You Store It : Storage Tips

1. Inspect your storage space. The space should be of adequate size to fit your needs.
2. Determine the packing accessories you need: bubble-pack, tape, drop cloths, mattress and furniture covers, locks and assorted size boxes from book to wardrobe size.
3. Fill boxes to capacity: partially full or bulking cartons may collapse or tip.
4. Protect your fragile goods with packing (i.e. bubble-pack or other), and place them near the top of your storage space.
5. Label boxes. Take home a list of labeled boxes for easy reference when you need to locate your goods.
6. Pack the storage space carefully. Leave air space around the perimeter to aid ventilation.
7. Do not lean items against walls. Leave a walk-way to the rear of your space for easy access.
8. Placing an open box of baking soda inside your refrigerator will help to absorb excess moisture during moving. The boxes that you will need first should be loaded last. This might include toys, cleaning supplies, light bulbs, blankets, pillows, and sheets.
9. The summer months are the peak of the moving season. This may make it harder to secure a reliable mover. In order to avoid this dilemma, try to schedule your move during another time of the year if possible.
10. Expect to dine out the after your first evening of moving. You will probably be tired, and most of the kitchen items will be packed away.
11. To protect clocks when moving, secure or remove pendulums, chimes, and weights.
12. Packing and loading can be very physically strenuous. In order to prevent injuries, be sure to lift items using your knees (not your back).
13. Cover all furniture and disassemble, if possible.
14. Wrap table legs with packing paper as scratch protection.
15. Lay down blankets or a pallet between the furniture and the floor of the storage unit.
16. Place assembled tables top down on floor with legs pointing towards the ceiling.
17. Stack chairs seat-to-seat with cloth or paper separating them.
18. Avoid stacking or leaning furniture against outside walls.
19. Avoid oil staining by storing exposed items in a separate space.
20. Wipe a few drops of oil on bicycles and tools as a rust protector.
21. Wrap plates, saucers, and bowls individually before placing it in a china carton.
22. Use a china carton divider kit for increased security.
23. Fill paper into bottom, top and empty spaces in the carton.
24. Use file boxes. They are the best containers for your important documents.
25. Pack books flat and fill any empty space to minimize movement.
26. Avoid overfilling cartons. Books are heavy.
27. Keep pallets free of moisture by placing plastic sheeting on top of them.
28. Leave appliance doors slightly ajar. Moisture and mildew will damage your valuables so make sure your refrigerator or freezer is clean and dry.
29. Use valuable storage space inside appliance's for small items.
30. Avoid excessive wrinkling to your clothes by employing wardrobe boxes.
31. Plan far ahead when storing your items. Which ones do you anticipate needing or using the most often? Make sure that you place those near the front of the unit for easy access.
32. Keep a list of your entire inventory. Label all boxes and containers. When placing the boxes and containers in the unit, do so in a way that you can read the labels easily.
33. Pack your heavy items in smaller boxes for easy lifting and moving.
34. The boxes that you will need first should be loaded last. This might include toys, cleaning supplies, light bulbs, blankets, pillows, and sheets.
35. Use all the space available, including the height, and place frequently used goods near the door.

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