Before you pack, move and store, be sure you take a moment to review some of the helpful tips below to ensure a successful storage of your valuable possessions. We often hear people say, “I wish I thought of that, before!” But by that time it is usually too late to get it right. We wish you the best in your situation, whether you’re moving or looking for long term storage, and hope these tips have you saying, “I’m glad I knew about THAT, beforehand!”
Check Your Moving Company
Be sure to check out your moving company’s liability insurance and license. Question your mover about extra charges and be sure that you have obtained your estimate prior to moving.
How to Load
Park your unit as close to your home as possible. Load one quarter of the unit at a time, packing it as tightly as possible, floor to ceiling. Tie down each quarter. Usually the appliances and largest items go in first, heaviest items on the bottom and lighter items on top. Mattresses, tabletops, and other long items fit well along the sides of the truck. Mirrors ride best placed between mattress and box spring.
Save your back! Always bend your knees and use your leg muscles when lifting heavy objects. Never lift with your back bent. Never push, always pull so that you are higher on the ramp than the item.
Storage Tips
Consider the environment where you plan to store your valuables. Will it be very hot or cold? Consider renting a climate controlled storage room for items that could be damaged by extreme temperatures or humidity. This includes things like software, paper, electronics or clothing. Some items do best in cold storage such as wine and furs. In self-storage units without climate control consider using a dehumidifier.
When choosing a storage unit, factor in a little more room than your belongings take up, in order to allow space for you to walk between stacks of items. This will help you to find what you need after you store it. Leave a little room between the walls and the stored goods to improve ventilation.
Take a little time to plan and organize as you pack. This should make it easier to find things in the future and less likely that anything will get damaged during a move or while in storage.
Caution: Do not store dangerous or flammable items, nor should you store food items of any kind as food simply attract pests.