Things to do before storing:
- Make a list of all the packing supplies you will need including; boxes,
tape, bubble wrap, marking pens, products that will help prevent moisture, rope, and pallets.
- Visit the storage facility that you want to store your items in. Take a list of what
you are going to be storing so that the manager can help determine the
correct size for your needs.
- Schedule your mover 30 days in advance.
- Be sure to read the lease before signing it. Make sure you are aware of
company policies on moving out, paying the rent and other important
information.
- If you are using a professional moving company, find out what size truck they will be
using. This is valuable information in determining if your storage facility will be accessible to that
truck. Most moving companies charge more the farther they have to carry your
things so consider using a local company.
When packing remember that what you pack you must unpack!
It really does make sense to clearly label items and boxes so that you, or
whoever will unpack or locate your goods, can find items quickly and
easily.
Also remember that what you pack you may also have to lift, save your back
& avoid heavy boxes.
Packing Tips:
- Clearly label all boxes on several sides including description of
the contents; description of the room; direction box should be stored &
fragile if appropriate.
- Pack clothes in breathable containers and include cedar balls, moth
balls, lavender bags, or naphthalene products to maintain freshness.
- Use good, strong boxes - poor quality boxes will collapse &
potential damage stored goods.
- Use boxes for small items - bags can easily rip and are not
stackable.
- Avoid making boxes too heavy - keep all boxes to a 50 pound limit.
- Pack books on their ends and in small boxes, books are extremely
heavy.
- Pack plates on their ends and in wrapping paper or brown paper bags,
newspaper print if used can rub off.
- Fill boxes to capacity - empty space is wasted space, items that can
move freely are more likely to damage or break, partially filled boxes
can collapse if placed underneath heavy items.
- Cushion items with towels and linen.
- Wrap glass, ceramics and other delicate, precious or breakable items
in bubble wrap and be generous - the item is obviously worth it
- Wrap sharp knives in clothing or cardboard, tape carefully and label
clearly.
- Save space by filling hollow containers such as kitchen canisters
and bins with other small items such as clothing or kitchen utensils.
- If it is possible store couches on end. Stack chairs seat to seat. Use the
inside of appliances and drawers to store smaller items. When stacking
furniture use paper pads in between the items to avoid scratching.
- Store mirrors and paintings on end, not flat.
- Save space by removing the legs from furniture where possible.
- Pack stereo equipment or other electronics in original boxes where
possible and label cables for easy re-installation.
- Pack cartons room by room for quick and easy retrieval.
- Be sure to store frequently used items at the front of the unit to avoid
having to search for them.
- Use freestanding shelves to help organize your unit.
- Keep track of loose screws by bagging in plastic & taping them to
the original item.
- Clean garden equipment and other gas related items and drain fuel.
- Never store any toxins or flammable items, such as paint, oil, or gasoline.
This will probably violate your contract.
- Be sure to check your unit once a month.
Storage Tips: (Page 1) |
