TIPS & TRICKS

Packing Your Belongings:

• Place heavier items on the bottom and smaller and lighter things on top.
• Pillows make good padding for fragile items.
• If possible, pack electronics in their original cartons. Otherwise electronics can be safely packed in sturdy boxes using bubble wrap, newsprint, comforters, blankets, etc.
• Lay books flat in the carton, alternating the spine and open side of the book. Place a piece of paper between books to prevent them sticking together. Books get heavy in bunches so it’s better to pack them in small cartons.
• Pack lamp shades in individual boxes with plenty of paper for padding.
• Protect all chair legs by wrapping them with packing paper.
• Leave slipcovers on upholstered chairs and cover them with plastic covers.
• Go easy on your back. Hold the weight of all packing cartons to under 30 pounds.

• Dishes should be individually wrapped in tissue and cushioned in the carton with crumpled packing paper.
• To protect silver pieces from tarnishing, they should be completely enclosed in newsprint or plastic wrap.
• Pack glasses carefully. Wrap them with tissue and pad them with crumpled paper like the dishes.

• A single layer of shoes may be put in the bottom of wardrobe cartons. Do not pack heavy items on top of shoes.
• Hats should be packed in large cartons and marked "fragile" so they are not crushed.
• Clothing that ordinarily hangs in a closet should be packed in a wardrobe carton.

Packing Your Storage Unit:

• Let our staff know what you want to store and we can help guide you to the right size and type of storage.
• Boxes that are a uniform size are easier to stack.
• Move larger items to the back of the unit. The front of the unit can be used for smaller and odd-shaped objects.
• Leave small walkways between boxes and furniture in your storage unit so you can easily get to the items you want without having to move everything around.
• Leave a space between your belongings and the wall of the unit to allow air to circulate.
• If you’re storing a lot of packing boxes in your unit, try to fill them to the top, even if it’s just with padding and old, crumpled newspapers. Boxes that are only half-filled tend to collapse if anything is stacked on top.
• Store glass and mirrors between mattresses to cushion and protect them.
• If you’re putting metal objects into storage – like lawnmowers or file cabinets – it’s best to treat them with rust protector first, or at least wipe them down with an oily rag.
• If you’re storing a refrigerator in your unit leave the door ajar. This will prevent mold from growing inside.
• Adding shelves to your storage unit helps make the most of your space.
• When all your items have been stored in the unit, cover them with a dust sheet to keep them clean and protected.