Home Moving Self Storage Tips

Temporary Storage.. Caught Between Homes?

Your planning may be meticulous, but there are many parties involved in a typical home purchase. If you're building a home, weather or other problems could create delay. Unexpected credit questions may cause a delay. The person buying your home may be ready as planned, but you may not, or visa versa. Or, it may simply be that you want to use temporary self storage as an add-on (so-to-speak) to your home.

In any case, there are some things to know when packing for temporary or self storage that will minimize your space requirements, and prevent damage to your possessions:

• Self Storage is a convenient, safe, and inexpensive way to store your belongings. Proper planning will make for an efficient and cost effective storage experience. If you plan or need to frequently use the space, a larger space may be more convenient than one packed to capacity.
• Plan your storage space. Place items in front that will be accessed frequently. Allow for walkways.
• Completely fill each box with your heaviest items on the bottom and lighter items on top.
• Try to keep your boxes in uniform sizes. They are much easier to stack that way.
• There are prohibited storage goods that every storage facility will NOT allow. Common sense and state laws determine what may be stored. See your contract.
• Label ALL boxes for easy identification.
• Leave a small space between the wall and your storage items to allow for ventilation.
• Pack your boxes and other items as close together as possible to avoid moisture accumulating between them.
• Use a HIGH QUALITY lock, preferably a "disc lock", for your unit. They are much harder to break or cut keeping your valuables as safe as possible.
• Make up an inventory of your stored items. Keep this list in a safe place at home or in a safe deposit box.
• List contents of boxes on all four sides, number the boxes, seal with masking tape or glued paper tape.
• Dishes and glasses should be wrapped in packing paper and placed in dish pack boxes. All glass items should be individually wrapped. Nest cups and bowls. Stand plates, saucers, and platters on edge. Wrapped glasses should be placed near the top of cartons. ill all pockets with packing material. Label all boxes containing glassware, and do not place heavy items on boxes containing glassware. Stack these boxes on top.
• Place your storage items on 2" x 4" boards or pallets to guard against dampness. Any concrete floor may become cold and damp.
• Clothing, curtains, and drapes should be stored on hangers. If hanging cartons are not available, such items should be carefully folded and stored in dresser drawers or cedar chests along with bedding and linens. We have wardrobe style cardboard cartons which help protect your clothes. Food crumbs or stains should be removed before storage to avoid storing anything that may attract pests.
• Pictures and mirrors should be wrapped in mirror crates marked "FRAGILE" and stacked on end.
• Furniture with drawers can be utilized as storage places for knickknacks, china, silverware and small items. Wrap these items in tablecloths, towels or blankets to prevent breakage.
• A refrigerator or freezer should be thoroughly dry and stored with its door slightly ajar. Larger appliances make excellent "packing cases" for blankets, towels, tablecloths and clothes.
• Make sure that stoves and cooking equipment are cleaned before they are stored.
• Shovels, hoes, rakes and hoses can be stored together in empty trash cans. Stack extra cans inside one another.
• Bicycles and other metal items will rust over time if not protected. To retard rust, wipe all metal surfaces with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil.
• Pack books flat to protect their spines. Do not pack fragile items in the same box with books and do not overload.
• Do not place boxes directly on concrete floors, but use pallets or skids to prevent moisture absorption.
• Use packing to fill out empty pockets in the boxes.
• Tables with removable legs should be "broken down" to save space.
• Sofas and love-seats can be stored on end to save floor space. Always place a protective waterproof cover under the end on the floor. Cushions should be wrapped in plastic and placed on top.
• Cover stuffed furniture with dust cover.
• If you stand mattresses on end, be sure to "prop" them up.