Plan Ahead
1. Make packing for storage easier on yourself by planning ahead.
Start by listing all the items you're going to store, and their approximate sizes. Also, gather up 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.
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Uniform-Size Boxes
2. Pack as much as you can in uniform-size boxes.
Fill them tightly, but take care to neither overpack nor underpack. (Bulging cartons tip when stacked, while 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.
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Heavy Items
3. 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 Ibs. or less.
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Label
4. Label all cartons.
Label all cartons so you know their contents and keep a list (as well as pictures and descriptions) at your home or office for reference. Mark clearly all boxes containing fragile items.
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Appliances
5. Clean and dry appliances thoroughly 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.
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Bed Frames & Mattresses
6. 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.
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Books
7. Pack books flat to protect their spines.
Line cartons with plastic and fill empty spaces with packing paper.
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Fragile Items
8. Use bureau drawers to store small, fragile items.
Clothing and towels make excellent packing material.
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Chairs
9. Protect chair legs by wrapping them in packing paper.
Leave slipcovers on upholstered chairs and cover them with plastic chair covers.
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Clothing and Draperies
10. Hang clothing and draperies in wardrobe boxes.
Add moth balls or cedar chips for extra protection.
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Dishes and Glassware
11. 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.
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Lamps and Lamp shades
12. Pack lamps and lamp shades in individual boxes.
Use plenty of clean paper or clothing for padding.
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Mirrors and Paintings
13. Pad mirrors and paintings with paper and place them in special mirror packs or large boxes.
Mark boxes "Fragile." Never store mirrors or paintings flat. Always place them on edge.
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Large Tables
14. Remove the legs from large tables.
This will conserve storage space. Tie and pad extra leaves together. Store table tops on edge and pad with paper or blankets.
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Prevent Rusting
15. Wipe the surfaces of tools, bikes and other metal objects with machine oil.
This will prevent rusting.
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Renting Space
16. Save money by renting the smallest amount of space you need
Pack the unit full. Cover the floor with a plastic tarp before moving in your belongings. Use pallets or shelving as a foundation for cartons and furniture, as well as shelving wherever possible.
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Stack Boxes Shoulder-High
17. Stack boxes shoulder-high to maximize your total locker space.
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Book Boxes
18. Do not place book boxes directly on floor.
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Frequently Used Items
19. Place items you use frequently (or may need to use soon) near the storage room door.
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Lightweight Small Items
20. Store lightweight small items around the back of the locker.
Move large, heavy items into storage last. Remember to leave a walkway to so you can get to the rear of the unit.
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Unmarked Boxes
21. Pack high value items in unmarked boxes
Pack stereos, cameras and other high value items in unmarked boxes toward the rear of the storage space.
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Upholstered Furniture
22. Stand sofas and mattresses on end.
Protect them with specially designed covers. Don't place heavy or sharp objects on top of upholstered furniture.
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Leave Space
23. Leave a few inches of space between your items and the wall for better ventilation.
Do not lean anything against the wall.
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Light Plastic Cover
24. Cover the entire load with a light plastic cover.
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Good Quality Lock
25. Use a good quality lock on your locker door.
Inexpensive locks rust. Insure your goods while in storage. Ask the manager about self storage insurance at reasonable rates.
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