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Basics
Get your own packing materials including cardboard boxes, wardrobes boxes,
bubble wrap, Styrofoam "popcorn", newspaper, acid free tissue paper, rope,
packing tape, and permanent ink markers. Most of these supplies are readily
available (at affordable prices) at a self storage facility or your local
office supply stores. Fill all of the boxes you pack to capacity but be careful
not to overfill in such a way where the box can rupture and break open. Make
sure to fill empty space in boxes with loose material like crunched up
newspaper or Styrofoam pieces. Heavy items likes books and appliances should be
packed in their own boxes so that they will be easier to handle. Items like
computers, electronic equipment, camera equipment, etc., should also be
carefully packed in their own cartons. Pack items and label them by room for
easy identification. Plan out your storage space for easy access.
Major Appliances
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Refrigerators, freezers, washers, driers, stoves, etc., should be clean and dry
before you pack and store them. When storing these items, the doors should be
secured in a closed position. (You may leave a door slightly open for aeration;
however make sure to child proof the door so that it cannot be fully opened.
Don't allow a child to get into the appliance, and then close the door.
Suffocation resulting in death is possible. If you choose to discard any of
these items, make sure to remove doors completely so that a child cannot enter
and close the door, resulting in suffocation and death.)
Home Furnishings
Empty all dressers of clothing, and pack into appropriate wardrobe boxes. Use
mothballs or other similar products to protect your clothing from insects and
other pests. Make sure that doors and drawers of your furniture are securely
shut (use tape or rope or strong ribbon). When possible, remove the legs from
items of furniture to avoid damage and save space. Vacuum your furniture and
remember to collect all of that loose change in the sofa.
Kitchen China, Glassware, Crystal, Etc.
Put packing material (bubble wrap or Styrofoam) in the bottom of the box. Wrap
each piece individually in tissue paper. Pack all of these items in such a way
so that they won't bang against each other. Place plenty of loose Styrofoam or
crunched up newspaper in the voids and cavities in the box as you pack. Put
packing material (bubble wrap or Styrofoam) in the bottom of the box and seal
it with tape. Mark the boxes "fragile" and identify which room they go into.
Make sure not to place heavy boxes on these items to avoid crushing.
Other Glass and Fragile Items (mirrors, windows, paintings, glass framed
pictures)
These items should be packed in the same way as described in packing "Kitchen
China, Glassware, Crystal, Etc.".
Silver, Gold, Brass, And Other Metal Objects
Put packing material (bubble wrap or Styrofoam) in the bottom of the box. Wrap
each piece individually in tissue paper. Wipe all surfaces clean. Wrap these
items in materials that will not mar the finish, such as bubble wrap. Make sure
that any wrapping or packing material used with these items is chemical free
(don't use old cleaning rags, etc.) Put packing material (bubble wrap or
Styrofoam) in the bottom of the box and seal it with tape. Mark the boxes
"fragile" and identify which room they go into. Make sure not to place heavy
boxes on these items to avoid crushing.
Electronic Equipment (computers, home entertainment equipment, cameras,
etc.)
In all cases, if you have the original box and packing material it came in, use
it! The original packing is designed to protect the equipment during shipment
and storage. Put packing material (bubble wrap or Styrofoam) in the bottom of
the box. Wrap each piece individually in bubble wrap. Place plenty of loose
Styrofoam or crunched up newspaper in the voids and cavities in the box as you
pack. Put packing material (bubble wrap or Styrofoam) in the bottom of the box
and seal it with tape. Mark the boxes "fragile" and identify which room they go
into. Make sure not to place heavy boxes on these items to avoid crushing.
Personal Computers and Computer Peripheral Devices (printers, external
drives, etc)
Pack these items in the same way you would pack other household electronic
equipment. In all cases, if you have the original box and packing material it
came in, use it! The original packing is designed to protect the equipment
during shipment and storage. Put packing material (bubble wrap or Styrofoam) in
the bottom of the box. Wrap each piece individually in bubble wrap. Place
plenty of loose Styrofoam or crunched up newspaper in the voids and cavities in
the box as you pack. Put packing material (bubble wrap or Styrofoam) in the
bottom of the box and seal it with tape. Mark the boxes "fragile" and identify
which room they go into. Make sure not to place heavy boxes on these items to
avoid crushing. For additional tips… See our section on "
Moving Your Computer Tips" at www.123 movers.com.
Gardening and Other Mechanical Devices (things in your garage or shed: snow
blowers, lawn mowers etc.)
Follow the tips in your owner's manual or contact the original manufacturer if
you no longer have the manual for advice. Generally, remove all fuel, check
lubricant levels or remove lubricant to avoid spillage. Do not put these items
in boxes; however wrap them in plastic or cloth tarps and secure with rope or
heavy tape. Label each item after covering. Do not put boxes or other heavy
items on top of your mechanical items.
Carefully Plan The Use and Layout of Your Storage Space.
You can easily get the most out of a small storage area if you plan carefully.
Do not place heavy items on top of fragile items. Separate the storage area by
type of item. Make sure you have easy access to the items you need to get to
often by placing them near the opening of your storage space.
Using Rental Self Storage Facilities
Carefully read the agreement and make sure to abide by the rules and
regulations of the Self Storage Facility. Ask the facility managers for advice
as needed. They are there to help you. Do not store hazardous chemicals, fuel,
or illegal items.
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Moving Tips