PACKING YOUR BELONGINGS FOR STORAGE IS ESSENTIAL TO ENSURE THAT YOUR ITEMS REMAIN IN GOOD CONDITIONS AND ARE EASY TO ACCESS WHEN NEEDED. HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO HELP YOU TO PREPARE EFFECTIVELY FOR STORING
1. Declutter
Before you start packing, go through your belongings, and decide what you really need to store. Donate, sell, or discard items you no longer use to save space and reduce costs.
2. Choose the Right Storage Unit
Select a storage unit that suits your needs in terms of size, climate control, and security. Climate-controlled units are ideal for sensitive items like electronics and furniture.
3. Gather Supplies
Gather packing supplies such as sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, furniture covers, and labels. Using uniform-sized boxes will make stacking and organizing easier.
4. Create an Inventory
Make a detailed inventory of all the items you plan to store. This will help you keep track of what's in your storage unit and make it easier to locate items when you need them.
5. Protect Fragile Items
Wrap fragile items like glassware, dishes, and artwork in bubble wrap or packing paper. Use sturdy boxes and label them as "Fragile."
6. Large appliances must be prepared correctly for storage
Thoroughly clean and sanitize the appliance. Remove any food residues, dust, and dirt from the interior and exterior.
For refrigerators and freezers, defrost and clean the interior. Leave the doors slightly ajar to prevent mold and odors.
Ensure that all water has been drained from appliances like washing machines and dishwashers.
Secure any moving parts, such as the drum in a washing machine or the turntable in a microwave, tie down hoses and cords to prevent damage during storage.
For appliances with glass doors, use padding or bubble wrap to protect the glass from shattering.
Store refrigerators and freezers upright to avoid damaging the compressor and cooling system.
7. Secure Drawers and Doors
If you're storing furniture with drawers or doors, tape them shut or use bungee cords to prevent them from opening during transport or storage.
8. Use Furniture Covers
Cover upholstered furniture, mattresses, and other large items with protective covers to shield them from dust and moisture.
9. Stack Heaviest Items at the Bottom
When packing boxes, place heavier items at the bottom and lighter items on top. This will prevent crushing and damage to fragile items.
10. Label Everything
Clearly label each box with its contents.
11. Maintain Aisles
Leave walkways or aisles in your storage unit to allow easy access to all your belongings without having to move everything around.
12. Take Photos
Before storing your furniture, take photos of the items in case you need to reference their condition later.
13. Protection plan
Consider protecting your stored items in case of theft, damage, or unforeseen events. River’s Edge RV & Self Storage offers protection plans, or you can check with your existing insurance provider.
By following these packing tips, you can ensure that your items are well-organized, protected, and easily accessible when you need them from your storage unit.
