Storage / Packing Tips

Storage Tips

Getting Started - *** For a printable version of this page, please click the little printer icon just up to the right!

First, gather all of the supplies you'll need such as boxes, tape, marking pens, rope or twine, paper, wardrobe cartons, mattress covers, shelving, cardboard for floor padding.

When packing your storage unit:

Rent the smallest amount of space you will need, and pack the unit full.
We recommend placing your storage items on 2 x 4 boards or on pallets to guard against dampness, Any concrete floor may become cold and damp.
Plan your storage space. Place items that you may need to access often in the front of the unit.
Try to leave an aisle down the centre of the storage unit for easier access.
Do not store anything COMBUSTIBLE (paint thinner, gasoline, solvents or paint)
Make sure to place tall items against the walls or in corners to make room for bulkier items.
If possible, try to use uniformly sized boxes for easy stacking.
Always stack fragile and lighter boxes on top of heavier boxes to protect them from breaking.
Fill boxes to capacity to prevent collapsing.
Easily broken items can be packed inside the drawers of a dresser or stored inside a clean refrigerator or microwave.
Don't over pack boxes to weigh more than 30 lbs.
Store shovels, hoes, rakes, hoses and other garden tools in empty trash cans.
Label all boxes well. You are going to want to know what’s in them and where they go on moving day

	Appliances Refrigerators and freezers should be completely cleaned and dry, and stored with its door slightly ajar. Some items can be stored inside large appliances and boxes can be stacked on top of stove, refrigerator and freezers. Disconnect washing machine, dishwasher, and dryer hoses, put in plastic bags and place them inside. Use towels to protect items placed inside the tubs.
	Beds Disassemble the bed frame. Tie rails and crosspieces together with rope or tape. Use mattress bags to keep mattresses clean.
	Bedding, Clothing, Curtains, Drapes, and Linens Clothing, curtains, and drapes should be stored on hangers. If hanging cartons are not available, such items should be carefully folded and stored in dresser drawers or cedar chest along with bedding and linens. Food crumbs or stains should be removed before storing and avoid anything that may attract pests.
	Books and Documents Pack books flat and alternate the bindings to protect their spines. Don't place book boxes directly on concrete floors, place them on pallets, skids or shelves. Use packing to fill out empty spaces in the boxes. Don't pack fragile items in the same box with books. Books are heavy and can tear through the bottom of a box; don't overfill cartons. Do not place cardboard boxes directly on concrete floors. Use pallets or skids to prevent any minimal moisture absorption.
	Curtains/Shower Rods Remove hardware from the walls, place hardware in a small plastic bag, tape hardware around the rods.
	Dishes & Glassware 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 in sets, and stand plates, saucers and platters on edge. Wrapped glasses should be placed near the top of cartons. Fill all gaps with packing. Label all boxes containing glassware and do not place heavy items on boxes containing glassware
	Dressers and Bureaus Fill drawers with breakable items and cushion with loose clothes or linens. Secure drawers with a pad or blanket (tape can remove the finish from furniture) and tie with rope. Don't overload drawers with heavy items. It helps to remove the drawers when actually moving the piece of furniture.
	Furniture Place a pallet or wood slats on the floor and stand sofas and mattresses on end. Disassemble beds and tables and wrap table legs in paper. If a table can not be disassembled, place padding on the floor and place table on its top with 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 or placed upside down on tables, which cannot be disassembled. Finally, place a light cotton cover on the furniture.
	Lamps Wrap large lamp bases in padding wrap smaller lamps and place them in boxes, and pack delicate lampshades separately. Do not use newspaper to wrap lampshades or any other good that may be damaged by ink stains. Do not store heavy items on cartons containing lamps or shades.
	Metal Objects, Tools and Gardening Equipment Protect your tools and bicycles from rust by oiling them before storing. Store away from exposed items to avoid oil staining.Drain hoses, coil and pack in carton. Fill remaining space with lawn sprinklers, small garden tool, etc. Tie rakes, brooms, shovels, and long handled tool together with tape or rope. Make sure to drain fuel out of any gas-powered equipment.
	Mirrors, Windows, and Screens These items should be wrapped and stored on edge, not flat. Mark GLASS on the outside in several places to prevent mishandling.
	TVs and Radios Box upright in carton that is well padded on all sides. Mark all sides with arrows pointing up and the word UP.
	Records, CD,s and Tapes Tie CDs in small bundles when packing, use small boxes to avoid over packing. Fill unused space with wadded paper. Pack cassettes in the same manner. Records should be stored on edge to prevent warping. Pack components and its cables in well-padded cartons marked fragile.
	Stereos and Other Electronic Equipment Box upright in carton that is well paddedon all sides. Mark on all sides with arrows pointing up and with the word UP.

Kawartha Space Station