Helpful Packing tips
Storage is a convenient, safe, and inexpensive way to store your belongings.
A storage space is determined by the total size of the items being stored.
An efficiently packed small space will cost less than a larger space.
However, if you frequently need to access the space, a larger space, well organized, may be more convenient.
Let us help you pack for a space that fits your needs.
Getting Started Preparation makes everything easier
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Determine what you have to store. Make a list by category: appliances, furniture (chairs, beds, dressers), cupboard & closet contents, accessories, bathrooms, etc.
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Try to visualize a size room in your house that your packed contents would fit into, such as a closet, bathroom, small/large bedroom, one car garage etc. to help you decide on a storage size.
- Decide the packing accessories you need. (See Suggestion List below) Obtain enough to avoid the stress of multiple trips for supplies.
- Try to pre-plan items you will need to access. Load these items first, unloading them last, placing near the front of your unit.
- “Prepare to pack”: Wash all laundry; use up or give away perishable items (see Prohibited items below)
Packing made Simple Tips for easier packing & moving
- Anything that can be taken apart will be easier to store & move. Disassemble beds/tables, wrap legs in plastic/paper; store accessories/parts in plastic bags and tape to underside of furniture! Make a reassemble instruction sheet if you may not remember later.
- Purchase special boxes for dishes and fragile items. These items are worth the small extra expense.
- Curtains & drapes should be stored on hangers in wardrobe boxes.
- Obtain STRONG boxes. Over time, weak or under packed boxes will shift & collapse.
- Bundle items. Tie long handled tools/shovels/rakes (cleaned & oiled), brooms, mops, etc. together.
- Nest lamp shades inside each other; do not wrap in newsprint, use tissue or packing paper.
- Utilize linens, towels, blankets, pillows etc. as packing material to protect fragile items & save $$$.
- Don’t over pack heavy items! Use small boxes for books, tools, photo books for easier lifting.
- Make use of extra spaces for small, non-fragile items: bottom of wardrobe boxes for blankets, pillows; drawers in refrigerator, inside stove, washer, dryer
Pack to Protect Avoid common packing mistakes
- Fill boxes completely to prevent them from tipping or collapsing; use paper, towels, clothing, etc.
- Do not use newsprint to wrap goods that can be damaged by the ink stains.
- Use drawers in furniture to store fragile items. Utilize clothing, linen to wrap securely first.
- Use wardrobe boxes for delicate or expensive clothing to maintain the quality of the garment.
- Seal box seams completely with packing tape to protect from dust.
- Pack books flat to protect their spines; Pack albums on edge to prevent warping.
- Take extra care with dishes & glassware: place extra layer of packing on bottom, sides & top of boxes; wrap each piece individually! stand plates/platters on edge; nest cups & bowls; place glassware near top of carton. Fill all pockets with packing. Label clearly & do not place heavy items on boxes containing dishes.
- Avoid storing anything that may attract pests: make sure stoves & cooking equipment are clean; clothes should be clean and free of food stains; empty, defrost & dry refrigerator & freezer; drain water from washing machine.
Packing your storage unit Utilize your space efficiently
- Put largest boxes on the floor with smaller ones stacked on top.
- Stand items on end: sofas, mattresses, mirrors/ pictures (wrapped securely); make sure they are snuggly upright to avoid sagging/ breakage.
- Arranging furniture: if table won’t disassemble, place padding on floor, place table on its top with legs pointing up; Use space for boxes. Stack chairs “seat to seat” or place upside down on tables, use space between legs for small, lightweight items.
- Take advantage of high spaces. Pack lighter & fragile items/boxes on tops of dressers, refrigerators etc.
- Leave shelving/bookcases etc. assembled to help organize items and fully utilize the height of your unit.
- Store refrigerators & freezers with the door ajar so air can circulate inside.
- Leave a walkway to the rear of your unit if possible; place frequently used goods & seasonal items nearest the door; valuables should be placed toward the rear of your unit.
- Cover furniture with linens or purchased dust covers.
Life after Packing You know you'll need it after you pack it!
- Make an inventory list as you pack each box; number boxes to match list.
- Label each box on all sides and top for easy identification from any angle. Label what room they belong in for easy unpacking. Use “codes” for high value items such as stereos, cameras, etc.
- Leave aisle space if possible to get around & easily locate items you may need.
- Keep a copy of your list at your home, office and inside your unit (in a hidden location) for easy reference.
Prohibited Packing Why risk your belongings?
- Common sense & state laws determine what may be stored. Never store live animals, explosives, cleaning fluids, propane tanks, flammable liquids and fuels, toxic materials or other items that need a controlled environment.
- Do not store liquids; properly discard: all cleaning products, spray cans, florescent light bulbs, tires, batteries, paint, stains, pool chemicals.
- Drain gasoline, fuel, oils from any engines, tools or equipment and allow to air dry completely before storing.
- Never store perishables or food of any kind (dry or canned). Even short term storage plans often turn out longer than expected.
Remember:
Use a quality lock on your unit.
Make periodic visits to your unit.
Household: 1-2 rooms
- Boxes: (5) Large, (5) Medium, (10) small, (1) wardrobe box
- (1) roll/bag bubble wrap & (1) box packing paper
- (1) tape gun for each person, (2) rolls of tape
Household: 3-4 rooms
- Boxes: (10) Large, (10) Medium, (15) small, (1-2) wardrobe boxes
- (2) rolls/bags bubble wrap & (1) box packing paper
- (1) tape gun for each person, (2) rolls of tape
Household: 5-6 rooms
- Boxes: (15) Large, (15) Medium, (20) small, (2-3) wardrobe boxes
- (3) rolls/bags bubble wrap & (2) boxes packing paper
- (1) tape gun for each person, (3) rolls of tape
Household: 7-8 rooms
- Boxes: (20) Large, (20) Medium, (30) small, (3-4) wardrobe boxes
- (3) rolls/bags bubble wrap & (2) box packing paper
- (1) tape gun for each person, (3-4) rolls of tape
Accessories:
- Marking pens
- labels, scissors
- notebook
- Specialty boxes for items such as: dishes, pictures, mirrors