Climate Controlled Frequently Ask Questions Midland Self-Storage Tacoma Phone: 206-429-3255 Email: info@MidlandBoatRVStorage.com Address: 9712 10th Ave E Tacoma WA 98445

1. Climate Controlled Frequently Ask Questions
Why would anyone need climate control?
Summer in a cramped little metal shed could reach 120 degrees. All your candles, VHS tapes,
and other things could melt. So I recommend an indoor storage place. Climate Control is for you,
if you are planning on storing film or other heat sensitive material.
Should I store a microfiber (similar to suede material) couch in climate control or would it be
okay to store it in normal storage?
It is best to store it in a humidity controlled environment or it could get a mildew under the micro
fiber, and even a strong musty odor. It also depends on how long you are storing it and the
amount of humidity in the storage space.
Self-Storage Frequently Ask Questions
What’s the difference between self-storage and storage?
Self-storage means that you can access your storage space whenever because you put your own
lock on it and keep the key. A place that is NOT self-storage would be a storage facility that once
you move in, you don’t have access to it because you will not be provided with a key. You will
have to ask for assistance from the property manager whenever you want to enter the storage
unit.
Will storing a leather couch in a self-storage garage damage the leather?
Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause your sofa to split, shrivel, or otherwise damage it.
Leather must “breathe”, so the option of covering it in a tarp is viable only if you can find one
made of fabric, not plastic. If you do this, first treat the entire sofa with a spray-on leather
conditioner (available where they sell leather jackets, purses, etc.). Check on it at least monthly,
and clean with a leather cleaner as necessary. Most important, though, is to keep it from extreme
temperature changes.
How do you find the right self-storage provider?
Don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions when dealing with a company. First thing you need to
ask is if they are permitted to operate legally. The next thing is their price (have a thorough
conversation about this one), also ask them how they can manage to keep your valuables safe
and also undamaged. Continue asking questions and see if you are satisfied with all of their
answers. You can tell for yourself if they are the company that best fits your needs.

2. Boat Storage Tips
Is it needed for a boat to be winterized, for winter storage, if it is on the inside and heated?
Yes. You’ll probably want to drain the fuel or run it with some Sta-bil in it,but you don’t need to
anti-freeze the system if there’s no chance of freezing temps. Your owner’s manual may have
some tips for extended storage/warm climates such as flush cooling system with clean water, the
lubrication of parts, etc.
How do I keep moisture away from my boat while in storage?
Damp Rid-It works. Like the salt, only better. Most hardware stores/home centers sell it. It will
need to be check/refilled a couple times over the winter, but it should do great for keeping the
moisture down, as long as the boat is covered tight to keep as much moisture out as possible.
How do I prevent musty smells on a boat during Winter Storage?
Keep plenty of open boxes of baking soda all over the boat. Or they sell desiccate bags at most
marines. It stops mildew and smells and also keep bugs and mice out. But you need to ventilate
the boat before going into it because it may cause your eyes to burn. These can be hung from the
steering wheel or other places…Read the Directions
Is it okay to leave my boat fuel tanks full of ethanol during five months of winter storage?
No ethanol absorbs water out of the atmosphere and will cause rust in your tanks.
How do I winterize my boat?
1. First, get winterizing kit from West Marine that includes a 5 gallon container with hose
attachment, flush-out attachment for the lower unit, and a case of non-tox anti-freeze. And then,
get a can of engine fogging spray.
2. Warm up the engine by hooking up the flush out attachment to the lower unit and a garden
hose, let it run with the water on for 5 minutes. Do not start it until the garden hose is turned on.
3. Hook up the 5 gallon container to the flush out attachment with the clear hose provided.
4. Fill the container with the anti-freeze and place it on the transom.
5. Put the flush out on the lower unit over the water intakes.

