Start by listing all items you're going to store, and their approximate sizes. 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. We carry a full line of these supplies for purchase at the storage facility.
Fill them tightly, but take care to neither over-pack nor under-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.
For easier handling, limit the weight of all cartons (regardless of size) to 30 lbs. or less.
Such as ‘kitchen’, ‘bedroom’, ‘books’, ‘pictures’, ‘Holiday’, etc., so you know their contents. Be sure to keep a list (as well as pictures and descriptions) at your home or office for reference. Clearly mark all boxes containing fragile items.”
Especially refrigerators and washing machines. Secure all moveable parts with paper or a wedge. Wrap a paper pad around each item for protection. During transport, tape all doors shut;
but remember to wedge them open, to prevent mold or mildew growth, when placed in storage.
Mark the pieces for easier assembly later.
Place covers or plastic bags on mattresses to keep them clean during storage.
Line the storage containers with plastic and fill empty spaces with packing paper. Pack them flat to protect their spines
Pack small fragile items in bureau drawers. Clothing and towels make excellent packing material.
Wrap them in packing paper and leave slipcovers on upholstered chairs. Cover them with plastic chair covers.
Hang clothing and draperies in wardrobe boxes. Shoes and folded items can be placed on the bottom. Add moth balls or cedar chips for extra protection.
Place a layer of packing paper inside the bottom and top of cartons. Wrap each dish and glass separately, and cushion them with crumpled paper. Plates are best stacked on edge.
Pack them in individual boxes, using plenty of clean paper or clothing for padding.