STORAGE TIPS

HOW TO PACK FOR STORAGE

Plan your storage space. Place items that you may need to access often in the front of the unit.

• Step 1) Choose the Right Size Box

  Typically you need four small- to medium-size boxes for every one large box. Use the smaller boxes for heavy items like books and dishes; the large boxes for lighter items like bedding, blankets and linens. It’s tempting to use garbage bags as a quick fix, but they tear easily and lack ventilation, which can result in mildew. When storing business files, leave a walkway down the center of your unit to make accessing items easier.

• Step 2) Pack Your Boxes Properly

  Packed boxes should not weigh more than you can comfortably lift. Make sure the boxes remain “square” and do not bulge at the top or sides in order to keep them stable when stacking in your storage unit. However, it’s important not to under-pack boxes either. The contents of a half-empty box can shift while transporting and become crushed under the weight of heavier boxes and items. Use foam packing peanuts to fill empty spaces without adding much weight. Don't forget to use valuable space inside drawers and larger appliances, such as stoves and refrigerators, to store small items: towels, linens, toys, etc.

• Step 3) Use Hanging Wardrobe Boxes

  Prevent wrinkling and damage to pants, dresses, suits and evening wear by hanging them in a wardrobe box. Move hung items straight from closet to moving box. You can also use these specially designed boxes to hang drapes, bedding, garden tools or garage items.

• Step 4) Close Boxes with Quality Tape

  Good quality packaging tape is essential. Proper closure of your boxes with professional packing tape ensures that each box maintains its structure and protects your items. Be sure to firmly close the top and bottom flaps with wide tape.

• Step 5) Label Your Boxes

  Use a heavy black marker to label the contents of each box. This will save you from having to open every box when you need something later and also helps when unpacking. Label your fragile boxes to prevent breakage.

• Step 6) Prep Your Power Tools

  Drain any fluids prior to storing snow blowers, lawnmowers, and other equipment; Do not store hazardous or combustible materials. Do not store anything flammable (such as paint or other chemicals) as these items can cause a fire and of course do not store perishable items.

• Step 7) Wrap Your Furniture

  Cover and pad furniture with protective materials to help ensure that they stay in good condition during the moving process and while in storage.

• Step 8) Make Items as Small as Possible

  Many stored items can be made smaller. Often you can reduce the size of bed frames to help everything fit more comfortably in your storage space. Wrap frames together with tape (use the non-sticky side for no tape residue) then place any screws in plastic bags and tape them to the frame.

• Step 9) Figure Out What Size Unit You Need

  See the “What Size Unit?” tab on our website to help determine which unit you should rent.

• Step 10) Inventory List

  Make an inventory list of your items and keep it in a safe place away from your unit.