3. 6. Open the valve on the 5 gallon container so the anti-freeze flows, it will drip a lot until you
start the engine. Get the flame arrestor of the engine and start it up. It will take in that 5 gallons
quickly, so act fast.
7. Start shooting the fogging spray into the air intake after 1 gallon of anti-freeze is sucked in.
Shoot the spray until the engine dies out if you can, or at least until it smokes a lot.
8. Very important that you do not let the engine run out of the non-tox anti-freeze. It will have
enough in it, so when you see the anti-freeze running out of the exhaust and it does not look
diluted, shut the engine down, when that point as been reached. And then spray the engine down
with silicone spray to keep it from corroding.
Then you also have to winterize any system that has water in it: fresh water, head, salt water
wash down, etc. You should also change the engine oil before you winterize the engine, and the
lower unit oil. Don’t forget the engine and hull zincs. Put anti-freeze in the head, water system,
and pump through all the faucets until you see the anti-freeze. Also, pump out the holding tank.
Storage Unit Frequently Ask Questions
Is it safe to store electronics in a storage unit that is not heated?
There should be no problem storing your electronics in a storage unit. The only concern would
be moisture. If it is one of those garage door type units then moisture can get inside and damage
the components when powered up again. If you have no choice. Try making them water proof as
possible and when you remove them for use, leave them at room temperature for a few days.
This should evaporate any of the trapped moisture.
Help with self-storage units? Will my valuables be safe and not become damaged?
Your best bet is to go to a storage facility where there are cameras and some form of security.
They also have climate control in all the units. Many of these containers that people put in front
of their homes get broken into and at times the entire unit gets stolen. It is also illegal to have the
unit in the street and all cities require a permit if it’s going to stay a length of time. The permit
usually does not allow personal items but building materials only.
I plan on putting a regular size dining table, dresser, full size mattress, washer dryer, small
dresser into storage. How big of a storage unit will I need?
Measure everything that needs to be stored and take the measurements to a self-storage facility.
An associate who works there will probably be able to recommend the correct size storage unit
for you.

4. What is the best way to store furniture in a storage unit?
A suggestion would be to get everything off of the ground. Storage units are notorious for
ruining things because of leaks. The furniture plastic is a good idea. Also, there is a product
called Damp Rid that works wonders. It will absorb the moisture in the area. Two to three of
them would be efficient. Also, replace them every 4-5 weeks. And lay down some rodent
repellent to keep out the insects, mice, and etc.
How should I go about keeping my couch looking nice in a storage unit?
Place each Cushion and pillow in plastic bags and get as much air out as possible. Tape them
shut really well (heavy duty tape) Buy a large roll of plastic (like the kind used for disposable
drop cloths when painting) and wrap around the couch and tape it shut really well. Don’t put any
heavy boxes or anything on the couch while in storage. If done is runs the risk of indentations or
rips being left in the couch.
How to keep a storage unit smelling fresh?
Hanging a couple of Yankee Candle brand “car jars” in the storage space. They are hanging
room fresheners shaped like their jar candles. They work very well and come in a variety of
scents.
What is the best lock to use on a public storage unit?
Some storage units are offering a large round lock (Chateau is the name brand) and it is very
heavy duty. The area of the lock that would normally be cut in a break-in is small and is a great
deterrent.
Should I insure stuff I put in a storage unit?
Assuming the storage unit is a separate third party that will take custody of your goods for a
specific period of time for a fee, you should ask them if your belongings are covered against loss
to include natural disasters. They normally have policies in place and often sell you additional
coverage if necessary.
When you receive the above information you should inventory those goods and provide the third
party with a summary of the value of those goods. This process is called, “declared value”. At
that point, the third party has the ability to contest the value of the goods and/or offer you
limitations to their coverage. If they contest the goods when a claim is presented you will look
much better as their adversity to paying a claim will appear retaliation. At any point, you can
explore a policy to cover the uninsured values. It is certainty a concern to leave any goods
unprotected however; it is a waste of money to over-protect.

5. RV Storage Rental Frequently Ask Questions
Are you allowed to store vehicles at storage rental places? That depends on the storage rental
facility or company. Many have restrictions on what you can store, including explosive and
flammable materials, which, presumably, would preclude storing a car because there is gasoline
in the tank. But many of the storage companies have a compound as well, where you can store
boats, trailers, RVs etc. The rates vary (naturally) depending on the size of the vehicles.
What must be done to keep an RV battery, which is in storage 10 months a year, in good
condition?
The battery should be trickle charged, but it would be better to leave it in the RV and start the
engine every two weeks and let it run for about three minutes. That way, the oil circulates
through the engine and etc.
Can someone give me step by step instructions how to winterize a 35 ft. RV for winter storage?
1. Open any faucet and let the electric water pump drain all of the water. Including your hot
water heater. Or drain it from the outside drain plug. Then empty the holding tank(s).
2. After that is done. Hook up a line from the fresh water intake pump to RV anti-freeze
containers. These usually come in one gallon containers. And are a (usually) pink in color.
ONLY use RV anti-freeze!
3. Most RV’s have an adapter that goes from the inlet pump to the one gallon containers. Just
take a screwdriver-remove the existing inlet connection hose and replace it with the hose you
will use to place in the anti-freeze.
4. If you do not have one-can just buy the same size hose at any hardware store. And when you
open a faucet the pump will start to suck in the anti-freeze. Just as it usually does for fresh water.
5. Close all your faucets. Then turn on the one in the shower. Pump in the anti-freeze until you
see it running pink (or color of your anti-freeze) out of the shower head. And the bathroom
faucets.
6. Close them and proceed to do the same for your other areas that have faucets. Galley area and
etc.
7. Pour in some anti-freeze directly into the toilet bowl. Flush it into your holding tank.
8. Last, double check by opening your hot and cold faucets to confirm the anti-freeze flows from
all.

