Storage Tips
Preparation Prior to Your Move
Best Practices
Mark Your Calendar
Make a timeline leading up to moving day for cleaning out, labeling, and organizing your life before you move. Take a little time each week or day to check off the list, one room or closet at a time.
Don’t Rush
Taking time to carefully load your storage space will ensure the best results for your belongings.
Leave Some Room
Leave air space around the perimeter to aid ventilation. Boxes of the same size make for easy stacking.
Clear a Path
Leave a walkway to the rear of your space for convenient access to all items.
Think Outside of the Box
Using plastic storage containers is a great option for accessibility without the hassle of packing tape.
Use Quality Materials
Use high-quality packing boxes designed especially for the job and seal them completely with packing tape.
Packing Tips
Label All Boxes
Clearly label boxes so you know their contents, and keep a list (as well as pictures and descriptions) at your home or office for reference. Mark clearly marked all boxes containing fragile items.
Clean Stored Items
Clean and dry appliances before storing. Secure all movable parts with paper, or wedge and wrap a paper pad around each item for protection. During transport, tape all doors shut, but remember to wedge them open for storage.
Manage Weight
Pack heavy items such as books and tools in small boxes. For easier handling, limit the weight of all cartons, regardless of size, to 30 lbs. or less.
Use Drawers
Use bureau drawers to store small, fragile items. Secure items in the drawer by filling empty spaces with towels or packing paper.
Cover Chairs
Protect chair legs by wrapping them in packing paper. Leave slipcovers on upholstered chairs and cover them with plastic chair covers.
Don’t Put Boxes on the Floor
Do not place boxes directly on concrete floors, but use pallets or skids to prevent moisture absorption.
How To Store Your Belongings
Bedding, Clothing, Curtains, Drapes, and Linens
Fabric items like clothing, curtains, and drapes are best if stored on hangers. If hanging cartons are not available, such items should be carefully folded and stored in dresser drawers or cedar chests along with bedding and linens.
Books and Documents
Pack books flat to protect the spines. Do not place boxes directly on concrete floors, but use pallets or skids to prevent moisture absorption. Use packing to fill all empty pockets in each box. Do not pack fragile items in the same box with books, and do not overload.
Holiday Decorations
Save the original cartons that contained delicate ornaments. Pad the ornaments with packing paper or newsprint. Wrap strings of lights around a piece of cardboard before placing in a carton lined with packing paper.
Mirrors, Windows, Glass Sheeting, and Screens
These items should be stored on the edges, not flat. We offer a selection of mirror/picture boxes that can be purchased at our office.
Tools
Metal tools should be cleaned and wiped with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil to prevent rust. Long handled tools such as rakes, shovels, and hoes should be clean, lightly oiled, and tied in bundles.
Bicycles and Other Metal Items
To avoid rust, wipe all metal surfaces with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil.
Moving Day!
Find your self storage unit with us now and use our storage tips to have the best experience possible!
