Give yourself time to organize your move. Spread out the work by packing a few boxes every day a month before moving.
Plan your storage space.
Place items you access often close to the front of your unit. You may want to allow for walkways to access items at the back.
Consider using shelving units to maximize space if you will be accessing your unit often.
Make an inventory of your stored items and keep it in a safe place.
Place your storage items on 2” x 4” boards or pallets to guard against dampness. Any concrete floor may become cold and damp.
Be sure to check your unit from time to time.
Use tablecloths, towels or blankets to prevent breakage.
Never store mirrors or pictures flat.
Do not forget to use space under tables.
Do not store perishables.
The following should NEVER be stored:
Dog food, cat food, bird seed or any other pet food or pet.
Spices or any type of food products
CAUTION! Discard all flammables prior to moving. We do not allow storage of HAZORDOUS or COMBUSTIBLE materials such as gasoline, solvents, paint, thinner etc.
Drain all gasoline from lawn mowers, power tools, boats, snowmobiles, etc.
Boxes
Use uniformly sized boxes
List contents of box on all four sides and seal with packing tape.
Avoid using Newspaper to wrap your possessions. The ink may rub off and stain anything wrapped in it. Use CLEAN unprinted newsprint paper or white paper for packing.
Wrap dishes and glasses in clean newsprint or packing paper. All boxes with fragile items should be clearly marked “Breakable”.
Be sure they are strong enough to hold 20-30 lbs. Do not over pack boxes; books, CDs and magazines are heavier than they look. Always use smaller boxes for these to keep the weight manageable.
Stack light boxes on top of heavier boxes
An under or over stuffed box is more likely to collapse when stacked. If there is extra space in the carton, use low weight material such as plain newsprint or bubble wrap to fill in the extra volume.
Furniture
Sofas and loveseats can be stored on end to maximize space.( Except sleeper sofas) Always place a protective waterproof cover under the end on the floor.
Cover all stuffed furniture and mattresses with plastic to protect against dust.
Tie the bed mechanism closed on sleeper sofas.
Furniture with drawers can be utilizes as storage places for knickknacks, china, silverware, and other small items.
Keep clothing in dresser drawers, that way you won’t need extra cartons.
Put mattresses in mattress bags (ask if your local furniture store has any leftover ones to fit your mattress size)
· Appliances
Refrigerators and freezers should be completely clean and dry.
Appliance doors slightly ajar and add a box of baking soda to keep them fresh.
Carpets
Carpets should be rolled right-side out and never folded to preserve the pile.
We recommend carpets destined for storage should be cleaned and wrapped by professionals.
·Electronics
Where possible use the original boxes to store electronics.
Label all cords.
· Tools
Shovels, hoes, rakes, and hoses can be stored together in empty trash cans. Stack extra cans inside one another.
All metal items should be wiped clean and completely dry before storage.
Hand tools and smaller inventory items can be packed in hearty plastic storage containers.
Disconnect batteries to prevent draining while in storage.