6. 9. When done – reconnect the original intake line to your inlet pump.
When you want to use it again. Just hook up fresh water. Open all faucets until clear water flows.
And remember to also refill your hot water heater.
Leave your refrigerator door open. Wipe it down good with a cleaner. Then, if it is going into
storage, remove your batteries. Place them on a “trickle charger” for the duration.
Long Term Storage Frequently Ask Questions
Will long-term storage be harmful for my washer and dryer?
The only reason storage would cause any damage is if it had water or detergent somewhere in the
‘system’. These will cause degradation of the hoses or rust in the drum. I imagine that if you take
steps to make sure is it completely water free, you should be fine.
Run the washer once or twice with just water to clean out any soap residue. Disconnect the hoses
from the back of the washer. Open the door of the washer and allow it to completely dry before it
gets packed away (a couple of days at least). If you can see or hear any water in the washer, try
and get it out.
Clean the dryer, getting as much lint out of it as possible. You might also plan on replacing the
washer hoses and dryer vent when you reinstall them, just to be sure.
How should I pack china & crystal for safe long-term storage?
Purchase a box of bubble-wrap and wrap china in this. (Don’t use newspaper as the newsprint
can rub off onto the china and damage it). You can use the Styrofoam padding or pellets for
around the outer edges of the boxes, on the inside, for extra protection.
What should I do to prep an old car for long term storage?
1. Drain and flush the radiator, refill with new antifreeze.
2. Place a cover of some kind over the radiator overflow line, bugs will make a home there and
plug the line.
3. Change the Engine Oil and filter
4. Lube all the grease fittings, the door, hood & trunk hinges.
5. Pour a couple of quarts of light weight engine oil into the gas tank.

7. 6. Start engine and run it until you get lots of blue smoke out the exhaust. (This coats in inside of
the Carb, intake manifold, cylinders and the exhaust with a light coat of oil to prevent corrosion.)
7. Top off the gas tank, add fuel stabilizer. If the gas tank has a vent line, be sure to cover it.
8. Cover the ends of the exhaust to prevent critters from making a home in the exhaust.
9. Remove the air cleaner and cover the top of the carb with light plastic and then reinstall the air
cleaner.
10. Remove the battery and store it away from the car.
11. Put a light coat of wax on the paint and chrome
12. Clean the interior of the car.
13. Put a couple bags of desiccant, an open box of baking soda and some mouse/rat poison in the
car.
Leave the vents or windows open a little.
14. Use a rubber lubricant on the door and trunk seals.
15. Put the car on jack stands just high enough that the tires do not touch the ground. Make sure
you release the hand or parking brake.
16. Cover the car with soft blankets or a car cover. Be sure the cover does not go all the way to
the floor or
ground, it is important for air to circulate under the car.
If you are worried about theft, remove the rotor from the distributor and store it with the keys.
Place a copy of the storage checklist in the glove box to use when you remove the car from
storage.
When you are ready to remove from storage
Reinstall battery, remove the cover on the carb and radiator overflow line, and reinstall the rotor
in the distributor. Now disconnect the coil wire, and with a fresh battery crank the engine over
several times until the oil pressure indicates you have pressure, or if it has an idiot light until the
light goes out.
Before you reinstall the air cleaner, spray starting fluid in the carb, reconnect the coil and start
the engine. It may take a couple of tries to get it to run smooth, the neighbors will love you for
all the oil smoke, but they will get over it.

