- Pack items depending on which room it came from (kitchen, living room, garage, etc.) to group and organize them together and to locate them easier.
- Boxes are better than plastic bags for storing items. The boxes are stackable for easy organization, much easier to carry and move around. You can also invest in plastic boxes for long term storage.
- Use tissue, paper towels, or foam sleeves when packing fragile items, such as fine china. Be sure to avoid using newsprint paper because the ink may rub off and stain these items.
- Label Your Boxes: No one likes to open all the boxes to find a single item. To protect yourself from unnecessary extra efforts, prefer using a permanent marker to label the side of each box with a general description. This will make finding your belongings a breeze.
- Place larger items on the back of the unit and leave an aisle open in the middle of your unit so you can access items in the back if possible.
- Save on packing materials by using your blankets, pillows, etc. to cushion items you are packing.
- Place items you need to access frequently at the front of the unit.
Breakable glass and kitchenware – Wrap each item separately in clean wrapping paper or bubble wrap. Nest cups and bowls. Fill empty spaces with styrofoam peanuts, wrapping paper, or bubble wrap. Clearly mark the box with “Fragile” and don’t place these boxes under other heavy boxes.
Books – Pack books horizontally flat to protect the spines. Use small boxes so that the boxes don’t become too heavy to move.
Furniture – Wrap wooden legs and surfaces to prevent scratches. Cover upholstered pieces with sheets. Disassembling larger pieces such as tables and beds will save space. Be sure to put all hardware in a plastic bag and clearly label it with the description of the furniture. Use the extra space inside drawers to store smaller items.
Mirrors – Wrap in bubble wrap and store on its edge with some sort of platform on the floor. Do not store flat.
Appliances – Clean and dry them thoroughly before storage. Refrigerators and freezers should be completely defrosted and dry before placing them in storage. Washing machines should be drained. Smaller items can be stored inside stoves and other larger appliances. It’s a good idea to leave doors slightly open while in storage avoiding moisture on humid days.
Electronics – Label the ends of the cords and cables accordingly to easily track and check.
Bicycles and other metal items – Wipe the surface with a little machine oil to prevent rust.
Lamps - Separate lamps and lampshades and wrap them for protection.
Vacuum cleaner – Clean out the vacuum cleaner bag before placing it in storage to prevent odors and dust.
Lawnmowers and Fuel-powered equipment – The fuel should be drained thourougly before storing it in your unit.
Moisture, Mold & Mildew - Mold & mildew can be a problem in humid summers. We recommend using a product such as Damp Check® or other similar dehumidifiers to help prevent mildew, mold, and musty odors. This will reduce moisture in the air inside the storage unit thereby protecting clothes, books, and furniture. Concrete can sweat from temperature change. Cardboard boxes, cloth, or a mattress set directly on concrete can draw moisture from the concrete floor. Protect your items by laying down plastic or setting boxes up on pallets or blocks. Air circulation space between boxes and walls helps prevent mold and mildew. Hard rain or melting ice may cause water to seep around doors so keep sensitive items off the floor near doors.
