Begin by making a list of packing accessories: cartons, newspaper/wrapping paper, bubble wrap, tape, drop cloths, pallets, furniture covers and mattress covers, plastic sheeting. We carry a wide array of moving and packing supplies for sale in the office.
Our Storage Hints and Packing Tips were created to provide you with information on ways to organize your storage unit and create an efficient way to access your belongings.
Storage Hints
Protect your storage unit with a protective floor covering (plastic sheeting) or pallets under your belongings to guard against dampness.
To get the most from your storage unit, pack your things in uniform size boxes. Put the heaviest boxes on the bottom and be sure to fill them completely before stacking.
For the Fragile items be sure to pack them in protective bubble wrap or lots of paper to cushion them and place them near the top of the unit. Never stack heavy items on top of fragile goods.
Label or number your cartons (and make a detailed list of what is in them and where they are located) to take home with you for easy reference when you need to find them quickly. Store this list in a safe place at home or in a safe deposit box.
COMBUSTIBLE ITEMS ARE NOT ALLOWED. Take CAUTION not to store anything combustible like paint thinner, gasoline, solvents, paints in your unit. As per your lease and for safety reasons, vehicles or any motorized item that stores gasoline, is not allowed.
Tables should be broken down (if they are collapsible and have removable legs) to save space in your unit. Heavy packing cloths with also protect their finish.
For proper ventilation leave air space around the perimeter of your unit. If you find it hard to get to your items, leave room for a walk space to access everything. Always store frequently used items near the front.
Always protect your belongings by storing your valuable items near the rear of the storage unit and placing frequently used items near the door for easy access.
Prevention of rodents and insect infestation can be alleviated by never storing food or food related items (i.e. dog food, cat food, etc.).
Securing your unit is the MOST IMPORTANT thing you can do for yourself. Always use a good quality lock that won’t rust and provides the best security of your belongings. Inexpensive locks tend to rust. We have locks for sale in the office.
Never place sharp objects or heavy items on top of upholstered furniture, to avoid cuts, tears and dents in the fabric.
Storing mattresses can be tricky if you don’t stand them upright and straight. They may bend if not stored properly and become lumpy. Always wrap in plastic to protect from dust and dampness.
Living room sofas and love seats should be carefully wrapped in plastic to keep out the dampness. They can be stored on end to create more floor room. Always store them on plastic or something between the furniture and concrete floor. Cushions can be wrapped individually and stored on top.
Packing Tips
Make The Move Easy On Yourself
By sealing your boxes tightly with packing tape it will alleviate dust from entering and can make your box sturdier and easier to move.
Protecting your furniture from scratches and dents can be prevented by covering the furniture legs with bubble wrap, and mattresses and chairs with furniture blankets or covers.
Always pack heavy items in small boxes for easier handling. Items such as tools, books, heavy exercise weights etc. Never go more than 30lbs., no matter what size, to prevent injuries to yourself from lifting.
Books store well when laid flat in a box. This protects their spines. By lining the interior of the box with plastic and filling the empty spaces with packing paper you can protect the physical integrity of your books.
Always clean your appliances and dry them thoroughly before storing. During transportation all doors and moveable parts should be secured shut with tape. When storing wedge the doors open to allow ventilation and by placing salt inside the refrigerator/freezer to absorb moisture, it will stay dry and help prevent odors.
Glassware always needs a generous amount of paper or bubblewrap to keep from breaking. Wrap each piece separately and cushion them with lots of newspaper. Fill an almost full box with lots of crumpled paper to fill in the gaps and prevent movement of your breakables during transporting. Mark “Fragile” on all boxes of glass items and store them on top of sturdy boxes that don’t contain fragile items.
Any type of metal tool should be protected from rust by being cleaned and/or wiped with a rag containing a little machine oil. Items like rakes, shovels, hoes and gardening scissors/tools will wear better too, if treated the same.
Upholstered furniture and mattresses should always be stored in a plastic cover or dry blanket to protect the fabric from dampness. Placing a pallet, plastic sheet or cardboard mat underneath will help prevent moisture from wicking up from the cement floor.
Paintings with glass and mirrors should be packed in special mirror packages or large boxes. Always store them upright on edge, never flat and be sure to mark them “Fragile”.
Protect your lamps and lampshades by packing them in individual boxes. Use plenty of bubble wrap, clean packing paper or cloth for padding. Always store them with your fragile items on the top row.
Wardrobe boxes are made especially for clothing on hangers and draperies. To prevent wrinkled clothes, drapes and linens always hang these items, if at all possible.
