J's Self Storage offers its customers access to a variety of tips and advice for packing, moving and storage. Below is a list of helpful hints that will make your move a more pleasurable experience.
Storage Tips
Furniture:
Remove legs and disassemble to conserve space. Wrap legs together with packing paper and tape them to protective cover of the corresponding item. Place tables face down with legs pointing up if you can't disassemble its legs. Individually wrap cushions and tape them together. REMEMBER: lay down cardboard on storage unit floor to protect furniture from scratches.
Large Appliances and Equipment:
If your refrigerator or freezer is not properly cleaned and dried before being stored, you run the risk of them being damaged due to both moisture and mildew. REMEMBER: leave doors slightly ajar when stored.
Books and Files:
Pack important documents in file boxes. Pack books flat to avoid damage to their spines. Don't overfill boxes and fill extra space with tissue. Keep moisture out by lining these boxes with plastic sheeting on both the top and the bottom.
Lawn Mowers:
Drain all gasoline and oil from all small engines.
Metal:
Wipe a few drops of oil on tools and bicycles for protection against rust.
Mattresses:
Wrap a plastic covering to avoid damage.
Furniture:
Remove legs and disassemble to conserve space. Wrap legs together with packing paper and tape them to protective cover of the corresponding item. Place tables face down with legs pointing up if you can't disassemble its legs. Individually wrap cushions and tape them together. REMEMBER: lay down cardboard on storage unit floor to protect furniture from scratches.
Large Appliances and Equipment:
If your refrigerator or freezer is not properly cleaned and dried before being stored, you run the risk of them being damaged due to both moisture and mildew. REMEMBER: leave doors slightly ajar when stored.
Books and Files:
Pack important documents in file boxes. Pack books flat to avoid damage to their spines. Don't overfill boxes and fill extra space with tissue. Keep moisture out by lining these boxes with plastic sheeting on both the top and the bottom.
Lawn Mowers:
Drain all gasoline and oil from all small engines.
Metal:
Wipe a few drops of oil on tools and bicycles for protection against rust.
Mattresses:
Wrap a plastic covering to avoid damage.
Storage Organization Tips
- Lay down cardboard or skids on the floor of your locker.
- Create a walkway inside your locker to allow for easier access to all of your items.
- Keep items that you will need to get access to more frequently at the front of your locker.
- Draw and label a map of where everything is located in your storage locker.
- For better ventilation, leave a few inches of space between your items and the locker walls.
- Stack similar boxes together.
- Stack heaviest items on the bottom and lighter items on the top.
- Stack pictures and mirrors on their sides.
- Disassemble table legs to save space.
- Place mattresses on end so they stand straight up.
- To protect items against dust, cover exposed items with old blankets.
- Store sofas on end to conserve space.
- Always lock the door to your storage unit when leaving.
Progressive Checklist
- Collect boxes.
- Pack smartly, effectively and efficiently.
- Label each box with content information.
- Arrange for a moving truck.
- Donate or have a garage sale for all unwanted items.
- Go to post office and arrange for a "Change of Address".
- Drain gasoline from lawn mowers and all other small engine items being stored.
- Empty, defrost, clean and thoroughly dry refrigerator and freezer.
- Have you forgotten anything?
Packing Tips When Moving
REMEMBER:
moving is a great time to get rid of excess items that you never use anymore.
Don't store unnecessary items.
- Start packing two weeks in advance.
- Fill each box completely and compactly.
- Utilize smaller boxes for heavier items.
- Utilize larger boxes for lightweight bulky items.
- Do not overfill or under utilize each packing box.
- Avoid packing fragile and heavy items in the same box.
- Seal all boxes with heavy duty packing tape.
- It is always easier to stack boxes that have the same dimensions.
- List the contents of each box on a piece of paper and attach the list to each box.
- Wrap all dishes and glassware individually in tissue or packing paper.
- Make sure the boxes you use are able to withstand 20-30 lbs. without tearing or collapsing.
- Wrap mirrors and pictures in separate cardboard boxes and be sure to mark them "FRAGILE".
- Be sure to tape drawers shut when moving in order to prevent them from falling out. Clothes, silverware and other small items can be stored in these drawers to save space.
- If you are moving large appliances, note that they can be utilized for additional storage space for non-fragile items. (Example: blankets, tablecloths, linen, etc.)
- Shovels, rakes, brooms, etc. should be tied together and stored in empty garbage cans.
REMEMBER:
moving is a great time to get rid of excess items that you never use anymore.
Don't store unnecessary items.