8. How do I drain a washing machine of water for long term storage?
First you will need a bucket so that it can hold any water that may be in the hoses that are used to
fill the washing machine. Then turn off the water to both of the hoses. Pull the washing machine
away from the wall (be careful not to stretch the hoses). Get behind the washing machine and
undo one of the hose connections. Once disconnected place it into the bucket and allow it to
drain. Then continue to do the same to the remaining hose.
What is the best material to place under your car for long term storage? (Currently on a concrete
floor)
The best thing to do for long term storage of a car is to place it on jack stands. You can purchase
a set of 4 with a hydraulic jack for fairly cheap. That way, you won’t get flat spots on your tires.
What to use as car stands for long term vehicle storage?
Jack stands are usually the best option for stands. And the better the jack stand the safer it will
be. But many also use bricks and they have the same effect as a jack stand. Both are great
options to keep tires from rotting and becoming flat.
Vehicle Storage Frequently Ask Questions
Winter Storage For A Car?
You don’t need to start it.
To prepare for storage:
Wash and wax Change the oil and filter Test the anti-freeze to make sure it is good to the coldest
expected temperature .Fill the fuel tank full. A full fuel tank will prevent condensation inside the
fuel tank. Put the correct amount of Stay-Bil fuel stabilizer in the fuel tank. Put this in the tank
when you fill up. This way it will get well mixed with the fuel when you drive home and it will
get in the fuel system.
When in its storage location.
Place on jack stands to take the weight off of the tires. Make sure the tires are correctly inflated.
Disconnect the negative battery lead Cover with a good quality car cover.
If rodents could are a problem in your storage location, you may need to take some preventive
measures.
Put crumpled up aluminum foil in the engine air intake and the heater air intake. If you do this,
leave a note on the

9. dash to remind you to remove this before you start it up in the spring.
Place several mouse or rat traps in the area. Check them regularly.
In the spring, wait for a couple of good hard rains to wash any remaining salt off of the road.
Check the air pressure in the tires. Remove any aluminum foil if you used it. Remove the jack
stands Connect the battery
How long can a can be in storage before the tires go bad?
One of the hardest things on tires is sunlight. As long as the tires are out of the sunlight and stay
inflated they should be fine. You could sit the car on blocks just high enough for the tires to
clear.
If I am storing my vehicle for the winter time in a storage unit, is it supposed to have a fuel tank
of gas in it, 1/2 filled, or empty tank?
Fill the tank and add gas stabilizer. Run for a while to disperse. An empty tank can rust from
moisture and unsterilized fuel will break down and gum up the fuel system.
ATV during the winter, does it matter if it’s in climate controlled storage?
Climate Controlled Storage isn’t needed for an ATV. But if you have any plans to take it out of
storage during the winter it is highly recommended. Make sure to keep it covered/protected from
and harsh weather elements.
ETA: Make sure to drain the fluids, too, when it’s being stored for long periods of time.
How often should I change the oil of a car while it’s in storage?
The thing that kills stored cars is condensation in the engine. That condensation is why you still
need to change the oil once a year and take it for a drive every couple of months.
I have a 1997 Buick Skylark and I’m putting it into storage over the summer. Is there anything I
should do to it?
Fill up the tank and add gasoline stabilizer and drive it 30-40 miles to get it all mixed in. Keep
bugs and other pests out by cleaning it thoroughly, plug up your exhaust, and disconnect battery.
Put it on jacks and do not lift it anywhere besides the suspension as that will place load on
different parts of the car than were designed to take the load.
If a car was in storage for a year, what could be some of the possible problems/faults?

