SUGGESTED PACKING TIPS

HOW TO PROPERLY STORE YOUR BELONGINGS

​​

BOXES

​

When packing your boxes, remember to:

• Use boxes that are roughly the same size, since they’re easier to stack.

• Try to fill boxes according to how much you can lift.

• Put the heaviest boxes on the side and leave aisles in your storage unit to make accessing your belongings easier.

• Fill all boxes fully, put crushed newspaper on top of half-filled boxes to avoid them collapsing.

• Carefully label all boxes to make it easier to find things.

• Store clothing and draperies on hangers to help them keep their shape.

​

APPLIANCES

​

When storing appliances, try to:

• Do not store objects inside your appliances.

• Cover appliances with cotton sheets or tarps to protect them against dust.

• Clean and dry all appliances thoroughly, and leave doors open slightly open to prevent mildew. Be sure to also clean all intake areas like filters or tubes.

• Wrap delicate appliances with moving blankets or protective wrap to prevent scratches.

• For refrigerators, clean and dry the inside and also drain the water from the holding tank and plastic tubing. Be sure to also clean the defrost pan that’s found underneath or in the back.

• Keep refrigerators upright during transportation and storage.

• Remove water from all internal components (washers, dryers, refrigerators).

• Mark appliances with glass parts as fragile and handle with care.

​

FURNITURE

​

Here are some furniture storage tips:

• Cover furniture with drop cloths to prevent dust buildup.

• Use pallets or boards to raise the floor of the unit in order to allow air to flow.

• Do not let fabric from furniture or covers touch the floor.

• When stacking furniture like chairs, use paper pads in between items to prevent scratching.

• Place couches and mattresses on their ends to maximize space.

• Disassemble beds and table, and store parts using moving blanks or protective wrap.

• Use protective wrap or cardboard in order to protect corners and edges.

• Wrap the bases of lamps in protective wrap and store them in boxes specifically for lamps. Wrap shades in cotton or plastic and store in a box.

• Stack lightweight boxes on top of dressers and use the drawers for small, fragile items.

• Use cardboard protectors for mirrors or other framed pieces, mark them as fragile and store upright.

​​

FILLING YOUR UNIT

​

When filling your unit, be sure to:

• Only use a high-quality padlock.

• Store the items you use most near the front.

• Leave aisles between sections of items to allow use to access your entire unit.

​

THINGS TO AVOID

​

Do not:

• Use plastic to cover belongings as it retains moisture.

• Store food items since they will invite pests.

• Store any toxic, flammable or hazardous items like paint, gas or oil.

• Over-pack items, making them too heavy to safely carry.

• Forget to clean appliances before storing them.

• Assume that your homeowner or renter’s insurance covers your unit. Purchase the additional insurance for full peace of mind.

• Give out your password or loan your key to people who are not documented as having access.

• Use newspaper as it may smudge and stain your belongings.