Packing Tips
Proper packing is essential for protecting your belongings in storage. Start by gathering quality packing materials like boxes, bubble wrap, and tape. Seal boxes tightly to prevent dust buildup. Protect furniture with covers and wrap delicate parts to avoid damage. Label all boxes clearly for easy identification. Maximize space by using uniform-sized boxes and filling empty spaces with soft materials. Keep heavy items in small boxes for easier handling. Ensure appliances are clean and dry before storing. Use careful packing techniques for fragile items like books, glassware, and mirrors. Whenever possible, disassemble furniture to save space and prevent damage.
Plan Ahead
Gather up plenty of sturdy, corrugated cartons, packing paper, bubble wrap, sealing tape and marker pens, along with any furniture covers.
Seal Tightly
Boxes that are tightly sealed with packing tape will prevent dust from entering.
Protect Your Furniture
Wrap furniture legs with protective bubble wrap, furniture covers or pads to prevent scratching. Leave slipcovers on upholstered chairs and cover them with plastic chair covers. Tape or tie bed rails together. Mark the pieces for easier assembly later. Place covers or plastic bags on mattresses to keep them clean during storage.
Label. Label. Label.
Mark boxes on all sides for easy identification. Keep a list (as well as pictures and descriptions) at your home or office for reference. Clearly label all boxes containing fragile items. Make sure fragile boxes are placed on top of heavier, less delicate boxes.
Maximize Space
Use valuable space inside dresser drawers and larger appliances, such as stoves and refrigerators, to store small items like towels, linens, and knick-knacks. Secure items in drawers by filling empty spaces with towels or packing paper.
Use Same Size Boxes
Pack as much as you can in the same size boxes – this allows for easier stacking later. Fill boxes tightly, but take care to neither over pack nor under pack – bulging cartons tip when stacked, while half full boxes tend to collapse. Use wadded newsprint, bubble wrap, rags, towels, or blankets to fill empty spaces. For maximum protection seal cartons tightly with packaging tape.
Weight Matters
Pack heavy items such as books and tools in small boxes, making them easier to move. For easier handling limit the weight of all cartons, regardless of size, to 30 pounds or less.
Clean and Dry
Prior to storing you should properly clean and dry appliances. Secure all movable 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.
Book Bindings
Line storage boxes with plastic, pack books flat to protect their spines, and fill empty spaces with packing paper.
Be Careful, It’s Fragile
Use lots of paper to pack dishes and glassware. Place a layer of packing paper inside the bottom and top of boxes. Wrap each dish and glass separately and cushion them with crumpled paper. Plates are best stacked on edge. Be sure to mark the box as fragile!
Let Them Hang
Hang clothes and draperies in wardrobe boxes.
Disassemble if Possible
Disassemble bed frames, tables, and lamps for better storage. Pack lamps and lampshades in individual boxes. Use plenty of clean paper or clothing for padding.
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
Pad mirrors and paintings with paper. Place them in special mirror packs, use cardboard corner protectors, mark the boxes as fragile, and store in an upright position.