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FAQ & Storage Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

Q) Does Jefferson Street Storage provide locks for the storage unit?
‍A) We do not provide a padlock, but as a convenience we do have padlocks available for purchase or you may purchase one at any hardware or discount store.
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Q) How and where do I pay my monthly rent?
‍A) We offer several methods for you to make your monthly rent payment. If you will be paying by check, cash or money order; you can deposit your payment in our drop box located at the facility on the side of the office. If you are paying by cash, for proper credit please make certain that you have your name included with the cash payment. You may also mail your check or money order to our Post Office box 343, Macomb, IL 61455. If you will be paying with your credit/debit card then simply call us at 309-255-5266 and we can take your card information over the phone.
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Q) Am I renting a storage unit month-to-month or will there be a lease agreement?
‍A) All of our storage units are rented on a month to month basis. However, at the time you initially rent the unit, a month to month lease agreement will be completed. This allows for you to move out whenever you want.
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Q) Is there a minimum period that I have to rent a unit for?
‍A) Since the lease agreement is month-to-month you may move out of the unit whenever you want to. However, there is a one (1) month minimum charge.
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Q) Does Jefferson Street Storage offer any discount programs?
‍A) We do offer 2 discount programs. The first program is for any referral that you provide us with. Simply give us the name of the person wanting to rent a unit and if they do you will receive a credit equal to half of your monthly rent (for one unit only should you have multiple units) at the end of the referral’s first month. Our second program if for advance payment of rent. If you pay your rent for one year in advance, you will only pay for eleven (11) months and the twelfth (12) month will be free.
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Q) Can I reserve a storage unit for future use?
‍A) Yes! We are more than willing to reserve a unit for you for future move in based upon the availability of units.
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Q) Is there a security deposit required?
‍A) Yes, we will collect a security deposit at the time you initially rent a storage unit that is equal to one (1) month’s rent. This deposit is refundable after you move out of the unit providing you have complied with the guidelines for a refund. This will be further explained when you rent a unit.
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Q) What should I do in the event that I lose or forget my gate access code?
‍A) All you need to do is to call the management. However, since the gate access codes are randomly assigned we may not be able to provide you with your assigned code. We can however provide you with a code that will get you into the facility.
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Q) What should I do in the event that I lose or forget the key to my padlock?
‍A) Call the management and we can cut the lock off of the door. In this event it will be necessary for you to provide proper identification. Without proper ID we will NOT remove the lock!
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Q) What about insurance on my stored items?
‍A) Jefferson Street Storage does not provide insurance for your stored contents. You should check with your homeowner/tenant owner’s insurance agent to find out what coverage may be provided by your specific policy. Most insurance policies will provide you with a percentage of your total policy coverage for any personal property that you have stored off premise.

Storage Tips

General Storage Tips

Plan your storage space. Place frequently needed items to the front of the unit.
Leave a walkway to the rear of the unit.
Store more valuable items to the rear of the unit.
Place items on pallets or skids to provide for air circulation.
Store heavier items on the bottom with lighter items on top.
Breakable items should be wrapped in bubble wrap and stored with linens.
Humidity can cause damage to stored items! Leave a small amount of space between items and the walls to allow for air circulation.
Larger appliances make excellent “packing cases” for blankets, towels, tablecloths and clothes.
Never stack dishes flat. Wrap each piece in bubble wrap. (If you use newspaper, put each piece in a plastic bag first to save dishwashing time later.) Pack dishes, saucers and platters on their edge nestle cups and bowls and cushion with dishtowels, potholders, or paper.
Since screws, nails or hanging anything on the walls is prohibited, use a freestanding shelf unit.

Storing Boxes

Label boxes on all four sides and seal with masking/shipping tape. Make a list of items in each box and keep it in a safe place.
Fill boxes to the top, even if it’s just with padding. Half-filled boxes will collapse with items on top of them.
Keep boxes in uniform size to make stacking easier.
store ALL boxes on a pallet or skid to avoid moisture absorption.

Storing Appliances

Refrigerators and Freezers should be defrosted, cleaned and dried thoroughly. Store with doors ajar to provide for air circulation and mildew prevention.
Ranges and cooking appliances should be cleaned and dried to prevent uninvited guests.

Storing Furniture

Stand sofas on end to preserve space and use a dust cover over them. Keep the upholstery protected from direct contact with the floor making sure the dust cover is properly installed.
Store mattresses and box springs on end and brace them so they will not fall. Protect your mattress with a mattress cover.
Disassemble beds and mark the pieces to make re-assembly easier. Tie bed rails and posts together with rope.
Apply a heavy coat of furniture polish before storing wood items
Wrap all wooden furniture and bed legs to prevent scratching.
Tables with removable legs should be broken down to save space.
Mirrors, windows and paintings should be stored on edge never lay them flat.
Pack delicate lamp shades separately. Do not use newsprint as this may leave ink stains.

Storing Tools

Tools should be cleaned and treated with a light coat of oil to prevent rust. Do not over indulge…….a little oil goes a long way.
Long handled tools can be bundled and tied together or placed in a clean trash container.
Do not store brooms on their bristles.

Storing Books/ Records/ documents/ files

Follow the tips above found in “Storing Boxes”
Place in storage box FLAT to prevent warping and to protect the spines on books.
Do not pack fragile items in the same box with books.

DO NOT

Do not use plastic to wrap items in as plastic will draw moisture.
Do not use printed newspaper for packing as the ink may smudge and get on your items
Do not store expensive items such as furs, jewelry or irreplaceable items.
DO NOT store the following items: flammables (gas, diesel fuel, oil or paint), firearms, explosives hazardous waste material of any kind, used tires, drugs or drug paraphernalia, stolen items or perishables (such as food), items that have been exposed to mold, that are wet, or items that produce odors. If in doubt, ask the management for advice.