10. If you store a car for a large amount of time you need to treat the fuel in the fuel tank with some
Stabil Fuel Stabilizer, or your fuel will turn in to paint thinner. Your battery will go dead and
your tires might go flat. And the coolant might dry up.
What do I do after leaving my car in Storage for 1 year?
It will need an oil change, coolant change and engine flush to remove any stagnant water. Brake
cylinders may be stiff and seized so it could do with a strip down and cleaning. Also check to
make sure the tires haven’t perished, especially if they have been flat, look for cracks in the side
walls.
How do I prepare my motorcycle for winter storage?
Wash the bike thoroughly to remove any residue that might harm the finish. Wax bike. Pour the
correct amount of gas stabilizer in the tank and fill the tank to the brim with fresh gas. Run the
engine a few minutes to get the stabilizer in to the whole fuel system to prevent varnish. Change
oil to remove any trace of moisture. Remove air filter, pull spark plug wires off and crank starter
while spraying fogging oil into intake. That will coat cylinder walls and prevent rust. I
recommend propping bike up so tires do not touch the ground. A cover is a good idea but even
an old blanket will help. Keep a bunch of mothballs under it in a box to keep the mice away or
they will chew up the wiring.
How to Get Your Motorcycle Out of Storage and Back on the Road in the spring?
Clean the fuel system and make sure no rust in the tank. Check all the fluids and make sure the
battery is fully charged. Make sure the tires are in good shape too. You may want to change the
oil just in case there was condensation.
Can I let my motorcycle license plate expire while I store it?
You can let it expire and turn in the plate. When you’re ready for you bike to come out of storage
you can just start over with a brand new tag.
How do you take care of your motorcycle over the winter time while it is stored?
Change the oil and wash and wax the bike. Cleaning the bike will allow you closely look over
the bike and remedy anything odd that you see. I would then put the bike up on stands if you
have them, if not just move the bike forward every so often and lube the chain. Take the battery
out and bring it inside (basement works) and hook it up to a battery tender. If you do not have a
battery tender, it can just hook it up to a trickle charger every month or more times than not. And
also cover the bike up.

11. My 1986 Jaguar XJ-6 Vanden Plas was in storage four years. How do I take it out of storage?
Drain the gas and change all fluids. Replace spark plugs, check spark plug wires, check all hoses,
coolant and vacuum for die rot, cracks, and serviceability. Get a brand new battery. Pull out the
spark plugs and squirt a couple drops of oil into the firing chambers, pull the fuse for the coil &
fuel pump and with your new battery turn over the engine a couple times, expect the loud poping
noise coming from the firing chamders. Then put the plugs back in, the fuse back in and try and
start it. If it does not start check the for spark & fuel. You want to change the fluids because
depending on where you live the constant change in weather may have caused mositure to form.
What can happen if you let a car sit in storage?
Though 6 to 8 months isn’t enough time to cause any permanent damage. Gasoline left sitting
this long will turn into “varnish” and gum up your fuel system. Worst case it’ll probably need a
tune up and new tires.
How often should I start my car while it is in storage?
As often as you can and also, you will need to get all the fluids going, so press on the brakes, put
it in drive and hold the brakes, etc. If it’s standard, well, at least press the clutch in a couple of
times to get the clutch cylinder lubed up properly. And of course, drive it a little if that is
possible.
What happens to a car in garage after months?
DO NOT START YOUR CAR ONCE A WEEK
this will do very harmful damage do your engine. Read the following
Prepping the Vehicle
The cleaner the vehicle the better, and that goes beyond wash, wax and shine. Pick a warm, dry
day to do the cleaning. Fill the gas tank, then add an adequate amount of gasoline stabilizer (also
made for lawnmowers, snowblowers, etc.) to prevent gum and varnish formation. Drive the car
long enough to really warm up the engine and mix the stabilizer with the fuel–at least 30 to 40
miles. Remove dirt from the underbody, particularly from the wheel wells. Dirt holds moisture,
and the combination of moisture and air causes iron and steel to rust.
Really, really clean the interior and trunk of the vehicle with a household vacuum cleaner, using
those little attachments that reach into nooks and crannies.

12. If the floor is concrete, park the car over plastic sheeting and if possible jack the car up 3-6
inches off the ground and set it on blocks. Keeps tires from rotting and getting “flat-spotting” A
must for 6months +
Remove the spark plugs and spray some oil into the cylinders to prevent rust and corrosion. You
can use conventional engine oil with a spray-type squirt can or aerosol fogging oil designed for
boat storage. Turn the crankshaft (with a socket and ratchet wrench on the crank pulley bolt)
about four to six times to circulate the oil. Reinstall the spark plugs and reconnect the plug wires.
Empty a large container of mothballs on the floor all around and under the vehicle to discourage
critters. DO NOT PUT THEM INSIDE THE CAR!!!!!!!!
Prop the wiper arms off the window with rags if they won’t just flip open.
Remove the battery and keep it clear of damp concrete, hook it up to a float charger.
MOST IMPORTANT
A 30-mile drive every 90 days, with brakes, transmission, steering and air conditioning all
operating, is what the car really needs. If you fail to do this, the car might not operate the same.