Packing Tips

• Start planning your move at least 4-5 weeks in advance by making a list of things YOU need to take care of before the actual ‘moving-day’. Pre-pack as much as you can.
• Don’t wait until the last minute to rent your storage unit. You can make all the arrangements, pay for the unit and we can simply deliver your storage unit on the date that you wish your possessions be packed up. Don’t assume your present insurance covers moving and storage. Check it out! For your convenience our facility is pre-approved at a local insurance agent. Talk to us about insurance.
• Make a list of packing material you will need for your moving project: boxes, bubble-wrap, tape, markers, inventory sheets, mattress bags, furniture covers, etc.
• Number your boxes on all sides and use an inventory sheet to list contents to avoid needless box openings if you need a certain item. Keep these sheets in a safe place away from the actual storage area.
• To aid in stacking, use same-size boxes when possible.
• Avoid storing items in plastic bags as they are less sturdy and could trap moisture.
• Fill each box completely to prevent the top or sides from crushing. If your box is filled with odd-shaped or loose items like glassware or toys, fill the open spaces with crumpled paper, bubble wrap or other packing material.
• Don’t fill boxes too full. This may cause them to burst.
• Don’t make boxes too heavy to move. (We recommend a max weight of 15kg. Use larger boxes for things that don’t weigh much and smaller ones for the heavy stuff.
• Use the right type of box or packing crate. For instance, use a heavy-duty box for your books as this is less likely to break than a standard box. You still need to be careful not to overfill it, though. Wardrobe boxes allow you to hang up clothing and fabrics while in storage.      
• When storing woollens and cottons, use cedar chips or mothballs to protect from moth damage.
• Mark “FRAGILE” on boxes that contain breakables.
• Avoid using printed newspaper as it may leave smudges when used for packing.    
• Label boxes clearly and on more than one side. Consider providing a general description like ‘kitchen goods’ and then providing a short inventory such as ‘potholders, towels, aprons, silverware’ so that no one opens this kitchen box when they need the pots and pans. Be sure to mark boxes full of breakables as ‘fragile.’
• Clean items like clothing, blankets, drapery or furniture before packing them to prevent germs and dirt from being transported to a new location and odours from spreading throughout your storage unit.
• Polish wood before you pack to provide a little extra protection from the elements.
• Treat leather items with a specially made conditioner before placing them in storage.
• Wipe metal objects with machine oil or another type of rust preventative.
• Take apart items like bed frames and tables, and remove lampshades from lamps. This will help protect them from breaking and make them easier to move.
• Cover furniture with sheets or tarps to protect them from stains, tears and scratches.
• Place heavy items on the bottom of your self-storage unit.
• Place least used items in front so they can easily be placed behind other items in your self-storage unit. 
• Place boxes of fragile items on top of other boxes.
• Appliances: For transport, tie doors shut (tape may harm the finish). Store with doors and lids open to prevent mildew. Seal disconnected hose ends with a plastic bag and rubber band.
• Beds: Fasten bed rails together with rope, tape or plastic rope.  Store mattress and box springs on long edge. Use mattress bags and elevate off the floor, if possible. 
• Books: Pack these flat not on end as this will damage their spines. Pack them in small cartons, holding weight to under 15kg for easy lifting. Line all book cartons with plastic and fill empty spaces with packing paper.
• Chairs: Wrap packing paper around legs. Stack light chairs seat to seat.
• Dishes and Glasses: Take your time here. Use extra strength dish pack cartons. Pad bottom, sides, and top with plenty of crumpled paper. Wrap each dish individually with plenty of packing paper or bubble wrap. Stack dishes on edge. Wrap cups and glasses individually, nest together in groups of three or four, and place in the top of the box. Mark these boxes “Fragile.”
• Electronics: Pack in the original cartons or special electronics boxes if possible. Check owner’s manual for special moving instructions– such as securing floppy or hard disk in computers, securing the laser in a CD player or turntable screws and tone arm in a stereo. Do not use polystyrene peanuts with computers. The static electricity could damage circuit boards. Code wires with tape to make for easy installation. For longer-term storage, consider moisture removal bags (available at most electronics stores).  High end electronics such as Plasma and LCD TVs don’t store well in extreme temperatures and/or humidity, consider climate control if such items are to be stored. 
• Lamps: Remove bulbs and shades. Pack shades in individual boxes with plenty of non-inked packing paper. Wrap cord around the base of lamp, and tape down.
• Mirrors and Paintings: Wrap in non-inked paper, towels or blankets and place in special mirror boxes, or package individually with strong cardboard. Mark “Fragile.” Stand on edge, preferably between mattresses or box springs. Never store flat.  Criss-cross masking tape across the face of mirrors or glass-covered art. Wrap framed art in bubble wrap. Look for protective cardboard or plastic corners at your packing supply store.  Store fine oil paintings only in climate-controlled spaces.
• Sofas and Hide-a-Beds: Stand sofas on end to save space but be sure to use a pallet or wood underneath to keep an air space between the floor and your expensive furniture. Tie hide-a-beds closed. When storing a curved-arm sofa, stand it on end on top of something sturdy, like a trunk, so that the arm overhangs the trunk and carries no weight. Cover with a blanket. Put cushions on top and load light boxes in the space where the cushions were.
• Tables: Remove legs, if possible. Spray wood finish with a quality wood polish. Tie extra leaves together. Table tops can be leaned sideways.
• Tools and Sports Equipment: Wipe metal surfaces with machine oil to inhibit rust, and then cover with plastic to prevent staining. Take apart equipment assembled with screws or bolts, and place the parts in plastic bags taped to the item. Mark pieces for easy reassembly. Tape or tie long-handled tools in bundles.
• Hoses and Machinery: Drain hoses, tie them in coils, and connect ends. Remove gas and oil from lawnmowers, weed eaters, etc., and store with fuel caps open. Remove bicycle wheels to conserve space.
• Valuables: Do not store furs, jewellery or money. Place cameras and other valuables in unmarked boxes.