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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
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. |
