Make packing for storage easier on yourself by planning ahead. Start by listing all the items you’re going to store and their sizes. Also, gather plenty of sturdy, corrugated cartons, packing paper, bubble wrap, sealing tape, and marker pens, along with any furniture covers or shelving you intend to use in your storage unit. The last thing you want to do is run out of sealing tape while you’re packing. Versatile Storage Ltd. has all the supplies you will need.
Size Matters. The weight of the contents should determine the size of the box. Heavy smaller items, such as books and records, should go in the smaller boxes. Lightweight larger items, such as blankets and pillows, can go in the largest boxes.
Make a List and Check It Twice. Clearly label boxes so you know their contents, and keep a list (as well as pictures and descriptions) at your home or office for reference. Clearly mark all boxes containing fragile items.
Clean and dry appliances before storing. Secure all movable parts with paper or wedges, and wrap a paper pad around each item for protection. During transport, tape all doors shut, but remember to wedge them open for storage.
Tape or tie bed rails together. Mark the pieces for easier assembly later.
See a Specialist. When possible, use boxes specially made for the items you are storing. For instance, use small boxes for books, dish boxes for dishes, and art/mirror boxes for mirrors or paintings. Also, wardrobe boxes should be used for clothing and drapes.
Use lots of paper to pack dishes and glassware. Place a layer of packing paper inside the bottom and top of the cartons. Wrap each dish and glass separately and cushion them with crumpled paper. Plates are best stacked on the edge.
Pad mirrors and paintings with paper. Place them in special mirror packs or large boxes, mark boxes.
Watch Your Weight. Keep all boxes to a maximum of 50 pounds to allow for easier lifting.
Protect the Family Jewels. Take extra care with valuable items that can break. This includes dishes, glassware, ceramics, mirrors, and other fragile items. Wrap them individually in bubble wrap, and then secure them in the box with packing peanuts, bubble wrap, or newspaper so there is no space for them to shift around.
Seal the Deal. Be generous with packing tape, using enough on your boxes to create an airtight seal.
No Breathing Room. Make sure cartons are firmly and fully packed, with heavier items on bottom and lighter ones on top. Pack books on their side, not on the spine. Fill boxes completely – this makes them stack more easily, and maximizes your storage space.
Take Cover. Use a mattress bag to protect items such as box springs and mattresses, and use furniture covers for chairs and sofas. (Be sure to vacuum the upholstery before you cover the furniture.).
Storage Tips
Store items you’ll need most often at the front of the unit.
When you pack your storage unit, create a center aisle for access to all items.
Do not place boxes directly on concrete floors, but use pallets or skids to prevent moisture absorption.
If you’re storing tables and other furniture, remove legs and store tabletops and sofas on end to save space.
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 lawnmowers and other items with small engines.
Common sense and provincial laws determine what may be stored. You alone control access to your storage space; therefore, never store live animals, perishables, liquids, explosives, flammable liquids and fuels, toxic materials, or other items that need a controlled environment.
Use trash cans to store shovels, hoes, and rakes.
Mattresses should be covered and stored flat on level surfaces.
When storing metal items, to retard rust, wipe all metal surfaces with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil.
Always use high-quality locks on your unit. Locks are available for sale. Ask our site manager for a recommendation.
