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- Plan your storage space. Store frequently used items in the front of the unit. Allow for walkways for easier accessibility.
- Label all boxes and keep a list of what is in each box. That way, if you need something, you can find it easier. Keep the list at home in a safe place.
- Never assume that your homeowner's or renter's insurance will cover your belongings while in storage. Make up an inventory of your stored items and keep it safe place at
home or in a safe deposit box. You may want to purchase insurance.
- Keep a small amount of space between belongings and the unit walls.
- Appliances should be clean and dry to avoid mold and mildew. Keep doors open, or remove them and use the space to store blankets, linens, towels, etc. inside.
- Stuff towels between the washing machine and the inner tub to keep tub from rotating. Also, remove and discard vacuum cleaner bags.
- Store mattresses and box springs on long edges.
Wrap
for protection and elevate off of floor for circulation. Pallets are a great way to keep items off of floor.
- Use drawers in furniture to store fragile items. Wrap items in towels, washcloths, blankets, etc. to help prevent breaking.
- Store couches on end (except hide-a-beds) to maximize space.
- Do not store sharp objects on upholstered furniture.
- DO NOT use newspaper to wrap items with. The ink may smudge off and ruin items. Use
bubble wrap or newsprint packing paper.
- When packing books or heavy items, use
small boxes
to avoid excessive weight.
- When stacking
boxes
, keep the heavy ones on the bottom and lighter ones on top.
- Pictures and
mirrors should be stored upright - never flat.
Dishes and glasses should be wrapped and packed in sturdy boxes.
- When wrapping breakables, use
tape
. This will help remind you that there is a fragile item in the paper.
- Break down furniture, whenever possible. Mark pieces well and put them in a drawer for easier assembly.
- If tables do not break down, store with table top down. Make sure you have a blanket or pad on the floor between the floor and the table.
- Use sheets or blankets to cover furniture and wax wood before storing them.
- When storing clothes, keep on hangers and store in wardrobe boxes. Keep out-of-season clothing accessible, if you will be storing for a long period of time.
- Store rakes, shovels, hoses, etc. in empty garbage cans. Stack cans in one another.
- When storing bikes, tools, etc. wipe with a small amount of oil to help avoid rust. Store these items away from items that may stain.
- Clean BBQ grills and store empty gas or propane bottles only.
- Empty gas from lawn mowers and weed wackers before storing.
- REMEMBER: Do not store any EXPLOSIVE, NOXIOUS, HAZARDOUS, FLAMMABLE, COMBUSTIBLE, PERISHABLES, or ILLEGAL MATERIALS.
If you are working with the Movers:
Point out to the packers any extra-fragile items needing special attention. Mark appropriately any items you do not want packed or moved, as well as cartons you will want first when the
truck arrives at your destination.
- Unplug all electronic appliances 24 hours in advance of a move, except plasma televisions, so that they will be at room temperature on moving day. This includes
home computers, stereos and audio/video equipment.
- Check closets, cabinets, and storage lockers for any articles overlooked.
- It is your responsibility to see that all mechanical and electrical equipment is properly serviced for moving.
- It is your responsibility to see that all of your goods are loaded, so remain on the premises until loading is complete. This also holds true for unloading.
Take a Last Look Around Before You Go:
- Water shut off?
- Furnace shut off?
- Light switches turned off?
- All utilities arranged for disconnection?
- Windows shut and locked?
- Old house keys surrendered?
- Have you left anything?
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