Fill boxes to capacity - Partially full or bulging boxes may tip or collapse.
Heavy items such as books or tools should be packed in small boxes
Label boxes - Also, make a list of the boxes for helpful quick reference when you need to locate your property. (inventory lists are available in our office.)
Do not lean items against wall
Leaving airspace around the unit's perimeter will aid in ventilation.
Leave a walkway to the rear of the unit if possible.
Use all the space available, including height.
Place frequently used and seasonal items near the door.
Fragile items - Wrap items with necessary packing material to ensure their safety while in storage. Also, placing fragile items at the top of the stack will keep them free from the weight of other boxes.
Periodic unit visits are recommended.
DO NOT SEAL ITEMS WITH PLASTIC - Moisture may collect and could possibly cause mold and mildew.
Furniture
Keep upholstered items up off the floor. Place your furniture on a pallet, cardboard, or plastic sheet on the floor.
Stand sofas and mattresses on end.
Disassemble beds, tables and other furniture.
Wrap the legs of tables, beds and chairs in paper to prevent scratching.
Place tables on their tops with legs up on a padded surface.
Cover all furniture with dust covers such as bed linens or commercially available covers.
Stack lightweight chairs seat to seat.
Stack boxes on top of dressers, but use the drawers for smaller delicate items.
Appliances
Ensure your refrigerator or freezer is thoroughly dry and store with its door slightly ajar.
Use the space inside the appliances to store small boxes.
Make sure that stoves and cooking equipment are cleaned before they are stored.
Books, Files and Documents
Pack books flat to protect their spines.
Avoid packing books and fragile items together.
Do not overload your boxes or cartons.
Lines, Drapery and Clothing
Whenever possible, hang clothing, linens and draperies in commercially available hanger boxes. If this is not possible, fold items carefully and store in sealed containers, dresser drawers with cedar chips or cedar chests.
Ensure all items are clean to avoid anything that may attract pests.
Dishes, Glassware and Delicate Items
Place a layer of thick packing material on the bottom and top of all boxes containing glassware.
Wrap all items individually.
Place heavier items such as plates and bowls at the bottom of boxes and light items, such as glasses and cups, at the top.
Fill all empty pockets with packing material.
Ensure all boxes containing dishes and glassware are labeled "fragile" and are placed at the top of heavier boxed items
Electrical Equipment
All electrical items should be thoroughly cleaned and dry before they are stored.
If the equipment has sealed doors, store with the door ajar.
If items have removable batteries, remove the batteries and store separately.
Seasonal Decorations
Use original packing material whenever possible to save on purchasing packing material. If you don't have original material, pack all items in packing tissue or newsprint.
Wrap strings of lights around a piece of cardboard before placing in a carton lined with packing paper.
Lamps
Wrap the bases of lamps in padded wrap and disassemble wherever possible.
Place smaller lamps in boxes and pack delicate lampshades separately.
Avoid the use of newsprint to wrap lampshades or any other goods that may be damaged by ink stains.
Mirrors, Windows and Screens
These items should be stored on edge, not flat.
Records and CDs
Records should be stored on edge to prevent warping
Store cd’s in jewel cases or small boxes to prevent breakage.
