Make packing for storage easier on yourself by planning ahead.

Start by listing all the items you're going to store and their approximates sizes. Also, gather up plenty of sturdy, corrugated cartons, packing paper, bubble wrap, sealing tape, and marker pens, along with any furniture covers or shelving you intend to use in your storage unit.

Pack as much as you can in the same size boxes.

Fill boxes tightly, but take care to neither overpack nor under the pack. (Bulging cartons tip when stacked, while half full boxes tend to collapse). Use wadded up newsprint, bubble wrap, rags, towels, or blankets to fill in empty spaces. For maximum protection seal cartons with tape.

Pack heavy items such as books and tools in small boxes.

For easier handling limit the weight of all cartons, regardless of size, to 30lbs. or less.

Label all boxes.

Clearly label boxes so you know their contents, and keep a list (as well as pictures and descriptions) at your home or office for reference. Mark clearly all boxes containing fragile items.

Clean and dry appliances before storing.

Fridges, freezers, and other white goods should be clean and dry before storing, with a deodorizer inside for freshness, and the door slightly ajar. Secure all movable parts with paper, or wedge and wrap a paper pad around each item for protection. During transport tape, all doors shut, but remember to wedge them open for storage.

Tape or tie bed rails together.

Mark the pieces for easier assembly later. Place covers or plastic bags on mattresses to keep them clean during storage.

Pack books flat to protect their spines.

Line cartons with plastic and fill empty spaces with packing paper.

Use bureau drawers to store small, fragile items.

Secure items in the drawer by filling empty spaces with towels or packing paper.

Protect chair legs by wrapping them in packing paper.

Leave slipcovers on upholstered chairs and cover them with plastic chair covers.

Hang clothes and draperies in wardrobe boxes.

Add mothballs or cedar chips for extra protection

Use lots of paper to pack dishes and glassware.

Place a layer of packing paper inside the bottom and top of the cartons. Wrap each dish and glass separately and cushion them with crumpled paper. Plates are best stacked on edge.

Pack lamps and lampshades in individual boxes.

Use plenty of clean paper or clothing for padding.

Pad mirrors and paintings with paper and cardboard.

Ensure goods while in storage.

Ask the manager about self-storage insurance. We cannot be responsible for loss from fire or theft.

Storage Tips

Store items you'll need most often at the front of the unit.

When packing your storage unit, create a center aisle for access to all items.

Do not place boxes directly on concrete floors, but use pallets or skids to prevent moisture absorption.

If you're storing tables and other furniture, remove legs and store tabletops and sofas on end, to save space.

Old photographs tend to curl over time. To keep them flat, place them between two pieces of cardboard and tape them together.

Drain gasoline and oil from lawnmowers and other items with small engines.

Common sense and state laws determine what may be stored. You alone control access to your storage space; therefore, never store live animals, perishables, liquids, explosives, flammable liquids and fuels, toxic materials, or other items that need a controlled environment.

Use trash cans to store shovels, hoes, and rakes.

Mattresses should be covered and stored flat on level surfaces.

Use protective covers and treat wood surfaces before storing.

When storing metal items, to retard rust, wipe all metal surfaces with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil.

Pack blankets, draperies, and dress clothes on the hanger in a wardrobe box. Place them in special mirror packs or large boxes; mark boxes