Take Care

Self Storage Tips and Tricks

Packing Your Belongings:

• Place heavier items on the bottom and smaller and lighter things on top.
• Pillows make good padding for fragile items.
• If possible, pack electronics in their original cartons. Otherwise electronics can be safely packed in sturdy boxes using bubble wrap, newsprint, comforters, blankets, etc.
• Lay books flat in the carton, alternating the spine and open side of the book. Place a piece of paper between books to prevent them sticking together. Books get heavy in bunches so it's better to pack them in small cartons.
• Pack lamp shades in individual boxes with plenty of paper for padding.
• Protect all chair legs by wrapping them with packing paper.
• Leave slipcovers on upholstered chairs and cover them with plastic covers.
• Go easy on your back. Hold the weight of all packing cartons to under 30 pounds.

• Dishes should be individually wrapped in tissue and cushioned in the carton with crumpled packing paper.
• To protect silver pieces from tarnishing, they should be completely enclosed in newsprint or plastic wrap.
• Pack glasses carefully. Wrap them with tissue and pad them with crumpled paper like the dishes.

• A single layer of shoes may be put in the bottom of wardrobe cartons. Do not pack heavy items on top of shoes.
• Hats should be packed in large cartons and marked "fragile" so they are not crushed.
• Clothing that ordinarily hangs in a closet should be packed in a wardrobe carton
• 
  
• Storing and packing just got easier! Here are a few helpful storage tips....
  1. Don't forget to use valuable space inside drawers and larger appliances, such as stoves and refrigerators, to store small items: towels, linens, toys, etc.
  2. Break down large items such as bed frames, tables, and large furniture, and don't forget to keep all parts (screws and smaller items) together by taping them to the item.
  3. Wrap furniture legs with protective bubble wrap, furniture covers or pads to prevent scratching.
  4. Label boxes on all sides for easy identification.
  5. Make sure fragile boxes are placed on top of heavier, less delicate boxes. Be sure not to over pack boxes as they can get heavy and dangerous.
  6. Place frequently accessed items towards the front of your unit. Less frequently needed items should be placed toward the rear of your unit.
  7. Boxes that are tightly sealed with packing tape will prevent dust from entering.
  8. Use furniture covers or moving pads to keep items off the floor of the unit.
  9. When storing business files, leave a walkway down the center of your unit to make accessing items easier.
  10. Do not store anything flammable (such as paint or otherchemicals) or perishable.
  11. Drain any fluids prior to storing snow blowers, lawnmowers, and other equipment; Do not store hazardous or combustible materials.
  12. Purchase a secure, high quality lock. One of the most highly recommended is the disk lock, which is available at your U•Store•It Rental Office.
  .