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Moving and 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, and 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 uniformly sized 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, and 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, 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 with 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 a dust cover, cardboard, or blankets to protect against dust.
  13. If you stand mattresses on their sides, “prop” them up so they stand straight. Otherwise, they may tend to bend out of shape. Make sure that a mattress is put in a mattress bag for protection.
  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 secure zip-lock bag and tape parts inside a drawer.
  19. Insure your goods while in storage either on your current homeowner’s or renter’s policy by contacting your agent (IF IT’S WORTH STORING, IT’S WORTH INSURING).