Moving & Packing Tips


  1. Plan your storage space. Place those items that you may need to access more frequently in the front. Allow for walkways.
  2. Make up an inventory of your stored items and keep it in a safe place at home or in a safe deposit box. Take pictures or videos of valuables, and major purchases, record serial numbers.
  3. CAUTION: Do not store anything COMBUSTIBLE or PERISHABLE such as paint thinner, gasoline, solvents, paint, or non canned food items.
  4. Use uniform size boxes for easy stacking. Be sure your boxes are strong enough to hold 25 to 30 lbs.
  5. List contents of boxes on all four sides: number the boxes, seal them with packing tape or duct tape.
  6. Stack lighter boxes on top of heavier boxes.
  7. Dishes and glasses should be wrapped in bubble wrap, marked "Fragile" and packed in sturdy boxes. Stack them only on top.
  8. Pictures and mirrors should be wrapped in bubble wrap and packed in cardboard, marked "Fragile" and stacked on end.
  9. Furniture with drawers can be utilized as storage places for pictures, china, silverware, etc. Wrap them in tablecloths, towels or blankets to prevent breakage.
  10. Tables having removable legs should be broken down: to save space.
  11. Sofas and love-seats can be stored on end to save floor space. Always place a protective cover, cardboard, or storage mat under the item on the concrete. Cushions should be wrapped in plastic and placed on top.
  12. Cover stuffed furniture with dust cover, cardboard, or blankets to protect against dust.
  13. If you stand mattresses on their sides, "prop" them up so they stand straight. They may tend to bend out of shape. Make sure that mattress is put in a mattress bag.
  14. Do not place heavy or sharp objects on top of upholstered furniture.
  15. Use a good quality lock on your storage unit.
  16. Utilize wardrobe boxes for clothing.
  17. Pack heavy items in small boxes.
  18. When disassembling furniture put screws, parts, etc. into a zip lock bag and tape parts inside a drawer.
  19. Insure your goods while in storage either on your current policy by contacting your agent, or purchase a policy from the storage facility (IF IT'S WORTH STORING, IT'S WORTH INSURING).