When you’re getting ready to store your belongings away, the process of getting everything under control can seem overwhelming. While it can be a lot of work, there’s no need to panic. Take some time and break your efforts down into smaller tasks you can handle one at a time. Making sure to carefully prepare and load your storage space will ensure the best results for your belongings. Here’s our advice on some things you can do to make your storage process go more smoothly.
Start by listing all the items you’re going to put into self-storage and their approximate sizes. Also, gather up plenty of sturdy, corrugated cartons, packing paper, bubble wrap, sealing tape, and marker pens, along with any furniture covers or shelving you intend to use in your storage unit. Clearly label boxes so you know their contents, and keep a list (as well as pictures and descriptions) at your home or office for reference. Mark all boxes clearly containing fragile items.
Fill containers and moving boxes to capacity while being mindful of the weight. Pack heavy items such as books and tools in small boxes. For easier handling limit the weight of all cartons, regardless of size, to 30 pounds or less.
Even with some advice on how items should be stored in general, some items require more specific ways of storage.
Fabric items like clothing, curtains, and drapes are best 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.
A refrigerator or freezer should be thoroughly dry and stored with its door slightly ajar. Some goods can be stored inside large appliances. Be sure to make a note if you place anything inside. Boxes can be stacked on top of stoves, refrigerators, and freezers. Make sure stoves and cooking equipment are clean and dry before you pack them.
Place a layer of packing inside the bottom and the top of boxes containing glassware. All glass items should be individually wrapped: Nest cups and bowls together, and stand plates, saucers, and platters on their edge. Wrapped glasses should be placed near the tops of cartons. Again, fill all open pockets with packing paper. Label all boxes containing glassware and do not place heavy items on top.
Pack books flat to protect the spines. Do not place boxes directly on concrete floors, but use pallets or skids to prevent moisture absorption. Use packing to fill all empty pockets in each box. Do not pack fragile items in the same box as books, and do not overload.
Save the original cartons that contained delicate ornaments. Pad the ornaments with packing paper or newsprint. Wrap strings of lights around a piece of cardboard before placing them in a carton lined with packing paper.
Wrap large lamp bases in padding and wrap smaller lamps completely before placing them in boxes. Pack delicate lamp shades separately. Do not use newsprint to wrap lampshades or any other goods that may be damaged by ink stains. You can purchase unprinted wrapping paper, foam wrap, or bubble wrap at our location to help protect delicate items. Do not store heavy items on top of cartons containing lamps or lampshades.
These items should be stored on their edges, not flat. We offer a selection of mirror and picture boxes that can be purchased at our office.
Metal tools should be cleaned and wiped with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil to prevent rust. Long-handled tools such as rakes, shovels, and hoes should be clean, lightly oiled, and tied in bundles.
Make a storage timeline leading up to the moving day for cleaning out, labeling, and organizing your life before you move. Take a little time each week or day to check off the list one room or closet at a time.
If you’re storing tables and other furniture in storage, remove legs and store tabletops and sofas on end to save space. Protect chair legs by wrapping them in packing paper. Leave slipcovers on upholstered chairs and cover them with plastic chair covers. Tape or tie bed rails together. Mark the pieces for easier assembly later. Place covers or plastic bags on mattresses to keep them clean during storage.
Pack as much as you can in the same size boxes. Fill boxes tightly, but take care to neither overpack nor underpack, as bulging cartons tip when stacked, while half-full boxes tend to collapse. Use wadded-up newsprint, bubble wrap, rags, towels, or blankets to fill in empty spaces. For maximum protection, seal cartons with tape. Boxes of the same size make for easy stacking in storage units.
Store your most frequently used items at the front of the storage unit for easy access. Utilize all available space by neatly stacking items to the ceiling, leaving air space on top. Place frequently accessed items near the storage unit door. Avoid leaning items against the sides of the storage unit. To facilitate convenient access to all items, leave a walkway to the rear of the storage space. Additionally, leave air space around the perimeter to promote ventilation.
Don’t have a storage unit rented quite yet? Prestige Storage has you covered – just find a self-storage facility near you to rent your storage space online today!
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