Packing Tips for Your Self Storage

1. Make sure you use boxes that are a uniform size for your self storage as they are easier to stack. Always keep the heavier boxes on the bottom.
2. Shelving is very helpful when it comes to organizing your storage unit, preventing the crushing of boxes and maximizing your usable space.
3. Don’t forget to leave small walkways between the boxes and furniture in your storage unit so you can easily access all of your items.
4. Don’t leave space inside your packing boxes; try to completely fill up your packing boxes, even if it’s just with crumpled papers. Boxes that are only partially filled tend to collapse when too much weight is placed on top of them.
5. Try to keep items directly off of the floor. You can use the pallets to do this.
6. Make sure you properly treat your items before storing: use protective covers, treat wood surfaces, treat any metal objects such as file cabinets or lawnmowers with rust protector, etc.
7. You can never be too safe with your personal items. We recommend you pack your most valuable items in the back of your storage unit and purchase a high quality padlock to put on the door.
8. If you’re storing a refrigerator in your unit, be sure to drain and dry it out well. As with any refrigerator that is going to be left plugged, leave the door ajar to prevent mold from growing inside.
9. Do not store anything flammable or combustible in your storage unit. If you’re storing any machinery that runs on gas, you should drain the tank before you store it.
10. Disassemble bed frames and tie them together. Labeled zip-lock bags are helpful to store screws and bolts. Tape them to the items that they belong to.
11. If you stack furniture items, placing pads, blankets, or towels between them will help to prevent scratching.
12. Don’t use plastic to cover items in non-climate self storage as moisture can condense under it. Rather, consider using sheets or cotton cloth.
13. If you are storing mattresses and/or sofas, stand them on the end with pallets, cardboard or furniture pads under them. It is a good idea to wrap mattresses in mattress bags or cover them with paper or cloth.
14. When storing small pictures, wrap and stand them on end in boxes. For larger ones, you should buy special picture moving boxes and use bubble wrap.
15. If possible, use the original boxes when storing your electronic equipment. If you do not have them, pack these items with well cushioned materials such as bubble wrap to reduce the chance of damaging them.
16. When packing china, glass, etc., wrap each item individually. Add packing material to both the bottom and top of the box. There are boxes designed for these items with dividers.
17. We suggest storing clothing in wardrobe boxes on non-rusting hangers. When storing wool items, use cedar chips or mothballs to prevent moth damage.
18. Be sure to label all moving boxes to indicate which room they go in and what they contain.
19. When packing appliances, shrink wrap or tape doors shut while moving. In your storage unit, wedge doors open to prevent mildew.
20. If storing furniture, wrap in shrink wrap or furniture pads while moving to prevent chips and scratches.