Mobile Storage Tips
February 3, 2016

City Centre’s team of experts will help you make the most of your new storage unit space, whether it’s over the phone or with our list of essential storage tips.

Our tips will help you pack effectively leading up to move-in day, protect your items from damage or long-term wear and tear, and load up your unit in an organized fashion. Keep these storage unit tips to in mind as you pack for a safe and effective move into storage!

HOW TO KEEP YOUR BOXES IN TACT AND ORGANIZED

Use the right type of box or packing crate.

  • For instance, use a heavy-duty box for your books as this is less likely to break than a standard box. You still need to be careful not to overfill it, though. Cell kits may work best for stemware or knick-knacks. Wardrobe boxes allow you to hang up clothing and fabrics while in storage.
  • Use the same sized boxes when possible to help prevent your stack of boxes from falling.

Fill each box completely to prevent the top or sides from crushing.

  • If your box is filled with odd-shaped or loose items like glassware or toys, fill the open spaces with crumpled paper, bubble wrap or other packing material.
  • However, be careful not to overfill the boxes – they could burst!

Ensure the boxes aren’t too heavy to move.

Use larger boxes for things that don’t weigh much and smaller ones for the heavy items.

Label boxes clearly and on more than one side.

Consider providing a general description like ‘kitchen goods’ and listing a short inventory such as ‘potholders, towels, aprons, silverware’ so that no one opens this kitchen box when they need the pots and pans. Be sure to mark boxes full of breakables as ‘fragile.’

HOW TO STACK AND WRAP SPECIFIC ITEMS CORRECTLY

Stack books

Don’t stand them on end as this could damage the spines.

Stack plates on end

Wrap dishes individually and place like-sized items together. Nest individually wrapped cups together.


Once you input your code, it opens the door of your unit’s power strike doors – just like an apartment building! – then disarms your individual alarm, while making a record of your visit within our computer system.

Wrap framed art in bubble wrap

You may want to double wrap the corners for extra protection.

Criss-cross masking tape

Across the face of mirrors or glass-covered art.

Store framed mirrors

Photographs and artwork vertically rather than flat

Avoid storing items in plastic bags

As they are less sturdy and can trap moisture

CLEAN AND PROTECT YOUR BELONGINGS PRE-PACK

Clean items like clothing, blankets and drapery

Before packing them to prevent germs and dirt from being transported to a new location. Odors from soiled fabrics will only get worse if they are stored instead of unpacked right away.

Polish items made of wood before you pack them

to provide a little extra protection from the elements.

Treat leather items with a specially made conditioner

before placing them in storage.

Wipe metal objects with machine oil

or another type of rust preventative.

Cover furniture with sheets or tarps to protect them

from stains, tears and scratches.

Take apart items like bed frames and tables

And remove lamp shades from lamps. This will help protect them from breaking and make them easier to move.

FINDING THE RIGHT STORAGE UNIT FOR YOUR NEEDS

  • When loading the moving truck, place least used items in the front of the truck so they can easily be placed behind other items in your new storage unit.
  • When choosing a storage unit, factor in a little more room than your belongings take up in order to allow space for you to walk between stacks of items. This will help you to find what you need after you store it. Leave a little room between the walls and the stored goods to improve ventilation.
  • Place heavy items on the bottom of your self storage unit.
  • Place boxes of fragile items on top of other boxes.
  • Take a little time to plan and organize your unit as you pack. This should make it easier to find things in the future and less likely that anything will get damaged during a move or while in storage.