Moving, Packing and Storage Tips from Proguard Self Storage

Below are some packing, moving, and storage tips we thought might be helpful.

Click on the categories below to view
the best packing techniques:

Furniture
Pictures and Mirrors
Crystal, China, Glassware
Clothing, Curtains, Drapes
Kitchen
Appliances
Books
Metal Objects

Moving Tips

One month before you move
	Fill out a USPS change of address form.
	Fill out an IRS change of address form.
	Make arrangements with a moving company or reserve a rental truck.
	Make travel arrangements, if necessary, with airlines, buses, car rental agencies and hotels.
	Obtain medical and dental records, x-rays and prescription histories. Ask doctor and dentist for referrals and transfer prescriptions.
	Open accounts at your new bank, and deposit enough money to give you ready access to cash during your in transition period without having to wait for out-of –state checks to clear. Don’t close out your old accounts until all your outstanding checks have cleared.
	Take inventory of your belongings before they're packed, in the event you need to file an insurance claim later. If possible, take pictures or video tape your belongings. Record serial numbers of electronic equipment.
	Collect everything you have loaned out and return things you have borrowed.

1-2 weeks before you move
	Switch utility services to new address. Inform electric, disposal, water, newspaper, magazine subscription, telephone and cable companies of your move.
	Arrange for help on moving day.
	Confirm travel reservations.
	Collect valuables from safe-deposit box. Make copies of any important documents before mailing or hand carry them to your new address.
	Check with your insurance agent to ensure you'll be covered through your homeowner's or renter's policy during the move.
	Defrost freezer and refrigerator. Place deodorizer inside to control odors.
	Give a close friend or relative your travel route and schedule so you may be reached if needed.
	Make sure you have plenty of rope, tape and boxes on hand for packing and tying down.

Moving Day
	Double check closets, drawers, shelves, attic and garage to be sure they are empty.
	Keep a telephone plugged in until you leave.
	Carry important documents, currency and jewelry yourself, or use registered mail.
	Carry travelers checks for quick, available funds.

Do not store combustibles, including paint and thinners. Do not store perishables or hazardous waste.

Make a plan as to how you are going to arrange your items. A good plan will save you the time of having to rearrange your unit. When packing your storage room, create a center aisle for access to all items and put frequently used items near the front.

A climate controlled storage room is ideal if you are storing heat-sensitive goods such as videotapes, albums, photographs and precious wood furniture. Label boxes on all sides and keep a list for easy reference. This will save you time if you have to look for something in particular. Always put heavier boxes on bottom and the lighter ones on top. This will prevent boxes from being crushed. Securely latch and lock the door to your storage room when leaving!!!

Disclaimer: This information is provided to hopefully help you with your packing, moving, and storage needs. It is offered "as is" and no warranty of any kind, express or implied is offered. The entire risk as to the results and performance of the tips is assumed by the user. No oral or written information or advice given by Proguard Self Storage, its agents or employees shall create a warranty and you may not rely on any such information or advice.

Furniture:
Some woods can be sensitive to moisture. Consider using climate-controlled storage. Remove legs and wrap with furniture pads to protect from soil and scratches. Disassemble bed frames and tie them together to conserve storage space. Wrap and label all pieces for an easier time when you have to reassemble them. Put all hardware in bags and mark the bags accordingly. If you stack furniture items, place pads, blankets, or towels between them to prevent scratching. Don't use plastic to cover items in non-climate storage as moisture can condense under it. Consider using sheets or cotton cloth. It is a good idea to wrap mattresses in mattress bags or cover them with paper or cloth. Stand mattress and sofas on end with cardboard or pallets underneath to allow airflow and to prevent moisture from getting to them.

Pictures and Mirrors:
Wrap pictures that are small and stand them on end in boxes. For larger ones, buy special picture boxes. Consider using foam or bubble wrap. Old photographs tend to curl over time. To keep them flat, place them between two pieces of cardboard and tape them together. Do not store irreplaceable photos. Negatives take up little space. Consider keeping them with you.

Crystal, China, Glassware:
Consider buying boxes designed for this with dividers. Dishes and Glassware should have a layer of padding on top and bottom, and each item should be wrapped. Nest bowls, cups and stand plates on end. Fill all pockets with padding. Label boxes with glass items and stack these on top.

Clothing, Curtains, Drapes:
It is a good idea to store clothing, curtains and drapes on non-rusting hangers. You can buy wardrobe boxes designed for this. They are often available on site. You can use drawers to store delicate items. If storing wool items, use cedar chips and or mothballs to prevent moth damage.

Kitchen:
You can put several small appliances in a box. Be sure to put packing material between them. Label all boxes. It is a good idea to label box indicating what room it goes in and the items it contains. You can stack pots and pans with padding in between.

Appliances:
Clean and dry appliances. Keep refrigerator doors slightly ajar and use the space inside these items for additional storage such as blankets and towels.

Books:
Pack books flat, not standing on end (which may cause damage to the spines). Pack books together in small boxes. Big boxes of books can weigh too much.

Metal Objects:
Metal objects, like tools and bikes, should be wiped with a rag containing machine oil to avoid rust. Insure that these items don't come in contact with other items. Drain gasoline and oil from lawn mowers and other items with small engines.