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Plan your storage space. Place those items that you may need to access often in the front. Allow for walkways.
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Make up an inventory of your stored items and keep it in a safe place at home or in a safe deposit box. Take pictures or videos of valuables, and major purchases, record serial numbers.
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CAUTION: Do not store anything COMBUSTIBLE such as paint thinner, gasoline, solvents, paint, etc.
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Use uniform size boxes for easy stacking. Be sure your boxes are strong enough to hold 25 to 30 lbs. Do not over-pack the box.
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List contents of boxes on all four sides; number the boxes, seal them with tape.
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Stack lighter boxes on top of heavier boxes.
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Dishes and glasses should be wrapped in air cushioning bubbles, marked “Fragile” and packed in sturdy boxes. Stack them only on top.
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Pictures and mirrors should be wrapped in air cushioning bubbles and packed in cardboard, marked “Fragile” and stacked on end.
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Furniture with drawers can be utilized as storage places for pictures, nick-knacks, china, silverware, small items, etc. Wrap them in tablecloths, towels or blankets to prevent breakage.
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Utilize shrink wrap rolls to keep doors, drawers, etc., in place while moving without damage to any finishes.
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Utilize old newspaper pages crinkled up inside unplugged refrigerators and leave door ajar for odor control while storing.
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Shovels, hoes, rakes, and hoses can be stored together in empty trash cans. Stack extra cans inside one another.
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Tables having removable legs should be “broken down” to save space.
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Sofas and love-seats can be stored on end to save floor space. Always place a protective cover, cardboard, or storage mat under the item on the concrete. Cushions should be wrapped in plastic and placed on top.
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Cover stuffed furniture with dust cover, cardboard, or blankets to protect against dust.
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If you stand mattresses on their side, “prop” them up so they stand straight. They may tend to bend out of shape and become lumpy. Make sure that mattress is put in a mattress bag.
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Do not place heavy or sharp objects on top of upholstered furniture.
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Prepare you space by placing a protective cover or storage mat on the floor under your goods.
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Use a good quality lock on your door. Cheap locks rust, and do not provide good security.
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All wood products should have paper pads, or cardboard placed underneath them to protect them against scratches, chips, etc.
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Utilize Wardrobe boxes for clothing. This will help avoiding ironing later, and also can serve as a temporary closet during your move.
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After packed boxes should be taped all the way around and on all sides to help in securing the box and contents. Packing tape and Duct tape works best.
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Utilize “Damp Rid” or “Damp Check” a product that helps absorb moisture and prevents mildew.
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Use valuable storage space inside large appliance for storage of smaller items.
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Wrap lamp bases in blankets, quilts, bed spreads, then put in box to avoid damage or breakage.
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Pack heavy items in small boxes, do not over-pack them.
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Metal objects, like tools and bikes, should be wiped with a rag containing machine oil to avoid rusting.
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When disassembling furniture put screws, parts, etc. into a zip lock bag and tape parts inside a drawer, inside, or somewhere on item that parts belong to, so they do not get lost or separated from what they belong to.
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DO NOT store any kind of food items. If you do this it promotes pest and rodents into the facility and your storage unit.
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Insure your goods while in storage either on your current policy by contacting your agent, or purchase a policy from the storage facility (IF ITS WORTH STORING, ITS WORTH INSURING).
