Packing & Storage Tips
Proper planning will make for an efficient and cost-effective storage experience. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite packing and storage tips in order to help you make the most of your storage space.
Packing Tips
Plastic totes are recommended over cardboard boxes for the best protections against potential damage to your belongings while in storage.
Completely fill each box or plastic tote with your heaviest items on the bottom and lighter items on top.
Try to keep your boxes and plastic totes in uniform sizes. They are much easier to stack that way.
Label ALL boxes and plastic totes for easy identification.
Make up an inventory of your stored items and keep it in a safe place at home or in a safe deposit box.
List contents of boxes on all four sides, number the boxes, seal with masking tape or glued paper tape.
Dishes and glasses should be wrapped in packing paper and placed in dish pack boxes. All glass items should be individually wrapped. Nest cups and bowls. Stand plates, saucers, and platters on edge. Wrapped glasses should be placed near the top of cartons. Label all boxes containing glassware, and do not place heavy items on boxes containing glassware. Stack these boxes on top.
Pictures and mirrors should be wrapped in mirror crates marked “FRAGILE” and stacked on end. Furniture with drawers can be utilized as storage places for knickknacks, china, silverware and small items. Wrap in tablecloths, towels or blankets to prevent breakage.
Pack books flat to protect their spines. Do not place boxes directly on concrete floors, but use pallets or skids to prevent moisture absorption. Use packing to fill out empty pockets in the boxes. Do not pack fragile items in the same box with books and do not overload.
Tables with removable legs should be “broken down” to save space.
Storage Tips
Sofas and love-seats can be stored on end to save floor space. Always place a protective waterproof cover under the end on the floor. Cushions should be wrapped in plastic and placed on top.
Cover stuffed furniture with dust cover.
If you stand mattresses on end, be sure to “prop” them up.
Leave a small space between the wall and your storage items to allow for ventilation.
Group your boxes and other items as close together as possible to avoid moisture accumulating between them.
It’s good to store your items up off the floor. If you need pallets please ask office staff of availability.
Clothing, curtains, and drapes should be stored on hangers. If hanging cartons are not available, such items should be carefully folded and stored in dresser drawers or cedar chests along with bedding and linens. We have wardrobe style cardboard cartons for sale at some locations which will help protect your clothes.
Food, crumbs or food stains should be removed from items prior to storage to help avoid attracting pests.
A refrigerator or freezer should be thoroughly dry and stored with its door slightly ajar. Larger appliances make excellent “packing cases” for blankets, towels, tablecloths and clothes. Make sure that stoves and cooking equipment are cleaned before they are stored.
Shovels, hoes, rakes and hoses can be stored together inside of empty trash cans. Stack extra cans inside one another to save space.
There are prohibited items that every storage facility will NOT allow. Common sense and state laws determine what may be stored. See your contract for further information.
Plan your storage space. Place items in front that will be accessed frequently. Allow for walkways.