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Storage Tips

Storage Tips

After choosing the right facility to fit your needs, it is essential that you pack your belongings in storage correctly. Here are some tips to consider for preventing damage:

  • Determine whether the goods you are storing will be better protected by placing them in boxes, totes, or other containers. You may need to purchase specialized boxes and other materials to protect your items during the move and while they are stowed away.
  • Thoroughly clean, disinfect and dry refrigerators, freezers, stoves and other appliances. Appliances with doors can be stored with the door slightly open, and some can be stacked on top of each other.
  • Retard rust by wiping down all types of metal surfaces before storing. Use a few drops of machine oil to lightly coat these items for preventing rust and possible deterioration.
  • Store clothing on hangers before folding them into cartons. Make sure all drapes, curtains, linens and clothing items are washed and dry, or dry cleaned to avoid attracting pests.
  • Use bubble wrap and other materials when storing dishes and glassware. Pack similar items in the same box and fill empty spaces with packing peanuts, bubble wrap or newspaper.
  • Stack lightweight chairs “seat to seat”, but avoid stacking other types of furniture on top of each other. Cover all upholstery with light cotton dust covers.
  • Holiday decorations can be stored in their original cartons. Wrap glass ornaments and other delicate items in bubble wrap or newspaper before storing in boxes or totes.
  • CDs, tapes, records and other music items can be stored in boxes or airtight cartons to prevent damage.
  • Cover computer screens and large television screens with dust covers and wrap in bubble wrap if you are storing these items next to furniture and other equipment.
  • Pack all books, files, and documents flat, and use bubble wrap or newspaper to fill any empty spaces in the boxes or totes.
  • Disassemble furniture and place pieces on a corrugated cardboard mat or plastic sheet before placing on a pallet.
  • Wrap lamp bases in padding and store the lamp shade and base separately.
  • Be sure to clean and dry all electrical equipment before storing.

Prohibited Storage Goods

Even though you alone control access to your storage space, there are some items that cannot be stored in your unit at any time. These include:

  • Live animals
  • Perishables
  • Liquids
  • Explosives
  • Flammable liquids and fuels
  • Toxic materials
  • Food, tires and Lithium-Ion batteries
  • Any items that need to be in a controlled environment

Source: Self Storage Association (SSA)

