Packing Tips

Spending a few extra moments while packing will spare you hours of frustration in the future. Here’s a rundown of useful tips that will get your items ready for storage:

• The first row is the best. Store items you’ll need most often at the front of the unit.

• Request an aisle seat. When you pack your storage unit, create a center aisle for easy access to all your valuables.

• Do not place boxes directly on concrete floors; use pallets or skids to allow airflow around and under items.

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

• Protect your memories. 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 lawn mowers and other items with small engines.

• Can it. The best place to store shovels, hoes and rakes is in the garbage can.

• Count a sheep. Save a bed. All mattresses should be covered and stored flat on level surfaces.

• Pack blankets, draperies and dress clothes on the hanger in a wardrobe box.

• Remember to lock up. Always use high quality locks on your unit. Locks are available for sale at each of our locations.

• Whenever possible, place dressers and tables top-to-top to save space.

• Smartly seal your boxes with packing tape to prevent dust from getting into your belongings. Nobody likes dust, not even your stuff.

• Smartly wrap furniture legs with protective wrap, furniture covers or pads to prevent scratching.

• Be diligent. Label your boxes on all sides. Mark your delicate belongings “fragile” and store them on top of heavier unbreakable boxes.

• It’s all about negative space. Use the empty spaces in stored furniture and appliances such as dresser drawers to store smaller items such as towels and linens.

• Don’t over-pack or under-pack. Bulging cartons tip when stacked, while half full boxes tend to collapse.

• Books might make you smart, but ten large boxes of Shakespeare is backbreaking. Instead of filling giant boxes with heavy books, mix in some lighter stuff like Danielle Steele.

• Clean and dry appliances before storing. Secure all movable parts with paper, or wrap a paper pad around each item for protection. During transport, tape all doors shut, but remember to wedge them open for storage.

• Avoid taking your book collection to the chiropractor. Pack books flat to protect their spines.

• Use a generous amount of paper to pack dishes and glassware. You never know when you’ll need them for that special party.

• If you don’t want to wrinkle your clothes, linens and draperies, don’t fold them. Use wardrobe boxes, which allow for hanging. We sell wardrobe boxes at every location.

• Keep the light going. Pack lamps and lampshades in individual boxes. Use plenty of clean paper or cloth for padding.

• Pad mirrors and paintings with paper. Place them in special mirror packs or large boxes; mark boxes as fragile and store with other fragile items.