There is a strategic art to packing for storage. This is a skill that takes practice, and trial and error. But when you’re packing your goods for storage, you don’t want to take too many chances.
Here are a few packing tips that will help make sure everything goes well.
1. Get Organized
Before you begin, make sure that you have the right type of boxes. Heavy items such as books and glassware need to be in smaller boxes and lighter objects such as linens and bedding can be packed in larger boxes. Have thick markers ready for labeling. Label your boxes with arrows so you know which way is up, and have lots of quality packing tape around so you don’t run out.
2. Wrap Carefully
When you’re gathering your belongings to take to a self storage facility, it’s wise to make sure they are packed well. All paintings and artwork should be packed in mirror or picture boxes, unless it is very small. Small items can be packed in smaller boxes. Wrap the artwork in bubble wrap and newsprint and tape securely. The artwork should fit snugly inside of your box. You should then label the box as Fragile, and mark its contents. Mirrors should be packed in the same way.
3. Wax Up That Wood
If you’re storing wooden furniture, it’s recommended to coat it with furniture wax or oil to protect it from heat and humidity. You can use your dressers and armoires to store linens and clothing, but be sure that they are completely dry. You can also find clothing storage boxes to hang your clothes up. If your furniture is particularly valuable or meaningful to you, you may want to consider a climate controlled storage facility.
4. Bag Your Books
When storing your books, pack them flat down so their spines don’t get ruined. Consider packing each book into a plastic bag to protect it from accidental water damage. Valuable documents should be stored in sealed Ziploc bags. If you have many photos to store, it’s a good idea to digitize them and put them on a hard drive.
5. Use Bubble Wrap for Breakables
Breakable kitchen items should be wrapped individually in bubble wrap for protection. When packing each item into its box, pad each one with liberal amounts of wadded newspaper. Place cardboard on top and on the sides of the wrapped breakables and label the box as Fragile after sealing it with tape.
Large appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerators, stoves, washing machines and dryers should have their contents removed, be cleaned and drained, have any hoses and racks removed and should be taped shut. Chairs, mattresses, tables and desks should be wrapped in plastic, taped up and then wrapped in large old blankets.
Basically, you want to be very careful about how you protect your belongings when you’re preparing them to go to a self storage facility. Remember not to overload your boxes and don’t make them heavier than you can lift comfortably.
And last but not least…
6. Use Smart Stacking Strategies!
When you’re ready to load your boxes into your storage space, don’t stack them too high up, they may topple over. Also, allow for a clear path down the center of your storage unit, placing items along the walls. Leave the things that you need most often in the front, where they are easily found. Follow these tips and your belongings will have a long, happy life while they are being stored.
