Tips for Storing Items

Furniture

Prevent moisture damage by waxing wood furniture before storing.  Consider using climate-controlled self storage.  Disassemble furniture whenever possible for more compact storage options.  Stand mattresses on straight so they do not bend out of shape.  Cover stuffed furniture with dust cover to protect against dust.

Electronic Equipment

Pack in original boxes, if possible.  Otherwise, pack each piece in a separate box with adequate packing material.  Put any loose cords or pieces in a sealed bag and include in the box.

Dishes and Glassware

Wrap dishes and glassware individually.  Pad the box with packing paper or bubblewrap. Wrapped plates are best stored on their side in the box.

Appliances

Clean and dry appliances before storing.  Tape doors shut while moving.  When storing appliances such as a refrigerator, wedge doors ajar to prevent mildew.

Tools, bicycles and other metal items

To retard rust on metal surfaces, clean and wipe with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil.  Long-handled tools such as rakes, shovels and hoes should be clean, lightly oiled and tied in bundles.

Documents and Books

Paper goods tend to weigh more so pack in small, manageable boxes.  Pack books flat to protect their spines.

Photographs

Photos tend to curl over time. To keep them flat, place them between two pieces of cardboard and tape them together.

Heat-sensitive goods

CDs, videotapes, albums, photographs and wood furniture are best stored in a climate-controlled storage room.

Tips for Packing Your Storage Unit

Leave a small space between the wall and your storage items to allow for ventilation.  Do not lean items against walls as to leave air space around the unit's perimeter to aid ventilation.

Laying plastic sheeting on the floor and stacking boxes on top of wooden pallets can prevent condensation damage.

Pack your boxes and other items as close together as possible to avoid moisture accumulating between them.

Leave access space in front of your unit, and keep your frequently used items where you can easily reach them.

Stacking uniform size boxes helps maximize your available space.

Leave small walkways between the boxes and furniture in your storage unit so you can easily get to the items you want without having to move anything around.

Packing Tips

Keep the following supplies handy for packing: boxes, marking pen, bubble wrap, newspaper and tissue, tape and scissors, tape measure.

Label each box with the room the box contents belong in.

Write “Open First” on cartons containing essential items such as cooking utensils, toiletries, etc.

Write “Fragile” on each side of a box which contains delicate items.

Use large boxes for light items and smaller boxes for heavier items. 

For stacking purposes, try to keep your boxes in uniform sizes. Keep the heavy ones on the bottom and the light ones on top.

Fill boxes to capacity because partially full or bulging boxes may tip or collapse.