Storage Tips

Let’s be honest—moving is stressful!  But by organizing and preparing well in advance of your anticipated moving day, you can greatly reduce your stress as well as save yourself time and energy.  Here are a few helpful guidelines to help you enjoy a more organized and less stressful move.

Two months prior to moving:

• Sort through each room of your home to determine which items you no longer need or want.  It is better to either donate or discard those items prior to moving.
• Make a list of those items that you will need in your new home and those that may need to go into storage.
• Request estimates from several moving companies or truck rental companies.  If using a moving company, once you’ve selected your mover, be sure to discuss costs, packing, timing and other details.
• Since many moving expenses are tax deductible, be sure to keep a file with receipts, contracts and other important information.

One month prior to moving:

• Notify the postal service, subscriptions, creditors, financial institutions and others of your change of address.
• Place all important papers such as medical records, insurance documents, banking information and pet vaccination records in a safe place where you can easily access them if necessary.
• Begin packing those items that are non-essential.  Designate an out-of-way place in the basement or garage where you can place your packed boxes.
• If you are moving with pets, make arrangements for transportation.  Check with your veterinarian to be sure your pets are up-to-date with their vaccinations.
• If you are going to be traveling by car, you may want to have it checked over prior to moving day.

Two to four weeks prior to moving:

• Continue packing, clearly labeling all boxes with its contents and the room that it belongs in.  Also, be sure to label which boxes are to be opened first.
• Check the attic, the basement and all closets and storage spaces to be sure that nothing is left behind.
• If placing items in storage, be sure to reserve a unit.  Summer is a busy time for moving and available space may be hard to find.

One week prior to moving:

• Continue packing.
• Pack those items that you will need for your last few nights in your current home and for the first few nights in your new place.  Label them as “essentials” or “load last, unload first”. Place these boxes in a separate area to avoid confusion.  Be sure to include items such as toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates, soap, dish towels and rags as well as food items such as peanut butter, fruit snacks and pasta for snacks and quick dinners.  You may also want to include small appliances such as a coffee maker and a toaster.
• Confirm all reservations.  Go over any last-minute details with the movers.
• Disconnect, clean and prepare any appliances that you may be taking with you.
• If packing lawn and garden equipment, be sure to drain them of oil and gas.  Make sure to drain garden hoses of water.

MOVING DAY!

• Examine items as they are being unloaded for any damage and to check that nothing is missing.
• You will want to make sure that the utilities in your new place are connected.
• Always carry traveler’s checks or cash for easy and quick payments.
• Before leaving your home be sure that all switches are off and that the doors and windows are locked.
• Most importantly, don’t wait until the last minute—moving day will be here before you know it!

Here are a few practical tips to help ensure a successful packing and storage experience.

• We sell locks in the office at an affordable price.

• You will want to make the most of your storage space, so to aid in stacking, use similar sized boxes or plastic bins.

• Pack lighter items such as bedding and towels in larger boxes and heavier items such as books and garage items in smaller boxes to make them easier to lift.  

• Label boxes clearly and on all sides.  Write an inventory of what is in the box on at least one side.  Label boxes with breakables as “Fragile.”  It is helpful to keep an inventory of items stored in your unit in a safe place at home.

• Plan your storage space. Store frequently used items towards the front of the unit to avoid having to search for them later.

• Appliances should be completely clean and dry.  Doors should be kept slightly ajar while storing. Do not leave anything inside.

• Store mattresses and box springs on their long edges.  Wrap both individually in a mattress bag to provide added protection. Store them elevated off the floor, if possible.Any concrete floor can become cold and damp.

• Use blankets or sheets to cover furniture to keep it from being scratched or damaged.  Then cover with plastic to protect from dust or moisture.  Polish/wax wood furniture to provide extra protection.

• Store fragile items upright.  Never lay them flat!  Criss-cross mirrors and framed art with masking tape and sandwich them between pieces of cardboard to provide added protection.  

• Place TVs and other electronics towards the rear of your unit.

• Fill boxes completely to prevent the top or sides from being crushed.  If the box is filled with odd shaped or loose items, pack empty spaces with crumbled paper, bubble wrap or some other type of packing material.  Towels and sheets are also a great way to fill spaces.

• When choosing a storage unit, factor a little extra space so that you are able to walk between stacks of items.  This will make it easier to find those items that you may need later. You will also want to leave a small space between your stored items and the wall of the storage unit to allow for ventilation.

DO NOT STORE THESE ITEMS:  Pets, plants or any living thing, food or any other perishable item (this will attract bugs and rodents), expensive or irreplaceable items, drugs or drug paraphernalia, any item that will produce an odor, or any type of hazardous material.

• Be sure to use a high-quality round padlock!  This type of lock is very difficult to cut or pick, so it offers the greatest protection for very little money.

• If storing anything with a motor such as a lawn mower, snow blower, etc, please place a tarp or something under it in case there are fluids that leak.