Tips on Moving, Packing, and Storage

At Plaza 66 Mini Storage, we want to help you any way possible.
Below are some moving, packing, and storage tips we thought
might be helpful. Please fell free to consult with us for advice 
on these matters.
Storage Unit Size
If you are going to need to get at anything while it's in storage, you'll need to get a large enough storage unit to leave an aisle down the center for easy access to the items in the back.
Tools
Keep the most common tools handy to put your furniture back together after you get to your new house. 
Label your Boxes
Mark you boxes well, list everything that is in the box as well as what room it came from. It's more writing, but keep a separate list of the boxes and their contents for insurance reasons. This way if a box does not make it your destination you have documentation of what is missing. It also makes it easier to find that special thing after you get there.
Furniture
  • Waxing you wood furniture before storing it will protect and prolong its life and beauty. 
  •  If you need to disassemble your furniture, be sure to keep all the parts together, use baggies for the smaller parts. Use twisty ties or rope instead of tape to bundle the bulkier parts. Tape will leave glue which is hard to get off later.
  • Be sure to use plenty of padding between scratchable items. 
  • Do not use plastic for a protective layer. Condensation will gather on the plastic and will actually damage the item you are trying to protect.
  • For items that are absorbent, like mattresses or other cloth items. Use something to elevate them to allow it to breathe and stay fresh. Also allow a breathing space between your furniture and the sides of your storage unit.
  • Store bulkier items, like couches, on end. And again elevate it to protect it.
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     Crystal, China, and Fine Glassware
     They make special boxes with dividers for expensive china and dishes. If these divided boxes are unavailable you can use paper or they make a special thin form for packing dishes. Whatever you use, wrap the dishes individually and pad the dishes well. Also add extra padding at the top of the box as well as the bottom of the box to protect the dishes from the other boxes.
     Clothing, Curtains, Drapes
     The new plastic hanger work better for long term storage of items. (This prevents rust.) Wardrobe boxes are great because they add an extra layer of protection between the items and the elements of nature. To conserve space you can also leave the items it their original drawers. This also saves packing and unpacking time.
     Kitchen
    Pad kitchen appliances well. Pots and pans need padding aswell. Watch how heavy the box is getting. Two light boxes is better than one heavy box. Bundle like items together (gallon baggies works great for silverware) and again pad well. 
    Appliances
    To prevent mold in your refrigerator, tie part of a bag of charcoal into a old T-shirt and leave it in the refrigerators and freezer. Or be sure to prop the door open before storage. The space inside the refrigerator, washer and dryer can also be used to optimize storage space.

     Before movement, appliance doors should be secured to prevent damage.
    Natural Threats
    In non climate controlled units, liquids my burst if frozen, causing damage to your and possibly other peoples articles.
    Metals
    Metal items should be waxed or have a light coat of oil applied to the surface to prevent rust. But be aware and keep the oiled items away from other items to keep your other items clean and oil free.
     Books and other valuables
     Smaller boxes of book are easier to handle. Books and other valuable should always be elevated off the floor. Valuables and important papers should be secured in plastic bags and well padded to protect them from unforeseen accidents. 
     Helpful Tips for Moving
    Allow more time than you expect it will take. Complete the change of address forms at the post office as well as to all subscriptions to any other services you currently subscribe to. Make pre arrangements for any equipment or supplies you will need for the move i.e.: trucks dollies, boxes, packing supplies. 
    DO NOTS
    Do not store combustibles or corrosive items
    Do not store paints and thinners
    Do not store perishables
    Do not cover wood surfaces with plastic
    Do not store items that may burst if frozen in non climate controlled units
    Do not store pressurized items that may burst in non climate controlled units
    Do not get in a hurry, it always takes longer than planed :)
    Non climate controlled units.
    Stay away from covering furniture with plastic in non climate controlled units; use cotton or other covers that "breathe" instead. Condensation can form on the underside of plastic, often causing more damage than the cover prevents.

     


     

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