Packing and Storage Tips

We care about our customers and we want your move to be as efficient and cost effective as possible. Here are some proven suggestions for packing and storing your valuables:

Make packing easier by planning ahead and allowing enough time to identify and catalog the items that will be packed and stored. Gather up plenty of sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, sealing tape and marker pens and keep a copy of your written inventory list at your home.
Label boxes on all sides for easy identification. Use a numerical system that corresponds to your written inventory to avoid “advertising” the contents of your unit.
Electrical equipment such as TV’s, stereos, and computers should be packed in their original boxes or, if using other boxes, choose a box close in size. Wrap the electronic equipment as if you were wrapping glass or crystal and fill all gaps in the box with bubble wrap or paper.
Pack fragile and small items in furniture drawers and use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes and storing blankets and pillows.
Fill boxes tightly but take care not to over pack or under pack (bulging boxes can tip when stacked while half full boxes tend to collapse). Use bubble wrap, rags, towels, or blankets to fill in empty spaces.
Pack heavy items such as books and tools in small boxes (books should be packed flat to protect their spines). For easier handling, limit the weight of all boxes, regardless of size, to 35 pounds or less.
Pad mirrors and artwork with bubble wrap. Place masking tape from corner to corner on your mirrors forming an “X”. This will help to prevent the mirror or glass from breaking during the move. Flattened boxes can be used as a sleeve for mirrors or paintings or photographs. Tape the ends to keep items in place.
Wrap all fragile and breakable items separately in bubble wrap (dishes, glasses, ornaments). Pack tightly in strong boxes and fill gaps with paper or filler. Label “Fragile” on all sides of box.
When storing on concrete floors, it is a good idea to lay down plastic under your belongings.

Once items are packed, you will have a better idea of the amount of space you will need to rent. Please refer to our Storage Space Guideline to estimate how large a storage space you will need. If you still are uncertain, our Managers can help you determine the correct size unit for your storage needs.

When organizing your storage unit, place your largest items in the back of the unit. Try to create an aisle and leave enough room so you can easily access the items you may need to get from storage.
Break down items such as table legs and store large furniture like tabletops and sofas on end to save space. Chairs can be stacked seat to seat.
When storing refrigerators & freezers, be sure to defrost thoroughly in advance and wipe down with a dry cloth to eliminate any moisture. Drain washing machines before storing and tie down hoses. Place a bag of charcoal on a plastic sheet inside the appliances to absorb any moisture and odors and then pierce several holes in the bag of charcoal to allow air to circulate. The plastic sheet will catch any charcoal dust.
Use large appliances such as stoves or refrigerators to store small items like pots and pans.
Stack the shelves of bookcases with books (lying flat), small boxes, and other odds and ends.
Garbage cans work well for storing rakes, shovels, brooms, and long handled tools.
Be sure to throw away used vacuum cleaner bags prior to storing. The contents of the bag can cause odors to build up in the storage unit and fabrics will absorb odors. A clean bag will be ready to use when your items reach their new location.
Remember not to store anything combustible such as paint and chemicals or perishable items such as food that is not permanently sealed. Guns and ammunition are prohibited.
When storing lawn and garden equipment, drain any fluids prior to storage in order to avoid corrosive damage.
Keep a fold-up step stool in your space for accessing hard-to-reach areas.