General Storage Tips
§ Use only sturdy boxes and containers for storing your items; seal boxes completely to prevent dust
§ Label all containers and boxes; arrange boxes so that the labels are facing out and easily read
§ Fill containers to capacity and fill in space with packing material
§ Pack heavier items in small boxes
§ Do not use heavy plastic to cover furniture; use only blankets or thin breathable plastic made specifically for storage
§ Cover dressers with sheets or plastic wrap so you can stack boxes on top
§ Stack items on end to save space
§ Fill drawers and appliances with small items to conserve space
§ Wrap dishes and other breakables individually, layering padding at the top and bottom of the box
§ Dissemble lamps, tables, barstools and other furnishings as applicable; wrap pieces individually and store securely in boxes
§ Wrap wooden table legs and chairs to avoid scratches
§ Cover floor of the unit with cardboard or blankets depending on what is being stored
§ Secure mirrors, paintings and pictures in mirror boxes and pack them on edge
§ Clothing is best stored clean and in hanging cartons
§ Place items in the order that you will need to access them---those that will be readily used should be placed in the front of the storage unit
§ Leave a small amount of space around the walls; you may also want to leave a path down the middle of your belongings to provide access to those items in the back of the unit
§ Do not lean furniture against outside walls
§ Do not make boxes too heavy and be sure to label them well
§ Use all available space by stacking boxes in the corners and underneath tables and on top of furniture and appliances
§ Be sure to stack heavier boxes on the bottom and lighter boxes on top
Tips for Storing Specific items:
Appliances: A refrigerator, freezer or washing machine should be thoroughly dry and stored with its door slightly ajar. Some goods can be stored inside large appliances and boxes can be stacked on top of appliances. Make sure that stoves and cooking equipment are cleaned before they are stored.
Bicycles and other metal items: To retard rust, wipe all metal surfaces with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil.
Books and Documents: Pack books flat to protect their spines. Do not place boxes directly on concrete floors. 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.
Bedding, Clothing, Curtains, Drapes and Linens: 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. Food crumbs or stains should be removed before storage and avoid storing anything that will attract rodents.
Dishes and Glassware: Place a layer of packing inside the bottom and at the top of boxes containing glassware. All glass items should be individually wrapped. Nest cups and bowls and stand plates and saucers and platters on edge. Wrapped glasses should be placed near the top of cartons. Fill all pockets with packing. Label boxes containing glassware and do not place heavy items on top of boxes with glassware.
Furniture: Place a cardboard mat, or plastic sheet on the floor and stand sofas and mattresses on end. Disassemble beds and tables and wrap table legs in paper. If a table will not disassemble, place padding on the floor and place the table on its top with the legs pointing up. Most lightweight chairs should be stacked seat to seat or placed upside down on tables. Finally, place a light dust cover over your furniture.
