Packing Tips to Save Time and Protect Your Items
PREPARING
Organizing and efficiently packing your items
will take time and concentration. However, the up-front effort will be well
worth it when you’re able to easily unload and organize your items at the
storage unit. Here are some tips for packing:
INVEST IN SUPPLIES
For your convenience, we have partnered with UHAUL and we will
have a wide assortment of packing supplies such as boxes, bubble wrap and tape
are available for purchase at our storage facility.
Use boxes, not plastic bags. Boxes are sturdier
and stack well, taking up less space. Many moving companies require that goods
be packed in boxes for transport. Also, sealed plastic bags can trap humidity
which can cause damaging mildew.
Invest in good quality, sturdy boxes and packing
materials. Boxes should be sturdy enough to hold up for years under the weight
of the stack. You may be tempted to get boxes for free from supermarkets and
liquor stores; however, the mismatched shapes and sizes will impede your
ability to organize most effectively.
You can buy standard-sized boxes and
specialty boxes for items such as TVs, videotapes and pictures.
For wrapping breakables, paper will do, but
bubble wrap can be used repeatedly, is cleaner, and because it is transparent,
makes identifying contents easier.
Most people end up needing more tape than they
thought they would when packing. Your self-storage manager can help you
estimate how much tape you’ll need for the number of boxes you’ll be packing.
PACKING IN BOXES
Box up everything that you can. Anything left
unboxed in a self-storage facility can get dusty.
Fill boxes to capacity. The contents in
half-empty boxes can shift during transport or lifting. Corners and sides can
collapse if there’s nothing to support them.
Foam peanuts are handy for filling in the gaps
in boxes.
Distribute the weight in packed boxes evenly.
Make sure they are not too heavy for you and
others who may be lifting them.
Wrap all fragile items and breakables such as
dishes, glasses, ornaments, etc. separately.
Pack these items tightly into strong or reinforced boxes, filling
any gaps with paper or filler.
Mark “Fragile” on any boxes containing breakable items.
Clearly label all boxes on more than one side so
you can easily identify the contents.
LARGE APPLIANCES MUST BE PREPARED CORRECTLY FOR
PROPER STORAGE:
Defrost
refrigerators and freezers thoroughly to avoid water damage and mildew growth.
Tie down the appliance doors during transport but leave them slightly ajar once
in storage.
Drain
washing machines and tie down hoses and cords before storing them.
It’s
a good idea to wipe down the inside of appliances with baking soda before you
store them to keep them dry.
STORING PHOTOGRAPHS
if storing photographs, consider a climate-controlled
unit where temperature fluctuations will not damage your photos. If you do
store loose photographs, place them between pieces of clean cardboard and
consider taping them together to avoid curling.
FURNITURE
ADVISE
Separate lamp bases and lampshades and wrap them
for protection.
If you're storing upholstered products such as
mattresses and sofas, consider investing in covers, bags or sheeting for
additional protection.
Vacuum-sealed bags work really well for
draperies, bedding, and clothing.
Electrical equipment such as TVs, stereos, and
computers should be packed in their original boxes whenever possible. If using
other boxes, choose ones that are as close in size to the original as possible,
and fill all gaps with paper. Make sure you secure the player arm of a record
player and turntable.
Disassemble furniture such as beds and tables
before you store them. Wrap and cover the separate sections, clearly mark them
and keep them together. Keep assembly components such as screws and bolts
together in a plastic bag, mark them clearly, and tape the bag to the
appropriate piece of furniture. (Use tape that is safe for use on furniture, or
tape the bag to an inconspicuous place on the piece.)
Cover chair legs with
bubble wrap or rags for extra protection.
Spray your wood furniture with a good quality
furniture polish before storing it to give it some added protection.
Treat leather items with a leather conditioner
before you store them.
Wipe down metal objects and tools with a little
oil before storing them to avoid rust formation that can occur when the tools are
not used regularly.
When storing a vacuum cleaner, clean out the bag
or canister first; bacteria, mold and vermin can accumulate otherwise.
When storing an oven as well as a refrigerator,
enclose the exposed back area of the appliances to prevent vermin.
Consider having awkward or heavy pieces such as
exercise equipment packed professionally.
STORAGE TIPS
- Use
all the space available including the height.
- Stand
sofas, mattresses and long dressers on end.
- Take
legs off tables.
- Anything
that comes apart is easier to store and takes less space.
- Fill
up the dresser drawers, you will use less boxes and protect breakables.
- Use
large trash bags, mattress covers and tarps to keep items dust free.
- As you go, keep an inventory of every item
you’ve packed. Ideally, include an estimate of the replacement value of each
item you store. Consider taking pictures of valuable items. These steps will
help you make accurate insurance claims in case of unforeseen damage or loss.
