Choose the Right Box.
Use no more than 2 sizes of boxes. This way, stacking the boxes will be easier and more organized. Use the smaller boxes for heavy items like books and dishes; the large boxes for lighter items like bedding, blankets and linens. It’s tempting to use garbage bags as a quick fix, but they tear easily and lack ventilation, which can result in mildew.
Pack Your Boxes the Right Amount.
Fill up the entire box but not all with heavy materials. Packed boxes should not weigh more than you can comfortably lift. Filling the box up helps it to remain square, not bulging over or able to collapse. Use bubble wrap or peanuts to fill empty spaces without adding much weight.
Use Hanging Wardrobe Boxes.
To help your clothes retain their shape, we recommend that you consider hanging them in a wardrobe box. Move hung items straight from closet to moving box. You can also use these specially designed boxes to hang drapes, bedding, and other similar items.
Close Boxes with Quality Tape.
Good quality packaging tape is essential. Proper closure of your boxes with professional packing tape ensures that each box maintains its structure and protects your items. Be sure to firmly close the top and bottom flaps with wide tape.
Label Your Boxes.
Make labels for each box and attach labels to all sides of the box, as well as the top of the box. If there are breakables, place “fragile” stickers on the box. Mark boxes with additional instructions such as: “kitchen”, ‘This Side Up”, etc.
Prep Your Power Tools.
If you are storing lawnmowers, weed eaters, leaf blowers or other power tools, drain their fuel tanks before packing them in your storage unit. This will prevent other items in your unit from adopting a fuel odor and also protect your clothing and other items from being damaged in the case of a leak.
Wrap Your Furniture.
Cover and pad furniture with protective materials to help ensure that they stay in good condition during the moving process and while in storage.
Make Items as Small as Possible.
Many stored items can be made smaller. Often you can reduce the size of bed frames to help everything fit more comfortably in your storage space. Wrap frames together with tape (use the non-sticky side for no tape residue) then place any screws in plastic bags and tape them to the frame.
Organize Your Unit.
Lastly, play ahead. Make a general plan of how you will place the boxes and other stored items inside your storage unit. Stack boxes so that each box is easily accessible and make aisles and sections within your unit. Dismantle furniture or use the hollow areas of big furniture. And, place boxes with the things that you’ll most frequently need at the front part of your storage unit.