Planning Your Move

Make a detailed list of what and how much must be stored.

Measure the largest item (length, width, height) to determine the smallest possible unit needed.

Inspect your storage unit, and make a list of all packing supplies you will need, such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap, mattress and sofa covers, marking pens, labels, etc.

Visit the facility where you are going to store your belongings. The manager should be able to help determine the right size unit for you, as well as give tips on packing, moving and space usage.

If you are using a moving company, book early. The reputable companies are sometimes booked solid several weeks in advance.

Packing Your Belongings

Use uniform size boxes for easy stacking. Be sure they’re strong enough to hold 25-30 pounds. Avoid putting too much in each box.

Add bay leaves to boxes when packing goods to ward off most insects and household pests.

Pack books, tools and heavy objects in smaller boxes for easier lifting. If a carton is too heavy, it will be hard to lift and should be divided between two or more cartons. Pack books flat to protect their spines. Do not pack fragile items in the same boxes as books. Do not overload.

Dishes and glasses should be wrapped in paper and packed in sturdy boxes. Stack them on top. This should apply to all fragile items, other than pictures, windows, screens, and mirrors.

Wrap large lamp bases in padding. Wrap smaller lamps and place them in cartons. Pack delicate lamp shades separately. Do not use newsprint to wrap lamp shades or any other goods that may be damaged by ink stains. Do not store heavy items atop cartons containing lamps or lamp shades.

Pictures, mirrors, windows, and screens should be wrapped in cardboard, marked "Fragile" and stored on edge, not flat.

Furniture with drawers can be utilized as storage places for pictures, knick-knacks, china, silverware, small items, etc. Wrap them in tablecloths, towels, or blankets to prevent breakage.

Larger appliances make excellent "packing cases" for blankets, towels, tablecloths, and clothes.

The Move

Keep in mind that most storage facilities are not designed to receive large trailers or moving trucks. Discuss this with both the mover and the storage manager to ensure a smooth move.

Storing Your Belongings

Place your storage items on 2"x 4" boards, pallets or plastic sheeting to guard against dampness. Any concrete floor may become cold and damp.

Do not lean items against walls. Leaving air space around the unit’s perimeter will aid ventilation. Leave a walkway to the rear of the unit. Use all the space available, including its height.

Caution. It is against the law to store materials that are hazardous or combustible such as gasoline, solvents, paint, etc. Drain all remaining gasoline into proper containers from lawn mowers, power tools, boats, snowmobiles, etc. before storing them.

Keep refrigerator and freezer doors slightly ajar and clean before storing. Use the space inside for extra storage of other kitchen items.

Stack cartons on top of stoves, refrigerators, freezers and dressers.

Please do not store any food items or combustible materials i.e. solvents, paints, etc.
(You can store jars or canned goods in climate-controlled units and dry products in large sealed plastic containers.)

Plan your storage space. Place items that you may need to access often in the front. Allow for walkways.

Make up an inventory of your stored items and keep it in a safe place at home or in a safe deposit box.

Stack lighter boxes on top of heavier boxes.

Tables with removable legs should be "broken down" to save space. Disassemble items such as bed frames as well. Wrap 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. Most lightweight chairs should be stacked “seat to seat” or placed upside down on tables that cannot be disassembled.

Sofas and loveseats can be stored on end to save floor space. Always place a protective layer under the item on the concrete. Cushions should be wrapped in plastic and placed on top.

Miscellaneous

List contents of boxes on 3 X 5 cards (instead of on each box). Number the boxes to match card numbers. Keep cards in a safe convenient place for use when unpacking.

Use wardrobe boxes to store clothes. Hanging your clothes in wardrobe boxes will keep them in good condition. Food crumbs or stains should be removed before storage. Avoid storing anything that will attract rodents or insects.

Fill boxes completely to prevent collapsing when stacked. Stuff open spaces with newsprint. Seal boxes completely with packing tape to keep out dust.

Shovels, hoes, rakes, and hoses can be stored together in empty trash cans. Stack extra cans inside one another. To retard rust, wipe all metal surfaces with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil.

Cover stuffed furniture with plastic to protect against dust.

Make sure that stove and cooking equipment are cleaned before they are stored.

It is best to store mattresses flat on top of a level stack of boxes or furniture. If you stand mattresses on their side, prop them up so they stand straight. (They may tend to bend out of shape and become lumpy).

Wrap stringed instruments in one or two blankets. Loosen the strings.

Records should be stored on edge to prevent warping. When moving a record player, the tone arm and turntable should be secured to prevent bounding.

Do not place heavy or sharp objects on top of upholstered furniture.

Always use a good quality lock on your door. Quality locks are available at the rental office.

Make sure surfaces of antiques and other wood furniture are treated before storing.

In regards to holiday decorations, save the original cartons which contained delicate ornaments and 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.