STORAGE TIPS




• When packing your storage unit, create a center aisle for access to all items and put frequently used items near the front.
• Do not store combustibles such as fuel, paint and thinners. Do not store perishables or hazardous waste.
• Climate-controlled storage units are ideal for heat-and-moisture sensitive items such as videotapes, photographs and precious wood furniture.
• Label boxes on all sides with the room they are from and their contents. Keep list for easy reference.
• Stack heavy boxes on bottom and lighter ones on top to prevent them from being crushed.
• Securely latch and lock your storage room door before leaving!!!

Furniture:

• Remove legs and wrap with furniture pads to protect from soil and scratches.
• Disassemble bed frames and tie them together to save space.
• Wrap and label all pieces for easy reassembly.
• Put all hardware in marked bags.
• Place pads, blankets, or towels between stacked furniture to prevent scratching.
• Avoid plastic covers in non-climate storage as moisture can condense under plastic.
• Wrap mattresses in mattress bags or cover them with paper or cloth.
• Stand mattresses and sofas on end with cardboard or pallets underneath to avoid moisture.

Pictures and Mirrors:

• Wrap small pictures in foam or bubble wrap and stand them on end in boxes. Store larger pictures in picture boxes.
• Keep photographs from curling by placing them between two pieces of cardboard and taping them together.
• Do not store irreplaceable photos.

Crystal, China, Glassware:

• Wrap each item individually and store in specially-designed boxes with dividers. Put a layer of padding on top and bottom.
• Stand bowls, cups and plates on end. Fill all pockets with padding.
• Label boxes as “glass” and stack these on top.

Clothing, Curtains, Drapes:

• Store clothing, curtains and drapes in wardrobe boxes on non-rusting hangers.
• Use drawers to store delicate items.
• Store wool with cedar chips or mothballs to prevent moth damage.

Kitchen:

• Pack several small appliances or several pots and pans in one box with packing material between them.
• Label the box with “Kitchen” and all the items it contains.

Appliances:

• Clean and dry appliances and keep refrigerator doors slightly ajar.
• Use the space inside appliances to such things as blankets and towels.

Books:

• Pack books flat to prevent damage to the spines.
• Place in small boxes so they don’t weight too much to lift.

Metal Objects:

• Tools and bikes should be wiped with machine oil to avoid rust.
• Keep these away from other items.

Gas-Powered:

• Drain gasoline and oil from lawn mowers and other items with small engines.

 

MOVING TIPS

One month before you move:

Fill out a USPS and an IRS change of address form.

Book a moving company or reserve a rental truck.

Make relevant airline, bus or car-rental travel arrangements and book hotels.

Obtain medical and dental records, x-rays and prescription histories. Ask your doctor and dentist for referrals and prescription transfers.

Open accounts at your new bank and deposit enough money for ready access without having to wait for out-of-state checks to clear. Don’t close out your old accounts until all outstanding checks have cleared.

Take inventory of your belongings before they're packed.

Collect everything you have loaned out and return things you have borrowed.

1-2 weeks before you move:

Inform electric, disposal, water, newspaper, magazine, telephone and cable companies of your new address.

Arrange for help on moving day.

Confirm travel reservations.

Collect valuables from safe-deposit box. Make copies of important documents.

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.

Give a close friend or relative your travel route and itinerary 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 traveler’s checks for quick, available funds.