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Route 1 Self Storage - 9165 Washington Boulevard, Laurel, MD Route 1 Self Storage - 8115 Perry Hills Road, Nottingham, MD
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Facility is clean, secure, and convenient to major highways.","datePublished":"2026-05-09","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"bestRating":5,"worstRating":1}},{"@type":"Review","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Tammy Costa"},"reviewBody":"Second time renting a storage unit.\nAlways friendly service.\nI have always dealt with Shawn Fournier I can’t say enough nice things bout my experience with him.\nVery friendly , helpful, answers all my questions, great personality. Thank- you Shawn for all your great help it was a pleasure talking with you.\nTammy Costa Powell","datePublished":"2026-04-21","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"bestRating":5,"worstRating":1}},{"@type":"Review","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Ourisman Latino"},"reviewBody":"Great customer service and perfect location for storage. Highly recommend !","datePublished":"2026-04-15","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"bestRating":5,"worstRating":1}},{"@type":"Review","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Raoul Roberts"},"reviewBody":"Very quick and easy. Friendly staff","datePublished":"2026-03-31","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"bestRating":5,"worstRating":1}},{"@type":"Review","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"George “Fat cat” Middleton"},"reviewBody":"I am very satisfied with the service and communication. Rebecca was very helpful with getting me situated with my unit. 💯","datePublished":"2026-02-27","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"bestRating":5,"worstRating":1}},{"@type":"Review","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Marwa Omar"},"reviewBody":"Very kind and professional staff! Clean area and offers 24 hr access.","datePublished":"2026-02-27","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"bestRating":5,"worstRating":1}},{"@type":"Review","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Andrew L"},"reviewBody":"The customer service here is second to none. Shawn and Rebecca have always been amazing, quick to help and responsive whenever questions come up. I’ve had a unit here for over two years and wouldn’t go anywhere else. Thank you, Shawn and Rebecca!","datePublished":"2026-02-21","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"bestRating":5,"worstRating":1}},{"@type":"Review","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Robert McFarland"},"reviewBody":"Efficient and helpful","datePublished":"2026-01-23","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"bestRating":5,"worstRating":1}},{"@type":"Review","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Chan Chn"},"reviewBody":"Manager Rebecca is very nice. The staff is very helpful. Love this storage place.","datePublished":"2026-01-21","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"bestRating":5,"worstRating":1}},{"@type":"Review","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Catherine Comstock"},"reviewBody":"Rebecca was very kind and informative. She made the process quick and painless.","datePublished":"2025-10-18","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"bestRating":5,"worstRating":1}},{"@type":"Review","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Paul"},"reviewBody":"Wonderful front desk staff and experience. Rebecca was excellent!","datePublished":"2025-10-16","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"bestRating":5,"worstRating":1}},{"@type":"Review","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Regina Cox"},"reviewBody":"Very professional. Units clean and secure.","datePublished":"2025-10-04","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"bestRating":5,"worstRating":1}},{"@type":"Review","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Shariff Broady"},"reviewBody":"Pretty smooth process. The employee Shawn was professional, friendly and knowledgeable on everything.","datePublished":"2025-09-06","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":4,"bestRating":5,"worstRating":1}},{"@type":"Review","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"drdfilm"},"reviewBody":"I give this storage place five stars! I was a customer from winter 2022, up until now end of summer 2025. Very competitive prices first of all. And the staff there handled me with such respect and professionalism from the time i first rented the storage unit, up until clearing it out. Definitely recommend route one self storage.","datePublished":"2025-08-21","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"bestRating":5,"worstRating":1}},{"@type":"Review","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Lydia Naikoba"},"reviewBody":"Omg\nThe lady at the front desk has very good customer care. She took her time explaining to me all I wanted to know about the storage unit. I was happy with the place and all that was shared to me .","datePublished":"2025-07-08","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":4,"bestRating":5,"worstRating":1}},{"@type":"Review","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Si Berz"},"reviewBody":"Storage in the Washington DC metropolitan area is unreasonably expensive! Looking for a long-term storage option I researched route 1 self storage who had by far the best prices around and best options. After deciding it's worth the drive from Washington DC ( only about 40 minutes each way), I made the booking online and promptly received a call from one of their staff to confirm my rental unit. I then traveled out to the facility and was met by the manager Rebecca who was tremendously helpful and very friendly. It was fortunate that I was the only client there at the time signing up, but the service was above and beyond, much better than I think I would have found elsewhere. They were very helpful with everything from locks to insurance to climate control recommendations, recommendations for storing my items safely, and had answers for everything. The two of them were extremely knowledgeable and friendly and made the entire experience great I heartiy recommend giving them your business if you're in the DMV area, you will not be disappointed by anything, especially the prices!","datePublished":"2025-06-13","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"bestRating":5,"worstRating":1}},{"@type":"Review","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Chester Shannon"},"reviewBody":"Route 1 Storage, awesome mgmt (Rebecca, even picking up trash in the rain from wind/Washington Blvd traffic); clean, my unit with light and electricity (not all, but some of the larger ones) Prices competitive, especially \"Promotions.\" Appears to be privately owned, not corporate.","datePublished":"2025-06-02","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"bestRating":5,"worstRating":1}},{"@type":"Review","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Matt Biddle"},"reviewBody":"A True Pillar of Route 1 Storage – Shawn is Irreplaceable!\n\nIf there’s one name that echoes throughout the walls of Route 1 Storage with unwavering respect and admiration, it’s Shawn. 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If there were awards for dedication, Shawn would win every single one. Route 1 is incredibly lucky to have him – and honestly, so is anyone who crosses his path.\n\nShawn, thank you for everything you do. You're a living legend.","datePublished":"2025-05-28","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"bestRating":5,"worstRating":1}},{"@type":"Review","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Holly H"},"reviewBody":"Rebecca is awesome..!! Thanks for EVERYTHING..ROUTE 1 SELF STORAGE ROCKS!!!! Property is CLEAN & SAFE!!","datePublished":"2025-04-12","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"bestRating":5,"worstRating":1}},{"@type":"Review","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"S Roth"},"reviewBody":"Not knowing I needed a storage unit, I happen to by chance walk into route one self storage. Shawn was very helpful and explained to me and even showed me the different sizes of units that were available. 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