Storage and Packing Tips
The following is provided as a guideline.* Taking a few extra moments while packing can save hours of frustration later.
Items for Packing
- Plain paper – for labeling boxes
- Magic makers – for labeling
- Boxes, in various sizes. Cardboard or plastic totes.
- Tape and packing gun
- Tissue paper, newsprint (not newspaper because the ink can stain), bubble paper, cushion foam, and Styrofoam peanuts for wrapping and cushioning.
- Bags designed for mattresses, sofas, chairs, etc.
- Ziploc bags – in various sizes
- Gloves (cardboard can be very drying to your hands)
- Rope, zap straps, twist ties and bungee cords
- Utility knife and scissors
General Tips for Storage and Packing
- Try to fill boxes completely so that they neither crushed or collapse when stacked on top of each other. Put the heaviest boxes on the bottom of the stack.
- Seal boxes completely to keep out dust.
- Securely seal the bottom of each box and put packing material (bubble wrap, cushion foam or Styrofoam peanuts) for padding. Use plenty of crunched up newsprint in the voids and cavities in the box as you pack.
- Do not use newspaper when wrapping items, the ink can rub off and easily stain items. It can be very difficult to remove.
- Label all boxes with the items it contains and the room in which it belongs. Label each box on three sides, a length, a width and also the top. Keep labels facing out into a pathway inside your unit for easy recognition. Make a photocopy of each label for your convenient reference. Mark boxes containing breakable items as fragile and ensure they are on the top of the stacks.
- It is always better to use two smaller boxes than one heavy one.
- Try to keep like items packed together by location, for example, keep all kitchen items together. This will make unpacking much more efficient.
- Plan your storage space before you get to our facility. Place items you do not need access to in the rear of the unit. Also, place your valuables in the rear of the unit such as your stereo, TV, cameras, etc. For the more frequently accessed items, place them near the front. Allow a little extra space in the unit for pathways, to move around inside with ease without having to rearrange your whole unit.
- Keep items off the floor to improve ventilation. Use pallets, plywood, or wood slats on the floor of the unit. The more air movement, the drier it is. Walls can also develop condensation so it is advised to leave a bit of room between your items and the walls as well.
- It is easier to stack boxes that are all similar in sizes. Shelving may help organize your space and take full advantage of the height of your unit. Shelves are especially useful if you have boxes of fragile items that would crush if stacked on each other.
- Avoid using plastic unless it is ventilated. Consider using sheets or cotton cloth.
- Ziploc bags in various sizes can be quite useful. Things like the screws which belong to something you have disassembled, can be bagged and labeled then attached to the actual item itself. Other things like remote controls for your TV/stereo system can be bagged and kept together. Bag your toiletries to prevent leakage.
- Use zap straps or twist ties to bundle all electrical cords. Detach if possible or firmly secure them so they do not get in the way.
- Keep a notebook of disassembly procedures for all of your items, so reassemble will be easier.
What NOT to Store
- You may not store any items that are illegal, stolen, environmentally harmful, or that may be a risk to the safety or property of any other person.
- Flammable, corrosive or explosive items. This includes: acid, gasoline, poisons, charcoal, lighter fluid, fertilizer, paints and paint thinners, household and car batteries, matches or lighters, nail polish and remover, loaded weapons, or ammunition, liquid bleach, aerosols, kerosene or lamp oil, pool or spa chemicals, chemistry sets, fireworks, pesticides or weed killers, motor oil, ammonia, propane tanks, cleaning fluids.
- Perishables such as food and plants including: dog food, cat food, bird seed or any other pet food; spices; flour, rice, any type of grain or legumes; cereal, biscuit mix, cake mix; sugar; potpourri – usually made of dried petals and spices; or live animals.
- Christmas decorations made of food including: popcorn/cranberry strings, bread dough ornaments, wreaths with candy, wreaths garnished with nuts, fruits, or other perishables.
Tips for Books, Files, Albums and Photographs
- Pack books in smaller sized boxes so that the weight is more manageable. Pack them flat to minimize damage to their spines.
- Stack record albums and cds on end to prevent warping and use smaller sized boxes to manage the weight for easier lifting.
- Photographs tend to curl over time. To prevent this, place them between layers of cardboard and tape them together to keep the photos flat.
- Stack mirrors and picture frames on their side. Wrap them in bubble paper for cushion.
- Store valuable papers inside plastic sleeves or baggies or line the box with plastic to avoid moisture absorption. Keep all important records with you during your move, including insurance papers, medical records, etc.
- Suitable archive boxes or packing cartons should be used so it will be easier to retrieve your documents. Clearly label the outside of each box to identify the contents. Fill empty pockets in the boxes with packing materials for added support.
- Lighter boxes should always be placed on top to prevent collapse of those underneath.
