Pro Packing & Storage Tips for Forest Lake Residents

Moving can be stressful, but storing your items doesn't have to be. At Gopher State Storage Forest Lake, we’ve helped hundreds of neighbors in Forest Lake, Wyoming, and Columbus find the perfect space. Use these expert tips to maximize your unit and protect your belongings.

---

1. Prepare for the Minnesota Climate

Since our drive-up units are conveniently accessible but subject to Minnesota’s seasonal temperature swings, follow these steps:

• Drain Liquids: Ensure lawnmowers, pressure washers, and boats are winterized and fuel-stabilized before the first freeze.
• Avoid Condensation: Don’t store items in plastic bags, which can trap moisture. Use breathable cardboard boxes or sturdy plastic bins with tight lids.
• Protect Wood & Fabric: Give wood furniture a coat of wax and ensure all clothing or upholstery is clean and bone-dry before storing to handle local humidity changes.

2. Maximize Your Square Footage

You’re paying for the space—make sure you use the vertical height of our units!

• Heavy to Light: Always place your heaviest boxes on the bottom and lighter boxes on top to prevent crushing.
• Use the "Aisle" Method: Leave a small walkway down the middle of your unit so you can reach items in the back without unloading the entire unit.
• Take it Apart: Remove legs from tables and store bed frames vertically to save massive amounts of floor space.

3. Security & Safety First

• High-Quality Locks: We highly recommend using a "Disc Lock." Their design makes them much more resistant to bolt cutters than standard padlocks.
• Inventory Everything: Take a quick photo of your unit once it's packed. It’s the easiest way to remember exactly what you stored months down the road!
• Label 3 Sides: Label your boxes on the top and two sides so you can identify contents easily even when they are stacked high.

---