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!
Use the right type of box or packing crate.
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Fill each box completely to prevent the top or sides from crushing.
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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.’ |
Stack booksDon’t stand them on end as this could damage the spines. |
Stack plates on endWrap 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 wrapYou may want to double wrap the corners for extra protection. |
Criss-cross masking tapeAcross the face of mirrors or glass-covered art. |
Store framed mirrorsPhotographs and artwork vertically rather than flat |
Avoid storing items in plastic bagsAs they are less sturdy and can trap moisture |
Clean items like clothing, blankets and draperyBefore 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 themto provide a little extra protection from the elements. |
Treat leather items with a specially made conditionerbefore placing them in storage. |
Wipe metal objects with machine oilor another type of rust preventative. |
Cover furniture with sheets or tarps to protect themfrom stains, tears and scratches. |
Take apart items like bed frames and tablesAnd remove lamp shades from lamps. This will help protect them from breaking and make them easier to move. |