Packing & Storing Tips

Storing, packing and moving are easy with these expert tips!

Self Storage Tips

Here are some valuable tips to help you to get the most out of your storage unit:

• Leave a Walkway to the Rear of the Unit – this provides better accessibility to all your items.
• Disassemble items such as bed frames to maximize space.
• Place frequently used items near the door.
• Fill containers to capacity. Partially full or bulging cartons may tip or collapse.
• Store couches (except sofa beds) on end to maximize space.
• Place fragile items near the top of the unit to prevent crushing.
• Label your cartons and take home a list of the labeled cartons for easy reference. (Labels are available in our office).
• Take full advantage of your space. Use the full height if possible. Shelving helps organize your space.
• Add bay leaves to boxes to ward off most insects and household pests.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors slightly ajar and clean before storing. Use the space inside for storing other kitchen items.
• Wrap mirrors and pictures with paper pads or use mirror boxes. Never store flat.

Packing Tips

Here are some general packing tips that can help you to save time and protect valuables:

• Use strong, stackable boxes and containers.
• Fill boxes completely to keep them from collapsing and damaging belongings.
• Pack books and heavy items in small boxes for easier lifting.
• Put the heavy boxes on the bottom and the light ones on top.
• Purchase special boxes for dishes and fragile items.
• Label each box on several sides and indicate if it is fragile and what room it should go in.
• Disassemble furniture for easier moving and storage.
• Take advantage of the tops of dressers and the like to stack boxes and other items.
• Stand mattresses on end and break down bed frames.
• All stored items should be clean of food stains and particles.
• Save money and room by using towels and blankets to wrap fragile items.
• Use wardrobe boxes to hang clothing; remember to fill the bottom of the wardrobe box with shoes, pillows, or other light items.
• Protect furniture with shrink-wrap and blankets or pads to avoid damage.

Other Handy Packing Tips

Appliances: Make sure all refrigerators and freezers are thoroughly dry. Store them with the door ajar so air can circulate inside. Be sure the doors on other types of appliances are securely shut, and always clean your stove before moving.

Bedding and Linens: Use your dresser drawers when possible to store blankets, pillows, and sheets.

Mattresses: Use special mattress bags or even old mattress covers to keep them clean during moving and storage.

Chairs: Invert light chairs so they are “seat-to-seat.” There’s usually space between the legs for small, lightweight items.

Chest of Drawers: Take advantage of drawers for packing many light household items such as photos and clocks. If the items are fragile, be sure to use towels or other padding to protect them from breakage.

China and Glassware: Plates should be wrapped individually and stacked on edge. Always make sure you have plenty of cushioning below and above all your glassware. Glasses should also be wrapped individually with cushioning and put on the top layers of any of these boxes with more cushioning above them. Make sure your boxes are firmly packed so they will not be crushed.

Clothing: It’s best to hang clothing whenever possible. Use wardrobe boxes when possible. These come with a clothes rod for easy hanging.

Drapes:   Fold your drapes carefully and pack them in dresser drawers. Once in storage, it’s best if you can hang them on hangers.

Fragile Items: Many small fragile items can be stored safely in your dresser drawers surrounded by blankets and pillows.

Lamp Shades: Use clean packing paper to wrap each lampshade individually. Often you can “nest” several lampshades together. Use a special box for all of these shades, rather than packing them with other items

Mirrors:  Always stand mirrors on edge. It’s best if you can crate them, or at least pack them individually with strong cardboard and mark them so they won’t accidentally be bumped.

Tables: Take the legs off tables when possible and wrap them separately. This prevents possible damage and also saves space. Tape the hardware to the underside of the table, so it is not misplaced.

Tools: Don’t put too many heavy tools in one box. If you are storing your tools in non-climate controlled storage it’s a good idea to wipe with a slightly oily rag to prevent rusting. Long-handled rakes, hoes, and shovels should be cleaned, oiled, and tied together.