Storage Tips

  • Leave a walkway to the rear of the unit – this provides better accessibility to all of your items.
  • Disassemble items such as bed frames to maximize space.
  • Place frequently used items near the door.
  • Fill containers to capacity – partially full or bulging cartons may tip or collapse.
  • Store couches (except sofa beds) on end to maximize space.
  • Place fragile items near the top of the unit to prevent crushing.
  • Label your cartons and take home a list of the labeled cartons for easy reference.
  • Take full advantage of your space-use the full height if possible.
  • Shelving helps organize your space.
  • Add bay leaves to boxes when packing goods to ward off most insects and household pests.
  • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors slightly ajar and clean before storing.
  • Use the space inside for extra storage of other kitchen items.
  • Wrap mirrors and pictures with paper pads or use mirror boxes. Never store flat.

Packing Tips

  • Use strong boxes and containers that can be stacked.
  • Fill boxes completely, to keep them from collapsing and damaging belongings.
  • Pack books and heavy items in small boxes for easier lifting.
  • Put the heavy boxes on the bottom and the light ones on top.
  • Purchase special boxes for dishes and fragile items.
  • Label each box on several sides and indicate if it is fragile and what room it should go in.
  • Disassemble furniture for easier moving and storage. Stand sofas on end, if possible.
  • Take advantage of the tops of dressers and the like to stack boxes and other items.
  • Stand mattresses on end and break down bed frames.
  • All stored items should be clean of food stains and particles.
  • Save money and room by using towels and blankets to wrap fragile items.
  • Use wardrobe boxes to hang clothing; remember to fill the bottom of the wardrobe box with shoes, pillows, or other light items.
  • Protect furniture with shrink-wrap and blankets or pads to avoid damage.

Additional Hints

  • Appliances – Make sure all refrigerators and freezers are thoroughly dry. Store them with the door ajar so air can circulate inside. Be sure the doors on other types of appliances are securely shut, and always clean your stove before moving.
  • Bedding and Linens – Use your dresser drawers when possible to store blankets, pillows, sheets and the like.
  • Books – Books are heavy, so be sure you pack them in small boxes.
  • Chairs – Invert light chairs so they are “seat-to-seat.” There usually is space between the legs for small, lightweight items.
  • Chest of Drawers – Take advantage of drawers for packing many light household items such as photos and clocks. If the items are fragile, be sure to use towels or other padding to protect them from breakage.
  • China and Glassware – Plates should be wrapped individually and stacked on edge, rather than flat. Always make sure you have plenty of cushioning below and above all your glassware. Glasses should also be wrapped individually with cushioning and put on the top layers of any of these boxes with more cushioning above them. Make sure your boxes are firmly packed so they will not be crushed.
  • Clothing – It’s best to hang clothing whenever possible.
  • Drapes – Fold your drapes carefully and pack them in dresser drawers, if possible. Once in storage, it’s best if you can hang them on hangers.
  • Fragile Items – Many small fragile items can be stored safely in your dresser drawers surrounded by blankets and pillows.
  • Lamp Shades – Use clean white tissue paper to wrap each lamp shade individually. Often you can “nest” several lamp shades together. Use a special box for all of these shades, rather than packing them with other items.
  • Mattresses – Use special mattress bags or even old mattress covers to keep them clean during moving and storage.
  • Mirrors – Always stand mirrors on edge. It’s best if you can crate them, or at least pack them individually with strong cardboard and mark them so they won’t accidentally be bumped.
  • Tables – Take the legs off tables when possible and wrap the legs separately. This prevents possible damage and also saves space. Tape the hardware to the underside of the table, so you will not misplace it.
  • Tools – Don’t put too many heavy tools in one box, since it may be heavier than you expected. It’s a good idea to wipe your tools with a slightly oily rag to prevent rusting if you are storing your belongings in non-climate controlled storage. Long handled rakes, hoes and shovels should be cleaned, oiled and tied together.

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