Packing & Moving Tips
The following tips will help ensure your possessions stay in good condition while they’re being stored. For your convenience, we sell packing and storage materials in our Customer Service Center. No need to run around hunting boxes, we have plenty in various sizes. Call ahead and we will gladly get your packing materials ready for you to pick up.
Supplies you may want handy while packing: Packing paper, bubble wrap, peanuts, various size boxes, tape, marking pens. Hint: You can also use towels, and old clothing as filler for added protection or half empty boxes.
- Determine if you need climate control or regular storage.
- Determine the packing accessories that you need, for example: paper, bubble wrap, tape, rope, drop cloths, sheets, etc.
- Pack items of similar size and weight together.
- Try not to mix items from different rooms
- Place heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on the top.
- Seal the box with a sturdy packing tape
- Label the box with a general description of its contents and destination room.
- Pack books flat. Standing them on end could damage the spines. Remember books are very heavy, so don't pack too many in one box.
- Drain gasoline and oil from lawn mowers and other motorized items.
- Store heat sensitive items such as albums, photos, wood furniture, etc in a climate controlled storage room.
- Don't over pack boxes, they may rupture or topple over when stacked.
- Mirrors, large framed art, windows and screens should be stored on edges and not flat.
- Metal tools and bicycles should be cleaned and wiped with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil to retard rust. Long handled tools such as rakes, shovels, and hoes should be clean, lightly oiled and tied in a bundle.
- Place the things you are most likely to need closest to the door for easy access.
- Wrap plates, saucers, and bowls individually before placing them in a dishpack. You should also use a dishpack divider for increased protection. Fill paper into bottom, top, and empty spaces in the carton.
- Leave appliance doors slightly ajar. Moisture and mildew will damage your valuables so make sure your refrigerator or freezer is clean and dry.
- Use valuable storage space inside appliances for small items.
- Use free standing shelves to help organize your unit.
- Place drop cloths over your items. This helps protect from dust.
- Create an aisle down the center of your space for easy access to all of your items.
- Give your wood furniture a good coating of polish before storing it.
- Fill boxes completely to avoid collapsing. Seal boxes completely to keep dust out.
- We recommend mattress covers for all bedding. Mattress covers, boxes, and assorted moving supplies are available in our offices.
- Place more valuable items in the back of your space and have the furniture towards the front. If you are storing for a long period, especially during seasonal changes, remember to place items you might need where you can get to them.
- Inventory your valuable items prior to storing and keep a copy of the inventory with you. If you have valuable antiques, you may want to photograph the items being stored.
- When placing upholstered items or bedding in your space, use pallets or pieces of wood to avoid contact with concrete or metal.
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We suggest that you don't...
- Never use boxes that once contained food, cosmetics, or liquor. They have an odor and can attract rodents.
- Never store any food items. Food attracts pests.
- Don't use printed newspapers. The ink may smudge onto your belongings.
- Don't pack your boxes so that they are too heavy to carry.
- Don't assume that your homeowners or renters insurance will cover your belongings while in storage.
- Don't give out your password, gate code, or any information to anyone that is not listed as having "Access."
- Don't foget to clean appliances before you store them.
- Don't store any toxins or flammables such as paint, oil, or gasoline.
- Avoid storing items such as glass water filled globes during the winter - they may freeze. Avoid storing items such as candles during the hot weather - they could melt.
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