likely that those located in the heart of the city will be more expensive than those in the suburbs or even out in the rural areas. Since they are convenient, they will often cost more. The best way to get a great deal is to check several different facilities to discover which one fits your needs as well as your budget.

For more information feel free to visit the Planet Storage webpage for information or call 416-766-1655 to speak with a storage consultant.

See you soon 🙂