Question 1

Bedding, Clothing, Curtains, Drapes and Linens

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Appliances

Accepted Answer

A refrigerator or freezer should be thoroughly dry and stored with its door slightly ajar. Some goods can be stored inside large appliances. Be sure to make a note if you place anything inside. Boxes can be stacked on top of stoves, refrigerators, and freezers. Make sure that stoves and cooking equipment are clean and dry before you pack them.

Question 3

Dishes and Glassware

Accepted Answer

Place a layer of packing inside the bottom and the top of boxes containing glassware. All glass items should be individually wrapped: nest cups and bowls together and stand plates, saucers, and platters on their edge. Wrapped glasses should be placed near the top of cartons. Again, fill all open pockets with packing paper. Label all boxes containing glassware and do not place heavy items on top.

Question 4

Furniture

Accepted Answer

Place a pallet, corrugated cardboard mat, or plastic sheet on the floor before placing furniture. If possible, stand sofas and mattresses on end. Disassemble beds and tables and wrap table legs in paper. If a table will not disassemble, place padding on the floor and place the table on its top with the legs pointing up. Use dresser tops for stacking cartons and dresser drawers for linens or small, delicate items. Keep upholstery off the floor. Most lightweight chairs can be stacked “seat to seat” or placed upside down on tables, which cannot be disassembled. Finally, place a light cotton dust cover, such as a bed sheet, over your furniture.

Question 5

Books and Documents

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

Holiday Decorations

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Mirrors, Windows, Glass Sheeting and Screens

Accepted Answer

These items should be stored on edges, not flat. We offer a selection of mirror/picture boxes that can be purchased at our office.

Question 8

Tools

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

Make a List and Plan Ahead

Accepted Answer

Create a list of labeled boxes for easy reference. Color coordinating or numbering each box is a great trick to stay organized.

Question 10

Keep, Give, Trash

Accepted Answer

A month before you move is a great time to clean house. Plan a trip to your local donation center with old clothes, toys or sporting equipment, garage and lawn gear. If something is broken, expired, or no longer of use, lighten your load and throw away what you won’t be taking with you.

Question 11

Pack Efficiently

Accepted Answer

Pack as much as you can in the same size boxes. Fill boxes 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, bubblewrap, rags, towels, or blankets to fill in empty spaces. For maximum protection seal cartons with tape.

Question 12

Manage Weight

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

Label All Boxes

Accepted Answer

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 all boxes containing fragile items.

Question 14

Clean Stored Items

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

Placement

Accepted Answer

Store items you’ll need most often at the front of the unit. When you pack your storage unit, create a center aisle for access to all items.

Question 16

Preparation Prior to Your Move

Accepted Answer

Question 17

Use Drawers

Accepted Answer

Use bureau drawers to store small, fragile items. Secure items in drawer by filling empty spaces with towels or packing paper.

Question 18

Cover Chairs

Accepted Answer

Protect chair legs by wrapping them in packing paper. Leave slipcovers on upholstered chairs and cover them with plastic chair covers.

Question 19

Use Paper for Breakables

Accepted Answer

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. Pad mirrors and paintings with paper. Place them in special mirror packs or large boxes; mark boxes.

Question 20

Separate Lamps and Lampshades

Accepted Answer

Wrap large lamp bases in padding and wrap smaller lamps completely before placing them in boxes. Pack delicate lamp shades separately. Do not use newsprint to wrap lamp shades or any other goods that may be damaged by ink stains. You can purchase unprinted wrapping paper, foam wrap or bubble wrap at our location to help protect delicate items. Do not store heavy items on top of cartons containing lamps or lampshades.

Storage Tips

How to Pack Your Storage Unit