- Make packing for storage
easier on yourself by planning ahead. Start by
listing all the items you are going to store, and their
approximate sizes. Also gather up 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.
- Pack as much as you can in
uniform size boxes. Fill them tightly, but take care
neither to overpack nor underpack. (Bulging cartons tip
when stacked, while half-full cartons tend to collapse.)
Use wadded-up newsprint, bubble-wrap, rags, towels, or
blankets to fill-in empty spaces. For maximum protection,
seal cartons with tape.
- Pack heavy items, such as books
and tools in small boxes. For easier handling limit the
weight of all cartons (regardless of size) to 30 lbs. or less.
- Label all cartons so that you
know their contents and keep a list (as well as pictures
and descriptions) at your home or office for reference. Mark
clearly all boxes containing fragile items.
- Clean and dry appliances
thoroughly before storing. Secure all moveable parts with
paper or wedge 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. Drape plastic over
mattresses to keep them clean during storage.
- Pack books flat to protect their
spines. Line cartons with plastic and fill empty spaces with
packing paper.
- Use bureau drawers to store small,
fragile items. Clothing and towels make excellent packing
material.
- Protect chair legs by wrapping
them in packing paper. Leave slip covers on upholstered
chairs and cover them with plastic chair covers.
- Hang clothing and draperies in
wardrobe boxes. Add mothballs or ceder chips for extra
protection.
- Use lots of paper to pack dishes
and glassware. Place a layer of packing paper inside the
bottom and top of cartons. Wrap each dish and glass separately
and cushion them with crumpled paper. Plates are best stacked
on edge.
- Pack lamps and lamp shades in
individual boxes, using plenty of clean paper or clothing
for padding.
- Pad mirrors and paintings with
paper and place them in special mirror packs or large boxes.
Mark boxes. Never store mirrors or paintings flat. Always place
them on edge.
- Remove the legs from large tables
to conserve storage space. Tie and pad extra leaves together.
Store table tops on edge and pad with paper or blankets.
- Wipe the surfaces of tools,
bikes, and other metal objects with machine oil to prevent
rusting.
- Use pallets or shelving as a
foundation for cartons and furniture, as well as shelving,
whenever possible.
- Stack boxes shoulder-high to
maximize your total space.
- Do not place book boxes directly
on the floor.
- Place items you use frequently
(or may need to use soon) near the storage room door.
- Store lightweight small items
around the back of the locker. Move large, heavy items into
storage last. Remember to leave a walkway so you can get to the
rear of the unit.
- Pack stereos, cameras, and other
high-value items in unmarked boxes toward the rear of the
storage space.
- Stand sofas and mattresses on
end and protect them with specially designed covers. Do not
place heavy or sharp objects on top of upholstered furniture.
- Leave a few inches of space
between your items and the wall for better ventilation. Do
not lean anything against the wall.
- Cover the entire load with a light
plastic cover.
- Use a good quality lock on your l
ocker door. Inexpensive locks rust. Insure your goods while
in storage.
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