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Appliances
A refrigerator or freezer should be clean
and thoroughly dry and stored with its door slightly
ajar. Ovens and other cooking equipment should be clean
before storing. In some cases you can store small items
inside large appliances. Boxes can also be stacked on
top of stoves, refrigerators and freezers. While in
transit, all doors should be taped shut.
Books and documents
Pack books flat to protect the binding
and spine. Use packing to fill out empty pockets in the
boxes. Do not pack fragile items in the same box with
books, and do not overload. Consider packing books in
smaller boxes to keep the weight at a minimum. Do not
place fragile items in the same box with your books.
File boxes are excellent for document storage.
Bed frames
Disassemble your bed frames before
placing in the storage unit. This will save a
significant amount of space. Fasten the frames together
with bubble wrap, tape or rope. Place bolts in a small
inner plastic bag, which you can tape to the side of the
bed frame.
Bedding, clothing, curtains, drapes, and
linens
If possible, store your clothing,
curtains, and drapes on hangers. It is always best to
use wardrobe boxes for clothing. Clothes should be
stored on hangers to retain their original shapes.
Alternatively, you can fold your clothes and leave them
in dresser drawers. It is important to clean all clothes
before storage. Using mothballs is a good idea.
Boxes
Use uniform size boxes for easy stacking.
Be sure your boxes are strong enough to hold 25 to 30
pounds. Avoid adding too much weight to the boxes. Place
the heavier items on the bottom of the box and then the
heavier boxes at the bottom of your storage unit.
Fill containers to capacity. Partially
full or bulging cartons may tip or collapse. Protect
fragile goods with packing and place them near the top
of any stack.
When selecting a box, keep in mind the
weight as well as the size of the items you are packing.
Use small boxes for heavier items such as books. Larger
boxes can be used for lighter items, such as blankets
and pillows.
Label all boxes to keep track of the contents.
Dishes and glasses
Place a layer of packing inside the
bottom and at the top of boxes containing glassware. All
glass items should be individually wrapped; nest cups
and bowls, and stand plates, saucers, and platters on
edge. Wrapped glasses should be placed near the top of
cartons.
Electrical equipment
All equipment should be clean and dry.
Any equipment with doors that seal, such as a
refrigerator, should be stored with its door slightly
ajar.
Fragile items
Place a layer of packing inside the
bottom and at the top of boxes containing fragile items.
All items should be individually wrapped placing the
most fragile near the top of the cartons. Again, fill
all pockets with packing and leave no empty spaces. When
stacking boxes that contain delicate items, place these
on top of those containing heavy items. Label all boxes
containing delicate items "FRAGILE."
Furniture
To save space, stand sofas and mattresses
on end. Disassemble beds, tables, and other furniture
and wrap table legs in paper or bubble wrap. Use dresser
drawers for linens or small, delicate items. Most
lightweight chairs can be stacked "seat to seat" or
placed upside down on tables that cannot be
disassembled. Use paper pads when stacking to avoid
scratching.
Other furniture with drawers can be
utilized as storage places for small pictures, china,
silverware, small items, etc. Wrap them in tablecloths,
towels, or blankets to prevent breakage. Utilize the
drawer space to store small, soft, delicate and fragile
items. Cartons can be stacked on top of dressers
Do not place heavy or sharp objects on
top of upholstered furniture. Cover stuffed furniture to
protect against dust.
Lamps
Lamp bases should be wrapped in padding
and placed in boxes, dresser drawers, or large
appliances. Lampshades should be wrapped separately and
packed in cartons. Do not use newsprint to wrap
lampshades or any other goods that may be damaged by ink
stains. Do not store heavy items on cartons containing
lamps or lampshades.
Mattresses
It is best to store mattresses flat on
top of a level stack of boxes or furniture. If you stand
mattresses on their side, prop them up so they are
supported and stand straight. Mattresses should be
covered to keep them clean.
Mirrors, pictures, windows, and screens
Wrap mirrors and pictures
in paper and bubble wrap and pack in a mirror packing
box. Do not lay mirror boxes flat. If possible, place
between a mattress and box spring, or place on the side
of your container.
Records and phonographs
Records should be stored on edge to avoid
warping.
Sofas and loveseats
These items can be stored on end to save
floor space. Cushions should be wrapped in plastic and
placed on top. Don't store boxes on top of couches.
IMPORTANT: Do not store sofa beds on their ends!
Tables
Where possible, remove the legs, and wrap
in bubble wrap. Place the nuts, bolts and screws in a
small zip lock bag. Tape the bag on the inside or bottom
of the furniture to keep all pieces together.
Tools
Metal tools should be cleaned and wiped
with a rag containing a few drops of machine oil to
retard rust. Long handled tools such as rakes, shovels,
and hoes should be cleaned, lightly oiled, and tied in
bundles with tape or rope. They can also be stored
together in empty trashcans. |
