We have gathered the following storage tips and packaging tricks to help you protect your valuables while packaging, moving and storing them.
Breathing room
- Leave a small air space between your belongings and the storage unit walls.
Label your boxes
- Label each box and make a master list that you can take home with a full description of the contents of each box. This will help you find the things you need from time to time.
Non-climate controlled units
- Stay away from covering furniture with plastic in non-climate controlled units; use cotton or other covers that “breath” instead. Condensation can form on the underside of plastic, often causing more damage than the cover prevents.
Metal in non-Climate Controlled units
- Wipe all metal surfaces with a cloth containing a few drops of machine oil. Don’t go overboard; a little goes a long way.
Storage Unit Size
- If you are going to need to get at anything or everything while it’s in storage, you’ll need to get a large enough storage unit to leave an aisle down the center for easy access to the items in the back.
Wooden Furniture
- Wooden items may be sensitive to moisture; wax them before storage.
Appliances (large)
- Empty and defrost your refrigerator and freezer, and drain the water from your washing machine. Wipe the interiors dry. Remove all fittings and accessories and pack in plastic bags. Fill interiors with clothes and/or stuffed toys. Stuff towels between the washing machine sides and tub to keep the tub from rotating. Tape or tie down all moveable parts and doors. Finally, cover appliances with pads and tie with rope. Remember to move large appliances in an upright position. Watch out for external coils on the back of major appliances. Never put the hand truck strap on top of coils.
Other Tips
- Remember to fill your boxes completely. They may tip over if not.
- Take it easy on your back – place heavy items in small boxes.
- Organization of your storage unit is the key in making self-storage easy. Remember to label and date or number all boxes. Create an itemized list of your boxes.
- Protect your fragile goods in bubble wrap like dishes and glasses. They should be wrapped in plain newsprint or bubble wrap before storing.
- Place heavy or bulky items in the unit first to provide a good stacking base and plan your storage space!
- Put those items that you need to get to most often near the front.
- To maximize space stack similar sized boxes together.
- Do not place heavy items on sofas or mattresses.
- Stack chairs seat to seat with cloth or plain paper to separate them.
- Leave refrigerator or freezer doors open for ventilation.
- Cover your goods with dust shields to protect against dust. Even the cleanest facility has dust.
Remember to use these guidelines because your items are valuable!
Collectibles
- Wrap fragile items like figurines and ceramics with bubble wrap and tape securely.
Curtains
- If you have draperies dry cleaned, leave them in wrapping and hang them in a wardrobe box. Put curtain rod hardware in plastic bags and tape securely to rod – then you’ll have the right pieces when you need them.
Dishes
- Never stack dishes flat. Wrap each piece in bubble wrap or use foam dish packs which are available at our store. Pack dishes, saucers and platters on their edge. Nestle cups and bowls, cushion with dishtowels, potholders, or plain newsprint. (Never use printed newspaper.)
Lamps
- Pack shades in individual boxes with bubble wrap. (Newspaper can stain them.) Wrap bases in bubble wrap and pack them in boxes.
Plants
- Try to sell them at your garage sale, or give them away as gifts. If you move them, put them in plastic bags with air holes and then in boxes. Water them before you leave.
Glasses
- Wrap separately in bubble wrap and use newspaper for cushioning.
Kitchenware
- Pots, pans, colanders, etc. can be nestled and cushioned with bubble wrap or plain newsprint between each piece. Set aside the most essential cookware for the first few days in your new home. Label this box as the first to be opened once you arrive.
Appliances (small)
- Pack in boxes if possible and cushion with bubble wrap or plain newsprint.
Tools
- Remember not to pack the tools you’ll need to disassemble / re-assemble your other goods when you move into your new place.
Mirrors and Artwork
- Small mirrors can be wrapped in bubble wrap or plain newsprint and packed in boxes. But large mirrors and paintings should be wrapped in bubble wrap or plain newsprint and covered with cardboard. Store these items on their side, not flat.