Fabric items like clothing, curtains and drapes are best if stored on hangers. If hanging cartons are not available, such items should be carefully folded and stored in dresser drawers or cedar chests along with bedding and linens.
A refrigerator or freezer should be thoroughly dry and stored with its door slightly ajar. Some goods can be stored inside large appliances. Be sure to make a note if you place anything inside. Boxes can be stacked on top of stoves, refrigerators, and freezers. Make sure that stoves and cooking equipment are clean and dry before you pack them.
Place a layer of packing inside the bottom and the top of boxes containing glassware. All glass items should be individually wrapped: nest cups and bowls together and stand plates, saucers, and platters on their edge. Wrapped glasses should be placed near the top of cartons. Again, fill all open pockets with packing paper. Label all boxes containing glassware and do not place heavy items on top.
Place a pallet, corrugated cardboard mat, or plastic sheet on the floor before placing furniture. If possible, stand sofas and mattresses on end. Disassemble beds and tables and wrap table legs in paper. If a table will not disassemble, place padding on the floor and place the table on its top with the legs pointing up. Use dresser tops for stacking cartons and dresser drawers for linens or small, delicate items. Keep upholstery off the floor. Most lightweight chairs can be stacked “seat to seat” or placed upside down on tables, which cannot be disassembled. Finally, place a light cotton dust cover, such as a bed sheet, over your furniture.
Pack books flat to protect the spines. Do not place boxes directly on concrete floors, but use pallets or skids to prevent moisture absorption. Use packing to fill all empty pockets in each box. Do not pack fragile items in the same box with books and do not overload.
Save the original cartons that contained delicate ornaments. Pad the ornaments with packing paper or newsprint. Wrap strings of lights around a piece of cardboard before placing in a carton lined with packing paper.
Wrap large lamp bases in padding and wrap smaller lamps completely before placing them in boxes. Pack delicate lamp shades separately. Do not use newsprint to wrap lamp shades or any other goods that may be damaged by ink stains. You can purchase unprinted wrapping paper, foam wrap or bubble wrap at our location to help protect delicate items. Do not store heavy items on top of cartons containing lamps or lampshades.
These items should be stored on edges, not flat. We offer a selection of mirror/picture boxes that can be purchased at our office.
Metal tools should be cleaned and wiped with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil to prevent rust. Long handled tools such as rakes, shovels and hoes should be clean, lightly oiled and tied in bundles.
To avoid rust, wipe all metal surfaces with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil.
Make a timeline leading up to moving day for cleaning out, labeling, and organizing your life before you move. Take a little time each week or day to check off the list, one room or closet at a time.
Taking time to carefully load your storage space will ensure the best results for your belongings.
Leave air space around the perimeter to aid ventilation. Boxes of the same size make for easy stacking.
Leave a walkway to the rear of your space for convenient access to all items.
Use all the space available by stacking neatly to the ceiling, with air space on top, and place frequently used items near the door. Avoid leaning items against the side of your unit.
Using plastic storage containers is a great option for accessibility without the hassle of packing tape.
Use high-quality packing boxes designed especially for the job and seal them completely with packing tape.
Label your moving boxes with a thick marker and clear handwriting. Include the names of the corresponding room and specific information. Use packing labels and include dates or special instructions (kitchen china, master bedroom, guest linens, etc., This Side Up, Books-Heavy, Chandelier-Fragile, etc.).
Create a list of labeled boxes for easy reference. Color coordinating or numbering each box is a great trick to stay organized.
Fill containers and moving boxes to capacity, and be mindful of the weight.
A month before you move is a great time to clean house. Plan a trip to your local donation center with old clothes, toys or sporting equipment, garage and lawn gear. If something is broken, expired, or no longer of use, lighten your load and throw away what you won’t be taking with you.
Start by listing all the items you’re going to store and their approximates sizes. Also, gather up plenty of sturdy, corrugated cartons, packing paper, bubble wrap, sealing tape and marker pens, along with any furniture covers or shelving you intend to use in your storage unit.
Pack as much as you can in the same size boxes. Fill boxes tightly, but take care to neither overpack nor underpack. (Bulging cartons tip when stacked, while half full boxes tend to collapse). Use wadded up newsprint, bubblewrap, rags, towels, or blankets to fill in empty spaces. For maximum protection seal cartons with tape.
Pack heavy items such as books and tools in small boxes. For easier handling limit the weight of all cartons, regardless of size, to 30 lbs. or less.
Clearly label boxes so you know their contents, and keep a list (as well as pictures and descriptions) at your home or office for reference. Mark clearly all boxes containing fragile items.
Clean and dry appliances before storing. 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.
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.
Store items you’ll need most often at the front of the unit. When you pack your storage unit, create a center aisle for access to all items.
If you’re storing tables and other furniture, remove legs and store tabletops and sofas on end, to save space.
Pack books flat to protect their spines. Line cartons with plastic and fill empty spaces with packing paper.
Use bureau drawers to store small, fragile items. Secure items in drawer by filling empty spaces with towels or packing paper.
Protect chair legs by wrapping them in packing paper. Leave slipcovers on upholstered chairs and cover them with plastic chair covers.
Hang clothes and draperies in wardrobe boxes.
Use lots of paper to pack dishes and glassware. Place a layer of packing paper inside the bottom and top of cartons. Wrap each dish and glass separately and cushion them with crumpled paper. Plates are best stacked on edge. Pad mirrors and paintings with paper. Place them in special mirror packs or large boxes; mark boxes.
Pack lamps and lampshades in individual boxes. Use plenty of clean paper or clothing for padding.
Do not place boxes directly on concrete floors, but use pallets or skids to prevent moisture absorption.
Highline Storage is dedicated to helping residents, businesses, and students in the Des Moines Metro Area (including West Des Moines, North Des Moines, Ankeny, Polk City, Johnston, Berwick, Norwoodville, Saylorville, Marquisville, Altoona, and Bondurant) safely and securely store their belongings, boats, RVs, and other vehicles. Above are some helpful tips for packing and arranging your storage unit. If you have a question that isn’t covered, just ask our friendly staff.