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Packing & Storage Tips

Here are a collection of tips that will help you on your packing and storage journey! Don’t forget that if you have any additional questions you can always call or email our knowledgeable staff. They love to help!

Woman with box

Packing Tips

Plan Ahead

Gather all proper packing supplies you’ll need by doing inventory of everything you’ll move.

Prevent Dust

Prevent dust from entering your boxes by sealing them with tape. Slipcovers and plastic covers on chairs and mattresses will keep your furniture clean during storage.

Prevent Scratches

Prevent scratches by wrapping objects with bubble wrap.

Label

Label boxes for easy identification. Label by room. Label boxes with fragile items. And anything you take apart, take pictures of each piece, where each piece belongs, for an easy rebuild later.

Use Available Space

When you are packing items, use space already available in furniture and appliances. For instance, you may stack fragile items in dressers and surround them with towels for safe storage.

Pack Boxes Full

Underpacked boxes typically collapse when stacked. Overpacked boxes bulge, sometimes splitting open, when stacked. When boxes are packed full, you can be more efficient with your storage space by stacking them.

Heavy Objects in Small Boxes

Limit the weight of a box, regardless of size, to 30 lbs., or less. But pack heavy items, such as books and tools, in small boxes. Small boxes are more rigid.

Prepare Your Appliances

Of course, clean and dry your appliances before you move. But also secure opening doors or moving parts by wrapping or wedging them. Be sure to tape all doors shut.

Packing Books

Packing books flat protect their spines. However, it could damage corners. For least damage, pack books tightly with spines upward.

Storage Tips

Store According to Use

Store items you most often used at the front of the unit.

Metal Storage

To prevent rust, coat metal surfaces with a rag lightly dabbed with machine oil.

Air Flow

Place cardboard boxes on pallets, not on concrete floors. Air flow around items will keep out condensation.

Store on Ends

Store sofas on end to save space.

Photographs

Photographs tend to curl over time, especially in environments where temperature fluctuates. Place cardboard on either side of photographs and tape them together.

Storage Law

Common sense and state law determine what may be stored. You control access to your storage space, therefore never store firearms, illicit drugs or drug paraphernalia, live animals, perishables, liquids, explosives, flammable liquids and fuels, toxic materials, or other items that need a controlled environment.

Create Aisle

Eventually you’ll have to move out everything you move in to your storage units. When that happens, ease of access is important.