Tips for Appliances
- Make sure all appliances are clean and dry before storage. Secure the doors shut for the actual moving, but wedge the doors ajar so they can neither open or close, but air can circulate through them to prevent mold and odor. If you decide to dispose of any large appliance, remove the door completely for safety reasons.
- Use the space inside appliances to store other smaller items.
Tips for Kitchen, China, Glassware, Crystal, etc.
- Wrap each item individually in tissue paper, bubble paper, or cushion foam. You may also use your kitchen linens to wrap less fragile items.
- Pack all of these items in such a way so that they will not bang against each other, or use a box designed for such items with dividers in it. Place plenty of loose Styrofoam peanuts or crunched up newsprint in the voids and cavities in the box as you pack. Mark each box as fragile.
- Pack your canned goods in smaller boxes to manage the weight. Do not pack perishable food items including potpourri or spices as they can attract pests.
Tips for Clothing, Linens and Draperies
- Store clothing, linens and draperies with fabric freshener sheets to keep them smelling fresh and to absorb moisture.
- If you use hangers for these items, ensure that they are non-rusting hangers. Rust will stain your fabrics.
- You can buy wardrobe boxes with a horizontal bar specifically for hanging items on.
- If storing wool items, use cedar chips and/or mothballs to prevent moth damage.
- Bundle unused hangers and secure them together for easier manageability.
- Clean, dry and bag up curtain attachments and hangers in Ziploc bags and pack with the appropriate linens.
Tips for Furniture
- If you stack furniture items, place pads, blankets, or towels between them to prevent scratching.
- Stand mattresses on their end, with something underneath to allow for air flow. Use a mattress bag or cloth bag to cover it. If using plastic, allow the top to remain open for air circulation.
- Some woods are sensitive to moisture. Consider waxing your wood items or pledging them before you store them. Take note that it also makes them more slippery to handle so use caution.
- Disassemble tables, lawn furniture, bed frames, etc. Wrap the items so they do not get damaged and put in small, easily moveable bundles. Label and attach baggies with the necessary screws, etc. needed for reassembly later.
- Store couches on their end (or flat and stack items on top of it), stack chairs seat to seat (one upside down on top of the other), tables upside down with legs pointing up (if they do not disassemble). Use dust covers or bed sheets to cover and protect their surfaces, and in between each item.
- Hide-a-bed couches should not be stored vertically as it can damage their frames.
- Dresser drawers can be a great place to store delicate or breakable items.
Tips for Computers and Electronics
- Items like computers, electronic equipment, camera equipment, etc., should be carefully packed in their own boxes if you have them.
- Tie or tape down moving parts (lids on copiers, etc.). Twist tie the cords and pack in the same box.
- If you do not have the original box, wrap each piece individually in bubble wrap, cushion foam, or electric shock reduction wrapping whenever possible. Place plenty of crumpled up newsprint in the voids around each item. Do not use Styrofoam chips that can break down and get into openings where it can cause damage (unless the item is completely wrapped first).
- Mark the boxes as fragile and do not stack heavy boxes on top of them. Pack valuable items at the rear of the unit, such as stereos, TVs, cameras, etc.
Tips for Metal Objects
- Metal items (bicycles, tools, machinery, etc.) need to be cleaned, dried and polish before they are stored. For items that are prone to rust, wipe them with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil to retard rust. Insure that they do not come in contact with other items.
- Wrap these items in materials that will not mar the finish, such as bubble wrap or tissue paper. Make sure that any wrapping or packing material used with them is chemical free.
- Mark the boxes as fragile and make sure not to place heavy boxes on top of them.
Tips for Mechanical Devices or Machinery
- (Motorcycles, cars, snow blowers, lawn mowers, pressure washers, etc.)
- Follow the tips in your owner’s manual or contact the original manufacturer if you no longer have the manual for advice.
- In general, remove all fuel and other fluids to avoid spillage and reduce flammability.
- Wrap these items in plastic or cloth tarps and secure with rope or heavy tape. Label each item after covering if necessary. Do not put boxes or other heavy items on top of your mechanical items.
Tips for Boats and RVs
- Always check to ensure the doors, gates, roofs or ceilings are all wide enough and high enough so the item can actually get in to the bay without damage.
- All boats should be winterized including: all fluid checked and changed to ensure all moisture has been removed. Water can freeze and cause damage.
- Detailing should include compounding, waxing and vinyl cleaning.
- RVs need to have the water holding tanks drained.
Remember that charity organizations are always happy to receive gently used items that you no longer need. Any unwanted books could go to a local library or school. Thank you for your support.
*Disclaimer: this information is provided to hopefully help you with your packing, and self storage needs. This information or advice, either written or oral, is offered “as is” with no warranty or guarantee of any kind, express or implied. The entire risk as to the results and performance of the tips is assumed by the user.