Make packing for storage easier on yourself by planning
ahead. Start by listing all items you’re going to store, and their
approximate sizes. Also gather plenty of sturdy corrugated cartons, packing
paper, bubble wrap, sealing tape and marker pens, along with any furniture
covers or shelving you intend to use in your storage unit.
Pack as much as you can in uniform-size boxes. Fill
them tightly, but take care to not to overpack or underpack (bulging cartons
tip when stacked and half-full boxes tend to collapse.) Use wadded up
newsprint, bubble wrap, rags, towels or blankets to fill in empty spaces. For
maximum protection, seal cartons with tape.
Pack heavy items, such as books and tools, in small
boxes. For easier handling, limit the weight of all cartons to 30 lbs. or
less, regardless of size.
Label all cartons so you know their contents. Keep a
list, as well as pictures and descriptions, at your home or office for
reference. Clearly mark all boxes containing fragile items.
Clean and dry appliances thoroughly before storing.
Secure all movable parts for your protection and secure each item during
transport. Tape all doors shut but remember to wedge them open for storage.
Use moisture absorbers such as Dri-It to help with natural condensation and humidity.
Tape or tie bed rails together. Mark the pieces for
easier assembly later. Place covers or plastic bags on mattresses to keep them
clean during storage.
Pack books flat to protect their spines. Line cartons
with plastic and fill empty spaces with packing paper.
Use bureau drawers to store small, fragile items.
Clothing and towels make excellent packing material.
Protect chair legs by wrapping them in packing paper.
Leave slipcovers on upholstered chairs and cover them with plastic chair
covers.
Hang clothing and draperies in wardrobe boxes. Add
moth balls or cedar chips for extra protection.
Use lots of paper to pack dishes and glassware. Place
a layer of packing paper inside the bottom and top of cartons. Wrap each dish
and glass separately and cushion them with crumpled paper. Plates are best
stacked on edge.
Pack lamps and lamp shades in individual boxes. Make
sure to use plenty of clean paper or clothing for padding.
Pad mirrors and paintings with paper and place them in
special mirror packs or large boxes. Mark boxes "Fragile" and
store on edge.
Remove the legs from larger tables to conserve storage
space. Tie and pad extra leaves together. Store tabletops on edge and pad
with paper or blankets.
Wipe the surfaces of tools, bikes, and other metal
objects with machine oil to prevent rusting.
Cover the floor with a plastic tarp before moving in your
belongings.
Use pallets or shelving as a foundation for cartons and
furniture. Do not place boxes directly on the floor. Use shelving or
pallets to keep boxes and furniture off the ground is recommended.
Stack boxes appropriately. Boxes should be stacked
shoulder-high to maximize your total space.
Place items you use frequently, or may need to use soon, near
the storage room door.
Store lightweight small items towards the front of the
locker. Move large, heavy items into storage first.
Remember to leave a walkway too so you can get the rear
of the unit.
Pack high value items in the rear of the unit. Pack
them in unmarked boxes.
Stand sofas and mattresses on end. Make sure to protect them with specially-designed
covers.
Don't place heavy or sharp objects on top of upholstered
furniture.
Leave a few inches of space between your items and the
wall for better ventilation.
Do not lean anything against the wall or pack unit so
full that things will fall against the door.
Cover your belongings. Use a light plastic cover or
tarp to help prevent damage from natural condensation.
Remember to secure your unit with a lock. Do not
leave units unlocked.
