Essential Packing & Storage Tips for Your Move
Looking to streamline your moving process? Our Packing & Storage Tips page is here to help! Discover expert advice on packing your belongings efficiently, choosing the right supplies, and organizing your items for maximum space utilization. Whether you're storing furniture, seasonal items, or personal belongings, our practical tips will guide you in ensuring everything stays safe and secure. Learn how to label boxes, protect fragile items, and make the most of your storage unit, ensuring a smooth transition and easy access to your stored goods. Start packing with confidence today!
Do:
- Utilize pallets, 2x4s, plywood, or anything else to elevate your items off the floor of the unit.
- Maximize your unit’s space by planning the arrangement of your items. A solid plan can save you the hassle of rearranging later. Ensure there’s an aisle down the center for easy access to the back.
- Incorporate freestanding shelves to help organize your space.
- Label boxes on all six sides and maintain a list for quick reference. This will save time when searching for specific items. Fill boxes without making them too heavy to lift, placing heavier boxes on the bottom and lighter ones on top to prevent crushing. Keep boxes elevated off the floor.
- Store frequently used items at the front for easy access.
- Protect your belongings with moving pads, sheets, or lightweight blankets.
- Check your unit monthly to ensure everything is in order.
- Disassemble items like tables and bed frames to save space, wrapping and labeling all pieces for easier reassembly. Store all hardware in bags and clearly mark them.
- For electronics, such as computers and stereos with multiple cords, place colored stickers on each cord and its corresponding connection point to simplify reassembly. If possible, use the original boxes for storing electronics and other items.
- Ensure appliances are clean and dry before storage, leaving them slightly ajar to prevent mildew.
- If feasible, store couches on their ends and stack chairs seat-to-seat. Use the interiors of appliances and drawers for smaller items. When stacking furniture, use paper pads between pieces to prevent scratching.
- Store mattresses and box springs on their long edges, wrapped for protection, and elevated off the floor with two to three 1-foot 2x4s.
- Keep mirrors and paintings upright, not flat, and pack books lying down to protect their spines.
- To prevent rust, apply a small amount of machine oil on metal tools, bicycles, and equipment, and be sure to drain and clean all debris from equipment before storing.
- When wrapping collectibles or fragile items, tape them securely after wrapping to avoid confusion with excess packing paper. Use bubble wrap or unprinted paper for breakables, grouping similar items together and labeling boxes accordingly.
- Store clothing and draperies in wardrobe boxes on hangers to maintain their shape.
- Consider purchasing insurance for your belongings; if they are worth storing, they’re worth insuring.
- Rubbermaid containers are excellent for storage due to their tight-fitting lids and ease of stacking. Keep valuable items towards the back of the unit to keep them discreet.
- Make out-of-season clothes easily accessible, as you may need your belongings in storage longer than expected.
- Be mindful of your surroundings while in your unit. If you notice any potential issues or suspicious activity, alert the manager immediately.
Don't:
- Avoid using plastic to cover your items, as it can trap moisture.
- Refrain from storing any food items to prevent attracting unwanted pests.
- Do not overpack boxes to the point where they become too heavy to lift, especially when packing books.
- Don’t assume that your homeowners or renters insurance will cover your belongings in storage; make sure to purchase insurance separately.
- Never share your password, gate code, or any access information with anyone not authorized to enter.
- Avoid using printed newspapers for wrapping, as the ink can smudge and stain your items.
- Remember to clean appliances thoroughly before storing them.
- Do not store any toxic or flammable materials, such as paint, oil, or gasoline.
